On Veterans’ Day, it’s not enough to say “thank you for your service,” though it’s a start. It should be a call to action to help our vets continue their education and find employment; support our wounded warriors and their families; and remember them, past and present, with gestures of kindness.
During this year’s season of hope and giving, Wreaths Across America Radio (WAAR) invites our troops from across the country and overseas, as well as their loved ones at home, to send a holiday greeting to one another in the form of an internet radio greeting through its “Remembrance Ring” program.
“The United States currently has 1.3 million active duty members, reservists and guards serving within our borders and abroad. Additionally, more than 24 million veterans have faithfully served our country in the past,” said Karen Worcester, Wreaths Across America’s executive director. “I am honored and thrilled to be able to offer these soldiers and their families the opportunity to share their holiday greeting. The ‘Remembrance Ring’ is a wonderful gift to give and is especially important for sharing love and support for their sacrifices at this special time of the year.”
Wreaths Across America Radio is a stream you can listen to anywhere, 24/7, at wreathsacrossamerica.org/radio and via the iHeart Radio app. Or download it at the App Store or on Google (hashtag #WreathsRadio). Anyone can participate by calling 888-348-3352 to record a short holiday greeting. WAAR will play that message on-air during the holidays to help bring families, loved ones, members of our military and Americans closer together for the holiday season (Nov. 22 through Dec. 31).
You can also join the nonprofit in helping to place wreaths on veterans’ graves on Dec. 18, National Wreaths Across America Day.
For more, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org.
Meanwhile, acccording to Census.gov, there are 3,510 veteran-owned businesses in Connecticut. Aquiline Drones (AD), an American drone manufacturer and technology company in downtown Hartford, is increasing that number for Cmdr. Lee Wilson of VFW Post 1926 in Simsbury. The decorated Army sergeant, who served in the Persian Gulf War during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, recently won a scholarship to AD’s Flight to the Future (F2F) online drone pilot training program after his name was selected from the raffle box at the recent Simsbury Fly-In event hosted by the Simsbury Airport. Wilson, a resident of Avon, is a computer technician employed by the Department of Connecticut for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in Rocky Hill. After completing the online course, he will earn FAA Drone Pilot Certification, industry-specific drone instruction and support in creating an independent drone business.
“Winning a scholarship to Aquiline Drones’ prestigious drone pilot program truly blends my professional technology background and personal passion of the UAV industry,” Wilson said in a statement. “I couldn’t stop admiring the company’s Spartacus Max drone on display at the Simsbury Fly-In and will put this generous training to good use.”
For more, visit flighttothefuture.com.
