Wounded Warrior Project’s Soldier Ride Comes to Phoenix on October 22

http://www.biketempe.org/wounded-warrior-project%E2%80%99s-soldier-ride-comes-to-phoenix-on-october-22/

Posted by Jeremy in Uncategorized

Support Local Warriors as they Pedal Through Phoenix

The Wounded Warrior Project aims to honor and empower injured US servicemen and women by providing services and unique programs. They developed the Soldiers Ride, a cycling event that helps wounded warriors get back on the road. Specially designed and adaptive cycles will be available or riders can bring their own bikes. The event is open to all.

Wounded Warrior Project’s Soldier Ride will take place October 22, 2011 in the Phoenix area. A cycling event to help wounded warriors restore their physical and emotional well-being, Soldier Ride also raises awareness for our nation’s wounded warriors who battle the physical and psychological damages of war and gives the public a chance to ride alongside and honor these men and women. Each non-warrior cyclist is responsible for raising a minimum of $150 to support Wounded Warrior Project programs and services in addition to a $25 registration fee, and participants will receive an official Soldier Ride National Tour T-shirt

Wings for Warriors is a volunteer driven, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in support of combat wounded military service members returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan.

http://wingsforwarriors.org/

 

  Mission

     Cpl. John Paul Munoz wounded in combat 06-23-2008, Afghanistan 

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     Sgt. Chris Lawrence wounded in combat 08-17-2007, Iraq 

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     Sgt. Dennis Leonard wounded in combat 01-13-2007, Iraq 

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     Sgt. Justin Clenard wounded in combat 06-23-2008, Afghanistan 

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     Cpl. Justin Rokohl wounded in combat 06-20-2008, Afghanistan 

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     Petty Officer 3rd Class Anthony Ameen wounded in combat 07-21-2008, Afghanistan 

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  Our mission is to provide necessary tools, insights and resources for wounded veterans as they go through the recovery process and transition into new realities. Among the services and activities we support include:

  Guidance and counseling in dealing with military and government entities to secure healthcare, financial and legal benefits.

  Financial assistance for immediate family members traveling to visit wounded loved ones located at military and hospital facilities around the nation.

  Public awareness events and programs to highlight the unique challenges our wounded warriors face and to ensure that they receive strong community support.

  Wings for Warriors is here to help. If you are a wounded veteran and would like to submit a request for assistance, please contact us. Requests for assistance are considered on a case-by-case basis; our staff will review each request and get in touch to discuss a course of action.

  Recent Media

   Last Call With Carson Daly

    Anthony Ameen speaks with

    Carson Daly

    about Wings for Warriors

   Last Call With Carson Daly

   Anthony Ameen speaks with Carson Daly about Wings for Warriors

   Rebel Magazine May/June 2012

    Wings for Warriors is being featured in the May/June issue of Rebel Magazine.  Founder and CEO Anthony "Doc" Ameen speaks about his organization's mission to serve wounded veterans.

   Rebel Magazine May/June 2012

    Wings for Warriors is being featured in the May/June issue of Rebel Magazine. Founder and CEO Anthony "Doc" Ameen speaks about his organization's mission to serve wounded veterans.

    View all media

    View all media

   When: Saturday, July 27th 2013 from 10am - 8pm

Where: West Point Recreational Area (Round Pond)

Quad State Herf 8 Cigar Fund Raiser Coordinated by the West Point Military Academy

Link: Round Pond Recreation Area 

View the Quad State herf 7 Cigar Fund Raiser Flyer

When: Fri June 14th from 6pm - 12am

Where: 101 E Jackson St  Phoenix, AZ 85004

There will be LIVE music performed by The Alice Cooper Experience from Las Vegas! The most exciting tribute to the King of Shock Rock, and ranked #1 for Alice Cooper impersonations!We will also be showcasing an extensive arrangement of sports and celebrity memorabilia provided by Charity Benefits Unlimited!A wide variety of Food/Drinks can be ordered by Cooperstown's staff during the charity event! A minimum of $10 donations at the door

Link: Cooperstown

About Us

Wings for Warriors is a volunteer driven 501(c)(3) non-profit organization designed to help ensure that our combat wounded Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans returning home, or transitioning into the realm of their disabilities are getting the adequate healthcare and financial benefits that they deserve, and should expect from their local communities this type of support and outreach. We owe them that!

About the Founder/CEO

"Hi there! Thank you for checking out our website. My name is Anthony "Doc" Ameen. I served as a Hospital Corpsman in the US Navy from 2002-2010. I was severely wounded in combat in 2008, while operating in Afghanistan with 2nd Batallion/7th Marines - 1st Marine Division. 30+ surgeries later...

With that said, I understand and know firsthand what these wounded warriors are facing on a daily basis with regards to their recovery process. As for their benefits, it is not an easy task to make certain that all of the entitlements that are promised to them are met and delivered in a timely fashion. It is extremely stressfull and draining for wounded warriors to make a dozen phone calls and/or emails a day to track down their benefits all while they should be focused strictly on their healthcare/recovery, families, etc.The lower 1/2 of my left leg was amputated, reconstructive surgery to my left hand and fingers, and countless operations were performed to save my right leg, along with the mental and emotional suffering from PTSD, etc.

That is why I decided to establish Wings for Warriors. It is my hope that through the activities of this organization we can provide a helping hand to the many wounded veterans dealing with struggles along the road to recovery similar to my own.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. I wish all of our wounded warriors nothing but the best, because that's what they deserve! These wounded warriors fought for us... It's time we fight for them."

-Founder/CEO -Anthony "Doc" Ameen

About Our Board

Anthony "Doc" Ameen - Founder/CEO

Anthony Ameen served as a U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman from 2002-2010. In 2008, Ameen was severely wounded in a Taliban ambush while operating in Afghanistan with 2nd Battalion/7th Marines - 1st Marine Division. Ameen lost the lower half of his left leg and has since undergone more than 30 surgeries to save his right leg and to reconstruct his left hand.

For his service and sacrifices, Ameen was awarded a Purple Heart, the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat Valor Distinction, and two Good Conduct Medals.

In 2010, Mr. Ameen founded Wings for Warriors, a volunteer driven, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that helps combat wounded Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans as they return home and transition into the realm of living with their disabilities. Wings for Warriors works to ensure that veterans receive the adequate healthcare and financial benefits that they are due, as well as building support and assistance from their local communities.

As the Founder and CEO of Wings for Warriors, Ameen has made numerous keynote public speaking engagements across the United States, and has made several national televised appearances, including CNN, NBC's 'Last Call With Carson Daly', National Geographic Channel, and many more.

After 8 years of service, Ameen now lives in Phoenix, Arizona with his spouse Stephanie, and 2 girls Madelyn and Laycie. Stephanie works in commercial real estate with American Realty Brokers as a business broker specializing in business investments. Mr. Ameen continues his personal recovery as he works to build Wings for Warriors to provide a helping hand to the many combat wounded veterans nation wide, dealing with struggles along the road to recovery similar to his own.

Mike Dowling - Board Director of Outreach

Mike Dowling served on active duty in the Marine Corps from 2001-2005. He was the honor graduate of his military police class and went on to become a military working dog handler. He and his dog, Rex, served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004 and were part of the first group of Marine Corps K9 units to operate on the front lines of combat since Vietnam. For their actions, they were awarded a Navy Achievement Medal.

Mike was mobilized back into the Marine Corps in 2008 to serve with the Wounded Warrior Battalion West-Naval Medical Center in San Diego. In this role, he created, coordinated, and facilitated all events and resources available to recovering Marines and their families, working closely with numerous non-profits and private entities. He completed his orders and honorably demobilized from the Marines in 2010 and was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his efforts.

Mike is a published author of "Sergeant Rex: An Unbreakable Bond Between a Marine and His Military Working Dog," a memoir of his experiences serving as a Marine Corps dog handler. He has also been cast as a professional actor in national commercials and has appeared in numerous television shows and public service announcements supporting veteran causes.

In addition to Wings for Warriors, Mike is a member of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He spends much of his time campaigning on behalf of veteran organizations and promoting veteran events and programs, and has raised thousands of dollars in sponsorships benefiting wounded warrior organizations.

Darren Grubb - Board Director of Public Relations

Darren Grubb has more than 12 years of strategic communications and public relations experience, including high-profile roles in national and statewide political campaigns, the federal government and at a Fortune 10 financial services company during the height of the global financial crisis.Currently, Mr. Grubb is Chief of Staff to the Global Head of Communications and Public Affairs at Bloomberg LP, based in Manhattan.

