Atlantic County Veteran Advocates Acknowledge Lt. Colonel Oliver North
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.Media Contacts:
Donna Clementoni
Jennifer Sherlock
jsherlock@jennacommunications.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ATLANTIC COUNTY VETERAN ADVOCATES ACKNOWLEDGE LT. COLONEL OLIVER NORTH’S PATRIOTICSUPPORT
–Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve presented him a Seven Seals Award for Patriotic Support–
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., June 5, 2013 – An outdoor festival to provide Vietnam-era veterans the “welcome home they never received,” was held June 1 at Atlantic City’s Bader Field, courtesy of veteran advocate and radio host, Mike Merlino and Wiser Charitable Enterprises.
VetRock 2013, an all-day “celebration of heroes” was hosted by actor/singer/musician Joe Piscopo and featured Vietnam-era music by live bands such as Mytch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels, Mark Farmer (former lead vocalist for Grand Funk Railroad, The Soul Survivors, Buckinghams and the Trammps.
A patriotic address was given by Lt. Col. Oliver North, who is a combat decorated U.S. Marine, a No. 1 bestselling author, syndicated columnist and the host of “War Stories” on Fox News Channel. His awards for service in combat include the Silver Star, the Bronze Star for valor and two Purple Hearts for wounds in action.
“Events like this should be happening all over America,” North said. “Four decades ago we forgot an important lesson?a nation without heroes is doomed.”
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense, mostly volunteer organization that seeks to create a culture where all American employers value the military service and sacrifice of their employers, presented the former Marine colonel with a “Seven Seals Award” to honor him for his constant commitment to the men and women who wear the uniform?currently less than one percent of American citizens.
This award, depicting the heraldry of the seven seals that ESGR serves, is presented to an individual, company or organization that shows extreme patriotism and support toward the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve and America’s military forces in general.
ESGR came into existence in 1972 when America went to an all-volunteer force. It recognized a need to get the message of employer support to first-line supervisors, local public employers, and both large and small businesses.
North used the opportunity to continue to advocate for veterans, with a firm message that America needs to employ our American heroes.
“They have the characteristics of courage, integrity, tenacity, commitment and accountability,” he said. “If you find a skillset needed to succeed in business, you will find a parallel in an MOS (Military Occupation Specialty).”
North added that we cannot fail to employ those who put themselves in harm’s way to protect our freedom and liberties.
The “Seven Seals Award” presenter, Donna Clementoni who volunteers with ESGR as the New Jersey director of employer outreach, is also helping to organize a “Military Appreciation Night” on June 22 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. In a partnership with the Philadelphia Soul of the Area Football League and Judge VIP (Veterans in Professional) Careers, their battle plan is clear?find jobs for veterans.
Prior to the 6:05 p.m. Philadelphia Soul vs. Iowa Barnstormers match-up, Judge VIP Careers will host a veterans Speed Career Networking Event exclusively for transitioning military service members, wounded warriors, veterans and military spouses from 1:30-4:30 p.m.
An impressive list of employers that recognize the value these well trained, disciplined leaders bring to the civilian workforce includes Subaru of America, Comcast, Jacobs Engineering and Virtua Health Systems.
Employers and veterans interested in participating or registering for the Veterans’ Speed Career Networking Event can register through www.judgevipcareers.com.
A special Army Veterans vs. Navy Arena Football Game will follow the Philadelphia Soul game. The Navy veterans are finalizing a roster that includes former Naval Academy standouts such as college football quarterback Lt. Ricky Dobbs; former Academy kicker Capt. Frank Schenk; former wide receiver Lt. j.g. Tyree Barnes: former defensive end Ensign Jabaree Tuani; and three of the four Person brothers, three of whom played football for Navy, including record holder Andy Person.
Tickets for the Soul game are on sale now by calling 888-789-SOUL or clicking HERE. All active duty military and veterans can type the promo code “MILITARY” for $5 off the price of the ticket, or show their military ID at the box office on game day.
Pictured left to right: Wounded Warrior Alumnus /Peer Mentor Edward Afanador;Lt. Colonel Oliver North, combat decorated U.S. Marine, author and syndicated columnist as the host of “War Stories” on Fox News Channel; NJ Director of Employer Outreach Director for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Donna Clementoni; Atlantic County Sheriff Frank X. Balles, Atlantic County Veterans Advocate and four time Purple Heart recipient Marco Polo Smigliani.
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About the Philadelphia Soul:
The Philadelphia Soul are presented by Parx Casino. They capped their seventh Arena Football League season by capturing the 2012 American Conference championship. For 2013 season tickets, contact the Soul sales department at (215) 253-4900 ext. 3, or request contact from a representative by filling out the form on www.philadelphiasoul.com. Follow the Soul on Facebook atfacebook.com/soul and Twitter at twitter.com/soulfootball.
About The Judge Group & Judge VIP Careers:
The Judge Group, established in 1970, is a global leader in professional services that provides technology consulting, staffing solutions, corporate training and human capital management. Our newest division, Judge VIP Careers, is focused on helping transitioning military service members, wounded warriors, veterans and military spouses find meaningful employment after honorably serving our country. We aim to create unique, cost-effective and innovative employment solutions, opening a pipeline of outstanding talent into corporate America. To learn more about The Judge Group and Judge VIP Careers visit www.judge.com andwww.judgevip.org.