General Jones Will Serve as Co- Chairman of Non-Profit Focused on Veterans' Employment
WASHINGTON, March 20, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Activision Publishing's Call of Duty Endowment announced today that former United States National Security Advisor General James L. Jones USMC (ret.) will join as co-chairman of the non-profit corporation. General Jones, currently a Fellow at the National Chamber of Commerce and President of Jones Group International, brings over 40 years of experience in military and veterans affairs to the Call of Duty Endowment and will help lead its ongoing effort to address the issue of veterans' unemployment in the United States
.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120320/DC73023)
General Jones, who served as National Security Advisor under President Barack Obama, stated, "The Call of Duty Endowment has accomplished great feats in the fight against veterans' unemployment in just two short years with the support of its benefactor, Activision Publishing, and a strong Advisory Council of veterans representing each branch of the military. Veterans' employment is an issue that I am very passionate about and I am energized by the prospect of affecting change in the lives of our country's heroes by expanding the Endowment's efforts across the nation."
The Call of Duty Endowment was conceived by Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI) and co-chairman of the Call of Duty Endowment, in November of 2009 in an effort to raise awareness for veterans' unemployment. Since that time, the Endowment has provided more than $1.5 million in grants and scholarships to veterans' organizations and colleges throughout the United States to help servicemen and women transition to civilian careers after active duty. These gifts have contributed to more than 700 veteran jobs, provided job training services to more than
2,500 veterans, and funded more than 30 veterans' college scholarships. On Veterans Day 2011, Activision Publishing committed an additional $3 million donation to the Call of Duty Endowment for its veterans' employment campaign.
"With a 40 year tenure in the Marine Corps. and many high-level roles in Washington, General Jones brings invaluable experience in military and veterans' issues to the Call of Duty Endowment. I cannot overstate my appreciation to him for dedicating his skills and expertise to this cause," said Kotick. "Two years ago I started the Endowment with a vision to help the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to guarantee our freedom and security find meaningful employment once their service concludes. While we have made significant strides in a short time, our job is far from done and we are thrilled to have such a knowledgeable and respected military leader as General Jones join us in this effort."
On February 1, 2007, General Jones completed 40 years of active duty military service in the Marine Corps. During his military career, he served as Commander, United States European Command (COMUSEUCOM), Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), and as the 32nd Commandant of the Marine Corps. Since 2007, General Jones has held a variety of high-profile roles including chairman of the Congressional Independent Commission on the Security Forces of Iraq, U.S. special envoy for Middle East security, and U.S. National Security Advisor. General Jones has a Bachelor of Science degree, and an
Honorary Doctorate from Georgetown University. His personal decorations include: the Defense Distinguished Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Silver Star Medal, Legion of Merit with four gold stars, Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V", and the Combat Action Ribbon.
About the Call of Duty Endowment:
The Call of Duty Endowment is a non-profit, public benefit corporation conceived by Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard. The organization seeks to help organizations that provide job placement and training services for veterans. For more information about the Call of Duty Endowment, please visit www.callofdutyendowment.org.
SOURCE Call of Duty Endowment