TAMPA, Florida — On NFL Sundays, faces with war paint and fans wearing Bucs’ colors are wide receiver Vincent Jaskson’s captive audience, but away from the field it’s little faces that key in on his every move and, more importantly, every word.

Jackson spends his off-the-field time reading to elementary school children, but not about football or the big battles he’s won on the field. Instead, this former military kid along with his wife, Lindsey,  have written a series of children’s books called Danny Dogtags Adventures, focusing on helping military children cope with their mom or dads’ deployment.

“Since Danny says to his dog that there is something strange with the deployment, it makes me think about my mom deployed,” said second grader Ethan Scott.

“They really don’t understand everything that’s going on with it, you know. Dad’s gonna be gone for a while or their mom is going to be gone for a while, but what we are trying to do is not make it a fun thing, but adaptable to and make it more relatable, so they understand what’s going on,” said Jackson.

This larger than life character has been a regular at Tinker Elementary School on MacDill Air Force Base. And lasting longer than the never washed again hands from Jackson’s high fives are the lessons the “Danny Dogtags” character teaches.

“I could learn that parents can go away, but you can still have them in your hearts,” said third grader Hailey Teasley.

“That’s what the Jackson in Action 83 foundation is about, really focusing on that niche of military families and just providing support for them. So, for me, it’s rewarding,” said Jackson.

And for these kids, the stories are comforting, until the next time they see their mom or dad’s smiling face.

To view the video click here: CBS 10 Feature

Click here: JIA Celeb Golf Classic to learn more about the event and how to sponsor!

To register your Foursome, please download this form: JIA Golf Registration Form

Please join NFL Hall of Famer James Lofton, Mike Alstott, singer/songwriter Matt White along with Vincent Jackson and many other celebrities and VIPs for two days of inspiration and golf at the gorgeous Renaissance Vinoy in St. Petersburg, FL!

For more information, please call Gregg Williams at 813-924-4288 or email at gregg@jacksoninaction83.org.

FATIGUES TO FASHION SHOW

NFL All Pro Wide Receiver and Founder of the Jackson In Action 83 Foundation , Vincent Jackson is returning home to Colorado Springs to honor local military men, women and their children with a “hometown rally” fundraising event.

“Fatigues to Fashion” will be held on Saturday, April 13^th from 3-5pm at Widefield High School, where Jackson graduated in 2001. The event will feature a fashion show, special musical guests, performances from the Widefield marching band and much more.

Saturday, April 13, 2013
3:00-5:00PM
Widefield High School
615 Widefield Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80911
Bowers Gym

TAMPA – Vincent Jackson knew his latest charitable mission was going to lead him into harm’s way. Only after he arrived did the Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver realize just how much harm.

As part of a recent weeklong USO Tour, Jackson found himself at Camp Bastion military base in Afghanistan just hours after it was hit by a militant rocket attack that caused some damage to the base but – thankfully – no casualties.

“I got to see up front the tremendous sacrifices (our military personnel) make and the danger they face every day so that we can be free,” Jackson said.

He couldn’t pass on the tour no matter the danger it presented. He was recruited by none other than Admiral James Winnefeld, the vice chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff, who wanted Jackson to be part of a special USO Tour.

Winnefeld’s intention wasn’t necessarily to entertain the troops, but to let them meet a few of the sports celebrities who are doing the most back home for those fighting on the front lines.

Jackson, the son of a career U.S. Army medic, recently launched his Jackson in Action 83 Foundation, which aides the families of military personnel serving overseas.

The tour group was comprised of Broncos QB Peyton Manning, former Boston Red Sox P Curt Schilling and a few members of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders.

The visit to Camp Bastion was the last in a series of stops that included stays of anywhere from a few hours to a day at military outlets in Germany, Italy and the United Arab Emirates. The tour also made a stop on the USS John C. Stennis, an aircraft carrier situated just an hour from Afghanistan, as well as the Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan.

“Anytime you are included in a group with Admiral Winnefeld it is an honor,” Jackson said. “As one of the representatives of the NFL it’s my responsibility now to spread the word about what these brave men and women stationed abroad need.

“This USO trip was an eye opener. I saw how these service men and women need us at home to help them while they serve us. We need to not only be thankful for their efforts, but help them with the burdens their voluntary service brings.”

