Military Family Month was established by the Armed Forces YMCA in 1996. Proclamations have been issued by U.S. Presidents in recent times, and this year President Biden has followed suit, stating America has the greatest Armed Forces in the history of the world. He says we all owe a debt to those who serve and those that serve alongside them – their families and caregivers.

http://usar.army.mil/

The backbone of the Army Reserve force is its Families, which is why each November we recognize their commitment, resilience and critical contributions to the Army Reserve.

Just like the Soldiers they support, Army Reserve families are strong and resilient, but face unique challenges. It’s the people of the Army Reserve that deliver on its priorities – readiness, modernization and reform – so taking care of service members and their families is equally important to the mission.

The Army recognizes that service members’ Families, like spouses and kids, also feel the effects of service – whether through relocation, distance from loved ones, among other challenges – but is committed to providing the best quality of life possible. The love and support from military Families is unwavering.

Throughout this awareness month and beyond, the Army Reserve focuses on the community-based services that foster the growth, development and readiness of Soldiers and Families.

Captain Brigette Miller and her husband, Nathaniel, discuss their Military Family experience. Miller will also discuss her journey from military kid to Army Reserve Soldier will offer great insight into the importance of this community. Captain Miller will also share how an Army Reserve Family Readiness Group has supported her unit.

Interview is courtesy: U.S. Army Reserve

#military #family #gratitude #appreciation #support #armed #forces #ymca #biden #president #caregivers #army #reserve #spouses #kids #awareness #brigette #miller #nathaniel #captain

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Isabella is a student at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. As a high school student at the Convent of the Sacred Heart in Greenwich, Connecticut, she was the Senior Editor and Executive Director for the Broadcast Journalism Course and received many journalism awards including Finalist at the National Film Festival for Talented Youth in Seattle, Washington, in 2013 for I Love You Bear. She also created four public service announcements, and two documentaries: Natural Disasters: Haiti and Striving For Greatness: Twin Lakes Farm. She is fluent in French and received the La Comtesse Nathalie d’Esterno Prix d’Excellence 2014 for excellence in French Studies. In addition, she has won many equitation awards including Champion, Saugerties Children’s Hunter Division, Saugerties, New York, and Top Ten, Low Hunter Division and Top Five Children’s Equitation Division, Fairfield-Westchester Professional Horseman’s Association. Isabella was also the President of the Cleats for Kids Club at Convent of the Sacred Heart and a volunteer at the Padre Pio Shelter, a shelter for homeless men in the Bronx.

Miss Isabella Maria Luisa von Habsburg-Lothringen’s father, the Archduke Geza von Habsburg-Lothringen is an internationally renowned author and leading authority on Fabergé. He is the son of Archduke Joseph Francis of Austria and Princess Anna of Saxony, the grandson of King Frederick Augustus III of Saxony and the great-great grandson of Emperor Franz-Joseph I of Austria. Her mother, the Archduchess Elizabeth von Habsburg-Lothringen is the Managing Director of the Winston Art Group. Her great-grandfather, Albert Kunstadter, founded Formfit, and her family runs the Albert Kunstadter Family Foundation, a New York-based philanthropy.
The International Debutante Ball, founded in 1954, is considered one of the most prestigious debutante presentations. Young women of distinction from all over the country and around the globe are brought together at the ball and the surrounding parties with daughters of Diplomats, titled Europeans, Ambassadors, Governors and Presidents of the United States. Over the years, the ball has benefited numerous charities through the International Debutante Ball Foundation, including one of its major beneficiaries, the Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, Coast Guard and Airmen’s Club of New York, which provides a home away from home for the men and women of our Armed Services

FORTY-SIX WOMEN MADE THEIR BOWS AT THE 60th INTERNATIONAL DEBUTANTE BALL Monday, December 29th, 2014

Forty-six women of distinction from the United States and abroad made their bows to society at the 60th Anniversary of the International Debutante Ball. The debutantes represented Austria, China, England, Hong Kong, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine and twelve American states. Each debutante was accompanied by her own escort in white tie and tails, and a military cadet who carried the flag of the country or state which she represented. This year there were five sets of sisters.

Sponsored by Piaget, and The Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation the Ball benefits go to The International Debutante Ball Foundation which supports numerous charities. The primary charity is The Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, Coast Guard and Airmen’s Club, a home away from home for the military and their families. Partial support will go to the American Ballet Theater, Friends of Versailles and the American Theater Wing among others.

