The Army’s Army Teams Up With Mellow Mushroom to Host Interactive Cooking Class for Surviving Military Children
Fayetteville, NC — August 20, 2013 — The Army’s Army, the world’s only volunteer organization of citizens and businesses who have pledged their moral, physical and spiritual support to those in the military, in conjunction with Mellow Mushroom, will host a special “cooking class” for Children of the Fallen™ families on Saturday, August 24 2013 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The event, which is RSVP only, will take place at Mellow Mushroom, located at 301 N. McPherson Church Rd. in Fayetteville, NC.
During the event, children will have the opportunity to:
– Take a photo with the Mellow Mushroom mascot, “Mel”
– Tour the Mellow Mushroom kitchen
– Create (and take home) their own custom pizza
– Receive a special discount card for Mellow Mushroom’s Family Night
“We’re thrilled to partner with The Army’s Army to host such a wonderful event for the children of fallen soldiers,” said Food and Beverage Director for Mellow Mushroom, Sidney Julich. “This is a great opportunity for us to show our appreciation for the local families who have sacrificed so much by providing them with an opportunity to get out and enjoy themselves.”
When a soldier is killed in the line of duty, the families left behind often have a difficult time coping and finding a place to escape from the grief. This two hour pizza party will allow surviving military families to bond in a casual setting, while participating in a fun activity for the whole family.
“We’d like to thank Sidney Julich, Patty Miller, Reid Fogleman, and the rest of the team from Mellow Mushroom of Fayetteville for helping us put together this fun, educational cooking workshop as a way to support those who have lost a loved one in the war,” said Janine West, Executive Director of The Army’s Army. “I’m looking forward to seeing all the different pizza combinations the children will come up with, as well as the memories they’ll make with other children in similar situations.”
The Children of The Fallen mentoring program was established by The Army’s Army as a way to help children that have lost a parent or guardian in the war. Through fun, interactive monthly events, the program gives children an opportunity to build lasting relationships and learn valuable life skills.
If you would like to make a donation to The Army’s Army for 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
About Mellow Mushroom:
Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers (http://www.mellowmushroom.com) was founded in 1974 in Atlanta, Georgia and is operated under Home-Grown Industries of Georgia, Inc. For 39 years, Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers has been serving up fresh stone baked pizzas to order in an eclectic, art filled and family friendly environment. Each Mellow is locally owned and operated with a unique vibe focused around great customer service and high quality food. For more information on Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers, like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MellowMushroomFayettevilleNC and follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/search?q=mellowfay123&src=typd.
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Beloved M*A*S*H Actors Scheduled to Appear At Fayetteville’s Heroes Homecoming III Tribute To Korean War Veterans
Community’s four-day event to feature celebrity guests Jamie Farr (Corp. Klinger), Loretta Swit (Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan), and William Christopher (Father Mulcahy)
Fayetteville, NC — July 29, 2013 — Fort Bragg Communities of Cumberland County today announced stars from the television series M*A*S*H will attend the third annual Heroes Homecoming celebration, taking place November 8th-11th. Heroes Homecoming III will feature a series of tributes, exhibits, recognition ceremonies and events remembering soldiers of The Korean War.
“We are ecstatic to have cast members of M*A*S*H joining us for Heroes Homecoming III this year,” commented John Meroski, CEO of the Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (FACVB). “M*A*S*H brought much needed awareness and recognition to veterans and victims of the Korean War, and the actor’s presence at Heroes Homecoming III is an important reminder that we have not forgotten the sacrifices of those soldiers.”
The actors will participate in a number of events during the four-day celebration. From interacting with soldiers and families stationed at Fort Bragg to reliving memorable experiences from the set of M*A*S*H, and supporting our veterans by attending the first annual Veteran’s Day blood drive, the actors will be available for autographs and photo opportunities throughout the weekend.
Known as “The Forgotten War,” Heroes Homecoming III is committed to honoring and assuring every Korean War veteran that they will always be remembered.
“For too long, these veterans have been largely forgotten by the public and no amount of gratitude can thank them for their brave service and sacrifice. The heroic actions of our soldiers, both past and present, are unspeakable and deserve unmeasurable amounts of recognition and we are proud to be hosting an event in their honor,” commented Mr. Meroski.
For more information on Heroes Homecoming III, and for a tentative 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. As the point of departure and return for hundreds of thousands of U.S. soldiers, The Fayetteville area has a unique bond with veterans. The city has hosted Heroes Homecoming since 2011, turning it into 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 of Heroes Homecoming have recognized the service and sacrifice of veterans.
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:
Established in 2008, The Army’s Army is the world’s only volunteer organization made up of citizens and businesses who’ve pledged their support to those in the military. As a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) non profit, The Army’s Army does everything it can to make soldiers, veterans and their families feel appreciated. The Army’s Army also created Children of the Fallen™, a mentoring program established to help children who have lost a parent or guardian in the war. They don’t just give lip service to the line “support the troops” – they live it. The Army’s Army, along with 1,500 volunteers and 50 + business partners play a vital role in fulfilling the mission of watching over those who watch over us.TM For additional information, please visit www.armysarmy.com or www.brieffromthefront.com
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Mellow Mushroom Gives Back & Joins The Army’s Army
The Army’s Army would like to extend a special welcome to our newest partner, Mellow Mushroom.
On June 17th, we teamed up with the restaurant for our second fundraiser, presented as part of Mellow Mushroom’s Give Back program. A portion of the proceeds from that day were donated to The Army’s Army and we’d like to thank everyone who came out to show their support.
If you missed the last fundraiser, please join us for the next one on July 8th.
Mellow Mushroom and The Army’s Army will be teaming up once a month for the next year. We are thrilled to be partnering with them.
In late August we will also be partnering with Mellow Mushroom to host a cooking class for Children Of The Fallen.
You’re Invited To Honor And Celebrate The Army’s 238th Birthday!
Please join us this Friday, June 14th at 11 a.m. as we team up with our newest partner, Sam’s Club, to honor and celebrate the Army’s 238th birthday.
The event will kick off at Sam’s Club, located at 1450 Skibo Road, where we will be honoring our local veterans. By writing personal notes of appreciation. Following the card signing, we will be escorted by Rolling Thunder Chapter to the VA Hospital to deliver a massive cake for veterans to enjoy.
This is a special event and one that you won’t want to miss because it truly is a demonstration of the community coming together to show it’s appreciation for our servicemen and women.
The event is open to the public, so please join us! If you are interested in helping out at this event please contact me at 910-709-9671 or [email protected]
Thank you for your support. We look forward to seeing you there!
The Army’s Army Teams Up with Sam’s Club to Deliver Cards and Cake to Wounded Veterans on U.S. Army’s 238th Birthday
Local organizations partner for Military Appreciation Day at Fayetteville Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC)
Fayetteville, NC — June 10, 2013 — The Army’s Army, in collaboration with the Fayetteville Sam’s Club, will commemorate the 238th birthday of the U.S. Army by hosting a Military Appreciation Day to honor Cumberland County veterans, delivering cake and handwritten cards demonstrating the strength of the local community’s support for its veterans.
The celebration will officially kick off with a ceremony and card signing table at Sam’s Club on Friday, June 14 at 11:00am. Residents and visitors are invited to stop by and show their support for community veterans by sending them personal notes of appreciation. The Sam’s Club is located at 1450 Skibo Road in Fayetteville, NC.
Following the card signing, the Rolling Thunder Chapter One of North Carolina will escort volunteers from Sam’s Club and The Army’s Army to hand-deliver the cards to Cumberland County’s local heroes at the Fayetteville VAMC. Sam’s Club Manager Mike Zalampas will then present the VAMC veterans with a massive birthday cake prepared by the Sam’s Club bakery. The Fayetteville VAMC provides medical, mental health care, and specialty services to more than 50,000 veterans.
