Yesterday, January 11, 2008, was a phenomenal day in the history of Military Families Foundation, Inc. / Project “We Remember”. The American Express Foundation provided our first major corporate grant that has enabled us to open the first unit to benefit the families and members of our active duty servicemen and our Veterans. American Express provided us with a $15,000.00 grant which will allow us to take care of the next 12 months of debt service, utilities, cleaning services, and insurance for our first house located in the Partenza at Highland Condominium Complex at 1320 E. Highland in Phoenix. Last night the house was occupied by the family of a Desert Storm Veteran whom we are helping through some difficult times thanks to American Express and people like you who have been supporting Project “We Remember” with your donations and volunteer efforts.

 

The day began at 10:00 a.m. with emcee Mike Broomhead, talk show host at 550 KFYI , and tremendous supporter of Project “We Remember” explaining to the audience why there is a need for Project “We Remember” and the general mission we have embraced. The first to speak was JoEllen Lynn from American Express who presented me with a symbolic check for $15,000.00, and ten gift guards with a total value of $500.00, to be used by those staying at the American Express House for food, gas, and any incidentals that they may need during their stay. During a conversation with JoEllen I learned that American Express has been supporting our military through various activities dating back as far as World War I. What a terrific organization and a terrific friend and supporter of Project “We Remember”.

 

Mike Broomhead then introduced our next speakers, Debbie Dominick and Brenda Gust from the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center. Both Debbie and Brenda took a few minutes to share with everyone the need for programs such as Project “We Remember” and the help it provides to them as an additional resource to provide the services that our Veterans need. I take off my hat to Brenda and Debbie for the work that they do for our Veterans and the true commitment they have to serve those who have served our country.

 

The next speaker was Mike Klier who is the Deputy Director of the Arizona Department of Veterans Service. Mike shared with us the importance of all aspects of government and the private sector coming together in support of our Veterans.

 

Mike Broomhead then introduced Moty Benshabat, Managing Partner of TidanUSA and Olive Branch Communities, the developer of Partenza at Highland. Moty and the entire group of investors at TidanUSA and Olive Branch Communities have made our ability to acquire the first 5 units for Project “We Remember” as easy as possible. Olive Branch Communities is providing access to the units as we move forward to acquire additional Corporate or individual sponsors. Moty Benshabat spoke of the commitment that TidanUSA/Olive Branch Communities feels in supporting our military and Veterans. Moty and the vast majority of TidanUSA/Olive Branch Communities members have served in the Israeli military and understand, from a first hand perspective, the honor and respect that our Veterans are entitled to by those of us they serve and protect.

 

The Honorable Jerry Weiers, Arizona House of Representatives was in attendance and schedule to say a few words but due to a cold and the strain on his voice, he was unable to share his thoughts, but was their to support Project “We Remember”. Representative Weiers is the Chair of Project “We Remember”…CHANGE (Citizens Helping Arizona National Guardsmen Everyday) which is a bi-partisan program supported by both Republicans and Democrats and both houses of the Arizona Legislature. 

 

After I said a few words on the meaning of today for our Veterans and their families we went to Unit 14 (The American Express House) for the ribbon cutting ceremony and a tour of the unit.

 

I am asking each of you to consider supporting those who have supported us through this first phase of our evolution. When you are thinking of products or services I am asking you to support those who have supported our common cause:

 

   American Express 

   Olive Branch Communities/Partenza at Highland Condominiums

   Sleep America (donated two Queen Size bed sets for the American Express House)

   Len Gutman, Open Door Communications (our P.R. firm)

   550 KFYI Mike Broomhead (talk show 6-8 a.m. Saturday and 7-9 p.m. Sunday)

and

if you could send a note of appreciation to Debbie Dominick and Brenda Gust at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center for the great work that they and their fellow workers do for our Veterans plus a note to Mike Klier at the Arizona Department of Veterans Services, that would let them know that you appreciate the work they do to help our Veterans.

 

Pictures of the event should be on the web site sometime Monday or Tuesday. Thanks again for your support.

 

Sincerely,

 

Vernon Bagley

Executive Director/CEO

Military Families Foundation, Inc.

Project “We Remember”