 |
|
See how NDSA has responded to the
call to support our troops
Please pray for these members
of the ND family who are defending
our freedoms
|
In response to the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the Notre Dame Alumni Association has developed the God, Country, Notre Dame initiative to serve as an organizational resource for members of the Notre Dame family to unite in prayer and support for those who are called to protect our God-given freedoms. We pray for a peaceful resolution to world conflict, and when necessary for the safety and protection of those who are asked to defend our freedom with their lives.
Through God, Country, Notre Dame our alumni and friends to encouraged to render support to the brave men and women who are called upon to serve our country in military, government and civil service roles. This support extends to the families left behind, which may endure hardships as a result of their deployment.
Introduction
Program Development
Any Soldier Initiative
Dunkin' Donuts Coffee Initiative
Developing a God, Country, Notre Dame initiative utilizing the 6-Cs
Grass Roots Planning and Suggestions
Internet Links and Resources
Introduction
In response to the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the Notre Dame Alumni Association developed the God, Country, Notre Dame initiative to serve as an organizational resource for members of the Notre Dame family to unite in prayerful support for those who are called to protect our God-given freedoms. This includes the brave men and women who serve domestically and abroad in the military, State Department, FBI, CIA, and numerous civil servant roles (police, fire fighters, rescue, etc). We pray for all victims of terrorism, wherever they may be, their families, and the countless heroes that offer comfort and assistance, and in many cases give their lives during the rescue and recovery efforts.
 |
|
Dr. Mark A. Dobbertien '80,
stationed in Iraq
|
We pray for a peaceful resolution to world conflict and the ability for all people to live in harmony regardless of color, race, creed or religious belief. We pray for victims of oppression and the liberation of those who are forced to submit to the will of an individual or state. God, Country, Notre Dame does not promote nor does it endorse violence as a means for attaining world peace and stability. It does however, call on members of the Notre Dame family to unite in prayerful vigilance for the expedient resolution of world conflict, and when necessary for the safety and protection of those who are asked to defend our freedom with their lives. It further empowers our alumni and friends to render tangible support to the individuals and their families, who may endure hardships as a result of their duties.
We call upon our alumni and friends to offer sustained support for members of our armed forces, government agencies, civil servants, and their families during this difficult time. We encourage alumni club leaders and class officers to initiate support through prayer, email and written communication to bolster the morale and determination of our protectors throughout the world and within our local communities.
Program Development
Chiseled in stone above the east entrance to the Sacred Heart Basilica on the campus of the University of Notre Dame is the inscription, "God, Country, Notre Dame." This poignant statement serves to remind all who gather in worship that their lives have been blessed in many ways, including their God-given freedom and rights as American citizens. The inscription now serves as both the inspiration and cornerstone of a new initiative that bears its name, and calls upon all Americans to unite as one, and render their prayerful support to those who serve to preserve and protect this freedom both domestically and abroad.
While the concept will be promoted nationally the key to the program's success will lie in a grass roots approach, which best utilizes available resources to serve local community needs. To this extent, the God Country, Notre Dame initiative will afford individual volunteers, alumni clubs, alumni classes and/or community organizations the flexibility to "think outside the box" and render support through creative thinking.
This document is intended to serve as an initial planning guide and resource. Throughout the pages that follow are ideas and suggestions expressed by the founding members of the God, Country, Notre Dame committee on the national Alumni Board, senior volunteers within ND Senior Alumni, and various Notre Dame alumni and friends who have already stepped forward to embrace this new concept. This document should be considered a "work in progress," and to this extent will be periodically updated as new program initiatives and success stories unfold. You are encouraged to check back frequently for updated information.
Any Soldier Initiative
"Any Soldier Inc. started in August 2003 as a simple family effort to help the soldiers in one Army unit, thus their name. However, due to overwhelming requests, on 1 January 2004 the "Any Soldier" effort was expanded to include any member, of any of the Armed Services, in harms way." This effort now includes "anysailor.com", "anymarine.com", "anyairman.com" and "anycoastguardsman.com".
The ND Club of Houston began an initiative during the 2006 Football season to collect donations for www.anysoldier.com during game-watches when the Irish played a service academy. For more information about this program, go to www.anysoldier.com. From the ND Club of Houston: " This website provides lists of units in all the Armed Forces that are in harms way and in need of our assistance. You can select the force (army, navy, air force, marines) and then select the state of your club, to identify a possible unit of service men in need of our help. We would also suggest that you ask your membership if there is anyone with family or friends in the forces to bring an even more personal "touch" to the donations and bring a "little bit of their ND family" into their lives."
Dunkin' Donuts Coffee Initiative
From Dunkin Donuts: "Dunkin' Brands, Inc. supports the brave men and woman of the United States military. We are honored to send a taste of home to our troops overseas. We will hold a monthly lottery to randomly select 50 military members among those requests submitted. Each will receive a case of Dunkin' Donuts coffee. We will limit the offer to those who have not previously received any coffee. Please understand that because of the volume of requests, only recipients will be notified."
Dunkin Donuts will send a case (24 one pound bags) to service members serving in Iraq.
Go to https://www.dunkindonuts.com/aboutus/contact/Feedback.aspx?type=4
Fill out the form in the "comments" section.
Put the soldiers name and APO address.
Also state you would like them to send your soldier coffee
Click on "submit"
They are getting a lot of requests so it may take a little time.
You can also write with the same info to:
Dunkin Brands
130 Royall Street
Canton, MA 02121
Or call customer relations at 781-737-3000
For more information, contact Katie Zakas, Director of Service, by phone (574) 631-6723 or by email kzakas@nd.edu.
