Grace After Fire

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VETERANS DAY, 2015 
 
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 
 
A PROCLAMATION 
The United States military is the strongest, most capable fighting force the world has ever known.  The brave men and women of our Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard demonstrate a resolute spirit and unmatched selflessness, and their service reminds us there are few things more American than giving of ourselves to make a difference in the lives of others.  On Veterans Day, we reflect on the immeasurable burdens borne by so few in the name of so many, and we rededicate ourselves to supporting those who have worn America's uniform and the families who stand alongside them. 
Our true strength as a Nation is measured by how we take care of our veterans when they return home, and my Administration is committed to ensuring our heroes and their loved ones have every chance to share in the promise they risked their lives to defend.  We have made it easier for veterans to convert their military skills to the civilian workforce, enabled more veterans and their family members to attain Federal education benefits, and expanded access to timely, quality health care for all veterans.  Just as every veteran deserves the support and benefits they have earned, those who have given everything to defend our homeland deserve a place of their own to call home.  To uphold this ideal, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden's Joining Forces initiative has forged partnerships with local leaders across America to uphold the dignity of every veteran and work to end veterans' homelessness.  No one who fights for our country should have to fight for the care they deserve.  Earlier this year, I was proud to sign the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, which fills critical gaps in mental health care by raising awareness and taking steps to improve access to care for those suffering from the invisible wounds of war. 
 
Our veterans left everything they knew and loved and served with exemplary dedication and courage so we could all know a safer America and a more just world.  They have been tested in ways the rest of us may never fully understand, and it is our duty to fulfill our sacred obligation to our veterans and their families.  On Veterans Day, and every day, let us show them the extraordinary gratitude they so rightly deserve, and let us recommit to pledging our full support for them in all they do. 
 
With respect for, and in recognition of, the contributions our service members have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor our Nation's veterans. 
 
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2015, as Veterans Day.  I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through appropriate public ceremonies and private prayers.  I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to participate in patriotic activities in their communities.  I call on all Americans, including civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, and communities to support this day with commemorative expressions and programs. 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. 
  
BARACK OBAMA

 

Table Talk

For more information contact:
 

Harris County:

Monique Rodriguez (281) 698-0306

[email protected]

 

Kanetrica PattonLyons (713) 409-2081

[email protected]

 

Bexar County:

Melissa McKennon (210) 887-8608

Roberta Castaneda (210) 744-0642
 
 

Houston Table Talk-Color Me Camo Flyer


 


 

For More information about Color Me Camo Table Talk email: [email protected]

GAF Honors Our Veterans
November 11, 2015
 
 
These Resources May Interest You!
 

 

Texas Veterans Commission Women's Initiative 

  

Veterans Administration - Women Veterans

 

National Women Veterans of America

 

November 2015
Greetings!

Welcome to the November edition of Grace After Fire's newsletter.  As an organization we are committed to keeping you up-to-date and informed about what we are planning for the future. Our mission of Grace After Fire is to provide the means for women Veterans to gain knowledge, insight and self-renewal. We are dedicated to helping women Veterans help themselves.
A WORD FROM THE CEO:
"Thank you for your Service" is a common quote heard on the day of November 11th by thousands of men and women who served their country and donned the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Veterans Day, as we know it; originated as Armistice Day marked the end of hostilities of World War I; is a for sure 24 hours that Veterans will be celebrated for their dedication, their courage and their sacrifices made throughout their military service. I'm going to do things a little differently and celebrate not only you serving your country but the -you beyond the uniform, beyond the boots and beyond your "ruck sack" and "sea bag". Today, I celebrate you- who had the courage to walk the uncertain path to fulfill your dreams even when all odds seemed like they were against you. I celebrate you- who picked yourself up by the boot straps when it felt like the earth was moving beneath your feet to complete the college degree others said you would never earn. I celebrate you- whom the Doctor said, "that you only have ten more days to live and there's nothing more that can be done, however, you're still alive today to share your story. I celebrate you- who keeps a smile or your face and joy in heart although behind the image you are faced with the struggle to make ends meet and the uncertainty of how you're going to pay your next gas bill. Today, I celebrate, all of who you are. As we head into the month of celebration and recognition; I salute you for the Woman that were, the Woman that you are and the Woman that you are becoming. Thank you for your unshakable posture and passion!  
 
Happy Veterans Day!
 
Mea K. Williams
 


  
 

 
A WORD FROM THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR:
October was a blur and it finished with a bang. Our first family Fall Retreat was one for the books. Grace After Fire is removing the barriers and stereotypes of men being the only classification of Veterans. Brittany Huckabee, a private film director from new York, is wrapping up the final footage of her documentary. Her focus was to highlight the lives of various women Veterans, their organizations and contributions to the veteran community while empowering each other and those around them. 

November holds two special holidays: Veterans day and Thanksgiving.  In my opinion, they go hand in hand. I want to thank each and everyone of you, who are reading this newsletter, not only for your service to our country but also for your support to Grace After Fire. Without you, we could not do what we do. Welcome to our sisterhood, where strangers become family and lives are changed. We are your voice when yours is lost, we are your eyes when the storm is in full swing, we are the women who will stand next to you as we move forward together. Don't let the name tags fool you, we have all worn the boots. Lock arms with your sisters and let's make some footprints that won't ever be erased. 

Melissa McKennon




GAF Happenings: Why NOT Join Us?

Texas Women Veterans Roll Call-Life Beyond the Oath
November 19-21, 2015
Space Center Houston
Houston, Texas
Buddy Check Challenge-Save A Life
The Mission Continues
 
Grace After Fire Facilitator Training (San Antonio)
November 12-13, 2015; 9:00-3:00pm
8930 Fourwinds Drive, Suite 103
San Antonio, Texas 78239

 
  
Contact our Grace After Fire Team
  
Mea Williams-President/CEO
Melissa McKennon-Program Director
Roberta Castaneda-Bexar County Outreach Coordinator
Monique Rodriquez-Harris County Outreach Coordinator
Kanetrica Lyons-Harris County Outreach Coordinator 
Tandy Ervin -Board Chair 

 

Grace After Fire
PO Box 218604 Houston, TX 77218