• 10 cents equals 2 minutes of talk time.
• $1 equals 20 minutes of talk time.
• Promotion ends July 4, 2011

-AXE is donating $50,000 to The Wounded Warriors Project. Like AXE’s Facebook page to show your support, and make a donation if you’re so inclined. While you’re there, check out AXE’s new Buzzed Look Cream with SPF 15. Protect those bald heads this summer.

-A new study shows that Transcendental Meditation can lower PTSD symptoms by up to 50 percent. Some Transcendental Meditation points:

• The Transcendental Meditation technique is an effortless technique practiced 10-20 minutes twice a day sitting comfortably with the eyes closed.
• TM is not a religion or philosophy and involves no new beliefs or change in lifestyle.
• Over 350 peer-reviewed research studies on the TM technique confirm a range of benefits for mind, body and behavior.
• Several studies have compared the effects of different meditation practices and found that Transcendental Meditation provides deeper relaxation and is more effective at reducing anxiety, depression and hypertension than other forms of meditation and relaxation. In addition, no other meditation practice shows the widespread coherence throughout all areas of the brain that is seen with Transcendental Meditation.
• The Transcendental Meditation technique is taught in the United States by a non-profit, educational organization.
• More information can be obtained by calling 888-LEARN-TM or visiting, www.tm.org, www.AskTheDoctors.com, or David Lynch Foundation, which offers courses for the Military through it’s Operation Warrior Wellness program.

-Chevy Racing was once again able to take veterans around the track in GM vehicles before the Indianapolis 500. Visit the Faces of GM article to see the video of the parade lap and words from the CEO of GM among others. I watched the video, and I didn’t notice anyone sitting during the lap. As a military spouse, that outpouring of support from the crowd is beyond words. I can’t imagine how the military members feel since they’re the ones out there doing the job. I’m just in a support role here at home.

-MOAA has partnered with Cell Phones for Soldiers to help bridge the gap in communication for deployed troops.

MOAA has set a goal of providing one million minutes of free talk time to troops this year. To reach this goal, MOAA members will need to collect at least 16,667 cellular devices nationwide.  The 413 chapters that make up the MOAA chapter system are collecting phones for this cause through January 2012, and the state council and individual chapter that collects the most devices will be honored at the MOAA Council Presidents Seminar in Washington D.C. in April 2012.

Those interested in supporting this cell phone mission of MOAA should visit www.moaa.org/cellsforsoldiers or contact your nearest MOAA chapter.  Questions can be sent to moaacellphones4soldiers@gmail.com.  For additional information about Cell Phones for Soldiers please visit www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com.

Also look around post if you live on or near one. I know periodically, ours has had collection points set out for Cell Phones for Soldiers.

This National Donut Day, Friday, June 3rd, Entenmann’s will honor the Salvation Army volunteers who served donuts to troops in WWI. Today, the Salvation Army is credited with popularizing the donut in the US through this simple act of comfort and service.
In celebration of National Donut Day, we are giving everyone the opportunity to help those who have served our country and their families by helping us raise money for the Salvation Army. From May 2nd – June 3rd we will donate $1 (up to $10,000) to the Salvation Army for every Facebook LIKE we receive!
That’s not all we have baking….
We are excited to announce our first ever Entenmann’s Donut Day Sweepstakes!
To show our appreciation for everyone’s support, we will be giving away 10 iPads as well as many other amazing daily prizes at www.facebook.com/entenmanns.

So get on over to Facebook and like the Entenmann’s page to get in your $1 donation today! Who knows what other goodies you could win, and help a good cause in the process.

*This post was compensated by a prize pack from Entenmann’s.

-Care.com is offering one month of premium membership free to military families as part of Military Appreciation Month.

-For you Army Wives fans, the cast will be traveling to the Middle East with the USO for a tour.

-If you’re looking to support veteran owned businesses, check out Buy Veteran.

-Cell Phones for Soldiers has thus far provided over 114 million minutes of talk time to our soldiers.

-Kroger and Proctor and Gamble have partnered with the USO for Honoring Our Heroes. Visit the site to see what they’re doing, add a message to the wall, and see all of the wonderful pictures of heroes.

-For this last one, you get the full press release because I don’t want to leave out any information:

REMEMBERING OUR FALLEN VIRTUAL WALL OF REMEMBRANCE LAUNCHES AS PART OF PBS’ NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT

Washington, DC, May 10, 2011 – Today marks the launch of the Remembering Our Fallen online initiative, a new “virtual wall” of remembrance designed to feature personal stories about war veterans and fallen or injured members from America’s Armed Forces. The announcement was made by Michael Colbert, producer for Capital Concerts, Inc, the non-profit organization and the nation’s leading producer of live patriotic television shows, including PBS’s highest-rated performance specials, the NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT and A CAPITOL FOURTH. The Remembering Our Fallen initiative is a unique extension of the comprehensive website for the NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT.

