First lady Michelle Obama wants to change the narrative around U.S. veterans. Their dedication and work does more than just uphold American policies overseas. During their years of service, these men and women develop leadership skills, which are an important resource back home in their communities. Hoping to raise awareness around this valuable—and overlooked — human resource, the first lady has joined the "Got Your 6" campaign and is celebrating veteran empowerment this year.
Waddling in to help out are the "Penguins of Madagascar," whose latest film opens the day before Thanksgiving. The animated creatures met up with Mrs. Obama in the White House to explain the campaign in a "Penguins of Madagascar" short film, meant to help school-aged kids understand and dispel myths about veterans.
The penguins explain that "got your six" is military lingo for taking care of each other. If 12 o'clock is directly in front of a soldier, six is directly behind. If a troop has got your six, it means you're covered.
Which is what Michelle Obama wants the rest of the country to know. While soliders have got America's six, America has got theirs, too. Through partnerships with Macy's, the History channel, DreamWorks Animation, Wells Fargo, Starbucks, Habitat for Humanity and FOX Sports, "Got Your 6" is sharing the message of empowerment for U.S. veterans.
The History channel created a "Take a Vet to School" program, and HBO will soon launch "Got Your 6 Storytellers," showcasing the innovations and ideas of some of military veterans that have made an impact on the civilian world. Veterans will deliver TED-style talks in their fields of expertise, including music, science and technology, entrepreneurship and social innovation.
MORE: 10 Ways to Help a Military Mom
Image from Got Your 6 via YouTube
