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GERMANY

COUNTRY INFORMATION

Located in Central Europe, Germany shares land borders with nine other countries. As a result, the population is extremely ethnically and culturally diverse.

Despite Germany’s involvement in the World Wars and complicated existence during the Cold War, the country has been able to overcome their struggles.

Germany’s economy is the largest out of the European nations and it plays an integral role in Europe’s economic, political, and military institutions.

If you’ve volunteered in Germany, we’d love to hear about your experience. Please let us know which organization you signed up with, what your trip was like, and if you’d recommend the program to others.

June 21, 2019 admin Leave a comment

Why I Don’t Recommend Volunteering with Frontier in Fiji

In May 2019, I volunteered for one month with Frontier and it was so disappointing I left the program early. Here’s why I don’t recommend anyone volunteer with the Frontier Fiji marine conservation & diving project.

By Kiki Korcova

The reason why I decided to choose this project with Frontier was because of the possibility to do some good things and combining it with my favorite hobby, which is diving. I thought that I would be diving every single day, maybe even twice, but I quickly learned that wouldn’t be the case.

THERE WASN ‘T MUCH VOLUNTEER WORK

The first week I was there was quite good–everything had some structure. I did a survey of corals, fish and bioindicators. The purpose was to collect data for a university and look for the specific sea cucumbers, urchins and lobster that help or harm the coral reefs. In addition, I took care of mangroves two times. But, that was it. That was all I did in those three and half weeks.The second week came and I actually did NOTHING.

Beach where volunteers hang out

There were three staff members and two of them were sick
(I became sick the week after too). This is understandable.

However, there was no other program or job made for us. They should always have some backup plan in this situation. We woke up, had food and went sleep again. It all lacked a structure and any kind of organization. It made me nuts.

I do not recommend this Frontier project to anyone who is actually looking for DOING something! I did just 10 dives during the four week program–well actually three and a half weeks since I left early because I was so angry.

LACK OF INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED

The information that Frontier had given to me and also other volunteers wasn’t correct. Once I signed the contract and payed for my project, they informed me three weeks before my departure that I will need to pay for my business visa or else I couldn’t take part in project. That didn’t make sense when I’m volunteering and I am one who actually PAID for it. No one was getting paid so why did we have to get a business visa?

The tourist visa was free for me but this one was another 270 SG$ (in Singapore currency, which is about $200 USD).The first time I thought that something was wrong was three weeks before I left for the trip. I received a letter with a list of things which I will need. It was really long and all things were quite price plus the thing with visa, however, the worst was the middle of second week, when I did actually nothing, that was probably the time I realized this sucks.

WAY OVERPRICED

I paid $2795.00 USD, just for the program, which did include meals such as noodles, rice and fruit, as well as accommodations that were shared with other volunteers. The housing was co-ed and hostel style. However final cost was much higher. You have to pay for your flight, which was around 670 SG$ (around $500 USD), then I paid for the visa 270SG$, and solar power charger they suggested because otherwise you don’t have any power. That was around 250SG$ ($185 USD).

This was a present from my parents to me for my 20th birthday so my dad basically covered all cost, which is the reason he and my mom were also so angry. He even called it scam before I left.

UNCLEAR WHAT OUR PROGRAM FEE PAID FOR

I did ask how the money from our program fee was spent. I heard some people saying it was going for food, which was around 400FJ$ for a week supplies-I think for all 10 people who was there. Also a portion went to the staff there, but they said its not much. I could have been diving in Fiji for two weeks every day on better sites for the same money with a better place to stay and better food to eat. So please if you are looking for really good marine project on Fiji, don’t go with Frontier.

https://frontiergap.com/projects/120/Fiji-Marine-Conservation-%26-Diving

June 20, 2019 admin

Josh Hutcherson Shows How We Can Be a LGBTQ Ally

Josh Hutcherson explains his passion for supporting equal rights and how his nonprofit Straight But Not Narrow helps the LGBTQ community.

By Kaylie Defilippis

Josh Hutcherson may be known for the blockbuster franchise “Hunger Games,” but he also wants to be known for something else–fighting for equality. “I’m a huge supporter of LGBTQ rights,” he told The Voluntourist at the Hulu Television Critics Association panel for Future Man. The actor started the organization Straight But Not Narrow as his way to support the LGBTQ community and talked about why it’s so important to him.

WATCH WHAT HAPPENS LIVE WITH ANDY COHEN — Episode 16005 — Pictured: Josh Hutcherson — (Photo by: Charles Sykes/Bravo)

“Since I was a kid the whole world has [been] very confusing and weird to me and not understanding to me. The one thing I always thought, was the beautiful idea of being in love. That you can rob someone of that by demonizing who they fall in love with is horse shit. Whether you’re straight or gay, relationships and falling in love is difficult anyways, we should not make it any harder.”

He added,” My mom had two gay uncles that unfortunately passed away of AIDS in the 90s. They were a big part of her life so that social issue has always been in my family.”

His nonprofit is designed to be an ally to the community and revealed how it helps.

“It’s a Gay/Straight alliance organization. A friend of mine was like, ‘there needs to be a bigger push in the straight community to support that community.’ So we go to schools and help set up gay/straight alliances and awareness programs. People can donate used technology and we get it swiped clean and sent to youth homeless shelters. There’s a number of people getting kicked out of their home because of being LGBTQ and they need access to technology to be look for jobs and social things,” he said.

One of the goals of the organization is to “positively influence the perception of, and behavior towards, LGBTQ peers,” according to their Instagram account, and Hutcherson encouraged others to get involved.

”We’re always looking for people to volunteer, help out, and donate. We have a few events that we always need volunteer[s] for. Not just to volunteer, but to be a good role model. Create that open space and comfortability.”

Straight But Not Narrow is a wonderful opportunity for allies to connect with the community and provide them with resources that may have been unattainable otherwise.

To learn more visit www.wearesbnn.com

Reporting by Heather Newgen

June 19, 2019 admin Leave a comment

Travel Experts Weigh in on Trump’s Cuba Restrictions

The Trump administration abruptly banned cruise ships and a popular category of educational travel to Cuba in an attempt to cut off revenue to the island’s government effective June 5, 2019.

By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist

“This administration has made a strategic decision to reverse the loosening of sanctions and other restrictions on the Cuban regime. These actions will help to keep U.S. dollars out of the hands of Cuban military, intelligence, and security services,” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement.

Under President Barak Obama, cruise travel began from the U.S. to Cuba in 2016. It’s become one of the main forms of travel from the states.

Those with pre-paid travel plans will be “grandfathered” in,” according to the State Department. In addition, other categories allowing travel are still available, including faith-group trips, humanitarian projects and the nebulous “support of the Cuban people,” NPR reports.

Within minutes after the Trump Administration’s announcement restricting travel between the U.S. and Cuba, Cruise Planners travel advisor Michael Consoli’s phone was ringing off the hook. As a travel advisor for 18 years, who specializes in luxury travel, several guests who had future travel booked wanted to pay in full in hopes that they would lock in their plans and get grandfathered in to any existing Cuba travel.

“The Trump Administration’s announcement restricting travel between the U.S. and Cuba is disappointing and the impact is significant. We have seen a huge spike in consumer demand and the cruise lines have invested a lot in Cuba,” said Michael Consoli, Cruise Planners franchise owner.

Cuba generated a lot of buzz and positivity as soon as the ban was lifted a few years ago and more recently, there have been rumblings about cutting Cuba off, which drove even more demand to travelers. Cutting this off is representing billions of dollars of travel.

“Cuba appeals to experienced cruisers and those who have traveled to exotic places already. Many cruise lines that offered Cuba cruises, have done a very good job showcasing the benefits and making it attractive to well-traveled clients. Specifically, the luxury and premium cruise lines – such as Regent Seven Seas, Viking Ocean, Oceania Cruises – were selling far out in advance. There was a real desire across the entire economic spectrum as cruising is a comfortable way to visit many parts of the world as travelers feel familiar with the cruise ships while exploring a new destination.”

Once on the island nation the people-to-people cultural exchanges were popular since many of the luxury cruise lines were stopping in up to three ports of call, including Havana, before coming back to the states.

