In 2005 the United States Army created Freedom Team Salute (click on FreedomTeamSalute.com logo to read more). The program recognizes the essential bond between Soldiers, Family, and Community; celebrates the sacrifices made by all those who support our Soldiers; and honors the millions of Soldier Veterans who have served and who remain as our living connection to generations of duty, honor and patriotism.

Freedom Team Salute allows all Soldiers to recognize their Parents, Spouse and Employer (of Guard and reserve Soldiers) with a Commendation thanking them for the value they bring to the Army family. The program also allows anyone to honor a discharged U.S. Army Veteran for his or her service to the nation, no matter where or when he or she served, or for how long. Since Freedom the Freedom Team Salute program began, over 1.3 million commendations have been made.

For individuals who would like to become involved in thanking our Nation’s Army Veterans and assisting America’s Soldiers in thanking those who support them, Freedom Team Salute sponsors a Formal “Ambassador Program” that provides volunteers within the community. In Destin, Raymond “Ray” A. Edge, is the Freedom Team Salute Ambassador, U.S. Army. Ray may be reached at edgedestin@aol.com.

A limited supply of Freedom Team Salute materials are available at the Destin Library.