Last week, 140 VoluntEARS helped transform an empty lot in Santa Clarita, California, into a kid-designed playspace in less than eight hours. As part of Disney’s expanding presence in Santa Clarita California, VoluntEARS from the Golden Oak Ranch, Heroes Work Here veterans, and Disney CEO… Read More »Disney VoluntEARS Build New Playspace for Veterans’ Families
WWII veteran Louis Lessure, 93, a First Lieutenant bombardier from the Army Air Corps and Purple Heart recipient, had another chance to honor the United States when he assisted cast members in lowering the flag during the daily flag retreat at Magic Kingdom Park. Lessure… Read More »WWII Veteran Celebrates 61st Wedding Anniversary at the Magic Kingdom on July 4th, 2012
Touting the motto “Heroes Work Here. Employ excellence. Hire veterans” President and Chief Executive Officer Robert A. Iger announced a new company-wide initiative to hire, train and support returning veterans yesterday at The Walt Disney Company’s (NYSE: DIS) Annual Shareholder meeting in Kansas City. The Heroes Work Here program continues Disney’s long history of respect and appreciation for the U.S. Armed Forces by expanding the company’s commitment to recognize and honor the sacrifice and service of these men and women.
As part of the initiative, Disney will provide at least 1,000 jobs and career opportunities for returning U.S. veterans over the next three years, support military families and veterans during their transition into civilian life, and launch a national public awareness campaign to encourage all employers across the U.S. to hire veterans.
In addition to providing career opportunities for veterans, Disney will also invest in select non-profit organizations that provide training and other support services. Through the Disney VoluntEARS program, employees will also engage in service projects with veterans’ organizations in communities around the country. The public awareness campaign, featuring veterans currently employed in various businesses across The Walt Disney Company, will highlight their value, encourage companies to hire these highly skilled men and women, and direct them to the Joining Forces initiative for more information.
Mr. Iger debuted the first spot at the conference, which can be viewed below the jump:
Read More »Disney Announces “Heroes Work Here” Veteran Jobs Program
There is no season like Holiday season at Disneyland. The park is known for big kick off moments from Santa installing a giant star atop the Matterhorn (remember that?) to Bob Hope lighting things up with a swing of his golf club. But the trend as of late has been to invite a veteran family from the nation’s armed forces to do the honor.
This year, the Disneyland Resort invited Gunnery Sgt. Derrick Poteat, a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s S-6 communication platoon, and his family to “flip the switch” on more than 300,000 holiday lights blanketing “it’s a small world” Holiday, transforming the popular attraction into a visual wonderland and officially launching the holiday season at the Disneyland Resort.
The ceremony, presented by the attraction’s sponsor, Sylvania, honored Poteat and his family for the contributions they have made to our country. Poteat, who enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1996, has completed three tours and recently returned from the latest, a seven-month deployment in the Middle East. He was joined by his three children, nephew, niece and wife, Clarice, an advisor to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s family readiness team, for a day of play at the Disneyland Resort followed by this special honor.
Video of the ceremony and more is below the jump:
Read More »Military Family Officially Launches Disneyland’s Holiday Season