Original article posted by Tampa Tribune: http://www2.tbo.com/sports/bucs/2013/mar/09/1/tampa-bay-buccaneers-jackson-gives-back-ar-654310/

Vincent Jackson, the Buccaneers’ Pro Bowl wide receiver, recently returned from a star-studded USO tour that brought support to U.S. troops stationed overseas in six countries and one ship at sea

Vincent Jackson‘s first lengthy trip after the 2012 NFL season was to Hawaii, where he was among the players honored as the league’s best at the Pro Bowl in February.  Just a few weeks later, Jackson embarked on another journey, this one even farther from home and designed to bring recognition and support to a different group of heroes. 

Jackson, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, recently returned to the States after taking part in a star-studded USO tour that brought a taste of home to U.S. troops stationed overseas.  Since the tour was led by the country’s second highest-ranked military officer – Admiral James A. Winnefeld Jr. – the exact itinerary was kept confidential, but the tour stopped in six countries in Europe and the Middle East, as well as one ship at sea, the USS Stennis.

 

Jackson and Admiral Winnefeld were also accompanied by Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, wide receiver Austin Collie, retired MLB pitcher Curt Schilling, two members of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and a pair of former American Idol contestants, Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young.  Jackson, whose community outreach efforts focus mainly on supporting the military, was thrilled by the opportunity to personally thank nearly seven thousand troops and their families for their service.

 

“What a privilege it is to join the USO in supporting our brave men and women deployed thousands of miles away from home,” said Jackson.  ”Their courage and commitment make the American way possible. I want to personally thank Admiral Winnefeld for inviting me on this journey and I salute the USO for their efforts to bring home away from home to our troops.”

 

Jackson and his fellow athletes and entertainers were privileged to be on the tour with Admiral Winnefeld, who serves as the ninth Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.  Winnefeld’s unit commands at sea included Fighter Squadron 211, USS Cleveland (LPD 7) and USS Enterprise (CVN 65).  Most recently he served as the Commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM).

Winnefeld, knowing that U.S. troops stationed overseas appreciate the welcome distractions provided by USO tour visits, believed the visits were uplifting for his fellow travelers as well.

 

“I’m grateful for the chance as Vice Chairman to partner with the USO and bring an amazing group of talented people to visit our troops abroad,” he said.  “This is a great opportunity for these celebrities to see America’s sons and daughters in action and to personally thank them for their service.”

 

Vincent Jackson is not the only Buccaneer who will be uplifting U.S. troops this year on a USO tour.  Later this offseason (again, specific itineraries are not released for security reasons), two-time Pro Bowl guard Davin Joseph will embark on his own tour along with a cast of well-known fellow NFL stars.  Joseph’s group will include Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, Cleveland Browns linebacker D’Qwell Jackson, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith and the Denver Broncos duo of cornerback Champ Bailey and linebacker Von Miller.  While overseas, Joseph will be providing daily updates on his trip to Buccaneers.com.

 

The USO, which brings support, comfort and entertainment to millions of U.S. troops, is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency.  To learn more about the USO, its programs and the role of volunteers, please visitUSO.org.  And to learn more about how you can support Jackson’s efforts to help military families, click here.

Original Article can be found here at Buccaneers.com: http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-1/Jackson-Joins-USO-NFL-Stars-in-Thanking-Troops-Overseas/c4827d88-1639-4bb0-9a4d-2aaf195d0ae2

Bucs receiver Vincent Jackson is widely known as a devoted supporter of military personnel and their families.

And in recent days, he took a bigger step in showing the appreciation for service members he learned as the son of a career soldier, joining Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning and others on a USO tour of the Middle East.

Friday’s stop was at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, where Jackson’s group interacted with numerous personnel, including Marine Cpl. Jose Herrera of San Diego (pictured), a motor transport operator deployed with Combat Logistics Regiment 2.

Jackson and Manning weren’t alone.

Joining them were Colts receiver Austin Collie, retired pitcher Curt Schilling, Colts quarterbacks coach (and former Bucs assistant) Clyde Christensen, American Idol contestants Diana Degarmo and Ace Young and a pair of Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders.

The group made several stops in the region, including one aboard the USS John C. Stennis, an aircraft carrier in the 5th Fleet. That visit included what likely was a harrowing landing on the flight deck on a C-2A Greyhound.

