^{Hearts for HEROES 2.14.2012} 

  American Soldier Network teaches the importance of  Patriotism & giving back!  

This year we at American Soldier Network made it a priority to get into the community and have school children from all over Southern California make Valentine’s with messages of “Thanks” for our troops here at home.  The children were more than happy to step up to the task! We recieved hundreds of hand made adorable Valentines for our Heart’s for Heroes.  Tuesday 2.14.2012 our founder Annie Nelson along with her friend television personality Leeann Tweeden (www.leeanntweeden.com) set out to deliver and visit with our combat wounded heroes and other enlisted troops from San Diego, CA to Orange County, CA. On one of our stops we were greeted by another friend Navy Dr. Andy Baldwin  (http://www.andybaldwin.com/) who took time out to check out the Valentine’s from the children. We were also in the presence of a dear friend and hero, Medal of Honor recepient USMC Col Jay Vargas.  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_Vargas)

Today was a day to give love, support, thanks and attentive ears to our heroes. It is so vitally important that we all embrace each and every member of our US Military when they return home. We thank them, we support them and most of all we listen to them and give them unconditional love and respect. Our men & women give so much and ask so little. The silent sacrifices they and their families make every day need to be recognied, appreciated and honored. We as an organization stand behind those words and truly believe if all organizations that are supporting our veterans would collaborate… together we would impact the masses and truly make a difference much more timely and efficently. Freedom Isn’t Free its time we all get involved and give back now.

^{According to Wikipedia here is a little bit of history on “Valentines”:}

Since the 19th century, handwritten notes have given way to mass-produced greeting cards.^[4] In the UK, just under half of the population spend money on their Valentines and around 1.3 billion pounds are spent yearly on cards, flowers, chocolates and other gifts, with an estimated 25 million cards being sent.^[46] The mid-19th century Valentine’s Day trade was a harbinger of further commercialized holidays in the United States to follow.^[47] In the second half of the 20th century, the practice of exchanging cards was extended to all manner of gifts in the United States. Such gifts typically include roses and chocolates packed in a red satin, heart-shaped box. In the 1980s, the diamond industry began to promote Valentine’s Day as an occasion for giving jewelry. The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately 190 million valentines are sent each year in the US. Half of those valentines are given to family members other than husband or wife, usually to children. When you include the valentine-exchange cards made in school activities the figure goes up to 1 billion, and teachers become the people receiving the most valentines.^[40] In some North American elementary schools, children decorate classrooms, exchange cards, and are given sweets. The greeting cards of these students sometimes mention what they appreciate about each other.

On Saturday February 11.2012 the day began with excitement and a buzz among four wounded warriors they were off with our founder Annie Nelson to the 54th Grammy Awards rehearsals at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. Little did the group know that a day that started out to be a once in a lifetime experiecne for our heroes would become a day the world would remeber forever with the tragic loss of one of Music’s leading ladies Whitney Houston. It was sureal being in the house that Whitney helped to build when the news came in that she had just died.

Here we were with America’s finest who had survived severe life changing injuries and months of painstaking therapy to now be among music royalty!  The entertainment industry embraced our veterans with open arms, the celebrities were so loving, attentive and gracious to our heroes. Instead of interacting with doctors, counselors and their command, our warriors exhaled for a day listening to the biggest names in the recording industry rehearse their numbers for the big show including  meeting many of them, sharing hugs, handshakes, photos and chats. It was as our warriors said an “EPIC” day! One of our warriors said after seeing Sir Paul McCartney “I didn’t die in Afghanistan, but I can die now, I just watched Paul McCartney, a Beatle perform LIVE, life is complete.”

Often our veterans return from the war to battles here at home. Many find themselves retreating to their homes not socializing much at all. To not only get out for an entire day but to be mingling with celebrities from music, television, film and sports was over the top! Journaist Michael Ragogna of the Huffington Post interviewed the group followed but a powerful on camera interview with film director/producer James Keach. “I am always in awe of our veterans. When a day like today comes together as magically as today did, I know this journey I am on making sure our work at American Soldier Network continues is a journey being powered by God and I am so blessed to be the vehicle.” -Annie Nelson

“Annie!!!! Thank you so much for knowing my passion with photography and video production and how I use it as a therapeutic release, and giving me the Experience of a lifetime that taught me so much about the career and direction I want to go with passion. You put me in contact with some of the industries top people!!!! What a great day and great company! Now to see the grammys come to life!!!!!” Sgt.  Gonzalez

Michael Ragogna interviews the group LIVE from the Grammy Rehearsals Enjoy!

A special thank you to the following:

Our Warriors for their service and sacrifices! We are forever grateful!

