The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes Leads Effort to Thank U.S. Military Veterans and Families on Veteran's Day

LEESBURG, Va., Nov. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Veteran's Day, The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes, a Virginia-based nonprofit organization that provides direct assistance to wounded veterans, is thanking our military veterans, especially those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, for their sacrifice and service to the nation.

Recently, The Coalition took part in three high-profile engagements to honor and highlight the new challenges facing 21^st century veterans and their families.

On October 23, 2013, The Coalition co-hosted a high-level cocktail reception with the National Democratic Club and Veterans and Military Families for Progress featuring world-renowned tenor Anthony Kearns, a member of The Irish Tenors, with accompanist Patrick Healy. The event, moderated by legendary news anchor Paul Berry, raised awareness for the challenges facing young military veterans – including women, who for the first time, are fighting in war zones.

"We are deeply honored to recognize and serve our nation's military veterans and warriors—and we stand ready to help them restore hope and rebuild their lives," said David Walker, chairman and CEO of the organization.

"We were especially pleased to have Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard as our special guest. She represents the changing demographics in our military and understands what female veterans go through when they come home," said Walker. "We were also pleased that Anthony Kearns could join us and we thank him for his continued support."

"It was a privilege and honor for me to recognize the Coalition and other groups who do so much for the few who step up and risk their lives for our country," said Congresswoman Gabbard (D-HI), a member of the House Veterans Committee. Quoting President Calvin Coolidge, Gabbard – one of two female combat veterans in the U.S. Congress – added: "The nation that forgets its defenders will soon be forgotten."

"I was proud to be a part of this fantastic event to support veterans and the Coalition. Many of our wounded veterans endure severe physical and mental trauma, and then come home to virtually nothing. The Coalition steps up and helps them find their footing, and I thank them for their work," said Berry, a veteran himself.

"The National Democratic Club was proud to help make this event possible, to support veterans ahead of Veteran's Day. We thank Anthony Kearns for being a part of this special tribute. We thank everyone who takes the time to give back to our nation's heroes," said Jim Byers, president of the National Democratic Club.

Matt Cary, who is executive director and founding president of Veterans and Military Families for Progress and co-hosted the event, said: "The Coalition has become one of the nation's leading veterans' groups. They've done a superb job providing direct and swift assistance to wounded veterans, particularly in Washington, D.C. with the funding of a transitional housing project for female veterans and their children."

Mr. Kearns, who sang two sets during the evening, said he was glad to help bring veterans together with lawmakers, trade union members, congressional staff and others.  "Supporting America's military veterans is a cause that's near and dear to my heart. The stories of veterans and their bravery and patriotism were incredibly moving," he said. Kearns recently discussed the event and his work for veterans on the National Defense Radio Show: http://www.thenationaldefense.com/weekly_segments

The next day, on October 24, 2013, Kearns and The Coalition participated in a high-level gala to honor leading Virginia nonprofits. Final Salute, Inc., an organization that provides homeless female veterans with safe and suitable housing, and other projects that promote human excellence, received recognition from Virginia's First Lady.  Kearns was the featured entertainer.

The Coalition is also a part of a major initiative to end homelessness in Washington, D.C. by 2015. On November 1, 2013, Walker joined Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent C. Gray, Matt Cary (who also works as executive director of the D.C. Office of Veterans Affairs), Cecil Byrd, president of the National Association of Concerned Veterans, and others, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a Ward 7 Female Veterans with Children Transitional Housing Facility. During the news conference, Walker announced an additional $7,500.00 from his organization to fund the facility, on top of $47,000 already donated in the past year.

Said Walker during the event, "Female veterans are four times more likely to be homeless... We are standing before one of the most significant projects in the country. We're pioneers. This problem is just starting. Why wait ten years when the problem is so daunting, everybody can't get their arms around it?" Learn more about the housing project at www.nacv1.com.

"We are only a small organization trying to do our part to cherish our nation's veterans for their selfless sacrifices for a proud and grateful nation. This Veteran's Day, we urge all Americans to not only thank the men and women they know who have served, but to lend a hand of support in some way. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who risked everything to protect ours," said Walker.

About the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes

The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes, based in Leesburg, VA, has provided an invaluable lifeline to thousands of America's wounded veterans since its establishment in 2004. The Coalition is distinguished from other veteran-focused organizations by its direct financial assistance to America's wounded heroes. For more information on the Coalition, and to learn how you can support its mission, visit www.saluteheroes.org.

About Tenor Anthony Kearns

Anthony Kearns is the original founding member of The Irish Tenors, with whom he has ten best-selling CDs and 5 PBS Specials. Kearns is a frequent performer on television and with the finest symphony orchestras and opera houses in Europe and America. He recently opened the televised National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. and performed with the U.S. Army Chorus at a pre-Inaugural Brunch hosted by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Martin Dempsey. In November, 2012, he sang with the Air Force Band during a Veterans' Day Special on PBS. In October 2013, Kearns released his debut solo album, "With a Song in My Heart." Purchase a copy at www.anthonykearnstenor.com. Learn more about Kearns at www.anthonykearnsmusic.com.

SOURCE The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes