Disturbed gives military reason to fight the demon of PTSD

Dan Donegan Talks About Disturbed's New LP and Upcoming USO Shows

Military.com
Under the Radar
22 Oct 2018

Guitarist and founding member Dan Donegan took time to talk with us about the new album and the band's longtime support for military men and women.

Disturbed is Mike Wengren (drums), Dan Donegan (guitar), David Draiman (vocals) and John Moyer (bass) (Photo by Travis Shinn)

So you've got a new album coming out this week.

It's called "Evolution." We're excited. We've been sitting on it for a few months now. We finished up with it in the springtime. We're branching out with the sound. There are some acoustic tracks in there along with some heavier tracks as well. The band did a lot of exploring and experimenting and we came up with a great body of work that we're excited to share with everyone.

Hard rock legends Disturbed just released their seventh studio album "Evolution" last Friday and they're playing USO shows at Creech Air Force Base in Indian Springs, Nevada, and Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas this week to celebrate.

The shows are open to everyone with Military ID and the band members will be visiting service members on base October 22 and 23.

Disturbed has always always had a big following in the active duty military. Is that something you noticed early on?

For sure. Early on with even the release of our first album, "The Sickness," we learned very quickly that we had a large military fanbase. We're strong supporters of our troops and we've made it a point to try to reach out to them and do what we can, whether it's meet and greets or going to bases or performing. Back in 2008, we performed in Kuwait for the troops. We take any opportunity we get to bring them a little break in their everyday life and bring some entertainment.
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Reason to Fight

Disturbed

The image in your eyes

Reflecting the pain that has taken you

I hear it in your voice, so ridden with shame

From what's ailing you

I won't give up so don't give in

You've fallen down but you can rise again

So don't give up

When the demon that's inside you is ready to begin

And it feels like it's a battle that you will never win

When you're aching for the fire and begging for your sin

When there's nothing left inside, there's still a reason to fight

Lost in your world of lies

I find it so hard to believe in you

Can it be real this time?

Or just a part of this game that we're playing through

I won't give up so don't give in

You've fallen down but you will rise again

I won't give up

When the demon that's inside you is ready to begin

And it feels like it's a battle that you will never win

When you're aching for the fire and begging for your sin

When there's nothing left inside, there's still a reason to fight

Don't let it take your soul

Look at me take control

When knowing to fight this war

This is nothing worth dying for

Are you ready to begin?

This is a battle that we are gonna win

When you're aching for the fire and begging for your sin

When there's nothing left inside, there's still a reason

When the demon that's inside you is ready to begin

And it feels like it's a battle that you will never win

When you're aching for the fire and begging for your sin

When there's nothing left inside, there's still a reason to fight

I'll be your reason to fight

Give you a reason to fight

Miss America from tiara to tarmac?

Miss America Joins the Air Force
Military.com
Under The Radar
June 19, 2018

Scanlan is now an Airman First Class in the Air National Guard. She's also a law student at UC Berkley.

Teresa Scanlan, Miss America 2011, speaks to the crew of the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Charles Drew from the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George during a replenishment at sea. (Christopher Johnson/U.S. Navy)

During her term as Miss America, Scanlan participated in USO tours, visited Walter Reed and Bethesda military hospitals and toured several military installations.
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US Service Members Celebrating Christmas

Santa's Signal

Navy Lt. Larry Young, dressed as Santa Claus, signals to launch an F/A-18 E Super Hornet on the flight deck of the USS Theodore Roosevelt in the Persian Gulf, Dec. 21, 2017, as the aircraft carrier supports security efforts in the region. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Victoria Foley

Bagram Visit

Medal of Honor recipient and retired Army Capt. Flo Groberg speaks to service members as Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stands by during a USO Holiday Tour show at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec. 24, 2017. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Divine Cox

 Holiday Hilarity

Service members take in the 2017 USO Holiday Tour show at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec. 24, 2017. Performers included actor Adam Devine, comedian Iliza Shlesinger and country singer Jerrod Niemann. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Divine Cox


 Swimming Santa

Santa Claus, commanding officer of Holiday Cheer, Northpolecom, conducts basic swim qualifications at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 19, 2017. Claus and all operational reindeer must pass the qualifications every two years to maintain their water survival skills. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Evan Ahlin

Gary Sinise honors military in Melbourne

Actor Gary Sinise honors military in Melbourne -- with music 
Florida Today 
Jennifer Sangalang 
October 1, 2017

"Lieutenant Dan, certainly, when I played that I got more involved with our wounded through the Disabled American Veterans Organization and started supporting them," he told FLORIDA TODAY. The group contacted Sinise three weeks after the movie opened in 1994, inviting him to a convention.

