Auction to raise money for area troops injured in recent overseas conflicts

Bondurant, IA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/27/2008 -- The Bondurant Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes (http://www.saluteheroes.org) will be holding a charity dinner and auction on Friday, February 29 from 5:00-10:00 PM CST at Cory's Irish Pub in downtown Bondurant in honor of local veterans.

Corporal Donny Daughenbaugh, US Marine Corps (Ret.) and Specialist BJ Jackson, Iowa National Guard (Ret.), area veterans, will be in attendance. While deployed to Iraq in 2004, Donny was shot in the face by insurgents, and the bullet lodged so close to his brain that doctors were not able to remove it. In 2003, B.J. lost both legs when the Humvee he was riding in ran over a landmine. Today, BJ and Donny help other wounded troops and their families through their work with the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, Coalition to Salute America's Heroes (CSAH).

All funds raised will be donated to CSAH, who will distribute the funds to wounded veterans living in the greater Des Moines area.

Included in auction are the following items:

• Autographed guitars from the country artists, Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson and Montgomery Gentry
• Autographed pictures/shirts from Leeann Womack and Dirks Bentley
• Autographed sports memorabilia from NASCAR, Barry Bonds, Brett Favre
• Autographed memorabilia from Hannah Montana
• Donated items from local businesses such as gas grills and DVD players

CSAH is the leading nongovernmental provider of emergency financial aid to severely wounded troops from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families. There are major emotional, psychological and financial obstacles that wounded heroes and their families must overcome in addition to the physical changes they've experienced. CSAH steps in to help these families rebuild their lives, thanks to donations from patriotic Americans and businesses across the nation.

To learn more about this event, please contact Donny Daughenbaugh at 515-868-4470.

To learn more about CSAH, visit http://www.saluteheroes.org.

About the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes:
The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes is a 501 (c)(3), non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to helping the severely wounded veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and their families rebuild their lives. The organization is the top nongovernmental association helping wounded troops from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom and since its 2004 inception, has assisted over 6,000 troops.

More than $11 million dollars has been distributed to date to prevent car repossessions and utility shut-offs, while trips to sporting events, entertainment parks, and shows help service members boost morale, break the boredom of the routine of recuperation and help reintegrate wounded troops into civilian life. The annual all-expense-paid Road to Recovery Conference provides seminars, career counseling, job fairs, evaluations, and inspirational success stories.

For more information or to learn how you can help, please visit the website at http://www.saluteheroes.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

42nd and Nelson, to donate 50% of proceeds from “That’s All I’m Asking For” to charity helping wounded veterans

Ossining, NY -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/06/2008 -- The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes (CSAH), the leading nongovernmental provider of emergency financial aid for severely wounded veterans from the War on Terror, now have an official theme song, "That's All I'm Asking For," by top country music artists , 42nd and Nelson. The song has just hit the airwaves of country and adult contemporary stations and is quickly climbing the charts in many major markets.

The band has generously crafted this lyrical message of unity especially for CSAH, and is donating 50% of the proceeds raised from downloads of the song, directly to CSAH.

"We wrote this song as a way to bring Americans together, and in turn convey our thanks to our brave servicemen and women who don't always get the thanks that they deserve for the courageous job that they do every day," said Pete Colombo of 42nd and Nelson. "We decided to partner up with the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes because they are the leading non-profit, non-partisan organization that steps up to help severely wounded troops when they need it most."

Long Island songwriters/musicians Steve Farella and Pete Colombo, performing as 42nd & Nelson, officially launched "That's All I'm Asking For" as the Coalition's theme song on December 4, 2007 in Orlando, FL at the 2007 Road to Recovery Conference and Tribute put on by CSAH. The event was the nation's largest gathering of severely wounded troops from the War on Terror. The guys were backed up by LeAnn Rimes' tour band led by Tim Akers.

"We are so excited to say that our official theme song is, 'That's All I'm Asking For';" said Dan Vargas, Director of the Family Support Network for CSAH. "The song represents everything that the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes hopes to convey—unity, strength, and faith in our country and military. We hope that the American public accepts the song with such outstretched arms as we have to help our returning injured troops."

"That's All I'm Asking For" is available for download at http://cdbaby.com/cd/42ndnelson.

For more information about the CSAH, please visit http://www.SaluteHeroes.org.

About the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes:
The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes is a 501 (c)(3), non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to helping the severely wounded veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and their families rebuild their lives. The organization is the top nongovernmental association helping wounded troops from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom and since its 2004 inception, has assisted over 6,000 troops.

Over $11 million dollars has been distributed to date to prevent car repossessions and utility shut-offs while trips to sporting events, entertainment parks, and shows help service members boost morale, break the boredom of the routine of recuperation and help reintegrate wounded troops into civilian life. The annual all expense paid Road to Recovery Conference provides seminars, career counseling, job fairs, evaluations, and inspirational success stories.

CSAH has partnered with numerous celebrities including LeAnn Rimes, Dave Matthews Band, Gary Sinise, Toby Keith, Charlie Daniels, Regis Philbin and Big & Rich and Fortune 500 corporations like Kellogg's, GNC and GM, to help further our cause.

For more information or to learn how you can help, please visit the website at http://www.saluteheroes.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Cross Canadian Ragweed headlines concert open to all Department of Defense ID holders

Ossining, NY -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/14/2007 -- The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes (CSAH), the leading non-governmental, non-partisan organization providing emergency financial aid to severely wounded War on Terror veterans and their families, is presenting a free concert featuring Cross Canadian Ragweed for Military Appreciation Night at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. The event will be held on the flight line November 2, 2007 from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

In addition to the concert, there will be exciting aerobatics, children's inflatables and fireworks, and the entire event is free to all Department of Defense ID holders.

The show will begin with an air show courtesy of the US Army Golden Knights, Randy Ball versus the Air Force Jet car, Dan Buchanan with his air glider, and a T6 aeroshell.

Cross Canadian Ragweed will perform after the air show, with their eclectic country rock sound. The band is performing on behalf of CSAH.

"We are very excited to be able to present Cross Canadian Ragweed at Randolph Air Force Base," said Dan Vargas, Director of the Family Support Network for CSAH. "This is just one way to show our military families how much their sacrifices and service is appreciated."

Guests are reminded that coolers, picnic baskets, backpacks, weapons, personal fireworks or pets are not permitted on the flight line. However, everyone is encouraged to bring blankets and portable chairs. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Guests should enter the base through the west gate and follow 5th Street West to the parking areas. The parking areas are at buildings 491, 661, 662 and 663. A bus will shuttle guests from the parking areas to the flight line from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. After the show, the buses will run until everyone has been returned to their vehicles. The bus pick up points are along 5th Street West in front of the parking areas.

ABOUT THE COALITION TO SALUTE AMERICA'S HEROES
The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes is a 501 (c)(3), non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to helping the severely wounded veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and their families rebuild their lives. The organization is the top nongovernmental association helping wounded troops from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom and since its 2004 inception, has assisted over 4,000 troops.

Over $5 million dollars has been distributed to date to prevent car repossessions and utility shut-offs while trips to sporting events, entertainment parks, and shows help service members boost morale, break the boredom of the routine of recuperation and help reintegrate wounded troops into civilian life. The annual all expense paid Road to Recovery Conference provides seminars, career counseling, job fairs, evaluations, and inspirational success stories.

CSAH has partnered with numerous celebrities including LeAnn Rimes, Dave Matthews Band, Gary Sinise, Toby Keith, Charlie Daniels, Regis Philbin and Big & Rich and Fortune 500 corporations like Kellogg's, GNC and GM, to help further our cause.

For more information or to learn how you can help, please visit the website at http://www.saluteheroes.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

In a joint effort, Give an Hour and CSAH will offer confidential and complimentary counseling services to veterans and their families provided by licensed mental health professionals

Ossining, NY -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/25/2007 -- The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes (CSAH), a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping severely wounded War on Terror veterans and their families rebuild their lives, today announced a partnership with Give an Hour, a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing a national network of licensed mental health volunteers to respond to acute and chronic needs within our society. The program, dubbed Returning Hero Counseling Network will provide therapy specifically aimed at meeting the counseling needs of returning U.S. troops and their families who are affected by the current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The network of licensed mental health professionals that are to join the program will Give an Hour of their time each week to provide free mental health services to military personnel and their families for as long as it takes.

Give an Hour continues to recruit volunteer providers and will offer a variety of training opportunities to registered counselors. Connections between troops, their families and providers are already being made through the network, underscoring the need for such services.

CSAH is providing a grant to Give an Hour to develop the Returning Heroes Counseling Network. CSAH will handle recruiting and qualifying service members who need help, while Give an Hour will manage the professional network and specific counselor training.

"Our military leaders are well aware of the human cost of this campaign. Indeed, they are attempting to address the psychological needs of the troops through a variety of programs within the military culture. Unfortunately, the tremendous number of people affected makes it impossible for the military to respond adequately to the mental health needs in its greater community. Moreover, returning combat veterans suffering from depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder are not routinely seeking the mental health treatment they need," says Barbara V. Romberg, PhD., founder and executive director of Give an Hour.

"The Returning Hero Counseling Network falls under our Family Support Network platform. It addresses the needs of service members who have been severely wounded and those affected with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) and also the family members and caregivers of those troops," says Ray Clifford, executive director for CSAH. "Partnering with Give an Hour was logical. The combined strengths and resources of our organizations make possible this vital service," he adds.

Corporal Justin Bajema (Ret.), 26, Marines, was on his second tour in Iraq with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit in 2004 when his vehicle was attacked by insurgents. He suffered severe injuries to his legs, including IED shrapnel to both lower extremities and has been diagnosed with PTSD. He is now a national spokesperson for CSAH is excited to see that organizations like CSAH and Give an Hour are stepping up to address these issues.

Cpl. Bajema (Ret.) says, "So many troops are coming back with battle scars that aren't necessarily physical scars. The families and caregivers are suffering just as much, because when their loved ones come home injured, it's hard to cope with the drastic changes. Disorders like PTSD and TBI when left untreated have serious, debilitating effects on the health of injured troops and their families. I am so thankful for the many mental health professionals who are volunteering their time to help these service members and their families readjust to life on the homefront."

There are more than 400,000 mental health professionals in the US and many of them looking for a way to help returning troops. Therefore, this program has enormous potential.

The formation of the Returning Hero Counseling Network will be celebrated at the 2007 Road to Recovery Conference and Tribute in Orlando and will be fully operational in January 2008.

About the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes:
The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that offers several programs to assist disabled veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan: Wounded Hero Emergency Financial Relief (provides urgent financial assistance to disabled veterans), Homes for Wounded Heroes (offers nearly cost-free, new or renovated disability adapted homes to men and women), Hire A Hero (reaches out through a network of organizations to help prepare and place motivated, qualified veterans in quality jobs), Family Support Network (offers special services to help relieve financial and emotional burdens facing heroes and their families), and the Road to Recovery Conferences (all-expense paid educational and service events for wounded servicemen and servicewomen and their families). For more information please visit the website at www.saluteheroes.org.

About Give an Hour:
Give an Hour is a non profit organization dedicated to developing and maintaining a national network of volunteers capable of responding to both acute and chronic conditions that arise within our society. The first target population is the U.S. Troops and families who are being affected by the current military conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. If you are a mental health provider and are interested in donating an hour of your time each week or if you are in need of counseling, please visit www.giveanhour.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Game will raise money and awareness for the organization while its national spokesmen play in side-by-side NFL greats in the charity game

Ossining, NY -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/03/2007 -- Two national spokesmen for the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes, J.R. Martinez and Justin Bajema, both injured in their tour of duty in Iraq, will play next to some of the NFL's greatest stars at the 2007 Cash America Quarterback Bowl. Roger Staubach, Heisman Trophy winner and Dallas Cowboys long-time quarterback, who is playing in the game, will donate half of the funds raised to the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes (CSAH).

The flag football game will be May 3 at Reunion Arena in Dallas. This year's contest is set to begin at 7 p.m., between Roger Staubach's Hardline, and Danny White's Musers. Both Staubach and White are former quarterbacks of the Dallas Cowboys. Martinez of Shreveport, LA, will play on the Hardline team and Bajema of Grand Rapids, MI, will play for the Musers.

CSAH national spokesman J.R. Martinez says, "Before I joined the Army, my dream as a kid was to make it in the NFL. This experience is the closest I will ever get to that. Events like these give injured service members like me the chance to live their dreams. And even better, I get to build awareness and funds for the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes to help my fellow wounded comrades."

Wounded veterans struggle everyday to overcome life-changing injuries, such as loss of limbs, severe burns, and the reality of being in a wheelchair. The Coalition works to help these troops, and their families, overcome these obstacles, and resume fulfilling and productive lifestyles through programs targeted to their specific needs.

The first ever Cash America Quarterback Bowl was held last April. The basic idea was that two teams, led by legendary NFL quarterbacks, would go head to head for a charity of their choice.

Tickets are available online at DallasDesperados.com or by phone at 972-785-4900. Prices range from $21 to $45.

About the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes:
The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that offers several programs to assist disabled veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan: Wounded Hero Emergency Financial Relief (provides urgent financial assistance to disabled veterans), Homes for Wounded Heroes (offers nearly cost-free, new or renovated disability adapted homes to men and women), Hire A Hero (reaches out through a network of organizations to help prepare and place motivated, qualified veterans in quality jobs), Family Support Network (offers special services to help relieve financial and emotional burdens facing heroes and their families), and the Road to Recovery Conferences (all-expense paid educational and service events for wounded servicemen and servicewomen and their families). For more information please visit the website at www.saluteheroes.org.

About J.R. Martinez:
J.R. Martinez was born in Shreveport, LA on June 14, 1983. He enlisted in the United States Army in September 2002 and underwent Basic and Advanced Training at Fort Benning, Georgia where he gained skills as an 11-B Infantryman. After reporting to Fort Campbell in January of 2003, he was assigned to his unit 2/502 Delta Company. He was deployed to Iraq in February of that same year. After his injury in April 2003, he spent 34 months at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, undergoing 32 different surgeries. After his recovery, he joined the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes (www.saluteheroes.org) as a National Spokesperson. He has since worked with CSAH to promote their financial assistance and support programs to other wounded service members and inspire the lives of others through his amazing story of resilience, perseverance and optimism.

About Justin Bajema:
Justin Bajema was born on March 27, 1981 in Grand Rapids, MI. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2001 and on his second tour in Iraq with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, while on patrol in 2004, Justin's convoy was attacked by insurgents. He suffered severe injuries to his legs, including IED shrapnel to both lower extremities and mild PTSD.

After being evacuated to Bethesda National Naval Hospital and undergoing eight surgeries, six weeks of hospitalization and months of physical therapy, Justin was able to walk again. Since Justin's recovery, he has joined the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes (www.saluteheroes.org) as a National Spokesperson. Justin helps to raise awareness for CSAH and inspire the lives of other wounded veterans with his message about the positive things that can come into life after letting go of the past and, in turn, creating a brighter future.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes in partnership with the Department of Veteran Affairs, Department of Defense and corporate America, unveils plans to bring together 350 disabled soldiers and their families at Walt Disney World

Ossining, NY -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/23/2007 -- The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes announced today that three hundred and fifty severely wounded service members from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom plus their families and primary caregivers will attend its Fourth Annual Road to Recovery Conference and Tribute. The five-day event, to be held at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida from December 14 – 19, 2007, with more than 1,000 people in attendance, will be the nation's largest gathering of severely wounded troops ever.

The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes (http://www.saluteheroes.org), a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization founded in 2004 to provide support to the severely injured from the War on Terror, spearheads this annual event to provide wounded troops, their families and caregivers with one source of information regarding benefits, services, counseling, insurance, healthcare, financial support, career counseling and employment opportunities. The Road to Recovery Conference and Tribute is truly the first step in their recovery.

"The Road to Recovery Conference and Tribute is a great example of how the private, public and government sectors can work together to help severely wounded troops and their families. We are grateful to the Department of Veteran Affairs, Department of Defense, government service organizations and other groups who are working with us to put this event together," says Ray Clifford, executive director of the Coalition to Salute America' Heroes. "This is the only place where these families are under the same roof with all these organizations and given the chance to ask questions, address issues and learn about resources available."

