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VA, ABC Radio Networks partner on
Outreach to Veterans
WASHINGTON (September 29, 2005) - Officials of the Department
of
Veterans Affairs (VA) and ABC Radio Networks today announced a
partnership designed to enhance VA's outreach to America's nearly 25
million veterans through a public service campaign, a special global
broadcast saluting veterans and participation in key VA events.
Under the relationship, ABC Radio Networks and American Country
Countdown with Bob Kingsley will air a series of public service
announcements detailing benefits available to veterans.
 In addition, on November 11, 2005, "Bob Kingsley Salutes America's
Veterans" will be broadcast on the ABC Radio Networks. The program
will feature interviews with and historical pieces narrated by some
of country music's biggest names, including Faith Hill, Toby Keith,
Trace Adkins, Brooks & Dunn and Trisha Yearwood, among many others.
It also includes information on veterans' benefits, and interview
segments with the Honorable R. James Nicholson, Secretary of
Veterans Affairs.
"As part of VA's 75th anniversary, we are taking our message to the
airwaves," said Nicholson. "Radio plays a key role in our outreach
to
veterans, and I'm delighted that ABC Radio Networks and Bob
Kingsley, our honorary chairmen for this campaign, have joined
forces with VA in our efforts to better inform veterans of their
entitlements."
Nicholson also announced that Kingsley will play a key role in the
Department's Veterans Day observance in November. "I am pleased
that Bob Kingsley will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the 2005
Veterans Day commemoration at Arlington National Cemetery on
November 11, 2005."
"ABC Radio Networks is proud to support the Department of Veterans
Affairs in its ongoing effort to support the men and women of our
armed forces," said John McConnell, Senior Vice President of
Programming, ABC Radio Networks. "We are committed to serving
America's veterans through
this program with VA."
"Having served as a broadcaster in the U.S. Air Force with American
Forces Radio, it is my privilege to be working with VA and ABC Radio
Networks as part of this program," said Bob Kingsley, host and
producer of American Country Countdown. "Country music is one of
the most effective ways to reach our veterans and service men and
women. I am honored to be a part of VA's efforts to get the word
out to veterans."
The agreement announced today by Nicholson and ABC Radio
representatives enables VA to work with private industry, in
addition to its other outreach activities, to inform veterans of the
entitlements they have earned as mandated by Congress.
As part of the campaign, VA has also created The Secretary's Award
for Outstanding Service to American Veterans. The award will be
presented in early 2006. Details will be announced in late 2005 or
early 2006. |
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