From 2006-2009, Mr. Grubb worked at Citigroup, most recently as Director of Executive Communications and Planning. In this role, he led a team that developed messaging and positioning strategies for senior executives with media,employees, shareholders and government regulators. He also oversaw the speech writing process and developed a thought leadership program that used an integrated, “campaign-style” approach to strategically deploy executives to key markets and amplify company messages with various audiences.

Concurrently, Mr. Grubb served as Chief of Staff for the Senior Vice President of Global Communications and was responsible for coordinating internal communications, projects and events for a team of 250 spread across five global regions. In his first role at Citigroup, Mr. Grubb was the lead speech writer for Chairman and CEO, Charles Prince.

Before moving to New York in 2006, Mr. Grubb spent nearly six years in Washington, D.C., serving in several Bush Administration roles, including at The White House in the Office of Global Communications. He also served as Deputy Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Commerce, where he supervised the team responsible for the development and execution of the Secretary’s daily schedule, events and travel.

Following four years in the Bush Administration, Mr. Grubb worked for the bipartisan government relations firm Bryan Cave Strategies supporting a roster of Fortune 500 clients and notable trade associations. In addition to providing government affairs insight, Mr. Grubb developed media strategies, handled crisis communications and served as anon-the-record spokesman for clients of the firm.

Mr. Grubb began his career in Texas politics,starting as an intern for Governor George W. Bush in 1995 and subsequently working for Governor Bush’s reelection campaign in 1998. From 1999-2001, he served as Special Assistant to Donald Evans, the National Chairman of the Bush for President campaign.

Mr. Grubb grew up in Midland, Texas and currently resides in Manhattan with his wife, Lindsay, a television producer at NBC’s TODAY Show. Darren and Lindsay are the proud parents of a young son,Cole.

Joshua White - Board Director of Business Development/Media

Joshua White is a software consultant for Bloomberg LP focused on business solutions. As founder of Jibwa LLC he has consulted and contracted for media, retail, financial, and health care organizations since 2007. On a national level, White's contributions have included product development, technical architecture, pricing, cost control, resourcing, and software engineering.

Joshua White holds a bachelors at the University of Arizona with a focus on Business, Computer Science, and Mathematics where he also operated as senior systems analyst for a biological research and genomics consortium.

Mr. White has lead teams of developers, resourced and managed contractors, and developed relationships with executive leadership and clients. Prior to team lead, he provided solutions as a software engineer, webmaster, and server management for the University of Arizona, start-ups, and personal projects. Joshua holds stake in multiple start-ups and has facilitated venture and grant funding efforts. Since 2012 Joshua has acted as technical product adviser for venture capital, angel investment firms, funded start-ups, and business students in Arizona.

White currently resides in Arlington, VA. with his supportive wife Christine, and their baby boy Benjamin.

Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) 2012 Soldier Ride comes to Phoenix Oct. 18-21.

http://www.sonorannews.com/archives/2012/121017/comm-wounded-warrior.html

Wounded Warriors to cycle through Phoenix Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride Helps Veterans Heal

PHOENIX –  A cycling event to help Wounded Warriors restore their physical and emotional well-being, Soldier Ride also gives the Phoenix community an opportunity to aid in the emotional recovery of their local warriors by supporting these men and women.

"Each Soldier Ride, the Warriors leave with a sense of camaraderie that is genuinely inspiring to see," said Dan Schnock director, Soldier Ride, Wounded Warrior Project. "For these Warriors, meeting others that know exactly what they are going through and seeing the community come out and wave flags in the street as they cycle past gives them a sense that their current struggles are understood and appreciated."

Warriors of all ability levels participate in Soldier Ride, which takes place in 12 cities across the United States in 2012. There are state-of-the-art adaptive hand cycles, trikes, and bicycles to accommodate warriors with various injuries and disabilities, as well as unmodified road bikes for riders not requiring adaptive equipment. WWP provides equipment and support at no cost to warriors.

WWP also has nine office locations around the U.S. to better serve Wounded Warriors, including a locally based office in Scottsdale, Ariz., which specializes in helping Wounded Warriors in the areas of mind, body, economic empowerment, and engagement.

