6/29/2009
Jim Knotts Joins Operation Homefront as CEO
Operation Homefront is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher J. (Jim) Knotts as the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer effective August 1, 2009.
A former Air Force public affairs officer and veteran of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Knotts has served for two years on Operation Homefront’s national ...
Operation Homefront is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher J. (Jim) Knotts as the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer effective August 1, 2009.
A former Air Force public affairs officer and veteran of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Knotts has served for two years on Operation Homefront’s national board of directors. He chaired the fundraising committee, which raised more than $30 million in support of the organization’s efforts on behalf of military families.
Prior to accepting the position with Operation Homefront, Knotts served as director, corporate citizenship, at Lockheed Martin headquarters in Bethesda, Md. In that capacity, he led the corporation’s efforts in philanthropy, community involvement, education outreach and volunteer activities for the corporation. In addition, he served as director for Web communications, where he was responsible for the company’s public web presence.
“Jim brings to us passion, vision, and a demonstrated ability to help grow and expand the services we provide to military families and our nation’s wounded warriors,” said acting CEO and co-founder Amy Palmer. “We are excited and honored to have Jim join Operation Homefront.”
Knotts says he is excited to join an organization that is recognized for supporting military families.
“The price of peace is paid by the entire military family,” Knotts said. “As much as our country needs strong service members, they in turn need strong families. Through the support of its donors and the dedication of its staff and volunteers, Operation Homefront is there when our troops need emergency and morale assistance. I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to lead an organization that does so much for our service members and their families. I look forward to continuing that mission.”
Knotts also noted the outstanding financial stewardship and performance by Operation Homefront, which has been named a four-star charity by Charity Navigator. Also, the American Institute of Philanthropy has recognized Operation Homefront’s national office as a top-ranked charity for its sound fiscal management.
For more information, call (202) 870-0688, or visit www.operationhomefront.net.
6/25/2009
Hooters of America Contributes $100,000 to Operation Homefront
SAN ANTONIO – Hooters of America has made a $100,000 contribution to Operation Homefront. The funds, which will be used to provide morale programs to military families and to help wounded warriors, were formally presented at an event held June 20, 2009 in Ft. Lauderdale.
“It is with appreciation that we accept ...
SAN ANTONIO – Hooters of America has made a $100,000 contribution to Operation Homefront. The funds, which will be used to provide morale programs to military families and to help wounded warriors, were formally presented at an event held June 20, 2009 in Ft. Lauderdale.
“It is with appreciation that we accept this generous contribution,” said Vice President of Development Shelly Roach. “Donations such as this allow Operation Homefront to make a difference in the lives of our nation’s military families and to provide support to our wounded warriors.”
Information on ways to support Operation Homefront and our nation’s military families is available online at http://www.operationhomefront.net/Chapter_root/masterdonate.asp?Chapter_ID=4, or by calling the organization’s national headquarters at 800-825-0813.
About Operation Homefront
Operation Homefront provides emergency and morale assistance for our troops, the families they leave behind and for wounded warriors when they return home. A nonprofit 501(c)(3), Operation Homefront leads more than 4,500 volunteers in 30 chapters nationwide, and has provided critical assistance to more than 45,000 military families in need. Operation Homefront also hosts the Web community Operation Homefront Online. For more information, please visit www.operationhomefront.net and www.homefrontonline.com.
6/24/2009
Operation Homefront Joins United We Serve Initiative
Operation Homefront Joins President in Call to Service for Summer Projects
SAN ANTONIO – Operation Homefront is taking part in United We Serve, a national effort launched by President Obama to engage more Americans in serving their communities this summer. As part of the program, Operation Homefront seeks volunteers to assist with ...
Operation Homefront Joins President in Call to Service for Summer Projects
SAN ANTONIO – Operation Homefront is taking part in United We Serve, a national effort launched by President Obama to engage more Americans in serving their communities this summer. As part of the program, Operation Homefront seeks volunteers to assist with a wide range of activities to help military families.
“In these tough economic times, we need volunteers more than ever,” said Amy Palmer, co-founder and acting CEO. “Operation Homefront is facing increasing demands for services, and volunteers can help us fill this growing need. We are pleased to participate in United We Serve, and we thank the president for making this call to service.”
United We Serve kicked off on June 22 and runs through September 11, which will be marked as a national day of service and remembrance. The initiative focuses on four key areas: education, health, energy/environment and community renewal. The program is led by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that improves lives and strengthens communities though volunteering and service.
