Home of the Brave: Stories in Uniform to help USA Cares serve post 9/11 Veterans

TAMPA, FL 
Jeffery Hess served six years in the Navy during the Cold War where readiness was the most he could offer. Aboard two different ships, he traveled to many points in the northern hemisphere in a show of strength orchestrated to preserve democracy, but he’s always wanted to do more. 

As a way of giving back in some small way, he began working with veterans, sharing with them the knowledge he has acquired over the years with the hope that the writing process would give them and their families some of the joy and clarity it has given him. In conceiving this anthology, it was his goal that the stories would honor those who have served in uniform. While putting the book together, however, he saw an even greater opportunity to help and honor veterans by donating a portion of the sale of each book to an organization that assists the brave men and women of America’s military. In researching military related charities, Hess said, “I connected most strongly with USA Cares because of their practical approach and enduring commitment.” 

According to Kim Moorman, Director of Business Development for USA Cares, “Jeff heard about USA Cares and what we do to assist post 9/11 Veterans and their families on The Dennis Miller Radio Show and wanted to do something to help.” 

The book will be available this Memorial Day. USA Cares will receive 10% of the retail price for each copy of Home of the Brave: Stories in Uniform sold at the full retail (non-discounted) price. The charity will also receive 10% of the wholesale price for each copy sold at wholesale (40% off retail) through the publisher Press 53 or any of its wholesale distributors. 

On May 23, the book’s editor, Jeff Hess, and publisher, Kevin Watson of Press 53, will be attending a Memorial Day Concert plus all of the days events being held at Boonedock’s in Vine Grove, Kentucky. The concert and other events are to raise funds for USA Cares. Several other authors who contributed to the book will also be on-hand to autograph copies which will be available for purchase. 

About The Editor of the book
Jeffery Hess served six years in the U.S. Navy before earning a BA in English and a MFA in Creative Writing. He’s held writing positions at a major daily newspaper, a Fortune 500 company, and a university-based research center. In addition to being the editor of the anthology Home of the Brave: Stories in Uniform, his writing has appeared in various corporate publications and websites as well as in The Houston Literary Review, American Skating World, the Tampa Tribune, and Writer’s Journal. He lives in Tampa, Florida where he’s completing a novel and also leads a creativewriting workshop for military veterans. 

About USA Cares
USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that helps post 9/11 military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: To help with basic needs during financial crisis, to assist combat injured Veterans and their families and to prevent private military home foreclosures and evictions. In five years, USA Cares has received more than 16,000 requests and distributed more than $5.5 million in grants. Military families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, www.usacares.org/ or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact John Revell, jrevell@usacares.org or call (270) 352-5451. 

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