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GENERAL NEWS
Two National Veterans Service Nonprofits Enter Partnership
Wreaths Across America and American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. build patriotic awareness COLUMBIA FALLS, Maine and WASHINGTON, D.C. — Oct. 20, 2016 — As of 2 p.m. today, two leading national veterans service nonprofits, Wreaths Across America (WAA) and American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. (AGSM), have entered into a formal partnership in an effort to build a stronger awareness for each group's common missions, while supporting educational events throughout the nation that teach lessons of patriotism.
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Columbia Falls, Maine, WAA is best known for its annual wreath- laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and yearlong efforts to support its mission: "Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve and Teach the next generation about the true cost of freedom." AGSM was established in 1928 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1984 with the core purpose of supporting families of fallen and wounded soldiers, teaching lessons of patriotism and inspiring respect for the country.
The signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two groups outlines nine key agreements, such as establishment of a steering committee with a representative from each organization, collaborative volunteer efforts and development of a partnership page on WAA's website. "For years, American Gold Star Mothers has played a crucial support role for thousands of families across this country," said Karen Worcester, executive director of WAA. "This official partnership is truly an honor for me, and I'm eager to start our work together. Our combined efforts will no doubt help to shape and inform the next generation of patriots."
Current AGSM president and retired U.S. military servicewoman, Candy Martin, has devoted her entire life to the service of others, whether through her active time in the Army or as a volunteer in her community. As a mother of a fallen soldier, she thinks of her role as more of a calling than a job. AGSM strives to keep the memory of their sons and daughters alive by working to help veterans and members of the armed forces, as well as their families and communities. Martin believes that WAA is a fundamental partner in AGSM's broader community of service and remembrance.
"This is a perfect marriage to me because both organizations come from the same ideals as far as 'Remember, Honor, Teach,'" Martin said. "The mission of American Gold Star Mothers is service to veterans, service to their families and patriotism. We want to teach the world – teach the general public – that freedom isn't free and that there's always a name, always a person, always someone that is the reason for the freedoms that each one of us enjoy every day. And to me, that mission goes hand in hand with Wreaths Across America."
About Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization's mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at more than 1,100 veterans' cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.
For more information, to donate or sign up to volunteer, please visit www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org. Follow Wreaths Across America on Facebook and on Twitter.
Two National Veterans Service Nonprofits Enter Partnership
Wreaths Across America and American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. build patriotic awareness COLUMBIA FALLS, Maine and WASHINGTON, D.C. — Oct. 20, 2016 — As of 2 p.m. today, two leading national veterans service nonprofits, Wreaths Across America (WAA) and American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. (AGSM), have entered into a formal partnership in an effort to build a stronger awareness for each group's common missions, while supporting educational events throughout the nation that teach lessons of patriotism.
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Columbia Falls, Maine, WAA is best known for its annual wreath- laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and yearlong efforts to support its mission: "Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve and Teach the next generation about the true cost of freedom." AGSM was established in 1928 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1984 with the core purpose of supporting families of fallen and wounded soldiers, teaching lessons of patriotism and inspiring respect for the country.
The signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two groups outlines nine key agreements, such as establishment of a steering committee with a representative from each organization, collaborative volunteer efforts and development of a partnership page on WAA's website. "For years, American Gold Star Mothers has played a crucial support role for thousands of families across this country," said Karen Worcester, executive director of WAA. "This official partnership is truly an honor for me, and I'm eager to start our work together. Our combined efforts will no doubt help to shape and inform the next generation of patriots."
Current AGSM president and retired U.S. military servicewoman, Candy Martin, has devoted her entire life to the service of others, whether through her active time in the Army or as a volunteer in her community. As a mother of a fallen soldier, she thinks of her role as more of a calling than a job. AGSM strives to keep the memory of their sons and daughters alive by working to help veterans and members of the armed forces, as well as their families and communities. Martin believes that WAA is a fundamental partner in AGSM's broader community of service and remembrance.
"This is a perfect marriage to me because both organizations come from the same ideals as far as 'Remember, Honor, Teach,'" Martin said. "The mission of American Gold Star Mothers is service to veterans, service to their families and patriotism. We want to teach the world – teach the general public – that freedom isn't free and that there's always a name, always a person, always someone that is the reason for the freedoms that each one of us enjoy every day. And to me, that mission goes hand in hand with Wreaths Across America."
About Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization's mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at more than 1,100 veterans' cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.
For more information, to donate or sign up to volunteer, please visit www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org. Follow Wreaths Across America on Facebook and on Twitter.
CSEG SCHOLARSHIP FOR MOTHERS OF FALLEN MILITARY HEROES
ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — For Cathy Mullins of Owensboro, KY, "surreal" may best describe her life as she embraces another year of community support and efforts for Kentucky Remembers, an annual event she leads that will honor veterans with a parade, 5K race and evening concert on Nov. 5.
Kentucky Remembers started as a simple concert in 2012 to thank the Owensboro community for their support of the Mullins family after their son SPC Brandon Scott Mullins was killed in Afghanistan in 2011. Four years later, the event has grown exponentially, "This year's event is very exciting, emotional, and overwhelming in that since losing Brandon, this day, Kentucky Remembers, has grown from a simple concert to a fun day of events involving our entire community," explained Mullins. "The number of sponsors has nearly tripled and is far reaching beyond what we could have ever expected."
Her dedication to this cause is one reason Columbia Southern Education Group (CSEG) awarded her the Grace Darling Seibold Scholarship in partnership with the American Gold Star Mothers. Mullins, who is a member of the group, recently received the scholarship which honors the mothers of fallen men and women of the U.S. military.
"Catherine is a life-long learner who embodies all that founder Grace Darling Seibold stood for which was selfless service to the veteran community and strength as the mother of a fallen soldier," said CSEG Business Development supervisor Fonta Mitchell. CSEG, the parent company to Columbia Southern University and Waldorf University, established the Grace Darling Seibold Scholarship to help members of American Gold Star Mothers (AGSM) access an online education.
"When the scholarship was announced, I honestly did not consider applying because I already have a master's in elementary education," said Mullins who teaches music for the Owensboro Community and Technical College and community outreach music classes for the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra.
"However, since working on the Kentucky Remembers project, I realize that as a lifelong learner, additional training and insights from studies in leadership and communications would help me in taking this project to new heights."
The scholarship is named after the founder of the mothers' group whose members "were citizens or legal residents of the United States or of the Territorial and Insular Possessions of the United States, at the time of their sons' or daughters' induction into the United States Armed Forces and whose sons' or daughters' became missing in action, died while on active duty, or died as a result of such service..." The Seibold scholarship will cover up to $17,100 in one online degree program (associate, bachelor, master or DBA) at either Columbia Southern University or Waldorf University as applicable.
The scholarship will be applied directly to the recipient's tuition for up to 60 semester hours or 24 consecutive months in the selected online degree program, whichever comes first. Mullins, who helped reorganize the Kentucky chapter of AGSM, plans to obtain an online bachelor's degree in organizational leadership with a focus on leadership communication.
"I love online education! I have taken many graduate courses online over the years and find that the convenience is unmatched. Although I love a traditional classroom environment, I have found that online classes can be more intellectual and thought-provoking," she said. To apply for this scholarship and learn more, please visit the CSEG scholarship page.
Columbia Southern Education Group, the parent company of Columbia Southern University and Waldorf University, provides education and training solutions through these universities to help corporations meet their workforce needs. These institutions offer flexible educational programs designed to challenge and motivate adult learners. To learn more, visit www.csegroup.com. Based in Washington, D.C., the American Gold Star Mothers Inc. is an organization of mothers who have lost a son or daughter in the service of U.S. military. It is a Veterans Service Organization that was established in 1928 and chartered by the United States Congress in 1984.
ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — For Cathy Mullins of Owensboro, KY, "surreal" may best describe her life as she embraces another year of community support and efforts for Kentucky Remembers, an annual event she leads that will honor veterans with a parade, 5K race and evening concert on Nov. 5.
Kentucky Remembers started as a simple concert in 2012 to thank the Owensboro community for their support of the Mullins family after their son SPC Brandon Scott Mullins was killed in Afghanistan in 2011. Four years later, the event has grown exponentially, "This year's event is very exciting, emotional, and overwhelming in that since losing Brandon, this day, Kentucky Remembers, has grown from a simple concert to a fun day of events involving our entire community," explained Mullins. "The number of sponsors has nearly tripled and is far reaching beyond what we could have ever expected."
Her dedication to this cause is one reason Columbia Southern Education Group (CSEG) awarded her the Grace Darling Seibold Scholarship in partnership with the American Gold Star Mothers. Mullins, who is a member of the group, recently received the scholarship which honors the mothers of fallen men and women of the U.S. military.
"Catherine is a life-long learner who embodies all that founder Grace Darling Seibold stood for which was selfless service to the veteran community and strength as the mother of a fallen soldier," said CSEG Business Development supervisor Fonta Mitchell. CSEG, the parent company to Columbia Southern University and Waldorf University, established the Grace Darling Seibold Scholarship to help members of American Gold Star Mothers (AGSM) access an online education.
"When the scholarship was announced, I honestly did not consider applying because I already have a master's in elementary education," said Mullins who teaches music for the Owensboro Community and Technical College and community outreach music classes for the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra.
"However, since working on the Kentucky Remembers project, I realize that as a lifelong learner, additional training and insights from studies in leadership and communications would help me in taking this project to new heights."
The scholarship is named after the founder of the mothers' group whose members "were citizens or legal residents of the United States or of the Territorial and Insular Possessions of the United States, at the time of their sons' or daughters' induction into the United States Armed Forces and whose sons' or daughters' became missing in action, died while on active duty, or died as a result of such service..." The Seibold scholarship will cover up to $17,100 in one online degree program (associate, bachelor, master or DBA) at either Columbia Southern University or Waldorf University as applicable.
The scholarship will be applied directly to the recipient's tuition for up to 60 semester hours or 24 consecutive months in the selected online degree program, whichever comes first. Mullins, who helped reorganize the Kentucky chapter of AGSM, plans to obtain an online bachelor's degree in organizational leadership with a focus on leadership communication.
"I love online education! I have taken many graduate courses online over the years and find that the convenience is unmatched. Although I love a traditional classroom environment, I have found that online classes can be more intellectual and thought-provoking," she said. To apply for this scholarship and learn more, please visit the CSEG scholarship page.
Columbia Southern Education Group, the parent company of Columbia Southern University and Waldorf University, provides education and training solutions through these universities to help corporations meet their workforce needs. These institutions offer flexible educational programs designed to challenge and motivate adult learners. To learn more, visit www.csegroup.com. Based in Washington, D.C., the American Gold Star Mothers Inc. is an organization of mothers who have lost a son or daughter in the service of U.S. military. It is a Veterans Service Organization that was established in 1928 and chartered by the United States Congress in 1984.
Boy Scouts of America and American Gold Star Mothers Inc. Join Forces!
Pictured: AGSM National President, Cindy Kruger and BSA Representative Bray Barnes at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding. Washington, D.C. (February 13, 2016) — American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. and Boy Scouts of America (BSA) signed a memorandum of understanding on February 5, 2016 at AGSM Headquarters in Washington, DC. The BSA and AGSM have both had a long history of supporting the members of the military, veterans, and their families. Both organizations strive to promote service and respect for the country and teach lessons of patriotism. The BSA is an active participant in the World Scout Committee's Messengers of Peace initiative, a global program designed to inspire millions of young men and women across the world to work toward peace through service. All of these shared values and goals made a formal agreement between the BSA and AGSM a natural choice.
AGSM local chapters will be able to contact local BSA councils to provide BSA members and units the opportunity to participate in local AGSM projects as well as Messengers of Peace service projects that support the two organizations' shared values and goals. The types of service projects undertaken will vary by local area but will benefit veterans and their families, honor the memory of the fallen, promote service and respect for the country, teach lessons of patriotism, support gold star mothers, or benefit another common cause.
Many of the service projects envisioned will have multiple beneficiaries. As an example, the planting and maintaining of trees could be executed to honor the sacrifice of the sons and daughters of gold star mothers, improve the landscape of the community, encourage BSA members to be Messengers of Peace, and support the United Nations Environment Program's Billion Tree Campaign project.
AGSM provides thousands of service hours each year in the fulfillment of its mission to serve veterans, to cooperate with all Veterans Service Organizations, civic, and patriotic organizations, to help all gold star mothers in their sorrow, and to remember the fallen. The MOU between the BSA and the AGSM will increase these volunteer hours as well as help to provide service to our veterans who are most deserving of our respect.