Project One Vet @ A Time

On April 14th, we celebrated the U.S. Air Force Reserve Birthday! 🎂🇺🇸 On this day in history, the Air Force Reserve was established, marking a milestone in our nation's defense. Since then, the brave men and women of the Reserve have stood ready to serve, protect our skies, and defend our nation at a moment's notice. Join us in honoring their dedication and sacrifice. Thank you for your service, Air Force Reserve!⁠

On April 9—National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day—we pause to honor the unwavering strength, courage, and resilience of America’s POWs. These brave men and women endured unimaginable hardship in defense of our nation, facing captivity with dignity, determination, and unbreakable spirit. Their sacrifices remind us of the true cost of freedom—and their stories inspire generations to come. At POVAT, we are deeply grateful for their service, their sacrifice, and their legacy. We will never forget their courage. Today, we stand in solemn tribute to those who were held as prisoners of war—and in remembrance of those who never made it home.

We are counting down the days until our 3rd Annual POVAT Invitational is here! You still have time to register and select a sponsorship. Find our sponsorships online: https://lnkd.in/e9JiAgCw

April 6th commemorates Army Day, a tradition rooted in history and patriotism. Did you know it traces back to Defense Test Day, observed twice in 1924 and 1925, before Congress discontinued it? In response, Colonel Thatcher Luquer and the Military Order of the World War established Army Day, celebrated first on May 1, 1928, to counterbalance Communist Workers' Day celebrations.⁠ ⁠ However, in 1929, the date shifted to April 6, marking the U.S. entry into World War I. This change aimed to spotlight national defense and military readiness, crucial lessons learned from past conflicts where inadequate preparation led to prolonged suffering and heavy costs.⁠ ⁠ On April 4, 1936, President Roosevelt proclaimed April 6 as Army Day, later recognized by Congress in Resolution 5-75 on March 1, 1937. Today, we honor the Army's legacy of service, sacrifice, and preparedness.

On this Gold Star Spouses Day, we pause to recognize and honor the spouses of fallen service members—those who have endured the unimaginable loss of a loved one in service to our country. Their sacrifice, strength, and resilience are a powerful reminder that freedom comes at a cost felt by families, not just those in uniform. To all Gold Star spouses, your courage does not go unnoticed. Your loved one’s legacy lives on, and we stand with you today and always.

Most people are familiar with the Horse Soldiers—thanks to Hollywood’s 12 Strong and the popular Horse Soldier Bourbon, founded by former members of ODA 595. However, fewer have heard of another A-Team that was just as critical in delivering America’s first punch after 9/11—ODA 555, the Triple Nickel. While the CIA’s Jawbreaker team paved the way, the Triple Nickel was among the first Special Forces teams on the ground, operating in the harshest conditions with an intensity that Hollywood would likely shy away from portraying. Their story isn’t as well-known, but it deserves to be. For those seeking an unfiltered look at what it was really like, The Deguello by former ODA 555 combat medic Scott Zastrow is a must-read. Today, Scott continues his mission as a POVAT Medical Consultant. Together with the Wisconsin Committee of Project One Vet @ A Time, we are working to raise significant funds to support our veterans. Consider showing your support by making a donation today! www.projectovat.org

Here's what most of these self-proclaimed leadership "experts" keep getting wrong.  They are making it way too complicated and giving you opinions versus truths.  Discover what the military manual on leadership has to say and why these fundamentals have stood the test of time.

At POVAT, our mission wouldn’t be possible without the incredible dedication of our volunteers. From behind-the-scenes support to advocacy, event planning, and outreach—you are the heartbeat of our mission. Your time, passion, and commitment help ensure veterans receive the care, support, and benefits they’ve earned—at no cost to them. To every volunteer who has stood beside us—thank you. You make a lasting impact, one veteran at a time. Drop a ❤️ in the comments to thank a POVAT volunteer!

Bill Doyle serves as Senior Vice President at Specialized Marketing International (SMI), a division of Eurpac Service, Inc., where he’s spent decades leading sales, marketing, and strategic initiatives across the global distribution company. Eurpac, founded in 1951 and 100% employee-owned, proudly supports leading retailers—including the U.S. Government Resale Systems. Beyond his impressive career, Bill is deeply committed to supporting quality-of-life programs for military members, their families, and retirees. He’s a former member of the Armed Forces Marketing Council and currently serves with the American Logistics Association, where he held leadership roles on the Board of Directors and as Chairman (2018–2021). 🗨️ “To serve those who serve, or have served, is a privilege – I am grateful my career has provided this opportunity.” Bill is a University of Richmond graduate and lives in Irving, Texas with his wife Marcia and their beloved pups.

The POVAT Hole Sign Sponsorship provides a special opportunity to show support by featuring your logo, name, or message on an 18x24 sign displayed at one of the 27 holes. While many businesses participate, individuals and families also use this opportunity to express gratitude, honor a loved one, or share a message of encouragement. Past messages have included heartfelt thank-yous, memorial tributes, and inspiring words. Consider this for your sponsorship message: "In loving memory of those who served, with gratitude for those who continue to serve." – The [Your Last Name] Family