What We Are Doing To Help Our Veterans...

As we have watched the first quarter of 2009 go by we have been busy getting our programs ready to roll out.  The USEF has been involved with several organizations in service and support of our Active Duty, their Families and our Veterans. 

We have partnered with the State of California through their Employment Development Department in job fairs for our Veterans, National Guard and Reservists from active duty. I have always felt it was so important for our military to get a good paying job and one that gives them the dignity they deserve.

Not only have we been working to help our Vets get employment, we are also working to help the homeless Veteran and family members get a leg up and hopefully they will be able to return to society and become positive factor for their family and community they live in. 

We are participating in what is called Stand Down, a program where we bring in the Veterans and family members and provide them with food and clothing, medical clinics, dental, vision, employment counselors, and Physiatrist.  We will keep them in the compound for four days. This is a great chance for those in need to get to the front of the line to help themselves and their family.

There is another project we are proud of and that is our, "Gift a Guitar," program.  Being entertainment driven we get guitars and have them signed by Celebrities and we gift them to those who have been wounded in combat. 

This is our way to speak for the American people and say thank you for the sacrifices they have endured.  It is amazing the emotions that come out as the except the gift and hear those words that America cares and we are so thankful for Warriors that dedicate themselves and their families to keeping our freedoms free.

While serving as a Force Reconnaissance Scout for the 5th Platoon, 1st Force Reconnaissance Company (-) (REIN) on 17 April 2004 in Husaybah, Iraq, SSgt Michael Scott’s team was tasked to reinforce another team that was pinned down by enemy fire in the northeastern section of Husaybah while they were conducting an urban sniper observation post. SSgt Scott’s team of ten marines departed Lima Company, 3rd Bn 7th Marine’s Firm Base in two vehicles and drove east on Market Street in Husaybah. Enroute to the objective area, the team was approximately 500 meters from their destination when they were engaged by a complex attack initiated by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) strike, followed up by small arms fire. SSgt Scott was seriously wounded in his shoulder by shrapnel from the IED explosion while the vehicle sustained minor damage. He was triaged by a Corpsman and recommended for evacuation back to the Lima Company Firm Base. Initially refusing medical evacuation, he had to be ordered by his platoon Commander to get medical attention. SSgt Scott returned to Lima Company’s Firm Base where he was treated by a medical Officer and sent to his billet area to recuperate.