The U.S. Army's Freedom Team Salute Program Praises Walker
ALEXANDRIA, Va.--(Business Wire)--
She's walking with a purpose and it is not to lose weight or raise
money. Her name is Keela Carr and she is about half way across the
United States on her way to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in
Washington, D.C. and Arlington National Cemetery to show support for
our troops and honor Veterans. Carr began her "Journey of a Thousand
Thanks" in Barstow, California.
The U.S. Army's Freedom Team Salute (FTS) Program has recognized
Carr's efforts and named her its 500th Volunteer Ambassador. Freedom
Team Salute honors all discharged Army Veterans and the Spouses,
Parents, Supporters, and Employers of all Soldiers. Carr will be
honored as a strong Army supporter and receive a FTS Commendation
consisting of a certificate and a letter signed by the Secretary of
the Army, Peter Geren and Army Chief of Staff, General George Casey,
at a special ceremony at Arlington Cemetery.
"July 4th is our Nation's birthday and everyone in the United
States should pause and take time to thank our Veterans and our
deployed troops who are serving in harm's way," said Carr. "Freedom
isn't free. In fact, it is very expensive. Tens of thousands of brave
men and women continue to make sacrifices to defend the United States
and protect the freedoms we all take for granted."
Carr says Americans have traditionally attended parades,
barbecues, and fireworks on July 4th. She said the time we spend with
family members and friends on our Nation's birthday is important but
remembering our Nation's Soldiers is a must.
"Walking across America is my way of giving back," said Carr. "The
inspiration for my walk developed after I made a visit to Walter Reed
last year and saw some of the severely wounded Soldiers. After leaving
the hospital I decided to raise awareness for them and all Veterans.
On July 4th, all Americans should find a way to say thank you and give
back to our Soldiers and Veterans."
"Keela Carr is on a mission," said Colonel David Griffith,
Director of the Army's Freedom Team Salute Program. "It takes a
special person to decide to leave their loved ones, job, and other
activities to walk across America in support of Veterans and our
active duty Soldiers. She is selfless and demonstrates her commitment
to our Nation as she takes each step toward Walter Reed Medical Center
in support of our troops."
"When I arrive in D.C. I will be carrying a quilt made by the
wives of World War II Veterans," said Carr. "I'll deliver the quilt to
one of the severely injured Soldiers in the Wounded Warrior Project at
Walter Reed to show him and others that people in America do care
about our Soldiers."
Keela Carr is 35 years old and originally from Danville, Illinois.
She now makes her home in Apopka, Florida, outside of Orlando. Carr
has been a personal trainer for 11 years specializing in
rehabilitation, weight loss, post natal fitness and sports training.
Freedom Team Salute is a U.S. Army program launched in May 2005,
by the Secretary of the Army and Army Chief of Staff to give the
public the opportunity to thank Army Veterans for their service by
recognizing them with Commendations. The program also provides the
opportunity for Soldiers to thank Parents, a Spouse, Employers, and
individual Supporters who make significant contributions to Soldiers
and the Army mission. Freedom Team Salute has honored more than 1.3
million individuals over the past 3 years. For more information on
becoming a Freedom Team Salute Ambassador or to honor a Veteran, go to
www.freedomteamsalute.com
NOTE TO EDITORS: To speak with Keela Carr as she walks across
America, contact David, Jennifer, or Dawn to make arrangements.
Freedom Team Salute
David Thompson
Office: 703-325-3963
Cell: 301-785-7670
david.thompson@summitmarketing.com
or
Jennifer Bickel
Office: 703-325-4001
Cell: 202-870-0269
Jennifer.bickel@summitmarketing.com
or
The Vaughan Edwards Group
Dawn Vaughan
Office: 407-620-1321
dvaughan@thevaughanedwardsgroup.com
Copyright Business Wire 2008
