Washington, D.C.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. George W. Weightman, Commander of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, speaks to the crowd during America Supports You corporate team member NASCAR’s visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Alexandria, Va.

Twin brothers Army Sgt. Kim Bain (left) and Army Staff Sgt. Chris Bain pose with actress Karri Turner at the ASY team member SemperComm Golf Classic on Sept. 15.

Washington, D.C.

Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney shakes hands with Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Dr. David S. C. Chu after accepting an award on behalf of the Commonwealth during the 2006 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award ceremony.

Kyle Busch, driver of the Kellogg’s car, displays his ASY pin while signing autographs at Walter Reed.

ASY from Coast to Coast and Across the Ocean:
Drivers from NASCAR, an America Supports You team member, visited Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. last week to show their support for America’s wounded troops. Ashton Lewis, driver of the Marine Corps-sponsored No. 25 car said, “When you get a chance to come to Walter Reed, like we are today, and you see the commitment and sacrifices our troops make, it really humbles you.” Retired NASCAR driver, Darrell Waltrip, served as master of ceremonies for the night’s event, which included a musical performance by singer Scott Stapp, frontman of the band Creed. “We know a lot of you are big fans, but we’re also big fans of yours,” Waltrip told the injured troops. “We think about you every weekend when they drop that green flag.” Waltrip thanked all those who made the night’s event possible, including those associated with the America Supports You program. Read more

Last week, America Supports You team member SemperComm raised more than $38,000 to benefit their foundation during the SemperComm Golf Classic at the Fort Belvoir Golf Club in Alexandria, Va. Another ASY team member Stars for Stripes participated and brought former “JAG” actress Karri Turner to cheer on the participants and help encourage people to give to SemperComm. Turner said she will go on a Stars for Stripes tour to Southwest Asia this holiday season, adding that it will be her second trip to that area this year. “We're hoping to visit one of the adopted SemperComm bases while we are on the holiday tour,” she said. The Golf Classic brought together a great mix of private citizens and military personnel supporting efforts to make it possible for our men and women stationed overseas to stay in contact with their friends and families. Read more

Department of Defense program and ASY team member Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) honored 15 top employers with the 2006 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award at the Reagan Building in Washington, D.C. last Thursday. The annual award is given to employers who go above and beyond what federal law requires employers do for National Guardsmen and Reservists. Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld addressed the crowd through a taped message of thanks and appreciation for the employers’ support for the men and women in the Guard and Reserve. “I thank you all,” Rumsfeld said. “When your country asked you to help, you responded – heart, mind and soul – to support those serving so that we may live safe and free.” Local D.C. news anchor for WJLA Leon Harris served as Master of Ceremonies, and country music singer Michael Peterson performed a song telling the story of an activated Army Reservist. “Sometimes a song can say in three-and-a-half minutes what a whole program has a hard time getting through to people,” Peterson said. Awardees included Gov. Mitt Romney accepting on behalf of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Starbucks Corporation, Seattle and MGM Mirage, Las Vegas. Read more

Members of CLASS Inc. and the Methuen Senior Citizens Center assemble care packages with blankets.

In Methuen, Mass., New England Caring for Our Military, Inc. marked the anniversary of Sept. 11 by sending 1,200 fleece blankets to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. “How better to recognize the victims of Sept. 11 than to support the troops,” said group founder and ASY team member James Sereigo-Wareing. Groups that helped with the packing included children from Tenney Grammar School, members of the Methuen Senior Activity Center and volunteers from CLASS, an organization for people with behavioral and physical disabilities. The blankets, worth $50,000, were donated by Malden Mills and the boxes were donated by Ideal Box Co. www.necfom.org

ASY In the News
The Herald-Times (Ind.) mentioned ASY’s text message program in a story about local military men and women honored on game day.

Bradenton Herald (Fla.) posted that the PGA Tour's TPC Prestancia in Sarasota will host a golf tournament fundraiser to benefit U.S. troops as part of the America Supports You program.