The ball was founded in 1954 by Beatrice Dinsmore Joyce as a charity and the tradition continues today directed by her niece, Mrs. Gregory Scott Hedberg, Director and General Chairman. This year the Honorary Chairmen were Ms. Anne Eisenhower, Mrs. David R. Hamilton and Ms. Julia Irene Kauffman and Ball Chairmen included Mrs. Andrew E. Beer, Mrs. Spencer Neville Brown, Mrs. Ryland E.D. Chase, Mrs. D. David Eisenhower, Ms. Susan Eisenhower, and Mrs. William Dean McNaughton

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Fanny attends the University of Lausanne’s Faculty of Biology and Medicine in Switzerland. She plays the piano, and loves music, writing, art and sports.

Miss Fanny Tang’s father, Weixing Tang, is the President of the China Sales Group LTD. Her mother, Honglin Zhang, is the President of CAASC Europe.
For her debut, Miss Fanny Tang has chose to wear a strapless gown designed by Guo Pei, one of the most renowned designers in China. The dress features gold accents, including golden flowers embellished with Swarovski crystals.
The International Debutante Ball, founded in 1954, is considered one of the most prestigious debutante presentations. Young women of distinction from all over the country and around the globe are brought together at the ball and the surrounding parties with daughters of Diplomats, titled Europeans, Ambassadors, Governors and Presidents of the United States. Over the years, the ball has benefited numerous charities through the International Debutante Ball Foundation, including one of its major beneficiaries, the Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, Coast Guard and Airmen’s Club of New York, which provides a home away from home for the men and women of our Armed Services.

FORTY-SIX WOMEN MADE THEIR BOWS AT THE 60th INTERNATIONAL DEBUTANTE BALL Monday, December 29th, 2014

Forty-six women of distinction from the United States and abroad made their bows to society at the 60th Anniversary of the International Debutante Ball. The debutantes represented Austria, China, England, Hong Kong, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine and twelve American states. Each debutante was accompanied by her own escort in white tie and tails, and a military cadet who carried the flag of the country or state which she represented. This year there were five sets of sisters.

Sponsored by Piaget, and The Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation the Ball benefits go to The International Debutante Ball Foundation which supports numerous charities. The primary charity is The Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, Coast Guard and Airmen’s Club, a home away from home for the military and their families. Partial support will go to the American Ballet Theater, Friends of Versailles and the American Theater Wing among others.

The ball was founded in 1954 by Beatrice Dinsmore Joyce as a charity and the tradition continues today directed by her niece, Mrs. Gregory Scott Hedberg, Director and General Chairman. This year the Honorary Chairmen were Ms. Anne Eisenhower, Mrs. David R. Hamilton and Ms. Julia Irene Kauffman and Ball Chairmen included Mrs. Andrew E. Beer, Mrs. Spencer Neville Brown, Mrs. Ryland E.D. Chase, Mrs. D. David Eisenhower, Ms. Susan Eisenhower, and Mrs. William Dean McNaughton

For more information: www.internationaldebutanteball.com

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Isabella is a student at the University of California in Los Angeles, California. Her father, Mr. Nai Pan Tang, is a banker with Chong Hing Bank in Hong Kong. Her mother, Mrs. Sheena Lam, is a banker with Deutsche Bank in Hong Kong.
The International Debutante Ball, founded in 1954, is considered one of the most prestigious debutante presentations. Young women of distinction from all over the country and around the globe are brought together at the ball and the surrounding parties with daughters of Diplomats, titled Europeans, Ambassadors, Governors and Presidents of the United States. Over the years, the ball has benefited numerous charities through the International Debutante Ball Foundation, including one of its major beneficiaries, the Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, Coast Guard and Airmen’s Club of New York, which provides a home away from home for the men and women of our Armed Services.

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This July 4th, America’s national Independence Day celebration kicks off our country’s 238th birthday with an all-star salute led by our country’s favorite host, two-time Emmy Award- personality Tom Bergeron. Hot off another winning season as host of the hit series Dancing with the Stars, Bergeron will lead an all-star cast in a patriotic evening of unrivaled musical performances—topped off by the greatest display of fireworks anywhere in the nation.

