About WWE's Support of Our Troops...
WWE Superstars regularly visit military bases and hospitals, including Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital, to bolster the morale of our troops. Since 2003, the WWE has produced WWE’s Holiday Tribute to the Troops with WWE Superstars performing before troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2004, the USO of Metropolitan Washington presented WWE with the first ever “Legacy of Hope” award for our extensive support of our troops and the USO’s Operation Care Package program.WWE is also a proud supporter of the National Guard’s ChalleNGe program which assists underprivileged youth obtain their GED or other technical trades.
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View USO's Letter Home PSA
WWE has been a proud supporter of the USO and its commitment to assist the men and women in the military proudly serving their country. Please take a moment to watch their Letter Home PSA and help the USO assist our troops.
Wounded Soldiers And Veterans Get Assist From WWE
Thirty wounded soldiers and veterans will be special VIP guests of World Wrestling Entertainment® at the June 30 “Monday Night RAW®” when the show is broadcast live from the Ford Center in Oklahoma City on USA Network.
The local Oklahoma City chapter of the national organization Soldiers’ Angels contacted hometown celebrity Jim “J.R. ®” Ross, the legendary announcer for RAW and a WWE Hall of Famer, about having the soldiers and veterans attend. J.R. put the wheels in motion with WWE to finalize the arrangements. “The servicemen and women who are guests of WWE are like family to us. I find it an honor to be able to play a small role in helping these brave, war veterans who have been wounded in action see a night of entertainment that they will not soon forget,” said J.R., who added that WWE provides free tickets to all active duty military personnel who provide military ID the day of any WWE events across the U.S. that are not sold out.
In recognition of its continued support of the U.S. military and their families, particularly through its annual holiday Tribute to the Troops tour of war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan, WWE recently received the Corporate Patriot Award at the annual GI Film Festival in Washington, D.C. Other past honors for WWE have been the first ever “Legacy of Hope” award from the USO of Metropolitan Washington, The Army Air Force Exchange Service Award in gratitude for WWE’s efforts to improve the quality of life for troops by supporting service members and their families worldwide, and the Secretary of Defense Exceptional Public Service Award for exceptional public service in support of deployed service members in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Tribute Memories
WWE's Tribute to the Troops tours of Iraq and Afghanistan has created many lasting memories and friendships between members of the U.S. military and WWE Superstars and personnel. Col. Ted Spain met John Laurinaitis, WWE's Senior Vice President, Talent Relations, on WWE's first Tribute to the Troops tour of Iraq in 2003. The Colonel, now retired, recently sent this email to John and provided us permission to share it with troops.wwe.com:
"Mr. Laurinaitis, it's been a long time since I've seen you, but I wanted you to know that I was recently contacted by an author about writing a book about my time in Iraq. I've talked to the author about many things, including the time spent with you and the wrestlers. You will never know what your visit did to the morale of my soldiers. As I talk to many of those that served with me in Iraq, we always talk about that day with the wrestlers under Saddam's arches. Thanks again for what you all do for the soldiers. I do a lot of public speaking and I always tell folks it is OK to hate war, but please don't hate the warriors. Thanks again for what you did for my warriors. Hooah! Ted”
WWE Honored With Corporate Patriot Award
World Wrestling Entertainment has been awarded the first-ever Corporate Patriot Award at the annual GI Film Festival in Washington, D.C. WWE was given the award in recognition of its ongoing support and appreciation of the U.S. military and their families, particularly its annual holiday Tribute to the Troops tour to entertain troops in war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan.
WWE Hall of Famer and Legend Ric Flair, who has performed in Iraq with WWE, accepted the award on behalf of the company. Celebrities attending the award ceremony on Friday evening included Robert Duvall, Gary Sinise, Stephen Baldwin, John Ratzenberger, Karri Turner and Leeann Tweeden, Gil Gerard, James McEachin, Captain Dale Dye, Bill Chatfield, and Army Chief of Staff General George Casey.
During the past five years, WWE Superstars have visited more than 200 military installations, forward operating bases, military hospitals, aircraft carriers, submarines, and the Pentagon. Since 2003, WWE has worked with Armed Forces Entertainment to produce WWE’s annual Tribute to the Troops program that features WWE Superstars performing before troops in Iraq and Afghanistan for the holidays. WWE and AFE celebrated the fifth anniversary of Tribute to the Troops in 2007, touring 20 forward operating bases, culminating in a live performance at Camp Speicher that was shown as a special Monday Night RAW on USA Network.
