SAN ANTONIO – Gov. Rick Perry and First Lady Anita Perry today toured Wounded Warrior Project’s new TRACK facility, which helps rehabilitate and retrain veterans who have been injured in the line of duty to ease their transition back into civilian life.
“I am truly grateful for the sacrifices these brave men and women make on a daily basis to protect our freedom,” Gov. Perry said. “Programs like this facility help provide our service members with the resources our service men and women need and deserve as they return home and transition back into the workforce.”

The TRACK program was launched in August 2008 to offer wounded warriors an integrated approach to address long-term needs for education and training, advocacy, and secondary rehabilitative care. The 12 month program offers participants a range of college classes and services customized to their needs, helping build career skills, train in veterans’ advocacy, and continue recovery toward a more independent life.
Participants attend college classes as a group, with the ability to draw from their shared experiences. The program includes classroom-based learning, health and wellness training and support services, personal finance workshops and resume and interview preparation. Participants also complete an externship component with a local employer.
The new San Antonio TRACK facility features three state-of-the art classrooms, a gym, and individual workspaces for the students and instructors. Each TRACK student receives a scholarship that covers all class fees, books, materials, a laptop, as well as individual housing and living expenses. Classes are provided through Alamo College, and credit can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree, associate degree, or vocational certificate.
Wounded Warrior Project works to help meet the needs of injured service members, raise awareness of their sacrifices and ease their transition from the battle field by providing unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members.
For more information on Wounded Warrior Project, please visit woundedwarriorproject.org

AUSTIN, Texas – Jan. 14, 2011 – The 2011 Texas Inaugural Committee today shared sketches of the gown First Lady Anita Perry will wear to the Evening Inaugural Celebration on January 18. Mrs. Perry worked with designer Robert Danes to modify one of his timeless designs, which she wore to her son’s wedding last year.

“I believe in shopping your closet and using what you have if it will still work,” said Mrs. Perry. “I love this dress, and worked with Robert to modify it for this most historic celebration. I’m just delighted that he was able to repurpose it for something as special as inauguration night.”

Mrs. Perry’s dress features Mikado silk in a structured design, which has been modified to include sleeves for warmth during the January celebration. Robert Danes is a native Texan from San Antonio, with studio in New York.

“It’s a joy to work with such a lovely, strong woman on a gown for this historic night,” said Danes. “I find her so refreshing, so smart and so inspiring. This is a timeless but modern cut in a stunning fabric, so why not get a second wearing out if it? It’s both responsible and elegant.”

Danes and his business partner and wife of 19 years, Rachel Hall Danes, work together with two children in tow from their downtown Manhattan loft. They enjoy making beautiful, modern clothing for real women. The collection is available at Bergdorf Goodman in New York, Saks Fifth Avenue New York, or by special order. Additionally, Stanley Korshak in Dallas will feature a trunk show February 1-2. Please visit www.robertdanes.com for more information.

When registering for tickets to Texas inaugural celebrations, 
attendees have the opportunity to honor and empower its military heroes

AUSTIN, Texas – Jan. 11, 2011 – The 2011 Texas Inaugural Committee today announced that when visiting the Web site for free BBQ tickets and purchasing tickets to the Inaugural Evening Celebration, attendees have the option to make a contribution to the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). Tickets are available and contributions can be made through www.2011TexasInaugural.com.

“Our country has been at war for nearly 10 years, and the brave men and women of Texas continue to proudly serve us abroad,” said Weisie Steen, chair of the 2011 Texas Inaugural Committee. “WWP is helping to meet the needs of injured service members, raise awareness of their sacrifices and ease their transition from the battlefield to civilian life. When you get your tickets, consider making a contribution – and join us in Austin on January 18th!”

San Antonio will soon be home to the country’s second WWP TRACK center. The 12-month TRACK program includes classroom-based learning, health and wellness training and support services, personal finance workshops and resume and interview preparation – as well as an externship component with a local employer.

On January 18, the swearing-in ceremony for Gov. Perry and Lt. Gov. Dewhurst is free and open to the public at 11 a.m. on the South Steps of the State Capitol. A BBQ Lunch will follow the ceremony on the Capitol grounds and it is a free, but ticketed event. The Evening Inaugural Celebration is at 7:30 p.m. at the Palmer Events Center, and invitations can be requested by emailing info@2011texasinaugural.com.