To volunteer for Soldier Ride or donate to WWP, visit woundedwarriorproject.org. Soldier Ride, presented by GEICO, is also being supported across the country by U-HAUL (uhaul.com), a founding partner of Wounded Warrior Project.

Soldier Ride began in 2004 when civilian Chris Carney completed a coast-to-coast bicycle ride in support of Wounded Warrior Project. Carney rode more than 5,000 miles and raised more than $1,000,000. In 2005, Carney again cycled coast-to coast, this time with several combat-wounded veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.

In 2007, Soldier Ride went regional with seven rides across the country to help fund programs for Wounded Warrior Project. In 2008, President Bush welcomed the riders to the White House and called Soldier Ride, "The most inspiring athletic event in the country." In April, Wounded Warriors cycling in Soldier Ride Washington, D.C. were once again invited to the White House to meet with President Obama before the ride. More information on Soldier Ride is available atwww.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors (JAH4WW), a 501c3 public charity, is honored to announce the commencement of another home remodel for an injured United States Soldier.

http://peakonebuilders.com/jared-allens-homes-for-wounded-warriors/

JAH4WW is a non-profit organization created for the sole purpose of raising money to build or modify the homes of America’s injured Military Veterans so that they are handicap accessible and comfortable.  Jared Allen of the Minnesota Vikings formed the organization in 2009 after he returned home from his USO Tour to U.S. Military Bases in the Middle East.

JAH4WW has chosen the Phoenix, Arizona native PFC. Joshua Bullis as the next recipient for home renovations.  In April 2010, Bullis deployed to the Kandahar province in southern Afghanistan with the 595th Sapper Company, 2nd Engineer Battalion. As combat engineers, Bullis and the other Soldiers in the unit were responsible for constructing roads and bridges and clearing routes, which made it possible for other troops to travel throughout the region. While on a routine foot patrol through an Afghan village, PFC. Joshua Bullis stepped on a buried improvised explosive device (IED).  As a result of the blast, both of his legs were amputated above his knee, as was his left arm above the elbow.

PFC. Joshua Bullis will need a complete home remodel which includes all new flooring for wheelchair accessibility, ramps in every entrance, custom bathrooms and kitchen, wider doors and hallways, alterations to the garage to allow easy access from his custom vehicle, and an outdoor patio.

Peak One Builders & Restoration is proud to join forces with Jared Allen’s Homes For Wounded Warriors and help out one of our own.  This is a great cause to be a part of, and if you are interested in finding out more about it or how you can help then follow this link http://jaredallen69inc.com/h4ww/home.html .

Phoenix-based U-Haul, founding partner of Soldier Ride™, is reaching out to the Valley for support in saluting the 2011 Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride Phoenix, as we welcome riders to the Valley during the official landing ceremony on Friday, October 21, 2011, at 11 a.m., at U-Haul corporate headquarters, 2727 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Ariz.

http://www.veteransresources.org/2011/10/2011-wounded-warrior-project-soldier-ride-phoenix/#.UgU1KJK1GSo

Wounded Warrior Project™ (WWP) recognizes the incredible sacrifices these service members have made, and this event helps raise public awareness and support for wounded warriors and their families. All donations go to support the programs and services of WWP, which provide comfort, aid, counseling, rehabilitation and family assistance to the wounded throughout their hospital recovery and readjustment to civilian life.

All donations collected at this event and online will be matched dollar for dollar by U-Haul. Donations can be made online at store.uhaul.com/soldierride.

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Special guest speakers this year include: Arizona Governor Jan Brewer and Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, along with executives from WWP and the United War Veterans Council. The ceremony will include a USO-like performance by United We Sing, and lunch will be provided after the ceremony for guests who made a $5 donation in support of Soldier Ride.

“Wounded Warrior Project is thankful for U-Haul Company’s continued and generous support of Soldier Ride,” affirmed Wounded Warrior Project Executive Director Steve Nardizzi. “We believe strongly in the ability of rehabilitative activities to profoundly impact a warrior’s ability to heal in mind, body and spirit.”