Access to Top Resources:
Wounded troops and their families will be given access to a broad spectrum of government organizations to get first hand information regarding their needs.

The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) is critical in the planning of the conference, with the majority of seminars being conducted by their representatives. Sessions at this year's conference will include discussions on VA benefits and adaptive sports clinics. Counseling courses on PTSD will be conducted by the VA's top national team.

"Serving our wounded veterans is a top priority at the Department of Veterans Affairs," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson. "These are American heroes, and we're looking forward to the opportunity to participate in honoring them again at the annual Road to Recovery Conference."

The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes is a proud member of the Department of Defense "America Supports You" program, and works with the DoD in putting together the career fair.

In previous years, the Department of Labor has been a part of the fair, and defense contractors will be there to provide job opportunities for the service member and their spouse.

Government service organizations will be involved again this year to provide information relevant to each branch of the military. Those organizations include Safe Harbor, Marine 4 Life, Wounded Warrior AW2 and Palace HART.

While the recovery process is long and arduous for a service member, it is just as difficult for the family. The Coalition and its partners recognize this, and so much of educational seminars throughout the week will be on topics rarely addressed from their perspective including PTSD, relationships and coping strategies. Children will participate in Camp C.O.P.E., a therapeutic hands-on daily session that teaches techniques to deal with transition issues and their parents' injuries.

Emotional Healing
Apart from the physical hardships that such catastrophic injuries impose, many of these war heroes face crushing financial, mental and emotional hardships. Injuries take their toll on every aspect of a wounded hero's life, from emotional hardships with their families to difficulty making house payments to loss in income. Although less apparent, these struggles are just as destructive as any physical disability.

While there is no doubt that the conference will provide wounded troops with education and tangible tools for their road to recovery, the Conference will serve as a tribute and

thanks to the troops, a factor often underestimated that has emotional healing power. Previous conferences have featured national entertainers such as Toby Keith and Gary Sinise.

At the conference, service members will be given the rare opportunity to meet others with like injuries and life situations, share valuable information and encouragement, and learn through the examples of others about how to work through issues. Moreover, they will be given much-needed respite from the daily routine of treatment and therapy and given the chance to connect, reunite and recharge the family unit.

Two hundred of the most recently wounded service members will be invited to the event, representing a collection of the most common injuries from the War on Terror: severe burns, loss of limbs, traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal and nerve injuries, loss of vision and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Since the event will be instrumental in setting recovery examples, explaining challenges and providing hope for the newly injured, 75 service members from the coalition's first conference in 2004 and 75 from the second conference in 2005 will also be in attendance. They will share their inspiring stories of recovery with the newly injured and help those families focus on benefits that are relevant to their new needs based on where they are in the recovery phase. Service members from the earlier conferences will also learn about longer term benefits from the VA and furthering their education or career. The conference is an opportunity for them to do just that.

Corporate America Stepping Up
The event would not be possible without the support of corporate America. Many of the country's top organizations have already pledged their support of the event and urge other companies to do the same.

Tom Murach, Senior Vice President, Customer Service and Support Technology for Bank of America says, "By supporting the brave veterans who have sacrificed so much for our freedom in the war on terror, we at the Bank are also supporting our customers, our neighbors, and the "family" of Bank of America associates, many of whom have friends and loved ones who have served or are currently serving in the nations Armed Forces. The Road to Recovery Conference is an important and tangible way to demonstrate our support to our troops and their families."

He continues, "The Conference is a unique opportunity for the private sector, government agencies and corporate America to come together to answer the call of our wounded troops in helping them rebuild their lives. Bank of America is proud to be a part of the event again this year and welcomes the participation of other corporations across the nation."

Michael Lister, president and CEO, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. commented, "As long-time supporters of our nation's troops, it was a natural and honored opportunity for us to sponsor the Coalition's conference last December. Since that time, our relationship with the Coalition has grown and we, along with our nationwide franchise system, look forward to supporting many of their efforts, including the December 2007 Conference. As a corporation with over 6,500 locations nationwide, it has always been important for us to give back to the communities in which we serve, as well as support those who support us so valiantly. The men and women who make up our injured and disabled veterans deserve nothing less than our nation, including corporate America, supporting them in their time of need."

What the Troops Say
It is the job of the coalition to quickly to provide whatever emergency assistance is needed during a wounded service member's process of healing and recovery. Most Americans tend to look at the big picture: nearly 3000 Americans killed and more than 23,000 wounded. The coalition prefers to look at the smaller picture, focusing on those individuals whose lives have been forever altered. Here are some examples of families helped through past Road to Recovery conference:

"This conference is the most valuable source of information we've received so far. There is so much here in terms of the benefits we are eligible for, job training and opportunities, the chance for our children to meet other kids that are dealing with the same issues and the chance us to meet other couples families who are traveling on this road to recovery with us. I am so thankful that we were a part of this conference," says Summer Adams, wife of John Adams, who was injured in Iraq in 2003.

"The Road to Recovery Conference is amazing in that it really puts a lot of information out there, a lot of stuff I didn't know before, about what is available to me. It was also the first time since I left the hospital that I was able to be around so many other men and women who were injured. Feeling that camaraderie again was incredible. And best of all, I am now considering several jobs as a result of attending the job fair," commented Gary Boggs, who was injured in Iraq in 2005.

When it comes to providing tangible benefits for the seriously wounded, no other organization does more throughout every stage of the recovery process than the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes, one of the nation's leading non-governmental organizations for the severely wounded War on Terror veterans.

To see photos from last year's conference, visit http://www.saluteheroes.org/pr_dec_2006.htm.

About the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes:
The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that offers several programs to assist disabled veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan: Wounded Hero Emergency Financial Relief (provides urgent financial assistance to disabled veterans), Homes for Wounded Heroes (offers nearly cost-free, new or renovated disability adapted homes to men and women), Hire A Hero (reaches out through a network of organizations to help prepare and place motivated, qualified veterans in quality jobs), Family Support Network (offers special services to help relieve financial and emotional burdens facing heroes and their families), and the Road to Recovery Conferences (all-expense paid educational and service events for wounded servicemen and servicewomen and their families). For more information please visit the website at www.saluteheroes.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

15th Annual NAPE Oil & Gas Expo hosts luncheon and auctions to raise money for wounded Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans

Ossining, NY -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/02/2007 -- The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes, a non-profit, nonpartisan organization that provides much needed support and assistance to severely wounded service members returning home from the War on Terror, is excited to announce that a luncheon and auction at the NAPE Expo in Houston, Texas raised more than $250,000 for wounded troops.

"The NAPE Oil & Gas Expo is one of the premiere events in the oil and gas industry. We were honored that NAPE chose to support and honor our wounded heroes at its expo luncheon," said Ray Clifford, executive director of the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes. "We'd like to thank NAPE, Shell, ExxonMobil and the other corporations and individuals who stepped up in a big way with their donations for the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes."

Robin Forte, executive vice president of NAPE, says, "The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes is one our nation's top resources for severely injured service members. It is our honor to join with the Coalition to increase awareness of the needs our wounded service members and raise money to help these brave men and women rebuild their lives."

Former Grammy winner, Larry Gatlin, performed a special concert for the luncheon attendees after the live auction, in which he brought up injured service members on stage when he performed.

Also appearing at the luncheon was Kevin Harvick, Busch Series Champion and winner of five Nextel Cup races in 2006, who was there to represent Shell and help raise funds for the coalition.

The "Lunch with America's Heroes" luncheon and auctions of various celebrity items lasted from 11:30 A.M. to 1:30 PM. In those two hours, more than a quarter of a million dollars was raised for the non-profit, non-partisan organization:

Corporate partner, Shell Exploration & Production, presented the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes with a check for $25,000

ExxonMobil gave $10,000 to the organization.

The live auction raised nearly $40,000. A 2005 custom Harley Sportster XL1200 was the top-seller at the live auction, going for $20,000. Other top sellers were a Dave Matthews Band autographed guitar for $4,000, an autographed Peyton Manning helmet for $2,500, LeAnn Rimes autographed guitar for $3,500, Toby Keith custom autographed guitar for $3,200; Air Force NASCAR hood for $1,100; Richard Petty driving experience for $4,000; and a guitar signed by dozens of artists at Country Music Awards was sold for $3,500.

