Mario Figueroa and Vince McGowan headline Service and Scholarship dinner at West Point Military Academy.

United War Veterans Council content manager and Milvets Executive Board Member, Mario Figueroa served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening, while president and founder, Vince McGowan was recognized as the guest of honor. Mr. McGowan spoke to the importance of the veteran community remembering its past, while also preparing for its future. “Never forget how lucky you are to be a part of such an amazing and capable community, and never become complacent when securing its future success.”

Mr. McGowan also acknowledged the West Point cadets in attendance as the future leaders of America’s Armed Forces and encouraged them to listen to what the Milvets had to say, “You are the future of the US military, but take advantage of the fact you are sitting here with guys and gals that have already had to fight two wars and successfully transitioned into the civilian world. The military and veteran community must work together to ensure our combined success.”

Cadets listen intently as members of the Columbia Milvets share their experiences.

The evening’s celebration also served as a farewell from Major Samuel Cook to his cadets. Major Cook served in the Army for fourteen years with combat deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has spent the past two years as history professor with West Point Military Academy. Major Cook is ending his active duty service with the Army later this year to pursue several entrepreneurial endeavors.

Watch the video:
» Bronx Week: Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. holds Veterans’ Appreciation Day Breakfast for Bronx Week (News12 – The Bronx)

» More photos

- George Washington

This Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 12), in addition to paying tribute to their own mothers, wives and grandmothers, the United War Veterans Council urges everyone to take a moment to honor those mothers who have given more than their fair share to ensure our freedoms:

Gold Star mothers… who have lost a son or daughter in service to our nation.

Blue Star mothers… who currently have a son or daughter serving in uniform.

Military mothers in uniform… who are currently deployed far away from their own children.

Military wives on the homefront... who are raising children and “holding down the fort” while their husbands are deployed.

Veteran mothers… who are making the often-difficult transition to the civilian world.

Mothers of veterans… whose sons and daughters may be struggling in civilian life.

Learn more:

» American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.

» Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.

» Military Moms (Stars and Stripes)

» SERVE.GOV resources for veterans and military families

 » Photos

» Proclamations

» New York City
» New York State
» Presidential

» Program (+ Insert)

» Flyer

* * * * * *

The United War Veterans Council invites all Vietnam Veterans to join us for our fourth annual Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day commemoration. The event will be hosted in the lobby promenade of 55 Water Street, adjacent to the New York City Vietnam Veterans Plaza in Downtown Manhattan.

PLANNED PROGRAM:

10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon | HONORING THE FALLEN
Reading of Names of the Fallen & musical tribute

• 1,741 New Yorkers lost in Vietnam and the 91 New Yorkers who have made the ultimate sacrifice since 9/11/2001.
• POW/MIA Table Ceremony
• Recognition of Gold Star Family members
• Wreath laying ceremony
• Rifle Salute – 6th Communication Battalion, USMC
• 319th Statue of Liberty, U.S. Army Band

12:00 Noon | LUNCH & REUNION CENTER

Sign in to locate fellow attendees from your service branch, unit or similar dates/locations of service.

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM |  THANK YOU FOR SERVING & “WELCOME HOME”

Speakers & performances

• Lieutenant General (Retired) Claude Kicklighter, Director, Department of Defense Commemorations, presentation of the 50th Anniversary Commemorative Flag to all Commemorative Partners.
• John Rowan, National President Vietnam Veterans of America
• Proclamations- (all attendees will receive a copy)
• Presidential Proclamation   
• Governor of New York
• Mayor, City of New York
• Patriotic Musical Tribute by United We Sing
• “Thanks for the Memories” by vocalist Michelle Dellafave, who toured with Bob Hope & the USO in Vietnam
• “We Thank You”  from veterans of Iraq & Afghanistan
• “A Pledge to Remember” from the youth of America

PARKING

Due to damage to the building at 55 Water Street, our customary special parking arrangement will most likely not be available in time for this event.  We recommend the following nearby option:

John Street Parking Corporation
63 Wall St, New York, NY
(212) 785-4594

» Read about last year’s event!

» Click here to see the photos

Commanding Officers, LTC Josh Keisler and LTC Richard Bordonaro reading handmade Valentine's Day cards

The purpose of UWVC’s annual Goodwill Caravan Series is to let our service members, veterans, and wounded warriors know they are loved and appreciated during a holiday that is typically not associated with veterans. LTC. Josh Keisler, Commanding Officer of the 6^th Comm Battalion, had this to say of UWVC’s visit, “My Marines have deployed [and] they’ve returned from either Afghanistan or Iraq so to have you all come in and do this for us, it means the world to us and it is something that we never expected but we are very happy to have you.”

The event started with a welcome from UWVC Executive Director, Pat Gaultieri who told the gathered Marines and Sailors that, “These are cards written by children and adults for the Marines and Sailors…and it’s a real expression of the fact that we not only remember you at…Veterans Day, but all year round. So Valentine’s Day is really an unconditional love day, and that’s why we’re here.”

Marines and Sailors of 6th Communication Battalion gather for gifts and food

Jessica Bryan, founder of “Step Into Their Boots,” an outreach program for local community youth to honor fallen service members, spoke next.  Along with outlining the function of her youth group she read a pledge to the Marines and Sailors present reaffirming her and her young cadet’s support of our service members and veterans.

While the Marines were very appreciative of UWVC’s support and admiration it wasn’t until the next act came up that the normally reserved and disciplined aura of the Marine was replaced by pure happiness and commotion. This was, of course, because the American Bombshells hit the stage to perform. Led by Founder and President Ali “Kat” Bertash, these talented and beautiful pin-up sirens sang and danced their way into the hearts of everyone present. Ali, had this to say of the event, “We love the Marines… to be here with the Marines for Valentine’s Day is really a treat because Valentine’s Day is a time where you can show your love for somebody and remind them that they are special to you” The American Bombshells have dedicated themselves to entertaining our service members, veterans and wounded warriors. You can learn more about them at their website.

American Bombshells stole the show with their dazzling and heartfelt performance for the Marines and Sailors

The day concluded on a serious note, as the Marines were given a short history lesson on the Montfort Point Marines-the first black Marines to be enlisted into the Corps after President Roosevelt issued Executive Order 8802 banning the Federal Government from withholding employment based on race. The Marines of 6^thCommunication Battalion then signed a poster that will be presented to a group of the Montfort Point Marines at an African-American History Month event to be hosted by the NYC Mayor’s office later this month.

Marines sign a poster to be presented to Montfort Point Marines later this month

The Goodwill Caravan would like to thank their sponsors History Channel, U-Haul, HBO, and United War Veterans Council’s Recycling. Without their continual support, none of this would be possible. Additional contributors include FOX5, NBC Universal, FDNY, and the Stephen Siller Foundation.