NEW YORK — Fedcap, a nonprofit that helps those facing job challenges, has awarded its 2012 Excellence in Media Award to “Saluting American Valor,” a 54-part newspaper and interactive series published by Stephens Media.
The series highlighted the actions of U.S. service members decorated for combat heroism in Iraq and Afghanistan. A book by the same name collected the stories and was published by Stephens Press in 2010.
Fedcap, founded in 1935, is a New York-based organization that provides education, vocational training and work placement for returning veterans and others facing job challenges. Its mission, according to its website, is to create opportunities for people with barriers to move toward economic independence as valued and contributing members of society.
Warren Stephens, president and chief executive officer of Stephens Inc. and an owner of Stephens Media, was scheduled to accept the award at Fedcap’s annual dinner Monday night at the New York Public Library.
The “Saluting American Valor” series ran in 11 daily Stephens Media newspapers and in the company’s weekly papers from Nov. 8, 2009, through the end of that year, and then monthly through 2010.
It told the stories of service members who were recognized for valor during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The series also dealt with issues of post-traumatic stress disorder and rehabilitation from battle injuries.
“I feel the ‘American Valor’ series just scratched the surface in bringing attention to the ‘heroes among us’ in the American military today,” Stephens said. “I am grateful that Stephens Media has been recognized by the Fedcap organization for excellence in media, but I am especially grateful for the men and women in uniform who serve our country.
“I would also like to thank everyone at Stephens Media for the incredible effort they put forth in bringing the ‘American Valor’ series to life.”
Stephens wrote in the series introduction that its intent was to shine a light on extraordinary actions by U.S. men and women at war who are often overlooked on the home front.
“All have left the safety of home and family, often more than once, to serve their family with distinction,” he wrote. “Some have seen the horrors of both (Iraq and Afghanistan). But all, in their moment of truth, displayed a selfless bravery in combat that most simply cannot comprehend.”
Also set to be recognized by Fedcap on Monday were retired Gen. Montgomery C. Meigs, president and chief executive officer of Business Executives for National Security; Brenda Donald, director of the Child and Family Services Agency of Washington D.C.; and the New York Yankees, for service in the community.
Stories in the “Saluting American Valor” series as well as additional photos, maps and audio of individual soldiers talking about their experiences can be found at: www.americanvalor.net.
Arkansas, Pages 14 on 11/27/2012