Above / Volunteers from the Naperville Evening Kiwanis helped pack comfort and care packages for OSOT-America in 2014. After 14 years, OSOT-America has grown to provide many other programs that benefit military men and women. (PN File Photo, Courtesy of Floyd Mallory)
Operation Support Our Troops-America has announced the appointment of Jamie Nelson as Executive Director, effective August 1, 2016.
Nelson began in February as Director of Development. Her background showcases a range of experience and skills, from training development and delivery, volunteer management, human resources and bank management. She is an Air Force veteran and served as an Information Management Officer based at Travis Air Force Base. Her military experience will translate into a deep level of understanding to lead an organization that supports military members, veterans and their families.
“I am thrilled to be a part of a wonderful organization,” Nelson said in the news release. “As we head into our 15th year of operations we continue to support the troops deployed in harms way, expand our services to veterans of all branches and support the Families of the Fallen. I believe this organization has the ability to grow and adapt to the needs of both active duty military, veterans and their families. It is an honor to be appointed the Executive Director.”
Nelson holds a BS in Business Administration from The University of Missouri – Columbia and an MS in Human Resource Management and Development from Chapman University.
The OSOT-America Board of Directors expressed its pleasure to have Nelson move into the position of Executive Director, continuing to lead the organization to provide comfort and care to military families.
OSOT-America multiple programs support active duty military, veterans & their families
- The Allen J. Lynch Medal of Honor Veteran’s Assistance Program was formed to provide one time funding to veterans and their families needing assistance in their recovery from financial hardships / crisis. We assist only those veterans who are actively participating in improving their lives, who through no fault of their own have gotten into financial trouble.
- Helping support Families of the Fallen (monthly meetings and quarterly grief healing seminars in addition to the collaboration seminar “Leap of Faith” with the Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and the All Veteran Parachute Team which provides a growth experience based around a tandem skydive).
- Research and implementation of new treatments for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) & TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury).
- Support of returning veterans to the work force by providing resume help, interview preparation and access to job fairs to help veterans and their spouses find employment after serving their country.
- G.I. Yoga which provides a safe community of fellow veterans and their families to learn yoga to release stress, sleep better, ease aches and pains, lower blood pressure, increase strength, flexibility, balance and focus. Yoga is frequently becoming a “tool in the toolbox” of veterans and their family members seeking physical fitness and alternative ways to manage the symptoms of PTS, TBI and general stress. OSOT- America provides certified G.I. Yoga-trained teachers, mats and yoga blocks and straps at classes throughout the state. These classes are free to active military, veterans and their family.
For more information, visit www.osotAmerica.org.
Operation Support Our Troops America
OSOT-America has grown into a non-profit charity with a four-star rating from Charity Navigator www.charitynavigator.org, Great Non-Profits www.greatnonprofits.org, Platinum Award from Guidestar, www.guidestar.org and the highest rating possible from the Better Business Bureau www.bbb.org.
The mission of OSOT-America is to support the morale and well-being of American forces by providing comfort, resources and education to all involved both while deployed and the soldier’s return. As a volunteer-based non-profit organization, OSOT-America provides the opportunity for community members to express their appreciation and also offer support for our troops. Engaged in the longest war of our country’s history, and with our servicemen and women completing multiple tours of duty, OSOT-America is committed to showing them that “We Have NOT Forgotten.” Volunteer opportunities are available.
News story submitted by Linda Tuisl for Operation Support Our Troops America.
