WASHINGTON, March 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- 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