Category Archives: US 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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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

Dear America

Please forgive that this story is a bit late for the holidays, but it is still worth reposting.

A very moving story. Although I believe this story is well written fiction, it is still a great reminder of the struggles our servicemen and women go through while serving this country.

Bless and Remember our troops this year and let’s not forget to recognize all our US Veterans also.

US Veteran on LinkedInUS Veteran Group on Linkedin

If you are a United States Veteran of the Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force, National Guard and Coast Guard.

If you are a Reservist, Honorably Discharged, Retired or just looking to help the veteran cause and you are a member of Linkedin, than this Group is for you.

We do except family members of vets, recruiters and veteran resource groups like wounded warriors and other organization.

Come Join us Find Friends, Network with others to share information and resources. There is a job section for veterans looking for work and we also have a special group just for veteran job seekers and any organization, corporation, individual or business looking to hire vets. That group is US Veteran Jobs at www.linkedin.com/groups/US-Veteran-Jobs-3860175

Active Duty Also Welcome -Thank you for your service.

To Visit or Join US Veteran on Linkedin go to  www.linkedin.com/groups/US-Veteran-87020

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

NAZI STOLEN ART TREASURE – WHO OWES WHAT?

banner james carlini - Carlini's CornerBy James Carlini

By no means am I an art expert or have some extensive collection, but I do have an appreciation for fine art and also had many relatives fight in World War II. Some say the art that was recently found in Munich was priceless. That might be a fair assessment of it.

I was always shocked at the looting of Europe of all the art treasures and then the lack of finding so many of them. It was an intriguing story to hear how they took both modern and centuries-old art and antiquities back to Germany as spoils of war and empire building. Art from Beckmann, Chagall, Klee, Matisse,and others all went missing for decades. Now, some have been found in 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

CURBING DISCOURSE IS NOT AMERICAN

banner james carlini - Carlini's Corner

By James Carlini

Patrick Henry Stipple engraving by Leney, after Thomas Sully Published by J. Webster, 1817, Copyprint Prints and Photographs Division (LC-USZ62-4907) Library of Congress (134) “I may not agree with what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it.”  Patrick Henry said this just before he said his more famous line, “Give me liberty or give me death.”

It is sometimes misattributed to Voltaire, but the reason I bring it up is because we are experiencing too many curbs to discourse in both the new media of blogs as well as our traditional TV and print media.

The average American wants to hear 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.

 

I ♥ Vets Tee Shirts Helps Vets

Blake Leitch Wounded Combat Vet Makes I Vets Tee Shirts to Help Put Unemployed Vets Back to Work.

Blake Leitch is a combat veteran. In 2005, Blake was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During my deployment he was wounded in action when an IED hit his Bradley Fighting Vehicle.

Since coming home and recuperating from the wounds he sustained he has realized that there is no greater need than to invest in our Veteran families’ education. Blake linked up with Mark Slaby, the Founder of Illinois Patriot Education at The Medinah Patriot Day. That day he realized that there is not only a huge gap in our nations heroes VA benefits, but there is also many great Americans that want to help the vets succeed.

I met Blake through a wonderful friend and I was so inspired by his story and what he is doing to help other vets that I had to meet him.

Blake is one of the nicest guys you ever want to meet and he is working hard to build a business that helps his family, his community and other combat wounded vets.

Blake started the I Heart Vets Tee Shirt Company to help combat wounded vets in his town, find jobs and get help and he has been fairly successful at it.

I love his Tee Shirt so much I have asked Blake to make a special one for my US Veterans Group on LinkedIn. That group now has over 23,000 members. Not all of them need help, but many need resources and jobs and we are always looking at ways to help.

Blake has made us his I ♥ Vets Shirt with our US Veterans Logo on the back, but you can have Blake make your organization a shirt or just buy a plain I Heart Vets Tee Shirt by going to his site and choosing from what he has in stock. 

If you want the US Veteran Special Edition Tee Shirt, which costs the same as his regular shirts, you can go to www.bit.ly/usvet. 20% of the proceeds will go to the Wounded Warrior Program.

Blake is a great guy and his company is doing wonderful work so please support his efforts. Thank you Blake for all you do. – JW

I Heart / Love Vets

Blake Leitch, wounded combat vet first started making I Heart Vets Tee Shirts to support the efforts of The Illinois Patriot Education Fund (IPEF) and he still heavily supports that cause.

