Returning from war is nevereasy but ten lucky wounded warriors in Central Texas got some help from asupporting comedian. Last week, Rodney Carrington reached out to a local VeteranService Organization (VSO) in Texas and invited some of them to have a laughwith him while he was performing in Austin, Texas.

After connecting with arepresentative from ArmedZilla, Rodney asked how he could support the veteransas they transitioned back into their communities. Former Army medic, Tim Stroudtold Rodney that some of the guys were hesitant to go out and enjoy the freedomthat they had fought for and a night out would be a great first step for them.Stroud said that there is a lot of resources available for veterans but manyveterans simply don’t know how to find them.

That is why he has beenworking to help build an online community for the military, veterans, theirfamilies, and supportive community organizations. Stroud said that veterans andtheir families should log onto www.armedzilla.comand connect to those who have served.

Rodney suggested that theyinvite some of the veterans that have been meeting at Heroes Night Out in CedarPark, Texas to his comedy performance at the Moody Theatre in Austin, Texas. Itcreated quite a buzz at the veteran outreach center since so many of theveterans listened to Rodney while on their deployments under Operation IraqiFreedom (OIF) or Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

One of the Founders of HeroesNight Out, Wes Pierce stated that a recent study has shown that on average,America loses 18 veterans a day to suicide and that connecting veterans toother veterans helps reduce that number. Their organization helps connect themto each other and to benefits in the Central Texas area. He further stated byhaving their organization on ArmedZilla that they have been able to reach otherveterans that don’t make it out to their center. Judy Pierce stated that organizationsneed to “meet the veterans where they are” and that place is largely online.

This isn’t the first timeRodney has welcomed back the troops and their families. He first met Sgt. TimStroud and two other OIF veterans in 2004 at Cap City Comedy Club. Ever sincethen Rodney has shown his support on and off stage for the 1% of America thatserves in the Armed

Rodney has invited veteransto attend live tapings of his comedy shows all throughout the United States. Hehas reached out to the veteran community and hosted them at his television showfilmed at Studio City, MGM Las Vegas show, and has performed in front of a soldout show on Ft. Hood, Texas.

Research on OEF/OIF Veteranssuggests that 10-18% of OEF/OIF troops are likely to have PTSD after theyreturn (VA, 2012). Tim Stroud states that laughing and connecting with otherveterans is a healthy step on the road to recovery.

For more information onRodney Carrington and appearances in your area, please check out http://rodneycarrington.musiccitynetworks.com/index.htm.

Pictured with Rodney Carrington are returning veterans from the Texas National Guard, U.S. Army, and Founders of Heroes Night Out.

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We are humbled and Blessed!  Tune in to “Fox and Friends” tomorrow morning!

1st Annual HNO Golf Tournament

Golf Tournament_2011

Photos by Vickey Carwile

Approximately 175 soldiers and their families attended the second annual picnic for wounded soldiers at Camp Carlson on Aug. 7. The event is sponsored by a nonprofit organization called, "Heroes Night Out." In the photo above, those attending the event enjoyed a catered meal.

A very special event was held Aug. 7, at Camp Carlson on U.S. 60 − the second annual picnic for wounded soldiers. The event was coordinated by retired Army Sgt. Glen Clark and Beth Henninger, of the Kentucky Society of Associated Executives. It was held in honor of approximately 175 wounded military men and women and their families. Many of these soldiers suffer from nonvisible injuries such as TBI (traumatic brain injury) and PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), as well as physical injuries.

After the sponsorships for the picnic fell through, several people and organizations came together to make the event possible. Radio show host Francine, of 84−WHAS, put out a call to listeners. Rep. Jeff Greer was contacted and purchased 200 soft drinks for the occasion. “I’m truly impressed how they put it together so quickly,” he said.

Sgt. Michael Clark lost his left leg in 2008, after an RPG struck the vehicle he was in during a tour of duty in Iraq. He is seen here on his segway.

The Associated General Contractors of Kentucky catered a large meal, with the assistance of the Kentucky Construction Industry. There was plenty of good food and fellowship and those who participated enjoyed games such as volleyball, frizbee and horseshoes. Louisville comedians Mike Armstrong and Tim Wilson made an appearance and provided humor and lots of laughs.

The picnics are sponsored by Heroes Night Out. The first picnic was held in 2008 in San Antonio, Texas.
Heroes Night Out is a nonprofit organization that provides wounded military personnel and their families with or a complimentary dinner, a day or night at a sporting event, or amusement park. The soldiers are given a wallet containing up to six $50 gift cards.

Wes and Judy Pierce, Austin, Texas, are the founders of Heroes Night Out. The couple have 12 children − eight were adopted, of which seven were special needs children. When three of their sons − Tim, Troy and Jeremy − enlisted in the Army, the Pierces befriended the boys’ recruiter, Sgt. Michael Clark. In 2008, Sgt. Clark was hit by an RPG (rocket-propelled grenade), while serving in Iraq. After several surgeries, doctors were forced to amputate his left leg.

Wes and Judy made several trips to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, to visit Sgt. Clark and other wounded soldiers. It was then they decided they wanted to do something for soldiers who were wounded in the line of duty. They wanted to give military families a break from the everyday routine of surgeries, therapy and rehabilitation.

“They just need a break from the everyday routine,” explained the Pierces, “a night out. A little fresh air and no hospital.” Thus, Heroes Night Out was born.

Rep. Jeff Greer, center, speaks with event coordinator, Beth Henninger of the Kentucky Society of Associated Executives (left) and Lt. Col. Gary Travis.

Sgt. Clark attended the picnic at Camp Carlson, along with his wife, Jessica. The Clarks live in Fort Hood, Texas, and have two children − Michael Jr., 7, and Breaunna, 14.

Spc. Allen Ashbrook, Morgantown, Ind., is with the 3rd Platoon, Alpha Company. He has a chronic hyperactive nerve condition as a result of a training accident in Germany. The younger soldier now walks with a cane.

“It’s really hard,” he said, “I can’t do a lot. I can’t even play with my kids.” Spc. Ashbrook and his wife, Angela, have two children − Alana, 4, and Cadence, 16 months. “This is really great,” Spc. Ashbrook said of the event, “it’s good for the soldiers and good to get outside.”

Lt. Col. Gary Travis, commander of Warrior Transition Battalion, praised the event and his soldiers, “I think it’s awesome, just awesome,” he said. “These guys are so deserving. They take care of everyone else. It’s a blessing to be able to lead them.”

For more information about Heroes Night Out, or to donate to the cause, go to the Web site at www.HeroesNightOut.org, e-mail donate@heroesnightout.org, or write to Heroes Night Out, 603 South Lynnwood Trail, Cedar Park, Texas 78613.

Rep. Jeff Greer, center, speaks with event coordinator, Beth Henninger of the Kentucky Society of Associated Executives (left) and Lt. Col. Gary Travis.