Everything Channel Channel@Work Program: Supporting Our Troops Initiative Makes Impact on Channel Community

FRAMINGHAM, Mass., Sept. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Everything Channel, a UBM Company, today announced the success of the Channel@Work:  Supporting Our Troops, program underwritten by Microsoft, which honored eight military members and their families at this year's XChange Americas event. While at a reception, individuals from the IT channel community had the opportunity to meet the families and hear their stories.   A video snapshot of the event including these stories can be found here at CRN.com: http://www.crn.com/video/index1.htm?searchVideoContent=601204336001.

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The reception opened with remarks by former Chief Master Sergeant of the Airforce Retired #15, Rod McKinley.  "I think the ultimate thing when you're a leader out there is that you can never let one thing slip away from you—and that's caring, and caring about your people."  

The families were presented with "Thank You packages" contributed by D-Link, HP, Juniper, McAfee, Microsoft, Samsung, and Symantec.  The packages included technology products to help the military members communicate with family and friends both home and abroad, as well as a variety of gift cards to help with day to day expenses.

 "I was personally moved by the compelling stories of these courageous servicemen and the strength of their families," said Microsoft's Director of US SMB Channel and Online Services Eric Martorano.  "Microsoft is honored to be part of the Channel@Work program, providing technology solutions and support to help families stay connected.  It is one small way for us to say thank you for their service to this country."

"I've been invited to a lot of Support the Wounded Veteran events, and you can really tell the difference between ones that are really trying to reach out and help the veterans and bring another level of appreciation to their lives and ones that just want a picture for the website – and this is something new to me; this is something beyond anything I've ever experienced," said Marine Sergeant Lenny Watson.

Marine Lance Corporal Sam Moore said, "I've struggled a lot since I've been home...and I still struggle every day, but it's things like this that help you remember you're not forgotten."

"These brave men and their families inspire us, and hopefully the rest of the channel, to find time and the opportunity to do more," said Sonja Williams, Everything Channel Program Director.  "We are proud to offer the Channel@Work program to support local communities and will continue to build on the momentum at future XChange events."

The Channel@Work: Supporting Our Troops program was part of the XChange Americas event which took place at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Dallas, TX.  XChange Americas brought together more than 250 pre-qualified executive-level technology sellers with more than 100 industry leading Channel vendors to meet, build relationships and strategize growth.  

To learn more about the event, please reference the Channel@Work article "Supporting Our Troops" in the September issue of CRM Magazine.

Everything Channel (http://www.everythingchannel.com)

Everything Channel is the premier provider of IT channel-focused events, media, research, consulting, and sales and marketing services. With over 30 years of experience and engagement, Everything Channel has the unmatched channel expertise to execute integrated solutions for technology executives managing partner recruitment, enablement and go-to-market strategy in order to accelerate technology sales. Everything Channel is a UBM company.

United Business Media Limited (www.ubm.com)

UBM (UBM.L) focuses on two principal activities: worldwide information distribution, targeting and monitoring; and, the development and monetization of B2B communities and markets. UBM's businesses inform markets and serve professional commercial communities - from doctors to game developers, from journalists to jewelry traders, from farmers to pharmacists – with integrated events, online, print and business information products. Our 6,500 staff in more than 30 countries are organized into specialist teams that serve these communities, bringing buyers and sellers together, helping them to do business and their markets to work effectively and efficiently.

Wounded Warrior Regiment (www.woundedwarriorregiment.org)

The Wounded Warrior Regiment (WWR) stood up in April 2007 and immediately began to assume responsibilities for non-medical Wounded Warrior care.  The mission of the WWR is to provide and facilitate assistance to WWI Marines, Sailors attached to or in direct support of Marine units , and their family members, throughout the phases of recovery.  The Regimental Headquarters element, located in Quantico, Virginia, coordinates the operations of two Wounded Warrior Battalions located at Camp Pendleton, California, and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.  The Regimental Headquarters provides unity of command and unity of effort through a single commander who provides guidance, direction, and oversight to the Marine Corps QQII non-medical care process and ensures continuous improvements to care management and the seamless transition of recovering Marines.  More information available at www.woundedwarriorregiment.org.

301st Fighter Wing  (http://www.301fw.afrc.af.mil/)

The 301st Fighter Wing is an Air Force Reserve unit based in Fort Worth Texas.  Our unit flies the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Since September 11, 2001, 301st Fighter wing units and individual personnel in various career fields have supported other missions related to Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Noble Eagle's homeland defense, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. Our tours of duty have been from 45 days to over 200. The majority of our members who have served on active duty volunteered for the positions. Others were activated in excess of one year tours of duty.

Microsoft (http://www.microsoft.com/en/us/default.aspx)

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

SOURCE Everything Channel