In 2004, the USO of Metropolitan Washington presented WWE with the first ever “Legacy of Hope” award for our extensive support of our troops and the USO’s Operation Care Package program. In 2005, The Army Air Force Exchange Service awarded WWE the first-ever Three Commander Coin Award for WWE’s support of its partnership with AAFES to improve the quality of life for our troops by supporting service members and their families worldwide. In 2006, WWE and Vince McMahon each received the Secretary of Defense Exceptional Public Service Award for exceptional public service in support of deployed service members in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Click here to view video package.
Foley Meets American Heroes
As he has for the last several years, Mick Foley was a special guest at the USO of Metropolitan Washington’s annual dinner in Washington, D.C., on March 25.
WWE is a long-time supporter of USO Metro, and WWE Vice President Gary Davis is a member of its Board of Directors. USO Metro awarded the WWE its Legacy of Hope Award for its ongoing support of our men and women in uniform.
Mick has developed a special relationship with the USO chapter, regularly visiting Walter Reed and Bethesday Naval military hospitals to give hope and a few laughs for the military wounded recovering there.
Mick was joined at the dinner by Miss America 2008 Kirsten Haglund, Daniel Rodriguez "America's Beloved Tenor", and Jon Stewart, host of Comedy Central's “The Daily Show” and an avid supporter of the troops who regularly visits Walter Reed and Bethesda Naval hospitals. Stewart received the USO’s Metro’s Merit Award at the dinner. During the day, Mick spent time with Stewart and Miss America visiting Walter Reed and Arlington Cemetery.
Mick said the dinner was one of the best he has ever attended. “There was such emotion this year, with 34 Medal of Honor winners in attendance, and some amazing testimonials from young men wounded in Iraq,” said Mick. “Supporting the USO and visiting our wounded heroes is something I find immensely rewarding and I intend to keep doing if for as long as I can.”
Photo caption: Mick with American heroes Erick Lieb, Brent Hendrix, Jeff Lynch and Andrew Kinard
Army Corps of Engineers Making A Difference in Afghanistan
I just wanted to share with you some photos I’ve come across to give you an idea of who the US Army Corps of Engineers is and what they are doing in Afghanistan... I really do thank you for your donation to the men and women of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Even greater is to share with you some photos that give a clearer picture of some of the many things the Army Corps of Engineers personnel are providing here in Afghanistan. The first photo is a shot of the bridge that connects Afghanistan and Tajikistan that was a project coordinated by the Engineers.
Sincerely,
T. Salazar
Army Corps of Engineers
Foley Is A Hit With National Guard ChalleNGe Cadets
It’s a program that makes a difference, year in and year out. More than 80,000 young men and women have had their lives changed for the better by the National Guard’s ChalleNGe program. Each year, the best the program has to offer is honored at a luncheon hosted by the USO of Metropolitan Washington on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on February 27. This year’s luncheon was held in the Russell Senate Office Building.
For the past six years, WWE Superstars, supremely popular with the ChalleNGe cadets, have attended the event to add their congratulations to the various Members of Congress who come to speak to the cadets and have their photos taken. This year, Mick Foley was the WWE guest of honor, much to the delight of the cadets, who still remember the exploits of the Hardcore Legend. Mick spent the luncheon moving from table to table, greeting the cadets and National Guard officers from California, Louisiana, Hawaii, Florida, Mississippi, Montana, Georgia, South Carolina and Oregon who were all brought to Washington, D.C., to be feted for achieving levels of excellence.
“I’m really struck by how focused these cadets seem,” said Mick in his remarks at the luncheon. “These cadets were challenged by every day life, and this program has helped them successfully tackle those challenges…These young men and women now have goals. Most people their age don’t have goals like that.”
Mick said that after speaking to the many cadets at the luncheon, there was one improvement that could be made to the program. “Most of the cadets said they wouldn’t mind skipping the basic training in the first two weeks,” he noted with a wry grin, followed by the applause of the assembled cadets.
Photo: Milton Pete of California was one of the National Guard ChalleNGe cadets who spent time with Mick Foley at last week’s luncheon.
Camp Fallujah Marine Thanks WWE for its Support
To all the Wrestlers at the WWE,
I want to extend a Huge “Thank You”, from all the Marines on Camp Fallujah. Most of us just began our 13 month deployment. Here in Fallujah it is a bit nicer than being out in the small combat outposts (COP) but, we are still dislocated from most, larger scale, USO/PAO trips. You can only helo or convoy into our location. The support to war-fighters is such an important role and you all do such great things for us. I have recently received a few boxes of all kinds of WWE items, magazines, photos, t-shirts, a Vince McMahon/HHH toy-set and even a set of curtains. Those of which I will display in my room, window or not.
I would like for you all to know how this support came about. I was on a flight to LAX from Dallas and happened to sit next to (Raw Announcer) Jim Ross in 1st Class. Now, you might ask how a US Marine was able to sit in first class. I will tell you. It’s a good story! In May 2006, I was on a foot patrol in Ramadi, Iraq. While conducting the patrol we found ourselves in a nice little fight, typical in Ramadi then. I, along with my three Marines, were accompanied by four Navy SEALs. During the firefight I was shot through the left knee. My wounds resulted in my left leg being amputated just above the knee.
So, 17 months after my injury, I find myself being to told, “get up and sit in first class”. The flight attendant had noticed my computerized leg and I guess she felt obligated. Well, a few moments after I sat down. I kept saying to myself, “I know this gentleman beside me”. After a bit I finally asked. It was “J.R.”. I am an Oklahoma boy and I grew up watching wrestlers like Dusty Rhodes, Ric Flair, Ivan, Andre the Giant, Hulk Hogan, the list goes on. The flight to LA was very memorable. Jim gave me all kinds of things on his flight including his card. I told him of my service and we talked about my deployment to Iraq as an amputee. I have many reasons but, most importantly, it’s to serve our wonderful nation and our concept of freedom.
My injury has given me a new friend and opened up a lot of gifts for my fellow Marines. So, from this Marine to all of you, I say “Thank You”. We all appreciate the support you give in so many ways. If you all by chance, make it into Fallujah, look us up. We will be here to support and enjoy that which you provide.
Thanks,
GySgt S.Gibson
Members of the U.S. Military and their Families Meet WWE Superstars
WWE Superstars Ken Kennedy and Hacksaw Jim Duggan along with WWE Diva Maria recently met with members of the U.S. military and their family members at the Raw live event held in Hampton, Virginia. To view the photo gallery, please click here.
A Special Thanks to WWE For Visiting Iraq
December 10, 2007
Dear Mr. Vince McMahon and members of the WWE,
On behalf of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airman, and Marines of Task Force Iron, I would personally like to thank you and your team for traveling to Iraq for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Holiday Tour 2007 and entertaining our deployed service members. We are forever grateful for the continued support shown to the Armed Forces by generous individuals such as you and the WWE.
I hope you enjoyed the opportunity to speak and interact with some of America’s finest. I know our Soldiers truly enjoyed having you all visit. It was like having a piece of home brought all the way here to Iraq. Our Soldiers, Sailors, Airman, and Marines are serving in a country where the cost of freedom has been and continues to be costly for the Iraqi people, our service members, and our families. Your contributions to the morale of the men and women of Task Force Iron, is immeasurable. We are sacrificing for the future of this country and we are making history in Iraq and with the continued support from people like yourself and organizations like the WWE back at home, no mission is too great for our amazing Soldiers, Sailors, Airman, and Marines.
Thanks for bringing a touch of home to our deployed Armed Forces.
Iron Horses!
Jim Boozer
Brigadier General, US Army
Deputy Commanding General,
Task Force Iron
WWE's Tribute to the Troops
Join SmackDown Announcer Michael Cole as he files exclusive reports while the Superstars travel to the war zone to bring holiday cheer to our troops. Click here for The Cole Report.
In addition, check out Mickie James' blog as she recounts her travels and experiences with the troops this holiday season. Click here for Mickie's blog.
Remember our troops and their sacrifice this holiday season. Monday Night Raw will broadcast the Tribute to the Troops on Christmas Eve at 9/8 CT on USA Network.
WWE teams with the U.S. Marines’ Toys for Tots campaign
Each year, WWE donates millions of dollars worth of products to various charities.
This holiday season, WWE and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program have teamed up to provide toys for needy children throughout the Connecticut area. And this year, our fans can help.
On Dec.10, Jeff Hardy will be at Tommy K Vitamins, 54 Research Drive, Stamford Conn., from noon to 2 p.m., helping the U.S. Marines with their Toys for Tots campaign. For a minimum $15 new, unwrapped toy donation, you can get an autograph of the high-flying Raw Superstar.
“I remember what it was like growing up and getting my favorite wrestler action figures and making them do different moves and everything I would see on TV,” said Hardy. “It’s very important, and a great feeling. The vision of seeing a child smiling after receiving a new toy means the world to me.”
If you are headed out to Raw at the Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, Conn., later that evening, you can help as well. WWE will be accepting new, unwrapped toy donations, which the U.S. Marines will pick up at the arena.
For more information or to donate to Toys for Tots, visit its official Web site.
Give Thanks To Troops This Thanksgiving with Text Message Program
This Thanksgiving as you and your family gather to give thanks for the freedoms you enjoy, please take a moment to thank the men and women of our military serving at home and overseas.
Beginning at 6am EST on Saturday, November 17, and ending at midnight, PDT on November 22, Thanksgiving Day, Americans can text a message of thanks to 8-9-2-7-9.
All of the major mobile wireless providers including —AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile provide access to The America Supports You Text Message program.
Members of the military and their families, and we now have troops serving in 177 countries, not only will learn of the number of text messages, but also will be able to view many of them.
America Supports You expects this effort to be a unifying moment for the nation, at a time in which families traditionally come together and express gratitude for things large and small that contribute to their lives.
We hope you will join us in sending a text message of THANKS to 8-9-2-7-9. Your message matters, please let our service member know how much you care.
Military Transition Team Thanks WWE for Support
Dear WWE,
Military Transition Team 0600 would like to thank you for thinking about and supporting us during our deployment. Your DVDs, T-Shirts, Photos, and shorts were a great diversion from the routine and not so routine activities of our daily lives here in Baghdad...Our team took great pleasure in your gifts. I know your organization has continually been at the forefront of support to the troops deployed everywhere; your continued support to our efforts is very much appreciated.
We hope that you will accept this small token of our appreciation and know that your efforts put a smile on the faces of our team while we were away from the comforts of home.
Thank you,
Colonel Stuart Pollack
US Army, Special Forces
Chief, Military Transition Team 0600
Service Members Send Thank You Note to WWE
WWE Superstar CM Punk Honors Veterans
On Sept.1 , ECW Champion CM Punk took time to stop by Cincinnati VA’s Ft. Thomas Nursing Home to honor veterans at a special picnic. The event was set up through the Thank You Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to honoring veterans and active duty service members. CM Punk attended the picnic to honor the veterans and sign autographs. Punk was joined by former Cincinnati Bengals star Jim Breech, as well as Miss America, Lauren Nelson.
“I am extremely grateful to the WWE for helping us say Thank You to area veterans,” said Rick Smith, The Thank You Foundation’s Secretary/Treasurer. “You hear about WWE being supportive of our Armed Forces, but to have someone of CM Punk’s stature agree to take time out of his busy schedule to attend a local VA picnic means that the organization’s dedication our brave men and women is very real.”
Superstars Visit Wounded Soldiers in Tampa
On Monday, June 4, Raw will air from Tampa, Florida but before the action starts, some Superstars including Shelton Benjamin, Charlie Haas, and Matt and Jeff Hardy will take the time out to thank some wounded soldiers. The four Superstars will be visiting wounded soldiers at the at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital. There are only a few major hospitals in the U.S. designed to treat the wounded soldiers returning from Iraq, and the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa is one of them. Benjamin, Haas, and the Hardys will spend their afternoon visiting the soldiers prior to appearing on Raw that evening.
May Is National Military Appreciation Month
May is National Military Appreciation Month, and WWE is encouraging our fans to bring signs to live events this month to show their support for the troops. Tell them you love them and support them. Express yourself through a sign, and say you appreciate what our men and women of the military are doing for our country. WWE is proud to support the military and the organizations providing support to our soldiers and their families.
Want to do more for National Military Appreciation Month? Check out organizations such as America Supports You, Operation USO Care Package and A Million Thanks. Below are just a few ideas to get you started. For more, visit the National Military Appreciation Month official site.
• Fly the American flag on your house, car or business throughout the month of May.
• Send an e-mail or letter of thanks through A Million Thanks.
• Send a care package to a soldier through USO Cares.
• Organize an event in your own community and workplace.
• Ask your elected officials at all levels to recognize our military.
Faces of Freedom Book to Raise Money for Wounded Veterans
Faces of Freedom, slated for release on May 19, Armed Forces Day, is a compilation of stories of the lives of men and women from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, who have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan since 9/11. The stories were written by a team of volunteer professional writers and editors, and ALL proceeds from book sales are going to Wounded Warrior Project and Fisher House.
Of the book, Gen. Colin Powell says:
The stories in Faces of Freedom are true stories — stories of service, sacrifice, pride and love. The stories will remind you that America has been blessed with greatness in every generation and no generation has shown greater valor than our current generation of heroes in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Sen. John McCain says:
Throughout American history, ordinary citizens have been called to do the extraordinary, and serve a cause greater than their own self-interest. It is important to demonstrate the pride we have for those good men and women serving our nation everyday at great personal cost. And that pride is evident here, in Faces of Freedom.
Books are available at www.rebeccapepin.com. Cost is $27.95 + S&H.
Stone Cold Thanks the Troops
Stone Cold took time out from promoting his movie, The Condemned, opening in theatres on Friday, April 27, to thank the members of the United States military. Click here to see what Stone Cold told the troops.
First Ladies
By Noah Starr for WWE.com
Written: April 3, 2007
The woman who might be considered the first lady of WWE, Linda McMahon, was in Washington, D.C. on March 27 to present a special World Heavyweight Championship belt to United States first lady, Laura Bush. Later in the evening, Mrs. Bush was honored with a lifetime achievement award from the USO of Metropolitan Washington.
At a private reception before the start of the annual gala, Mrs. McMahon presented the first lady with the championship belt which was inscribed, “USO Champ: Laura Bush”. Mrs. Bush has been a long-time supporter of the USO’s efforts and spends countless hours visiting wounded soldiers in military hospitals and stuffing care packages for those serving in the armed forces.
As a proud sponsor of the Care Packages program and all of the USO’s efforts, WWE presents championships to those select few who have gone above and beyond to support the valuable efforts of the USO.
A "Salute" to Lashley
By Kara A. Medalis Written: April 3, 2007
Bobby Lashley is being honored by the military this spring, as he graces the April cover of Salute. The magazine, which is available exclusively on bases in America and overseas, will feature Lashley on its April/May cover.
The ECW World Champion and former United States Army Sergeant comes from a military family, so he’s excited to be on Salute’s cover.
“It is a huge honor, a huge achievement because my whole family has been in the military. It’s a very admirable thing. That’s going to be something that they’re going to be proud of,” Lashley told WWE.com.
“I read the magazine when I was in the military. It’s in every post, everywhere. It’s just one of those things that you always just grab because it’s always there,” he said.
Lashley explained that being in the Army prepared him to be an ECW Superstar because it taught it him one main thing: discipline. It’s something that has driven him to win and retain the ECW World Championship.
Since Lashley successfully represented Donald Trump in the Battle of the Billionaires at WrestleMania 23, we asked Lashley what Trump, who attended military school, might think of the honor.
“He’d know how much of an honor it is and would congratulate me for receiving such a high honor to represent the troops like that,” Lashley said.
Lashley added a special message to any WWE fans enlisted in the military: “WWE is there for the soldiers. That’s what we believe in, that’s why we took the trip to Iraq for Tribute to the Troops. It’s just a mutual respect. Come support me, because we definitely support you.”
Updated: WWE offers free tickets to US Military in U.S.
World Wrestling Entertainment is offering all U.S. military personnel free tickets to its U.S. live events as a way for the company to show its gratitude for their service to their country.
Effective immediately, U.S. military personnel from the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and National Guard can claim a free ticket to any WWE RAW or SmackDown live event in their local area (U.S. only) – excluding WrestleMania -- by going to their local arena box office with a military ID the day of the WWE live event. Tickets are available the day of the event while supplies last.
WWE receives highest award
By Michael Cole for WWE.com
December 8, 2006
World Wrestling Entertainment received the Secretary of Defense Exceptional Public Service Award today. The award was presented to WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and dozens of WWE Superstars as they entertained the troops during the company’s 4th annual Tribute to the Troops. Thousands of members of the Combined Forces Coalition cheered the announcement from the Director of Air Force Services, Art Myers.
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) distinguished itself by exceptional public service in support of deployed service members in Iraq and Afghanistan. The talented performers and crew of WWE demonstrated their bravery, patriotism, and dedication to serving the men and women of the United States Armed Forces during operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Whether touring the front lines for Armed Forces Entertainment or making individual visits to military installations and injured troops in the United States, their efforts brought needed respite and produced a resounding public outpouring of patriotic sentiment that reached all levels of leadership in the Department of Defense. Their true patriotic spirit and world class support of the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines reflect great credit upon WWE and the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Mr. McMahon immediately presented the honor to WWE Superstar John Bradshaw Layfield because it was, in Mr. McMahon’s words, JBL’s vision and idea to bring WWE to the troops for the holidays!
Also General Casey, the Commander of Multinational Forces Iraq, thanked WWE for visiting the front lines and bringing holiday cheer to the troops.
CHECK OUT THE PHOTO GALLERIES OF THE SUPERSTARS & DIVAS VISITING THE TROOPS IN IRAQ.
WWE Encourages You to Support USO Operation Care Package & America Supports You!
WWE encourages you to support the USO's Operation Care Package program and the America Supports You initiative.
WWE Is A Proud Supporter of Armed Forces Entertainment
