Green Beret Foundation Rings NYSE Closing Bell to Honor American Heroes On Historic Day as Dow Hits All-Time High of 18,000

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Dec 23, 2014, 05:23 ET

NEW YORK, Dec. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Green Beret Foundation is honored to join Wall Street leaders at the New York Stock Exchange today, where Foundation founder Aaron Anderson, executive director Jen Paquette, and supporter business leader Georgette Mosbacher ring the NYSE Closing Bell® to close out today's trading. The U.S. Army Special Forces, or Green Berets, take on dangerous missions behind enemy lines to protect our families and freedom.

Green Beret Foundation Director Jen Paquette, joined by Chairman of the Board of Advisors and CEO of Borghese Georgette Mosbacher, rings the NYSE Closing Bell to highlight the Next Ridgeline program at the New York Stock Exchange on December 23rd, 2014 in New York City. The Next Ridgeline program empowers individuals to set a clear path with achievable goals, navigate the challenges of integrating into the broader community, and live comfortable with the scars of battle. (Photo by Josh Kuckens/NYSE)

The NYSE Bell® ceremony comes on the heels of the Green Beret Foundation Gala Fundraiser in NYC this October, which honored Roger and Beth Ailes and raised more than $1 million for the foundation's many programs.

"We are honored to be invited by the NYSE. This event helps us advance our unique mission of helping Green Berets and their families," said foundation chairman Maj. Gen. (Ret.) David Morris. "We thank the NYSE for all that they do on behalf of America's veterans."

"This is the perfect site to preview our new program, The Next Ridgeline, which will help Special Forces soldiers leverage their unique talents for pursuing business careers. Where better than the seat of capitalism?" said Rone Reed, Senior VP, U.S. Trust, and board member of the Foundation. "There is symbolism here: The market broke 18,000 today for the first time since 9/11. Well, 18 is a designating number known to every Green Beret. Since we were among the first men sent to answer the 9/11 attacks, we're happy to ring the bell today, as the market goes back to a pre-9/11 high of 18,000."

The Next Ridgeline (www.nextridgeline.org) will Train, Advise and Assist Green Berets as they transition from active duty to their communities. As they rejoin their families and begin their journeys into entrepreneurship and civilian employment, Green Berets will enjoy a head start thanks to Next Ridgeline. The program provides resources to support this transition across three main pillars: Redirection of their passion and purpose; strengthening Resilience in mind, body and spirit; and Reintegration into the civilian world through employment, mentorship and education.

The Green Beret Foundation also provides immediate financial assistance to Green Berets injured in the line of duty, to their families, and to the families of Green Berets killed in action. They also distribute funds to support injured Green Berets' extended medical care.

For more information on supporting the foundation, volunteering or other opportunities to support our veterans, visit us at www.greenberetfoundation.org and follow us on social media. The Green Beret Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization headquartered in San Antonio, Texas.

The Green Beret Foundation is committed to advancing the truths of the Special Operations Forces: