In the wake of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the U.S. and its allies launched a “Global War on Terrorism” against terrorist groups throughout the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia and South East Asia. The first stage of this war was the bombing and invasion of Afghanistan. Shortly thereafter, the coalition forces invaded Iraq. completed its withdrawal from Iraq in December of 2011, the missions in both Iraq and Afghanistan still continue with reduced forces. The number of U.S. military service members deployed during the more than 10 years since the Global War on Terrorism began now exceeds two million. More than 4,500 service members have lost their lives, and an additional 30,000 were wounded in action during Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and New Dawn. Our service members do not suffer these injuries and illnesses alone. Most of our soldiers are married, and over 75% have dependents. During the past decade, these families have endured multiple lengthy deployments, frequent relocations, upheaval in family routines, and the very real threat of harm befalling their loved ones. The hardship and stress of service also does not end when service members return home. Coping with and managing a service member’s physical and/or psychological disability, occupational and financial challenges, and altered family roles are common and sometimes permanent difficulties. The Welcome Home Parade is an event to show America’s fighting men and women that a grateful nation wants to do more for them than tie a Yellow Ribbon around its trees. We are a nation that is free because of their sacrifice and the sacrifice of their families. We are a nation that wants to honor those sacrifices in every way we can by thanking, acknowledging and celebrating our veterans for their extraordinary service. An enthusiastic team of veterans and veteran supporters here in Middle Tennessee is organizing this parade and job fair to benefit Tennessee’s Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans at the War Memorial in Nashville, TN on Saturday, June 14, 2014, which is Flag Day and the U.S. This event, which is expected to draw several thousand people, is now seeking military-friendly sponsors. All donations for this event will be accepted -- and all funds will be disbursed -- by Operation Stand Down Nashville, a full service veterans non-profit organization in Nashville, Tennessee. Donations are fully tax deductible and a contribution letter will be provided to you. All donations exceeding the cost of holding this event will benefit a Tennessee veterans employment fund. If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please email daniel.a.horwitz@gmail.com to obtain a sponsorship form. If you would like to participate in the parade, please email Iraq War veteran Brandi Majerus at bmajerus@ymail.com.