Jackson’s concern for service members led him to create the Jackson in Action 83 Foundation, the goal of which is to “help deployed families deal with the emotional, physical and educational challenges with their children,” according to its website.

Original article posted by Tampa Bay Times: http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/bucs/vincent-jackson-helps-boost-morale-of-troops-in-middle-east/2106832

Author: NFLPA Communications with Jackson In Action

“The mission of Jackson in Action 83 Foundation, Inc. (“Jackson in Action”) is to help United States military servicemen and service women stay connected with their children during their deployments away from home and raise community awareness of the relational issues existing between deployed United States service members and their children,” said Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson.

According to the foundation’s website (http://jacksoninaction83.org/), Jackson in Action is less than a year old but has already taken significant steps to help deployed families deal with the emotional, physical and educational challenges with their children.
The two-time Pro-Bowl wide receiver is the son of two military parents, who Jackson credit with raising him with structure and discipline. On the foundation’s website, Jackson states that one of the real threats to a close bond between military parents and their children is their deployment away from the family. “My desire is to parlay success in football into an organization that can help military moms and dads maintain close relationships with their children and even though separated by miles and time zones help those parents influence the lives of their children,” said Jackson.

Jackson In Action’s goal is to touch every deployed family with fun, facts, and effective tools and to be as resolute in its mission as those families’ soldiers are to protect citizens’ freedom.

Here’s a look at some of Jackson In Action’s first programs:
With the cooperation of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 250 tickets to Tampa home games were provided for recently returning soldiers and their spouses and kids. Attendees get a commemorative t-shirt and their pictures broadcast on the big screen scoreboard. Negotiations are under way to expand this pilot program to other professional sports in the Tampa area and long-range plans are to set up programs in every NFL city.

With input from experts and talented writers and illustrators, Jackson in Action is creating a series of children’s books to help kids and their parents deal with some of the educational, physical, and emotional programs that deployment can bring. These age appropriate books are designed to be fun to read and highlight not only the struggles but the triumphs and the amazing resiliency of deployed families. The first volume “The Home Front: Adventures of Danny DogTags” will be available in the coming months, followed by a story about Danny’s female cousin Khaki and her pet seal Navy.

On the foundation’s website and in print, Jackson in Action is compiling a comprehensive guide to resources available for deployed families. There are already wonderful organizations, educators, and counselors who have developed helpful materials. Jackson’s goal is for his foundation to be a one-stop shop for deployed families.

Another goal of Jackson in Action is to raise awareness for educators as schools and teachers must also cope with a variety of the issues that children of deployed parents face. The foundation seeks to provide background information and tools so teachers can help children through with any educational problems they may have as a result of a family member’s deployment.

Once a year, the Jackson in Action Foundation will convene an important conference of educators, researchers, deployed families, military leaders and foundation supporters to assess its progress and share the best practices for dealing with the challenges of deployed families.

Orignal article published on: https://www.nflplayers.com/Articles/Community-News/Vincent-Jacksons-Foundation-Aids-Military-Families/

By: HOWARD ALTMAN

Vincent Jackson makes big contributions to the Bucs on the field, but he is trying to have an even bigger impact off the field.
Jackson, a wide receiver, has formed the Jackson in Action 83 Foundation, dedicated to “helping children stay connected with parents or loved ones serving in the military,” according to the newly formed organization.

The Foundation’s first event, which will be attended by Jackson, will take place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. tonight at MacDinton’s Irish Pub & Restaurant located at 405 South Howard Avenue in Tampa.

According to a release:
Though the event is free to the public, a $15 donation is suggested and will afford guests two complimentary drinks, courtesy of sponsors Stoli and Sierra Nevada. Proceeds will assist Jackson in Action in providing military families at MacDill Air Force Base the best tools (books, computer programs aps, tapes, games, comics or videos) to enable communication and bonding between deployed parents and their children and to keep the families back home in good educational, emotional and physical health while their loved one is away.

“I am looking forward to a great night and really making a difference in the lives of military families right here in Tampa Bay,” said Jackson. “I am thankful for the support Jackson in Action has received from MacDinton’s and grateful to have been provided one of the best venues in the area for this event.”

“At MacDinton’s we are always looking for ways to give back, especially to those who are serving our country,” said Chris Sweeney, General Manager of MacDinton’s. “We are proud to partner with Vincent Jackson for this event and extend an invite to our loyal and generous customers. I am looking forward to a great night and future involvement with Jackson in Action.”

