We are thrilled to announce You Are Strong!’s participation in the planning and support of the 1st Annual military Awareness Week May 13-19, 2012 in NC! Xiomara A. Sosa, You Are Strong! Founder
1st Annual Military Awareness Week
May 13-19, 2012
Hosted by: Mecklenburg County through CARTT (Community Area Resource Team for Troops)
The purpose of Military Awareness Week is to show, through varied events and public relations, how the local military
and veteran population impacts Mecklenburg County and the surrounding area. Additionally, CART (Community Area
Resource Team) seeks to improve and promote the awareness of all resources, both county and regional, available to its
military and veteran population. The events of this week are intended to:
strengthen bonds between community and military
enrich understanding of military culture and how it can best integrate with society
highlight the accomplishments of veterans, emphasizing veteran-owned businesses
provide appropriate information about services and resources to military members and their families.
Reinforce the existing collaboration between all branches of service (active duty, reserve/guard) and various
veteran service offices
seek ways to improve the Morale, Welfare and Recreation options available to our local military and veteran
families.
Events for the week:
1- Armed Forces Career Expo – Prudential Insurance and Operation Independence
2- Training for Mental Health Providers, possible HR Professionals, CMS Schools (topics: Military culture, Combat
Operational Stress/TBI/PTSD, specific issues regarding military families/children)
3- Formalized “play date” for military children
4- “Social” for service members and veterans (possibly with guided discussion)
5- Emphasis on patronizing Veteran Owned and other military-supportive businesses (i.e. those that offer military
discounts and have a good rep for hiring veterans).
6- Main Event (HUGE!) – May 19, Armed Forces Day
a. This day was chosen because we have all branches of service, Active Duty, Reserve/Guard and veteran,
in this community. Though we may be separate in our respective branches of service, we all face the
same challenges and have similar strengths. Therefore, in that sense, we are truly Joint Forces.
b. Events of this day:
i. Static Displays (all branches of service, including Fire Dept and Police)
ii. Recruiting stations
iii. Resource/Display area
iv. Vendors
v. Healthcare Screenings
vi. Games/Entertainment (includes – relays, volleyball, football, bounce house, free concert (ongoing
throughout the day or 1 big concert at finale))
The success of this event will be a “win-win” for everyone involved and cannot be accomplished without
your help and support! I cannot thank you all enough your time and effort!
~~For more information, please contact Kati Toney at 704-477-1913 or kati.toney@usmc.mil
Or Project Manager, Cynthia Delaney at cynthiadelaney87@gmail.com~~