Blake’s Tee Shirts have now taken off and he offers his Tee Shirts that support his causes and his family and also can offer your organization his services to easily use I Heart Vets merchandise for your student group, Student Veteran of America Chapter, VFW, American Legion, or any other group. Start fundraising.

This book has one primary purpose: To Get Veterans Jobs! With the help of veterans from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines this book was written by a current Professional Fortune 50 Lead Recruiter with nearly 15 years of experience.

Because the author recruits as his profession in this challenging job market every day, he knows what works and what doesn’t.

This is a no-nonsense guide to help vets get hired, even in this difficult job market –even if nothing else has worked.

A substantial portion of the proceeds from book sales are donated back to charity to help veterans at HonorVet.org and to help the stray and abandoned animals at Logan’s Run Rescue.

Blake Leitch I Heart Vets Tee ShirtsBlake Leitch

Reposted From Off The Shelf & Online
Eastern Illinois University Journalism Dept.

Among so many things, Blake Leitch is a father, student, and husband. But like many other veterans and their families, Blake suffers from the aftermath of war. 

Blake graduated from Mattoon High School in 2000. He was an active participate in the National Guard his junior and senior year. Right after high school, Blake entered basic training for the military. He said

“During that time I came to the realization that I liked doing the Army full-time,” Blake said.

Blake signed up for active duty not knowing the future ahead of him. “The day I reported for active duty was actually September 11th, 2001,” he said.

A few months later, Blake found himself in the midst of the war: Iraq. During that time Blake’s vehicle was hit by an IED bomb over 20 times. From that incident alone, Blake now suffers from severe back and traumatic brain injuries.

“I lost count after about 24 roadside bombs that my convoy vehicle was hit with and the last one is when I took strap mill to my face,” Blake said.

Blake said it wasn’t just one of the bombs that caused his injuries, but a combination of all the explosions he was in.

Years later and a safe return home, Blake is still fighting a battle with the skeletons of his past. Along with back injuries and traumatic brain injuries, Blake was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and suffers from ringing in the ears.

Many soldiers face similar struggles like Blake after returning from war.  Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a severe anxiety disorder that that can develop after exposure to any event that results in psychological trauma. Kim Dowland, a nurse practitioner at Eastern Illinois University Health Services, said PTSD is not an uncommon mental disbility for military veterans. Click here to watch Kim’s interview about PTSD.

Blake still visits the doctor on a regular basis because of his back injuries. Due to the PTSD and traumatic brain injuries he also has difficulties sleeping.

“Every night I’m taking a sleeping pill to help me go through that,” Blake said. “I’ve had a hard time finding a medicine that wouldn’t put me in such a deep sleep that I’d have nightmares.”

Blake said it’s also really hard for him to stay focused for long periods of time due to the PTSD and traumatic brain injuries.

“My brain is just so messed up from what happened over there that it’s just taking a long time to really re-program that,” Blake said.

Blake’s wife of over 7 years, Jackie Leitch, and their son 22-month-old son, Spencer, have helped Blake get through difficult times.

Jackie said though Blake being deployed wasn’t easy, it has actually made their relationship stronger knowing that they have overcome such difficult hurdles.

“We look back at that year that Blake was deployed and we know that we wouldn’t want to do it over again, but we also know there were great things that came out of that for us,” she said.

Jackie said seeing the struggles he still is dealing with a couple years later is still tough. Though she will never truly know what Blake is going through, she said she offers him a listening ear, encouragement, and support. To hear more of what Jackie has to say about her husband, Click right here.

“Honestly, I think its made us stronger,” Blake said. “It makes us communicate better.”

Blake said knowing that he has his family there for him helps him get through everyday. “It gives me more to live for,” he said. Click here to view a slideshow of Blake and his family.

Other than his family, Blake’s spiritual beliefs have also gotten him through post-war difficulties. Blake and his wife Jackie are strong believers in their faith.

“I really believe if it wasn’t for my devotion and my relationship with Jesus I really wouldn’t be alive,” Blake said.

Click here to see a photo essay of how Blake deals with his everyday struggles.

I Heart Vets:

The I Heart Vets Website
The I Heart Vest Special Edition US Veteran on Linkedin Tee
Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn

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US VeteranUS Veteran on LinkedIn

The US Veteran Group on Linkedin was started to assist US Veterans of all services and of any age to connect. As it has expanded to over 23,000 members and growing, it now also looks to help find resources for the veterans who need them.

We also allow family members and resources such as job recruiters and vet help programs for drug abuse and suicide etc.. also join.