Actor Gary Sinise, left, met some fans before his Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band performance, in conjunction with the USO, at the King Center in Melbourne. Sinise is best known for his role as Lieutenant Dan in "Forrest Gump" and Detective Mac Taylor in "CSI: NY." (Photo: PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEX PREISSER)

"I was so fortunate to be able to go and attend this event," she added.

"It was awesome, beyond any expectations I had," John Carrigan of Melbourne said of the show. "The band was great, they covered lots of different music genres, but made it their own."

He was especially moved "when Gary talked to the audience and shared his family story and how he came to appreciate veterans. It was moving when he gave a shout-out to Vietnam vets and asked them to stand up."

In "Forrest Gump," Sinise wowed audiences with his portrayal of Lieutenant Dan Taylor. In the film, his character becomes a disabled veteran. Sinise's work led to an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor.
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Dolly And Chesty Helped USO at Muldoon's

 Dolly's 8th Annual USO Benefit at Muldoon's

 Sgt. Dave Matthews Never Forgotten Memorials

 These Marines named the bear I donated "Chesty"

 Charles Rogers, Chairman USO Central Florida

 And this is Dolly

 Charles presented Dolly with a USO Challenge Coin

WWE TRIBUTE TO THE TROOPS 2015 December 23

WWE TRIBUTE TO THE TROOPS 2015 HANDSHAKE TOUR: PHOTOS
WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon, Big Show, R-Truth, Alicia Fox and Eva Marie embarked on a journey to greet U.S. military personnel serving overseas.

Awesome videos on WWE tribute to troops here WWE Tribute to the Troops comes to Jacksonville The 13th annual WWE Tribute to the Troops event was be held on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at Florida's Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena for military personnel and their families stationed at the Jacksonville Naval Air Station, Naval Station Mayport and Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base. Tribute to the Troops will air on USA Network on Wednesday, Dec. 23, at 8 p.m. ET.

In the tradition of Bob Hope, WWE brings together the best of sports entertainment and pop culture with celebrity appearances and performances from music's most popular acts for our servicemen and women, to honor their commitment and dedication to our country. Tribute to the Troops has become a holiday tradition and is considered TV's most patriotic and heartwarming show of the year.

While in Jacksonville, WWE Superstars and Divas spent time giving back to those who serve and their families with Be a STAR anti-bullying rallies, hospital visits and military outreach at the Jacksonville Naval Air Station, Naval Station Mayport and Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base.
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Channing Tatum Remembers First Sgt Peter McKenna

Channing Tatum Pays Tribute to Soldier Who Died in Afghanistan
 ET Online on Yahoo
August 11, 2015

Channing Tatum posted an emotional message to Instagram in memory of First Sergeant Peter Andrew McKenna after he was killed in Kabul, Afghanistan this weekend. He was 35. “I’d like to offer my deepest condolences to the family of First Sergeant Peter Andrew McKenna, a brave soldier we had the honor of meeting in Afghanistan,”

Tatum wrote on Monday. “He tragically lost his life in an attack on one of the bases we visited on @theuso tour back in February. Let’s always remember to thank the men and women who serve this county and so often sacrifice their own lives for ours.”

In the image, the 35-year-old actor and McKenna are posing with Tatum's Magic Mike XXL co-star Adam Rodriguez and actor Nick Zano. Both Rodriguez and Zano also shared the pic with their own moving tributes to the soldier. read more here

Bill Murray, Stranded in Afghanistan

See 2015 Bill Murray channel ’80s Bill Murray in the Rock The Kasbah trailer
AV Club
By William Hughes
Jun 11, 2015

.......Murray plays rock manager Richie Lanz, who ends up lost and penniless in Afghanistan after his last remaining client (Zooey Deschanel) ditches him during a tour. Forced to rely on his wits, he makes his way across the country while cracking wise, making friends, and singing an impromptu cover of “Smoke On The Water,” just like good old Nick the Lounge Singer would have done.

Along the way, he meets up with other famous people, like Kate Hudson, Bruce Willis, and Danny McBride, who all seem pleasantly bemused to see Murray acting so far outside his contemporary comfort zone.
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ROCK THE KASBAH Trailer (Bill Murray - 2015)

USO Honors Medal of Honor Recipients

Joint Chiefs of Staff, USO Salute Medal of Honor Recipients 
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.