This year’s NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT will be broadcast live in HD from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, on PBS Sunday, May 29 from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET (check local listings) before a concert audience of hundreds of thousands, millions more at home, as well as to our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network.  Co-hosted by acclaimed actors Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna, the all-star line-up of dignitaries, actors and musical artists includes: distinguished American leader Colin L. Powell USA (Ret.); American Idol finalist Pia Toscano; Academy and Emmy Award-winning actors Forest Whitaker and Dianne Wiest; American Idol winner Kris Allen; King of the Blues B.B. King; acclaimed actor Jason Ritter; and classical superstar Hayley Westenra.

Sandra Boynton will be live from Books of Wonder Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 12pm EST. This is the only even to promote her new book, Amazing Cows, and you can be there no matter where you live, by watching online.

The press release:

Support The Help Group This Holiday Season – “Deck the Walls” At The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Sherman Oaks, CA (November 23, 2010) – Beginning this Friday you can support The Help Group, the largest nonprofit organization of its kind in the United States serving children with autism and other special needs, by visiting your local The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf store to purchase one or more $1 holiday stickers during its “Deck the Walls” program. Now in its ninth year, this holiday promotion will run from November 26th through December 31st in 200 locations throughout California and the Western United States.

“We are thankful that The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has chosen to partner with us once again in support of our efforts on behalf of the children,” said Dr. Barbara Firestone, President & CEO of The Help Group. “The magic of the holiday campaign and ‘Deck the Walls’ lasts long beyond the holiday season, helping the children fulfill their potential to lead positive, productive and rewarding lives.  We are honored to be part of The Coffee & Tea Leaf family.”

One hundred percent of the holiday sticker purchases will benefit The Help Group.  Another way customers can participate is by purchasing The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s Winter Dream Tea® and Holiday Blend Whole Bean Coffee retail products. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf will donate $1 from the sale of each of these items to The Help Group.

Mel Elias, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® President & Chief Executive Officer said ”We take great pride in the fact that the entire The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf family shares a commitment to children with special needs and to the important work of The Help Group.  Giving back has always been a high priority for all of us at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.”

The Help Group
Founded in 1975, The Help Group is the largest, most innovative and comprehensive nonprofit organization in the United States serving children with special needs related to autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, mental retardation, abuse and emotional problems. www.thehelpgroup.org

The Coffee Bea & Tea Leaf®
Founded in 1963, The Coffee Bea & Tea Leaf® is the oldest and largest privately-held chain of specialty coffee and tea stores in the U.S.  With more than 650 stores around the world, The Coffee Bea & Tea Leaf® continues to expand both domestically and internationally.  For address, store information and hours, visit www.coffeebean.com.

FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION DEDICATES NEW FISHER HOUSE AT THE MIAMI VA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

Miami, FL (November 17, 2010) – Donna Shalala, President of the Universty of Miami; Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz of Miami-Dade County; and Mary Berrocal, Miami VA Healthcare System Director, joined Fisher House Foundation Chairman Ken Fisher, Foundation President David Coker, veterans and their families to officially dedicate the Miami VAHS Fisher House on the campus of the Miami VA Healthcare System here today.

The 16,800 sq-ft., two-story building joins the network of 50 Fisher Houses operating in the United States and Germany and was gifted to the VA as part of the ceremony. Located on the grounds of the Miami VA Healthcare System, the Miami VAHS Fisher House consists of 20 suites, each with a private, handicapped-accessible bathroom and common areas that include a multi-cooking station kitchen, large communal dining and family rooms.

“This Fisher House will serve as a tangible symbol of our support and gratitude to the veterans and their families,” said Chairman Ken Fisher. “We are indebted to the Miami community and supporters from across America who joined us to make this house a reality. We thank our military families for sacrificing so much for our freedom.”

The ceremony included the presentation of the colors by the United States Southern Command Color Guard; the singing of the National Anthem by Voices from Home; and the Pledge of Allegiance led by  American Gold Star Mother Georgie Carter-Krell.

“Over 20 years ago, Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher recognized the great need for comfort homes for our military families,” said Mary D. Berrocal, Miami VA Healthcare System Director. “Because of their foresight and vision, Miami now joins 52 other Fisher Houses that are dedicated to providing a home away from home for our military and Veteran families.”

Founded in 1990, the Fisher House program builds “comfort homes” for families of wounded service members, and other military or veteran patients, receiving medical treatment at VA and military hospitals around the world.  Since its inception, more than 130,000 families have stayed at one or more Fisher Houses – at a cost savings of more than $150 million.

