The news during this first half of National Military Appreciation Month has been crowded with headlines both good and bad. You absolutely can’t miss the helicopter crash in Nepal, about a military team there on an earth quake related aid mission. Here are just a few others  that caught my eye.    ~Bill

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First A quick reminder about the Send a Soldier a Smile Program

A note from Lynda Wooten, founder of the Send a Soldier a Smile program:

Hi everyone it’s never to early to start writing Christmas cards for the troops. We will officially start for this year in October. We need your help if you know someone who will be deployed at Christmas we need their info to send them cards. Just email me all info is kept strictly confidential. Thanks for your help.

GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS,
LYNDA

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1. Wreckage of U.S. military helicopter found in Nepal; no sign of survivors

By Annie Gowen – full article – 2.

NEW DELHI — A U.S. military team in Nepal found no evidence of survivors Friday amid the wreckage of an American helicopter that apparently crashed during an aid mission in an earthquake-ravaged region earlier this week, a military commander said.

U.S. and Nepali military officials, however, had no immediate details on what caused the chopper to go down Tuesday with eight aboard: six U.S. Marines and two Nepali soldiers.

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2. Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

 

“During Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we honor the perseverance of those who courageously reached for their hopes and dreams in a new land, and we celebrate the important impact the AAPI community has made on our Nation’s progress.”

 

“Time and time again, I hear stories of Coast Guard members doing extraordinary things within their communities,” Olson explained, “and not because they are just members of the Coast Guard necessarily, but simply because it is the right thing to do and they have the capability and desire to help others.”

Olson, a maritime enforcement specialist with Port Security Unit 313 based in Everett, Washington, received a special call on a typical day where he was balancing operational and administrative duties. On the other end of the line was Master Chief Petty Officer Eric Johnson, the Coast Guard’s chief of reserve forces.

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4. Servicemember Mental Health “Care Package” Passes Armed Services Committee

(WASHINGTON D.C.) – The Senate Armed Services Committee approved military mental health provisions from U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly’s “Servicemember and Veteran Mental Health Care Package “(“Care Package”) in this year’s national defense bill.

The Fiscal Year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) received bipartisan support in the Senate Armed Services Committee and will move on to consideration by the full Senate. – read more –

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5. Task Force Continues Humanitarian Aid in Nepal

… U.S. Marine Huey and Osprey aircraft delivered 174,706 pounds of emergency relief supplies since Operation Sahayogi Haat began. The supplies included plastic sheeting, shelter kits, blankets, food, water and medical materials. In addition to delivering aid, task force-assigned aircraft have conducted 459 personnel transports and 52 casualty evacuations. 

Also, one Huey assigned to HMLA-269 will arrive in Nepal Saturday, May 16. Both aircraft will be transported using U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft assigned to the 535th Airlift Squadronon Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. All aircraft are operating in support of relief efforts.

– complete article –

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6. Applebees – 10% Discount and Surprise Treats for Active and Retired Military Members throughout the month on May!

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7. JC Penny Portraits – Free Sitting Fee and Free 8×10 Family Portrait for U.S. Armed Forces Members, plus discount on additional prints.

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8. The Easiest Way to Send Thanks to a Service Member

During May, which is Military Appreciation Month, if you post a note of gratitude on Twitter with the hashtag #thankskindly, snack company Kind will employ a clever robot to write and send a physical letter (albeit a short one — Twitter only allows up to 140 characters per post) to an active duty solider or veteran. – full post –

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9. USO to Make a Million Moments in May: Military Appreciation Month

“The Every Moment Counts campaign has been widely embraced by our USO centers, donors, corporate partners and entertainers since its launch in 2013,” said Alan Reyes, USO Senior Vice President of Operations. “It serves as an important gateway to engage troops, the general public and our partners on behalf of our mission. We look forward to making a million moments this May and every month for our troops and families who sacrifice so much.” – read more –

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Through AZVHV and Heroes Home Advantage, Bill Salvatore of Realty Executives East Valley gives back, not only this month but every day, to Active Military and Veterans when they buy or sell a home. You can save up to $2,000* or more on a single transaction.

Our heroes include Nurses and other Medical Professionals, Firefighters and EMTs, Police Officers and all First Responders, Teachers/Educators, Veterans and Military Members. You can find additional information on the program here. Or give me a call, I’d be happy to explain.

Veterans and Military members can also save on additional home related services: Financing, Insurance, Home Inspection and more. Visit our AZVHV, Arizona Veterans Helping Veterans, page for more information.

*$2,000 is used as an example only. Actual cash back amount is equal to 25% of agent’s individual client-related commission, and will be applied to your closing costs. Must be a client of, and have signed agreement with Bill Salvatore, Realty Executives East Valley. Total cash back may include discounts on services such as mortgage financing fees or rates, home inspection, home owner’s insurance, or other purchase/sale related services. Discounts and cash back amount must appear on HUD1 **Cannot be combined with other Realtor discount programs.