“Operation Firing For Effect”
THE VETERAN’S MARCH
From the desk of the National Chairman- GENE SIMES
Public Relations Release - #3
March 22, 2006
30+ DAYS AND COUNTING! All systems are GO for our March and Rally in DC next month! Stage, equipment, chairs, restrooms and medical services have all been procured for the event. Volunteers are working closely with DC authorities to assure the safety and comfort of everyone who attends.
In the state of Michigan alone, five Shadow Rallies are planned. Florida has a large Shadow Rally planed for the Pensacola area. Wisconsin, Illinois and California are planning Shadow Rallies as well. Below is a picture of our support group from the Manny Bacon American Legion Post 1758, Hopewell Jct., New York. To learn more about this group and Shadow Rallies, visit WWW.VetMarch2006.NET
TIME IS RUNNING SHORT! We need more State Coordinators! We need more donations to cover the commitment that is being made. We need everyone to help spread the word about this March and Rally. The time for our veterans to unite is now. The following is very important - We need supporters to create a media blitz to every News organizations they can find. Let them know you want them to cover the story of Operation Firing For Effect – The Veterans March 2006. Make sure you ask them to put The Veteran’s March dates (25th and 26th April 2006) on their Day Books/Event Planners. Request local cable TV providers run the details of the March (dates, times, location, website) on their community message boards and ticker tapes. Additionally, call your local radio talk shows and discuss the project with them. If you are an Amateur Radio operator "Ham It Up For The Troops" and transmit our information to everyone. The time to act is now!
We are also requesting Testimonials from veterans and their families detailing wrong-doing, denial of service, delay of service, inappropriate service, by the DVA or DOD. These Testimonials will be a part of a study conducted by The Most Reverend James Alan Wilkowski, Bishop for The Evangelical Catholic Diocese of the Northwest. Please take the time to submit your story to Bishop Wilkowski at: VetMarch2006@aol.com
We plan to publish a tentative program and guest speaker list by the second week in April. Until then, please rest assured organizers are working very hard to produce a dignified and informative program that will address a very wide variety of veteran related issues. The two day event will be comprised of the primary March and Rally program on the 25th, and a series of meetings with elected officials and law makers on the 26th. If you can only attend one day, the 25th is the day you should be there.
You will find lodging information and local DC maps at our web site: WWW.VetMarch2006.NET. You will also find a FAQ list at our web site that will answer many of the questions you may have.
Visit our web site for an example of suggested Rally and March signs. We have no objection to original artwork and messages; however, we strongly suggest everyone avoid subject matter other than “Veterans’ Affair.”
We have received request from several good people asking if they could setup displays and sell merchandize at the Rally. Unfortunately, our Permits only cover the activities and equipment mentioned in our Permit, which was previously approved by the U.S. Park Service and DC police and cannot be altered. We have the necessary Permits for the Rally and March only. We have no objection to display tables or VSO membership drives tables, as long as the displays are issue-related and presented in good taste. It is the responsibility of each individual or organization to apply for Permits to cover any displays or merchandize sales. If you do not have the necessary approval, you will not be allowed to setup. Anti-war or Pro-war literature is strongly discouraged. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
In closing, I will add (for the few that feel that this project is a waste of time and effort), ‘Stay away’ if you feel that strongly my friends. I truly feel sitting at home will accomplish absolutely nothing. Sadly, people that don’t want to get involved look for reasons not to. We pray that by next month you will have a change of heart and join us in DC.
It’s never too late to get involved! To remain undecided and uncommitted only hinders our efforts and the movement. We are counting on the American people to make this effort a tremendous success. Our troops are counting on YOU to show your support by attending this March and Rally. Remember, we must remain unified.
Gene D. Simes
National, Coordinator and Chairman,
“Operation Firing for Effect”
& “The Veterans March 2006”
1700 Waterford Road
Walworth, NY 14568
Office: 315 986-7322 Cell: 585 329-4711
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS BY ATTENDING THIS MARCH!
SEE YOU IN DC!
“Operation Firing For Effect”
THE VETERAN’S MARCH
From the desk of the National Chairman- GENE SIMES
Public Relations Release - #2
February 20, 2006
This is the second in a series of public relation releases concerning Operation Firing For Effect - The Veteran’s March planned for the 25th and 26th of April 2006 to be held in Washington, DC.
Great News! Many veterans and their families have responded positively to our planned March in DC. Below you will see a picture of just one of our support groups. This is our Walla Walla, Washington State contingency. If you would like to know more about these Great Americans, visit “Supporter Links” at WWW.VetMarch2006.NET
Event organizers are very happy to report the project is progressing rapidly. To give you some idea of how big this Rally and March will be, 4000 chairs are being rented for the project. On-sight medical emergency personnel, (EMTs) as well as ambulance transportation has been reserved. Portable toilets have been lined up, and we are currently working on a sound system and stage. Many volunteers are working behind the scenes to insure a safe, well-rounded and informative program.
