Military Appreciation LETTER CAMPAIGN  

Join one of our online or in-person series of MILITARY GUEST SPEAKERS

& spend a few minutes WRITING A LETTER of thanks to their units. 

OUR LETTER-WRITING MISSION

We invite you to join one of our Guest Speakers and learn firsthand about the importance of their varied missions sets stateside and abroad over the coming year. The goal is to inspire you to write a letter of appreciation or two — digitally or by snail mail — to their units and their families. These letters come as a surprise and have a big impact on the morale of our service members!

This letter-writing initiative began to acknowledge our VME members who are still in service (Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard) and their units. All letter-writing campaigns are selected based on VME members who are veterans of that unit or currently serving in it. These men and women often pause their creative careers and family lives when duty calls. Over the last decade, especially since COVID, many have been called upon for multiple overseas deployments or assigned to special missions here at home and around the world.

When we discovered that our civilian friends working in entertainment were unaware that some of their fellow employees were serving in the Reserve and National Guard overseas (and just how many active-duty troops were passionate about working in the industry for their next career move), we saw an opportunity to connect them with these men and women.

Our civilian friends informed us that these letter-writing sessions were eye-opening, as they learned that Reserve or National Guard obligations can extend well beyond one weekend a month and two weeks of annual training per year, especially in light of COVID. They were astonished to discover Reserve or Guard troops may be activated and deployed full-time for local, state, regional needs or sent on international missions lasting up to a year or more. Further, they were amazed at how diverse and wide-ranging our military’s missions are worldwide.

This on-going letter-writing campaign is in collaboration with Paramount Veterans Network (an initiatve co-founder) and other veteran-aligned groups in studios and companies such as FOX, NBCUniversal, WarnerBros., Discovery, and more.

WHO SPONSORS THESE LETTER-WRITING EVENTS?

This Military Guest Speaker Series & Letter Writing Initiative is led by Paramount Veterans Network and Veterans in Media & Entertainment . Other Veteran Employment Resource Groups and Veteran Nonprofits participate as well. Some of our past sponsors include: FOX Vets, Lionsgate Vets, WarnerMedia Salute, Veterans Network NBCUniversal, BFAM Cooking, and Hero Media Group.

 

fEATURED CAMPAIGN: HARLEM HEFLLFIGHTERS

 

HARLEM HELLFIGHTERS: This legendary New York City Brigade has a unit currently deployed in the Middle East.

TIME: CURRENT (February, 2024)

HARLEM HELLFIGHTER FEATURED UNIT: 101st Expeditionary Signal Battalion’s (ESB). The ESB is one of four battalions that make up the 369th Sustainment Brigade (aka “Harlem Hellfighters.”)

SOLDIERS DEPLOYED: The 101st has units in Yonkers, Peekskill and Orangeburg, New York. In August, 2023, 340 New York Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 101st Expeditionary Signal Battalion were deployed to their overseas Battalion Headquarters in Kuwait. From there, a group of Harlem Hellfighters were sent to the U.S. logistics support facility known as Tower 22 in northeast Jordan. On January 28, 2024, Tower 22 experienced an unmanned aerial system attack that resulted in 41 Guardsmen being injured and three Army Reservisist killed. Ten of the injured were members of the Harlem Hellfighters of the 101st Expeditionary Signal Battalion. We are writing letters to support the 101st and the ten wounded soldiers.

101st MISSION: The 101st Expeditionary Signal Battalion’s (ESB) mission is to provide tactical communication systems and support to United States forces deployed to the Middle East. The 101st employs the Warrior Information Network-Tactical system, known as WIN-T, which can provide communications for Army units across vast distances via satellite communication. The battalion deployed to Kuwait in 2018 and 2019 for a similar mission. In 2012 the battalion deployed to Afghanistan where it provided critical signal support. The unit received the Meritorious Unit Citation for its exceptional service for that tour on September 4, 2014.

Who are the Harlem Hellfighters?

