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ALPFA Veterans' Initiative, sponsored by Barclays
May 2, 2012
On May 2, 2012 at the offices of sponsor Barclays, in New York City, the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPFA) spearheaded its new 'Veterans' Initiative" with a view to facilitating the reintegration of returning veterans into corporate America.
Keynote speaker was Theodore Roosevelt IV, Managing Director - Investment Banking, Barclays
Moderator and panellists were:
Fenton Reese,
Founder, Veterans in Pursuit of Prosperity (VIPP)/ (Ret) Sergeant Major, USMC
Ryan Enriquez, Project Manager, JPMorgan Chase & Co. / Sgt. USMC 2001-2007
Carlos M. Recalde, Senior Director of Enterprise Architecture, Barclays
Kenneth Roldan, Esq., CEO & Managing Partner, Wesley, Brown & Bartle/ Board of Advisors, Veterans Across America
Director Mark Beaumont, who represented the AFF, comments:
"This initiative - although organised by an organization whose priority is to specifically broaden opportunities for Latino Americans in education and commerce - highlighted some important general issues.
Although it is well understood that most returning veterans are disciplined, organised, skilled and responsible, it can be a challenge to present themselves in a manner that brings forward their skill sets, rather than their specific military experience.
As men and women of integrity and as proven team players, they have a head start; but whether seeking retraining, employment or further education, there are communication barriers that need to be overcome. HR and educational specialists should assist in this process. A chronological resume simply illustrating a career path is not enough; veterans moving into new fields need to be able to demonstrate how their skills equate to those required in corporate roles.
The AFF remains committed to raising awareness of veterans' needs and challenges; our specific focus, of course, being on helping to create the best possible future for injured soldiers and their families."
Rodney N.M. Johnson, MBE, elected as Honorary Chairman of the AFF
December 3, 2011
Left to right: AFF directors Jonathan Blum (Secretary), Mark Beaumont (Media and Marketing), Rodney Johnson, MBE (Honorary Chairman), Richard Terbrusch (Legal Counsel),
C.L. OX Gara (Events and Operations), Major (retd.) Stephen Cain, MBE (President and CEO) and Mark Newdick (Financial Director). Photo: Terence McGovern
At a Board meeting of the Allied Forces Foundation, Inc. held December 3, 2011, directors were pleased to welcome Rodney N.M. Johnson, MBE, to the AFF Board as Honorary Chairman.
Rodney Johnson served in Germany with the Royal Engineers. After his military service, he went on to head up the international designer apparel company Jaeger as President and CEO. Mr. Johnson has served as President of the St. George's Society of New York and is currently Vice Chairman and Financial Director of the British Memorial Garden Trust, Inc., which body administers the British Garden at Hanover Square. The AFF Pipes & Drums are the Official Pipe Band of the British Garden.
Rodney Johnson lives in Darien, CT with his wife Jennifer. He is well known and respected in both business and social circles in New York City and beyond, and is a most welcome addition to the AFF team.
The British Garden at Hanover Square - Gala Dinner
September 12, 2011
Ed Parker, co-founder of Walking with the Wounded, with honoree Captain Guy Disney and Major (retd.) Stephen Cain, MBE, Executive Director of the AFF. Photo courtesy of David Patrick Columbia's New York Social Diary
Following on from the September 11 Concert in the British Garden at Hanover Square, New York, on September 12 the Garden board held a black tie gala to benefit the ongoing conservancy of the Garden. Jeb Bush, former Governor of Florida and currently Senior Advisor to Barclays Capital, was guest speaker. Honored were Tom Hooper, director of “The King’s Speech” with the Atlantic Award for Cultural Relations; Martin Gilbert, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Asset Management for Global Corporate Leadership; Michael Spencer, Group Chief Executive Officer of Aberdeen Management also for Global Corporate Leadership; and William R. Miller CBE, a Founding Sponsor of the British Garden.
The AFF was represented at the dinner by Major (retd.) Stephen Cain, MBE, Executive Director and director Mark Beaumont who handles media and marketing for the Foundation.
New York City Marathon, November 6, 2011 - Men of the Rifles and Paras to run
June 28, 2011
In partnership with Achilles International we are bringing over a couple of wounded British soldiers to run the New York City marathon on November 6th.
Matt Fisher of the RIFLES whose foot was amputated in March, is sponsored by an American - Bob Cremin - who is also Honorary British Consul General for Seattle.
Jaco Van Gass of the Paras is the other. He was a member of the team that went to the Pole with Prince Harry. Next year we plan to bring over more British wounded.
Barack Obama honours 'special relationship' in toast to the Queen
May 24, 2011
'From Helmand to Horse Guards' - a new album from the 1st Bn, Scots Guards
May, 2011
The Allied Forces Foundation, Inc. is honored to preview the much anticipated new Pipes & Drums CD 'From Helmand to Horse Guards', compiled by the 1st Battalion, Scots Guards, and due for official release on June 13, 2011.
This CD features tracks by Kate Rusby, Isla St Clair and The Scots Guards Ceilidh Band with vocals by F Coy’s Sgt John Norwood all alongside your traditional and modern Pipes & Drums items.
Click on these teaser images for larger versions of front and back cover:
The collection also features songs such as "Caledonia" & "Wild Mountain Thyme", and old favourite pipe tunes alongside new compositions such as “Scots Guards Farewell to Lashkar Gah” and “En Ferus Hostis”. The CD is a fitting testimony to the moving times and variety of modern Battalion life and pays humble tribute to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Listen to one of the tracks on the album, by special permission of our friends at the Scots Guards and producers Arc Music, UK, by clicking on the following link (WMA file). The music is appropriately entitled "Allied Unity":
In due course, the AFF will offer the opportunity to buy this CD through this site, which will result in a donation to the AFF accordingly. We hope you will return here and support us when the CD is released.
Allied Forces Foundation, Inc. honoured to lead NY Tartan Day Parade 2011
April 9, 2011
The AFF Pipes & Drums lead the 2011 Tartan Day Parade up Avenue of the Americas, NYC. Photo: Mark Beaumont
The Allied Forces Foundation Pipes & Drums had the great honour of leading more than 2,000 Pipes, Drums, societies and organizations in the 2011 Tartan Day Parade up Avenue of the Americas, NYC, on April 9, 2011. Drum Major C.L.Ox Gara was also Parade Marshal for the event.
AFF piper and all-round musician Scott Mettey was also greatly honoured to be asked to lead the Tartan Day Massed Pipes & Drums as Drum Major, which band comprises all those individual pipers and drummers who wish to take part on the day. The Allied Forces Foundation is thrilled to have been so involved in this significant annual event, which helped to raise awareness and communicate our cause. The AFF thanks all who put so much work into orchestrating a fantastic day.
Drum Major Scott Mettey leads the Tartan Day Massed Pipes & Drums. Photo: Mark Beaumont
Advancing the mission at 'Veterans Moving Forward'
March 16, 2011
Main picture taken at a Sunday Marine Family Dinner at Bethesda, with 'Josh'. Inset: puppy in training
While there are many organizations providing assistance/service dogs to individuals of all ages with physical and mental health challenges, veterans are under-served. Only eight veterans received financial support from the VA in FY2009, and estimates are that less than 150 veterans received service dogs through private placement in 2010. Veterans Moving Forward meets the critical need for rehabilitating veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and physical disabilities through the use of canine therapy – the medicine without side effects.
Veterans Moving Forward are motivated to honor the veterans who served and the Wounded Warriors who volunteered to protect the freedom of all Americans.
VMF is also on Facebook.
Allied Forces Foundation Pipes & Drums workshop at West Point a great success
February 26, 2011
Photo courtesy of Ken "Trey" Robertson, Drum Major, USCC Pipes & Drums
With a stunning background of bright sun glinting on the frozen Hudson River, the senior echelon of the AFF Pipes and Drums conducted a most professional workshop for the talented and impressive United States Corps of Cadets Pipes and Drums of the United States Military Academy, West Point.
It was a fun and educational day at West Point and of great benefit to all who participated.
Learn more of the US Corps of Cadets Pipes & Drums, and see more pictures, on their own Facebook page.
Allied Forces Foundation Pipes & Drums appointed Official Pipe Band of
The British Garden at Hanover Square, New York
February, 2011
The mission of The British Garden at Hanover Square, New York, is to develop and maintain a showplace garden reflecting the long history, shared friendship and common causes and sacrifices of the peoples of the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
With the motto "Reflect, Remember, Rebuild... ", The British Garden celebrates the strong ties of the past and present, the hope for unity in the future and a promise never to forget those whom we have lost along the way.
The Allied Forces Foundation, Inc. is deeply honored by the unanimous decision of the Board of The British Garden to appoint The Allied Forces Foundation Pipes and Drums as the Official Pipe Band to the Garden. The Pipes and Drums have already performed at The British Garden on several occasions and were well received each time. The mission of the Garden reflects the AFF's purpose of forging a transatlantic bridge between wounded veterans from the USA, the UK and Commonwealth allies. We look forward to a long and lasting relationship with supporters of The British Garden who include St. George's Society and the British Consulate in New York.
Terence D. McGovern, Pipe Major of the Allied Forces Foundation Pipes & Drums, wrote to his team as follows:
"It is my sincere honor to announce that after a unanimous vote, the Allied Forces Foundation Pipes & Drums is now the Official Pipe Band of The British (Memorial) Garden!
This honor has been bestowed on this band because of the selfless commitment that each and every one of you continues to make. You should all be very proud as I am, and excited about the possibilities that this type of honor will present us with.
Well done everyone, and keep up the great work."
Terence D. McGovern
Pipe Major
Allied Forces Foundation Pipes & Drums
Allied Forces Foundation Pipes & Drums workshop at West Point
On 26 Feb 2011, the Allied Forces Foundation Pipes & Drums shalll be administrating a workshop at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
The SNCO's & NCO'S of the AFF P&D will be working with the USCC P&D and the Norwich University P&D.
HMS Daring visits New York on her first foreign deployment
HMS Daring alongside Pier 88 in Manhattan, November 3, 2010. Photo: Mark Beaumont
On November 3, 2010, Allied Forces Foundation directors Mark Newdick and Mark Beaumont were privileged to step aboard the first of the British Royal Navy's new Type 45 'D' Class destroyers, HMS Daring, at the invitation of her Commanding Officer, Captain Paddy McAlpine, OBE and Acting Consul-General, New York, Dominic Meiklejohn, OBE.
HMS Daring has just concluded five weeks of joint exercises with the United States Navy on her first foreign deployment since her formal commissioning in July 2009. She is the first of six ships of her class to be built at BAE Systems Surface Ships yard on the Clyde, Scotland, at a total cost of £6.6 billion, representing a significant investment in the future of the Royal Navy.
After a tour of key operational, navigational and social areas on the vessel, Mark Beaumont commented: "Captain McAlpine's invitation emphasised the Royal Navy's intent to 'share some of its world-first technologies with our principal ally' and a tour of the RN's 'newest and most capable warship' was no disappointment. Once again, we are reminded of the importance of the transatlantic bridge that bonds the USA and Britain both in times of peace and conflict. We are continually reminded of the importance of what we have set out to achieve with the Allied Forces Foundation, Inc."
More information about HMS Daring can be found here in Wikipedia and on the Royal Navy's own site for her.
The Marine Corps Marathon
Teams from 3 Rifles and Denmark seen together at the MCM Expo prior to the race. Photo: Matt Fisher
The 35th running of the Marine Corps Marathon was a spectacular affair on a beautiful day in DC.
For the AFF it was a resounding success. All 26 runners competed and completed.
The Danes and the Rifles -
wheelchair and fleet of foot - stayed together and largely came in as
teams.
For the Paras, Corporal Tom Neathway led the team in his racing wheelchair with his one remaining limb, and the other four tabbed along
in combat boots and Bergen packs loaded with 40 lbs of weight!
Just a wonderful bunch of guys running for the AFF and their Regiments and
nations, and we were all both proud and humbled to be with them.
- Stephen Cain, Honorary Executive Director, AFF, October 31, 2010
The Matheson Kilt
The Matheson Red Ancient tartan
As we close in on the Marine Corps Marathon, Allied Forces Foundation, Inc. takes a moment to reflect upon and to give thanks for our special partnership with Azalea Charities. We have so much in common, and perhaps that is best illustrated by the simple little tale of the Clan Matheson Kilt.
