Boots to Suits
Last year Drew Peneton launched a blog that focuses on giving tips to military veterans interested in returning to civilian work.
Peneton is an Army National Guard veteran who now works at a Fortune 50 corporation. After witnessing the difficulty others have had entering the job market, he wanted to give back what he learned from his own transition. That's why he dispenses his free advice through a blog and also offers guidance via email.
Updated about once every two months, Boots to Suits offers tips for those looking to either go back to school or jump right into the job market. Peneton is a big social media enthusiast, and he pushes visitors to get their resume out on Linkedin, Facebook and even Twitter.
Some of Peneton's most popular posts include a job search action plan, social networking for veterans and five things every veteran should know for success. Through the posts he explains how to network online, how to target opportunities, how to maximize opportunities, how to continue your education and more.
Magnum Donates Boots for Haiti
From major celebrities to average joes, it seems like just about everyone has pitched in to help Haiti recover from the 7.0-magnitude earthquake. Magnum Boots is lending a helping hand, too.
The manufacturer donated 900 pairs of boots and shoes to Soles4Souls, an organization that is distributing footwear to earthquake victims, helping to fulfill a basic safety need.
"Our hearts go out to our Haitian neighbors as we struggle to comprehend the magnitude of this disaster, and we cannot forget how important basic necessities -- such as shoes -- will be in the ongoing rescue and rebuilding efforts," said Bill Berta, chief executive of Magnum Boots USA, in a prepared statement.
"We deeply appreciate the work of Soles4Souls and encourage everyone to look into their own closets in support of this tragedy."
Founded in 2005, the Nashville-based charity has given away more than 5.5 million pairs of shoes across 125 countries. During the Katrina aftermath, the organization was able to send more than 1 million pairs to those in need.
The "Hope for Hati" telethon, a huge televised charity event, was another way people helped out. Check out Jennifer Hudson's moving performance of The Beatle's classic "Let It Be" from the show.
Miss America Contestants Wear Military Boots for Charity
It doesn't take much to get beautiful women in combat boots: All you need is a good cause … and probably boots that match their outfits.
Rocky SVU Boots
At least that's all the requirements for Miss America 2010 contestants. The 53 beauty pageant participants laced up last Thursday for When They Come Back (WTCB), a national awareness campaign suiting up public figures to celebrities in military boots. The ladies wore Rocky's SVU combat boots to show their support.
The notion behind the WTCB campaign is that everyone should take time to put themselves in the shoes of those in the military. By doing so, we "show them we are giving back to them for their sacrifices for us," the WTCB website reads.
The campaign has partnered up with charity organizations such as Warriors Legacy Foundation, which helps troops transition to civilian life, and Military Warriors Support Foundation, which provides academic scholarships, work force retraining and job placement assistance for soldiers returning home. Other organizations involved in the WTCB campaign include Country for Our Country, a benefit concert for wounded warriors and, of course, the Miss America Organization, the infamous beauty pageant and scholarship program.
Texas Governor Rick Perry, country singer Gretchen Wilson and famed guitarist and gun rights supporter Ted Nugent are just a handful of celebrities and public figures who have already booted up for WTCB. Check out the boot-wearing do-gooders in WTCB's photo gallery.
Be sure to check out these ladies again this Saturday, Jan. 30 at the Miss America pageant live on TLC.
(Image via Scott Harrison)
Weekly Drill-Down: The Warrior Song, Fort Hood Coverage and More
- Hey veterans: Don't miss out on these awesome Veterans Day deals! (Bouhammer, Paycheck Chronicles)
- Ah, memory lane: One of the most prolific military bloggers recalls his 10 favorite experiences doing what he does best -- blog. (Milblogging)
- So long, A Soldiers Perspective. You will be totally and completely missed!! (A Soldier's Perspective)
- Today the Marine Corps turns 234 years old. Happy Birthday, Marines! (SpouseBUZZ)
- Photo essay: See Afghanistan through the eyes of a U.S. Army National Guard member. (DoD News via Milblogging)
- Attack of the droid armies? Perhaps. (Custom Gear Report)
**Special Fort Hood Coverage**
- What Fort Hood did for Muslims in the military. (Stars & Stripes)
- A look at a gun -- aptly dubbed a "cop-killer" gun -- that has killed so many. (Danger Room)
- Want a minute-by-minute account of the horrible events as they transpired? (Vet Voice)
Soleful Dog Chew Toy Supports Military Veterans
Dog Tags Chewy Shoe
Next time you shop for Fido, invest in something that will not only keep him entertained for hours but also supports military veterans.
Like this red, white and blue chew toy from My Good Dog, pictured on the left.
Created from the same molds used for military boot soles, the Dog Tags Chewy Shoe toy ($16) is made out of natural rubber in the U.S. With every purchase, $2 is donated to the Dog Tags program, which teaches puppies how to become service dogs for soldiers overseas. Additionally, other dogs such as Labradors or golden retrievers are trained to assist disabled veterans back in the States.
"I have learned a lot about dogs and even more about the human spirit through our program," said Gloria Gilbert Stoga, founder and president of Puppies Behind Bars, in a statement.
"The joy that comes from working with these dogs -- both for the inmate trainers and the eventual companions -- has been incredible to witness,” she added.
Service dogs learn how to open and close doors as well as assist in grocery shopping. Others, specifically trained for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, are able to alert companions to take medications and help them cope with anxiety.
First launched in May 2009, the program has since made more than $36,000 in donations for Dog Tags, a program that is part of Puppies Behind Bars.
"Every sale of our red, white and blue Chewy Shoe toy is a thank-you from us and from pet owners to our courageous men and women in the military," said Luke Pfeifle, vice president of sales for My Good Dog, in a statement.
"We look forward to continuing our support for Dog Tags and our veterans."
(Via Unleashed)