If you are a vet looking for work you can also join our US Veteran – Jobs Group

Tony Denison Gives a Shout Out to the US Veterans

Tony Denison of The Closer, Gives A Shout Out to US Veterans

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euo58VbSGtE]

Anthony Denison of The Closer and Major Crimes came to the GBK MTV Movie Awards Gifting Suite to claim some great swag bags of gifts for his favorite charity The Sunshine Kids.

Tony was having fun and couldn’t do enough to try and help the cause he cares so much about.

When I asked Tony about doing a shout out… as soon as I said the word Vet he said “Whatever you want!”. Tony your a class act… Thank You.JW

Tony DenisonTony Denison

From Wikipedia

Anthony Denison (also credited as Anthony John Denison and as Tony Denison), is an American actor.

The eldest of three, he was born and raised in New York City‘s Harlem. Before acting he worked for John Hancock Insurance as a life insurance agent in Poughkeepsie, New York.

While he was at John Hancock, he also pursued his acting career, starring in several stage productions in the New Paltz, New Yorklocale. His stage surname “Denison” was taken from his friend Jan Denison during his days as an actor and director at a nonprofit theater in the late 1970s. Tony also ran a poker club in the early 1980s on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

He is well known for his role as mob boss Ray Luca on the 1980s NBC television show Crime Story which ran from 1986 to 1988.

Afterwards he starred and guest-starred in several crime movies and television programs, notably Wiseguy (in which he portrayed undercover agent John Henry Raglin), City of Hope (1991), The Amy Fisher Story (1993, as Joey Buttafuco), Getting Gotti (1994, as John Gotti), Criminal Passion (1994), and head coach Mike George in ESPN‘s drama series Playmakers. He was to appear on Charmed as the father of the main characters in the first season, but the part was recast with James Read.

He also had a recurring role as Aldo Burrows on the Fox series Prison Break. In 2000 he also played the role of a killer for hire in Walker, Texas Ranger.

His latest work is the recently completed movie Karla, in which he plays Detective Burrows. Denison is part of the regular cast as Detective Andrew Flynn in The Closer airing on TNT.

Watch for Major Crimes coming soon on TNT starring Mary McDonnell who I so enjoyed in Battlestar Gallactica. – JW

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

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.

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

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

James Van Der Beek Gives a Shout Out to the US Veterans

James Van Der Beek Gives A Shout Out to US Veterans

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_olReh9uik]

James Van Der Beek of the Show Don’t Trust the B—- in Apt 23 came out to help Magic Johnson commemorate the purchase of the Dodgers at his official celebration to at RnB Live in Studio City, CA and took a moment to give US Veterans a Shout Out – JW

The Celebration at RnB Live

Stevie Wonder headlined for the Official Magic Johnson Celebration of the Purchase of the Los Angles Dodgers baseball team. Celebrities like James Van Der Beek, athletes like The Clippers Nick Young were in attendance to help Magic celebrate this evening at the very stylish RnB Live in Studio City.

Magic Johnson Award

Former Los Angeles Lakers legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Chicago-based financial services firm Guggenheim Partners, purchased the team from former owner Frank McCourt for $2.15 billion. The deal closed May 1st 2012.

According to the Huffington Post, Guggenheim Partners is Mr. Johnson, CEO Mark Walter, the team’s controlling owner, partner Stan Kasten, the former Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals president and Peter Guber of Mandalay Bay Entertainment. There are also other investors in the group.

James Van Der Beek On Purpose Magazine - by JW NajarianJames Van Der Beek

From Wikipedia

In early 1997, Van Der Beek auditioned for three television pilots. One of them was for the fledgling WB Network show Dawson’s Creek. Van Der Beek won the title role of “Dawson Leery,” and the show’s 1998 debut was a success that helped to establish the network and its cast, which included Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, and Joshua Jackson. The series, shot in Wilmington, North Carolina, ran for six seasons and was syndicated worldwide.

In 1999, he starred in the teen football drama/sports film Varsity Blues, which held the number 1 spot at the US Box Office for its first two weeks.[6] He won an MTV Movie Award for his role. Around this time he was selected one of People magazine‘s “50 Most Beautiful People in the World,” and he appeared in several other films, including Texas Rangers, Scary Movie, and Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back, playing himself playing Jay in the movie within the movie opposite Jason Biggs as Silent Bob.

In 2002, he played Sean Bateman (younger brother of American Psycho protagonist Patrick Bateman) in the film adaptation of Bret Easton EllisThe Rules of Attraction, written and directed by Roger Avary. The film was an initial box office failure, but found a cult following on DVD.[7] In 2006 he also appeared on the Direct-to-DVD thriller The Plague, which was produced by Clive Barker and was panned by critics.

