Military Order of the Purple Heart Salutes America's Adopt a Soldier

The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) is proud to announce its partnership with “America’s Adopt a Soldier,” an organization founded in 2009 by Mary Keeser, a retired U.S. Army Officer and Life Member of the MOPH Ladies Auxiliary.  By combining the resources of several ongoing support activities into one formal program, Mary has positioned “America’s Adopt A Soldier” to better serve and respond to the needs of our Veterans, soldiers and their families.  This is accomplished through strategic community/corporate partnerships, outreach to generous donors, and the assistance of thousands of nation-wide “Grass Roots” volunteers giving back.  When coupled with the establishment of local America’s Adopt A Soldier chapters, this drive will raise public awareness by hosting packing events, raising funds for postage and event support, collecting-packing-shipping packages.  They also give back through sponsorship of local and national events which focus on Soldiers, Veterans and their Families.  Visit the America’s Adopt a Soldier website to learn how you can participate and contribute.

Mary boasts a strong military background.  In addition to her own military service, her father proudly served for 33 years in the Army, including service in Korea and Vietnam; her mother volunteered as an Army Community Service “Gray Lady” Volunteer; one of Mary’s brothers served 30 years in the active Army and now continues to serve as Department of the Army civilian deployed to Iraq; another brother served 30 years in USMC; one sister is a nurse at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky; and, another sister volunteers with the Military Order of the Purple Heart.  As Mary often says, “We all realize just how fortunate we are and how many others sacrifice every single day for our way of life.  Why give back?  Perhaps we should ask ourselves, why not give back of our time and talents to make a difference.”  When asked why she is so dedicated to America’s Adopt A Soldier, Mary’s response is, “It is truly my privilege to be able to give back and hopefully make a difference in the lives of our Veterans, Service members and their Families.  Through both my military and corporate careers, I have been afforded the opportunity meet, work with and learn from extraordinary individuals.  These experiences coupled with life have enabled me to build the relationship, network and knowledge capital that I depend on every day to give back.”

MOPH is also proud to recognize the selfless dedication and support of Nashville recording artist Brittini Black who has truly embraced "America's Adopt A Soldier."  This past year, Brittini joined Sam Tate (Country Music’s Songwriter of the Year) and several other Nashville songwriters at a "Ho-Down Picnic” concert for the soldiers at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center as part of an "America's Adopt a Solider" benefit.  According to Brittini, “This is one way for me to give back to the many soldiers and their families.  I was so touched by meeting the soldiers and hearing their stories.”  Brittini Black is donating $1 from every CD sold during the CMA Festival June 11-14 as a means of giving back to the brave men and women who serve our Country.  Readers are encouraged to go to www.brittiniblack.com to get more information on her CMA Festival appearances, live performance schedule, and visit to Walter Reed Medical Center.

One of the many programs America’s Adopt A Soldier has spearheaded is the Wounded Warrior Pathway to Strength; Enabling Strength through Mobility, Training, Family, Social and Professional Networks.   Through this partnership with Dell, America's Adopt a Soldier delivers laptop and desktop systems to our Wounded Warriors at the Walter Reed Medical Center. In addition, Microsoft is donating software for the laptops and training for the Soldiers who receive them. Verizon is contributing mobile broadband access as well. Their generosity not only lifts the spirits of our Service members in their time of need, but computer-based rehabilitation programs also enable a more speedy recovery. Thanks to all of these generous gifts, our Soldiers can reach out to friends and family and even learn new career skills.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) is unique among Veteran Service Organizations in that all its members were wounded in combat. For this sacrifice, they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal. With grants from the MOPH Service Foundation, the MOPH and its Ladies Auxiliary promote Patriotism, Fraternalism, and the Preservation of America's Military History. Most importantly, they provide comfort and assistance to all Veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless, and those requiring employment assistance.  MOPH volunteers provide assistance to Hospitalized veterans at VA sites and State Veterans Homes.

To learn how you can make a difference to our Veterans, Service Members and their Families, visit http://www.americasadoptasoldier.org/.  America's Adopt a Soldier would like to hear from you, whether you are an individual looking to volunteer, an organization looking to partner, or just interested in a bit more information.  Please contact:

Mary E. Keeser Chairman  & Founder
America's Adopt a Soldier                               
P.O. Box 1049
Springfield, VA 22151

Tel: 703.405.9956
Fax: 703.321.4925
email mary.keeser@americasadoptasoldier.org

Or

MOPH National Public Relations Director, John Bircher, 352-753-5535

Email: PublicRelations@Purpleheart.org

Web: http://www.purpleheart.org/