“This summer, I'm calling on all of you to make volunteerism and community service part of your daily life and the life of this nation,” said President Obama as he launched the program. “Economic recovery is as much about what you're doing in your communities as what we're doing in Washington – and it’s going to take all of us, working together.”
A Web site, www.serve.gov, allows visitors to type in their zip code to find local volunteer opportunities, recruit volunteers by posting their organization’s projects or get ideas for creating their own projects with friends, families, and neighbors. The site includes a variety of Operation Homefront activities, with each chapter updating their listing with their volunteer needs.
“Everyone has something to give, and summer is a great time to get involved,” said Palmer. “By serving this summer, we hope more Americans will make an ongoing commitment to volunteering throughout the year.”
Visit www.serve.gov to learn about ways you can volunteer to help Operation Homefront serve the military community.
About Operation Homefront
Operation Homefront provides emergency and morale assistance for our troops, the families they leave behind and for wounded warriors when they return home. A nonprofit 501(c)(3), Operation Homefront leads more than 4,500 volunteers in 30 chapters nationwide, and has provided critical assistance to more than 45,000 military families in need. Operation Homefront also hosts the Web community Operation Homefront Online. For more information, please visit www.operationhomefront.net and www.homefrontonline.com.
6/15/2009
Operation Homefront Named Top-Rated Charity by American Institute of Philanthropy
SAN ANTONIO – The American Institute of Philanthropy (AIP), a prominent charity watchdog service, has named Operation Homefront’s national office a top-rated charity. To qualify, organizations generally must spend 75 percent or more of their budgets on programs, spend $25 or less to raise $100 in public support, not hold excessive ...
SAN ANTONIO – The American Institute of Philanthropy (AIP), a prominent charity watchdog service, has named Operation Homefront’s national office a top-rated charity. To qualify, organizations generally must spend 75 percent or more of their budgets on programs, spend $25 or less to raise $100 in public support, not hold excessive assets in reserve, and receive "open-book" status for disclosure of basic financial information and documents to AIP.
“Operation Homefront is honored to be listed as a top-rated charity by the American Institute of Philanthropy,” said acting CEO and Co-founder Amy Palmer. “This recognition reflects our careful stewardship of the resources entrusted to us and our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct as we serve the military community.”
Operation Homefront functions with just 8 percent overhead, with 92 cents of every dollar raised directly supporting those in need. This prudent financial management resulted in Operation Homefront being named a four-star charity by independent evaluation service Charity Navigator, which is that organization’s highest possible rating.
About Operation Homefront
Operation Homefront provides emergency and morale assistance for our troops, the families they leave behind and for wounded warriors when they return home. A nonprofit 501(c)(3), Operation Homefront leads more than 4,500 volunteers in 30 chapters nationwide, and has provided critical assistance to more than 45,000 military families in need. Operation Homefront also hosts the Web community Operation Homefront Online. For more information, please visit www.operationhomefront.net and www.homefrontonline.com.
6/10/2009
Operation Homefront Announces Freedom Walk 2009
SAN ANTONIO – In keeping with the tradition it started in 2005, Operation Homefront is pleased to announce Freedom Walk 2009. This year, Operation Homefront will host more than 30 Freedom Walks nationwide to commemorate Sept. 11 and the service of our military. Each event is free, nonpartisan and open to ...
SAN ANTONIO – In keeping with the tradition it started in 2005, Operation Homefront is pleased to announce Freedom Walk 2009. This year, Operation Homefront will host more than 30 Freedom Walks nationwide to commemorate Sept. 11 and the service of our military. Each event is free, nonpartisan and open to the general public.
The event, which started in the aftermath of the attacks of Sept. 11, shows appreciation for veterans past and present. Additionally, it remembers those who lost their lives in the attacks and raises awareness for Operation Homefront, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that provides free services to military families and wounded warriors nationwide.
“This event is an opportunity for sponsors and participants to honor our veterans and the victims of 9/11,” said Vicki Sarracino, program services manager with Operation Homefront. “Freedom Walk generates visibility and awareness that is vital to our organization’s ability to serve military families and wounded warriors.”
Operation Homefront has hosted the event in the years since the attacks. Freedom Walks have developed into a tradition that brings Americans together on Sept. 11, Sarracino said.
If you would like to sponsor a Freedom Walk, please contact Vicki Sarracino at vicki@operationhomefront.net or 931-802-7442. To participate in a local Freedom Walk, visit http://www.operationhomefront.net/chapters.asp to find the Operation Homefront chapter nearest you.
