Something cool this Sunday

[cookinwithgas]

My tailgate group is apparently hosting these guys:

http://www.provsgijoe.org/ssp/press_releases

Should be pretty fun!

IRVINE, Calif. (Sept. 14, 2011) – Pro vs. GI Joe, a non-profit organization that facilitates live on-line video gaming competitions between professional athletes and American troops stationed stateside and overseas, in partnership with the USO and Activision Publishing, Inc., announce its newest military morale-boosting program Purpose Driven Rehab (PDR). PDR is a military support initiative in which wounded veterans or “Event Lead Warriors” travel in a high-tech amped-up gaming RV to major sporting events across the country. Several sporting groups and stadiums from the NFL, NBA and MLB have inquired about hosting PDR events throughout 2011 and 2012. (See partial NFL tailgating tour schedule below).

The idea of PDR was born when the demand for the Pro vs. GI Joe’s customized gaming RV became so high that the founders of the small non-profit, Greg and Addie Zinone, were unable to meet the staffing needs to drive the 45’ trailer cross-country. Based on years of experience working with wounded veterans, the Zinones recognized that the job of implementing the tailgate gaming events could help veterans in their recovery and transition to civilian society. PDR plans to work with veteran recruiting agencies to assist them in identifying potential candidates.

“One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned over the years is that our military men and women, when medically retired from the service can sometimes feel abandoned,” states Greg Zinone. “Our goal through PDR is to show our wounded veterans that even without the military, they’re valuable, skillful, talented, and intelligent individuals who are still needed by Americans. Purpose Driven Rehab provides them the chance to be among other service members and to interact with the members of the public in a fun and relaxed way.”

PDR works to fit the specific needs of wounded veterans as they continue their rehabilitation and recovery process and allows them to discover their post-injury “purpose.” In addition, the experience provides them with the opportunity to work with and for their fellow service members, meet with professional athletes and attend high-profile sporting events around the country. A new pair of Event Lead Warriors, who will each receive $1,000 scholarship from the USO, will execute PDR events for each leg of the cross-country tour.

"The USO is excited to expand on the programming we offer to support our nation's wounded warriors. This program fits right into our efforts to provide wounded, ill and injurred service members with opportunities to explore sustainable careers outside of the military. What better place for veterans to learn event logistics and execution than at a national sporting event?" said Susan Thomas, Vice President of Programs - Wounded Warriors. "We look forward to a successful season of Purpose Driven Rehab and the impact it will have on the participating wounded, ill and injured troops and veterans."

Activision Publishing, Inc., a partner of Pro vs. GI Joe since 2008, is putting its full support behind the PDR initiative.

“We are excited to be a part of the Purpose Driven Rehab initiative and continue to be an enthusiastic supporter of the service Pro vs. GI Joe provides by bringing people together through videogames,” said Eric Hirshberg, CEO, Activision Publishing.

The PDR gaming RV comes fully loaded with 11 high definition televisions, gaming consoles, custom Xzipit game rockers, satellite internet, cable TV and is stocked with video games such as Activision’s incredibly popular Call of Duty®: Black Ops. The PDR tailgating events include 8-10 gaming stations for tournaments, contests, and giveaways. When applicable, on-line connections with service members deployed overseas, even in combat zones such as Afghanistan and Iraq, will be made possible through USO Centers located around the globe.

· Oct 30th: Carolina Panthers vs Minnesota Vikings (Bank of America Stadium)

[cookinwithgas]

http://www.purposedrivenrehab.org/

Better link for it -

[The Saltman]

Talking to yourself again?

[mmmbeans]

is that the thing peter king was riding around in for his camp tours?

[SCP]

I'm stopping by your TG with my neighbor. See you there B.

PS - Matt is bigger than I am so we will grill our own food in my lot then head down.

[cookinwithgas]

We setup their trailer tonight. The driver is a recipient of 5 Purple Hearts. He's from Alabama and is a big Cam/Auburn fan - he said his dad actually has a Cam/Auburn tattoo.

[ItsNotGonnaBeAlright]

You know how people always say that playing video games could train people for the military? How come nobody ever said being in the military could train people for pro-gaming?

Sorry, side-tracked thought...that's pretty awesome man! I'm going to assume that Madden is one of the games they'll be playing, so you should try to keep track of how many times the Panthers are chosen by boys and girls overseas.

[cookinwithgas]

It's sponsored by Call of Duty so I think thats what they play. They have some of those stadium game seat setups, giant monitors, and a bunch of other stuff. I think we are hosting the Wounded Warrior project guys in a couple of weeks for the Veterans Day events as well - we've had some crazy guys come in for that, then get to watch them run out on the field with the team...

[ItsNotGonnaBeAlright]

Yeah, I just reread the article and saw that Activision is one of the co-sponsors. So probably nothing but Activision games being played.

Any idea which players will be taking part in this? Sounds like something JStew and DWill would be all over.

[cookinwithgas]

I really have no idea whats going to happen other than the Top Cats and Sir Purr will be stopping by - they will have it open to us regular folks as well I understand.

[cookinwithgas]

Not sure about the others but the guy in the middle has 5 Purple Hearts.