After Dawson’s Creek ended in 2003, Van Der Beek returned to the off-Broadway stage, in Lanford Wilson‘s Rain Dance. He completed an unproduced screenplay titled Winning. Since then, he has made a few appearances on television, including a role on Ugly Betty

In 2007 in, Van Der Beek guest-starred in a two-part episode of the series Criminal Minds, in which he played a fanatic religious serial killer with dissociative identity disorder called Tobias Hankel who kidnaps and drugs one of the main characters Spencer Reid played by Matthew Gray Gubler. During these two episodes, Van Der Beek was credited as a Special Guest Star.

In 2008, he made a guest appearance on How I Met Your Mother. Since 2008, he has also had a recurring role on One Tree Hill. He appeared in an episode of the fifth season of Medium. In 2009, He portrayed real life kidnapper Anthony Steven “Tony Zappa” Wright in the Lifetime network television movie Taken In Broad Daylight.

In 2009, Van Der Beek won Best Actor at the 8th Annual San Diego Film Festival for his portrayal of FBI agent Jake Kelly working in the Republic of China (Taiwan) in the political thriller Formosa Betrayed, which also won Best Picture. The film was distributed theatrically in the United States starting February 26, 2010.[8]

On January 5, 2010, TVGuide.com confirmed that Van Der Beek had been cast in a major recurring role on the television series Mercy. He plays Dr. Joe Briggs, the new womanizing ICU chief who harbors a dark secret.[9] He stars alongside Rhona Mitra, Josh Lucas, and Jon Hamm in the Anders Anderson thriller film Stolen.[10]

In 2011, Van Der Beek portrayed Kesha‘s nemesis in her music video for “Blow“.[11]

2012-Present, Van Der Beek portrays a fictionalized version of himself in the show “Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23” who is desperately trying to revamp his sagging acting career.

James wife Kimberly Van Der Beek writes a blog for People Magazine on Moms, Kids and Family.

Contact James Van Der Beek

Twitter: @VanDerJames
FB: www.facebook.com/VanDerJames
Cause : Kimberly Van Der Beek’s Blog

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Thanks to itgirl Public Relations for the work they did on the event and for inviting us to cover it.

Nick Young of the Clippers Shout Out to US Veterans

Nick Young of the Los Angeles Clippers with a Shout Out to US Veterans

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03j3H8HyeFY]

Nick YoungNick Young of the Los Angeles Clippers showed up at the crowded Red Carpet of Magic Johnson’s Official Celebration of Purchasing the Dodgers baseball club.

Nick was nice enough to give US Veterans a shout out. Thanks Nick. – JW

Nick Young

From Wikipedia

High school career

Young played for Cleveland High School, in suburban Reseda, California. He averaged 27.2 points and 10.8 rebounds as a 2004 senior at Cleveland, earning 2004 CIF L.A. City

Section, Los Angeles Times All-City and San Fernando Valley first team honors. He shot 57.3% from the field and 46.8% from three-point range (52-of-111), had 48 steals and 41 blocks as Cleveland finished 25–4. Young was tabbed the seventh-best player in the country by HoopScoop and listed by prep basketball guru Frank Burlison as among the Top 50 recruits in 2004. He once scored 56 points in one game and had 23 rebounds in another. He earned CIF L.A. City Section first team honors in 2003 and was included in a list of Top Seniors by Athlon heading into 2004.

College career

Young played for the University of Southern California from 2004 to 2007 and was first team All-Pac-10 First Team in the 2005–06 and 2006–07 seasons. In the 2007 NCAA Tournament, Young led the fifth-seeded Trojans to a berth in the Sweet Sixteen, where they lost to the one-seeded North Carolina Tar Heels, 74–64.[1] Along the way, Young led USC to a 77–60 first-round win against Arkansas.[2] In the 2nd round, Young led the team with 22 points over the Texas Longhorns in a 87–68 rout of the team featuring the National Player of the Year, Kevin Durant, though Durant led both teams in scoring with 30.[3]

Following his junior season, as expected,[4] Young announced on April 15, 2007 to the Los Angeles Times that he would forgo his senior year to turn professional and enter the 2007 NBA Draft,[5] where he was selected with the 16th overall pick by the Washington Wizards.

NBA career

Nick Young and Clippers players (Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, Randy Foye and Kenyon Martin) on the floor vs Kings.