“As travel advisors, we send people all over the world, with many ports having pre-arranged excursions with a guide or escort – and Cuba was no exception with most travelers prearranging their shore excursions through their travel advisor to get the most out each day in port,” he said.

“Unfortunately, cruises can be impacted by changes to the itinerary, and while this example is unprecedented, having been in the industry for 18 years, I have seen my fair share of itinerary changes.”

“We have not received official information from the cruise lines, but whether the cruise lines redeploy the ship to a different port, or find other creative ways to retain the client bookings, we will work hard for our clients – to find something they can be excited about,” he added.

“Cuba remains communist, and the United States, under the previous administration, made too many concessions to one of our historically most aggressive adversaries,” Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a statement.

Ross added that the administration “is acting to limit commercial activity that provides revenue for the Cuban regime. Holding other countries accountable remains a focus for this Administration and we will remain vigilant.”

We’ll update this story as it develops.

June 5, 2019 admin Leave a comment

Justin Moore on his New Single “The Ones Who Didn’t Make it Back Home”

Justin Moore performed his new hit “The Ones Who Didn’t Make it Back Home” at the 30th Anniversary of the National Memorial Day Concert and talked to The Voluntourist about the inspiration behind the song.

By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist

For three decades the annual event has beautifully honored American heroes and fallen soldiers while celebrating their selfless sacrifices. The PBS multi-award winning show is held every year on the West Lawn in front of the iconic U.S. Capitol Building, which served as a backdrop to Moore’s performance.

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 26: Multi-platinum-selling country music star Justin Moore performs at the 2019 National Memorial Day Concert at U.S. Capitol, West Lawn on May 26, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Capital Concerts Inc.)[/caption]

The country sensation has been captivating audiences for the last 10 years and he is one of the few artists among the younger country music generation with influences that encompass both classic country and rock.

His latest track “The Ones Who Didn’t Make it Back Home” is a tribute to our military forces and will be on his upcoming fifth studio album Late Nights and Long Necks, which will be released July 26th. The song is co-written by Justin Moore, Jeremy Stover, Paul DiGiovanni and Chase McGill.

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 26: Multi-platinum-selling country music star Justin Moore rehearses before the 2019 National Memorial Day Concert at U.S. Capitol, West Lawn on May 26, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Capital Concerts Inc.)[/caption]

To date, Justin Moore currently has six No. 1 songs and two platinum-certified albums. In 2008, he released his debut single, “Back That Thing Up,” however, it wasn’t until 2009 he went to the top of the charts and scored his first No. 1 hit with “Small Town USA.”

His self-titled debut album went Gold, as did his sophomore album, 2011’s ‘Outlaws Like Me.’ Other hit singles from that album include “Bait a Hook,” ‘Til My Last Day” and “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away.” In 2013, the release of Moore’s third studio album, ‘Off the Beaten Path,’ scored even more hits with “Point at You” and “Lettin’ the Night Roll.”

Check out the video above to hear what Moore says about his new album and song.

To watch Justin Moore perform “The Ones Who Didn’t Make it Back Home” at the National Memorial Day Concert click here.

Produced and Edited by: Aaron Zimmerman

June 4, 2019 admin Leave a comment

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon Dr. Panossian Gives Kids Smiles in Armenia

Award-winning plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Andre Panossian of Los Angeles is volunteering his skills to travel to Armenia again this month (June 2019) to give dozens of children the ability to smile for the fourth consecutive year. In 2016, Dr. Panossian partnered with LA-based organization Mending Kids to launch a surgical mission to the region, a then first-time destination for the 15 year old non-profit organization. What started as a one-man effort has grown into a formidable team of volunteers and assistants who perform complex surgeries in Armenia annually.

By: Jill Simonian

The ongoing pilgrimage is unique and focuses on highly sub-specialized reconstructive surgery — facial paralysis/reanimation, neurofibromatosis, vascular and congenial hand anomalies and general pediatric plastic surgery. Facial reanimation surgery (for which Dr. Panossian has a rare technique — he’s the only plastic surgeon in the U.S. to use it) transplants a nerve from another part of a patient’s face into muscles near the mouth that enable people to smile. “This is the hard, complicated stuff that isn’t always easy to do with teams of doctors overseas, without your usual staff or equipment,” Dr. Panossian points out. “I do love it.”

Although Armenia has made significant progress in the area of public health, much of the local medical community still lacks advanced techniques and equipment to resolve complex cases independently. Dr. Panossian offers Yerevan-based doctors and surgeons education and training in advanced techniques — each mission hosts over 20 physicians from the region to attend pre-op clinics, lectures and participate in bedside teaching. Mending Kids additionally provides equipment for local teams to utilize independently after the mission is complete — equipment donations have included everything from surgical power equipment (drills and saws) to magnification loupes.

“Working with families and doctors in Armenia ranks as one of my most treasured ongoing experiences — it’s my heritage, part of my soul. This year, my wife and daughters are traveling with me and I’m excited for them to experience how meaningful this mission is,” Dr. Panossian says. “If we can’t contribute to our roots and culture with what each of us do, then what’s it all for?”

Clinics and surgeries will take place at Arabkir Medical Center in Yerevan, Armenia during the last week of June. To learn more, become a volunteer for future missions and/or donate directly, visit MendingKids.org/Armenia. To connect with Dr. Panossian (reconstructive & aesthetic surgery, pediatric & adults), visit DrPanossian.com.

Dr. Panossian specializes in rhinoplasty, facial paralysis and cosmetic & reconstructive surgery of the face and body. Dr. Panossian is additionally renown for being one of the top surgeons in the United States who treats and removes tumors on patients with Neurofibromatosis. A board certified plastic surgeon who rotates his practice between pediatric and adult cases, Dr. Panossian has been featured as one of LA Business Journal’s “Top Doctors,” was named a go-to plastic surgeon for “Rhinoplasty in Los Angeles” by Maxim Magazine and was also featured on CBS Nightly News in 2015 for his part in a groundbreaking, twin-separating surgery in Haiti. Some of his most unique facial paralysis reanimation surgeries have been featured on CBS’ “The Doctors,” ABC’s “Good Morning America,” ABC-7 and KTLA-5 News (Los Angeles) and The Los Angeles Times. Visit Dr.Panossian.com for more information, connect on Instagram and Facebook @drpanossian.

June 4, 2019 admin Leave a comment

How ‘Hamilton’ Star Christopher Jackson Advocates for Autism

Christopher Jackson and his wife Veronica became advocates for autism and serve on the National Board of KultureCity, a nonprofit that helps provide sensory-inclusive rooms and support for families and individuals, following their son’s autism diagnosis in 2007.

By: Heather Newgen

Christopher Jackson is doing his part to ensure autistic people can enjoy a live stage show, which can oftentimes be a struggle for people on the spectrum. Autistics can find it difficult to engage in social settings and Jackson is doing what he can to support the community.

“As someone in the arts, I perform in certain venues and to be able to make all of these venues sensory inclusive so that a sibling, a spouse, a relative, a friend, they can participate. You don’t have to stay hidden away and feel like they can’t join the rest of society in the way that they want to. They can have the freedom to move about and if they happen to need some help in the midst of that we’re there to do that,” he told The Voluntourist at the 30th Anniversary of PBS National Memorial Day Concert where he paid tribute to the military.

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 26: Broadway and television star Christopher Jackson performs at the 2019 National Memorial Day Concert at U.S. Capitol, West Lawn on May 26, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Capital Concerts Inc.)

His son, CJ, was diagnosed with autism at an early age, and Jackson and his wife made it their mission to help others.

“I’m involved with an organization called KultureCity and what we do is we go into concert venues, arenas and we build sensory inclusive rooms for folks who need that support. Children with autism, my son is autistic, but also soldiers–veterans who have sensory issues, PTSD, who want to go out and participate in the world, but sometimes need a break. We build sensory rooms where someone can just go and decompress a little bit and still be a part of it.”

He continued, “We also create sensory bags that have noise cancellation headphones, they have fidget toys that can help desensitize a little bit so that families, people who have sensory needs can be met. We also train the staff of the venues and arenas so that when someone is in distress, you have someone there who can guide them where they need to go and offer some sort of support.”

The Tony-nominated Broadway star who originated the role of George Washington in ‘Hamilton’ is all about using his platform to bring awareness to autism.

“People need help and people need to know they are regarded and that there’s a place for them. This helps us do that.”

To see Jackson perform at the National Memorial Day Concert click here.

June 3, 2019 admin Leave a comment

Vietnam Veterans Brad Kennedy and Ernest “Pete” Peterson: “We’re All Blood Brothers”

After an unexpected contentious return home from the Vietnam War 50 years ago, Brad Kennedy and Ernest “Pete” Peterson finally get the welcoming home they deserve at the 30 Anniversary of the PBS National Memorial Day Concert. Although the spotlight was on their longstanding friendship and heroic sacrifices, the Vietnam veterans used the opportunity to spread several key messages such as, “We can not let the memory of these guys who died and served be forgotten.”

By: Heather Newgen @hnvoluntourist

It’s just two hours until show time and Kennedy and Peterson, who were both honored, eagerly awaited in the lobby of a busy Washington D.C hotel stylishly dressed anticipating sharing their story. As we enter a private room to chat, Kennedy jokes, “When I met Joe Mantegna he gives me a big embrace and I whispered in his ear, “Joe, I don’t want you to take this personally, but I really had requested Dennis Haysbert to portray me” [at the PBS National Memorial Day Concert] He sort of pushed me away a little bit, smiled and said, “We drew straws and you lost,” Mantegna teased back.

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 26: Acclaimed actor Dennis Haysbert (L) and Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna (R) onstage at the 2019 National Memorial Day Concert at U.S. Capitol, West Lawn on May 26, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Capital Concerts Inc.)

It’s easy to see why the men are friends. They’re both funny, highly intelligent, articulate, easy going, but understandably emotional and serious when talking about their time in Vietnam. While serving together in the 11th U.S. Cavalry, an unshakable bond developed that deeply connects them and other Vietnam veterans together for life.

“Sometimes we were covered in blood and sometimes it was blood of our fellow soldiers. In other cases it was a Viet Cong blood mixing in with our blood. So we’re all blood brothers in a very real sense and we’ll never let that go,” Kennedy explained to The Voluntourist.

The two joined the military for different reasons, but came out with the same perspective, “the people who created this [war] realized they made a major mistake,” Peterson stated.

“Like a lot of blacks in the south we come from a tradition of military families because the army was a way out. Normally what would happen was you’d finish high school and you’d go into the service. If there wasn’t a war going on, you’d come out and then go to college. That’s how you got your tuition money. Unfortunately, Vietnam came along and wiped a lot of us out,” Peterson said.

He added, “Brad was the sharpest guy in the battalion. Brad had been to Drew University and he didn’t have to be out there with the enlisted guys. Brad could have been an officer, but he chose to come out there to be in the field and be an enlisted man.”

The admiration is mutual.

“I’m so glad to be doing this with him because he has wisdom and he always has. I was very happy to be associated with him then and serve with him and to have been reunited again after so many years. We have far more to unite us than what divides us,” Kennedy gushed about his friend.

When coming back from Vietnam, there were no parades in their honor, parties and or any sort of appreciation. Instead the troops were met with ridicule and anger.

“Upon 50 years reflection I’ve reduced what the American people need to hear about the Vietnam War to three things:

The first, they accept and recognize that when we went over there, we thought we were right.

The second thing is you can’t confuse the man with the mission, the soldier with the policy.

And lastly, whatever we did, for better or for worse, was done in the name of the American people and all Americans, even those who weren’t born at the time, share a responsibility for it. It doesn’t just fall on our shoulders. Until Americans make clear to Vietnam veterans they accept that responsibility there will never be harmony or peace in our minds.”

“We returned from Vietnam, nobody wanted to know what we had been through, and there’s a scene [in the PBS trailer] where it shows us as young guys over there in the jungle trying to take care of one another. Then there’s another scene where it shows us today–us old guys coming up from the wall and when I look at that I think, “Damn we’re still taking care of each other.” That meant a lot to me,” Peterson said.

A hostile return home wasn’t all Vietnam veterans encountered. Thousands faced serious health issues that couldn’t be explained.

“My biggest problem wasn’t that I was rejected. So many of us were coming home. We could take care of each other. Our problem was we didn’t want to admit there was something wrong with us. We lied to ourselves, we drank, we did anything except for admit there was something wrong with us. For those who went to the VA to see what was wrong they didn’t know. They played the game and said, “y’all got agent orange,” Peterson revealed.

Vietnam veterans also dealt with personal struggles.

“I had a busted marriage, I drank, everything you do to try to medicate yourself rather than saying to yourself something ain’t right up here. You work your way through it and that’s how we cope. We helped each other. Us young kids–we were just boys. We weren’t men, but when you see guys helping each other [in war] and then you fast forward 50 years and see some of these same guys pushing their brothers in wheelchairs, to me that speaks volumes about what we did for one another. We didn’t wait for the country. We realized they couldn’t really help us because they had to admit they screwed this up. Having said that, I’m still pro military. I still believe in the United States because for me as a black man, the military has already been the forefront of social changes in this country.”

The Vietnam veterans were separated for a decades after the war, but they reunited a five years ago and get together every year.

“We see each other on Veterans’ Day and Memorial Day. We can not let the memory of these guys died and served be forgotten. George Santayana said that those who fail to remember or learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them. The price is too steep to allow that to happen,” Kennedy said.

To see more of their story, watch the PBS National Memorial Day Concert here or watch on Demand until June 9, 2019.

May 30, 2019 admin Leave a comment

How Stars Honored American Heroes and Fallen Soldiers at the PBS National Memorial Day Concert

Whether they fought on the beaches of Normandy, battled in the jungles of Vietnam, stormed the sands of Iraq, the mountains of Afghanistan or the harsh Korean terrain, Memorial Day gives us a chance to pause and recognize all of the men and women who selflessly sacrificed for our freedom. For the last 30 years, the award-winning PBS National Memorial Day Concert has paid special tribute to American veterans, and has become the favorite annual tradition for locals to attend and millions to watch.

By: Heather Newgen

The 90-minute patriotic show is held on the West Lawn of the Capitol Building in Washington D.C., and includes dramatic readings from Hollywood’s finest stars retelling the experiences of soldiers, standout performances by top artists and American heroes getting well deserved recognition. The event perfectly blends celebration with reflection, and every branch of the military is beautifully honored with their armed service songs played by the National Symphony Orchestra led by Jack Everly.

Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna and Tony Award-nominated actress Mary McCormack co-hosted this year’s annual event. The “West-Wing” star has appeared on the broadcast for the last two years to share the stories of Gold Star families and Silver Star recipients, but stepped in for Gary Sinise, who has been a longtime host with Mantegna, but couldn’t participate this year “due to circumstances beyond his control.”

“I’m excited. It’s a real honor. I love being part of the show,” McCormack told The Voluntourist. “I would come and set up chairs or put out snacks [just to be a part of it]. I’m a stalker of the show. It’s so moving. It’s impossible not to get swept up in it.”

For Mantegna, he’s been involved for almost two decades now with the PBS National Memorial Day Concert and says it’s the most important thing he does of the year.

“I’ve had a good life and I know it came on the backs of a lot of other people. Freedom isn’t free. People paid a great price.”

In addition to his hosting duties, the “Criminal Minds” actor teamed up with his buddy Dennis Haysbert to tell the journey of Vietnam veterans Brad Kennedy and Ernest “Pete” Peterson who were reunited five years ago.

“To be able to tell this incredible story with Dennis of these two men who are friends, as Dennis and I are friends, in a way it makes me realize that the kind of friendship that we have didn’t have to go through the trials and tribulations, pain and suffering that these guys did. Our job is to do the best recounting of history as possible.”

Haysbert added, “I’ve known Joe for years and we’re both very sensitive individuals. We take the text and break it down in a very serious and emotional way. It’s special. I cried like a baby [when I heard their story] It’s an incredible honor and a privilege to be able to tell these stories. They want to tell these stories and the American people need to hear it.”

Oscar-nominated actor Sam Elliott was also on hand at the 30th PBS National Memorial Day Concert. “The Ranch” star told the story of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Ray Lambert who saved countless lives on D-Day.

“I’ve watched this thing for a number of years on television since Ossie Davis was hosting. I’ve known several men over the years who have been in the heart of combat and it’s always touched me to hear those kind of encounters. We civilians rarely get an opportunity to hear those encounters. When I read the story I was totally taken by it. I’m honored to say his words and tell his tale.”

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 26: Academy Award-nominated actor Sam Elliott (L) greets 98-year-old Ray Lambert, highly-decorated WWII combat medic who landed on Omaha Beach during D-Day, at the 2019 National Memorial Day Concert at U.S. Capitol, West Lawn on May 26, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Capital Concerts Inc.)[/caption]

Gold Star Wife Ursula Palmer was an honoree as well at this year’s PBS National Memorial Day Concert for the inspiring ways she gave back to others while coping with the death of her husband Army Sergeant First Class Collin Bowen.

“Station 19” actress Jaina Lee Ortiz told her emotional journey of overcoming inconsolable anguish and finding happiness after tragedy.

“It’s a very challenging story to tell because you can’t help but imagine what her experiences were. Just to be in her shoes for those three minutes is heartbreaking, but also inspiring. I admire her strength and her will to move forward and continue living life. It’s something that you don’t ever forget, It stays with you forever. It’s a story I think everyone should hear. Hopefully it touches people.”

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 26: Television star Jaina Lee Ortiz onstage at the 2019 National Memorial Day Concert at U.S. Capitol, West Lawn on May 26, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Capital Concerts Inc.)

Ortiz continued, “My mom passed this past November. They say grief is a gift and it’s one of the gifts that I can use telling this story. [I’m using those emotions to draw on for, but] also imagination. Having been in love and having been married, just imagine your soul mate going off and possibly never seeing him again. That’s got to be something that eats at your every day.”

All-star musicians Patti LaBelle, Gavin DeGraw, Justin Moore, Amber Riley, and Tony-nominated Hamilton star Christopher Jackson performed, and “American Idol” contestant Alyssa Rahgu kicked things off with the National Anthem.

Watch the PBS National Memorial Day Concert here or watch on Demand until June 9, 2019.

May 30, 2019 admin Leave a comment

Uber Plans to Ban Passengers with Low Ratings

Uber is cleaning house! Rude and are disrespectful users of the ride share service will soon get the boot.

In an effort to maintain “safety and respect for all,” Uber has announced riders with ratings that are “significantly below average” will no longer be welcomed by the company. As part of the app’s updated community guidelines, riders must abide by their rules if they want to use the service.

While Uber didn’t specify what the “significantly below average” ratings are, passengers in jeopardy of the ban will receive notifications and have the chance to improve their score and behavior. Tips to boost a user’s rating include: “encouraging polite behavior, avoiding leaving trash in the vehicle and avoiding requests for drivers to exceed the speed limit,” Uber said.

“Respect is a two-way street, and so is accountability,” Kate Parker, Uber’s head of safety brand and initiatives, wrote in a blog post Tuesday. “Drivers have long been expected to meet a minimum rating threshold which can vary city to city. While we expect only a small number of riders to ultimately be impacted by ratings-based deactivations, it’s the right thing to do.”

Users can check their rating, which appears underneath their name, on the main menu of the Uber app. Drivers and passengers both rate each other on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. According to Uber, “your rating is an average of the ratings you’ve received from drivers and is measured out of 5 stars. Ratings are anonymous, so neither you nor your driver will ever see an individual rating you’ve received.”

Don’t feel bad if you don’t have he highest score. “Very few people have a perfect rating,” Uber states on the app. “Things that seem small to you matter to your driver.”

The company has plans to launch an upcoming in-app campaign that will inform passengers and drivers about the new policies starting with Canada and the U.S. and users will be asked to confirm they understand the guidelines.

“By educating customers and partners about the Community Guidelines, asking them to confirm they understand, and holding everyone accountable, we can help Uber be welcoming and safe for all,” Parker said.

May 30, 2019 admin Leave a comment

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