Hollywood, CA - "Got Your Six" is a national campaign with humble roots. It started in the back of a commissary and has grown to become the largest umbrella organization for U.S. Veterans. Led by the Entertainment Industry,
it intends to create a new conversation in America: A conversation where Veterans and Military Families are perceived as both leaders and civic assets.
Hosted by Steve Dunning, who is currently at Universal Digital Services working with Feature Film and Television products for Universal Studios in Los Angeles, the "Got Your Six" panel had an exemplary sampling of the organizations - public and private - that are making
a commitment to work with the "Got Your Six" program and for the American Veterans and their families.
The "Got Your Six" Panel Members were:
Devin Holmes of Warrior Gateway. Warrior Gateway is the place that answers the all important Veterans' Question of "Where do I go for help?"
Jonathan Sherin, M.D./Ph.D. of Volunteers of America. Volunteers of America, among other responsibilities, is helping Veterans and their families in local communities throughout the country in ways that are personal and specific.
Jack Chirrick, California Field Office Director at Operation Homefront. Operation Homefront Southern California provides emergency, financial, long-term housing and other assistance to the families of our Service Members and Wounded Warriors.
Dr. Susan Angell of the Department of Veterans Affairs. As the Executive Director for the Homeless Veterans Initiative of the Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs, she is responsible for
policy planning and intergovernmental affairs.
John Adams, Director of Strategic Operations at Operation Gratitude. Operation Gratitude is a volunteer-based, grassroots, Military Support Group that sends
care packages to Active and Retired Military Service Men and Women.
Lieutenant Colonel Robin Woody. Lieutenant Colonel Woody works for the 38th Chief of Staff of the Army in his Soldiers for Life Office. The Soldiers for Life believe if you start strong, you serve strong and you
should reintegrate strong.
Major Mariah C. Taylor. Major Taylor works for the 38th Chief of Staff of the Army in his Soldiers for Life Office, in its Education Programs specifically.
The goals of the Education Programs are to get out into the community and locate those passionate groups who understand the needs of the reintegrating Veteran and his/her family.
Kent Corso, PsyD, BCBA-D, Clinical Director of Give an Hour. Give an Hour's mission is to 1) Engage and partner with Mental Health Professionals across the nation; and to 2) Continue to provide
free mental health services to the Veterans and their families.
Steve Dunning of NBCUniversal Veterans Network and the "Got Your Six" Campaign. Steve's message was clear. "Got Your Six" is not a
charity organization. It is an organization that puts the same level of responsibility on the Service Men and Women that they had in their branch of Military Service and
gives them the opportunity to continue their mission within the community.
"Got Your Six" bridges the civilian | Military gap by triggering the conversation of what it is to be a returning Vet.
"Got Your Six" stands on the purpose that what it is to be a returning Vet is not the hand-out case; but, to (1) Have the
same opportunities that others have; to 2) Encourage the community to be appreciative of the service given to our Country; and, to 3) Showcase those same skills in the civilian arena
so that civilian businesses, corporations, and communities will see first-hand the incredible assets that our Veterans are.
Here is your opportunity to view and listen to the "Got Your Six" Campaign Panel Discussion held at the GI FilmFest Hollywood:
Gus Summers is the Host and Broadcast Producer for The "IN Show, an entertaining broadcast that covers all things exciting and enlightening.
When Gus isn't busy covering current events and interesting people, you'll see him out and about enjoying all that the City of Angels has to offer.
For any questions, comments, or program ideas, he can be reached at gus@theinshow.com.
