America Wants You

Our National Guard Needs You

wp_admin — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 18:46:31 +0000

Something to think about as we enjoy the freedom and safety that we all enjoy as Americans. Our brave fighting forces dodge bullets and bombs every day and we mostly think of them as soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen; but we tend to forget about the brave men and women that do the same every day as members of our National Guard force. They sign-up as needed and are deployed as necessary. Most leave their everyday jobs with a guarantee that when they return, their jobs will be there.

Now here’s the dirty little secret, many come home and those jobs are gone!! Problem here is that is simply against the law and shame on those employers who do not live up to their duty and responsibility.

There’s a little thing called the “Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act” (USERRA), which was enacted to protect Veterans when they return from their military service. The numbers of those affected are staggering. In 2010, for example, the number went from 34,000 to more than 48,000 and then to as high as 91,000 before dropping a bit last year. This, my friends is tragic! Although the number is abating somewhat today it is sure to grow as more of our National Guard personnel return home.

We simply cannot allow this to happen. AWY suggests you contact your Congressional representatives and demand that employers comply with USERRA.

It’s a dirty little secret but it’s a huge problem for those who have and are fighting to keep our great Nation free and safe.

AWY salutes the men and women of the National Guard who provide service and AWY says “shame on those employers who do not comply with the law for their selfishness, insensitivity, and lack of appreciation”!

John S. Pike

Some Discouraging News But We’re Not Discouraged.

wp_admin — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 18:14:19 +0000

Kind of like being smacked in the face with a 2 by 4! That’s how I feel this morning after learning our unemployment rate has jumped to 8.2% and jobs added were a paltry 69,000. Bad news for all Americans, especially discouraging for our Veterans who tragically have a much higher rate. It seems just when you think you are taking a step or two forward you realize that you actually going backward. The snowball effect is especially troublesome. American employers evaluate the trends and pull back rather than forge ahead. Fear fuels the trend and progress is stifled.
What are we to do?
Here at AWY we continue to do what our mission mandates, we take an optimistic view and continue to foster awareness of the critical need to get our Veterans back to work. For the last week we have been in production on a documentary series in the Southwestern Energy natural gas fields where two of our brave Veterans have begun to rebuild their lives with real jobs. Under the direction of Bronze Medal recipient Don Beck, we will chronicle the process of re-entry into civilian mainstream employment. We will show that our Vets are not alone out there and that there are opportunities and employers that want to make a difference.
AWY will continue to “call out” the corner offices to recognize the skills and dedication these heros and make jobs available. The only way to solve these problems is to move forward and become more productive.
AWY will turn over every rock and explore every possibility necessary to be part of the solution, we already know the problem!
More than ever, AWY needs the support of our Facebook and Twitter family to spread the message of encouragement.
I kind of wish there was less political rhetoric and more pro-active action. Can you imagine how much real progress could be made if the money spent on the campaign trails was directed a getting our brothers and sisters back to work. Something to think about!
AWY thanks you for your support and our brave soldiers, sailors, and Marines salute you for your commitment.
God bless you and God bless America.

John S. Pike

Old Glory

wp_admin — Tue, 22 May 2012 18:09:32 +0000

Doing what I do almost every morning, a couple of cups of “Joe”, a visit or two to the stoop for a couple of puffs, and the obligatory thumb through of the morning newspapers. Yeah, I still actually read them; when you are old you still like the inky feel rather than the net browse!
This morning something really struck me and got me to thinking. Today marks the start of the Memorial Day Holiday, which for many signals the start of summer and the fun it brings. I found that this week is a great time to shop for bargains. Everything seems to be on sale from couches, computers, barbecue grills, beer, brats, burgers, and buns. Nothing wrong with that, everybody wants a good deal from time to time; myself included. I noticed the public pools will be opening and Americans across our Country will picnic and party and welcome the official start of vacation season.
So what’s the problem you may ask?
May seem small to you but it’s big to me. I did not see one ad or mention of our Nation’s most prominent symbol, the red, white and blue of our American flag. Old Glory waves over every American base in the world, it flies on every American naval vessel, and it adorns every one our planes. In short, wherever our men and women are stationed our flag is ever-present. Our flag is the symbol of a safe and free land we proudly call America.
Truth be told I did not know how many of our brothers and sisters and moms and dads have paid the ultimate sacrifice for us. The number is staggering! By most accounts it is set at more than 1.2 million. That’s right 1.2 million!!
Most of our AWY family knows we are about Vets and we will endeavor to help them in any way we can. But this week AWY is about the 1.2 million and the sacrifice they made.
So rather than just buying a couch or a beer or a brat I’d like each of you to consider one more thing.
STARTING TODAY BUY AN AMERICAN FLAG AND LET IT FLY AND PROUDLY WAVE!
Put it in your front yard, tack it to your front door, hang it in your window, dangle it from your picnic table; do whatever necessary so it can be seen by all. Most importantly, do it for the brave men and women who sacrificed the ultimate for each of us. Thank and remember each of them for making our great Country the land of the free and brave. May God bless each of them. Make sure they are not forgotten.