“The three pillars of the Foundation are 1) educational, 2) mental / emotional and 3) and physical health for the military families back home,” says Gregg Williams, Director of Jackson in Action. “When a parent is deployed, kids school grades often decline and social issues emerge. Jackson in Action is here to keep military families intact and healthy.”

About MacDinton’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
MacDinton’s is located in South Tampa, and now downtown St. Petersburg. Since 2002, MacDinton’s Irish Pub has been serving the over-21 crowd and offers live music, using a mixture of bands and solo acts. Food is “traditional Irish fare with a twist.” MacDinton’s is also Tampa’s exclusive spot for The Six Nation’s Rugby, FA Cup, EPL and Champions League soccer. For more information, visit: www.macdintons.com

About Jackson in Action 83 Foundation, Inc.
The mission of the Jackson in Action 83 Foundation, Inc., is to help United States servicemen and servicewomen stay connected with the children during their deployments away from home and raise community awareness of the relational issues existing between deployed United States service members and their children. Formed in November of 2012, the Jackson in Action 83 Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

Orignal Article was posted on: http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/news/comments/bucs-jackson-creates-fund-for-military-kids-kicks-off-first-event-tonight-a/

By: VINCENT JACKSON

Today on Veterans Day, we salute those who have served and currently serve our country by risking their own lives so that we might be free — free to enjoy a Sunday afternoon football game. Football is often described in terms of warfare: warriors, battle, throw the bomb, blitz. We, as players on the field, wear uniforms and helmets. We even bat around the term “sudden death” as if scoring fewer points than our opponents will terminate our existence.

However, at the end of the day I am not a real warrior but a professional athlete. The long hours, physical collisions and cross-country trips multiple times a month can take their toll, but the reality is, these “hardships” not only pale in comparison, they become petty when compared to what soldiers in Afghanistan experience. They are separated from their families by oceans for months, not knowing when they will have the simple joy of tucking in their children and kissing them goodnight. Along with protecting our great nation, our troops struggle to preserve their family structure when deployed away from home.

It is a struggle that soldiers have known since the Revolution. I was shown a letter that Samil Cooper wrote to his wife in 1775:

Dear Maddam

My Respects to you & Children hoping they are all well and will Continue So till I Return I wrote to you that I Should Come home this Summer … and hope in Due time to See you again tell our Little Children that Dadde has not forget them & that they must Learn their books well I have Sent them Some Paper to make them Bonets from your Ever Loving Husband

Samll Cooper

I Part with a Kiss

July 23, 1775

Like all good parents, Cooper offers encouragement and a little gift, some paper to make a bonnet, and reminds them to do their homework. Today the problem is the same — how to maintain strong family bonds across seas and keep family ties strong through distance and time. Today’s soldier has better tools: phones, Internet, email and Skype — instant communication. How do moms and dads use these tools to maintain bonds and family structure while deployed overseas? How can troops maximize the limited time they have to communicate, by phone or online, with their children and spouse at home? With a deployed parent, the family can be consumed with their daily lives of school, work and paying the bills. The family members at home are asked to do more tasks because the family structure has been temporarily redefined.

Today I am announcing the formation of the Jackson in Action 83 Foundation to help U.S. military servicemen and servicewomen stay connected with their children during their deployments and raise community awareness of the relational issues existing between deployed U.S. service members and their children. We are working to find the most effective ways for parents to stay connected to their kids while they are fighting for our freedom.

I am a child of the military, and this foundation is close to my heart. Both my mother and father served bravely in the armed services. My mom’s enlistment was only a few years, but my dad served 21 years. As a child, I recall how much I missed him during a four-month deployment to Panama. Later, my family was fortunate to be able to travel with my father when he was stationed in Germany for three years. Through our travels, I saw firsthand families torn apart: mothers and fathers who were not able to be with their family for many months at a time, not only missing out on their child’s growth but growing apart from the family roles, bonds and ties.

