Around Veteran's Day activities, the JGF helps rally several groups at the University of Michigan to raise awareness for veterans.
VETERAN’S FOUNDATION BRINGS TOGETHER ADMINISTRATION, ROTC, SPORTS AND BUSINESS SCHOOL GROUPS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
Ann Arbor, MI (November 5, 2012) – The Jason George Memorial Foundation (JGF) will unite some seemingly separate groups at the University of Michigan this week leading up to and including Veteran’s Day weekend, starting Wednesday, November 7th.
The JGF will bring together the Office of New Student Programs, the Naval ROTC Battalion, and the Ross School of Business, and a Ross student group, known as The Bus, which was developed around the love for University of Michigan football. Scott Cockerham, a Board Member of the Jason George Foundation expressed his appreciation for the cooperation of each party at the University of Michigan, “We are extremely excited to have the cooperation of so many different groups. This is analogous to the way that Jason George lived his life, impacting so many different people, in various fields and from varying walks of life.”
The Jason George Foundation was established to honor the memory of Maj. Jason Everett George, an MBA graduate of the Ross School of Business in 2004. MAJ George was recalled to active duty in November of 2008, and was assigned responsibilities directly related to his business leadership skills, especially in the areas of developing businesses in Iraqi communities. He was deployed to Iraq in May 2009, and was killed by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) while on official business.
Beginning on Wednesday, November 7th, the Naval ROTC Battalion is conducting its fifth annual relay run to celebrate its rich Naval Service heritage. For each of the 237 years of service by the Marine Corps, a division of the Navy, the Midshipmen, Sailors and Marines of the Battalion will run one mile. This collective effort begins at 3:30pm and will conclude with a Battalion formation run at 6:30am on Friday, November 9th. Throughout this event, the members of the Battalion run, supervise, or solicit support from local businesses. Mr. Cockerham, a former Marine, will be joining the Battalion formation run, in a show of partnership, as the Battalion directs their service efforts to the JGF.
Having earned the designation as a “veteran friendly” campus, the University of Michigan has made great strides to ensure that those who serve are honored and respected for their efforts. Philip Larson, the Transition Specialist at the Office of New Student Programs, provided the following, “The Student Veterans Assistance Program fully supports the Naval ROTC Battalion run and the JGF. The run is one of several events during Veterans Week at the University (http://vets.umich.edu/content/veterans-week-2012) where we reach out to our campus and the Ann Arbor in support of veteran’s education and appreciation for military service. The University of Michigan has a proud history of military service from its role in WWII training to our Tri-service ROTC. Our collaborations tie us to our Ann Arbor and Michigan community and a partnership with the Marine Run only strengthens those ties. We all owe a debt of gratitude to our men and women who served our country in the military. At the University of Michigan we are showing our pride and our thanks to all who have worn the uniform.”
The Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan is also endowing a scholarship in Jason’s name. Details are being finalized, but will rely on service as a primary component of qualification.
While at Ross, MAJ George served as the President of “Section 4”, played on the rugby squad, and was a founding member of The Bus, which has become a symbol of the camaraderie achieved within the business school, and carried forth through a tailgating endeavor unlike what the school had previously seen. To honor MAJ George, each year, The Bus donates a portion of its proceeds from the Veterans Day weekend game to donate to the Jason George Foundation.
Current member of The Bus, Steffanie Bristol, offered her take on making a contribution, “While The Bus provides for great fun during football season and stress relief from our studies, we take this opportunity to pause and remember the contributions Jason made to our daily lives here at Ross, but even more so regarding his willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice for his country. It’s easy to lose sight of these incredible contributions, and if our group can help make a difference for other veterans, we’re happy to do it.”
For more information on any of the Naval ROTC Battalion run, please contact:
MIDN 2/c Jonathan Buday
(231) 360-7124
For more information on the Veterans Assistance Program, please contact:
Philip Larson
(734) 764-6413
For more information about The Bus or the Jason George Foundation, please contact:
Beth Paul
(312) 550-0121
About the Jason George Memorial Foundation
The Jason George Memorial Foundation was founded to honor the memory and values of Major Jason George, a US Army Officer killed in the line of duty in Iraq in 2009. Jason was an Eagle Scout, and alumnus of West Point, a Michigan MBA, and a great friend to those who knew him. As an Admissions Officer for West Point, Jason was activated and deployed to Iraq in 2009, where he volunteered for Civil Affairs duty in Baghdad. Jason was a man who served faithfully, without complaint, and his passing came far too soon. The Jason George Memorial Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting veterans, promoting civic service, and providing for the scholarship of those who serve. Through social events we spread the message of serving others and provide donations to organizations supporting veterans. In addition, the foundation works closely with other organizations to promote scholarship of those who have served. More information is available at www.jgf.clubexpress.com.