John S. Pike

Blue Friday

wp_admin — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:27:26 +0000

War is a terrible thing! At times it seems senseless and unending as men and women put their lives on the line in service to our great Country. As a Veteran I can assure you that no one wants to endure the horrors of war but it is an obligation that is unfortunately necessary. I can remember many years ago returning to my Country on an Air Force charter, in the belly of the jet were six caskets carrying proud Marines that made the ultimate sacrifice. I will remember being on that plane the rest of my life. I remember with pride bringing our soldiers home.

Don’t mean to sound so somber today but it just got me thinking as to why we all should be extra mindful about our great Vets.

I use the word “extra” because I think we can all do something that will bring more focus on those who have and are making America the greatest nation in the world. It is really very simple.

It’s called BLUE FRIDAY and no it is not my idea, I just heard about it and thinks it is more than just good; I think it is necessary. BLUE FRIDAY calls upon the silent majority who support our troops to demonstrate our commitment to them and wear blue clothing each and every Friday until our troops come safely home. It is a small gesture but one that can gather momentum and send a message to those who serve. By word of mouth, press, social media, and television lets make the United States a “sea of blue” each and every Friday. It will demonstrate our appreciation, support, and prayers. BLUE FRIDAY can only happen if each of you get on board and spread the word. That is your mission. AWY will do its part, we ask that you do yours and make this mission a reality.

A couple more side-notes from AWY World Headquarters. If you have not yet heard and seen the AMERICA WANTS YOU music video do yourselves a favor and give it a listen and a look. Jon Lee and Mac Davis did a fabulous job and it is beyond inspirational and moving. It is available on our website, FB page, YouTube, and iTunes. Call your local TV and radio stations and tell them to play it in appreciation of our Veterans.

Don’t forget our digital billboard. It’s fun and sends a great message. And don’t forget to let us know what you are thinking. AWY is just the messenger of your voice.

God bless all of you for supporting AWY and God bless the men and women who have and are making our great Nation safe and free.

John S. Pike

It Just Keeps Getting Better

wp_admin — Wed, 02 May 2012 22:38:43 +0000

The poet Robert Burns once penned a famous phrase that begins “The best laid plans of mice and men…”, got me to thinking about how things come to be and why. It came to mind when a friend and fellow quizzed me about how AWY has accomplished so much in such a short time. The short answer was that we weren’t sure how we were going to accomplish our mission and we would just try and do it one day at a time. Everyday we learn a little bit more of the challenges facing our Veterans, and revise our plan accordingly and aggressively.

One thing we know for sure is that without your help and support we are like a ship lost at sea. The AWY family is growing, and it is through your comments on Facebook and Twitter, that we learn and continue to grow. I said in an earlier “Pike Speaks” that we need each of you to tell a friend about AWY and tell them to tell a friend. I don’t know much about social media but it sure is working.

AWY has some exciting things happening and more to come in the weeks ahead. The AWY song, or anthem, will be released later this week. Lyrics and music, by Jon Lee and Mac Davis, will be accompanied by a moving video produced by Glenn Miller. We hope this becomes an anthem for all initiatives relating to Veterans. It is moving, emotional and free to all to share and pass along. I hope every soldier, sailor, and Marine who has and is serving our great country has an opportunity to hear and see our anthem.

You may have noticed that AWY now has its digital, electronic billboard up and running. Bottom line, this is very cool! You can personally design a message that will be displayed for all to see and pass it along to your friends to ensure our mission grows and prospers. The “how to” is simple and information is available on our Facebook page. Take advantage of this new innovative tool, it’s fun and makes each of you an integral part on the AWY mission.