In September 2010, Azalea's Chairman - Frank Lasch - visited Walter Reed Hospital, as he so often does. His reason: "to do whatever we can to help in recovery." Newly brought to the wards was a USMC Corporal whose recent wounds from combat in Afghanistan had rendered him a quadriplegic. As the Chairman approached him he saw the Corporal was looking at something on a computer screen next to the bed. When asked what it was, the Corporal answered "A kilt." Frank asked the Corporal if there was anything he would like. With a smile, the wounded hero answered "A kilt."
A simple kilt. Azalea emailed the Allied Forces Foundation, Inc.for assistance. Pipe Major Terry McGovern provided a kilt - a Clan Matheson kilt - and in the UK the Scots Guards stand by to help further when they return from current duty in Afghanistan. On Friday 29th October, Executive Director Cain of the AFF will accompany Chairman Lasch to Walter Reed and with accompaniment of the Pipes shall present the kilt.
Azalea Charities recognizes on a daily basis the urgent need for financial and other support for the wounded and their families. Azalea has taken on payments of rent/mortgages, car payments and flights for family members to be with their loved ones. Azalea has provided gift cards for food, clothing and gas.
Azalea partners with the "Quality of Life Foundation" to address the needs of the legions of those unsung heroines and heroes: the caregivers. (Please read: www.alliedforcesfoundation.org/about.html para 4.b. to note we share that and other aims.) Azalea has provided over I million phone card minutes and over 30,000 comfort items as well as funds for the financial needs of the warriors. Azalea Charities "are equally proud to be able to support wounded allied warriors who stand with America, and will continue to do so."
In brief, the volunteers of Azalea Charities are great examples of a culture of giving where such charity is truly needed. For Azalea, nothing is too great or too small. Like, just a kilt.
Allied Forces Foundation, Inc. is proud to partner with Azalea.
PRESS RELEASE
Wounded warriors of the Allied Forces Foundation, Inc. (AFF) participate with Team Azalea Charities in the 2010 Marine Corps Marathon
Montclair, VA September 29, 2010 – Running the 26.2 mile Marine Corps Marathon can be the challenge of a lifetime, but imagine tackling the race using a wheelchair and crutches. That’s exactly what eleven wounded personnel from Britain and Denmark hope to accomplish as part of Team Azalea Charities’ Run for Wounded Warriors. This year, Azalea Charities is partnering with the new Allied Forces Foundation to sponsor a 150-person team with one Canadian, nine Danes, seventeen British and 123 Americans, including 38 active duty and retired U.S military personnel.
The international team members - fit and wounded - are all soldiers, airmen and marines who are raising funds for wounded in their respective countries as well as for American wounded through Azalea Charities’ Aid for Wounded Warriors.
The British Paratroopers are sending a five-man team that includes four wounded members. Integral to the team is Lance Corporal Tom Neathway, who lost both legs and an arm to a booby trap last July in Afghanistan. Tom plans to start out on his artificial limbs for as long as he can, knowing that he can rely on the support of his comrades to complete the whole distance. Other wounded Paratroopers on the team are Corporal Pete McCoombe, who has lost an eye, Private Jaco van Gass, who has lost an arm, and Private Keiron Dry, who has sustained a head injury.
The British Rifles’ eleven-man team pairs four wheelchair warriors with the riflemen who patrolled alongside them at the time of injury. This group returned from Afghanistan in May, having sustained 28 dead with many more wounded. It is a testament to their individual and collective courage that they are able to compete so soon.
Nine Danish soldiers, serving under British command in Afghanistan, include two double amputees in racing hand-rims and proudly represent The Royal Life Guards, The Guard Hussars, The Jutland Dragoons and The Royal Danish Air Force. With a population of just over 5.6 million (1/56 that of the US, or twice the population of the City of Chicago) those conflicts together have claimed 44 Danish fallen, and in excess of 150 wounded. Within the ISAF coalition, these numbers proportionately represent the greatest losses of all the nations. The gallant Danes have fought way above their numbers and continue to do so.
The British Royal Engineer Commandos are represented - this year on the sidelines - by Corporal Ross Austen. Competing with his unit last year, Ross completed the race using crutches and a wheel chair after seventeen surgeries within the eleven 11 months preceding the race. Norm Albert, Azalea Charities Vice President Special Projects MCM, who heads up Team Azalea Charities, describes what Austen’s presence meant to him at that time: "I spent most of the last 11 miles on the course totally choked up and holding back tears listening to the comments people made to Ross. I can't even imagine the impact he had on so many people, to include runners struggling with exhaustion or pain in those last few miles on the course to maintain some sense of forward movement, only to see Ross on his crutches taking one step at a time to finish his quest. What an incredible young man with more courage and perseverance than I've ever witnessed."
