Dear Team 43,
This season of thanksgiving, I’m particularly grateful for the Team 43 family. You all know as well as anyone that Team 43 is so much more than a game of golf or a mountain bike ride. It’s an opportunity to heal, be challenged, build a community, and grow as a leader. Continued service is a major theme and focus of ours, and you all continue to step up in different ways to serve each other and your country admirably.
I recently wrote an opinion piece for Military Times discussing the role veterans can play in supporting military recruitment shortfalls. As this year shakes out to be the worst year for military recruiting since 1973 – the year the draft ended – I hope the veteran and military-connected community can continue to lead in issuing the call to serve and persuading more young people to answer.
I also mention in the article that I would like to see an examination of the reasons why willing recruits are being disqualified from serving and outline a few other ideas for tackling this serious challenge faced by the all-volunteer force – all of which start with our Nation’s proud and dedicated veterans and their families.
Next, I want to introduce David J. Kramer, who recently stepped into the role of Executive Director at the Bush Institute, succeeding Holly Kuzmich, who has taken a new position at the Draper Kaplan Richards Foundation after serving nine years in leadership at the Bush Institute. David began at the organization earlier this year as the Bradford M. Freeman Managing Director of Global Policy. In his new role David will have an opportunity to support Team 43, and I know he’s thrilled to meet you all.
I hope to see or hear from you soon. If you’re a Dallas-Fort Worth local or in the area during the holiday season, be sure to stop by the Bush Center to say hello, have lunch at Café 43, and view the holiday decorations and special exhibit currently on display.
Continue reading below for important updates, a few Team 43 member highlights, and news from the Bush Center.
Sincerely,
Colonel Matthew F. Amidon, USMC
Director, Veterans and Military Families
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Things You Should Know
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Applications open for the Bush Institute’s 2023 Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program
The Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program is aimed at bold leaders from across the Nation – including civilians, veterans, military spouses, and active military – who are addressing the most challenging issues facing the military-connected community. We hope you will consider applying or sharing the program with someone you know who might be a good fit. The deadline to apply is Jan. 18, 2023.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to Michael Bailey, Leadership Programs Senior Program Manager, with any questions at mbailey@bushcenter.org.
Veterans Day ride at Prairie Chapel Ranch
This Veterans Day, several Team 43 members joined President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush at Prairie Chapel Ranch for a day of riding, reconnecting, fellowship, and celebration. View photos from the ride here.
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Around the Network
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- Jeremy Valdez and his family welcomed a new baby girl, Kira Lee Valdez, to the world this summer.
- Michael Jaborek was selected as an ambassador for the PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) program and participated in the 2022 PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week.
- David Smith recently took on a new role as Head of Marketing at Response Nordic, a leading distributor of sports and consumer electronics products.
- Patty Collins piloted a visually impaired athlete down the coast of California (640 miles, 7 days) with the Challenged Athletes Foundation.
- Brian Flom will retire from the United States Army with 32 years on service next spring.
- Leslie Zimmerman will race with Team LIV next year.
- Saul Martinez was featured on the Parsons Xtreme Golf show with actor Rob Riggle where he discussed how golf can help heal veterans.
Send us your updates
Please send updates directly to Patty Collins and fill out this short survey, so we can continue to highlight your successes with the Team 43 community. We want to know about your sporting event participation, career changes, and any other personal or professional updates you’re excited about.
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LATELY AT THE BUSH CENTER
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Check-In from the Veteran Wellness Alliance
Check-In is a simple and reliable way for a veteran to confidentially refer a peer or themselves to high-quality mental health care. When a veteran is referred, a clinician will reach out via email or phone within three business days. Check-In has made nearly 350 referrals to proper care to date. Connect to care, refer a friend, or find out how you can support the network at veterancheckin.org.
Enrolling and supporting student veterans
The Bush Institute’s Stand-To Veteran Higher Education Task Force convened a working group to illustrate the value of attracting, enrolling, and supporting veterans and recently issued recommendations for institutions of higher learning. The five recommendations detail how maximizing enrollment, creating comprehensive tracking data, and providing appropriate support services is beneficial for both institutions and student veterans.
Leading through challenging times with General Alfred Flowers
Retired General Alfred Flowers, the longest-serving airman in Air Force history, joined the 2022 Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program Scholars for a conversation on his historic leadership journey and the challenges he faced throughout his career.
Supporting Afghan women and girls
The Bush Institute’s Women’s Advancement team released a new set of policy recommendations calling for the administration, Congress, advocacy groups, and other influencers to take action to support the rights of Afghan women and girls. The recommendations, informed and developed by the collective experiences of the Bush Institute’s Afghan Education Working Group, outline critical ways stakeholders around the world can support equitable access to education for all Afghans.
Advancing the cause of liberty around the world
The Bush Institute hosted The Struggle for Freedom conference on Nov. 16, where activists, experts, and leaders gathered to assess threats to freedom around the world and offer recommendations on ways to advance the cause of liberty. The timely event, hosted in partnership with Freedom House and the National Endowment for Democracy, featured a conversation with President George W. Bush on Ukraine’s commitment to freedom and virtual remarks by President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan.
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