Pre-production has now begun on an exciting new “Vetumentary” series entitled “The Journey”. This innovative approach to telling the real stories about our Vets will be produced and directed by the newest member of the AWY family, Don Beck. Don served in the 75^th Infantry Ranger Regiment in Viet Nam. Don is also a recipient of the Bronze Star. Don and his team are off to Little Rock, Arkansas to participate in a Southwestern Energy Veteran’s job fair this month to begin shooting. If you are interested in attending this job fair please let us know and we’ll get you the details.

Another thing we ask of you is to let us know if you or somebody you know is now employed because of the AWY initiative. We love to hear your stories so we can celebrate your accomplishments.

If you haven’t done so already, remember to raise a glass or two in a salute to our brave Navy Seal team. A year ago, they did what they do best and world is a safer place with the death of Bin Laden.

All of us here at AWY thank you for your continued support and we thank the brave men and women who are and have served our great Country to keep us safe and free.

John S. Pike

Our Skilled Veterans

wp_admin — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 20:19:08 +0000

Troubling but interesting article in today’s LA Times (4/26) by David Zucchino on tragedy of Veteran employment. AWY salutes any attention given to this problem. Seems some employers believe our soldiers are coming home psychologically damaged due to PTS and would have difficulty transitioning their skill sets to civilian endeavors. Nothing could be further from the truth. These men and women possess superb skills that are easily transferable to civilian jobs. Employers need to take a few extra steps in mentoring and enhancing skill sets for our soldiers. Employers must realize that they will get exceptional employees that understand loyalty and mission. American employers must remember that these men and women are the ones that are keeping our great Country free, safe, productive, and prosperous. The least we can do is look beyond false notions of broken and damaged Veterans. It is our obligation not an accommodation.

John S. Pike

Some Gratitude for Operation Gratitude

wp_admin — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 20:15:25 +0000

Strategic planning session at AWY World Headquarters yesterday (sounds cool, but it’s just a room above my garage) and the team was talking about how many great organizations are out there helping our brave Veterans and their families. It really is amazing and heartwarming and AWY is proud to be a small part. Ranger Joe and Vet Hunters do an outstanding job, Vets Rock in Atlanta work tirelessly, and Wounded Warriors are helping mend the lives of thousands. I could go on and on but you get the idea. Congrats and thanks to all of you who are making a difference!

We came upon an organization that really deserves a shout out and your attention. It’s called Operation Gratitude and is guided by Carolyn Blashek, and she really gets it. I truly appreciate what they do. I remember receiving one of those so-called “care packages” from friends and family when I was in a distant land serving my country. I ripped open the box and shared the goodies with my shipmates, read the local news from our town newspaper, and rekindled memories with the pictures that were always included in that precious package. It does not sound like much, but it is a little taste of “back home” that I sorely missed. That’s just exactly what Operation Gratitude does every day! They make our men and women feel appreciated and not forgotten. That means a great deal when often you feel very alone. At last count, I noticed that Operation Gratitude has shipped more than three quarters of a million such treasured parcels to soldiers they don’t even know. You can be a part of this very important organization by becoming familiar with Operation Gratitude and getting involved in their cause and concern. Click www.operationgratitude.com and you’ll be in touch.

I had never heard of Operation Gratitude or what they did until one of AWY’s advisory board members, Dennis McNeil, gave us a heads up and said we’d be a good fit with their great work. Dennis was right and AWY will get involved and get others involved in the great work of Operation Gratitude.

A couple of other random thoughts that I wanted to pass along include mentioning that our digital billboard is up and running so visit our Facebook page and post your message. Also, if your job search is successful, let us know your story. Most importantly, when you go to bed tonight remember the men and women who are serving and have served making our great country free and safe. In your own way, say a prayer for all of them.

