| WASHINGTON, June 14, 2005 – Sony BMG Music Entertainment company today, Flag Day, released a CD entitled Patriotic Country 2, which features 17 patriotic songs from well-known country music artists. The CD will raise awareness and money for the Armed Services YMCA, a leading private provider of social and support services for military families. Patriotic Country 2 is a compilation of popular, wholesome, contemporary country music hits that express pride in America, according to a fact sheet from the music company. It is the follow up to last year's chart-topping Patriotic Country CD, which has already raised over $500,000 in cash and in-kind donations for charities that support the military. A portion of the proceeds from this year's CD will go directly to the ASYMCA, according to a spokeswoman from Dittus Communications, which is promoting the project. However, the real purpose of the project is to raise awareness of ASYMCA and the services it provides the nation's servicemembers and their families, she said. Increased public awareness will help the organization grow and expand the wide variety of programs it offers to improve military quality of life. The CD features the ASYMCA logo, and several of the artists will be publicly promoting the CD and the ASYMCA. There are 16 ASYMCA branch locations, six affiliated Community YMCAs, and 10 Department of Defense/Department of Homeland Security affiliates worldwide. ASYMCA focuses on providing social services to military members and their families, particularly below the rank of E-6, though all ranks are served. Programs include:
- Recreational programs;
- Day camps for young military children;
- Training and conference management;
- Counseling and support services;
- Outreach centers for families of deployed troops,
- Trips and tours;
- Childcare services;
- A national publication;
- Events and activities for single military members;
- Parenting training courses;
- Support during family separations created by military duties;
- Home visitations to military families living on base;
- Transportation for families living in isolated areas away from a military installation; and
- Tutoring and mentoring programs.
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