“U-Haul is honored to salute these heroes who have given life and limb to defend our freedom,” stated Joe Shoen, chairman, U-Haul International, Inc. “These young people have sacrificed so much in duty to their country and yet they are still willing to give even more to support those who continue to serve. Soldier Ride is a way in which U-Haul is able to thank our veterans for their service, and we are thrilled to be able to do this.”

About U-Haul

Since 1945, U-Haul has been the choice for the do-it-yourself mover, with a network of more than 16,300 locations in all 50 States and 10 Canadian provinces. U-Haul customers’ patronage has enabled the Company to maintain the largest rental fleet in the do-it-yourself moving industry with approximately 101,000 trucks, 82,000 trailers and 33,000 towing devices. U-Haul offers more than 415,000 rooms and 36.7 million square feet of storage space at nearly 1,115 owned and managed facilities throughout North America. U-Haul is the consumer’s number one choice as the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry. The Company supplies alternative-fuel for vehicles and backyard barbecues as one of the nation’s largest retailers of propane.

U-Haul was founded by a Navy veteran who grew up during the Great Depression. Tires and gas were still rationed or in short supply during the late 1940s when U-Haul began serving U.S. customers. Today, that background is central to the U-Haul Sustainability Program: “Serving the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Our commitment to reduce, reuse and recycle includes fuel-efficient moving vans, neighborhood proximity, moving box reuse, moving pads made from discarded material and packing peanuts that are 100% biodegradable. Learn more about these facts and others atuhaul.com/sustainability.

About Wounded Warrior Project

The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is to honor and empower wounded warriors. Its purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, FL. To get involved and learn more, visitwoundedwarriorproject.org.

According to the Department of Defense (Sept. 17, 2012), nearly 50,000 active duty service members have been wounded in action as a result of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation New Dawn.

http://www.usveteransmagazine.com/article/university-phoenix-and-wounded-warrior-project-help-empower-injured-service-members-through-

¹As a result, University of Phoenix® andWounded Warrior Project® (WWP), a non-profit organization whose mission is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors, today announced the 2012 University of Phoenix Wounded Warrior Project Scholarship recipients. The full-tuition scholarships were awarded to the following WWP alumni, spouses, and primary caregivers:

·  Jeremiah Pauley of Petaluma, Calif., will pursue a master's degree in business administration and plans to one day open a fitness center to cater to the unique needs of disabled veterans and athletes.

·  Jessica Raines of Hagerstown, Md., will pursue a bachelor's degree in psychology and plans to use her degree and her personal experience supporting her husband's military service as a way to honor and assist other Wounded Warriors.

·  Nathaniel Van Loan of Roseville, Calif., will pursue a master's degree in criminal justice and security and plans to use his degree and previous military police experience for a career in the law enforcement sector.

"University of Phoenix is proud to work again with Wounded Warrior Project and provide each of these scholarship recipients a chance to fulfill his or her educational goals," said University of Phoenix Associate Regional Vice President for the Military Division Garland Williams, Ph.D., USA Colonel (ret.). "These scholarships represent an appreciation of the sacrifice these service members, their spouses and primary caregivers have made to secure our country's freedom as well as symbolize an opportunity for each recipient to acquire essential education and professional skills necessary to transition into a career in the civilian sector."

The 2012 University of Phoenix Wounded Warrior Project Scholarship Program allows each recipient the opportunity to complete a University of Phoenix bachelor's or master's degree program. Scholarship recipients will complete their studies at one of the University's more than 100 locations nationwide or through the University's online classroom accessible anywhere in the world, thus offering flexible education options to transitioning service members and their families. This marks the second year that WWP has worked with University of Phoenix to offer eligible WWP Alumni, spouses and primary caregivers full-tuition scholarships to demonstrate the University's appreciation to these individuals and the sacrifice each have made for their country.

"Wounded Warrior Project congratulates these three deserving recipients for their achievements in earning this scholarship, a step in the right direction for the reintegration process of Wounded Warriors and their families," said Steve Nardizzi, executive director, Wounded Warrior Project. "We applaud University of Phoenix for its continued support of our mission and our vision to foster the most successful and well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation's history."

Since 2003, WWP has supported thousands of wounded warriors and caregivers through programs designed to nurture the mind and body and encourage economic empowerment and engagement. For more information, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

For more information on University of Phoenix degree offerings and special discounts offered to military members, their families and veterans, please visithttp://www.phoenix.edu/colleges_divisions/military.html.  