The remaining donations were from corporations and individuals attending the luncheon. Pictures available upon request.

About The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes:
The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that offers several programs to assist disabled veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan: Wounded Hero Emergency Financial Relief (provides urgent financial assistance to disabled veterans), Homes for Wounded Heroes (offers nearly cost-free, new or renovated disability adapted homes to men and women), Hire A Hero (reaches out through a network of organizations to help prepare and place motivated, qualified veterans in quality jobs), Family Support Network (offers special services to help relieve financial and emotional burdens facing heroes and their families), and the Road to Recovery Conferences (all-expense paid educational and service events for wounded servicemen and servicewomen and their families). For more information please visit the website at www.saluteheroes.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Ray Clifford appointed executive director of the non-profit, nonpartisan organization assisting severely wounded service members from the War on Terror

Holly Springs, NC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/15/2007 -- The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes today announced that the Board of Directors unanimously approved the appointment of Ray Clifford as Executive Director.

"Ray has been instrumental in getting the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes where it is today. His knack for strategic planning, comprehension of the changing needs within the wounded hero community and dedication to mission delivery has been critical in the development of some our most successful programs," said David Walker, member of the Board of Directors. "As executive director, Ray's contagious compassion for our severely injured service members will inspire government agencies, corporate America, private organizations and individual donors to step up and honor those that have given so much for their country. We have no doubt that he will continue to push the Coalition forward, leading the way in raising awareness for, and providing much-needed assistance to, our injured and disabled troops."

Mr. Clifford first started with the Coalition in the spring of 2004 as director of marketing and strategic development. Prior to that, he spent over 20 years in the marketing and promotion industry, specializing in strategic planning, marketing and promotional programs between Fortune 500 brands and leading retailers.

Mr. Clifford has been instrumental in helping the Coalition identify and assist severely wounded service members from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He spearheaded the creation of the Coalition's highly regarded Wounded Hero Emergency Relief Program, overseeing the distribution of more than 3 million dollars in direct financial aid to support more than 3,000 service members and their families.

He also worked closely with the Military Severely Injured Center (MSIC) in Alexandria, V.A., a military support office established by the Department of Defense, to implement policies and procedures to identify and verify the needs of injured service members and their families. This system was critical in the development of the Coalition's Wounded Hero Registry which tracks the progress of wounded service members from the War on Terror and allows the Coalition to proactively adjust mission programs to meet the changing needs of wounded service members and their families.

"I am honored to be elected executive director of the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes, and proud to be a part of such a wonderful organization that looks after our wounded troops," says Clifford. "I am looking forward to working with the board of directors, our dedicated volunteers, partners, government agencies and private organizations to provide support and assistance to the men and women who have been severely injured defending our nation."

As Executive Director for the Coalition, he will continue to serve as the lead liaison between governmental agencies and service organizations, including the Department of Defense, Military Severely Injured Center, Army wounded warrior program (AW2), Palace Hart, Marine 4 life and SafeHarbor.

In addition to overseeing the daily operations, Clifford will lead the development and refinement of mission-based programs, looking for new opportunities to develop key partnerships between governmental and private organizations to better identify and meet the evolving needs of the wounded hero population.

Mr. Clifford is also a proud veteran of the United States Air Force and resides in Croton-on-Hudson, NY.

For more information on the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes, visit www.saluteheroes.org.

About The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes:
The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that offers several programs to assist disabled veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan: Wounded Hero Emergency Financial Relief (provides urgent financial assistance to disabled veterans), Homes for Wounded Heroes (offers nearly cost-free, new or renovated disability adapted homes to men and women), Hire A Hero (reaches out through a network of organizations to help prepare and place motivated, qualified veterans in quality jobs), Family Support Network (offers special services to help relieve financial and emotional burdens facing heroes and their families), and the Road to Recovery Conferences (all-expense paid educational and service events for wounded servicemen and servicewomen and their families). For more information please visit the website at www.saluteheroes.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm