Posted on 11/08/2005 4:50:33 PM PST by SandRat
The U.S. Army initiated the Freedom Team Salute program six months ago to recognize and honor year-round the Army’s more than 11 million veterans, and those who support Soldiers today. This Veterans Day, Freedom Team Salute is expanding so that U.S. Army veterans may be nominated by anyone wishing to recognize their service, and more individuals are made aware of the program through a new nationwide FTS Ambassador Program.
“Army veterans have served this Nation with honor and dignity,” said Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker. “Freedom Team Salute is a way to recognize our veterans and show them just how much we appreciate the legacy of loyal service they have passed on to this generation of Soldiers.”
The mission of Freedom Team Salute is to strengthen the Army community by honoring veterans for their service and dedication to the U.S. Army and by providing Soldiers – Active, Guard, and Reserve – the opportunity to recognize those who support them. Through a simple nomination process, FTS allows all Army veterans to receive an FTS Commendation package, and provides active duty, Army National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers the opportunity to nominate their parents and spouses for a Commendation. Guard and Reserve Soldiers can also nominate their employers. FTS Commendations include a certificate of appreciation and personalized letter of thanks from the Secretary of the Army and Army Chief of Staff, in addition to an official U.S. Army pin.
Since the program’s inception on May 2, 2005, more than 300,000 commendation packages have been awarded to FTS recipients. The program has provided nomination opportunities to tens of thousands of Americans at nearly 30 Army installations, veteran membership organizations, and public events.
Veterans Day Activities
Freedom Team Salute’s Veterans Day outreach affects eligible participants nationwide. The expansion of the program’s eligibility requirements allows U.S. Army veterans to be nominated by anyone wishing to ensure veterans receive this recognition. The only information needed to nominate a veteran is: the name they served under and an address to which the commendation will be sent. Additionally for Veterans Day, Freedom Team Salute is naming the first five official FTS Program Ambassadors at Veterans Administration hospitals across the country. These ambassadors will serve as community representatives across the nation to raise program awareness of FTS within Army and veteran communities -- allowing veterans and the parents, spouses and employers of Soldiers to share their personal Army story.
Nominations
Nominating someone for a Freedom Team Salute can be done online at www.freedomteamsalute.army.mil. Anyone may nominate a U.S. Army veteran. Active duty, National Guard and Reserve Soldiers also may nominate their parents and spouses. Army National Guard and Reserve Soldiers additionally may nominate their employers. The commendations are mailed within 4-6 weeks.
Community members wanting to learn more about FTS Veterans Day outreach, provide feedback on the program or to sign up as an FTS Ambassador can log on to freedomteamsalute.army.mil or email freedomteamsalute@hqda.army.mil. Media may contact Mr. Scott Sadlon at (703) 602-8478 or at scott.sadlon@hqda.army.mil.
Signing off for a while with still more to post. Have a Scout meeting to make. Later.
If you love your freedom, thank a Vet.
BTTT
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