“This event is the perfect opportunity for the community to honor and salute our local veterans and we are excited to partner with our newest sponsor, Sam’s Club, to commemorate those who have served our nation,” said Janine West, Executive Director of The Army’s Army. “It’s a privilege to celebrate the Army’s Birthday with veterans from our own community, giving Cumberland County residents a unique way to show their patriotic and military support.”
In addition to their collaboration on the U.S Army’s Birthday, Sam’s Club will also be sponsoring several projects for The Army’s Army program, Children of the FallenTM, this fall. “Sam’s Club has always had a deep appreciation for the sacrifice of our military’s men and women. When we learned about the need and opportunity to support the Children of the Fallen program, it touched our hearts and we knew we had to participate,” commented Mike Zalampas.
The card-signing event is open to the public and intended for all ages. If you would like to volunteer or make a donation to The Army’s Army or the Children of the Fallen 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
About Children of the Fallen:
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 war. 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.
About Sam’s Club:
Sam’s Club, a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT), is the nation’s eighth largest retailer and a leading Membership warehouse club offering superior products and services to more than 47 million Members in clubs across the U.S., as well as in Brazil, China and Mexico. To learn more about Savings Made Simple®, visit SamsClub.com, and look for Sam’s Club on Twitter, Facebook and on mobile and iPad® apps.
About Rolling Thunder:
Rolling Thunder is a national non-profit organization committed to ensuring our nation’s POWs and MIAs are not forgotten, and to assist veterans in need.
Tri-County Bicycle Ride to Raise Funds Benefiting Troops
The Army’s Army and Cross Creek Cycling Club team up to host second annual Ride to Honor
Fayetteville, NC – May 6, 2013 – The Army’s Army, a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) volunteer organization made up of citizens and business who have pledged their support to those in the military, will be partnering with Cross Creek Cycling Club (C4) to host the second annual Ride to Honor. Taking place on Saturday, May 18, the ~30 and 61-mile bicycle excursion(s) will help raise money for the Army’s Army and further its mission of supporting soldiers, veterans and their families. The ride is scheduled to coincide with Armed Forces Day, a day which encourages citizens across the globe to come together and thank military members for their patriotic service.
Ride to Honor will lead participants along a scenic route traversing Cumberland, Lee and Harnett counties, with its base camp located at Mendoza Park in Spring Lake. Opening ceremonies will begin at 8:30 a.m. and feature remarks by Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitor’s Bureau CEO, John Meroski and a performance by the Cumberland County Oratorio Singers. The American Legion Auxiliary, stationed at the base camp in Mendoza Park, will sponsor a breakfast before the ride, which kicks off at 9:00 am. Army’s Army partner, Sonic, will provide lunch for Ride to Honor cyclists and spectators after the ride. The registration fee is $45 for all participants except Wounded Warriors and children under the age of 13, both of whom are invited to ride for free.
The ride is part of the 31 Day Salute, a month-long celebration of performances, exhibits and activities throughout Cumberland County that show appreciation, respect and support for those who serve and have served in the military. “Ride to Honor is thrilled to be part of the month-long effort to support our military,” said Janine West, Executive Director of the Army’s Army. “It’s fantastic to see so many diverse parts of the community come together to honor our brave soldiers and veterans and all that they sacrifice for our freedom. We are also elated to have Food Lion joining us this year as the title sponsor of Ride to Honor.”
“Organizations like the Army’s Army provide crucial support for programs that benefit our brave servicemen and women, as well as their families,” said Mike Thomas, president of C4. “Collaborating with the Army’s Army for a second year on Ride to Honor is our way of honoring troops both in our community and beyond by doing something we love.”
The goal of C4 is to provide people of all riding abilities the opportunity to ride with an organization that takes great pleasure in the sport of cycling. C4 promotes the continued development of riders young and old and supports the achievement of their personal goals through cycling. Many C4 members, which include both active duty and retired military, volunteer and participate in several other community and charitable events.