Dave Weiderman Guitar Center Hollywood, Lisa Roy, Robert W. Clyne & Douglas Mountain of Pro Audio Media Consultants

Pauley Perrette, Jane Seymour, James Keach, Chris Brown, Ryan Seacrest, Bad Mouse, James Keach, Adele, Ken Enrlich, Sway Calloway

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED DECEMBER 2011

WE DELIVERED OVER 300 TO THE NAVAL HOSPITAL OF SAN DIEGO TO OUR WOUNDED HEROES, ALONG WITH BAGELS AND COOKIES. WE DELIVERED OVER 200 TO OUR SPECIAL FORCES HEROES HERE AT HOME IN THE UNITED STATES. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO DONATED THEIR TIME, TALENTS AND GIFTS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL THE WONDERFUL SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SCHOOL CHILDREN WHO MADE BEAUTIFUL THANK YOU CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR OUR HEROES! YOUR HAND MADE CARDS WERE THE HIGHLIGHT OF OUR GIFTS. OUR TROOPS LOVE GETTING NOTES FROM AMERICAS KIDS!

 
It’s that time of year again our 5th annual Stockings for our Combat Wounded Soldiers outreach project. For the past 5 years American Soldier Network has gathered items from corporate sponsors and individuals for our Stockings that we deliver to our combat wounded warriors in the hospital. Last year instead of actual “stockings” we had American Flag soft-sided coolers sponsored and we stuffed those.

This year we need everyone’s help!

Stockings cost approx $40.00 each.

WHAT: Stockings for combat wounded warriors

Click Flyer to download PDF

WHERE: Send all items or sponsorships to:

American Soldier Network
24000 Alicia Parkway #17 Suite 244
Mission Viejo, CA 92691

WHEN: By December 9. 2011

WHAT TYPE OF ITEMS?

-pocket games
-iTunes gift cards
-Mc Donalds gift cards
-SubWay gift cards
-small electronic games
-batteries for electronic games
-cd’s & dvd’s
-small books
-2012 calendars
-fun novelty items
-non peanut snacks
-game books
-puzzle books
-pencils, pens for the game books
-items to help pass time while hospitalized

ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE WE ARE A 501C3 TAX EXEMPT ORGANIZATION

LET’S ALL GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN THEIR ALL

With deep heartfelt gratitude, thank you!

Annie Nelson
Founder

info@americansoldiernetwork.org

 MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

Our “Friends of the Fallen” toy drive event was a magical evening of food, music, celebrities, US Army soldiers, friends, volunteers, sponsors (Crystalarium, Two Guys Grilling, Zevia, Simone Robertson Photography, Saloon Sweets) & TOYS, oh the TOYS! Thanks to all who attended the open house & to the school children in the Los Angeles & Orange County areas who had in school toy drives in support of our “Friends of the Fallen” all total we collected 1,000 toys. The toys were distributed to the Snowball Express organization (all of the children this group interact with are children of our fallen heroes since 911), the pediatrics ward of the Naval Hospital of San Diego and to several homeless veteran families in the Southern California area. What a gift it was for all involved at the American Soldier Network to be Santa’s helpers this year.

***Click on image to download large flyer (pdf for print)***

Gretchen Bonaduce  & American Soldier Network are proud to present a One of a Kind Toy Drive for the Children of Our Fallen  US Military Heroes

“Friends of our Fallen”

 West Hollywood, CA

Bring an unwrapped Toy…   Share Holiday fun, food n joy

The Toys will be given with gratitude & love to the children of our fallen US Military heroes at Snowball Express in early December.

by Mary Forney, LA Horse Racing Examiner

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and the pictures in this slideshow from yesterday’s Military Appreciation Day at Del Mar Racetrack certainly leave one speechless.

The Labor Day event, hosted by a group of benevolent horse owners and the racetrack, and organized by Annie Nelson of American Soldier Network, gave more than 100 combat veterans and combat wounded returning from Iraq and Afghanistan a chance to forget for a little while the many hardships they have faced and those that still lie ahead.

The soldiers enjoyed an afternoon of racing, handicapping the horses with team competition, and visits to the saddling paddock, starting gate, and winner’s circle. When they gathered on the racetrack in mid-afternoon and faced the stands, they received a long and emotional round of applause from the on-track crowd.

A very special guest this year was Tibor (Ted) Rubin, Medal of Honor recipient and Korean War veteran. Rubin, who survived 14 months in the Mauthausen concentration camp in Austria as a child and was liberated by the U.S. Army, went on to serve in the 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division and was a POW in North Korea for 30 months. He was twice wounded and received two purple heart awards.

Nelson, who worked with TVG’s broadcast department to help broaden the reach of those viewing the event, said: “There are so many veterans in attendance or watching the races on TVG that have never been thanked or appreciated. This touches them, too, because it’s like a brotherhood. It shows them Americans really care.”

Donations to this cause can be made here.