About Fisher House

The Fisher House™ program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America’s military in their time of need. Because members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House™ Foundation donates “comfort homes,” built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times – during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury.  There is at least one Fisher House™ at every major military medical center to assist families in need and to ensure that they are provided with the comforts of home in a supportive environment. Annually, the Fisher House™ program helps 13,000 families and has made more than three million days of lodging available to family members since it originated in 1990.

Beginning November 1, people can locate veteran-owned businesses via a growing geographical directory found at www.BuyVeteran.com. Whether you’re looking to order a pizza, construct a home, prepare your taxes or find a great dry cleaner, simply type in what you need and the location, and you’ll find a list of veteran-owned businesses in your area. Individuals can also find veteran-owned businesses by looking for the “Veteran-Owned Business” badge on storefronts, work vehicles and business cards.

“The military teaches leadership, teamwork, integrity, resolve and ingenuity,” said NaVOBA President Chris Hale. “These are the qualities Americans are looking for in the people they do business with at home and nationally. BUY VETERAN is a win/win in a tough economy for

veterans and for people who want expert services and reliable products while supporting those who have served and sacrificed for our country. Buying from our nation’s veteran-owned businesses is not just patriotic; it’s a seal of quality and trust.”

A 2009 nationwide poll revealed that 95 percent of Americans trust veterans who trained under a strict code of discipline and ethics, and feel a strong sense of gratitude toward the men and women in the military. This Veterans Day, Americans across the country can find personal and tangible ways to connect with and say thank you to military veterans and their families in their own communities while making smart choices for themselves through the BUY VETERAN Marketplace.

“I’m a proud Marine veteran and a registered member of NaVOBA,” said Stephen Cochran, critically acclaimed country singer, whose personal story speaks to the heart and soul of dedication and hard work. Having come back from serious injuries sustained in Afghanistan, he recharged his promising music career, which includes the recent video release of his hit song “Wal-Mart Flowers” and he has built 4 businesses. Cochran is a living example of why it is smart to Buy Veteran. “BUY VETERAN is a national movement everyone should join,” he says. “We’re highly skilled, reliable and motivated businessmen and women — and we’re your next door neighbors. Shopping with us is good business for both the local and the national economy – and our kids go to school with yours.”

NaVOBA makes it easy to spread the BUY VETERAN message by ordering window stickers, shirts, hats and other merchandise on www.BuyVeteran.com. Friends and family can purchase gift memberships for a veteran-owned business they know, gift BUY VETERAN merchandise to a Vetrepreneur or buy and wear it themselves in a show of support. Business owners are verified for veteran status by NaVOBA through a series of questions, cross-checks and a fraud feedback mechanism. All military veterans who own businesses can register their business for free in the online Marketplace at www.BuyVeteran.com. To find a local business, join the movement or learn more, visit us on the web.

Did you know that?
•More than 44,000 American veterans live with paralysis.
•Spinal cord injuries cost up to $3 million per person in healthcare expenses, yet veterans’ benefits aren’t always guaranteed.
•An estimated $25 billion in veterans’ benefits dollars goes unclaimed every year.

The good news is Mission: ABLE aims to help our heroes fully live the lives they deserve by enabling paralyzed veterans to:
•Access to the military benefits and quality VA health care they have earned.
•Get job training and career opportunities they want.
•Enjoy competition and camaraderie through adaptive sports.

So who is already on board with their support?  The popular band, O.A.R. (Of A Revolution) supports Mission: ABLE and discusses the importance of offering care and assistance to our wounded veterans in a special PSA which can be viewed here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jB7yGdxI__w

O.A.R. is encouraging people to visit www.mission-able.com and learn more about Paralyzed Veterans and the Mission: ABLE campaign. I ask you to please take a few minutes today and give a “Big Salute” to your returning heroes by learning more about the campaign and sharing with your friends and family.

Below are tips from Amber Fitzsimmons, BraunAbility Mobility Advisor, M.S. Physical Therapy for getting back into the swing of things once home from war with an injury.

• Surround yourself with positive people. Friends and family with good attitudes will keep your mind off of frustrations. Utilize these individuals to keep your spirits up as you work towards recovery.
• Set goals for yourself. Although the adjustment process may be lengthy, look ahead to reachable targets. For example, set a goal of attending your nephew’s wedding or your friend’s birthday party.  Knowing your objectives will give you the motivation to reach them.

·         Find a go-to doctor. Developing a good relationship with your medical professional will ease your nerves. They can help you understand what to do to heal your wound and will support you in adjusting to your new lifestyle.