VETERANS

A portion of the net proceeds from the sale of the song, Veterans' Anthem (Lamb of God), will be donated to some of my favorite organizations benefiting Veterans. Here are some Veterans' Charities you or a loved one may be interested in:

Iraq Vets Stress Project. This program is near and dear to my heart in its sheer power to changes lives! Techniques used in this project can benefit anyone, so you don't have to be a Veteran to check it out. This specific project, however, offers Veterans six (6) free sessions with a trained therapist to assist with stress, transition issues and even post-traumatic stress disorder ("PTSD"). These issues may not surface until years after a Veteran has re-entered civilian life, and we are seeing that news and awareness of the current wars may trigger issues, as well. The therapy offered is not "talk therapy," and clinical studies have shown impressive success rates using these techniques. Please forward this link onto anyone who may benefit from relieving the stress so often accompanying military service. www.StressProject.com.

The American Red Cross of Central Maryland provides military personnel and their families with 24-hour communications assistance during emergencies, as well as with counseling and access to financial assistance for unexpected crises. The organization sends messages from family members to members of the United States Armed Forces at military bases worldwide. The information provided in the message helps the service member's commanding officer determine if emergency leave should be granted. To learn more about the American Red Cross of Central Maryland, or to direct a contribution to its Services to Armed Forces, go to www.redcross-cmd.org.

Gamers4Vets. This is a little indie group of guys who like video gaming and knew that gaming has been shown to be helpful to some as they work to recover from injuries. So they formed this organization that raises money and donates video games to Veterans Administrations. Donations welcome. www.Gamers4Vets.com.

Operation Hero Miles. This program gives family members of wounded servicemen and women free plane tickets to visit their loved ones recovering at military hospitals across the country. Travelers donate their unused frequent flyer miles to the Fisher House Foundation. For information or to donate, go to www.heromiles.org.

Fisher House Foundation. Because members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House™ Foundation donates "comfort homes," built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times - during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury. As well, the Fisher House Foundations coordinates services Operation Hero Miles. For information or to donate, go to www.fisherhouse.org.

The American Flag Foundation, Inc. This is an organization whose vision is "to make the American Flag the most important symbol for all Americans." The Foundation's specific mission is "to encourage Patriotism in children and adults, achieved through our education and outreach programs, focused on the American Flag." The Foundation further desires, through patriotic educational programs and public awareness campaigns, to encourage all Americans to observe National Flag Day and participate in the annual National PAUSE FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE and provide a stage upon which all Americans, led by the President of the United States, repeat the thirty-one words that honor America, to show the world that we truly are a united people. www.americanflagfoundation.org.

Thank you for taking the time to consider our American Heroes.

I will let the music and video speak for themselves regarding my appreciation for the courage and sacrifice of our American Veterans. It seems that, as civilians, we are often at a loss to express our appreciation. We know it is not necessary to wait until Veterans' Day to thank a Veteran. Yet, even on Veterans' Day, it can be difficult to find some means to express our gratitude. You say to yourself, "I'm just one person, what can I do?"

As it turns out, there are a number of programs and activities in all of our communities that benefit Veterans and their families. Tap into something in your community, find a charity on-line or create some effort on your own to thank a Veteran.

I'm just this flute player, but I decided to take this opportunity to create this music video that we can all pass around and share ... and remember. What will you do?