[1] Department of Defense (Sept. 17, 2012), Casualty Report,http://www.defense.gov/news/casualty.pdf

About Wounded Warrior Project®

The mission of Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is to honor and empower wounded warriors. WWP's purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other and to provide unique, direct programs and service to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.  

About University of PhoenixUniversity of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help students balance education and life in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, challenging courses and interactive learning can help students pursue personal and career aspirations without putting their lives on hold. As the flagship university of  Apollo Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: APOL), University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit http://www.phoenix.edu.

If you serve in the military there's a program out there aimed at helping you with home ownership.

http://www.azfamily.com/news/consumer/Wounded-Vet-gets-mortgage-free-home-205490661.html

U.S. Marine Sgt. Daniel Seo was wounded while serving in Iraq in 2006. He has received numerous awards for his bravery, including the Purple Heart.

Seo has already given so much for this country, but today he received a new start with a mortgage-free home, thanks to the Home for Wounded Warriors program.

"You know, we've always dreamed of owning a home, it was just a matter of when. This is a clean slate, we can start new," Seo said.

Any combat-wounded veteran who does not currently have a mortgage and is retired or honorably separated from the military can apply online.

The program also provides financial education courses to ensure the veteran maintains his or her home.

"I got a home, I'm grateful for it," Seo said. "It's like a dream come true."

A move from L.A. to Peoria totally was worth it for this soldier.

"I couldn't have asked for anything more," he said.

They spent their youth serving our country. Now in their final years, some local veterans say their country is failing them.

http://www.wrdw.com/home/headlines/News_12_On_Your_Side_Augusta_VA_Giving_Vets_the_Boot_141221653.html

The Charlie Norwood Veteran Affairs Medical Center is giving the boot to some elderly veterans living in the Community Living Facility with short notice.

The Community Living Center is similar to a civilian nursing home. The description for Community Living Center on the United States Department of Veteran Affairs' website is: "Unlike many nursing homes in the past, a Community Living Center resembles 'home' as much as possible. There are activities for veterans of all ages. There are family-friendly places for visiting. Veterans are invited to decorate their rooms. Veterans may stay for a short time or, in rare instances, for the rest of their life."

Dennis Mattson, 67, is a disabled Vietnam veteran who has lived in the facility for over a year.

"When I got here, they said this was my home and that I would be here as long as I would need to be here or until I decided I wanted to leave, not when someone else decided I was suppose to leave," the former Airman said.

But recently, he says, someone else has told him he will soon need to find a new home.

"When we came back [from Vietnam], I was spit on. Now it feels after all we fought for, all we got when got home, from Agent Orange and now they have one more opportunity to spit at me before I go home for good," he said.

Mattson said doctors in the Community Living Facility recently started reevaluating patients a few weeks ago and have told some they needed to find a new home.

Bob Cruikshank, 86, was given only about a 10-day notice. He serviced as a Marine during World War II and as an Airman during the Korean and Vietnam wars. His doctor told him he needed to leave after a year and a half in the facility.

"I just think it is the most unjust thing that could happen to a man that has given his all," Betty Cruikshank said.

She says doctors told her that her husband was well enough to leave the facility. Mrs. Cruikshank says the VA gave her several options: to go to a private facility or to be put on a waiting list for the Georgia War Veterans Home.

"Assisted living is out-of-pocket expense and I said Blue Goose is not acceptable," she said.

Mrs. Cruikshank said she felt there was no other option but to have her disabled husband move back home with her. She herself requires a full-time caregiver and can only walk with the help of a cane or walker.

Dr. Tom Hartney is the director of geriatrics at the Charlie Norwood VA. He and his team are reevaluating patients to determine if they are well enough to leave.

"He [Cruikshank] is legally blind, has suffered from prostrate cancer and a disease that affects his balance and you guys determined he was well enough to go home?" asked News 12's Liz Owens.

"I really can't speak on any individual clinical condition of any veteran here," Hartney replied.

Hartney told 12 On Your side that his team evaluates patients in the Community Living Center on a weekly basis. However, he could not tell us the date of the last time they asked veterans to leave the facility.