The Allied Forces Foundation, Inc. is a British-American group established to recognize and further the special relationship of both those nations, and to work to raise awareness and funding primarily for the common wounded and their families affected by the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. According to Steve Cain, Executive Director of the Allied Forces Foundation, Inc., “The participation of joint fit and wounded teams in the Marine Corps Marathon reinforces the AFF’s mission to build on the strength of the Steadfast Alliance. Our teams serve to create better recognition of the enormous challenges faced by those returning from combat with life-changing injuries. That they themselves raise funds for their own wounded comrades is a clear indication of their self-worth and humanity.”
Last year Team Azalea Charities welcomed over 20 British soldiers, airmen, and marines and raised approximately $100,000 for U.S. and British service personnel. According to Frank Lasch, Chairman & Founder of Azalea Charities, “Having these wounded warriors run in the Marine Corps Marathon to raise funds for other wounded warriors sends a powerful message that raises awareness for the cause and provides inspiration to the thousands of wounded from Iraq and Afghanistan.”
About The Allied Forces Foundation, Inc.
The Allied Forces Foundation, Inc. is designed to recognize and further the Steadfast Alliance of the United States and the United Kingdom, which nations' long history of cooperation and comradeship is currently tested in Iraq and Afghanistan. The mission of the Allied Forces Foundation, Inc. is to raise funds for Allied comrades wounded in these conflicts and to raise awareness of the ongoing challenges faced by injured warriors and their families.
For more information, contact:
Stephen Cain, Executive Director, Allied Forces Foundation, Inc.
203-241-2992, cain@alliedforcesfoundation.org
About Azalea Charities
Azalea Charities is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization in Prince William County, Virginia. The organization is staffed entirely by volunteers who donate their time, talent and money. Azalea Charities raises funds for its community charities and Aid for Wounded Warriors through membership fees, private donations and sponsorship of Team Azalea Charities in the Marine Corps Marathon and the Azalea Classic Pro-Am Invitational Golf Classic, the organization’s keystone event held each May at the Piedmont Club. Beyond minimal expenses, all the funds they raise go to their charitable core causes.
For more information, contact:
Frank Lasch, Chairman, Azalea Charities, Inc.
703-670-5238, azaleacharities@aol.com
Allied Forces Foundation Pipes and Drums to take part in PIPEFEST 2010
'Intrepid' at her berth in New York
Terence D. McGovern, Pipe Major, and C.L.Ox Gara, Drum Major, have announced that The Allied Forces Foundation Pipes and Drums have taken up an invitation to be one of the lead bands on board 'Intrepid' for PIPEFEST 2010 in New York on August 7th, 2010.
Approximately 400 pipers and drummers are expected to play on the flight deck of the ship to raise money for the Fallen Heroes Fund as part of the Pipefest Global Challenge. The event will take place between 2:00-4:00pm. AFF's Ox Gara has been asked to be the lead Drum Major, so the AFF Pipes & Drums will be the center band.
"The Allied Forces Foundation Pipes and Drums are delighted to be part of the Pipefest effort on board the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in aid of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. I am honored to be designated as the lead Drum Major and will do my utmost to create a positive massed bands experience for all those involved. Please stay tuned for further updates as to music, program and logistics."
Drum Major C.L. Ox Gara
Allied Forces Foundation
See www.pipefest.com/nyc/index.php for more information about this forthcoming event. Spectators will be welcome; to gain access to the venue, visitors must purchase at ticket to the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, which itself is a highly recommended attraction. The Intrepid is at W46th Street & 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10036. See www.intrepidmuseum.org for details of the attraction and directions.
Prince Harry furthers the initiative of increased transatlantic cooperation between the wounded of the allied nations - speaks on 'Intrepid', New York
Prince Harry speaks aboard 'Intrepid' in New York during his June 2010 initiative to strengthen transatlantic ties between wounded veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and the organizations that support them. Captain Kate Philp and Captain Guy Disney, both serving British Army officers and wounded veterans themselves, accompanied Prince Harry on his US trip. Photo: Mark Beaumont