Public Relations Release - #1
February 06, 2006

This is the first in a series of public relation releases to be published concerning Operation Firing For Effect and The Veteran’s March on the 25th and 26th of April 2006 to be held in Washington, DC.

These PR releases are designed to answer questions and address concerns you may have about this event and project objectives. In addition, these releases will help you understand the issues involved and how these issues directly affect you and your family.

A Special "Event Permit" has been issued for this Rally! The Veteran’s March will happen! The success of this event is now in the hands of God and the American people.

The very first thing everyone needs to know is the organizers of Operation Firing For Effect and The Veteran’s March and are very well versed in U.S. Veterans Affairs and are totally committed to making positive contributions to Veteran’s issues in the 21st Century.

So far, we have heard from many veterans and their families pledging to attend the two day event. We have also heard from organizations nationwide requesting more details on “Operation Firing For Effect”. We have also received some media inquires. As the project develops, you will receive regular updates on our progress. In addition, you can visit – http://www.vfvc.net/ or http://www.vetmarch2006.com/. We are encouraging everyone that can, be in DC on the 25th and 26th of April. If you simply can’t be there, try to do something locally in your area to bring national attention to this story.

Below you will find Frequently Asked Questions, (FAQ). We suggest you print out this entire series of public relation releases and save them for future reference. It is extremely important that we all show up in DC with “thoughts composed”, “focused”, and “informed.” If you have any questions or comments, please contact the individuals below.

Gene D. Simes - Coordinator and National Chairman, “Operation Firing for Effect” Office: 315 986-7322 Cell: 585 329-4711 http://us.f810.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=Gdsusa@rochester.rr.com

James North - Coordinator and Chairman, “The Veteran’s March”
586-909-5971

Russ Scarvelli – Project Master at Arms

Jere Beery – Operations Public Affairs & Morale Officer – http://us.f810.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=jerebeery@aol.com

FAQ
What are the overall objectives of this event?
The objectives are very simple and straight forward. First, we want to draw public awareness and media attention to serious problems facing our former military personnel and their families. Second, we want to send a message to our Congress and Senate demanding Veterans Affairs issues take precedence over special interest issues. Third, we want to send a message to our deployed troops that we support them and they can count on us to fight for the protection of their earned benefits and services. Forth, we want to improve the State of Veterans Affairs in this country in an effort to increase enlistment and improve retention in the U.S. military, thus avoid a possible Draft. Fifth, we want to provide our former military personnel and their families a voice in matters that affect them.

Is This a Permitted event?
YES! The organizers of this event have secured the necessary Permits and are currently working with U.S. Park Services on matters of logistics and event requirements. To view the Special Events Permit and list of State Parks Service requirements and restrictions, visit http://www.vetmarch2006.com/ and click on the "Event Permit" link on the left of the page. Every effort will be made to comply with all laws and regulations during this event. The event organizers are very sensitive to the responsibilities and obligations we have to maintain the honor and integrity of our men and women in uniform, as well as each and every Veteran and their families. Improper behavior will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Are only former military invited to attend “The Veteran’s March?”
Absolutely not! Many of the issues we will be addressing in DC also directly affect family members of Veterans. From widows of fallen soldiers and their orphans, to our wounded and disfigured Heroes currently recovering at Walter Reed and Brook Army Medical Center, to veterans living their last days in nursing homes, to the birth of a child by a young mother and wife of a deployed soldier in Iraq, this project is all inclusive and the message we are carrying to Washington touches every American family in one way or another. All Americans have a vested interest in attending this event.

I’m not a veteran, how does “Veterans’ Affairs” affect me?
Great question! This is a very important factor in the Veteran’s Rights equation. Let’s look at the bigger picture. As you are reading these words, members of our all volunteer military are risking disability, disfigurement, and even death to insure our safety and security here in the U.S. When “we” recruit young Americans into our military, to fight our battles, or respond to natural disasters, “we” promise/guarantee these Proven Patriots “we” will treat them fairly when they return from active duty. “We” promise them quality and readily-available medical services. “We” promise to compensate them for injuries and disabilities sustained in military service. “We” promise to educate their children if they are killed or disabled in the service of this country. “We” promise to provide financial support to widows of personnel killed as the result of their service. “We” even promise our Veterans military funerals and burial space if that is their desire. These are the things that make a military career beneficial and appealing to our young. Over the past few decades both the democrats and republicans have targeted Veteran’s services and programs for budget cuts while promoting “special interest” spending. In these days of global uncertainty, it would be in the best interest of all Americans to improve the State of Veterans’ Affairs - in turn, increase enlistment in the U.S. military while straightening our national security. Veterans’ Affairs is not a “special interest issue”. Every American has a vested interest in, and contractual commitment to, the State Veterans’ Affairs in this country.

Is this event a Pro-War demonstration?
NO! Nor is it an Anti-War protest. Our objective is to improve the state of Veterans’ Affairs in this country by insuring our government honors contracts and promises made to our former and current military personnel. We will not be addressing the pros and cons of the current administration’s military operations in Iraq and/or policies overseas.

Where will we meet in DC?
April 25th 2006, 0800 > 1600, we will have our “Operation Firing For Effect” platform, tables and PA system setup at the West Front area of the U.S. Capital. This particular area in front of the Capital can hold up to 10,000 people. There are some restrictions on what you can bring into the park, so please review the list at http://www.vetmarch2006.com/. Click on the "Event Permit" link on the left of the page to review restrictions.

Will there be restrooms and drinking water available at the rally site?
We are in the process of securing Port-a-Potty services for the event. There may be some vending machines or street vendors within walking distance, but we suggest you bring your personal drinking water with you. Camping equipment of any kind is prohibited, including coolers. Emergency medical services will also be on site. As the project materializes, we will keep you posted and make suggestions to you on event preparations.

Who will be the Guest Speakers at the rally?
We will release a tentative itinerary as soon as possible. Ever effort is being made to provide a well rounded list of issues. From the treatment of our returning injured troops, to dramatic increases in TriCare cost to our retired military personnel, to protection of veteran’s benefits in state divorce court, we plan to have a wide variety of topics and guest speakers. One of our objectives will be to provide useful information you can take home with you. Some of our Guest may educate us on how the DOD and DVA works, while other Speakers many address specific problems facing our veterans. (i.e.; USFSPA, how divorce can cause unjust hardship on both disabled and retired military personnel Project SHAD, Agent Orange, PTSD, GWS, asbestos exposure veterans, unreasonable delays in VA claims processing, long waits for VA medical appointments, how base closures (BRAC) adversely affects our retired military, the future availability of military honors and burial space for deceased veterans, and much more..)

What are some of the “Veteran Related Issues”?
As you may already know, the problems affecting our veterans and their families are many and vast in scope. From VA health care issues, to retired military matters, the subject of Veterans’ Affairs covers many areas. Veteran’s issues also affect families, spouses, widows, and dependants. We will be addressing Congress, the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs with our concerns. We will publicly question funding reductions in both the DOD and DVA for Veterans’ programs and services. We will be asking for an explanation to the ONE BILLION dollar “mistake” in last year’s VA budget. In addition, we will present innovative and new ideas to improve services provided to our former military personnel. (i.e.; Mandatory funding for Veterans services, optional hometown health care, legal representation when filing claims for earned Veteran’s benefits, and stronger enforcement of federal laws created to protect earned Veteran’s benefits in civil court, and more..)

Why do you think this event is necessary now?
We only have between now and the 2008 presidential elections to get “Veteran’s issues” on a political platform. If we don’t accomplish this by 2008, we will have to wait until 2012 before we will have another chance to influence politics at the national level. The organizers of Operation Firing For Effect and The Veteran’s March feel very strongly that “we as a nation” simply cannot wait six more years to address matters of military morale, enlistment, retention and all of the aforementioned issues. We must act now! We will never have a better window of opportunity to improve Veterans’ Affairs in this country.

Since elevation to Cabinet Level in 1988, the Department of Veterans Affairs has not been mentioned in ANY presidential State of the Union Address. We can no longer trust our elected officials to act in the best interest of our Veterans and their families. Over the past two decades, it has become obvious that “special interest” has fogged the focus of our politicians. This poor vision has directly led to reductions in Veteran’s programs and services, and dramatic increases in cost to the retired military community at large. Our elected officials have created hardship on many of this country’s former military families by playing political football with Veteran’s issues. The blame for any discontent belongs to both the democrats and republicans equality.

Organizers of Operation Firing For Effect and The Veteran’s March propose every serving president be mandated by Congress to include a report on the Department of Veterans Affairs in every State of the Union Address. The American people deserve to know the status of this very important Cabinet.

Is there any political party agenda to this event?
The organizers of this event are not obligated to any political party, nor are they associated with any government agency, or Congressionally Chartered Veterans Service Organization (i.e.; VFW, AMVETS, DAV, The American Legion, etc.)

The Veteran’s March and Operation Firing For Effect are both non-profit grassroots level organizations established by former servicemen to help their fellow Veterans and their families.

Is the VFW or DAV supporting this event?
We have heard from many individual chapters and post and initial reports indicate that many of the NVSO’s rank and file membership will be attending this March/Rally. We respectfully invite all NVSO representatives to attend this event and help us unit this National Movement.

Who is paying for “The Veteran’s March” expenses?
To date, March organizers have been paying their own individual expenses to promote the event. However, we are not wealthy and the project will incur some expense for port-a-potties, stage rental, advertising, PA equipment, printing, clean-up, and incidentals. We need your help to make this event a success! We are humbly requesting a $10 donation from individual supporters and event attendees to help us absorb the cost. We are also looking for product donations from companies interested in publicly showing their support for our Troops and Veterans. If you plan to attend The Veteran’s March, please help us make this event successful and as pleasant as possible by sending in $10. We are certain you won’t be disappointed. Make checks payable and mail to below address:

Milt Hanas, Treasurer VFVC,
Veterans for Veteran Connection
Operation Firing For Effect
P.O. Box 77303
Rochester, New York 14617
Phone: 607 868-5188

Your donation is extremely important to the success of this event. Time is not on our side. We have a very short period of time to put this together. We must produce a strong and united presence in Washington if we are to accomplish any of our objectives. The future of our Veterans is in YOUR hands. Please do not hesitate, donate today!

Do you have information on military lodging and hotel reservations?
Yes! Go to http://www.vetmarch2006.com/ and click on "Travel Planner" link on the left of the page. You will also find information on RV campgrounds in the area at this link.

What else can I do to help?
GET INVOLVED! Tell everyone you know about Operation Firing For Effect and The Veteran’s March. Printout our Releases and drop them off at your local VFW. Share our information with family members and church groups. Talk to coworkers and employers about our efforts. Ask yourself, what can I do to help? Contact your local newspaper or TV station and ask them to cover the story. Make a sign of support and put it in your yard, or on your car. The success of this project is TOTALLY in the hands of people like YOU! The future of our All-Volunteer Military is in jeopardy. If you don’t get involved today, tomorrow may be too late.

If you would like to volunteer as a “State Coordinator”, please contact us for details.

We hope this answers some of your questions and addresses any concerns you may have.
Submit your questions here

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