Broadcast live on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, the event will feature performances by: Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Frankie Valli; Grammy Award-winning music legend Patti LaBelle; multi-platinum recording artist and actress Jordin Sparks; five-time Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Michael McDonald; country music superstar Sara Evans; singer-songwriter Kendall Schmidt from BIG TIME RUSH and HEFFRON DRIVE; and five-time Tony Award nominee and Broadway star Kelli O’Hara; with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly. In celebration of the 200th anniversary of our national anthem, five-time Academy Award-winning composer John Williams will conduct a special new arrangement for orchestra and chorus of the “Star Spangled Banner” with the National Symphony Orchestra, The Joint Armed Forces Chorus, the Choral Arts Society of Washington and the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets.

The 34th annual broadcast of A CAPITOL FOURTH airs on PBS Friday, July 4, 2014 from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET before a concert audience of hundreds of thousands, millions more at home, as well as to our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network. The program can also be heard live in stereo over NPR member stations nationwide. With twenty cameras positioned around the city, including the U.S. Capitol, the White House and the Washington Monument, viewers are front and center for the greatest display of fireworks anywhere in the nation during this top-rated extravaganza. Capping off the show will be a rousing rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” complete with live cannon fire provided by the United States Army Presidential Salute Battery, an audience favorite and A CAPITOL FOURTH tradition.

To talk about this year’s A Capitol Fourth, North American Network is offering five- to seven-minute telephone interviews with singer-songwriter Kendall Schmidt. Interviews are being scheduled for Thursday, July 3, from 11:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. Eastern Time. To book an interview window, please call.

BIOGRAPHY

Kendall Schmidt:

What began in 2008 as a passion project in a bedroom studio in Burbank, California has now become a whirlwind endeavor, with energetic and dedicated fans across the globe. Kendall Schmidt (23) is founder of the passionately-adored electro-pop band, Heffron Drive. Kendall’s passion for music began when he was just a child. As a youngster, Kendall would often recite whole songs after hearing them just once on the radio. Ever the singer, Kendall soon wanted to broaden his musical horizons. Initially, he tried playing the violin and drums, but neither instrument seemed to fit. One day, however, he borrowed his brother’s guitar and from that point forward, he was hooked. Kendall taught himself how to play guitar and eventually released a number of covers on YouTube, which garnered him his first fans. The initial encounter between Kendall and Dustin, a future Heffron Drive member, occurred at a screening for Kendall’s brother’s movie in Los Angeles, California. The two became instant friends; learning that each was a musician, had been born in the same hospital in Wichita, Kansas, and currently lived on the same street in Burbank, California. That street? You guessed it, was Heffron Drive. With money he earned from an acting gig, Kendall purchased some recording gear and the two friends embarked on a musical journey, knowing only to trust their ears and passion for music. When the question of what to name the newly formed band arose, Heffron
Drive was the perfect fit. The band started uploading songs, to the then-popular Myspace, and soon thereafter began receiving an overwhelming amount of interest. The Internet was buzzing about the new band’s unique music and it wasn’t uncommon to find the play counter hovering around 20,000 plays on any given day. Around mid-2009, however, and soon after the release of Heffron Drive music, Kendall was asked to become the lead singer of the band, Big Time Rush. He accepted, and BTR rapidly became a global phenomenon, with tens of millions of fans across the globe, millions of records and tickets sold, and performances across three continents. Not wanting Heffron Drive to fall apart during his BTR success, Kendall helped secure Dustin a position as a tour guitarist for the group. Although extremely busy, the two still found time to create music for Heffron Drive. With constant forward momentum, Heffron Drive is now preparing a full-scale launch into the world of irresistible electro-pop music. Infusing infectious melodies, unforgettable hooks, and beamingly beautiful lyrics, Heffron Drive promises to bring that lovable, relatable, missing-piece-of-the-puzzle to today’s music scene.

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Memorial Day Special The USO Show Troupe shares their wonderful talents with the US Troops at the Hard Rock, in New York City, Times Square.  Our Good News Memorial wish:  That war will be no more.

The USO Show Troupe www.usonyc.org

Since 1941, the USO has been entertaining our military across the country and around the globe. We are proud to continue that 66 year tradition today!

*Our Mission
Since its inception, the USO has remained steadfast in its mission of providing morale and welfare services to the men and women of the U.S. armed forces.

Our History
The USO was founded in Times Square on February 4th, 1941 in response to a request from President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Our Programs and Services
The USO provides a host of programs and services that promote the morale and welfare of our troops and their families — from entertainment to family support services to personal emergency assistance and more.