WASHINGTON, March 25, 2015 – On the eve of National Medal of Honor Day, members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff partnered with the United Service Organizations Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore to salute the nation’s Medal of Honor recipients here yesterday.

Navy Adm. James A. Winnefeld Jr., vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his wife, Mary, speak before an audience of about 600 during the USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore’s 33rd awards dinner in Arlington, Va., March 24, 2015. The Winnefelds and the Joint Chiefs of Staff honored the nation's Medal of Honor recipients on the eve of National Medal of Honor Day. DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Nathan Gallaha

The USO Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore held its 33rd annual awards dinner, where it paid special tribute to nearly 30 recipients of the nation’s highest military honor, as well as yearly accolades to those who serve America’s troops.

Following a video presentation, Army Gen. Frank J. Grass, chief of the National Guard Bureau, began the Medal of Honor recipient tributes.

Heroism ‘Thrust Upon Them’
“Our veterans have forged the story of American patriots,” he said. The fabric of our society continues to be built upon the foundation of these patriots who display extraordinary heroism, courage and selfless sacrifice for our nation, Grass said. “They do not go out seeking to become heroes; it’s thrust upon them,” he said.

Grass quoted a fifth-century writer who once said, “‘the purpose of all wars is lasting peace.’”
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USO Comedy Tour in Afghanistan

Behind the scenes of Al Roker, Jay Leno's USO comedy tour in Afghanistan
TODAY
Robin Sindler and Molly Palmer
October 8,2014

Fred Greaves The comedy tour crew gears up for a day at the Bagram Airfield.

To join Al in his mission to support the troops, visit his fundraising page at Crowdrise.com/AlRoker, where proceeds will go to support the USO and its programs for our troops and their families.

Al Roker, Jay Leno, Craig Robinson, Iliza Shlesinger and Kevin Eubanks took the stage at the Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan last Wednesday to perform for more than 1,000 troops as part of the TODAY USO Comedy Tour. Filled with laughs, music and honoring the military, the first-ever TODAY comedy tour was a success.
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Robin Williams USO Tours Now News?

How is it that all of a sudden, the press is interested in Robin Williams going all over the world to spend time entertaining our troops? Why didn't they care before this?

Comedian Robin Williams greets soldiers stationed in Ramadi, Iraq prior to a USO show at the base. Dec. 19, 2007. Williams was joined by award winning recording artist Kid Rock, Miss USA Rachel Smith, comedian Lewis Black and seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong on the 15-stop, seven-country tour thanking the forward deployed troops for their sacrifice and service. Defense Dept. photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley

Robin Williams' USO tours made him a familiar face to military crowds
LA Times
By CHRISTIE D'ZURILLA
August 12, 2014

Robin Williams earned his first Oscar nomination playing U.S. Air Force Sgt. Adrian Cronauer in 1987's "Good Morning, Vietnam" -- but his real-life relationship with the military in the form of USO shows didn't get rolling until 2002.

Williams, who died Monday of an apparent suicide at age 63, went on his first tour that year to perform for troops in Afghanistan and Turkey, according to the USO.

His passport would eventually include stamps from doing shows in Bahrain, Djibouti, Germany, Iraq, Italy, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Qatar, Spain and the United Arab Emirates, the Military Times reported. There were visits in the United States as well.

One particularly noteworthy moment on the USO stage happened at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, in December 2007, the year after Williams got out of rehab. He was joking about rehab being a good thing -- "Because I was violating my standards faster than I could lower them" -- when all of a sudden the entire audience turned its back on him as a horn played.

"I'm not gonna forget that. I've never had an entire audience just go 'forget you'" he said, turning his back momentarily to the crowd. "I was also wondering what's coming from that way. When an entire group of military people turns that ... way."

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For some memorable moments with Robin Williams showing up for the troops go here.
Military Community Mourns Loss of Robin Williams

Military Community Mourns Loss of Robin Williams

USO on Robin Williams' Death: 'He Will Be Sorely Missed'
NBC News

Oscar-winning actor and comedian Robin Williams, 63, who died Monday in California, was also known for his work with the United Service Organization, a nonprofit that works to lift the spirits of U.S. troops. In this role, Williams performed for American troops stationed in Afghanistan, Iraq and, in one of his most memorable appearances, in Kuwait.

The USO expressed its condolences in a Facebook post Monday night, echoing the grief felt by many upon hearing the news of Williams' tragic death: " He will always be a part of our USO family and will be sorely missed," the statement read.

Williams died in his residence in Tiburon, California, in an apparent suicide, according to the Marin County Sheriff's Office.
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Robin Williams as troops "Retreat" at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait
2007



Robin Williams was a staple of USO tours overseas and in U.S.
Marine Corps Times
Aug. 12, 2014

Comedian Robin Williams was a regular on USO tours, performing for more 89,400 service members in the U.S. and overseas before his death on Monday, said USO spokeswoman Oname Thompson.

Williams was one of the first entertainers to go on a USO tour to Southwest Asia in 2002 and ultimately performed for U.S. troops in Afghanistan, Bahrain, Djibouti, Germany, Iraq, Italy, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Qatar, Spain, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and the U.S., Thompson said in an email to Military Times.

During his six USO tours and entertainment tours, Williams visited wounded warriors, performed at the 2008 USO Gala and traveled with four Joint Chiefs of Staff chairmen on USO holiday tours, Thompson said. His last USO tour was in December 2010.
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2003
Robin Williams in Mosul, Iraq *USO Tour* Dec 2003
AFN Robin Williams On Tour USO Armed Forces Entertainment Afghanistan and Europe 2002

Mar 1, 2014
Produced and broadcast on the American Forces Network Europe, this is an exclusive half hour interview program with comedian and actor Robin Williams during his first USO tour for the troops serving in the Middle East and Europe. This interview with AFN Europe's Kane Farabaugh, and camera operators Russell Zill, Steve German, and Dan Millbauer, occurred at Rhein Main Air Base in Frankfurt, Germany in 2002 at the end of his USO tour.

2002
2004

"Special Forces, heavily armed Amish"

Aug 11, 2014

Robin Williams' USO routine in Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan in December 2004.

Was deployed there 2004 - 2005 with 2-25 Aviation (25th Infantry Division) out of Hawaii.

Florida USO volunteer shocked by National Guardsman son's return

Soldier surprises mom at airport
USO volunteer at Jacksonville International Airport gets surprise
Author: Kumasi Aaron, Reporter, weekend anchor
Jason Mealey, Producer
Published On: Jul 05 2014
Soldier surprises mom

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.
One Northeast Florida mother got a surprise truly fitting for an Independence Day weekend. She hadn't seen her son in a year because he was serving in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army National Guard.

U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Kyler Lunman didn't tell his mother, Kathleen Lunman, he was coming home. She hadn't seen him since he left for service a year ago, and as a USO volunteer Lunman thought she was at Jacksonville International Airport on Saturday to greet someone else. She was surprised to see her son running toward her.

"My son is home. And here we thought that we were welcoming a Navy pilot who was coming in who didn't have any family and then my little boy. I can't even talk I'm so happy. What a surprise I thank everybody so much," said Lunman.

This is a change for Lunman. As a USO volunteer she's been in the airport like this before, but always to welcome other servicemen and women, never her own.

And for the last year she'd been waiting and worrying about her son serving in Afghanistan.
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Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs is Sloan Gibson from USO

Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs
Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Sloan D. Gibson was nominated by President Obama to serve as the Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and he was confirmed by the Senate on February 11, 2014. On May 30, 2014, Mr. Gibson was appointed Acting Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Prior to joining VA, Mr. Gibson served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the United Services Organizations (USO), which has been lifting the spirits of American Servicemembers and their families for more than 73 years. During his five years at the USO, net fundraising grew 90 percent, enabling dramatic growth in programs and facilities supporting our forward-deployed men and women, military families, as well as our wounded, ill, and injured Servicemembers, their families, and the families of the fallen.

Before joining the USO, Mr. Gibson spent more than 20 years in banking in Charlotte, NC; Atlanta, GA; Nashville, TN; and Birmingham, AL. In 2004, he retired from AmSouth Bancorporation, a New York Stock Exchange–traded corporation, where he served as vice chairman and chief financial officer. During his tenure as CFO, AmSouth was added to the S and P 500. Mr. Gibson also has a long history of service and leadership with a variety of nonprofit organizations. In 2002, Mr. Gibson chaired the United Way campaign in Central Alabama, which raised more than $30 million.

Mr. Gibson is the son of an Army Air Corpsman who served as a B-17 tail-gunner during World War II, later earning his commission in the U.S. Air Force. He is also the grandson of a World War I Army Infantryman who was wounded while serving in the 3rd Infantry Division at the Second Battle of the Marne.

A 1975 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Mr. Gibson earned both Airborne and Ranger qualifications and served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army. He earned a Masters in Economics from the University of Missouri in Kansas City and a Masters in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Deputy Secretary Gibson and his wife, Margaret, have been married nearly 32 years. They have two grown daughters, Celia and Laura.

Troops in Kuwait Super Bowl Party beer free beer

Super Bowl party for Fort Carson troops offers beer pong, without beer
The Gazette
By Tom Roeder
January 21, 2014

Fort Carson soldiers in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, will get a big Super Bowl party that includes beer-free beer pong.

The twist on the timeless drinking game comes courtesy of the USO and Central Command’s decade-old General Order No. 1, which forbids boozing in Middle Eastern nations where alcohol is forbidden.

Alcohol is illegal in Kuwait.

A recent article in the English-language Kuwait Times said bootleg liquor was running between $300 and $500 per bottle for New Year’s revelers there.
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Merry Christmas to troops in Afghanistan

USO brings Christmas to Afghanistan.

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Troops send messages home for Christmas

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Troops in Afghanistan Get Duck Dynasty Visit

Dec 14, 2013 Duck Dynasty stars Willie and Jep Robertson join J.C.S. and U.S. Army Gen. Martin Dempsey for a U.S.O. tour in Afghanistan. See IJReview.com for more.

Comedian Kathy Griffin receives award for work with veterans

Kathy Griffin Receives Distinguished Service Partner Award for Work with Veterans
Harvard Crimson
By KRUTI B. VORA
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
2 hours ago

Comedian and bestselling author Kathy M. Griffin received the inaugural Distinguished Service Partner Award to commemorate her work with veterans during a charity benefit hosted by the Harvard Undergraduates Honoring Veterans this Saturday.

After a performance by the improvisational comedy group Immediate Gratification Players, Griffin participated in a conversation with Undergraduate Council Finance Committee Chair Matthew R. Marotta ’14 on topics ranging from her work with veterans groups to life as a female comedian. “My involvement is built around laughter truly being the best medicine,” Griffin said in an interview with The Crimson after the event. “What I learned was that these men and women need to laugh at these moments, more than ever.”

Griffin, who has toured Iraq and Afghanistan with the United Service Organizations, also gives tickets to her comedy shows to the Veteran Tickets Foundation, allowing veterans to come free of charge and meet her after the show.

“It’s really one of my favorite things about touring, meeting these people every show,” Griffin said. “I love to hear their stories, and everybody’s story is so different.”
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Busy Saturday in Orlando for veterans and responders

Update from Cathy Haynes

September 2013 - Upcoming military, veterans and patriotic events in Central Florida

Sat. Sept 14  -  9/11 Tribute Event – Annual Military and First Responder Appreciation Event – 11am – 5pm at Waterford Lakes Town Center (near Regal Cinemas) in east Orlando between Colonial/SR50 and the 408 on Alafaya Trail.  A FREE public event to meet, learn and say “Thanks” to our men and women in uniform.  Displays, vehicles and demonstrations from military, Orange Co. Fire Rescue and Sheriff’s Dept.  Wounded Warrior, Homes For Heroes, The Camaraderie Foundation, The Lone Survivor Foundation, AMVETS, The American Legion, C.O.P.S. and many more non-profit support organizations will be present.  Raffle tickets will be sold, silent auction proceeds benefitting several charities.

LOTS of activities and games for families at no cost - Face painting, animals to pet, a caricature artist, a magician, music, games, thousands of dollars in hourly giveaways, and Warrior Way, an intense set of inflatable’s and obstacle courses sure to entertain every age. The event’s main sponsors are Carl Black Chevrolet, Orlando Harley Davidson, Darden Restaurants, The Crosshairs, Playnation of Orlando, the Orlando Solar Bears and the Orlando Magic. Promoted by Game Plan Media and The Crosshairs; Info: Laura Burk  407.900.1915  laura@gameplanmedia.info

Sat. Sept 14  -  Borinqueneer’s Florida Honor Ceremony – The US Army 65^th Infantry Regiment heroes and Patriots gathering will be recognized by Florida Governor Rick Scott and others for their service.  The Puerto Rican group of warriors was formed by Congress in 1899 and served in WWI, WWII and Korea until it was integrated.  Thru the years they experienced discrimination and segregation without recognition.  Just as there was past belated recognition for the Navajo Code Talkers, Tuskegee Airmen, Women Air Force Service Pilots, and others, the Borinqueneer’s stand to receive the Congressional Gold Medal.  With many of the warriors currently living in Central Florida, this event will recognize and provide an update on the CGM process.  Event also will have health fair, veteran assistance, music. Free, 1 PM (doors open at 12 noon) at the Kissimmee Civic Center at 201 E. Dakin Ave., Kissimmee, 34741.  Info:Bethzaida.Garcia@osceola.org  407-742-0101; or Dennis Freytes (VP for the NAUS, SE Region) atdennisfreytes@hotmail.com   407-298-1151.

Sat. Sept 14  -  Job Fair – Actual hiring businesses; Classes for job seekers in resume writing, interviewing, etc.  Classes for entrepreneurs in doing business with Orange County, federal govt,; starting businesses, loans, etc.  Free and open to all.  Sponsored by FAVOB (FL Assoc. of Veteran Owned Businesses) and the Small Biz Alliance of Windermere.   9:30am – 3pm at Faith Assembly Church, 9370 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando, 32825.  Info: Dan Fanelli  407.844.7632  vicechair@favob.org   Event flyer available.

Sat. Sept 14  -  Fairways for Warriors Golf Tournament – 9am start at Kings Ridge Golf Club in Clermont.  Second Annual Fairways for Warriors Golf Tournament to provide golf instruction, equipment and tee times to help disabled veterans overcome their challenges.  At least one wounded warrior will be on each team.  Info:  352-242-4653.

(Notice courtesy of Ed Burford, Seminole Co. VSO.)

  

Sat. Sept 14 – 9^th Annual Jason Burnett Memorial USO Benefit Ride in Orlando. This is a 70 mile Police escorted motorcycle ride to benefit the USO Care Package Campaign.  Come to Orlando Harley Davidson South – 7786 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy/US 192, Kissimmee (4.3 miles west of I-4).  Registration: 8:30-10:00 AM.  Kickstands up at 10:45.  After ride Party: 12noon – 3pm with Live Music, food, beverage, silent auction, more.  POC: Viola Pearce at 407-892-2246, usobenefitride.com

Sat. Sept 14  - Rack Up a Victory - Trick shot (artistic billiards) professionals to recognize veterans, military, first responders and their families.  All persons are invited!  Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman, Steve Lillis, and BCA Hall of Fame Inductee Mike Massey -  world champions have appeared on ESPN, etc.  1:30 pm – 4:30 pm, Sebastian K Ballroom, Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel, 9939 Universal Blvd, Orlando, 32819. Sponsored by Veterans Outreach Foundation (VOF) composed of local community defense industry volunteers.  POC – Diane at 407- 437-5922.

Sat. Sept 14 and 28  -  Dinner and Karaoke - Dinner starts at 5pm and Karaoke at 6pm to 10pm.  Cpl Larry E. Smedley National Vietnam War Museum (aka “the Bunker”), 3400 North Tanner Road,  Orlando, 32826.  New website at:  http://www.bunkerflorida.org      The museum is a place full of knowledge, experiences, and memories. It is here that you will discover many unique and historical artifacts of the Vietnam Era.  Open to the public with FREE admission on Saturdays from 10:00am to 5:00pm, and Sundays from 10:00pm to 4:00pm. 

James Gandolfini, Champion of PTSD and wounded veterans died in Italy

James Gandolfini dies; Actor changed cable TV in HBO's Sopranos
Washington Times
Entertainment News and Reviews
by Jacquie Kubin
June 19, 2013

LOS ANGELES, June 19, 2013 — As mob boss Tony Soprano we learned to love actor James Gandolfini, whose portrayal of the often slovenly boss on the “The Sopranos” showed us a kinder, gentler mobster. One that could be brutal, but who was also fraught with the same frailties as any man with a family, well two families, to take care of.

Gandolfini’s genius was in creating a character that became the center cog on what has remained as one of TV’s greatest drama series, lasting in the hearts and memories of fans well past its final show in 2007.

An active supporter of serving and veteran soldiers, Gandolfini began working behind the camera, producing “Alive Day: Home from Iraq” (2007) with HBO and “Wartorn: 1861-2010” which explored post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its effect throughout the history of America.
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