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For real. If you’re a ninja warrior, you NEED to apply to this! And if you do, send us the application video, too, so we can see. Just for funzies.

Think you’ve got what it takes?

This summer in Los Angeles, G4 will stage the second ever open tryout for the ultimate American Ninja Warrior. G4 is putting out a call for the strongest competitors from across the country to take on a brand new Ninja-inspired obstacle course. This is an open video casting call for an opportunity to be featured on the “American Ninja Warrior” television program.

“American Ninja Warrior” is inspired by Japan’s popular “Ninja Warrior” program. Top U.S. contestants will get an opportunity to advance to the ultimate “Ninja Warrior” competition in Japan, and take on the famous Mt. Midoriyama.

How to apply

Viewers are invited to create a video that shows why they should be selected to be part of “American Ninja Warrior.” These videos should demonstrate strength, speed, agility, balance and endurance – be creative and put your best Ninja foot forward.

A very large number of competitors are expected to show up at the competition. For a chance to earn a guaranteed spot, submit video at: http://g4tv.com/americanninja from April 10th – June 30th.

• Contestants must be 21 or older to apply.
• G4 discourages doing anything that could endanger the contestant or anyone else.
• Additional terms and conditions can be found at http://g4tv.com/americanninja/index/

Fayetteville, here we come!

After Lt. Hugh William Wellons was killed in Vietnam in 1966, the Army shipped home his crate of personal and military effects that the family left relatively undisturbed for more than 40 years. Hugh’s sister, Caroline Parsons, who still lives in the Cumberland County residence where her and Hugh’s mother and grandmother were born, allowed the staff at the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex to examine the crate and its contents. The Hugh’s Crate exhibit, in its second year at the museum and a part of the month-long event series 31 Days of Glory, offers a look at how we remember those that have fallen while serving their country.

In addition to the crate, the exhibit features various items from Hugh’s family, friends and fellow soldiers. There is a poem written by his sister and letters from soldiers thanking the family for a memorial fund to assist with a chapel in Vietnam that Hugh helped establish. Also included is a framed commendation that accompanied the Silver Star Hugh was posthumously awarded following his death while on an operation in Quang Ngai Province. Though they are not included, Hugh also posthumously received the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his actions during that engagement. The exhibit will be on display throughout the month and admission is free.

The Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex will also present the special event, Armed Forces Living History Day on May 15, Armed Forces Day, from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The free event, which pays tribute to our nation’s military, will feature living history presentations, educational programs and fun for the whole family. On the complex grounds, re-enactors will be stationed at various tour encampments representing different time periods from the colonial period to the 20th century, including such wars as the War of 1812, Spanish American War, Civil War, World War I and World War II. Artillery and small arms demonstrations will also take place throughout the day, as well as various children’s activities.

With various patriotic and military attractions and events taking place throughout the month, 31 Days of Glory offers lively and fun activities for all ages. Please visit www.31daysofglory.com for a listing of all events, such as:

• The official 31 Days of Glory kick-off: at Fascinate-U Children’s Museum on Saturday, May 1 from 10:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The event will feature guest speaker Dana Canedy, author of A Journal for Jordan, singing group Stars and Stripes, and a 6’x12’ patriotic mural for children to color. Museum admission is free until 2:00 p.m.
• Images of Duty: A Photographic View of the Vietnam War Through the Lens of Local Servicemen. The Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum will honor local servicemen and women in the Vietnam War with a photographic essay and military equipment display. On the second floor of the main museum building a collection of photographs taken by local veterans during their tours of duty in Vietnam will be on display. Included in the exhibit will also be a collection of military equipment items. Both exhibits are free.
• Listen to the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra perform Mussorgsky’s great masterpiece, Pictures at an Exhibition, at Reeves Auditorium on the campus of Methodist University on Saturday, May 1 at 8:00 p.m. Brilliantly orchestrated by French composer Maurice Ravel, this concert will be coupled with other exciting pieces showcasing the vast talent of the FSO.
• Enjoy the Cape Fear Botanical Garden’s May Day Festival on Sunday, May 2 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Highlights include pony rides, a jumping castle, carriage rides and a milk carton boat flotilla. Visitors can make and take home crafts such as May flower baskets, headbands, rain sticks, water wheels, decorative picture cards and a patriotic mobile. Activities include Maypole dances, bubble-making, face-painting by Dogwood Queens and more!

31 Days of Glory reflects the collaboration of 20 community organizations dedicated to supporting the military. Recognized by Peter Greenberg in Newsmax magazine as one of America’s most patriotic communities and by TIME magazine as America’s most pro-military town, Fayetteville/Cumberland County is the ideal place to honor and memorialize those who have put their lives on the line to protect our everyday freedoms.

Can’t make it? View event photos online!

If you’re not able to find an MOAA Chapter near you (and there are quite a few of them), you should check out the list compiled by GreatNonprofits and Guidestar. They’ve taken a lot of the guess-work out of finding a non-profit to work with by asking others to rate their volunteering experience.

The reviews were posted as part of the 2010 Veterans Choice Campaign, conducted in partnership with Swords to Ploughshares, Silver Star Families of America, and the Coalition for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans.

One top-rated group is Operation Shower, which provides baby showers and “showers in a box” for pregnant or expecting military families in a deployment or high stress situation. “(When they) sent me a huge box full of baby gifts, it really cheered me up and helped me get less depressed about my husband’s absence,” said one military wife. “I really appreciate what they did and I think the staff have a heart of gold.”

Other groups making the list include Air Compassion for Veterans (ACV), which helps wounded veterans and their families with long-distance travel for treatment; and the Hugs Project, which sends a “hug” (handmade item of warmth or cooling depending on season) to every American serving in the Middle East.

The veterans organizations that co-sponsored the campaign also attracted many passionate reviews. “Swords to Plowshares totally turned my life around,” wrote one veteran, “If it wasn’t for Swords, I would be living on the street.”

Other top-rated groups from the campaign included the Blinded Veterans Association, Fallen Warriors Foundation, the P.O.W. Network, Operation Tribute, and dozens more.

Check out the entire list of top-rated veterans nonprofits. This list can be used to find great nonprofits to support with your giving, volunteering, and patronage.

Monique Rizer, MOAA’s Deputy Director for Spouse Programs, was at the Pentagon on Tuesday, April 13, for the second of two pre-screenings of Sesame Workshop‘s newest prime-time television special, When Families Grieve, premiering on April 14 at 8 pm ET/ PT on PBS.

“Sesame Workshop’s latest video in the Talk, Listen, Connect series is touching and educational. It will help many children and the adults in their life understand the process of grieving the loss of a loved one; it’s okay to be sad, and it’s okay to be happy again! Sesame Workshop is to be applauded for once again, thoughtfully addressing what military families – and in this case, all families – face during such a difficult time,” said Rizer.

Almost one million free resource kits will be distributed nationwide to military families, and to families in the general public beginning April 15.

Watch Video >>

More than 20 military children were on hand for the USO’s premiere of “With You All the Way! Dealing With Deployment,” an animated movie that helps military children and their families prepare for deployment, stay connected during the separation, and plan for reintegration, created by the Trevor Romain Foundation. The DVD also helps civilian children understand what their friends from the military community go through when a loved one is deployed. Child attendees also received special deployment kits that included items that support military families during deployments.

Check out the USO’s blog for pics from the event!

This April, McGraw-Hill Professional will offer live career and job search Webinars free to U.S. veterans. Presented by leading career experts and authors on topics ranging from job search to resume writing to career management, these Webinars provide returning service members with the knowledge and skills they need to begin a successful civilian career. McGraw-Hill’s free Webinars for Veterans are limited to 100 participants each, and sign-up is open to veterans now. Register today!

Friday, April 9, 1pmET: Marky Stein on “Putting Together a Fearless Resume”: What’s your edge in this competitive job market? Marky Stein, author of Fearless Resumes , will help you transform your résumé from words on paper into a vibrant self-presentation that tells prospective employers what they want to hear. You will learn how to craft a résumé that hooks prospective employers’ attention, transforms weaknesses into strengths, and gets your name on top of the résumé heap in any HR office.

Friday, April 16, 1pmET: Joe Watson on “Where the Jobs Are Now”: Unemployment numbers have you feeling down? Joe Watson author of Where the Jobs are Now shows you how to delve into the top 7 industries for stability, profitability, and job satisfaction. This webinar will give you a detailed breakdown of career opportunities in the fastest-growing industries and offers the most recent information on how to get the training you need.

Monday, April 26, 1pmET: Waldo Waldman on “Wingman Values in Workplace and Beyond”: The New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Never Fly Solo Rob “Waldo” Waldman understands one thing better than most businesspeople: You can’t reach your highest potential alone. A decorated former combat F-16 fighter pilot and now a successful entrepreneur, Waldman lives his life by this rule. In this webinar, through compelling, real-world stories, you will learn how to overcome challenges and become successful.

Can’t make one of the McGaw-Hill Webinars? MOAA career services professionals offer résumé, transition, job search, and networking advice! Stop by our Alexandria headquarters, or our office in the Pentagon. Or get in touch with our career professionals to chat about your options.

To this, I say “Aloha!” Anyone want to go to Hawaii with me?

