Heroes Homecoming III Culminates with Event-Filled Veterans Day
A community-wide blood drive to follow veteran breakfast with MASH stars on November 11
A packed Veterans Day is in store for the final day of Heroes Homecoming III, hosted by The Army’s Army. Cast members from the TV show MASH will kick off the day by serving breakfast to nearly 100 Community Living Center veterans at the Fayetteville VA Medical Center (VAMC). A community-wide blood drive, hosted by the Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center will also take place Monday, beginning at 10am and continuing through the afternoon at multiple locations.
The Army’s Army, in partnership with The American Legion Auxiliary will sponsor a special pancake breakfast for the residents of the VAMC’s Community Living Center. Marking the last stop on their visit to Fayetteville, Loretta Swit (Margaret “Hotlips” Houlihan), Jamie Farr (Corporal Klinger), and William Christopher (Father Mulcahy) will prepare and serve pancakes, and then spend time visiting with the veterans while they enjoy their meal.
“We are immensely grateful to Loretta, Jamie, and William for not only joining us at Heroes Homecoming, but for participating in events like this where they can interact at such a deep and meaningful level with the soldiers and veterans of our community,” said Janine West, Executive Director of The Army’s Army.
Helping to encourage local residents and visitors to perform the critical service of donating blood, the first annual Veterans Day community-wide blood drive will kick-off at the Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center at 10:00am and run through 3:00pm. Participants can give blood at one of two locations – the Donor Center or the Chick-Fil-A at 1921 Skibo Road. All donors will receive a coupon for a free sandwich at Chick-Fil-A. Donors can also register to win a number of raffle prizes, including $50 gift cards from Renaissance European Day Spa, a $25 gift card for Luigi’s, a 30 day membership for the SPA Fitness & Wellness Center at Bordeaux, and several large insulated tote bags.
“We are thrilled to be taking on a special role in this year’s Heroes Homecoming celebration,” commented Mary Fisher, Special Events Coordinator of the Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center. “Blood donation is giving the gift of life, and what better way is there to thank and celebrate those who risk their lives for our freedom every day?”
For more information on Heroes Homecoming III, and for a full event itinerary, visit: www.heroeshomecoming.com
About Heroes Homecoming:
Fort Bragg Communities of Cumberland County created Heroes Homecoming as a way of showing recognition and appreciation to all veterans for their courage, their sacrifice and everything they do to defend this country’s freedom – now and forever. Fayetteville has hosted Heroes Homecoming since 2011, helping it to become the largest commemoration and reunion of its kind. From concerts and parades, to lectures and movie viewings, cultural celebrations and recognition ceremonies, all of the events at Heroes Homecoming recognize the service and sacrifice of our brave veterans. For more information, please visit www.hereoshomecoming.com
About Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (FACVB) is a private, not-for-profit organization responsible for positioning Fort Bragg Communities of Cumberland County as a destination for conventions, sporting events and individual travel. For additional information, visit www.visitfayettevillenc.com or call 1-800-255-8217.
About The Army’s Army:
The Army’s Army is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization made up of citizens and businesses who have pledged their support to those in the military. We do everything we can to make soldiers, veterans and their families feel welcome, appreciated and safe. The Army’s Army is dedicated to “watching over those who watch over us©.” For additional information, please visit www.armysarmy.com or www.brieffromthefront.com
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Heroes Homecoming III Weekend Kicks Off Friday With Packed Program of Veteran Celebrations
Highlights include candlelight tribute walk, MASH meet and greet, Fort Bragg tour and more
As The Army’s Army kicks off its third annual Heroes Homecoming celebration this Friday, November 8, veterans and military supporters will gather from across the nation to pay tribute to our brave men and women in uniform. This year, the four-day celebration will honor veterans of the Korean War, in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the war’s conclusion and armistice. Three stars of hit television show MASH, Loretta Swit (Margaret “Hotlips” Houlihan), Jamie Farr (Corporal Klinger), and William Christopher (Father Mulcahy), will be in attendance to lead events throughout the Veterans Day weekend.
A physical and digital #Light141 candlelight tribute campaign will begin the celebration. Community members and visitors will team up to illuminate the streets of downtown Fayetteville in a tribute walk, departing from North Carolina Veterans Park at 6pm on November 8. At the conclusion of the tribute, participants will be invited inside the Arts Council building for a free screening of the final MASH episode, the most watched television finale in history. Supporters across the country can virtually participate in the special tribute on Facebook and Twitter by using the hashtag #Light141, and by downloading a custom designed candle profile graphic, available here. A stream of #Light141 posts throughout the evening’s events will be displayed on the Heroes Homecoming website.
Several exciting events also take place Saturday, November 9, including Fayetteville’s annual Veterans Day Parade, followed by a Formal Veterans Ceremony and Family Day Celebration at NC Veterans Park. Families attending the ceremony can stop by the park’s Visitor Center and see its latest exhibit, “North Carolina in the Korean War.” Veterans can obtain VIP seating at the parade by registering in advance at HeroesHomecoming.com.
Sunday’s lineup features two fantastic opportunities to dive deeper into the history and culture of the Korean War. The first, open to veterans who register in advance, is a private bus tour of Fort Bragg and the 82nd Airborne Museum, accompanied by the cast of MASH and narrated by expert local historians. On the tour, veterans will have the opportunity to revisit memorable sites where they trained before their deployment to South Korea, while spending some one-on-one time with “Hotlips,” Corporal Klinger, and Father Mulcahy.
After the tour, the MASH stars will participate in a meet and greet, and live Q&A from 3-5pm at NC Veterans Park. This public event will allow veterans and fans to get up close and personal with the celebrities, posing questions, getting autographs and taking pictures. The event will also be streamed live on the Heroes Homecoming website and digital participants will be able to join the Q&A by submitting their questions on Twitter using the hashtag #AskMASH. Longtime radio broadcaster Mac Edwards will moderate the discussion.
“Heroes Homecoming demonstrates the collaboration of numerous community organizations dedicated to supporting the military,” said Janine West, Executive Director of The Army’s Army. “We are thrilled to have several stars from MASH joining us for this year’s celebration, and can’t wait to bring these once-in-a-lifetime events to our veterans and our community.”
Monday will close out the weekend with a packed slate of Veterans Day activities including a community-wide blood drive, a pancake breakfast prepared by MASH cast members for Community Living Center veterans at the Fayetteville VA Medical Center, and a POW/MIA vigil at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum.
“As the point of departure for thousands of soldiers, the Fort Bragg Communities are the ideal place to honor and recognize the brave veterans who fought to preserve American freedom,” remarked John Meroski, CEO of the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We are proud to be a place of congregation for veterans from across the nation during this important weekend.”
For more information on Heroes Homecoming III, and for a full event itinerary, visit: www.heroeshomecoming.com
About Heroes Homecoming:
Fort Bragg Communities of Cumberland County created Heroes Homecoming as a way of showing recognition and appreciation to all veterans for their courage, their sacrifice and everything they do to defend this country’s freedom – now and forever. Fayetteville has hosted Heroes Homecoming since 2011, helping it to become the largest commemoration and reunion of its kind. From concerts and parades, to lectures and movie viewings, cultural celebrations and recognition ceremonies, all of the events at Heroes Homecoming recognize the service and sacrifice of our brave veterans. For more information, visit www.HeroesHomecoming.com.
About Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (FACVB) is a private, not-for-profit organization responsible for positioning Fort Bragg Communities of Cumberland County as a destination for conventions, sporting events and individual travel. For additional information, visit www.visitfayettevillenc.com or call 1-800-255-8217.
About The Army’s Army:
The Army’s Army is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization made up of citizens and businesses who have pledged their support to those in the military. We do everything we can to make soldiers, veterans and their families feel welcome, appreciated and safe. The Army’s Army is dedicated to “watching over those who watch over us©.” For additional information, please visit www.armysarmy.com or www.brieffromthefront.com
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Stars of MASH to Answer Fan Questions During Live Q&A at Heroes Homecoming Meet & Greet
Autographs and photo opportunities with the cast will also be available
The Army’s Army, in collaboration with Fort Bragg Communities of Cumberland County, revealed an exciting addition to its third annual Heroes Homecoming celebration lineup: a Meet & Greet with stars from the cast of hit television show, MASH. Loretta Swit (Margaret “Hotlips” Houlihan), Jamie Farr (Corporal Klinger), and William Christopher (Father Mulcahy), will participate in an open panel discussion and live Q&A on Sunday, November 10, from 3-5pm at the North Carolina Veterans Park in Fayetteville, NC.
This public event will allow veterans and MASH fans to get up close and personal with the celebrities, posing questions, getting autographs and taking pictures with the stars who brought awareness to the Korean War through popular culture. The event will also be live streamed on the Heroes Homecoming website and digital participants will be able to join the Q&A by submitting their questions on twitter using the hashtag #AskMASH. Veteran radio broadcaster and MASH fan Mac Edwards of Beasley Broadcasting will moderate the discussion.
“MASH was a real turning point in the American public’s understanding of the challenges and sacrifices faced by Korean War veterans,” said Bruce Daws of NC Veterans Park. “We are excited that its stars will join us not only to honor those veterans, but also to shed personal insight into their roles as part of an important cultural milestone.”
“The Army’s Army is grateful to the stars of MASH for engaging so intimately with veterans and fans, and to North Carolina Veterans Park for hosting this special event,” added Janine West, Executive Director of the Army’s Army. “With its broad exploration of military service, the park is a perfect place for reflection and shared memories of the Korean War.”
In addition to the November 10th Meet & Greet, the MASH celebrities will lead a variety of other activities during the Heroes Homecoming weekend, including a private bus tour of Ft. Bragg for Korean War Veterans, a pancake breakfast at the Fayetteville VA Hospital, and a community-wide Veterans Day blood drive. As the stars reunite this year, it will mark not only the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Korean War armistice, but also the 30th anniversary of the conclusion of MASH. In anticipation of their arrival, the Arts Council of Fayetteville will be screening all 256 episodes of MASH between October 21 and November 8, free of charge to the public.
For more information on Heroes Homecoming III, and for a full event itinerary, visit: www.heroeshomecoming.com
About Heroes Homecoming:
Fort Bragg Communities of Cumberland County created Heroes Homecoming as a way of showing recognition and appreciation to all veterans for their courage, their sacrifice and everything they do to defend this country’s freedom – now and forever. The Fayetteville area has always had a unique bond with veterans, as the point of departure and return for hundreds of thousands of soldiers. Fayetteville has hosted Heroes Homecoming since 2011, helping it to become the largest commemoration and reunion of its kind. From concerts and parades, to lectures and movie viewings, cultural celebrations and recognition ceremonies, all of the events at Heroes Homecoming recognize the service and sacrifice of our brave veterans.
About The Army’s Army:
The Army’s Army is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization made up of citizens and businesses who have pledged their support to those in the military. We do everything we can to make soldiers, veterans and their families feel welcome, appreciated and safe. The Army’s Army is dedicated to “watching over those who watch over us©.” For additional information, please visit www.armysarmy.com or www.brieffromthefront.com
About Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (FACVB) is a private, not-for-profit organization responsible for positioning Fort Bragg Communities of Cumberland County as a destination for conventions, sporting events and individual travel. For additional information, visit www.visitfayettevillenc.com or call 1-800-255-8217.
About North Carolina Veterans Park:
The North Carolina Veterans Park is the first state park dedicated to military veterans, past and present, from all branches of the Armed Services. Explore natural, symbolic, historical and artistic elements that honor veterans from North Carolina’s 100 counties. Visit us at 300 Bragg Blvd. in Downtown Fayetteville. For more information visit www.ncveteranspark.org
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Children of the Fallen™ to Reach New Heights at Climbing Place Event
Children of the Fallen™ to Reach New Heights at Climbing Place Event
The Army’s Army and Sam’s Club to sponsor activity day for children of fallen heroes
Fayetteville, NC – October 1, 2013 – The Army’s Army, in conjunction with Sam’s Club of Fayetteville, will sponsor Children of the Fallen™ for a day of climbing activities, including boulder and top climbing, belay instruction, and introduction to slack lining, all designed to teach cooperation and perseverance, as well as physical strength. The event will take place from 10am-1pm on Saturday, October 5 at The Climbing Place of Fayetteville, located at 436 West Russell Street.
The Climbing Place opened in 1995 with the mission of teaching climbing which not only produces physical rewards but also challenges the climber’s skills in the areas of confidence, problem solving and determination. Children of the Fallen, whose young members have lost a parent or guardian in war, are often in need of assistance to learn these important life skills.
“As a retired military owned business, we welcome opportunities to support soldiers and their families,” says Martha Pinkston, Co-Owner of The Climbing Place. “We try to provide a positive environment that encourages family relationships and growth, and are thrilled to be able to help these children strengthen their family ties after facing such a terrible loss.”
Children of the Fallen was established by the Army’s Army as a mentoring program to help children who have lost a parent or guardian in the armed forces. Through this program, and the continued support from partners and members, they are able to host fun, interactive events for surviving families, as well as pair children with supportive mentors.
“This is our second event working with The Army’s Army to support Children of the Fallen,” said Mike Zalampas, Club Manager of the Fayetteville Sam’s Club. “It has been a thrilling process to see the community come together to give back to these children, and we look forward to future events in the coming months.”
“Children of the Fallen members have all endured a tragic loss, and The Army’s Army aims to plan events which facilitate their development and demonstrate the support available in their community,” commented Janine West, Executive Director of The Army’s Army. “We are so thankful to The Climbing Place and Sam’s Club for providing this unique opportunity to help these kids feel strong.”
If you would like to make a donation to The Army’s Army to help support initiatives like the Children of the Fallen Mentoring Program, please contact Janine West at (910)709-9671 or [email protected]
About The Army’s Army:
The Army’s Army is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization made up of citizens and businesses who have pledged their support to those in the military. We do everything we can to make soldiers, veterans and their families feel welcome, appreciated and safe. The Army’s Army is dedicated to “watching over those who watch over us©.” For additional information, please visit www.armysarmy.com or www.brieffromthefront.com
Save The Date! – Heroes Homecoming III
Hosted by The Army’s Army, Heroes Homecoming III will pay special tribute to the 5.7 million soldiers that participated in the Korean War, in honor of the conflict’s 60th anniversary.
Taking place November 8-11 in Fayetteville, NC, the event will feature special appearances by cast members from the hit TV series MASH, along with a number of tributes, exhibits, recognition ceremonies, special screenings and other activities designed to honor and remember the soldiers of the Korean War.
If you are a Korean War veteran, we have some special events planned for you!
Please visit the Heroes Homecoming website to view the events and register!
www.heroeshomecoming.com
Children Of The Fallen Find Hope And Healing Through Horses!
On Saturday, September 14th the Army’s Army in conjunction with Sam’s Club of Fayetteville hosted a special event for Children Of The Fallen. The kids got to spend the day at Hope Reins Of Raleigh, where they got to tour the ranch, learn how to groom horses, tie-dye t-shirts, play games and hear stories of rescue and hope about individual horses.
The day came to a close as the children and their families got to plant a flower and place a rock with notes on them for their fallen heroes in a memorial garden.
We would like to say a special thanks to Sam’s Club, who sponsored this event.
We would also like to say thank you to everyone who came out to support this event.
Children of the Fallen™ to Find Hope and Healing through Horses
Children of the Fallen™ to Find Hope and Healing through Horses
The Army’s Army teams up with Sam’s Club and Hope Reins to host day of horseplay for children of fallen heroes
Fayetteville, NC – September 10, 2013 – The Army’s Army, in conjunction with Sam’s Club of Fayetteville, will host Children of the Fallen™ for a day of ranch activities and a special memorial flower planting in honor of their fallen military heroes. The event will take place from 1-4pm on Saturday, September 14 at Hope Reins of Raleigh, located at 8974 Old Creedmoor Road.
Hope Reins is a non-profit ranch that connects children who have experienced trauma with rescued horses to find comfort, hope and healing. Its mission is a perfect match for Children of the Fallen, whose members have lost a parent or guardian in war. A variety of activities are planned for the upcoming event, including a ranch tour, horse grooming, t-shirt tie-dying, games, and the chance to hear stories of rescue and hope about individual horses. In addition, each family will be given a flower seed to plant as part of a special memorial observance.
“This event is dedicated to the brave children who live in the shadow of uncertainty while their parents protect our country,” says Kim Tschirret, Founder and President of Hope Reins of Raleigh. “Some of these kids have a parent that has been injured or killed in the line of duty. Our rescued horses have suffered similar traumas and heartbreak – and it’s this commonality that triggers an instant and powerful bond between the horse and child.”
Children of the Fallen was established by the Army’s Army as a mentoring program to help children who have lost a parent or guardian in the armed forces. Through this program, and the continued support from partners and members, they are able to host fun, interactive events for surviving families, as well as pair children with supportive mentors. A new partnership with Sam’s Club of Fayetteville begins with this event and will continue through four more events in the coming year.
“Sam’s Club is proud to support The Army’s Army through the Children of the Fallen events” said Mike Zalampas, Club Manager of the Fayetteville Sam’s Club. “Giving back to the communities we serve is a priority to our clubs and our associates.”
“The kids who are a part Children of the Fallen are uniquely important to our society, and The Army’s Army strives to help them accept their loss and find healing and support in the community around them,” commented Janine West, Executive Director of the Army’s Army. “We are especially excited to be partnering with Sam’s Club on this and future events which will contribute to the mission of healing.”
If you would like to make a donation to the Army’s Army to help support initiatives like the Children of the Fallen Mentoring Program, please contact Janine West at (910)709-9671 or [email protected]
About The Army’s Army:
The Army’s Army is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization made up of citizens and businesses who have pledged their support to those in the military. We do everything we can to make soldiers, veterans and their families feel welcome, appreciated and safe. The Army’s Army is dedicated to “watching over those who watch over us©.” For additional information, please visit www.armysarmy.comor www.brieffromthefront.com
The Army’s Army Brings Family Fun to Cross Creek Mall with Back to School Event
The Army’s Army Brings Family Fun to Cross Creek Mall with Back to School Event
Local organizations partner to show support to families of Fort Bragg Communities
Fayetteville, NC – September 10, 2013 — The Army’s Army, in conjunction with Cross Creek Mall and the Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (FACVB), will host a back to school event Friday, September 13 from 12pm until 2pm.
At this event, children and families will have the opportunity to show their patriotism by creating American-inspired picture frames, using red, white and blue craft supplies.
Families will also be able to learn more about Children of the Fallen™, a mentoring program developed by the Army’s Army to help children who have lost a parent or guardian in combat.
“These events allow us to meet and interact with military families and potential Army’s Army volunteers,” said Janine West, Executive Director of The Army’s Army. “Part of our job as a supporting organization for Fort Bragg Communities is to make our brave soldiers feel welcome and these mall events are the perfect way to remind our military families that we are here to help.”
The event will take place in the same area as the Cross Creek Mall children’s play area. The play area, whose creation was sponsored by the FACVB, is located at the North end of the mall, near the entrance to JCPenney. To see photos of the play area, please click here.
If you’d like to learn more about The Army’s Army or Children of the Fallen, click here.
About The Army’s Army:
The Army’s Army is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization made up of citizens and businesses who have pledged their support to those in the military. We do everything we can to make soldiers, veterans and their families feel welcome, appreciated and safe. The Army’s Army is dedicated to “watching over those who watch over us©.” For additional information, please visit www.armysarmy.comor www.brieffromthefront.com
About the FACVB:
The Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is a private, not-for-profit organization responsible for positioning Fayetteville/Cumberland County as a destination for conventions, sporting events and individual travel. For additional information, visit www.visitfayettevillenc.comor call 1-800-255-8217. Fayetteville/Cumberland County is the America’s first military sanctuary.