John S. Pike

War is Hell

wp_admin — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:01:59 +0000

Getting something off your chest is sometimes a way to clear the mind. It also can provide a rational explanation to irrational acts. That being said I am going to try to offer some insight into a troubling series of widely reported events that allegedly involve our brothers and sisters in uniform. I do not expect all or even most of you to agree with me, but it may give you a moment of cause for pause to reflect.
The Los Angeles Times reported today that certain members of the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division posed for pictures holding body parts of Afghan insurgents. If true, this behavior that is truly unacceptable and reflects poorly on our soldiers. This is not the first, and I am sure will not be the last of atrocities that will be reported. We all remember the chilling photos and stories that emanated from Abu Ghraib prison scandal. These stories are the EXCEPTION! There are thousands of other stories that can and should be told every day that celebrate and not denigrate our American fighting force.
Many years ago Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman stated an off quoted line when he said “War is Hell”, he was right then and he is right today.
Our fighting forces get up every day in their corner of the world and go to work not knowing if they are going to kill our enemies or be killed. Often times they do not know or recognize their enemies. In a kill or be killed situation fear often is accompanied with frustration, fatigue, and desperation. Every day our soldiers protect each of us while protecting the backs of their own. They never know if they will return after their mission. Everyday they fight, patrol, and protect.
Sometimes frustration leads to irrational behavior. Sometimes fear leads to regrettable acts. It is part of the human condition.
So lets not be so quick to judge our guardians. Yes there are exceptions, but those are rare and isolated. Our American fighting force do their job and do it damn well. AWY salutes each and every one of you. We thank you for keeping our great Country free and safe.
As General Sherman said, “War is Hell”; was he ever right!

John S. Pike

A Very Full Cup This Week

wp_admin — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:57:52 +0000

Way too amped up today so if I ramble a bit, my apologies in advance. Ever the optimist, even I am a bit surprised at how much we have going on here at AWY and far we have come in such a short time. We no longer look back we just press forward refining and redefining our mission. We are listening to each of you and value your feedback.
The job postings continue to grow and our Veterans are actively involved in the application process (I know sometimes it is cumbersome but it is worth it). Our FB page is becoming the heart and soul of our effort. Each of you make it more vital by sharing it with your friends and expanding our reach and message.
In a very short time AWY will be premiering a song and video written by Jon Lee and Mac Davis that will become the anthem of appreciation for our military men and women. Both of these dedicated Americans donated their time and talent!
The AWY creative team has designed and implemented a series of FB Postcards that you will begin to see on our FB page. These clever and humorous postings are both entertaining and absolutely “on message”. In the next few weeks AWY will introduce each of you to an innovative and exciting new concept. It’s called a video billboard. It is interactive, informative, and you can be a part of it. More on that a little later. A quick shout out to Mickey Taylor and Glenn Miller for their fabulous work in creating and making these ideas become reality.
I guess AWY really has arrived!! You will soon be able to purchase official Made in the USA AWY merchandise to wear with pride in supporting our mission. I’ve also been told we will have coffee mugs for your morning cup o’joe! The first three shirts were bought by AWY’s good friend William Wrigley.
If you haven’t noticed, we have posted a bunch of new personality videos; take a quick trip to AmericaWantsYou.net and give them a look. Thanks to all who lent their voices.
That’s a bunch of stuff today but wanted all of you on Team AWY to be up to speed. It’s exciting stuff and there is more to come.
All of us at AWY thank you for your support and God bless the men and women who have and are keeping our great Country free and safe.
John S. Pike

Another Good Week

wp_admin — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 19:20:31 +0000

AWY asked you all to think of a few reasons as to why our Vets make great employees. I guess the better question is why would an employer look anywhere else! How would you like to have a worker in your employ that was trained in teamwork, able to make a decision instantaneously, understands mission, has precision discipline, and has dedicated a part of their life to defending our Country? Sounds to me like that individual would make a perfect “hire”.
A few other random thoughts. In cased you didn’t notice our website and FB banner now says 46,000 jobs available. A shout-out to those employers who “get it” and are doing something about “it”!
The other day I was flying back from Houston after meeting with Southwestern Energy, AWY’s greatest supporter, the plane was packed but there was one empty seat in the coveted first class cabin. The United Airlines flight attendant noticed a soldier in fatigues, gave him a tap on the shoulder and moved him up to the front.
Ranger Joe Leal of Vet Hunters has joined the AWY Board of Advisors. We are extremely proud to have him on our team.
Joe’s a guy who knows how to make a difference.
Oh I almost forgot, wanted to thank those of you who pointed out my typo in my last blog!
That’s it for this week at AWY. We wish all of our supporters and all the men and women who have and are serving our great Country a happy Easter and Passover.

John S. Pike