The Wingman Foundation And Verizon Wireless Present The Inaugural Ultimate Wingman Georgia Military Heroes Banquet November 15, 2012

ATLANTA, Aug. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Wingman Foundation, in partnership with Verizon Wireless, has announced that the inaugural "Ultimate Wingman Georgia Military Heroes Award Banquet" will take place on Thursday, November 15 in Atlanta at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. This ceremony will recognize and reward three Georgia-based soldiers for their exemplary service. Established by former decorated fighter pilot Rob "Waldo" Waldman (Lt Col, USAFR) and his identical twin brother Dave, The Ultimate Wingman's mission is to seek out America's distinguished military heroes, share their stories, and thank them for their service.

Family members, friends, colleagues, and fellow soldiers are asked to visit www.theultimatewingman.com to nominate soldiers who most exemplify remarkable commitment and service to their country and community. Descriptions should include information about the nominated soldier's special military achievements, community/volunteer service, and other philanthropic activities.  The award is based upon the nominee's particular service-based achievements between January 1, 2009 and May 31, 2012 and only those soldiers currently stationed in Georgia or who are current residents of Georgia serving elsewhere in the world can be nominated. Nominations will be accepted until September 30, 2012.

"No group embraces the wingman characteristics of service and courage more than the men and women of the U.S. military," says Lt. Col. Waldman, co-founder of The Wingman Foundation. "The banquet will honor those soldiers who have served their country and community above and beyond the call of duty.  It will also bring hope and confidence to a nation starved for inspiration by giving special thanks to the best of our country's military."

"We are proud to support this unforgettable first-ever ceremony honoring Georgia's special heroes for being wingmen to our country. Verizon Wireless has been a longtime supporter of our military both nationally and here in Georgia and this event epitomizes that commitment. The values of The Ultimate Wingman – integrity, teamwork, trust, and service – map directly to the core values we have as a company. We look forward to honoring our heroes this fall," says Jonathan LeCompte, President, Verizon Wireless Georgia/Alabama Region.

The Wingman Foundation raises funds and awareness for soldiers, veterans and their families in need, as well as other military-related charitable organizations. The focus of this year's banquet will be to increase awareness and financial support to veterans transitioning from the military into the civilian workplace.  A portion of the banquet proceeds will be used to benefit organizations (such as Hire Heroes USA) that help Georgia's veterans overcome the challenges of entering the civilian workforce.

"Despite recent emphasis on reducing the unemployment rate of transitioning veterans, the numbers are still high considering the tremendous character and leadership skills these amazing wingmen can bring to the workforce. In addition, a recent study of transitioning veterans claimed that 58 percent of them were worried about translating their skills to a business environment.  I believe it's critical to the success of our nation that we support organizations that help veterans find gainful employment, as it will serve to grow American business in this tough economy. It is vital that Georgia based business leaders attend the banquet as it will send a message to these veterans that they aren't flying solo once they leave the military, and they be will supported in their transition to the business world," says Waldman.

About the Founders of The Wingman Foundation
The Wingman Foundation is 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that raises funds and awareness for soldiers, veterans, and their families in need, as well as other military related charitable organizations.

Founders and identical twin brothers Dave and Rob Waldman grew up being each other's wingman: encouraging and lifting each other up to live the American dream. Rob ("Waldo") is a former combat decorated fighter pilot, motivational speaker & author of the New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller Never Fly Solo. Known as "The Wingman," he's been featured on Fox News, CNN and The Harvard Business Review. Dave is a successful entrepreneur, career coach, fitness expert, & all-natural bodybuilding champion. Their goal is to spread the Wingman message of service, courage, teamwork, and trust to all of America.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 93.0 million retail customers, including 88.0 million retail postpaid customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 80,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless