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. 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 Day flag placements will begin at LaFayette Memorial Park on Friday, May 24 at 11 A.M.

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.

“Children of fallen soldiers are cherished in our community, which recognizes the extreme sacrifice made by the parents who gave their lives in defense of our freedoms and way of life,” commented Janine West, Executive Director of the Army’s Army.   “Hosting events like this is just one more way we can provide for these children and help them to lead enriched lives full of learning and fun.  We are thrilled to be partnering with the Carolina Gladiators to offer such a unique experience.”

The basketball clinic will include training in several fundamental basketball skills like dribbling and shooting form.  It will also teach techniques for free throws, basketball workouts and dunking.  Children can then choose to participate in a 3 point shooting competition.  At the conclusion of the clinic, Children of the Fallen and their families will be invited to watch the Gladiators take on the Johnson County Nighthawks, free of charge.  The game will take place at the Bill Sapp Center at 1100 North Cedar Street, Lumberton, NC.

The Carolina Gladiators are an independent minor league basketball team playing in the Tobacco Road Basketball League, whose teams operate throughout the Carolinas.  The TRBL’s mission is to showcase the region’s best minor league talent and create exposure opportunities for players seeking to advance their careers.  At the conclusion of its regular season, the TRBL sends its point series champion to an independent national invitational tournament.  To see a highlight reel of past Gladiator performances, please click here.

If you would like to make a donation to the Army’s Army to help support initiatives like the Children of the Fallen Mentoring Program, please contact Janine West at (910) 709-9671 or jlwest@armysarmy.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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Community Organizations Unite for Countywide Initiative

Fayetteville, NC – March 25, 2013 - The Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (FACVB) and the Army’s Army are leading the way for communities across the nation with a new initiative to support its military citizenry. A series of designated parking signs intended to reserve space for active duty military, retired veterans, disabled veterans, and military spouses are now available to businesses throughout Cumberland County.

After the February installment of a county-sponsored parking sign for veterans only at the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau building, the Bureau decided to ‘pay it forward’.  Working with Cross Creek Mall and the Army’s Army, the FACVB sponsored the design and installation of a similar sign that reads, “Reserved Parking for America’s Disabled Veterans.”

Barry Blevins, representing the Fayetteville chapter of Disabled American Veterans, said, “Community recognition of the challenges faced by our disabled returning heroes is essential. The debt of gratitude we owe to those who serve is sacred and unceasing.”

Helping to broaden the use of the Cross Creek sign and others like it throughout Cumberland County, the FACVB created three other signs, each honoring important pillars of the Fayetteville community: retired veterans, active duty soldiers and military spouses. In an effort to encourage use of these signs the FACVB has developed an online platform allowing businesses and organizations throughout the County to purchase one or more signs for their parking structures for a nominal cost.

Click here to visit the website and preview the new signs.

“Here in Fort Bragg Communities, we see firsthand the need for perpetual support of our men and women in uniform and their families.  There is a sincere appreciation for the work they do and a deep understanding of the sacrifices they make.” said John Meroski, President and CEO of the FACVB. “This is just one more way our community can band together to honor that work and sacrifice.” A driving force behind designating Cumberland County as America’s First Military Sanctuary Community, the FACVB continuously strives to put America’s heroes first.

The Cross Creek Mall sign will be unveiled on March 25th, in commemoration of National Medal of Honor Day.  Local Medal of Honor recipient Rudy Hernandez commented, “I can only hope that other communities around the country will follow the FACVB’s lead and ensure that dealing with the life-long impact of military service is not another battle America’s veterans must fight alone.”

Fayetteville, NC – March 15, 2013 – The Army’s Army, in partnership with the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, the City of Fayetteville Joint Appearance Commission, Cardinal Landscaping, the NC Forest Service, and the Fayetteville Public Works, will host the Children of the Fallen at a memorial tree planting in recognition of Arbor Day and in honor of fallen military heroes.  The event will take place from 3:45-5:00pm on Monday, March 18th at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden.

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.

“Children of the Fallen hold a special place in the hearts of our community members, as their parents have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedoms.  Bringing them into the garden and giving them the opportunity to plant a tree taps them into a powerful natural rhythm that, despite their past experiences, can hopefully help them to accept their loss and find hope in the promise of new life,” commented Janine West, Executive Director of the Army’s Army.   The memorial tree planted will be a gingko biloba.  Gingko trees, like many of our military heroes, are known for their extreme tenacity and ability to survive in hostile environments.

The Arbor Day event will include several activities for both children and families, beyond the memorial tree planting.  As special guests, Children of the Fallen will make a paper flower pot and plant a sunflower to take home and watch grow.  They will also receive a tree seedling and an educational gift bag, while enjoying free refreshments.

If you would like to make a donation to the Army’s Army to help support initiatives like the Children Of The Fallen Mentoring Program, please contact Janine West at (910)709-9671 or jlwest@armysarmy.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.comor www.brieffromthefront.com

This year’s ATA Regional Tournament, hosted by the ATA Leadership Martial Arts will help support The Army’s Army initiative, Children Of The Fallen Mentoring Program. The tournament, which will feature highly-skilled black belts, as well as some of the younger Tiny Tigers, white, orange and yellow belts working their way up to black belt is an energetic way for competitors to fight for a good cause. The Army’s Army will host the children and their families as special guests of the tournament.

Admission price for the event is $10, with children under the age of four being admitted free. A portion of all entrance fees and t-shirt sales will go to Children Of The Fallen. Spectators will be able to enjoy a variety must-see competitors trained in Combat Stick Fighting, Songahm forms and sparring, as well as creative forms and weapon forms.

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 jlwest@armysarmy.com

The ribbon cutting event will feature a variety of children’s entertainment, crafts, character appearances and prizes provided by event partners including the following:

* Patriotic crafts provided by Cross Creek Mall
*Chia Pet making provided by Fascinate-U Children’s Museum
* ‘Build An Insect’ by Cape Fear Botanical Garden
* Children’s activities by Kidsville News
*United Way of Cumberland County

Chick-fil-A will provide lunch for The Children Of The Fallen at the celebration, and door prizes will be available for all families in attendance as well as special prize packs for The Children Of The Fallen, coupons and gift cards.

Over the past week elementary, middle and high school students from Cumberland County Schools have been working round the clock to create Holiday cards for military families and veterans. These cards will be picked up on Monday from the schools and then delivered to our veterans at the VA Hospital and to our military families from Fort Bragg,

News 14 and the Fayetteville Observer were on site at South View High School yesterday to see what the hype is about.

We have created thousands and thousands of cards and look forward to delivering them next week.

We would like to thank EVERYONE involved with this effort!

Please click here to view more photos.