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A Message from Sgt. Klay South, USMC
-Founder of Veterans of Valor

Welcome to Veterans of Valor. I founded this organization in 2007 as a result of my own experiences as a combat wounded soldier. While clearing houses during the push into Fallujah in 2004, I was shot in the face at point blank range. What followed have been years of healing, both physically and emotionally.

I believe my experiences happened for a reason, and that because of them I’ve been equipped with a special sense of what it takes to assist and encourage recovering veterans and their families. I believe that our story of hope and healing will inspire you.

Video Links for Veterans of Valor
To learn more about the roots of Veterans of Valor, please click one of the video links below.

Klay’s Story Part I

Klay’s Story Part II

Click here for the You Tube video of “Superman Tonight”

Military Channel American Heroes

Veterans of Valor Radio Interview

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MISSION: TO HONOR OUR MILITARY – PAST & PRESENT

The SFC Collin J. Bowen Memorial Scholarship, Inc. and the City of Marion proudly present the 5th annual Run For Freedom 5K & 2 Mile Walk taking place in beautiful Matter Park, Marion, Indiana.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:

WOUNDED WARRIOR SGT KLAYTON SOUTH OF VETERANS OF VALOR!
 
Join us in honoring the 2012 Run For Freedom Grand Marshal, wounded warrior and hero SGT Klayton South.  Don’t miss his emotional and inspiring speech during the post-race ceremony.  Also learn about the organization SGT South started to help other wounded warriors, Veterans of Valor – www.veteransofvalor.org

MILITARY AND VETERANS REGISTER FOR FREE
RIDE IN THE VIETNAM ERA “HUEY” HELICOPTER! *
$2000 PRIZE MONEY – LARGEST 5K PURSE IN THE STATE! **
FREE Kids “Fun Run” for ages 10 & Under
“RIDE FOR FREEDOM” – Motorcycle Rally & Poker Run
Electronic Chip timing Results & USATF Certified Course
FREE Post-race Picnic for Participants and Volunteers

* Scheduled to appear weather permitting – Visit www.iasar.org for ride pricing
** M/F overall and M/F military (Top 4 = $300/$100/$75/$25))(Military category includes active, reserve or veteran)(Military must present valid military ID to claim prize)(Entrant may claim only one cash prize)

RACE DAY SCHEDULE
Saturday – May 12, 2012:

08:00AM – 09:20 AM Race Day Registration
09:20AM Registration Closes
09:30AM Pre-Race Ceremony
09:45AM Kids Fun Run Start
10:00AM 5K Start
10:07AM Walk Start
10:45AM Post-Race Picnic
11:00AM Post-Race Ceremony

HONORING OUR GRANT COUNTY HEROES

CPL Christopher S. Ebert
SSG Bradley D. King
CPL Lance M. Thompson
PFC David A. Kirkpatrick
SFC Collin J. Bowen
SPC Joshua L. Hill
PFC Joshua A. Ramsey
CAPT Brandon Barrett

CONTACT US:
Run For Freedom 5K
1603 N. Baldwin Ave
Marion, IN 46952
info@runforfreedom5k.com
www.runforfreedom5K.com

Thank you for supporting our Veterans who give so much to keep us free!

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In order for Veterans of Valor to receive a share of the ticket, party cabana and sponsorship charges, our supporters need to purchase through our “code” that ensures proper credit. Below is the link.

http://aces/ticketleap.com/t/VeteransofValor

Thank you for all of your support. We can’t wait to see you at the party!

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January 18, 2012 – Indianapolis-based non-profit organization, Veterans of Valor, has been chosen as a charitable partner with The Aces & Angels Foundation, a Las Vegas based non-profit that supports the armed forces. Each of the local organizations receives a percentage of all ticket and sponsorship sold by their respective organizations. Portions of the proceeds from each ticket sold as well as silent and live auction revenue are donated to the USO and Wounded Warrior Project.

The Aces & Angels ICE Ultra Lounge will be transformed into a lavish, dream inspired fantasy party space. Our producer throws the hottest celebrity parties in Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Las Vegas and will present a spectacle that will amaze all in attendance. Hostesses will adorn the space and hundreds of celebrities and high profile Professional Athletes will mingle and ensure our guests have the time of their lives.

Guests will enjoy lavish walk-up cocktail lounges throughout and the VIP Only third floor with luxury seating areas with prime positioning for sponsors & their guests to mix and mingle with the stars and current high-profile athletes and sports legends.

Hosts for the evening include: Former Playmate of the Year and star of Celebrity Apprentice, Brande Roderick, host of Best Damn Sports Show Period, Leeann Tweeden and International Super Model Elaine Alden with music by world class MTV Celebrity DJ, DJ MIA. Confirmed guests include professional athletes Matt Forte, Maurice Jones-Drew, Antonio Gates, Vince Young, Josh Cribbs, Shawne Merriman, Ike Taylor, Antoine Bethea, Jim McMahon as well as dozens more yet to be announced.