Challenges for today’s parents are enormous: childhood obesity, bullying, social and mental disabilities, physical handicaps and illnesses, paying for education and the overall challenge to raise happy, healthy, responsible children. But being a parent deployed overseas takes child rearing to a whole other dimension. Please spend some time today, on Veterans Day, to look at our website (www.jacksoninaction83.org) for ways you can learn more about how you can help. Let’s remember our nation’s military men and women not only for their service and duty for our country, but also for their service and duty to their own families as they work to be not only good soldiers but great parents. Let’s honor their efforts to raise healthy, happy kids and maintain strong marriages even as they are separated by thousands of miles. As soldier Cooper said 200 years ago, “Tell our little children that Daddy has not forgot them.” Let us not forget the personal sacrifices that our brave men and women make.

Vincent Jackson is a two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver in his first season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. Jackson has amassed more than 270 career receptions, 4,750 yards receiving and 37 touchdowns in his eight-year NFL career.

Original article posted by Tampa Bay Times: http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/columns/help-keep-deployed-parents-connected/1260842

By TBO.COM | Staff

Today on Veterans Day we salute those who have served and currently serve our country by risking their own lives so that we might be free — free to enjoy a Sunday afternoon football game. Football is often described in terms of warfare: warriors, battle, throw the bomb, blitz. We, as players on the field, wear uniforms and helmets. We even bat around the term “sudden death” as if scoring fewer points than our opponents will terminate our existence.

However, at the end of the day I am not a real warrior but a professional athlete. The long hours, physical collisions and cross-country trips multiple times a month can take their toll, but the reality is these “hardships” not only pale in comparison, they become petty when compared to what a soldier in Afghanistan experiences. Separated by oceans for months from their families — not knowing when the next time will come that they will have the simple joy of tucking in their children and kissing them goodnight. Along with protecting our great nation, our troops struggle to preserve their family structure when deployed away from home.

It is a struggle that soldiers have known since the Revolution. I was shown a letter that Samil Cooper wrote to his wife in 1775:

Dear Maddam

My Respects to you & Children hoping they are all well and will Continue So till I Return I wrote to you that I Should Come home this Summer ….. and hope in Due time to See you again tell our Little Children that Dadde has not forget them & that they must Learn their books well I have Sent them Some Paper to make them Bonets from your Ever Loving Husband

Samil Cooper

I Part with a Kiss

July 23, 1775

Like all good parents Cooper offers encouragement and a little gift, some paper to make a bonnet, and reminds them to do their homework. Today the problem is still the same — how to maintain strong family bonds overseas and keep family ties strong through distance and time. Today’s soldier has better tools: phones, Internet, email and Skype — instant communication. How do moms and dads use these tools to maintain bonds and family structure while deployed overseas? How can troops maximize the limited time they have to communicate, by phone or online, with their children and the spouses at home? With a deployed parent, the family can be over-consumed with their daily lives of school, work and paying the bills. Those family members at home are asked to do more tasks because the family structure has been temporarily redefined.

Today I am announcing the formation of the Jackson In Action 83 Foundation to help U.S. military servicemen and servicewomen stay connected with their children during their deployments and raise community awareness of the relational issues existing between deployed U.S. service members and their children. We are working to find the most effective ways for parents to stay connected to their kids while they are fighting for our freedom.

I am a child of the military, and this foundation is close to my heart. Both my mother and father served bravely in the armed services. My mom’s enlistment was only a few years, but my dad served 21 years. As a child, I recall how much I missed him during a four-month deployment to Panama. Later, my family was fortunate to be able to travel with my father when he was stationed in Germany for three years. Through our travels, I saw firsthand families torn apart — mothers and fathers who were not able to be with their family for many months at a time, not only missing out on their child’s growth but growing apart from the family roles, bonds and ties.

Challenges for today’s parents are enormous: childhood obesity, bullying, social and mental disabilities, physical handicaps and illnesses, paying for education and the overall challenge to raise happy, healthy, responsible children. But being a parent deployed overseas takes child rearing to a whole other dimension. Please spend some time today, on Veterans Day, to take a look at our website for ways you can learn more about how you can help. Let’s remember not only our nation’s military men and women’s service and duty for our country, but also their service and duty to their own families as they work to not only be good soldiers but to be great parents. Let’s honor their efforts to raise healthy, happy kids and build strong marriages even when they are separated by thousands of miles. Let us not forget the personal sacrifices that our brave men and women make.

Orignal Article was posted on: http://www2.tbo.com/news/opinion/2012/nov/11/vwopino1-on-veterans-day-remember-our-military-fam-ar-560489/