Belknap Subaru has presented $20,000 to Veterans Count, an Easter Seals program dedicated to providing emergency assistance and financial support for service members and Veterans of all eras across the state of New Hampshire.

Mark Johnstone, president of Belknap Subaru, with his staff, and John Hayes, and Bill Bergeon, representing Subaru of New England, presented a check to, Joe Emmons, executive director of Veterans Count. The $20,000 was raised by Belknap Subaru’s customers, selecting the local charity to receive donations under Subaru’s National Share the Love Program.

Johnstone, thanked their customers for participating, and the sales staff, at the dealership for creating the awareness of the critical work done by Veterans Count, and Easter Seals, in the Lakes Region.

“This is an amazing partnership, customers, local business, and Subaru, coming together to do the right thing for our veterans,” said Johnstone.

John Hayes, expressed his excitement for the annual program, and acknowledged the company’s delight in being able to help fund local organizations, and be a part of the community.

Belknap Subaru selected Veterans Count, as its local partner, and customers could also select from their choice of the following charities: ASPCA, Make-A-Wish, Meals on Wheels Association of America, and the National Park Foundation. From Nov. 17 to Jan. 3, Subaru donated $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold, or leased, to the customer’s choice

“We are grateful that local businesses like Belknap Subaru are willing to go the extra mile for our veterans! Their efforts will help us continue our mission, helping Veterans and their families,” said Veterans Count board member Jane Love.

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On Sunday, April 2, New Hampshire filmmakers Bob Bear and Jay MacNamee, premiered An American Solo to a crowd of more than 200 individuals at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth, raising nearly $14,000 for Veterans Count, a program of Easterseals NH.

An American Solo chronicles the extraordinary life of NH resident Col. Norman Phillips (USAF ret.), as told in his own words, starting with his parentless childhood in a small Massachusetts mill town. Norm went on to become a highly decorated WWII fighter pilot with 99 combat missions to his credit.

During the Cold War with the Soviet Union, Norm commanded the US Air Force’s elite 22nd Squadron in Germany – one of America’s first fighter squadrons armed with nuclear weapons. Among the pilots he mentored in that group were future astronauts Ed White and Buzz Aldrin, award-winning novelist James Salter, and Pete Peterson, a six-year prisoner in the “Hanoi Hilton” who became the United States’ first post-war Ambassador to Vietnam.

Norm went on to serve several years in the Pentagon and then chose to go train pilots to fly the F-105 during the Vietnam War. He eventually became a “reluctant volunteer” for the war himself and, as a 46 year old, full Colonel, flew dozens successful combat missions in Southeast Asia before being shot down over Laos.

After barely surviving a harrowing rescue, Norm retired from the Air Force and embarked on his second life. He turned down a lucrative offer to become a business executive, opting instead to go to college. He enrolled at the University of Massachusetts, where he earned his BFA and MFA in Art. Upon finishing his Masters, he was hired by the University to teach sculpture, which he did for 19 years.

Now a vigorous 95-year-old, Norm is a published author who is currently working on his second novel. Having witnessed a significant portion of the 20th century from 12,000 feet, Norm may be one of the last clear voices of a generation, and is he very candid in his assessments and opinions, some of which stand in stark contrast to those of other military veterans.

An American Solo is a “labor of love” by two first-time filmmakers, and is a 2017 Normandie International World War II Film Festival Official Selection.

About Veterans Count
Since 2006, Easterseals Military & Veterans Services provided more than 9,600 individuals with services for challenges including suicide prevention, employment, homelessness, substance abuse treatment, transportation, and mental health issues resulting from post-traumatic stress disorder and/or traumatic brain injury. Additionally, Veterans Count provides emergency financial assistance for food, home maintenance, utilities, housing, rent, fuel assistance, vehicle repair, child care, gasoline, and medical bills. To learn more about Veterans Count, please visit www.vetscount.org/nh.

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The 3^rd Annual “Make 12 Hours Count” Radio Thon for Veterans Count raised more than $140,000 for veterans, service members, and their families. This annual event hosted by iHeartMedia and NH Today’s Jack Heath, was broadcasted on News Radio 96-7, WGIR-AM 610, and iHeartRadio.com.

The Radio Thon, presented by LTC Partners, featured 12 hours of compelling content about the challenges faced by military families and how Veterans Count and other organizations across the state provide support. Additionally, the Radio Thon included testimonials from clients, celebrity endorsements, and sponsor recognition.

More than 120 volunteers, comprised of sponsors, radio personnel, Veterans Count chapter members, and Easterseals employees participated throughout the day helping make the event a great success.

“We are honored by the passion and dedication of our communities throughout the state of NH to pull together in support of our states bravest men and women,” says Easterseals NH President & CEO Larry Gammon.

Thank you to our supporting sponsors: Bank of America, Charter Trust, Comcast, Eastern Bank, Eastern Propane, Frisbie Memorial Hospital, Granite Group Benefits, Kittery Trading Post, McLane Middleton, New England Dragway, Service Credit Union, and Walmart.

If you missed the Radio Thon you can hear the hourly podcasts by visiting https://goo.gl/mAAOli. If you would like to make a donation to help NH veterans and their families please visit www.vetscount.org/nh. And, to view photos of the event visit www.facebook.com/VeteransCount.

In the three-year history of our “Make 12 Hours Count” Radio Thon, Veterans Count, with the help of our generous sponsors and supporters, has raised almost $440,000 to support NH veterans and their families!

About Veterans Count
Since 2006, Easterseals Military & Veterans Services provided more than 9,600 individuals with services for challenges including suicide prevention, employment, homelessness, substance abuse treatment, transportation, and mental health issues resulting from post-traumatic stress disorder and/or traumatic brain injury. Additionally, Veterans Count provides emergency financial assistance for food, home maintenance, utilities, housing, rent, fuel assistance, vehicle repair, child care, gasoline, and medical bills.

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