About Operation Homefront
Operation Homefront provides emergency and morale assistance for our troops, the families they leave behind and for wounded warriors when they return home. A nonprofit 501(c)(3), Operation Homefront leads more than 4,500 volunteers in 30 chapters nationwide, and has provided critical assistance to more than 45,000 military families in need. Operation Homefront also hosts the Web community Operation Homefront Online. For more information, please visit www.operationhomefront.net and www.homefrontonline.com.
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6/5/2009
Operation Homefront Cofounder Amy Palmer Featured in Lifetime’s “Remarkable Women” Series
Episode Airs During Season Premiere of Highest-Rated Series in History of Lifetime Television
SAN ANTONIO – Operation Homefront cofounder and Interim CEO Amy Palmer will be recognized in an upcoming episode of the Lifetime Channel’s “Remarkable Women,” its new weekly series of vignettes that spotlights extraordinary women who inspire and empower others ...
Episode Airs During Season Premiere of Highest-Rated Series in History of Lifetime Television
SAN ANTONIO – Operation Homefront cofounder and Interim CEO Amy Palmer will be recognized in an upcoming episode of the Lifetime Channel’s “Remarkable Women,” its new weekly series of vignettes that spotlights extraordinary women who inspire and empower others to make a difference in their communities. The episode will air in conjunction with the season opener of Lifetime’s acclaimed series, “Army Wives.”
“It is an honor to be recognized in conjunction with a television series that has done so much to raise awareness of the issues confronting military families,” Palmer said. “We are grateful for Lifetime’s continuing efforts and its recognition of the sacrifices made every day by countless spouses, children and other family members of our troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere.”
“Army Wives,” now in its third season, premiers Sunday, June 7, at 10 p.m. EST. The show follows the struggles, dreams and friendships of a diverse group of women — and one man — living with their spouses and families on an active Army post.
"I love being part of 'Army Wives,'” said actress Sally Pressman. “It is such an honor to play such strong, fiercely loyal and incredibly brave people. Additionally, they have welcomed me into their community as one of their own. And what an amazing and fascinating group they are. Military families are jointly the backbone and the heart of America. All my love and gratitude goes out to every one of them."
In conjunction with the show’s season premiere, the Lifetime Network is launching a public affairs campaign to build support for Operation Homefront and other national nonprofits that serve military personnel. The campaign includes a series of public service announcements on key issues affecting members of the armed forces, as well as homecoming tributes featuring interviews with military wives upon their husbands’ return from military deployments.
Additional information about the Lifetime Network’s “Remarkable Women” series is available at http://www.mylifetime.com/my-lifetime-commitment/ewc/every-women-counts-salutes/index. Information about the “Army Wives” series is available at http://www.mylifetime.com/on-tv/shows/army-wives.
5/28/2009
Fifth Annual Prelude to the Dream to Benefit Operation Homefront
ROSSBURG, Ohio (May 28, 2009) – As the sun sets over the cornfields of central Ohio on Wednesday, June 3, 26 of the best drivers in the country will meet at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg for the fifth annual Prelude to the Dream.
There is no prize money, no points, ...
ROSSBURG, Ohio (May 28, 2009) – As the sun sets over the cornfields of central Ohio on Wednesday, June 3, 26 of the best drivers in the country will meet at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg for the fifth annual Prelude to the Dream.
There is no prize money, no points, no sponsor obligations – just 26 drivers in dirt Late Model stock cars going for a trophy and bragging rights among their peers. All drivers want the trophy, but for 25 of them, if they can’t win, they want to beat Eldora’s owner, Tony Stewart, a two-time Prelude to the Dream winner.
It’s Stewart’s house. He bought it in 2004 and has won at Eldora in about every type of car. So the 25 drivers he has invited, including Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Carl Edwards, Kasey Kahne and Kyle Busch, would like nothing more than to beat Stewart in his own backyard.
The following are quotes from selected drivers competing in the fifth annual Prelude to the Dream. The event, which will give the winner bragging rights for a year, will take place at 7 p.m. EDT on June 3 at Eldora Speedway and will be broadcast live on HBO Pay-Per-View®.
For those who want to see the Prelude to the Dream in-person, tickets are available online at www.EldoraSpeedway.com or by calling the track office (937) 338-3815. Act soon – the race has sold out in each of its four previous years and only a few hundred general admission tickets remain.
The live, commercial-free broadcast will begin at 7 p.m. EDT (4 p.m. PDT), followed by an immediate replay. HBO Pay-Per-View’s racing telecast has a suggested retail price of $24.95 and is available to more than 71 million pay-per-view homes. HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming in the pay-per-view industry. Ordering information and up-to-the minute racing information is available at www.hbo.com.
5/18/2009
Operation Homefront Presents Second Military Motherhood Award
SAN ANTONIO – Operation Homefront is pleased to announce that Staff Sgt. Melissa K. Dion is the winner of the 2009 Military Motherhood Award. Sponsored by Lockheed Martin, the award honors the sacrifices of military mothers as they support both their country and their families.
Dion will be awarded $5,000 and ...
SAN ANTONIO – Operation Homefront is pleased to announce that Staff Sgt. Melissa K. Dion is the winner of the 2009 Military Motherhood Award. Sponsored by Lockheed Martin, the award honors the sacrifices of military mothers as they support both their country and their families.
Dion will be awarded $5,000 and flown to Washington, D.C., with her son Ryan for a special ceremony in her honor, which will be held at the Pentagon Conference Center on May 27, 2009. A combat medic, Dion has served two tours in Iraq, 16 years in the Army and earned the Meritorious Service Medal.
Nominated by her mother, she is being recognized both for her role as a single mother and as a mentor to the young soldiers around her, especially on the frontlines.
When Dion left for her first tour in February, 2004, Ryan was just 4 years old. The separation was difficult, but rather than dwell on her losses, Dion embraced her Army family and built a support system for the troops around her. She worked with her family to send over items that the soldiers needed or wanted. She took extra care of young soldiers who never received much at mail call.
Following that deployment, Dion was able to spend just six months with her son before again deploying to Iraq. This time, the deployment proved even more difficult due to a lack of outside phone lines or Internet connections at Dion’s duty station.
“She missed so much of her son’s life,” Dion’s mother states. “His first tooth, learning to swim, riding a bike, birthdays, Christmas and all the other holidays. Videos and pictures are her only memories of all his firsts.”
Despite the challenges, Dion has been “an outstanding soldier, a good mother and a great daughter,” concludes her mother.
“We know we ask for sacrifices from our men and women in uniform, but sacrifices are made by the whole family,” said Jim Knotts of Lockheed Martin. “Melissa is a great example of the awe-inspiring sacrifices of our military moms. She represents the best of our service members and the best of moms. You just couldn’t ask for a more inspirational representative of all the military moms out there.”
The award shines a spotlight on heroes who so often keep themselves in the background, said Scott Celley, vice president of TriWest Healthcare Alliance.
"Operation Homefront provides emergency assistance and morale to our troops, to the families they leave behind, and to wounded warriors when they return home," he said. "We are pleased to partner with Lockheed to support this event honoring these families who sacrifice so much."
5/8/2009
Operation Homefront Distributes Thousands of Easter Baskets to Military Children
SAN ANTONIO – Thanks to donations from generous patriots, Operation Homefront chapters delivered more than 9,600 Easter baskets to military children across the country, a 30 percent increase from previous years.
Chapters set up donation bins in various stores across the country to accept toys, candy, baskets and other Easter fare. ...
SAN ANTONIO – Thanks to donations from generous patriots, Operation Homefront chapters delivered more than 9,600 Easter baskets to military children across the country, a 30 percent increase from previous years.
Chapters set up donation bins in various stores across the country to accept toys, candy, baskets and other Easter fare. Most of the children who received the baskets came from families of ranks E-6 and below.
The Illinois chapter teamed up with local FRGs to collect and distribute the highest number of baskets – 1,450. Other top chapters included Michigan (1,440), Ohio (1,000) and Southern California (917).
“We’re really proud of the way everyone came together to bring some Easter fun to our military families,” said Vicki Sarracino, program services manager. “We’ve got an amazing group of volunteers and chapter leaders who really give their all for our families.”
The Easter Program is just one of several morale-boosters Operation Homefront brings to children every year. During the past two holiday seasons, the organization collected and distributed $10.3 million in toys to military children. Every summer, chapters collect back-to-school supplies to help military kids get off to a good start for the new school year.
For more information, please contact Eric Bonetti at or eric@operationhomefront.net. For more information on all of Operation Homefront’s programs for troops and wounded warriors, please visit www.operationhomefront.net.
About Operation Homefront
Operation Homefront provides emergency and morale assistance for our troops, the families they leave behind and for wounded warriors when they return home. A nonprofit 501(c) (3), Operation Homefront leads more than 4,500 volunteers in 30 chapters nationwide, and has provided critical assistance to more than 45,000 military families in need. Operation Homefront also hosts the Web community Operation Homefront Online. For more information, please visit www.operationhomefront.net and www.homefrontonline.com.
