American Heroes Network

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USAF JAG officer Department of Homeland Security in Washington, D.C. Jun 03, 2014

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General Counsel at the Department of Homeland Security in Washington, D.C. and a reserve USAF JAG Officer Combat wounded / Purple Heart / Joint Service Commendation Medal / Combat Action Medal

Notre Dame Basketball player to Wounded Warrior and Advocate May 27, 2014

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Former Notre Dame basketball player Danielle Green-Byrd prides herself on taking “the road less traveled” – a road that took a fateful turn when she lost her left arm in Iraq. brbr Army Specialist Danielle Green-Byrd brbr A former basketball star from Chicago’s inner city who served in the Army and was injured in Iraq has learned that time does really heal wounds. Danielle Green-Byrd, one of the first women injured during the beginning of the conflict in Iraq, said she believes her successful transition comes from traveling on the road of hard knocks, inspired by a Robert Frost poem. “It’s called ‘The Road Less Traveled,’ and I think that poem defines my life,” she said. “I have always traveled [this] road. I was raised in a dysfunctional family. My mom was on drugs; my dad wasn’t around. I was 7 years old and had to figure out what [I was] going to do.”

ManPower 2 HorsePower May 20, 2014

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As many Veterans and their families know all too well, the transition from service to civilian life has many obstacles. A large amount of combat Veterans have PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and tasks like sitting in a classroom that civilians take for granted are difficult. Manpower to Horsepower is a hands-on program that teaches Veterans motorsport management. Sue Roberson CEO/President for Manpower to Horsepower Salisbury, North Carolina We started this business in 2009 to just start giving back to our Veterans by building a 2 seat race car that the Veterans could ride around the track in. That was a great success which led us to thinking that maybe we could through our race shop teach some of them to weld and fabricate and help them get jobs. I talked to the Veterans Administration about my idea which lead them to sending me to the community colleges to start a program. We have now been able for the past four years have a Motorsports program that is strictly for Veterans and is taught at our race shop. We not only teach at the shop but as long as they maintain a good GPA in school they go to the track with the race cars and are the pit crew for our super late model dirt cars. Because we race World of Outlaw and Lucas Oil Series we are going to 19 states and 67 cities in the US so that we can spread the word about this program to as many Veterans that are interested. We have recently been given the go ahead for our new school in Kansas City and have also partnered with CRI Counter Terrorism Training in Las Vegas, Warriors in the Workplace, and the Tug McGraw Foundation so that we are able to offer more jobs for our Veterans . Both mine and my husband’s families are very military oriented so this is a very near and dear cause for us.

Impossible odds May 13, 2014

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About bands of brothers who exhibited unparalleled bravery, solidarity and endurance on the battlefield to come out on top in a fight against impossible odds. This is a true Story that's told by a veterans who survived to tell about it. Captain Perfecto Sanchez, US Army A Bronze Star recipient was born and raised in NYC; raised by both his grandmother and mom and the eclectic 8M neighbors in the city. His mom was a teacher and his grandmother a pianist so he grew up with a inquisitive and creative curiosity for life. The military was never in the cards for him until he met Jack Dammon, his track coach, a man he very much respected. His opinion was that Perfecto had potential but lacked discipline. He thought obstacle courses sounded cool so he opened up the West Point brochure that Jack gave him. He met the best of friends at West Point- friends he still is very close with to this day. The world was much simpler then, before 9-11 that is. It wasn't until his 3rd year when he had to choose his brand that it really hit him that he could potentially be going to war. He blames his curious personality that led him to infantry- and the fact that if he was going to do something he wanted to do, he wanted to do it with his utmost ability; and of course that his best friend was doing it with him. He reported to Ft Benning in June 2005- after a few nights out in the woods and a couple jumps out of an airplane about a year later he was reporting to his first duty station in Baumholder, Germany. His unit was already deployed and he was scheduled to fly out less than 2 weeks from getting there and he couldn't wait.

Never give up. Never quit. May 06, 2014

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Thanks to his amazing strength, courage, an incredible will to live, the courageous actions of the men in his unit, the prayers of thousands, and all the healthcare providers at the Walter Reed, Travis remains on the road to recovery. Every day is a battle, but Travis continues to astound friends and family alike with his progress and with his amazing spirit. SSG Travis Mills is a genuine American hero, and for his incredible sacrifice, we are forever in his debt. Staff Sergeant Travis Mills US Army Ret Wounded warrior, motivational speaker, actor, and an advocate for veterans and amputees Travis’s story has been featured on local and national news including Fox News’ Happening Now with Jenna Lee and The O’Reilly Factor with Bill O’Reilly. On April 10, 2012, United States Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne was critically injured on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan by an IED (improvised explosive device) while on patrol, losing portions of both legs and both arms. He is one of only five quadruple amputees from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive his injuries. In September 2013, Travis founded the Travis Mills Foundation, a nonprofit organization, formed to benefit and assist wounded and injured veterans. Travis and the foundation are actively involved with several veterans’ organizations including, Veterans Family Camp in Belgrade, Maine. Travis also founded the Travis Mills Group, LLC where he consults with and speaks to companies and organizations nationwide inspiring all to overcome life’s challenges and adversity. www.travismills.org

An American Patriot and Advocate Apr 29, 2014

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Patriot Everett has been honored with many awards from the Department of Florida, including Patriot of the Year for 2008-2009, His Chapter 566 was twice Chapter of the Year. Patriot Everett was MOPH National Patriot of the year 2008-2009, and he received the MOPH National Commanders award 2013. Also he has received many awards of recognition from the State of Florida Senators, Congressmen, and local Counties Officials and local Mayors. William “Bill” Everett MOPH Region IV Commander and Chapter #811 Adjutant During his Military service, Patriot Everett was wounded in 1967 while with the 11th Armored Calvary Regiment leading a convoy that was ambushed from both sides of the road by VC troops. Though hit by rifle fire himself, Everett helped get the casualties to a vehicle for evacuation and provided cover fire while the wounded were driven to safety. He was awarded both the Bronze Star with “V” Device, and the Purple Heart for his bravery and wounds in that conflict. He later was awarded two more Purple Hearts, and many other awards as the Silver Star, 2 more Bronze Star with ”V” Device, Soldier’s Medal, Air Medal earned in subsequent conflicts in Vietnam while serving 4 tours of Duty. William “Bill” Everett joined the MOPH in 1984 in Somers Point, New Jersey, and there helped open up a new MOPH Chapter, # 155 Patriot Everett retired from the army after 21 years of service and then was hired by the Trump Organization where he worked for 19 years as the Facilities Manager. Following this he moved to another area of New Jersey where he worked in a managerial capacity for several more years. Upon retiring again, Patriot Everett moved to Baker, located in the Florida Panhandle, and transferred to MOPH Chapter #566. He held the positions of Adjutant, Jr. Vice, Sr. Vice, and Chapter Commander during his four years with that Chapter. Also during that time period he was the Department of Florida, Chief of Staff (2 years) and the Sr. Vice Commander for 1 year. Patriot Everett was elected the Region IV Commander at the 2010 National Convention held in Florida, and he has held that position from 2010 until the present time (2014). Also, at the same time he was/is Chapter #811 Adjutant, from 2010-2013 then again 2014-2015.

Beyond Patriotism Apr 22, 2014

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RICHARD B. SMALL, MD Region VI Commander and National Surgeon of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Battalion Surgeon with the 1/505, 82nd Airborne Division and as Medical Officer in the Emergency Room at 24th Evac Hospital, Long Binh Post, Republic of South Vietnam. Then a year as General Medical Officer at US Army Hospital, Camp Zama, Japan. He completed his medical training at Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center, became Board Certified in Neurological Surgery Became Board Certified in Neurological Surgery and practiced in Ventura Co, California until 2000. His next 6 years were spent in Rescue Mission Work as a Program Director and volunteer Chaplain where he worked with many veterans living on the street. He is currently Region VI Commander and National Surgeon of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) and National Coordinator for the collaborative effort between MOPH and Spirit of ‘45 to honor and preserve the spirit of the “Greatest Generation.” As a member of the Las Vegas Health Care System Veterans Administration Voluntary Services Executive Council he formed strong relationships with leaders of other Veteran Service Organizations throughout the Vegas Valley, Parhump, Henderson, Mesquite and Laughlin/Bullhead City. Together their coalition holds annual Veterans Health Fairs, Veterans Day and Memorial Day Ceremonies and they share many Chapter/Post activities. Dr Small is the founding Chairman of the Nevada Veterans Foundation (NVF) charged with raising capital funding and continuing support for a Veterans Guest House to be constructed at the new VA Medical Center in North Las Vegas. Partnered with the Fisher House Foundation and the Nevada Military Support Alliance the NVF is well on the way to raising the necessary $6M in funding. Dr Small is also a Director of the Nevada Veterans Assistance League, and a founding member of the Honor Flight Southern Nevada Board of Directors.

Standown House: Providing support for homeless and at risk veterans Apr 15, 2014

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Stand Down House, owned & operated by Faith*Hope*Love*Charity, Inc. (FHLC, Inc.), helps male veterans who are struggling due to mental / physical wounds & illness, addictions, homelessness and/or other issues regain their lives through a multi tiered program, transitional living, & collaborative efforts. FHLC, Inc. addresses the needs & unseen wounds of our veterans & military members. Roy J. Foster Executive Director & Co-Founder for Standown House & Ross Fallacaro. Ross is a graduate of Stand Down House and served as a Case Manger for both Stand Down House and the First Stop Veterans' Resource Center. Ross is presently attending Florida Atlantic University, after graduating from Palm Beach State College with Honors. Ross served in Iraq.

County Veterans Service Officers: Making a Difference Apr 08, 2014

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Help with my Claims James P. Young Former President of the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers James P. Young is the immediate Past President of the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, he served as the Association’s Chief Executive Officer, Liaison between the association and the Department of Veteran Affairs, and other Veteran Service Organizations responsible for keeping the Department of Veterans Affairs informed of the Association concerns and suggestions. He also has a seat on the Board of Directors, and serves as vice chair of the Veterans and Military Service Committee of the National Association of Counties, (NACo). Mr. Young Joined the Army in February 1966, and retired July 1990 as a Sargent First Class Traffic Manager, having multiple assignment over the years including 1967-68 Pleiku, Vietnam as an Infantry Mortar man, and holds a Bachelor degrees in Business Management and Human Resources specializations with a minor in Women Studies from Viterbo University, La Crosse, WI, and an Associate’s degree from Green River Community College, Auburn, WA in Transportation Management.

The Original Band of Brothers, the Purple Heart Apr 01, 2014

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Badge of Military Merit James Joseph Klug National Public Relations Officer MOPH / National Historian At 20 years of age, he was drafted after his second year in the California College system and ready to start his third year with a major in architecture and a minor in business. The year was 1967 and the Vietnam War was ramping-up. He was sent to Basic training at Ft. Ord, California and advanced infantry training at Ft. Polk, Louisiana. His MOS, 11C20, light mortars, prepared him for deployment to Vietnam. Once in country, he served as 11Bravo, Infantry, for 12 months as a gunner carrying the M-79 grenade launcher with the 1st Battalion 12th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division in II Core Central Highlands. Among the most intense battles he fought in was Hill 875 were he was wounded. He then went on and fought in the 1968 TET Offensive. Instead of returning home after one year, he extended his tour. He stayed for another 7 months as the Battalion Chaplains Assistant for the 1st Battalion 10th Infantry of the 4th. Infantry Division. His final rank after active duty and USAR was SSG. In 2007, he discovered the Military Order of the Purple Heart and became a life member. That same year, he was elected as Jr. Vice Commander of our local Chapter 147. He moved up the ladder of elected offices to Chapter Commander as well as Oregon Department Commander. He held these offices for several years even while being appointed as National Historian in 2010. He still holds that National Office as well as that of National Public Relations Officer MOPH.

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