Purchase tickets online at http://aces.ticketleap.com/t/VeteransofValor/

About Aces & Angels

The 2011 Aces & Angels Super Bowl event was held on Wednesday, February 3, 2011 at Centennial Hall at the State Fairgrounds in Dallas, TX. Although schools, government and most other events were cancelled due to the ice storm that struck Dallas, the Aces & Angels event carried on and welcomed the Troops with a night of entertainment and enjoyment for all in attendance. The event was hosted by KISS bassist and stars of Gene Simmons Family Jewels: Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed. Aces & Angels donated 500 tickets valued at $250,000 to the USO and hosted members of the Indianapolis Host Committee, the USO and the Wounded Warrior Project. Aces & Angels extended an additional 250 tickets valued at $125,000 to Dallas area Wounded Warriors and servicemen and servicewomen and their spouses. In addition, Aces & Angels coordinated and executed a two-day visit to Ft. Hood with Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed where we met and socialized with the troops. The event and trip to Ft Hood were filmed for the Aces & Angels episode of Gene Simmons Family Jewels and is available for viewing on the Aces & Angels website at: http://www.aces-angels.org/gene.php.

Aces & Angels supports the work of the USO as well as the Wounded Warrior Project and other service organizations by organizing events and visiting US military installations. In addition we bring celebrities, professional athletes and poker stars to visit the troops and their spouses and families. Aces & Angels has donated over $275,000 in services to active duty and retired military members and gives local pro-military organizations the opportunity to earn revenue for their programs through partnering with the events that we produce. Aces & Angels is supported by sponsorships and ticket sales from our Aces & Angels branded events.

For more information, visit www.aces-angels.org

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Klay is honored to have been nominated and chosen as an “Anthem Angel” by the Indianapolis Colts and their partner, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. He will be honored at the December 18, 2011 home game against the Tennessee Titans. This recognition is given to honor community members working in civil or public service professions who have been a “first respondent” in service to others, above the call of duty.

Nominated by fellow United States Marine and Colts Community Spokesman, Josh Bleill, Sgt. South feels privileged to carry out the mission of Veterans of Valor. Being a combat-wounded soldier himself, Klay knows firsthand the difficult path to recovery that the wounded soldiers are facing. By visiting them at Walter Reed National Naval Medical Center and Brooks Army Medical Center and presenting the soldiers with backpacks full of therapeutic items, as well as offering hope and friendship, Klay pays forward the kindness and generosity he has received in the past 7 years.

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Sunshine Roth, National Director of Events and Community Liaison for Stand & Salute American Heroes (SASAH), has announced that on Friday 11/11/11 the Indiana Ice will set be saluting America’s Heroes as they host the Green Bay Gamblers on Military Recognition Night. The puck is set to drop at 7:05 pm. Stand & Salute American Heroes falls under the parent program of “Our Fallen Soldier” which is a 501 (c) 3 Organization.

The event will take place at Pepsi Coliseum in Indianapolis, Indiana at a pregame ceremony. Anna Lovell who is the PR/Marketing Director of “Veterans of Valor” will serve as Stand & Salute American Heroes “Boots on the Ground”. Ms. Lovell stated “I am honored to work with Klay and Veterans of Valor on a daily basis. The amount of support and respect he and the foundation receive is amazing. He knows first hand the long tunnel of healing that begins when you become a combat-wounded soldier. Klay offers hope, shared experiences and he points out the light at the end of that tunnel during his hospital visits, speeches and his work with Veterans Affairs. He is a American Hero to many because he is a soldier, but he is also a hero because he chooses to pay it forward”.

On November 11, 2004, while clearing houses in Fallujah, Iraq, Marine Cpl. Klay South pushed through a door and was met with a fury of gunfire. An AK-47 round ripped through the right side of his mouth and face, while another round went through his foot. After enduring over 40 procedures and surgeries since 2004, Klay knows mental and physical strains of being a combat-wounded soldier. Veterans of Valor focus on the therapeutic aspects of individual and family care. The organization exists to assist combat wounded veterans, and to provide unique items, services and programs to meet their specific physical, mental and emotional needs throughout the entire healing process.

In 2007, Sgt. South founded “Veterans of Valor” as a result of his own experiences as a combat wounded Marine. Veterans of Valor offer support and hope to the combat-wounded service members from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Backpacks full of useful items for the soldiers in their long hospital stays are given at bedside or in special ceremonies. It is an honor to be able to recognize Sgt. South who also honors combat wounded soldiers. Sgt. South was awarded the Purple Heart for being wounded in Operation Phantom Fury. Sgt. South is highly decorated and received a second Purple Heart for his experiences in combat.

Ms. Roth stated that the staff’s appreciation regarding the support of the Indiana Ice Hockey team, saying, “It was a pleasure to be able to recognize the genuine care and affinity with the Indiana IceHockey’s community relations staff when they were told the story of Sgt. South. The Indiana Ice Hockey Team is an organization of “True Class.”

Stand and Salute American Heroes has partnered with the Indianapolis Marriott East Hotel for accommodations for all that will be attending the Honor Event. The entire staff has shown that they truly believe in honoring wounded Veterans and Troops that have served our Country.