What a great night to spare time with veterans, presently serving members of our US Military, their families, friends, supporters and bowling enthusiasts all raising awareness and support for our American Soldier Network! Thank you to all who volunteered, bowled, cheered and participated in such a fun evening! Congratulations to the winning bowling team the USMC Team from Camp Pendleton! Oo Rah! Special thanks to Modus Watches for our grand prizes, new Modus watches for each member of the winning team! www.moduswatch.com

Spare time & Support our Troops!

Our Mission

To educate and raise national awareness to the needs/challenges of our veterans and returning troops.
Our troops give so much and ask so little. We must explore all of the needs/challenges facing anyone who has worn our nations uniform. We will urge everyone to get involved and give back now.

Event Info:

You Bowl our troops WIN!

Whether you throw gutter balls or strikes, sharing an evening with friends, colleagues and our nations heroes promises to be a winning experience.
Come join the American Soldier Network, their sponsors and our heroes for an entertaining event and Freedom Isn’t Free Silent Auction
all raising funds and awareness for an amazing cause!

When: Saturday, September 17, 2011
Where: Saddleback Lanes
25402 Marguerite Parkway
Mission Viejo, CA 92692
Time: 6:00 – 10:00

Download the Sponsor/Event Brochure. Click Here

American Soldier Network
24000 Alicia Parkway #17-244
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
(949) 355-3061 | Fax: 949-581-1913
www.AmericanSoldierNetwork.org
Follow Us on Twitter: @forRtroops
Facebook Fan Page: American Soldier Network
Angels Within Inc. DBA American Soldier Network
(EIN# 33-0713731) is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Several of our wounded warriors were invited to be VIP guests at the Hollywood Rock Walk’s induction of Janes Addiction this summer. It was a very memorable day for all. I am not sure who was soaking up the moment more, our wounded warriors, Janes Addiction or our advisory board member the amazing Dave Weiderman. Our host was the Guitar Center on Sunset Blvd in Hollywood, CA. Be sure to learn more about the Hollywood Rock Walk, a must see if you
are in the Southern California area. Check out www.hollywoodrockwalk.com

This spring we were able to produce our first Public Service Announcement. “Freedom Isn’t Free” was a collaboration of talent. What a great accomplishment from our celebrity advisory board members and other supporters of our efforts. We need to publicly thank all who helped to make this possible.

Director Scott Lautanen, Actor Joe Mantegna, Actor Nick Searcy, Actor Jack Scalia, Actor Scott Elrod, Host/LA Lakers scout Bonnie-Jill Laflin, Make-up Artist Benjamin Robin, the students and staff of the Los Angeles Film School, the services of Aegis RapidText, Actor & Writer Mik Scriba and our founder Annie Nelson.

2011 – 15^th Annual PRISM Awards

The Entertainment Industries Council, Inc. (EIC) annually presents the PRISM Awards, in collaboration with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), FX Network, and News Corporation, for outstanding accomplishments in the accurate depiction of substance abuse and mental health disorders: prevention, treatment and recovery, in film, television, interactive, comic book, music, and DVD entertainment.

Starting with the PRISM Awards presentation in Beverly Hills, CA. Then moving to our nation’s Capitol for the preview of the PRISM Awards television special. Then finally reaching the public through a national simulcast airing. The PRISM Awards shine a light on how these issues are portrayed in the popular culture.

This year the Entertainment Industry Council invited American Soldier Network Founder Annie Nelson and Advisory Board member Actor Kevin Sorbo to open and present the first award of the telecast in Beverly Hills, CA. “The Prism Awards are such a wonderful way to acknowledge the amazing work and to salute those telling the powerful stories we are all impacted by. It was a humbling honor to be invited to participate in this years show. Raising awareness for our veterans is what the American Soldier Network is all about, being a part of this awards show is helping us to fulfill our mission.” Annie Nelson

We hosted the cast of the FX hit show Justified to a screening of an episode with a meet & greet autograph session immediately following. The day began at the Balboa Naval hospital then continued up the coast to the Wounded Warrior West Batalion. Truly a special day had by all. Any time we at American Soldier Network can take a little piece of Hollywood to our heroes and show them those who truly care is a special time. So much media focus has a negative feel towards our troops and their work that it is time more celebrities like those on the show Justified, step up, thank our troops and show their gratitude!

A note from the Naval Hospital:

Dear American Soldier Network,

The wounded, injured, and ill of Naval Medical Center really enjoyed a
special visit from the cast of “Justified” on April 12th. The injured
service members were given a nice break between medical appointments and
were able to watch an episode of the show and had the opportunity to ask
questions of the cast. They were also able to take photos with the stars and
receive autographed pictures. Visits such as these are a great morale boost
for our wounded services members, showing them our community and
organizations like American Soldier Network really support them. Thanks for
making this amazing event happen!

r/

Associate Program Director
Armed Services YMCA, Naval Medical Center