It Just Keeps Getting Better
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 75th 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