Nick Young was selected 16th overall by the Washington Wizards in the 2007 NBA Draft. Young started his first career NBA game on December 15, 2007, against the Sacramento Kings.

On January 9, 2010, Young was fined $10,000 by the Washington Wizards for participating in Gilbert Arenas‘ antics before a game on January 5, 2010 against the Philadelphia 76ers. Arenas was being investigated for a prior incident involving guns in the Wizards’ locker room, but made light of the accusations by pointing his finger at his teammates, as if he were shooting them. His teammates were photographed smiling and laughing with him.[6]

Young scored a career-high 43 points on January 11, 2011 against the Sacramento Kings.[7]

On March 15, 2012, Nick Young was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in a three-way trade involving the Denver Nuggets and Washington Wizards. Later, on April 16, 2012, he helped the Clippers clinch their first playoff berth in 6 years with a 19 point performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was also a key part of the Clippers’ comeback victory against the Memphis Grizzlies in game one of the first round of the 2012 playoffs, making three three-pointers in under a minute.

Contact Nick Young

Twitter: @NickSwagyPYoung
FB: www.facebook.com/thenickyoung1
Nick Youngs Homepage

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Thanks to itgirl Public Relations for the work they did on the event and for inviting us to cover it.

Magic Johnson Gives a Shout Out to US Veterans

Magic Johnson Gives a Shout Out to US Veterans

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oCQPFNJmGM]

Magic JohnsonMagic had to leave, but gave me one more minute to do a shout out to the US Veterans!

Twitter: @MagicJohnson
www.facebook.com/MagicJohnson
Magic Johnson Foundation

Memorial Day 2012

My Message to U.S. Veteran’s on LinkedIn on this Memorial Day Weekend

As a U.S. Navy veteran and the founder of the largest military and veterans group on LinkedIn, US Veteran, I do what I have done every year and took some time to send out a message to our over 22,000 veteran members.

To all the our Troops, Veterans and Families I wish you all the best this Memorial Weekend. – JW

This Years US Veteran Post for Memorial Day 2012

I was looking around for something inspirational to send out this Memorial Day Weekend and found this small paragraph by 3rd Grader Ali M.

“As the flowers rest on the decorated graves and the sunlight shines on the beautiful sailboats,

Uncle Sam whispers in my ear about how we should care for the soldiers and remember the ones that have died.

Swimming pools open, BBQs fry. Today is the day to think of what they have done for us.

There are blurs of red, white and blue marching down the street and flags are lowered at half-mast. But we should always remember and never forget what set us free, from this very day on.

© 2001 Ali M., 3rd Grader, Academy Elementary School, Madison, Connecticut.

How incredible this 8 or 9 year old was to write this wonderful and imaginative description of Memorial Day, but what really came to mind for me was that Ali M. and her dream of this perfect day of remembrance is exactly what our veterans put their lives on the line for.

So this Memorial Day lets remember the veterans and be grateful for this wonderful life they have given their lives to protect.

New Directions Walk for Warriors Memorial Day 2012 Los AngelesI will be covering the Walk for Warriors Event for New Directions in Los Angeles, CA on Memorial Day. If in LA come out and see me and join in… http://www.walkforwarriors.org

Where ever you are and what ever you are doing.. Please have an incredible weekend honoring our fallen heros.

Warmest Regards,
JW Najarian
US Veteran – LinkedIn

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.

Mark Lyden – Veterans: Do This Get Hired

Do This! Get Hired! is Practical Help for Unemployed Veterans

You can NOT expect to get a job in THIS difficult job market by doing the same old things and following the same old advice.  IT WILL NOT WORK!  It is time to get advice that has been PROVEN to work especially in this difficult job market.  Even when nothing else works, this advice WILL!

When you talk to Mark and find out his story, you really get a sense that you are getting to know a real giver.

He and his wife are volunteers for many causes and Mark is doing great with his business and other projects, but when he heard about the unemployment rate of young veterans he was alarmed and wanted to do something. He had written a book to show people how to deal with recruiters and employers and he decided that he would fix it to focus on vets.

The book is full of great information which is broken down very simply. Listen to this interview, Mark gives many of his best tips right here, but buy the book as it helps support HonorVets.org and it really is a great resource.

Also if you know of any students or other professionals that may need some help; please pass this along because Mark’s books for college students and professionals are just as powerful and full of tried and true strategies that get results. – JW

book veterans do this get hiredVeterans: DO THIS GET HIRED

Filled with practical and easy to follow steps, on every major job search topic, which has proven to be extremely effective and has often been the difference between a candidate getting a job or not getting a job.

