Military Families United

Military Families United Partners with The Art Institutes to Provide Scholarships to Spouses of All Armed Forces Members

 (WASHINGTON, D.C. February 3, 2012) – Military Families United, a national coalition of Gold Star and Blue Star families, veterans and patriotic Americans, is proud to announce it is joining forces with The Art Institutes to provide educational support to the spouses of the men and women who wear the nation’s uniform.

The Art Institutes will offer four scholarships at $25,000 each (equaling $100,000 total) per year to spouses of Armed Forces members, including active duty, active National Guard and Reserve, and surviving spouses of those killed in the line of duty post 9/11. This combined effort with Military Families United forges greater awareness of the service our men and women in uniform and their spouses unselfishly render for us all.

“We are excited about this new opportunity because The Art Institutes is a leader in delivering online and on ground educational opportunities to students and they believe, as we do, that providing high quality educational opportunities to members of our Armed Forces and their families ensures a better future for our country,” said Robert Jackson, Executive Director of Military Families United.

The Art Institutes schools have a proud tradition and strong record of serving our nation’s veterans and their families and, like Military Families United, The Art Institutes shares a deep gratitude to the men and women who keep America safe.

Lippold Applauds Ruling That Could Lead to Execution of Convicted Cole Bomber

Washington, D.C. – Kirk Lippold, former Commanding Officer of the USS Cole and spokesman for Military Families United, released the following statement today after the Department of Defense announced that charges against terrorist Abd Al Rahim Hussayn Muhammad Al Nashiri had been filed and referred to a capital military commission, paving the way for a possible death sentence.  The charges allege, among other things, that Al Nashiri was responsible for the attack on the Cole, which killed 17 sailors and wounded 37 others. 

“Today’s actions are welcomed news for the families of the sailors killed in that fateful terrorist attack of October 12th, 2000,” Lippold said.  “They and all Americans have already waited far too long for a measure of justice in this case. I have long pleaded with past and present Administrations to use military commissions to prosecute all terrorists who act against the United States.  Al Nashiri must be tried, convicted, and held accountable for his actions and for taking the lives of American sailors.”

Gold Star Father reflects on Sept. 11 Anniversary

As a Gold Star father, I know that one of the hardest things a person can endure is the loss of a loved one to war.  My son Justin was killed in Fallujah in 2004; he was a good man and a good Marine, who fought for what he believed.  As I consider the gravity of this tenth anniversary of September 11th, I cannot help but think about Justin and the thousands like him who went to war to defend our country after the horrific attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.  The men, women and children who went about their day on that clear September morning, would become the first casualties of this war. 

I wish on this tenth anniversary, I could say that we have succeeded in defeating those who brought such destruction on our shores, but this fight is not over.  The enemy who attacked our great nation ten years ago still seeks to harm Americans – where ever they may be.  There is some comfort this September 11th in knowing that the mastermind of these attacks can no longer operate his network of terror, but we must not lose focus on the ongoing mission. 

We must honor the nearly 3,000 men, women and children who lost their lives on 9/11 as well as those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the ten years since the attacks and we must continue to support the brave men and women of our armed forces.  This remarkable group will never forget why they fight, and neither will we.  Military Families United will continue our mission to honor the fallen, support those who fight, and serve their families until all of our servicemembers return home.

I thank you for your continued support of Military Families United. 

Military Families United supports Veterans Treatment Courts and Justice for Vets

Washington, DC – Robert Jackson, Naval Veteran and Executive Director of Military Families United announces support for Justice for Vets.  A professional service branch of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP), Justice for Vets is the National Clearinghouse for Veterans Treatment Courts and is the lead organization in training, supporting, and implementing Veterans Treatment Courts across the nation.  Veterans Treatment Courts are judicially supervised court dockets that serve veterans struggling with addiction, serious mental illness and/or co-occurring disorders.

MVP Project Releases 2010 Post-Election Report: Military Voters Continue to Struggle at the Polls

Washington, DC – The Military Voter Protection Project (MVP Project), a program of Military Families United, along with AMVETS Legal Clinic at Chapman University School of Law has released a report on the treatment of military voters in 2010.  The report exposes the difficulties faced by our men and women in uniform when they attempt to vote and the need for immediate action before the 2012 elections.

Statement on Retirement of Secretary Gates

Washington, DC – Robert Jackson, Naval veteran and Executive Director of Military Families United, released the following statement on the retirement of Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.

Reaction to Troop Drawdown in Afghanistan

Washington, DC – Robert Jackson, Naval veteran and Executive Director of Military Families United, released the following statement in regard to President Obama’s plan to drawdown 10,000 American troops from Afghanistan by the end of the year, and a total of 33,000 troops by next summer.

Statement on Confirmation of Defense Secretary Panetta

Washington, DC – Robert Jackson, Naval Veteran and Executive Director of Military Families United, released the following statement regarding the confirmation by the United States Senate of Leon Panetta as the next Secretary of Defense.

Military Families United Backs Legislation to Support Hiring Veterans

Washington, DC – Robert Jackson, Naval veteran and Executive Director of Military Families United, released the following statement after sending letters of support for the Hiring Heroes Act of 2011. The legislation has been introduced by Senator Patty Murray as S. 951 and by Congressman Sanford Bishop as H.R. 1941.

Families Join in Orlando, Celebrate Lives of Fallen Heroes

Orlando, FL – Military Families United hosts a Gold Star family luncheon today at the Orlando World Center Marriott. Gold Star families have lost a loved one in defense of the nation and luncheons are held throughout the country to bring these families together for the day.