Originally formed as the 15th New York National Guard Regiment before being re-organized as the 369th upon federalization, it was an infantry regiment of the New York Army National Guard during World War I and World War II. The Hellfighters were also knows as “Men of Bronze” and the “Black Rattlers.” There are four battalions and one is currently deployed in Jordan.

Founded in 1913, the 369th Infantry Regiment is commonly referred to as the “Harlem Hellfighters.” The unit’s lineage can be traced back to 1886 when it was first organized as the Provisional Signal Company of the New York National Guard's First Brigade, making the battalion one of the oldest signal corps units in the country.

Task Force Mission: SUSTAINMENT

What is sustainment? The 369th sustainment brigade provides headquarters support for sustainment battalions and units supporting troops in combat in the CENTCOM area of operations, with logistics, finance, Human Resources, life support operations, training, medical support, public affairs, information technology support and a variety of supply chain management services in all classes of supply and fulfillment.

Follow the Harlem Hellfighters’s 2024 mission in Kuwait on social media:

Our Letters Mission: Please take ten minutes to write a letter of thanks these citizen-soldiers. Your letter will surprise and delight them as they continue yet another deployment overseas.

Supported by: Paramount Veterans Network and VME have been following supporting the Harlem Hellfighters since there year-long deployment to Kuwait in 2022-2023. (Organization liaisons are VP Betty Diaz of Paramount Veterans Network, Karen Kraft of VME, and Major Michael O’Hagan of the Air National Guard).

VME Connection: Sebastian Rothwyn is a Staff Sergeant, US Army, 369th Sustainment Brigade, NY Army National Guard. He is also a member of VME. Rothwyn is multimedia producer, video editor, photographer, graphic designer, film director, visual effects artist and cinematographer for Daddy’s Home (2020). @sebastianrothwyn

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT. November 3, 2022. U.S. Army Sgt. Emanuel Negron, 369th Sustainment Brigade, holds the flag during a transfer of authority ceremony in which the 369th Sustainment Brigade, Texas National Guard cased their flags, or colors, and the 369th Sustainment Brigade, New York National Guard uncased their flags, Nov. 3, 2022, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. The transfer of authority ceremony signifies the end of the responsibilities of Task Force Phoenix followed by the assumption of responsibility by Task Force Hellfighter. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sebastian Rothwyn)

HARLEM HELLFIGHTERS: This legendary New York City Brigade has a unit currently deployed in the Middle East.

FEATURED PAST SPEAKERS: Lt Col. Peter “Doc” Fish (Flight Surgeon) and Major Michael McLean, the Executive Officer of the 369th Sustainment Brigade.

TIME: CURRENT (2024)

Who are the Harlem Hellfighters?

Originally formed as the 15th New York National Guard Regiment before being re-organized as the 369th upon federalization, it was an infantry regiment of the New York Army National Guard during World War I and World War II. The Hellfighters were also knows as “Men of Bronze” and the “Black Rattlers.” There are four battalions and one is currently deployed in Jordan.

Paramount Veterans Network and VME have been following and supporing the Harlem Hellfighters right before this unit’s year-long deployment to Kuwait in 2022-2023.. Founded in 1913, the 369th Infantry Regiment is commonly referred to as the “Harlem Hellfighters.” One of the soldiers in the Hellfighters is also a graphic artist and filmmaker who introduced us to his Brigade.

Task Force Mission: SUSTAINMENT

What is sustainment? The 369th sustainment brigade provides headquarters support for sustainment battalions and units supporting troops in combat in the CENTCOM area of operations, with logistics, finance, Human Resources, life support operations, training, medical support, public affairs, information technology support and a variety of supply chain management services in all classes of supply and fulfillment.

Follow the Harlem Hellfighters’s 2024 mission in Kuwait on social media:

Our Letters Mission: Please take ten minutes to write a letter of thanks these citizen-soldiers. Your letter will surprise and delight them as they continue yet another deployment overseas.

Supported by: VP Betty Diaz of Paramount Veterans Network, Karen Kraft of VME, and Major Michael O’Hagan of the Air National Guard.

VME Connection: Sebastian Rothwyn is a Staff Sergeant, US Army, 369th Sustainment Brigade, NY Army National Guard. He is also a member of VME. Rothwyn is multimedia producer, video editor, photographer, graphic designer, film director, visual effects artist and cinematographer for Daddy’s Home (2020). @sebastianrothwyn

 

PAST LETTER-WRITING CAMPAIGNS & FEATURED SPEAKERS

 

VR-57 CONQUISTADORS:  WE FLY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD IN 24 HOURS. TIME US.

VR-57 CONQUISTADORS:  WE FLY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD IN 24 HOURS. (GO AHEAD…TIME US)

FEATURED SPEAKERS:  Commander Julie Guerre-Chaley (Assistant Natops Instructor Pilot) and Lt.Commander Vince Coleman (Assistant Operations Officer, Asset and Personnel Scheduling)

THIS IS A SPECIAL SESSION FOR PARAMOUNT EMPLOYEES ONLY.  You can join the zoom call @ 12pm ET / 9am PT on Wednesday, June 14th.

MISSION: To move people and cargo within 24 hours to anywhere in the world.

ABOUT THE SQUADRON: Founded in 1977, the Fleet Logistics Support Squadron VR-57 is a Naval Reserve Force squadron comprising active duty and reserve personnel. It is based in the San Diego area at NAS North Island, California.

The Squadron flies C-40s (737) and moves people and cargo within 24 hours to anywhere in the world. These missions range from providing international-on-demand flights for the Navy and US Government or emergency support for earthquake relief efforts in Haiti or evacuating personnel in Afghanistan.

Join our session and meet two outstanding pilots who took two different paths to becoming part of this extraordinary Navy Reserve Unit. Hear first-hand stories about some of their most challenging—and harrowing—missions around the world.

Follow the VR-57 Squadron on social media:

Our Letters Mission: Please take ten minutes to write a letter of thanks these citizen-soldiers to help surprise and delight them as they continue yet another deployment overseas.

Moderated by: VP Betty Diaz and Torrin Fields (Army Veteran) of Paramount Veterans Network and Karen Kraft of Veterans in Media & Entertainment.

 

The Fighting 69th Marching in New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, March 2022.

FIGHTING 69th: This Legendary New York City unit is currently deployed in the Horn of Africa.

FEATURING: Lt. Col. Shawn Tabankin (Commander of 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry), Major Andrew Prior, Operations Officer), and Staff Sgt. Alexander Rector (69th PA).

Moderated by Major Michael O’Hagan of the Air National Guard in NYC.

SPECIAL SESSION FOR SHOWTIME EMPLOYEES: Come to one of two sessions at Showtime Offices and listen first-hand to the accounts of The Fighting 69th who are now deployed in the Horn of Africa!

This event is for employees of Showtime. You can join the zoom call or meet in person at one of the Showtime offices at:

  • Showtime Offices in New York @ 9:30am-11am ET

  • Showtime Offices in West Hollywood @ 9:30am-11am PT

Task Force Mission: SECURITY DEPLOYMENT

Six hundred Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry who are based in NYC but are currently deployed on a security mission to Camp Lemonier, Djibouti in the Horn of Africa. Camp Lemonier is a former French Foreign Legion base on the Gulf of Aden, which has been used by the U.S. military since 2002. The base has been used to suppress piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean and serves as the headquarters of United States operations in Africa.

The Task Force of 1,100 Soldiers commanded by Lt. Col. Shawn Tabankin, the commander of the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry. Before deploying overseas, the Task Force conducted three weeks of post-mobilization training at Fort Drum in Jefferson County and another 45 days of training at Fort Bliss, Texas. They then deployed to the Horn of Africa - this is the area that lies between the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. The 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry, is famous as the "Fighting 69th" and distinguished itself during the Civil War, World War I, World War Il, and in Iraq in 2005.

Company-sized elements from the 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry, as well as the 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry are part of the deployment.

Our Letters Mission: Please thank these citizen soldiers as they embark on another deployment. Many of these soldiers were also part of the Joint Taks Force that showed up for duty in March 2020, when COVID was a hotspot in New York City. These soldiers brought calm to the chaos.as they built a hospital and worked 18-20 hour shifts so they could ensure that the maximum number of vaccinations were able to occur.

Hosted by: Paramount Vet Net with Betty Diaz and VME members Karen Kraft & Major Michael O’Hagan

 

JAVITS CENTER IN NYC: This place went from Ground Zero in March 202o to the most prolific vaccination center in the US in March 2021.

JAVITS CENTER: From COVID Ground Zero to 10,000 Vaccinations a Day to New York City

FEATURING: Major Michael O’Hagan, Air National Guard

DATE: Completed in 2021

Task Force Mission: In March 2020, New York City was the nation’s hotspot for COVID. That’s when a multi-agency team made up of over 600 service members (Soldiers, Airman, Marines and Sailors) as well as members from the Department of Health, the Javits Center staff and other NY state agencies, immediately set up a hospital in the Javits Center — the heart of New York City. Men and women in uniform bravely stepped up and stepped out when few understood the virus. Last January, the Javits Center was tasked to vaccinate as many New Yorkers as safely and orderly as logistically possible. Since the start of this new operation, more than 500,000 vaccinations have been administered by this team alone making the Javits the largest mass vaccination site in the United States. How did this come together so quickly? An insider’s look at the lightning style- logistics and embodiment of selfless service over the last 12 months.

Our Letters Mission: Thank the service members who willing showed up to build a hospital in March 2020 to working 18-20 hour shifts to ensure that the maximum number of vaccinations are able to occur. New York City was a COVID hotspot and the support of these soldiers brought calm to the chaos.

Hosted by: FOX VETS with Evelyn Infante, Sue Kinzie (civilian supporters)

 

A SECRET LIFE UNDERWATER: What is life like in the darkness of the ocean aboard a nuclear-powered submarine?

A SUBMARINER’S LIFE: Literally Living 200 Feet Underwater

FEATURING: Broderick VanBuren Berkhout, Captain (Ret)

DATE: Completed in 2022

A Submarine Mission: The primary role for a US Submarine includes Peacetime Engagement, Surveillance and Intelligence, Special Operations…and Precision Strike. Life aboard a submarine is cramped, isolated and heavily-armed. To even be eligible to be a crewman aboard a submarine applicants must pass a series of grueling tests, psychological evaluations, and intensive courses. Of course, even once qualified, serving aboard a submarine is not a walk in the park. So, why do it? Hear from Captain Berkhout who spent

Our Letters Mission: Thank the Sailors / Submainers of the USS Seawolf (SSN 21) who are brave enough to endure these extraordinary underwater missions that keep America safe.

Hosted by: FOX VETS with Evelyn Infante, Sue Kinzie (civilians supporters)

 

AMERICA’S GLOBAL RESPONSE FORCE: The 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade deploys often from medical to combat missions. Their families must learn to cope without a spouse or parent at home over numerous deployments.

“WE GO ANYWHERE”: From Fort Bragg in North Carolina to the Middle East & The Families of these Deployed Soldiers

FEATURING: 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade (soldiers + family members)

DATE: Completed in 2022

Brigade Mission: Based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the mission of the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade is to rapidly deploy whenever the United States calls on them. They have many important missions, from providing air support to troops in contact, reconnaissance missions, and MEDEVAC support. This is the emergency aviation response to America’s Global Response Force.  We will hear from a Soldier in the Middle East and from his wife back in North Carolina and how they overcome the challenges of constant deployment.

Our Letters Mission: Thank our Soldiers of the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) for their willingness to deploy at a moment’s notice providing combat to medical support. We also want to thank their family members who have to go it alone while their spouses often serve multiple deployments abroad.