This book has one primary purpose: To Get Veterans Jobs! With the help of veterans from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines this book was written by a current Professional Fortune 50 Lead Recruiter with nearly 15 years of experience.

Because the author recruits as his profession in this challenging job market every day, he knows what works and what doesn’t.

This is a no-nonsense guide to help vets get hired, even in this difficult job market –even if nothing else has worked.

A substantial portion of the proceeds from book sales are donated back to charity to help veterans at HonorVet.org and to help the stray and abandoned animals at Logan’s Run Rescue.

MARK LYDEN

Mark Lyden is Senior College Recruiter for a Fortune 50 company and has been a professional college recruiter for over 10 years.

He has recruited candidates for small, medium, and large companies and has lead hundreds of college recruiting teams, events, and career fairs on college campuses across the country.

Mark has recruited for technical and non-technical majors at all levels from Freshman through Ph.D. and has recruited for Secret and Top Secret programs.

He has screened, taught, served as a mentor and interviewed thousands of college candidates and has formally presented to approximately 10,000 on various campuses across the United States.

In his career he managed one of the top Co-op / Intern programs in the country. This extensive experience gives him the unique insight and expertise to teach college students the best ways, the proven ways, to approach every major step of their job search process.

Plus because he currently is a Senior College Recruiter as his profession, he understands the challenges of this market.  Mark has a BS, MS, and one year of Ph.D. study in the areas of Business, Human Factors Engineering & Education, and Psychology respectfully.

is an expert at getting people jobs. He has already helped thousands get hired even in this difficult job market. For nearly 15-years, he has been a Professional Lead Recruiter for a Fortune 50 company.

His approach is fresh, practical, easy to follow, and extremely effective. In his recruiting career he has recruited for small, medium, and large companies and organizations.

Mark has screened, taught, mentored and interviewed thousands of candidates and has presented job search seminars across the country. His extensive experience plus the fact that he recruits each day in this difficult job market, gives him the unique insight on the best ways –the proven ways to approach every major step of the job search process so candidates have the best chance at getting hired.

Mr. Lyden’s practical and easy to follow steps, on every major job search topic, has been extremely effective and has often been the difference between a candidate getting a job or not getting a job.

Mark Lyden’s previous top selling book, “College Students: Do This! Get Hired!” has been featured in major news outlets like CNNMoney.com, The Washington Post, and many others. It has helped thousands and thousands get hired.  Now Mark has turned his attention and expertise to helping veterans get jobs.

Mark’s style and approach is fresh and very effective. Those reading or hearing his advice in a seminar are always surprised to learn something new and often discover that what has been holding them back or a mistake they have been making over and over that prevented them from getting hired.

Finally what makes Mr. Lyden’s advice and information so valuable is that it works! But there is a reason why it works better than other information and why so many people get hired with his advice. Every step, trick, tip, or technique he provides has a strong logical reasoning behind it backed up by nearly 15 years of experience.

Anyone can give opinions of what they think might work, or what may have worked for them, but it takes someone doing the job as a Professional Recruiter in this difficult job market to KNOW what works and what specifically you need to do to get hired.

WHAT OTHERS HAVE SAID ABOUT THE BOOK

HonorVet.org reviewed the book and said: “If you’re a veteran you need to read this book! Best advice for getting hired that we have ever read.” With his advice, Mark has already helped thousands of people get hired, even in this challenging job market.

What makes his advice different from what you can find on the Internet or in other “How to get a job” books is that his advice has been PROVEN to work.

“If you’re a veteran you need to read this book! Best advice for getting hired that we have ever read.” – HonorVet.org

Because he currently works recruiting in this job market every day, Mark has a unique perspective on what exactly veterans need to do to have the best chance at getting hired. I am a returning Iraq veteran with disabilities. Since being home I have been fired from (2) civilian jobs and turned down for at least 30. I then received Mark’s book, Veterans: Do This! Get Hired! I read it cover to cover in the parking lot of the post office.

The information is straight forward and easy as hell to understand. I followed his advise in chapters 2&3 to the letter. I saw immediate results on the same day I posted my resume by getting 3 requests for interviews. Mark is on- target with this information. ” –  Matt K. U.S Army (Ret.) Panama/Iraq/Somilia

If you need a job and want help getting it … then you should be interested in buying Mark’s book, please go to his website HERE

Mark can be reached by email HERE