"When is the last date that you've gone around and evaluated patients and told them that they need to make other arrangements? The last date this happened with a group of veterans?" Owens asked.

"As I said we have weekly team meetings and discharge planning is part of those meetings," he replied.

"When's the last time they have actually been discharged?" Owens asked.

"I wouldn't specify on a specific individual's case," he said.

The Charlie Norwood VA Public Affairs Office prohibited News 12 from interviewing the veterans who contacted our newsroom.

Mattson told us over the phone he where he is going to go. He is in a wheelchair.

"Maybe I can stay with my daughter until my house is handicap accessible," he said.

News 12 contacted Congressman John Barrow about the VA letting patients go from the nursing home. He is now investigating the Community Living Center.

"I appreciate you shining a light on this issue because a lot of folks don't realize how the VA is rationing care in this way," Barrow said. "If anybody has any concern that someone will be put out on the streets, that will not happen on my watch."

Barrow is urging veterans experiencing similar problems to contact his office in Augusta. He has staff members on hand with resources to intervene. You can contact his office at (706) 722-4494 or toll free at (866) 890-6236.

As Mayor, supporting our veterans is among my highest priorities.

http://phoenix.gov/mayor/mayorwork/Veterans/index.html

The City of Phoenix is committed to ensuring that our veterans have access to key services and resources, whether housing and social services-related, or access to quality jobs.  Our veterans and their families have made unthinkable sacrifices for our nation.  At the city of Phoenix, we are committed to honoring this sacrifice.

H.E.R.O. Initiative

The H.E.R.O. Initiative was formed to address the exceptionally high unemployment rate among veterans.  Not only is the City of Phoenix making hiring qualified veterans a priority, but we are also working with top Valley companies to encourage that they, too, make a commitment to hiring veterans.  Here are a few components of the initiative:  

• In May, the city began training supervisors on the benefits and misconceptions associated with hiring veterans.
• The city is working with a broad coalition of community stakeholders to host “H.E.R.O. Hiring events.”  These events are much different than typical job fairs.  They are smaller, more personal, and our team does extensive groundwork in advance of the events to “pre-match” veteran job seekers and employers to ensure greater job placement.  
• Prior to each hiring event, we host a series of workshops for veteran participants to assist them with resume translation from military language to civilian, interview skills, and general career readiness.
• We also host an employer reception and education session to educate participating employers on the benefits and misconceptions associated with hiring veterans.

Veterans Bootcamp on Homelessness Initiative

This initiative has housed nearly 150 chronically homeless veterans through cooperative arrangements with the VA, HUD, and the city.  Part of the Phoenix Homeless Initiative is the Family Focused Initiative, a joint partnership between the Housing and Human Services Department that will provide 25 Public Housing units and case-work services per year for the next three years to assist families to move from the Watkins emergency shelter.

StandDown

Phoenix is a key partner in the Arizona StandDown, one of the country’s largest, singular outreach events for homeless and at-risk veterans.  A number of services are offered over a three-day period including: medical, dental, job placement, social services and housing assistance.  Nearly 1,400 homeless and vulnerable veterans received services at the Veterans’ Memorial Coliseum in March.

Veterans Court

The Veterans Court was established in 2012 and is a partnership between the Municipal Court, Prosecutor’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, and Phoenix Veterans Administration (VA). The goal of the Veterans Court is to restore veterans to being successful, contributing members of the community. The court focuses on ensuring that veterans entering the criminal justice system make contact with specific programs to address the root causes of the behavior that resulted in the veteran becoming a defendant in the criminal justice system.

Veteran Housing

No veteran who has selflessly served his or her nation should ever be without a safe and secure place to call home.  Ending chronic homelessness among veterans is a key priority of mine and the City of Phoenix.  The city currently provides funding to seven supportive housing facilities across the city for homeless veterans and their families.  In addition, we have provided 695 housing vouchers to further address veteran homelessness.  Although we are making great strides in addressing this unacceptable problem, we must continue to collaborate with key community partners and invest all available resources until all of our city’s veterans are housed.

Veterans Day Parade

The annual Phoenix Veterans Day Parade is one of the largest in the nation.  It is the one time of year when the entire community comes together to rally around and thank our veterans.  My family and I enjoy the parade every year and know how important it is to our city.  The future of the parade was in jeopardy earlier this year when the VA, who had been the event’s primary sponsor, withdrew their support.   In order to ensure the continuation of the parade, the city stepped in and is now serving as the main partner for the event.  I can’t imagine Veterans Day without the parade and the show of support it provides to our veterans.  See you on Veterans Day!

These organizations are participating in our exclusive Community Outreach program.

http://www.metrophoenixjobs.com/jobcast_partners.asp?s.agent_category_id=12

Through this program, groups and organizations that directly work with Veterans receive open job notifications on a daily basis that match the criteria they specifically requested. These daily notifications can be customized by location, profession, education and experience.
American Legion Office - Phoenix Phoenix, AZ The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest veterans service organization, committed to mentoring and sponsorship of youth programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans.	Arizona Coalition for Military Families Phoenix, AZ The Arizona Coalition for Military Families is a public/private partnership focused on building Arizona’s statewide capacity to serve and support all service members, veterans, their families and communities.
Arizona Department of Veterans' Services Phoenix, AZ Our mission is to serve Arizona's Veterans and their families by providing informaiton and assistance in securing their rightful benefits as provided for by state and federal law.	DES - Mesa Mesa, AZ Arizona Workforce Connection is the state's streamlined workforce development network - bringing together all of Arizona's workforce development partners to provide businesses and Job Seekers with a comprehensive and streamlined services. The Virtual OneStop is your access point to Job Listings and other specialty services at no cost!
Disabled American Veterans - Glendale Chapter 20 Glendale, AZ The 1.2 million-member Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is a non-profit 501(c)(4) charity dedicated to building better lives for America’s disabled veterans and their families.	Disabled American Veterans - Phoenix Chapter 1 Buckeye, AZ The 1.2 million-member Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is a non-profit 501(c)(4) charity dedicated to building better lives for America’s disabled veterans and their families.
Madison Street Veterans Association Phoenix, AZ Madison Street Veterans Association is a peer-run association of homeless and formerly homeless veterans offering personal, individualized service, basic resources, community, and advocacy for all veterans.	Mesa Vet Center Mesa, AZ Mission Statement To fulfill President Lincoln's promise “To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan” by serving and honoring the men and women who are America’s veterans.
Operation Homefront of Arizona Phoenix, AZ Operation Homefront (OH) provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded warriors. Stay Connected:	Phoenix Vet Center Phoenix, AZ Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln's promise “To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan” by serving and honoring the men and women who are America’s veterans.
The Veterans Club at GateWay Community College Phoenix, AZ We are an institution of higher education, providing effective, accessible and responsive educational services in a multicultural environment resulting in student development and success.	United States Veterans Initiative - Phoenix Phoenix, AZ Our Mis­sion The suc­cess­ful tran­si­tion of mil­i­tary vet­er­ans and their fam­i­lies through the pro­vi­sion of hous­ing, coun­sel­ing, career devel­op­ment and com­pre­hen­sive support. Stay Connected:
Veteran Center - Peoria Peoria, AZ "Serving Arizona's Veterans as they have served us"	Veteran Housing Network Glendale, AZ Specializing with Veterans For Over 25 Years Veteran Housing Network at PRO-formance Realty Concepts specializes in assisting Military Veterans, Active Military Personnel, and their families to obtain homes using their (“VA”) Veteran Benefits. We locate homes Valley Wide in the Phoenix Metropolitan area for our clients. Use your VA the first time or again. Stay Connected:
Veteran Services Division - Chandler Chandler, AZ To assist veterans in obtaining federal and state veteran entitlements through the department’s veterans’ benefit counselors.	Veterans Assistance Association - Arizona Tempe, AZ The VAA is ready to serve your needs. Each professional member has been trained on the specific processes needed to obtain the VA's Aid and Attendance Special Pension. We look forward to any questions you may have.
Veterans' Employment and Training Service Phoenix, AZ VETS Proudly Serves Veterans & Service Members! We Provide Resources and Expertise to Assist and Prepare them to Obtain Meaningful Careers, Maximize their Employment Opportunities, and Protect their Employment Rights.	West Valley Vet Center Peoria, AZ Mission Statement To fulfill President Lincoln's promise “To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan” by serving and honoring the men and women who are America’s veterans.