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Founded in 1919

“Serving Those Who Have Served Their Country”

Mission

“To promote the general welfare of men and women of the Armed Forces of the United States and its Allies, and their families, by maintaining and offering club and lodging rooms”

In 1919, Mrs. Cornelia Barnes Rogers and Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. with General John J. Pershing founded The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Club. In war and peace, without any U.S. Government funding and supported solely by donations of patriotic Citizens, it has ever since been a “Home Away From Home” for over 2,500,00 men and women of the Armed Forces and their families. We have exisited now for over ninety years with our warm, friendly, and safe enviroment providing hospitality and accommodations for 15,000 Armed Forces personnel annually.

With the continued help of our patriotic friends, it always will be.

Founders

General John J. Pershing Mrs. Cornelia Barnes Rogers
Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt, Jr.

for more, go to http://goodnewsplanet.com/the-soldiers-sailors-marines-coast-guard-and-airmens-club-part-2/

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For the rest of the story, go to http://goodnewsplanet.com/birdland/

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 For the rest of the story, go to http://goodnewsplanet.com/birdland/

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Melissa Kate, vocalist, songwriter

Melissa Kate’s musical career has seen her featured with big bands, jazz, hip hop, R&B and funk bands throughout New York State and around the world. She has traveled extensively with Taylor Made Jazz and the Armed Forces Entertainment, performing for our troops stationed around the globe, and for veterans back home. She has performed with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra at Kleinhans Music Hall for the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame’s Concert from the Heart in 2009 and 2010. She is the lead vocalist of the 18 piece George Scott Big Band, and a member of the historic Colored Musicians Club. Her two original albums, Blind Faithand Kissed by Kate, are available online at iTunes, CDBaby and in some record stores. Her live performance DVD, Kissed by Kate: Live at Allen Hallis also available on sale. Her website holds more details at www.MelissaKate.net.

Van Taylor, pianist, is the founder of Taylor Made Jazz, an international, award-winning jazz band that has played at Embassies and events worldwide, focusing its mission on using music to create peace between leaders, countries and people of all backgrounds. This has led Mr. Taylor to work closely with organizations such as our Armed Forces Entertainment, FIDOF, and to support non-profits and charities such as the Hunger Project, the Food Bank of WNY, the Colored Musicians Club of Buffalo, and other global initiatives. An artist developer, producer, jazz composer and publisher– and an excellent pianist, Mr. Van Taylor is someone with whom it is an honor and a rare privilege to perform, and to watch play. His support of Melissa Kate has made possible her original music, and the tremendous musicians that surround her.

Other members of the band are:

Richii Valentino, bass. Richii is a bass player from Buffalo, NY. His background in funk, soul and church music make him a versatile and soulful singer, composer and bass player.

Tim Webb, drummer. Tim’s experience with bands in every genre of music—country, church, funk, R&B, blues, musical theater and jazz—have propelled Tim’s skill on the drums to make him one of the most highly demanded drummers in the city of Buffalo, NY. His territory has expanded to Japan, Egypt, Toronto Canada and New York City. He is a compelling person, smooth and able to adapt to every song and style one might throw at him.

Ron Walker, Guitar. Ron Walker, founder of The Exoutics, is a guitar player with decades of experience in funk, soul and R&B. A master lyricist, his songs have topped charts many times over the years. He has brought his serious and intense style of playing, along with co-writing, to Melissa Kate’s songs. His style is embedded in the songs; Ron is a powerful performer and entertainer.

Names of the songs performed at Birdland:

**denotes original song by Melissa Kate and/or Ron Walker

Spain written by Chick Corea, Artie Maren, Joaquiin Rodrigo, as sung by Al Jarreau

Thou Swell written by Rogers & Hart, sung by Natalie Cole

**Just My Luck written by Melissa Kate, Ron Walker

**It’s Only Love written by Melissa Kate, Ron Walker, Van Taylor

**Soulmate written by Melissa Kate, Van Taylor

Rough & Ready as sung by Freda Payne, Alberta Hunter

**Midnight Snack written by Melissa Kate, Van Taylor

**After the Affair written by Melissa Kate, Van Taylor

**Friends First written by Ron Walker

**Western Jewel written by Melissa Kate

**Phoenix written by Melissa Kate

Never Loved a Man written by Ronnie Shannon, sung by Aretha Franklin

**Stand Up Step Out written by Melissa Kate, Van Taylor

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