For those desiring to attend this honor event on November 11th, please contact the Indiana Ice Hockey ticket office at (317) 925-4423. You may also email sunshineroth@standandsaluteamericanheroes.com for more information.

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Stand & Salute American Heroes is a major program of Our Fallen Soldier, a 501 (c) 3 Organization. It is a time for them to be recognized for the service and sacrifices they have given to ensure the FREEDOM and liberation of others. We honor them one hero at a time, but there are times, such as Veteran’s Day where many are honored together.

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For the 5th year in a row, Klay has been invited to attend the Bob Woodruff Foundation’s annual event in NYC. This year, Stand Up for Heroes is a Night of Hope, Healing and Laughter. The event will be hosted by Jon Stewart, Ricky Gervais and Jim Gaffigan with musical guest, Bruce Springsteen as well as other surprises. It is being held at the historic Beacon Theater in Manhattan.

The vision of the Bob Woodruff Foundation is to provide resources and support to injured service members, veterans and their families — building a movement to empower communities nationwide to take action to successfully reintegrate our nation’s injured heroes—especially those who have sustained the hidden injuries of war back into their communities so they may thrive physically, psychologically, socially and economically.

The Bob Woodruff Foundation is the national nonprofit that helps ensure our nation’s injured service members, veterans and their families return to a homefront ready to support them.

ReMIND.org is a public education movement of the Bob Woodruff Foundation that educates the public about the needs of injured service members, veterans and their families as they reintegrate into their communities. For more information, visit www.remind.org

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Let us remember on this day, that’s millions of lives have been forever changed. This day marks the day that our country declared war on those that changed our way of life. Let’s us remember the brave Americans that lost their lives trying to help those in need. Let us not forget that we are still at war, and the memories of our brothers and sisters will never be forgotten.

Klay

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Three days before the 10-year anniversary of 9/11, Sgt. Klay South spoke to over 130 employees of Raytheon, one of the nation’s top defense contractors, about his perspective as a war-fighter on mission assurance. Discussions included a “day in the life” of soldiers on the ground, the importance of defense products working right the first time and every time and leadership in extreme situations. He shared with them his story as a combat-wounded US Marine and his foundation, Veterans of Valor.

Klay was introduced by Jeff Hunt, retired Navy Commander and Raytheon Company Senior Counsel from Texas. Raytheon is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world.

Veterans of Valor is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization designed to assist service members who have been severely wounded in combat by providing unique items, services, and programs to meet their specific needs. Founded by a combat-wounded soldier, Klay South, he offers support and friendship and a Veterans of Valor backpack filled with items useful in long hospital stays. For more information, visit the website at www.veteransofvalor.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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Veterans of Valor is proud to be a recipient of a fundraising bicycle ride that is taking Coleen Unsicker, her son Beau and his best friend, Marcus from Bremen, Indiana to Fort Hood, Texas. They are riding in honor of those that have given so much to our great country. Coleen’s parents, Ken and Judy Becknell, will be driving the lead car for the approximately 1200 miles of the journey. Ken is also a veteran of the Vietnam War.

Coleen has 2 sons in the Army, one of whom is in the Wounded Warriors unit, a daughter in the Navy, a son-in-law in the Marines and a stepson in the Air Force.

They will be leaving Bremen, Indiana on June 4, 2012 and hope to reach Fort Hood by June 13, 2012. They would love to have anyone join them for the ride anywhere in the journey. For a detailed Google map of all the streets they will be travelling, please see the contact information below.

The rental car has been generously donated from Budget Rent A Car at the South Bend Airport. Gasoline is being provided by Jim Bellman of Bellman Oil in Bremen. Al Letson of Graphic FX in Bremen is donating the t-shirts, all printing and the banner advertising the ride as they go to Texas. They are also holding a silent auction on March 31, 2012 at the Bremen VFW to raise more funds for Veterans of Valor.

DePuy Orthopedics has donated $500 and Zimmer Orthopedics has donated $250, both are in Warsaw, Indiana. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or riding with the Unsicker’s, please contact Coleen at heroesmom5@yahoo.com.

Veterans of Valor is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization designed to assist service members who have been severely wounded in combat by providing unique items, services, and programs to meet their specific needs. Founded by a combat-wounded soldier, Klay South, he offers support and friendship and a Veterans of Valor backpack filled with items useful in long hospital stays. For more information, visit the website at www.veteransofvalor.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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Sgt. South has attended Stand Up for Heroes in New York City since its’ inception, but Thursday, June 16, 2011, he was honored to be attending the Inaugural Washington DC event. Held at The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on Pennsylvania Avenue. The honorary event was MC’d by Jon Stewart and the musical entertainment was Train.

Klay was honored to meet Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates, as well as White House Press Secretary, Jay Carney, as well as the members of Train and Jon Stewart.

Stand Up For Heroes was created by the Bob Woodruff Foundation and its vision is to provide resources and support to injured service members, veterans and their families — building a movement to empower communities nationwide to take action to successfully reintegrate our nation’s injured heroes, especially those who have sustained the hidden injuries of war, back into their communities so they may thrive… physically, psychologically, socially and economically.

For more information on, please visit www.remind.org