Celebrate National Military Appreciation Month with the USPTO Military Association

In 1999, Congress approved a resolution designating May as National Military Appreciation Month, requesting “that the President  issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to recognize and honor the dedication and commitment of the members of the United States Armed Forces and to observe the month with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”

Each year since, a U.S. president has made a proclamation reminding Americans of the important role the armed forces have played in the history and development of our country.

Join the USPTO Military Association (UMA) for the following National Military Appreciation Month event:

Tuesdays: Letter writing campaign 
Join UMA members for coffee and letter writing every Tuesday in May, from 9:30 –10 a.m. ET, in the cafeteria seating area closest to the Madison West Building. The letters will be sent to Operation Gratitude and will be included in care packages sent to those who bravely serve the nation. For more information, contact Robin Hylton.

Thursday, May 3: National Day of Prayer
Join in a non-denominational prayer breakfast, beginning at 8 a.m. ET in Room 244 of the Madison West Building. All are welcome. RSVP here.

UMA Vice President Candice Dow will give the invocation, followed by guest speaker Shirley Dominick, a retired Air Force officer and the president and founder of Serve Our Willing Warriors (SOWW), a local non-profit charity that provides a one-week, cost-free stay for wounded, ill, and injured service members at a retreat in Haymarket.

The day has its origins in 1789, when President George Washington asked Americans to “unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations.” In 1988, Congress passed Public Law 100-307, calling on the president to issue a proclamation each year designating the first Thursday in May as a “National Day of Prayer.”

For more information, contact Dean Dominique.

Saturday, May 5: UMA Day at the Ball Park
Join UMA members for Cinco de Mayo Day at the Ball Park Saturday, May 5 as the Nationals host the Phillies beginning at 4 p.m., at Nationals Park. UMA will be located in the right field corner, section 137, next to the bullpen. This game also includes a Star Wars socks giveaway.

For more information, contact Dean Dominique.

Tuesday, May 8: UMA Military Spouse Appreciation Day Celebration 
Join UMA members for cake and conversation and honor the service and sacrifices of military spouses from 9:30 –10 a.m. ET in the cafeteria seating area closest to the Madison West Building. For more information, contact Kimberly Bilas.

Wednesday, May 16UMA Happy Hour.
Join UMA members for a happy hour the third Wednesday of every month, from 4 – 6 p.m. ET at Foster’s Grille. The UMA will provide appetizers and drinks for current members and any new members who sign up the event.

For more information, contact Michael Arguello.

Monday, May 21: Never Forgotten Honor Flight 
Help greet 98 veterans at the Never Forgotten Honor Flight at Reagan National Airport. The flight arrives at 9:30 a.m. ET. Request a gate pass to greet the veterans inside security. Everyone, including minors, must sign up for an individual gate pass.

For more information, contact Dean Dominique.

Thursday, May 24: Memorial Day Walk of Thankful Recognition
The annual Walk of Thankful Recognition will start at the Madison Building end of Dulany Gardens at 11:15 a.m. and finish with a short remembrance ceremony at the Alexandria National Cemetery. Director Andrei Iancu will give remarks.

Each participant will be given a card identifying a veteran buried at the Alexandria National Cemetery and is encouraged to pay their respects at the grave site.

Roman Gray will display some of his military artwork in the Madison Upper Atrium prior to the walk.

In the event of rain, the Thankful Recognition Ceremony will be performed in the Madison Upper Atrium.

For more information, contact Joe Hirl.

Free 2 Week Pass for the PTO Fitness Center.
In honor of National Military Appreciation Month the  PTO fitness center is partnering with the UMA to promote awareness of the community of employees who serve and have served in various branches of our armed forces. As a special thank you, the fitness center invites all UMA members to take part in our community of fitness by activating a complimentary membership for Military Appreciation Month in May. We look forward to providing each member with an exceptional fitness experience. Visit the front desk to activate your UMA pass for May.