Includes storytelling project showcasing the personal stories of Connecticut Veterans and their loved ones, and clothing drive to veterans and their families in need in the Connecticut community
HARTFORD, Conn. (November 3, 2015) – WNPR/Connecticut Public, is pleased to announce “11 of Us”, a salute to service. Now through Veteran’s Day, WNPR will air one compelling story of an individual connected to the veteran community each weekday, as told in his or her own words.
The stories will air each day at 12:04 p.m. on WNPR, now through November 11, and can also be found online at www.wnpr.org/11-of-us .
Through the “11 of Us”, CPBN will shine a light on Connecticut veterans and their communities. Listeners will hear stories of triumph, hardship, and how these military experiences shaped each of their lives. From a World War II Army Medic, to a gold star mother who lost her son, the “11 of Us” campaign will recount the sacrifices made by veterans, their families, and others who have dedicated their professional lives to veterans’ organizations throughout Connecticut.
CPBN’s Institute for Advanced Media (IAM), a private vocational training school for adults and the home of the Veterans Vocational Training Program, has teamed up with WNPR to honor these heroes through this campaign.
“Veterans and veteran service organizations often go about their work without much recognition, and yet they provide excellent care and support to our country,” says IAM Manager Mike Komrosky. “The 11 of Us campaign is an opportunity for us to bring awareness to the countless veterans and veteran service organizations in Connecticut that continue to go above and beyond the call of duty and serve our country and our communities.”
In addition to the on-air stories, CPBN is hosting a clothing drive for veterans and their families in need in the Connecticut community. The goal is to collect over 1,111 pounds of cold weather clothing for adults in all sizes. The clothing drive will end Tuesday, November 17.
“Men and women who have served should be honored and supported,” says IAM alumni and Navy veteran Jennifer Moore. “Everyone should have one warm coat and warm clothing for the winter season. For me, as a veteran, my service did not end when I hung up my uniform. My mission and part still continues. It is important that we stop and make sure that those who answered the call to take of us are warm this winter. This drive is just another step in providing them a hand up, as a thank you for their service.”
Donations of new with tags on clothing only will be accepted at CPBN’s offices – 1049 Asylum Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105; Attn: Mike Komrosky. For those who are not local to the Hartford office, CPBN is also accepting donations of gift cards to purchase new clothing for veterans. For more information, visit www.wnpr.org/11-of-us .
“11 of Us” is made possible by Victory Energy Solutions and New England Conservation Services.
Gil Sanborn folds an American Flag quilt given to him by his “adopted platoon.”
Gulaid Ismail, USMC interviewed in WNPR studio