Photo: Double-Amputee Veteran Matias Ferreira Finishes Walt Disney World Half Marathon
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Pictured here are Cigna CEO David Cordani and Lance Corporal Matias Ferreira as they show the medals they won earlier today by completing the half marathon together at the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, which is sponsored by Cigna.
Ferreira, 22, originally from Atlanta and now living in Rockville, Maryland, is a U.S. Marine who lost both legs while serving in Afghanistan in 2011. Cordani served as a running guide to Ferreira, who is a member of the Achilles International Freedom Team. Achilles is an organization that helps people with disabilities, including wounded U.S. Armed Forces veterans, compete in mainstream athletic events. Cigna sponsored several members of the Achilles team at today’s half marathon.
Photos: Marine and Family Honored by Disneyland Resort at “it’s a small world” Lighting
On Monday, 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.
Walt Disney World Cast Members Pen Postcards for Troops
While the nation takes time this Veterans Day to honor those who have served in the armed forces, Disney VoluntEARS have been busy sending their regards through Operation Uplift.
Operation Uplift was founded in 1995 by a Disneyland Cast Member after reading a letter from a soldier during Operation Desert Storm explaining that troops didn’t receive much mail.
Since that time, Disney VoluntEARS around the country have sent more than 90,000 postcards of support, encouragement and thanks to servicemen and servicewomen serving domestically and overseas.
Disney Channel to Premiere Interstitals Aimed at Military Families on Veterans Day
Disney Channel will debut a series of interstitial messages featuring First Lady Michelle Obama and popular young Disney stars China Anne McClain (“A.N.T. Farm”), Adam Irigoyen (“Shake It Up”), Doug Brochu (“So Random!”) and Chris Brochu (“Lemonade Mouth”) talking about their personal experiences with family members serving in the Armed Forces. The messages, debuting on Veteran’s Day, Friday, November 11, are designed to recognize America’s military kids and are part of Disney’s ongoing support of the White House’s Joining Forces national initiative.
Photo: Air Force Reserve Recruits Sworn in at Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Resort today hosted a swearing-in ceremony for 11 new Air Force Reserve recruits from March Air Reserve Base in Moreno Valley, California. The event was held at Condor Flats inside Disney California Adventure park, an area dedicated to the rich history of California aviation. The new recruits experienced Soarin’ Over California following their military oath, an attraction taking them on a breathtaking aerial tour over some of California’s most extraordinary landmarks.
Photo courtesy Disneyland Resort
‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’ to Help Homeless Female Military Veterans
Earlier today, July 14, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” traveled to Fayetteville, North Carolina to surprise a family with the door knock that can change lives. The paratrooper team from the U.S. Army and service men joined “EM: HE” host Ty Pennington and the gang to surprise the Marshall family at The Steps-N-Stages Jubilee House. Barbara Marshall, a 15-year Navy Veteran, is fighting to end homelessness among her fellow female veterans. Barbara became passionately committed to her cause when she noticed that so many of our troops were living on the streets after risking their lives to protect their fellow Americans. Instead of just complaining about the situation, this formidable, no-nonsense woman decided to take action and established The Steps-N-Stages Jubilee House, using her own money.
Photos: Disneyland Salutes Medal of Honor Recipient Salvatore Giunta
An institution at the Disneyland Resort, the lowering of the U.S. flag takes place each evening in the Town Square of Disneyland. Unlike its sister ceremony at the Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom, however, the ceremony rarely honors individuals who have performed service in the country’s military.
Yesterday evening, that rare and distinct honor went to U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta who was recently awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest service award possible to a member of the United States military, by President Barack Obama.
Walt Disney World Marathon to Host Companion Race for U.S. Military in Iraq
More than 300 U.S. military personnel in Iraq will take part in a Disney half-marathon in Baghdad during the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by CIGNA, which will feature more than 53,000 runners at Walt Disney World in suburban Orlando this weekend. Last year, the WDW Marathon and Half Marathon became the largest M/h combo all-time with 34,055 finishers.
American Legion Joins Coalition to Honor Veterans at Disney World Event
The American Legion is teaming up with the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes to stage the 6th annual Road to Recovery Conference and Tribute at Walt Disney World’s Swan Resort in Orlando, Fla. The Dec. 12-16 event will host more than 400 guests, including many veterans who were severely wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The five-day event promises to make the educational and motivational sessions better than ever for the attendees. They will be treated to a unique, all-expenses-paid program designed to encourage them to look to the future with hope and optimism. Other conference sponsors include General Motors, T-Mobile, Northrup Grumman and Humana Military.
Disney Parks Announces Military Promotions for 2011′s ‘Let the Memories Begin’ Campaign
As guests of Disney Parks share Disney vacation memories through the “Let the Memories Begin” program in 2011, America’s military personnel will have opportunities to make memories through special offers on theme park tickets and accommodations.
At Walt Disney World Resort – now through Sept. 28, 2011, active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists) or their spouses can purchase:
- Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper Option for $138 each, plus tax
- Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Water Parks Fun and More Option for $138 each, plus tax AND
- Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper and Water Parks Fun and More Options for $165 each, plus tax
At Disneyland Resort – now through Sept. 28, 2011, active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists) or their spouses can purchase:
- Disney Military Promotional 3-Day Park Hopper Tickets for $99 each
Disney Military Promotional Tickets can be purchased by active and retired U.S. military personnel for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends. No more than six Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased by any eligible member of the U.S. military (or spouse) pursuant to this offer.
All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by Oct. 1, 2011 (certain blockout dates apply). Active and retired U.S. military personnel can also save up to 40% on rooms at select Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort hotels! This offer is valid for stays most nights now through Oct. 1, 2011, but is not valid at all Nov. 24-Nov. 26, 2010, and Dec. 26-Dec. 31, 2010, at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort hotels or April 17-April 30, 2011, at the Walt Disney World Resort hotels. (The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Minimum length of stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals. Savings based on non-discounted price for the same room. Valid Military ID will be required upon check-in. No group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations required. Additional per-adult charges apply at the Walt Disney World Resort if there are more than two adults per room.)
For information regarding Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to the Walt Disney World Resort, or to make room reservations at the Walt Disney World Resort, military personnel may call 407/939-7830 or participating U.S. military base ticket offices. For information regarding Disney 3-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to the Disneyland Resort, or to make room reservations at the Disneyland Resort, military personnel may call 714/956-6424 or participating U.S. military base ticket offices.
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