Hosted by: Lionsgate Vets with veterans Kevin Carter, Jacob Thielen, Dean Duensing

 

COAST GUARD CUTTER IN ARTIC: The Cutter Polar Star in the Arctic on a scientific research mission.

“BREAK IT UP”: Welcome Aboard the Coast Guard’s Polar Icebreaker in the Arctic & Antarctica

FEATURING: Captain William Woityra, Coast Guard

DATE: Completed in 2021

Polar Star’s Mission: Homeported in Seattle, Washington, US Coast Guard Cutter POLAR STAR (WAGB 10) is the United States' only heavy icebreaker. Commissioned in 1976, she has three aviation-grade gas turbine engines which goes up to 75,000 horsepower, making her the most powerful ship in the US Coast Guard. Each year, POLAR STAR travels the Antarctica to lead Operation Deep Freeze and break miles of ice up to 21 feet thick to break a channel in the fast ice to McMurdo Station, the American base located near the Ross Ice Shelf. POLAR STAR then escorts research and supply vessels into McMurdo. Deep Freeze port calls may include various Pacific Islands, Australia, the Far East and South America .Most POLAR STAR deployments were generally three-month deployments to the Arctic ice regions. The primary purpose of those deployments was scientific research to support at-sea studies in the fields of geology, volcanology, oceanography, sea-ice physics and other disciplines.

Our Letters Mission: Thank the Coast Guard “Coasties” crew working long shifts in freezing weather and dangerous seas to ensure the Arctic and Antarctic seaways remain clear for scientists conducting research work and to escort ships needing safe passage.

Hosted by: NBCUniversal Veterans Network with Lisa Wernick (civilian supporter)

 

THE OLD GUARD: serving with honor and dignity during COVID at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and on Casket Duty.

THE OLD GUARD NEVER SLEEPS: Serving in Solitude during COVID in Arlington, Virginia

FEATURING:

  • Sergeant First Class Chelsea Porterfield (Sergeant of the Guard, Badge #688)

  • Ethan Morse (Badge #548, Old Guard Sentinel)

  • Captain Lauren Glover first female leader of the Drill Team)

DATE: Completed in 2021

Old Guard Mission: The Old Guard's current duty is providing funeral details at Arlington National Cemetery, guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, providing honor guards for visiting dignitaries, supporting official ceremonies and providing a quick reaction force for the Washington, D.C. area.

During Covid, funerals at Arlington National Cemetery only allowed 10 people of which six were the Army Soldiers providing the escort and burial service. The other four were family. These Soldiers provided hundreds of funerals and gave comfort to the grieving families.

Our Letters Mission: Thank the men and women who serve on the Casket detail and at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They have been comforting the grieving families who, due to COVID, cannot bring their family and friends to be part of their burial services.

Hosted by: Parmount Veterans Network with Betty Diaz and veterans Melanie Gonzalez, Tiffany Pilgrim, Bryon Stopfer

 

SURVIVING & SAVING: An Air Force Pararescue Team saving lives off the coast of Alaska.

PARARESCUE JUMPERS: Daring Missions in Untamed Alaska & Beyond

Featuring: Colonel Matthew Komatsu, Air Force & Captain Dan Warren

DATE: Completed in 2021

126th Mission: Learn about the most dangerous rescue missions of an elite Air Force Pararescue Team based in Alaska. From the brutal Alaskan Wilderness to the frigid waters of the Arctic, to the peak of Denali, and in war zones across the globe -- Alaska PJs and their aircrew save nearly one hundred lives a year. Historically known as “Air Rescue men” - they are on rescue alert 24/7/365 days a year. They go into the wilderness and waters when no other entity can —or will — go.

Our Letters Mission: Send our words of thanks for these men and women who brave the most dangerous conditions to save lives under the most dangerous and terrifying conditions imaginable.

Hosted by: WarnerBros. Discovery Salute with Navy veteran Tracy Martin