The Army’s Army is comprised of over 1,500 volunteers and 50+ business partners, who play a vital role in fulfilling the promise of “watching over those who watch over us.©” They provide various types of military support through programs such as relocation fairs and events geared towards soldiers, veterans and their families, including children of fallen soldiers. The Army’s Army operates three websites strictly devoted to supporting soldiers, veterans and their families:
- FayettevilleWantsYou.com – A site that provides resources for military families relocating to Fayetteville/Cumberland County to help make their transition easier.
- FayettevilleMilitaryDiscounts.com – A blog that houses hundreds of military discounts, in one convenient place.
- BriefFromTheFront.com – The Army’s Army Executive Director’s blog that covers local news and events of interest to soldiers, veterans and their families.
More information about this event can be found on the Ride to Honor Facebook page.
To register for this event, please 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.com or www.brieffromthefront.com
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U.S. Flags to Line Cemetery Entrances Throughout Cumberland County During Fayetteville’s 31 Day Salute
Army’s Army continues biannual tradition through volunteer support
Fayetteville, NC – May 24, 2013 – As part of this year’s 31 Day Salute, Fayetteville’s month-long salute to soldiers, veterans and their families, The Army’s Army will be placing over 2000 flags at the entrances of thirteen cemeteries in and around Cumberland County. Recurring annually on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, this event allows the community to come together and say thank you to its veterans, as well as those heroes no longer with us.
“Memorial Day is an important day in Cumberland County and, as a sanctuary community for soldiers, veterans and their families, it is important for us to take the time to honor the sacrifices of our military heroes,” commented Janine West, Executive Director of The Army’s Army. “As in previous years, this year we are lucky to have many Army’s Army members volunteering to help with this special tribute.”
The memorial flag placing has been an annual event since 2006, when it was started by Cumberland County’s Society of Patriots to honor both the veterans living in the community as well as its fallen warriors. To see pictures from last year’s flag placing, please visit The Army’s Army Flickr page, here.
The Memorial Day flag placements will begin at LaFayette Memorial Park on Friday, May 24 at 11 A.M. Anyone interested in volunteering to help should contact Janine West with The Army’s Army at (910) 709-9671 or [email protected].
For more information on The Army’s Army, visit www.armysarmy.com or www.brieffromthefront.com.
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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Back to Back Partner Weekends Bring Family Fun to Fayetteville’s Cross Creek Mall
Various local organizations and area attractions slated to host a number of events at Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau sponsored play area
Cumberland County, NC – May 3, 2013 –The Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (FACVB), in conjunction with Cross Creek Mall, will co-host two events during May as part of their sponsorship of the mall’s recently constructed children’s play area.
On Sunday May 5, Gilbert Glee will perform a piece which includes scenes from the Gilbert Theatre’s upcoming production of Alice in Wonderland, as well as several pop music selections. The performance will begin at 2:30pm and provides a great opportunity for residents and visitors to preview one of Fayetteville’s many high caliber theater arts programs.
The Gilbert Theatre is a 501(c)(3) community-minded theatre company and conservatory serving Fayetteville, NC and the surrounding area. The Gilbert produces up to six plays and musicals per year as well as a full slate of theater-minded classes for students of all ages through its Gilbert Conservatory and Gilbert Glee initiatives.
From 12-2pm on May 10, local nonprofit group and FACVB partner the Army’s Army, will host a second play-area event in support of Children of the Fallen™, a mentoring program developed by the organization to help children who have lost a parent or guardian in the war. At this event, children will have the opportunity to create patriotic picture frames using red, white and blue craft supplies.
“Hosting these partner weekends is a great way to connect some of our best community attractions and organizations with local residents, “ said John Meroski, President and CEO of the FACVB. “There are a wealth of cultural and non-profit resources throughout Fort Bragg Communities and it is part of our mission to help spread awareness within our own community in addition to supporting our visiting population.”
The Cross Creek Mall Play area is located at the North end of the mall, near the entrance to JCPenney. To see photos of the new play area, please click here.
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