The Salute Newsletter - Army Birthday 2008
What Is Freedom Team Salute?
Sacrifice. Every Soldier who has served in the U.S. Army knows the true meaning of this word. Honor, duty, commitment, determination these too are more than just empty words to our Soldiers and Veterans. Because of this, gratitude is more than just a sentiment to the U.S. Army. Recognizing what a simple expression of appreciation can mean, in 2005 the Army created Freedom Team Salute. The program recognizes the essential bond between Soldiers, Family and Community; celebrates the sacrifices made by all those who support our Soldiers; and honors the millions of Soldier Veterans who have served and who remain as our living connection to generations of duty, honor and patriotism.
Through a simple process, Freedom Team Salute allows all Soldiers to recognize their Parents, Spouse and Employer (of Guard and Reserve Soldiers) with a Commendation thanking them for the value they bring to the Army family. The program also allows anyone to honor a discharged U.S. Army Veteran for his or her service to the nation — no matter where or when he or she served, or for how long.
Every Freedom Team Salute honoree receives an official Commendation package, which includes a certificate of appreciation and a personalized letter from the Secretary of the Army and Army Chief of Staff thanking them for their support to today’s Army. The package also includes an official U.S. Army lapel pin and two Army decals. The entire package is provided at no cost to either the commender or the recipient.