The Month of the Military Child is a time to applaud military families and their children for the daily sacrifices they make and challenges they overcome. During the month of April we are honoring all our little heroes with great specials and promotions all month long. From special gifts to free meals (Download Keiki Koupon) and other special surprises to show them how important they are. Join us as we celebrate our future.

Month of the Military Keiki Magic Show
Featuring Mark Mauricio & Introducing Keiki Magician Landon
Winner of “Brown Bags to Stardom” Elementary Division

• Family Friendly Buffet
• Goodie Bags (Keiki 10 years and under)
• Special Pricing for Everyone
• Keiki 10 years and under $4.95 plus Service Charge

Download our calendar of events and promotions during the Month of the Military Child or call the Activities Desk at (808) 955-0555 ext. 546 for more information.

Time is running out for Active Duty Personnel to save up to 20% off your room rate reservation in April & May 2010!

Availability is limited and we expect rooms to sell out quickly. Book today by calling 800-367-6027 (CONUS) or 808-955-0555 (Hawaii) Monday – Saturday from 7 A.M. to 4 P.M. HST

Please mention code: HOT SPRING SPECIAL

Disclaimer: This offer is limited to Active Duty Personnel in leave status. Cannot be combined with other promotional offers. Offer is limited to availability and can be discontinued at anytime without advance notice.

Saving money AND our natural resources at the same time! It looks like the Navy is all over it-

In an effort to help the Department of Defense (DoD) and Navy meet its objective of reducing the reliance on petroleum and meet the requirements of Executive Order 13423, NEXCOM has introduced several alternative fuel facilities at Naval installations across the country. Biodiesel 20 (B20) is now offered at Naval Station Norfolk and Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.; Quarters K, Arlington, Va.; Naval Surface Warfare Division, Crane, Ind.; Naval Weapons Station Charleston, S.C.; Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Ga., and U.S. Naval Academy Annapolis, Md. Ethanol 85 (E85) is also offered at Quarters K and Crane, Ind., as well as Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Naval Station Mayport, Fla. Compressed natural gas (CNG) is the alternative offering at the Quarters K gas station in Washington, DC.

And we’re glad they are! Read the full article on the Navy’s press site to learn about all of the NEXCOM efforts toward reducing the Navy’s impact on the environment!

Uncle Sam is getting a little bit of underwater help from some of the residents of the deep — dolphins.

Locating and marking mines at sea is a difficult process, but seemingly one that comes easily to dolphins with their built-in biological sense of echolocation. The U.S. Navy uses those capabilities in its Marine Mammal Program to train the animals — dolphins and sea lions — to detect and locate mines and other potentially dangerous targets.

Dolphins naturally possess the most sophisticated sonar known to man and can locate targets that are acoustically difficult to detect, especially in murky or dark water.

Sea lions are not only adept at locating objects in challenging conditions, they also have the ability to maneuver in tight spaces and can go onto the shore if necessary.

The Marine Mammal Program uses five Marine Mammal Systems (MMS) to perform an assortment of tasks. In the MK 4 MMS, dolphins are used for detecting and/or marking the location of sea mines that are tethered off the ocean bottom. Deep-water mines are easy targets for the dolphin’s highly-effective echolocation, and the mammals are able to operate in highly cluttered and rough seabed conditions, as well as where there is high marine growth and other complex acoustic conditions that hamper Navy hardware performance.

The MK 7 MMS dolphins are trained to detect and/or mark location of mines sitting on the ocean bottom or buried in sediment. These dolphins are sent out after the first troops have gone into the area and help clear a wider path of safety for additional troops and equipment.

The MK 8 MMS is a human/dolphin team that allows troops to quickly identify safe corridors for the initial landing of troops ashore. MK 8 operates with a low profile in very shallow water.

MK 5 uses sea lions and MK6 uses both sea lions and dolphins.

Teams of animals and sailors can be deployed within 72 hours and transported by aircraft, helicopter, ship, or land vehicle.

About the author: Alan M. Petrillo is a Tucson, Ariz., freelance writer who works in a wide variety of fields, writing for national and regional magazines and newspapers. He’s also the author of the mystery novel, Full Moon, and several books on historical military small arms.

Cool project for a good cause! And you know you were all inspired by a fellow servicemember so hurry, the deadline to submit an entry is April 9th!

FastPencil, an online book publisher, is launching a collaborative book project entitled, “Heroes in the Midst,” a collection of untold stories about Iraq & Afghanistan Heroes by fellow Veterans.

The project will give former service members the opportunity to tell stories about the heroism of their warrior-comrades—often untold. Thousands will participate and about 50-100 stories will be selected for the final project. From concept to completion the book will take about 60 days and 80% of net profits will go to USO.org.

FastPencil would like to know, “Who is your Hero and Why?”

Visit http://www.fastpencil.com/militaryheroes to submit your story.