Category Archives: Veteran

Memorial Day 2015

Memorial Day 2015

jw with color walk for warriors color guard

Me with the honor guard from New Directions at the VA Center in Santa Monica, CA

Recently I stopped by a bar to see an old friend from high school. We sat at the bar to catch up and reminisce about the old days. He had stayed in the town I had grown up in, Lake Tahoe, and I had left to join the Navy.

We got into a conversation about vets and he made the remark that he didn’t get why everyone made such a big deal about vets or soldiers as they had signed up for a job and were doing it. Why did they need extra stuff or why did we see them as heroes for doing their job? Arrrrghh!

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Wheelchair Solutions is Making Ordinary Wheelchairs, Walkers and Slings More Functional and Cool Looking

pic wheelchair solutions Wheelie Slings - 7Kathy Mondotte is Making Wheelchairs and Walkers Fashionable with Wheelchair Solutions

In this Audio Interview of Kathy Mondotte, Founder of Wheelchair Solutions, we hear her inspiring story how she survived a crushing blow to the spine which had her in a wheelchair for 13 months and how she is making a difference with products that make wheelchairs, walkers and slings, sexy, cool and fashionable.

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Memorial Day 2013

Memorial Day BannerIn the  past I have spent my Memorial weekend with Walk for Warriors in Los Angeles, CA to honor vets and their families. This year due to some health issues I can not make it, but I do want to let everyone know about it.

Also if you have a special place you go or some great cause or organization you believe needs support please mention them here!

I have found that most veterans do not know what is available out there and there actually is a fair amount of third party resources for vets in need.

I found this on the Internet and thought it was good to check out as a country we need to make Memorial Day and Veterans Day count. JW

IMG_0275The “Memorial” in Memorial Day has been ignored by too many of us who are Continue reading

2014: A YEAR OF UNKNOWN CELEBRATIONS

banner james carlini - Carlini's CornerBy James Carlini

2014 is a year that commemorates a lot of historical breakthroughs and global events. It is unfortunate that many who are in their 20s and 30s are absolutely clueless to these major events. Why? Public education seems to have failed miserably.

SO WHAT BIG THINGS HAPPENED?

Ask someone under 40 what year “the Great War started? You might be surprised – and shocked – with the answers. It is the 100th anniversary of the beginning of World War Continue reading

Veterans Day Celebrity Shout Out Video

banner Veterans Day Celeb Shoutout

Vets this video is for you…

As the creator US Veteran Group on Linkedin and a proud Navy veteran, I am always looking to support our troops and veterans. I so a lot of celebrity interviews and whenever I get a chance I ask for a shout out for the vets and troops.

Here are the celebs:

  • Adrian Paul – Highlander
  • Barry Kerch – Drummer Shinedown
  • Bruce Boxlightner
  • Buzz Aldrin – Astronaut
  • Edwin Hodge – Red Dawn
  • Ernie Hudson
  • Gary Busey
  • James Van Der Beek
  • Joanna Cassidy
  • Kent Shocknek – CBS News Anchor Los Angeles
  • Lorretta Divine – Greys Anatomy
  • Magic Johnson
  • Marilou Henner
  • Nick Young – The Clippers
  • Peter Jason
  • Robert Wuhl
  • Sharon Gless
  • Steven Webber
  • Stuart Pankin
  • Warren Sapp

This video is just a few of the many I have done. I hope to release a lot more soon.

Vets we love you…. You should have a week or a month, not a day.

Please share this with as many as you can and have a wonderful Veterans Day.

Related Links:

US Veteran Group on Linkedin
US Veteran Group on Facebook

Special Thanks goes to…

GBK Productions
Norby Walters – Night of 100 Stars
Alfred Music – NAMM Show

Kent Shocknek Supports Learning Ally at Night of 100 Stars

Kent Shocknek on helping the dyslexic and blind with audio books.

In this video interview, CBS News Anchor, Voice Over Professional, Speaker, Host and Actor Kent Shocknek talks to us about Oscars 2013 and his support of Learning Ally and gives a shout out to U.S. Veterans. Continue reading

Memorial Day 2013

banner flag 01The past two years I have gone to a Walk for Warriors in Los Angeles, CA to honor vets and their families. This year due to some health issues I can not make it, but I do want to let everyone know about it.

Also if you have a special place you go or some great cause or organization you believe needs support please mention them here!

I have found that most veterans do not know what is available out there and there actually is a fair amount of third party resources for vets in need.

I found this on the Internet and thought it was good to check out as a country we need to make Memorial Day and Veterans Day count. JW

Memorial Day by JW NajarianThe “Memorial” in Memorial Day has been ignored by too many of us who are Continue reading

Memorial Day Walk for Warriors in Los Angeles Supporting New Directions

It is Time for the 2013 Walk for Warriors supporting the incredible programs at New Directions

May 27, 2013

This event is over, but you can still donate to this great cause or check out their website so you can go to the next event.

General Donation

Walk, run or just go out and help support veterans programs in your town. We at On Purpose Magazine support New Directions and their yearly Walk for Warriors.A great day in the sun with color guard, New Directions Choir as seen on America’s Got Talent and so many great vendors and associations that are helping veterans and their families the support they really need. Continue reading

MUSEUMS: SETTING A FUTURE DIRECTION BY PRESERVING HISTORY

banner james carlini - Carlini's CornerBy James Carlini

Any civilization in the last 5,000 years can only be understood and measured by what we can read and discover about them.  If they did not keep track of their accomplishments and cultures, chances are, we would know very little about them and their achievements.

  •  If you do not know where you came from, do you really have a good idea of where you are headed?
  • How do you build upon the accomplishments of the past or avoid the mistakes of the past if you are unaware of them?

These seem to be good questions to ask people who do not have a good grasp of how this country started and developed throughout the last 200 years.  As was pointed out by one museum curator, those in the last generation (the Great generation of World War II) seemed to have more Continue reading

Mario’s Soldiers Non-Profit Organization

Mario's SoldiersMarios Soldiers

“Mario’s Soldiers is a non-for profit organization, which focuses on humanitarian efforts spanning from under privileged children to supporting our troops.  This is all done in honor of PFC Marius L. Ferrero, his last mission, and the ideals that he gave the ultimate sacrifice for.”

Got a Twitter message from this group and after looking at their website I just had to share these folks with you.

According to their website they are really busy doing the grass roots effort to help under privileged children, soldiers and their families in time of need.

I am a huge advocate for children against abuse, hunger and also care deeply about my fellow soldiers and veterans who have given the ultimate sacrifice so we and the world can free of fear.

By the way… I also attended ITT Technical Institute like Marius did… so to a fellow brother in service and alumni member I thank Marius for his service and sacrifice.

Thank you to this and all the wonderful organizations, families and people that give of themselves whether it be with time, money, support or all three. – JW

About Mario’s Soldiers

We started MARIOSSOLDIERS.org in honor of our beloved hero PFC Marius L. Ferrero.

This brave soldier was killed in action in Baqubah, Iraq on November 18th 2007 during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Though being in the Army Infantry 1st Battalion, 38th IN REGT. 4th SBCT. 2nd ID SBCT, he never fired a single hostile shot in combat.

PFC Marius L. Ferrero was on a mission promoting good will that day,  handing out toys to Iraqi children.  While on this mission with his gun at his side, an IED detonated and instantly killed Marius along with two other soldiers and seven Iraqi children.

We at MARIOSSOLDIERS.ORG would like to continue PFC Marius L. Ferrero’s last mission, by collecting money and donating toys for children around the world.  Please join us in accomplishing “HIS” mission.

PFC Marius L. Ferrero

PFC Marius L. Ferrero was born in Miami, FL.  February 9th,1984.  He was a very happy child who was known by everyone as “BOLO” or “MARIO”. 

He was loved by everyone who knew him.  He was a member of Civil Air Patrol as a young boy.  Joined JROTC in high school at Coral Park Senior High.  After high school, he attend ITT Technical School before joining the Army in July 2007. 

He loved movies.  He had a DVD Collection over 200 titles.  Marius was very intelligent and could master any task with ease.  He loved helping his grandmother.  He vowed to her that one day he will re-pay her for all that she had done for him. 

He was deployed to Iraq in October of 2007.  While in Iraq, his grandfather, who was very influential in Marius’ life after his father’s death early in his childhood, passed. 

He was given 2 weeks leave to be with his family.  He went back to Iraq and was there just one more day before he was killed in a IED attack in Baqubah, Iraq on November 18, 2007. 

He was a very brave soldier and loved what he did defending our freedom. 

Marius is survived by his paternal grandmother Modesta, Mother Maribel and Brother Manny.  We love you, BOLO.

Twitter (www.twitter.com/MariosSoldiers),
Facebook (www.facebook.com/MariosSoldiers)
or website (www.MariosSoldiers.org)


US Veteran on LinkedInUS Veteran on Linkedin

US Veteran is the largest veteran and military group on Linkedin and welcomes the US Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force, National Guard and Coast Guard.

Reservist, Honorable Discharge or Retired or just looking to help the veteran cause. This Group is for you. Come Join us Find Friends, Network with others to share information and resources. Active Duty Also Welcome -Thank you for your service.

Join or Visit the Linkedin Group www.linkedin.com/groups/US-Veteran-87020
or Follow Us at Twitter www.Twitter.com/us_veteran
on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USVeteranPage

Marilu Henner Supports the Alzheimers, PCRM and US Vets at Night of 100 Stars

Marilu Henner 04 sq shMarilu Henner Supports Alzheimers Association on Celebrity Apprentice

Marilu Henner is best known for her role in Taxi, but she also a producer and author of Total Health Makeover and she supports the Alzheimers Association and PCRM. Continue reading

Buzz Aldrin Gives a Shout Out to US Veterans at Night of 100 Stars

Buzz Aldrin at the Night of 100 Stars Talks About US Veterans

Gemini 12 and Apollo 11 Astronaut and second man to step on the Moon gives a Shout Out to Continue reading

Highlander’s Adrian Paul Gives a Shout Out to US Veterans

Adrian Paul by JW NajarianAdrian Paul at the Night of 100 Stars Gives a Thank You to US Veterans

Actor, Producer, Director and Philanthropist Adrian Paul – A Thank You to US Veterans
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqbHpMY9jas]

Adrian Paul who is best known for the Highlander Movie and TV series stopped by at Night of 100 Stars during the 2012 Oscars to talk to us about his foundation The Peace Fund and give a shout out to the vets… Thanks Adrian and his lovely wife Alexandra Tonelli.  – JW Continue reading

Highlander’s Adrian Paul Talks About The Peace Fund and Celebs4Kids

Adrian Paul by JW NajarianAdrian Paul at the Night of 100 Stars Talks About The Peace Fund and Celebs4Kids

Actor, Producer, Director and Philanthropist Adrian Paul on his foundation The Peace Fund
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGySYlalNKw]

Adrian Paul who is best known for the Highlander Movie and TV series stopped by at Night of 100 Stars during the 2012 Oscars to talk to us about his foundation and give a shout out to the vets… Thanks Adrian and his lovely wife Alexandra Tonelli.  – JW Continue reading

Robert Wuhl Gives Shout Out to US Veterans

Robert Wuhl at the Night of 100 Stars Gives a Shout Out to US Veterans

Actor, Comedian and Writer Robert Wuhlgives a shout out to US veterans
[youtube=www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyfaSkD6vt0]

Robert Wuhl from one of my favorite shows Arli$$ and Assume the Position stopped by at Night of 100 Stars during the 2012 Oscars to give a shout out to the vets… Thanks Robert.  – JW

Robert Wuhl On Purpose MagazineRobert Wuhl

From Wikipedia

After several years of stand-up comedy, Wuhl had roles in movies including Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman (as reporter Alexander Knox) with Michael Keaton, Bull Durham with Kevin Costner, Cobb with Tommy Lee Jones, Mistress with Robert De Niro and Good Morning, Vietnam with Robin Williams. His first role in movies was a starring role in the 1980 comedy The Hollywood Knights along with other fledgling actors Tony Danza, Michelle Pfeiffer and Fran Drescher. He wrote two of the six episodes for the TV series Police Squad! in 1982, and did an audio commentary for its release on DVD in 2006. He also had a small role in the 1983 film Flashdance.

Wuhl was in the beginning of the music video to Madonna‘s 1985 hit “Material Girl.”

In 1992, he appeared in The Bodyguard as host of the Oscars. In reality he won two Emmy Awards for co-writing the Academy Awards in 1990 & 1991 with Billy Crystal.

From 1996 to 2002 he wrote and starred in the HBO series Arli$$ as the title character, an agent for high-profile athletes. From 2000 to 2001, he was a frequent panelist on the ESPN game show 2 Minute Drill, often quizzing the contestants on sports-related movies. Wuhl was a player in the Game Show Network‘s Poker Royale series, a competition between pros and comedians. In 2006, he starred on HBO in a one-man-show, Assume the Position with Mr. Wuhl, where he taught a history class to show how history is created and propagated in a similar fashion to pop culture. A second chapter entitled Assume the Position 201 with Mr. Wuhl aired on HBO in July 2007. Wuhl is currently developing a stage adaptation of “Assume the Position” at Ars Nova in New York City.

Robert currently stars on his own radio show The Robert Wuhl Show talking sports.

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Night of 100 Stars 2011 JW NajarianThanks to Night of 100 Stars, Norby Walters and the great staff for a wonderful night full of stars… Hollywood’s #1 Awards Night Gala.

On one night each year, Hollywood’s most prestigious movie industry awards show is televised to the world. It’s a night when constellations of stars come out of their Brentwood, Beverly Hills and Bel Aire estates to support their peers and participate in the spectacle.

Anyone who is someone is out to see and be seen, a stellar mix of TV and movie actors, moguls and media, producers, paparazzi and assorted glitterati. It’s also
a night where, under the spotlights of the exclusive Beverly Hills Hotel, hundreds of Hollywood’s brightest converge in limousines, wave at the cameras, walk the red carpet, and enter the most exclusive, high-profile awards night gala event of the year – Night of 100 Stars — hosted by legendary agent Norby Walters.

Gary Busey Gives Shout Out to US Veterans

Gary Busey at the Night of 100 Stars Gives a Shout Out to US Veterans

Actor Gary Busey gives a shout out to US veterans
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=584gWziGVxw]

Gary was running to dinner to watch the 2012 Oscars when I caught him for a shout out to the vets… Thanks Gary.  – JW

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Gary Busey and Stephanie SampsonGary Busey

From Wikipedia

William Gary Busey (born June 29, 1944) is an American film and stage actor, and artist. He has appeared in a variety of films, including Lethal Weapon, Point Break, and Under Siege, as well as guest appearances on Gunsmoke, Walker, Texas Ranger, Law & Order, and Entourage. He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor in 1978 for his role in The Buddy Holly Story.

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Night of 100 Stars 2011 JW NajarianThanks to Night of 100 Stars, Norby Walters and the great staff for a wonderful night full of stars… Hollywood’s #1 Awards Night Gala.

On one night each year, Hollywood’s most prestigious movie industry awards show is televised to the world. It’s a night when constellations of stars come out of their Brentwood, Beverly Hills and Bel Aire estates to support their peers and participate in the spectacle.

Anyone who is someone is out to see and be seen, a stellar mix of TV and movie actors, moguls and media, producers, paparazzi and assorted glitterati. It’s also
a night where, under the spotlights of the exclusive Beverly Hills Hotel, hundreds of Hollywood’s brightest converge in limousines, wave at the cameras, walk the red carpet, and enter the most exclusive, high-profile awards night gala event of the year – Night of 100 Stars — hosted by legendary agent Norby Walters.

 

Yoplait Greek 100 Yogurt Supports DreamCenter at GBK for the Emmys

Yoplait Greek 100 Yogurt Supports the Los Angeles DreamCenter at GBK Gifting Suites for the 2012 Emmys

Yoplait Greek 100 Yogurt helped The Los Angeles DreamCenter introduce their services that help the needy in Los Angeles to the celebrities at the GBK Gift Suites for the 2012 Emmys
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaMbsVmpwgs]

The Los Angeles DreamCenter set up a booth along with Yoplait Greek Yogurt 100 calorie, to introduce their services to many of the Emmy celebrities.

I got a chance to speak with Yoplait Greek 100 Yogurt representative Ahsley Herendeen and Danny Slavens of Dream Center about the incredible work DreamCenter does for L.A.

Yoplait is helping the DreamCenter by giving a donation of $100 for each signature they got from Emmy Suite celebrities on a giant blow-up Greek 100 container. Yoplait believes that their affiliation with Dream Center is a great match since the DreamCenter feeds over 50,000 families a month.

Thank you to DreamCenter, Yoplait Yogurt and GBK Productions for everything they are doing to help the needy in Los Angeles. – JW

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Yoplait greek 100 Yogurt

“New Greek 100 is everything you adore about Greek yogurt with 100 calories. It’s just one more way Yoplait helps you discover the SO good in everything.”

What is Greek Yogurt? It is usually a more dense yogurt with more butterfat and more protein.

Yoplait has cut the fat and doubled the protein (10 grams) to make this a 100 calorie great tasting alternative to traditional Greek Yogurt.

For more information and to check out the different flavors go to the:

Yoplait Greek 100 Yogurt Product Site

Yoplait Company

Yoplait believes Goodness is better than badness. And SO goodness is better than just plain goodness.

Yoplait is striving for so goodness. In themselves, the yogurts they make and in the way they behave.

Ultimately, we’re focused on making so good yogurt, and here’s how we see it: you can eat something that tastes amazing but isn’t that good for you. You can eat stuff that’s really good for you, but doesn’t always leave you yummed up. So good yogurt does both. All of you is happy, not just your tongue. And while so goodness will never be perfect, we’ll keep working on ways to make our yogurt more so good than it is today.

We also support causes that you care about. Like fighting breast cancer. We’re thinking we should do this in an even bigger way. We’re figuring that out and want your input.

People say life is really about the little moments of so goodness. There are big moments – we all know what those are – but since they don’t happen as often, we’ll stay focused on doing our part with the little moments. – Yoplait

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DreamCenter

Pastor Matthew Barnett assumed the pastorate of Bethel Temple in 1994 at the age of twenty. After a life-changing encounter with God, he helped Bethel Temple transition from a traditional-style church to a servant driven ministry that grew into what is now known as The Dream Center.

Compelled by a vision to impact all of Los Angeles by addressing people’s physical and spiritual needs in unique and practical ways, The Dream Center has grown into a phenomenon that now reaches more than 40,000 people each week through its multiple church services and various need-centered outreach ministries.

Pastor Matthew is also the senior pastor of the historic Angelus Temple, which combined forces with The Dream Center in 2001 in a historic unification of flagship ministries from two different denominations (Foursquare and Assemblies of God).

ABC 7 News Video on DreamCenter [CLICK HERE TO WATCH]

The mission is to directly impact the issues that afflict Los Angeles communities by reconnecting isolated people to God and a community of support by providing free human services that address immediate and long-term needs in the areas of homelessness, hunger relief, medical care, mental health and education.

The vision is a community of resilient people whose lives have been redeemed by God’s love, who share that love with others to transform and restore broken lives to wholeness.

The DreamCenter Center

The Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart founded Queen of Angels Hospital in 1926. Father Wilhelm Berger, founder of the Franciscan Sisters, defined their ministries as ‘works of neighborly love’. With the establishment of the hospital, the sisters accepted the challenge to serve the poor, the sick, and the aging of Los Angeles for more than a half-century before closing their doors due to financial issues.

The growth of Los Angeles’ population throughout the mid-1920’s and into the 1940’s was directly reflected in the steady rise in admissions, births and patient day care at the hospital. This warranted major expansion projects to the facility in 1938 and 1945. The expanded 360,000 square foot campus now housed nine buildings and covered over eight acres. The distinction as the largest teaching hospital west of the Mississippi soon followed.

Despite enduring The Great Depression and World War II, the healing center fell victim to financial troubles in the early 1980′s, forcing a merger with neighboring Hollywood Clara Barton Memorial Hospital. The newer medical facility, located just three miles away, was renamed Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in 1989, at which time the fabled Queen of Angels Hospital in Echo Park closed its doors.

The site was mostly vacant but for a handful of loyal Franciscan Sisters that undertook caretaking duties. The property was also a popular location for commercial, film, music video and television productions.

The owner of the facility rejected lucrative offers from major entertainment companies in favor of Pastors Tommy and Matthew Barnett’s vision to convert the facility into a ‘spiritual healing center’, but the $10 million dollar asking price was still out of their range. Prayer and negotiations brought the asking price down to $3.9 million dollars and ‘The Church That Never Sleeps’ established its new home in 1996.

For More Information

www.DREAMCENTER.org
2301 Bellevue Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90026-4017

Main Line: 213.273.7000
Pastor Matthew’s Office: 213.273.7030
Pastor Matthew’s Email: pastorsoffice@dreamcenter.org
Donor Relations: 213.273.7100

@LADreamCenter

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Thanks to GBK Productions – Gavin and his great staff. As always you host the best.

GBK Productions is one of the best ways to showcase and promote your products or services. Click on the GBK logo for more information.

DreamCenter Helping the Needy in Los Angeles at GBK Gift Suite for the Emmys

DreamCenter Los Angeles Promotes to Emmy Celebrities at the GBK Gift Suites

The Los Angeles DreamCenter introduced their services that help the needy in Los Angeles to the celebrities at the GBK Gift Suites for the 2012 Emmys
[youtube=www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAHOKzYIAtc]

GBK Productions is well know for as one of the premiere gifting suites for many of the best known awards shows.

The Los Angeles DreamCenter set up a booth along with Yoplait Greek Yogurt 100 calorie, to introduce their services to many of the Emmy celebrities.

I got a chance to speak with Kaci Davis about the incredible work DreamCenter does for L.A. Thank you to DreamCenter, Yoplait Yogurt and GBK Productions for everything they are doing to help the needy in Los Angeles. – JW

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

DreamCenter

Pastor Matthew Barnett assumed the pastorate of Bethel Temple in 1994 at the age of twenty. After a life-changing encounter with God, he helped Bethel Temple transition from a traditional-style church to a servant driven ministry that grew into what is now known as The Dream Center.

Compelled by a vision to impact all of Los Angeles by addressing people’s physical and spiritual needs in unique and practical ways, The Dream Center has grown into a phenomenon that now reaches more than 40,000 people each week through its multiple church services and various need-centered outreach ministries.

Pastor Matthew is also the senior pastor of the historic Angelus Temple, which combined forces with The Dream Center in 2001 in a historic unification of flagship ministries from two different denominations (Foursquare and Assemblies of God).

ABC 7 News Video on DreamCenter [CLICK HERE TO WATCH]

The mission is to directly impact the issues that afflict Los Angeles communities by reconnecting isolated people to God and a community of support by providing free human services that address immediate and long-term needs in the areas of homelessness, hunger relief, medical care, mental health and education.

The vision is a community of resilient people whose lives have been redeemed by God’s love, who share that love with others to transform and restore broken lives to wholeness.

The DreamCenter Center

The Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart founded Queen of Angels Hospital in 1926. Father Wilhelm Berger, founder of the Franciscan Sisters, defined their ministries as ‘works of neighborly love’. With the establishment of the hospital, the sisters accepted the challenge to serve the poor, the sick, and the aging of Los Angeles for more than a half-century before closing their doors due to financial issues.

The growth of Los Angeles’ population throughout the mid-1920’s and into the 1940’s was directly reflected in the steady rise in admissions, births and patient day care at the hospital. This warranted major expansion projects to the facility in 1938 and 1945. The expanded 360,000 square foot campus now housed nine buildings and covered over eight acres. The distinction as the largest teaching hospital west of the Mississippi soon followed.

Despite enduring The Great Depression and World War II, the healing center fell victim to financial troubles in the early 1980′s, forcing a merger with neighboring Hollywood Clara Barton Memorial Hospital. The newer medical facility, located just three miles away, was renamed Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in 1989, at which time the fabled Queen of Angels Hospital in Echo Park closed its doors.

The site was mostly vacant but for a handful of loyal Franciscan Sisters that undertook caretaking duties. The property was also a popular location for commercial, film, music video and television productions.

The owner of the facility rejected lucrative offers from major entertainment companies in favor of Pastors Tommy and Matthew Barnett’s vision to convert the facility into a ‘spiritual healing center’, but the $10 million dollar asking price was still out of their range. Prayer and negotiations brought the asking price down to $3.9 million dollars and ‘The Church That Never Sleeps’ established its new home in 1996.

For More Information

www.DREAMCENTER.org
2301 Bellevue Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90026-4017

Main Line: 213.273.7000
Pastor Matthew’s Office: 213.273.7030
Pastor Matthew’s Email: pastorsoffice@dreamcenter.org
Donor Relations: 213.273.7100

@LADreamCenter

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks to GBK Productions – Gavin and his great staff. As always you host the best.

GBK Productions is one of the best ways to showcase and promote your products or services. Click on the GBK logo for more information.

New Directions Color Guard Memorial Day 2012 Walk for Warriors in Los Angeles

Memorial Day Day New Directions Color Guard Tribute to the Fallen Heroes at the 2nd Annual Walk for Warriors

New Directions Color Guard Memorial Day 2012
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVbYpTwebkQ]

New Directions Color Guard

The New Directions Color Guard is manned by US Veterans that are in the recovery program at New Directions.

These men are an exceptional representational cross section of the men and women that are helped daily by New Directions.

These men all have different, yet similar tragic stories of how they struggled with drugs or mental issues after their military service.

They are proud to be vets and are working hard to get their lives together with the help of New Directions, family and the friends they meet there.

Since I used to watch my father march in the Air Force and I myself marched in the Navy, I have been a sucker for watching the color guard. It is one of a few regrets that I have that I was not part of a color guard myself.

I always get such a feeling of pride and reverence whenever I watch a color guard go through their paces. I especially get emotional with the New Directions Color Guard because I know these guys have struggled so hard to get here and that reminds me that there is hope that the thousands of lost vets can find help.

I appreciate the guys giving me a minute to talk with them and that they were so open about their struggles. Thank you New Directions Color Guard- JW

New Directions Walk for WarriorsWalk for Warriors

WEST LOS ANGELES, Calif. (May 14, 2012) – The West Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and New Directions, Inc. are proud to partner again to announce the 2nd Annual Memorial Day Walk for Warriors on May 28, 2012. Walk for Warriors is a family-friendly 5K (3.1 mile) run/walk to help transitioning veterans in Los Angeles.

Walk for Warriors will help provide assistance for veterans through transitional housing, job training and placement, counseling, adult basic education classes and family reunification services. In addition to the race, Walk for Warriors will feature an Expo booth fair with food and local businesses as well as a performance by the award-winning New Directions Veterans Choir, a singing group comprised of formerly homeless veterans.

Participants can register, form a team and fund-raise by visiting www.walkforwarriors.org. Early registration is $35, and is available until Thursday, May 17. Walk for Warriors is a partnership of New Directions, Inc. a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing comprehensive services to veterans in Los Angeles and the West Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce.

“The West Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce is always ready to step up and help those who have served our country and sacrificed for our Freedom,” said Chamber President Ron Adams. “I had so much fun last year. I was ecstatic when we partnered with New Directions again with hopes of helping more veterans. “

Last year, nearly 600 people took part in the Walk for Warriors run/walk. Teams got sponsors from California and all over the United States and beyond via www.walkforwarriors.org.

New DirectionsNew Directions

New Directions, a nonprofit transitional living program, has been helping the Los Angeles veteran community since 1992.

According to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), there are more than 8,000 homeless veterans on any given night in Los Angeles.

New Directions offers a wide variety of services including housing, substance abuse treatment, counseling, remedial education, job training and placement as well as family reunification and money management classes.

Why do we exist?

New Directions provides services, support and transitional housing to homeless veterans with co-occurring disorders. Essential services at New Directions’ five residential homes include drug and alcohol detoxification and rehabilitation, mental health treatment, food, clothing, shelter, job training, and help with finding permanent housing. This nonprofit agency is unique because it was founded by formerly homeless Vietnam veterans, and has developed an effective “veterans helping veterans” model.

As women and men head home from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, there are more and increasingly diverse vets in need of help. New Directions’ individualized care and treatment methods enable the agency to provide comprehensive, holistic services to veterans of all ages and backgrounds – both seasoned veterans and a new generation just now returning from combat.

What have you accomplished?

From its founding in 1992, New Directions’ history has been filled with reclaimed lives, rediscovered futures and re-imagined possibilities for more than 30,000 veterans who have faithfully and generously served our country.

Each year, New Directions extends help to some 600 veterans through residential substance abuse treatment programs, job training and placement, health assessment and emergency shelter services and a permanent housing placement program. Since beginning operations in an 8-person home, New Directions has grown into a major national model for rehabilitating and housing homeless veterans. Now with 5 facilities, 229 beds, and new permanent, supportive housing in development, New Directions makes a difference in the lives of individual veterans, and on the landscape of homelessness in Los Angeles.

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US Veteran and US Veteran Jobs on LinkedIn are groups formed to bring the US Veterans on LinkedIn together to share and find resources as well as job and employment placement help.

All Veterans are welcome as well as their families. We also allow recruiters and other veterant support groups join, that can help with jobs and other veteran resources.

On Purpose Magazine also has set aside an area devoted to US Veterans to share stories, resources, news and support for our US Veterans.

http://www.linkedin.com/groups/US-Veteran-87020
On Purpose Magazine – US Veteran

Christine Devine at ND Memorial Day 2012 Walk for Warriors in Los Angeles

Los Angeles News Anchor Christine Devine joins New Directions and the West Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce to Host the 2nd Annual Walk for Warriors

Christine Devine talks to us about US Veteran Issues and How New Directions is Helping.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2TJe8kLJAE]

Christine Devine

Christine Devine

This year’s event will be hosted by KTTV Fox 11 news anchor and local philanthropist Christine Devine. Christine

Devine is the recipient of 16 Emmys, including the Academy’s prestigious Governor’s Award, and one award specifically for a story on injured and disfigured veterans.

“I’m thrilled to be participating in Walk for Warriors,” Devine said. “With the unique set of challenges facing veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, this event will bring attention to the urgent need for supporting our vets as they transition home.”

I was very proud to cover the 1st Annual Walk for Warriors in 2011 so I jumped to cover the 2nd annual event.

Local business, media, Veterans and their families and supporters showed up to participate in an 5K walk and run to help bring awareness and needed funds to New Directions, which help get US Veteran homeless men and women, off the streets.

The more that help the homeless. New Directions takes care of all the needs of the veteran to help them get back on their feet and into the community with th knowledge that they have help and the support needed to quit or stay away from drugs and other intolerable situations. New Directions also helps them find work or at least can help them get ready for that all important interview.

I am so proud that we at On Purpose Magazine and US Veteran on LinkedIn get a chance to work with and help this wonderful organization in any way we can.

Thank you so much Greg and Brendan for your time and for putting on this great event. – JW

New Directions Walk for WarriorsWalk for Warriors

WEST LOS ANGELES, Calif. (May 14, 2012) – The West Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and New Directions, Inc. are proud to partner again to announce the 2nd Annual Memorial Day Walk for Warriors on May 28, 2012. Walk for Warriors is a family-friendly 5K (3.1 mile) run/walk to help transitioning veterans in Los Angeles.

Walk for Warriors will help provide assistance for veterans through transitional housing, job training and placement, counseling, adult basic education classes and family reunification services. In addition to the race, Walk for Warriors will feature an Expo booth fair with food and local businesses as well as a performance by the award-winning New Directions Veterans Choir, a singing group comprised of formerly homeless veterans.

Participants can register, form a team and fund-raise by visiting www.walkforwarriors.org. Early registration is $35, and is available until Thursday, May 17. Walk for Warriors is a partnership of New Directions, Inc. a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing comprehensive services to veterans in Los Angeles and the West Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce.

“The West Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce is always ready to step up and help those who have served our country and sacrificed for our Freedom,” said Chamber President Ron Adams. “I had so much fun last year. I was ecstatic when we partnered with New Directions again with hopes of helping more veterans. “

Last year, nearly 600 people took part in the Walk for Warriors run/walk. Teams got sponsors from California and all over the United States and beyond via www.walkforwarriors.org.

New DirectionsNew Directions

New Directions, a nonprofit transitional living program, has been helping the Los Angeles veteran community since 1992.

According to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), there are more than 8,000 homeless veterans on any given night in Los Angeles.

New Directions offers a wide variety of services including housing, substance abuse treatment, counseling, remedial education, job training and placement as well as family reunification and money management classes.

Why do we exist?

New Directions provides services, support and transitional housing to homeless veterans with co-occurring disorders. Essential services at New Directions’ five residential homes include drug and alcohol detoxification and rehabilitation, mental health treatment, food, clothing, shelter, job training, and help with finding permanent housing. This nonprofit agency is unique because it was founded by formerly homeless Vietnam veterans, and has developed an effective “veterans helping veterans” model.

As women and men head home from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, there are more and increasingly diverse vets in need of help. New Directions’ individualized care and treatment methods enable the agency to provide comprehensive, holistic services to veterans of all ages and backgrounds – both seasoned veterans and a new generation just now returning from combat.

What have you accomplished?

From its founding in 1992, New Directions’ history has been filled with reclaimed lives, rediscovered futures and re-imagined possibilities for more than 30,000 veterans who have faithfully and generously served our country.

Each year, New Directions extends help to some 600 veterans through residential substance abuse treatment programs, job training and placement, health assessment and emergency shelter services and a permanent housing placement program. Since beginning operations in an 8-person home, New Directions has grown into a major national model for rehabilitating and housing homeless veterans. Now with 5 facilities, 229 beds, and new permanent, supportive housing in development, New Directions makes a difference in the lives of individual veterans, and on the landscape of homelessness in Los Angeles.

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US Veteran and US Veteran Jobs on LinkedIn are groups formed to bring the US Veterans on LinkedIn together to share and find resources as well as job and employment placement help.

All Veterans are welcome as well as their families. We also allow recruiters and other veterant support groups join, that can help with jobs and other veteran resources.

On Purpose Magazine also has set aside an area devoted to US Veterans to share stories, resources, news and support for our US Veterans.

http://www.linkedin.com/groups/US-Veteran-87020
On Purpose Magazine – US Veteran

New Directions Veteran Help and Hemancipation Presents Cars, Bars and Cigars at Tesla Motors

CARS BARS & CIGARS to Support New Directions Veterans Resource

HEMANCIPATION.NET

Watch This Video to Find out About What New Directions is Doing for Veterans and Their Families

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDM5hnN-EDM&w=480&h=332]

Hemancipation presents luxurious event at Tesla Motors in Los Angeles, to benefit veterans at New Directions

LOS ANGELES, CA (May 19th, 2011) – A predominantly affluent male crowd gathered on the evening of May 19 at Tesla Motors in Beverly Hills to enjoy beautiful cars, the best vintage whisky and the finest cigars. Appropriately called Cars Bars & Cigars, the evening is a signature Hemancipation event, produced by the company that assists men with luxury lifestyle management.

Host Akilah Kamaria, Hemancipation CEO, says “I’ve hosted several Cars Bars & Cigars and the guests will be mostly men. But women feel very comfortable and have a great time at our events.”

Cars Bars Cigars features cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, complimentary cigars and the opportunity to observe a master cigar roller, and includes a preview of luxury cars. Joining Kamaria as hosts are Mark Burton, JD CMAA, Managing Director of Los Angeles Consulting Group, Courtney Norris, Managing Partner of Allure Plus LLC, and Kathleen Tepley, Managing Director, Los Angeles Consulting Group.

A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit New Directions, Inc.

Herself a veteran of service in the U.S. Marine Corps, Kamaria is committed to helping veterans who find returning home to be far more challenging than they ever envisioned. During military service,

Kamaria found herself constantly helping her fellow Marines to adjust during the many transitions inherent in military life. She continued after the military assisting “her guys” with the lifestyle aspects of independent living.

Realizing the need in the marketplace and that she truly had a gift for lifestyle management, Kamaria founded Hemancipation, a luxury lifestyle management service for men.

“When I heard about New Directions, I was impressed that they understand that women who have served in uniform are veterans, too. After a visit, I decided it was time to put together another Cars Bars Cigars evening to benefit this amazing agency,” she noted. The event website may be viewed at http://carsbarscigars.com

About Hemancipation

HEMANCIPATION is the first luxury lifestyle management service for men. Hemancipation provides highly personal concierge services to men and their families.

Clients seek Hemancipation services when there has been a change in their life or if they are anticipating a change. Change can be something as normal as buying a new home or as significant as regaining order after relocating or divorce. Still in many cases, clients call Hemancipation when they are simply overwhelmed with their family’s lifestyle demands.

They also work with attorneys; financial advisors, accountants and other trusted advisors to handle the lifestyle concierge needs of a demanding clientele. More information at www.hemancipation.net

About New Directions, Inc.

Founded in 1992, New Directions, Inc. is a 501(c) 3 public benefit corporation that provides comprehensive services to hundreds of homeless veterans each year in five transitional housing facilities. Veterans leave New Directions with money in the bank, new clothes, new communication skills, jobs or other income, and a new outlook on life.

The V.A. estimates that more than 8,000 homeless veterans still reside on the streets of Los Angeles. More information about New Directions can be found at www.ndvets.org.

Contact: Cindy Young at New Directions
(310) 914-4045 ext 112
cyoung@ndvets.org

Akilah Kamaria at Hemancipation
(888) 473-0876
ceo@hemancipation.net

About Walk for Warriors

Monday, May 30, 2011
8:30 AM 5K RUN START | 9:00 AM 5K WALK START
WEST LOS ANGELES VETERANS AFFAIRS CAMPUS

It may have been your father, your sister or even your son. We all love someone who has fought for our freedom. Is there a warrior in your family you would like to honor?

Join New Directions, Inc., a nonprofit agency that assists homeless veterans and the West Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce in a Memorial Day 5K Walk/Run that honors those who have served and those who are currently serving in the Armed Forces. This event will benefit veterans who are transitioning from homelessness back to families and community.