June 14th marks the 238th birthday of the United States Army. The Continental Army was established on this day in 1775, marking the birth of the United States Military.
You can view the Army’s birthday website here: http://www.army.mil/birthday/238/
Author Archives: Steph
Words of Alan Rogers
When I was visiting in DC a few weeks ago for Memorial Day, former AVER DC Chapter President, Tony Smith shared with me some correspondence he received from Major Alan G. Rogers, a member of DC AVER and the first openly gay casualty of the war in Iraq. Alan was killed by an improvised explosive device on January 27th, 2008. Tony received the second message below on January 26th, the day before Alan died. These notes are a reminder of the serious nature of military service, the dedication of those who serve, and the fragile gift of life. Many of the people I met in DC knew Alan personally. Tony writes “He is missed by many friends and his memory lives on in all that we do.” Alan Rogers is a great hero to all of us in AVER, and we all remain inspired by his life and sacrifice, both those who knew him personally and those who did not have the gift of having met him.
2013 AVER National Convention, Rocky Mountain Chapter
On-line registration for the 2013 AVER National Convention is now available at the following site: http://www.aver-rmc.org/calendar/aver-natl-convention-2013/
Denver’s Rocky Mountain Chapter is excited to be the host of the 2013 AVER National Convention. AVER RMC is pleased to open on-line registration beginning today.
RMC has chosen the theme “Continuing to Serve” for the bi-annual convention. Please consider attending this vital event as we elect new national officers and plan strategies to build chapters and shape the future mission of AVER as the nation’s LGBT Veterans Service Organization.
Now is the time to consider running for national office. All national board positions are open, and AVER members are encouraged to step forward to help lead our organization. Please consider running for the national board and help chart the future course of AVER.
Danny Ingram, National President
American Veterans for Equal Rights
AVER President to Testify Before US Civil Rights Commission
American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER) National President Danny Ingram has been invited to testify before the United States Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR) on Friday, May 31, 2013, at 9:30 AM at the Commission’s headquarters in Washington, DC.
The briefing will be entitled “Is the Federal Government Adequately Protecting the Civil Rights of Our Veterans and Service Members Who Have Fought for Our Rights?” According to the USCCR, the purpose of the briefing is “to examine the current status and enforcement of veterans and service members’ civil rights by various federal agencies.”
AVER to Post Colors, Place Wreath at Arlington
American Veterans for Equal Rights will participate in the One Hundred Forty-Fifth National Memorial Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, May 27, 2013. AVER will place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and will “post colors” for the first time in the Veteran Service Organization (VSO) Parade of Colors at the Arlington Memorial Amphitheater as part of the official Memorial Day program with President Barack Obama in attendance.
AVER, Outserve Meet with Atlanta VA
Members of the AVER Georgia Chapter and active duty personnel from Outserve met at the Atlanta VA Medical Center on April 27th for a presentation of Operation S.A.V.E., the VA’s Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training program. Carlo Domingo, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the VA and the Suicide Prevention Case Manager for the Atlanta VAMC, conducted the training along with other members of the VA staff. Mr. Domingo participated in AVER Georgia’s Pride program last October and expressed his desire to perform S.A.V.E. training to a targeted LGBT audience. Saturday’s program was the result of his collaboration with AVER Georgia in designing a suicide prevention program tailored specifically to LGBT veterans. Continue reading