West Virginia Born “Freedom Day USA” Event Goes National To Thank Military and Their Families

By Wendy Boyce

Freedom Day USA is a national Thank You Event for our military, which is taking place on September 12, 2013. On this day, businesses across the United States will join together, providing free services, goods, offers, discounts and more in recognition of the sacrifices made by our military and their immediate family members, along with our veterans.

Founded by WV business owner, Dr. Robert Martino, Freedom Day USA has grown to include over 150 businesses, including over 50 West Virginia companies. Starting several months ago on a day where Martino was feeling a little blue about his daily agenda, this grass roots movement has gained national attention.

“It was one of those days where I was kind of whining to myself about all the stuff I had to do. I heard this song from Lonestar, “I’m Already There”, which incorporated stories from our military on duty around the world and their family who was missing them,” said Martino. “I was never in a military family, but when you listen to the song, it really gets to you. I don’t realize what those military families are going through, but you know they are dealing with a lot that we don’t always see. Our troops are giving the ultimate sacrifice, and they will be the first to tell you their families are giving just as much.”

From that moment forward, Martino was determined not to whine about his day anymore, in fact – he decided to take action and make a day better for military personnel, their families and veterans. The result of that will be the firstmever “Freedom Day”, which is set for September.

According to Martino, “I decided we were going to pick a day and give these families and Veterans a day where we can do whatever we can for them at no cost. Providing a cleaning, extraction, filling, whatever – our dental offices were going to provide those services for free on Freedom Day. Now, the event is National with dentists across the nation participating, along with restaurants, chiropractors, automotive services, retailers, independent sales people providing raffle items, the list goes on and on. We had an amazing response and our goal is to continue growing the event every year!”

The event has also received national response with interest from the Director of 60 Minutes and The O’Reilly Factor. Celebrities and renowned business leaders are heading up a National Honorary Committee, which includes: General Charles G. Boyd – Four Star General USAF, John Oates from Hall & Oates, Alicia Flaum – Director of 60 Minutes, and Moby in the Morning – nationally syndicated radio host.

“We’re all aware that free dentistry for a day or a free hot dog may not change a life, but we hope it will let the Veterans, those currently serving and their families know that we respect what they are going through,” said Martino. “I don’t’ think my wife Lori and I even want to imagine what it would be like to have a child overseas and not being able to see them every day or even hear from them. This is the least we can do.”

There is still plenty of time for businesses and individuals to participate in this year’s event. To sign up your business as a Freedom Day USA participant or to learn more about how you can help with the National Thank You Movement, please visit www.freedomdayusa.org. You can also contact our West Virginia State Freedom Day USA Director, Wendy Boyce by emailing: wendyboyce@wilmarmanagement.com , calling 304-624-5250 or 304-677-0152; along with any City Coordinator or the National Committee. Names and contact information for those individuals is also located on the official Freedom Day USA website.

About the Author

Wendy Boyce has an MBA in Business Administration and Marketing. A forever optimist, she is a native of West Virginia. After residing in Kentucky and Tennessee, she moved back home to the Mountain State where she acts as the Director of Marketing for Wilmar Management. Wilmar is a dental management group that takes care of Wilson Martino Dental, TLC Dental and Cloudland Dental, along with providing mentorship and consulting services for dental organizations across the nation.  She also sits on the Shinnston Spartans MYF Board of Directors, West Virginia Junior College Advisory Board, volunteers as a Cheer Coach with the Spartans, builds Web sites for local youth groups and family businesses and has two daughters.She is married to Duane Boyce and enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with their daughters and family.