News & Events

CINCINNATI - September 1st, 2007 - Just hours before becoming the new WWE®/ECW® Champion CM Punk visited with residents of the Cincinnati VA's Ft. Thomas Nursing Home / Domiciliary.

Veterans enjoyed a picnic hosted by The Disabled American Veterans (DAV), in support of the Geriatric & Extended Care, and Domiciliary residents and their families, while Punk and former Cincinnati Bengal Jim Breech talked, posed for pictures, and signed autographs.

Miss America 2007 Lauren Nelson and Cincinnati native Brigadier General Jeffrey Foley were also on hand at the picnic as part of the USO delegation in town for the USO Riverfest Gala.

For those veterans who were not able to attend the outside picnic they received special visits by Brigadier General Foley, Miss America, Lauren Nelson and Jim Breech. Before departing, Brigadier General Foley gave a moving speech which had the veterans cheering. It was an unforgettable day.

Foundation President John Guinn stated "It is always an honor and a pleasure to spend time with Veterans and thank them for their service to our country. The Thank You Foundation wanted to make this day extra special by arranging for CM Punk and Jim Breech to come out with us."

Guinn added, "CM Punk is a great guy and it speaks volumes about the support he and the WWE show for our nation's heroes. Jim Breech is one of the nicest guys I know. His support of our Veterans and Active Duty is immeasurable". "We have been very fortunate to have Jim involved with our organization and it was obvious watching him talk with the Veterans today that he respects what they have done and that they enjoyed him being here.

"It was an honor and privilege to visit the VA Hospital in Ft Thomas this past Saturday. Those we visited and many others are the ones who allow us to live with the freedoms we have today". Said Breech

Rick Smith Secretary/Treasurer of The Thank You Foundation said "I am extremely grateful to the WWE for helping us say 'thank you' to area veterans," "You frequently hear about the WWE being supportive of our Armed Forces. To have someone of CM Punk's stature agree to take time out of his busy schedule to attend a local VA picnic demonstrates that the organization's dedication our brave men and women is very real."

Tracy Butts Voluntary Service Specialist added, "We would like to extend a special thanks to the DAV, Department of Ohio and DAV Ladies Auxiliary representatives who continually offer their time and support to serve our veterans. Those individuals are, Herman Morton, Bill Banks, Cathy Weber, Andy Offutt, Charles Clements, Frank and Jane Maticia, Raymond Hutchinson, William Amlung, Mark Hamel, Stephen and Charlene Pasely, and Eleanor Clem.

Miss America 2007 Lauren Nelson,
Larry Clark, & CM Punk

CM Punk talks with Veteran Bill Banks

CM Punk & Miss America sign autographs

CM Punk & Miss America 2007 Lauren Nelson

Brigadier General Jeffrey Foley talks with Jim Breech

Miss America Lauren Nelson, General Foley, Linda D. Smith, VA Medical Center Director & Jim Breech

CM Punk shakes hands with Veteran Melvin Saylor

CM Punk & Tracy Butts Voluntary Service Specialist

Jeanette Criswell, Associate Director of Nursing Service, Miss America, Jim Breech, Linda D. Smith, VA Medical Center Director, & CM Punk