4.25.2008 - 12:06pm ET

(CSRwire) RADCLIFF, KY - April 25, 2008 - Michelle Fournier has spent almost twenty years in the United States Army including two tours of duty in Iraq. Along the way she has amassed a host of decorations including two Bronze Stars. However she is not showing any signs of slowing down and now keeps her active Army Reserve uniform in the closet and carries a California Highway Patrol badge as she starts each work day. And, on the weekends and days off, she fights to ensure that the families of the Service Members still deployed do not suffer because of their loved one’s deployment in Iraq or Afghanistan. To do this she has teamed with USA Cares as the Key Volunteer for the State of California.

"Working alongside combat troops is more fulfilling than any job I've ever done" said Michelle. "I cannot describe the satisfaction helping complete a mission safely and effectively. Now I feel an urgency to work with these same Service Members on the home front to help with their transition problems before it is too late or turns into a crisis driven situation. These troops and their families have sacrificed so much and ask very little in return. As with any long absence, things change and sometimes these Service Members and their families just need a little guidance and reassurance. The fact that they or a family member can call USA Cares and talk with a knowledgeable, understanding person when they need help is important. These are humble and proud individuals who do not like reaching out for help. USA Cares personnel know this and treat the Service Member and their families with the utmost respect and compassion. They build a trust and together they are able to identify and work almost any issue."

Roger Stradley, Director of Operations for USA Cares said "Mrs. Fournier's role as a Key Volunteer in California is an important position for us. Our physical location in Kentucky near Ft. Knox requires that we have strong representation on the West Coast. Michelle is the type of individual who knows what is needed and who is passionate about keeping Military Families stable and together."

About USA Cares

USA Cares is a worldwide non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization serving military Service Members of all ranks and branches and their families with direction and advice along with grant assistance for quality of life issues caused by military service. Continuing into their sixth year, USA Cares has received requests from over 10,000 Service Members and families and has responded with millions of dollars in organizational and found resources. In partnership with The Homeowners Preservation Foundation, USA Cares has saved hundreds of military homes from foreclosure across the Nation. Funding for the organization is provided through the generous contributions of corporations, organizations and individuals. USA Cares continues to operate at a 90 percent ratio of contributed mission dollars. For more information on USA Cares contact us at jrevell@usacares.org and visit www.usacares.org.

About USA Cares Key State Volunteer Program

Founded by volunteers and with key processes still operated and directed by volunteers, USA Cares has established a Key State Volunteer Program as it continues to grow to meet the needs and demands of our military families and those who serve our great Nation. There will only be one Key State Volunteer in each state.

A USA Cares Key State Volunteer is selected by the leadership of USA Cares and has clearly demonstrated personal qualities and traits that reflect positively on the organization. They serve at the discretion of the Executive Director. This Key Volunteer effectively puts a face and name to USA Cares in their state. They represent USA Cares at Outreach opportunities as well as Fundraising initiatives. They give the Veterans in their state another voice in assistance and information. In addition, they research their state for specific support programs and opportunities that can be leveraged and expanded with USA Cares resources to provide first class support to our Military Families. For more information on becoming a Key State Volunteer please email us at volunteer@usacares.org.

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Commitment to Transparency: This organization is committed to transparency and stakeholder dialogue and encourages your comments and feedback.

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