Operation Firing For Effect – The Veteran’s March has released a Formal Invitation to ALL National Veterans Service Organizations, (NVSO), and their membership to attend this Rally and help us Unite under a common cause. To view NVSO invitation letter, visit > http://jerebeery.com/NVSO_Invitation.htm
The bottom line is, we must have funds to secure many of the big ticket items in advance. The chairs alone will cost approximately $4000, (50 cents each to setup, and 50 cents each to take down). We have established a PayPal account on our web site for your convenience. We also published a full financial report and spreadsheet on our web site for public viewing. Simply visit WWW.VetMarch2006.NET and click on “Financial Report”.
Veterans For Veteran’s Connection, Inc. is a Chartered (501c3), non-profit organization and is the Treasurer for all donations. Because of our non-profit status, you can deduct your donation on your 2006 IRS tax return. Simply visit our web site and look for this logo.
Or send your donation to;
Milt Hanas, Treasurer VFVC,
Veterans for Veteran Connection
Operation Firing For Effect
P.O. Box 77303
Rochester, New York 14617
Phone: 607 868-5188
FAQ
What about donations collected beyond the expenses? Plans have been in the works for some time now for a follow-up Rally in October of this year. All residual funds raised will be applied to producing the next event. The organizers of this March and Rally see a great deal more opportunity to this effort than just “one” visit to DC. Operation Firing For Effect – The Veteran’s March is merely a launch pad for an entire Movement focused directly on the future treatment of this country’s veterans. 100% of ALL money donated will go towards advancing this Movement.
I need a ride to The March, what can I do? We have set up a Message Board for those individuals seeking to share a ride to DC.
We also suggest checking our web site list of State Coordinators to see if your state has one. Many states are organizing buses leaving from various locations. If you contact these State Coordinators, you may find you can ride the bus to DC and back. Also, we have heard from several prominent Veteran’s motorcycle club chapters planning to attend in Full Colors.
I have never been to DC before, how will I find you? The DC police and Park Service personnel are very friendly and willing to give you directions. Many of them are veterans too. Just ask how to get to the U.S. Capitol Building. Once we find an area street map, we will post it on our web site.
What Is A “Shadow Rally”? A “Shadow Rally” is a rally that occurs at the same time as our main event in DC on the 25th of April. Anyone can put such a Rally together. All we ask is you tell us of your plans so we know what is being done nationwide. We also suggest you display our “75 Years” logo at your rally, as this will show Unity in our efforts and in the eyes of the American people. Any individual can organize a Shadow Rally in their area. You could conduct a Shadow Rally at your State Capitol, or VA hospital. Or organize a rolling display with your vehicles.
We are operating on the Honor System, so we suggest all Shadow Rallies comply with all local laws and represent this Movement in a dignified manner. Vulgar language and over-aggressive attitudes are strongly discouraged.
Can I bring my children to this Rally? Most definitely! This will be a great learning opportunity for all young Americans. We have heard from several teenagers that are attending this event for Extra Credit in school. We are considering a teenage speaker, whose father died of Agent Orange related diseases. Our young people are tomorrow’s veterans.
I am in a wheelchair, what can I expect? Every effort is being made to accommodate handicapped individuals. There will be an area reserved for wheelchairs, and we are looking for volunteer Signers to provide their services for the deaf.
I am housebound and unable to attend any event. What can I do to help? HELP GET THE WORD OUT! There are many things you can do to help the Movement. Pass our information to everyone you can. Tell fellow workers and church groups about “Operation Firing For Effect – The Veteran’s March”. Give our web address out > WWW.VetMarch2006.NET. Contact your local news media and tell them to cover this story. Print out this release and drop it off at your local VFW, DAV, or American Legion. Call your Representatives and tell them you are a supporter of the Movement to improve the treatment and services offered our veterans. We could also use your Prayers for good weather on April 25th & 26th.
We are doing everything in our power to provide our veterans and their families with the opportunity to have their voices heard in DC. It is now up to the American people to take full advantage of this opportunity by supporting this March and Rally. Together, we can make a positive contribution to the over-all treatment of our former military personnel.
If you would like to volunteer as a “State Coordinator”, please contact us for details.
We hope this release answers some of your questions and addresses any concerns you may have.
Submit your questions to; VetMarch2006@aol.com
Gene D. Simes, Veterans for Veteran Connection (VFVC)
National, Coordinator and Chairman,
“Operation Firing for Effect”
& “The Veterans March 2006”
1700 Waterford Road
Walworth, NY 14568
Office: 315 986-7322 Cell: 585 329-4711 - gdsusa@rochester.rr.com
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS BY ATTENDING THIS MARCH!
SEE YOU IN DC!
“Operation Firing For Effect”
THE VETERAN’S MARCH
From the desk of the National Chairman
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 Events 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 – WWW.VFVC.NET or WWW.VETMARCH2006.NET. 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 Gdsusa@rochester.rr.com
Russ Scarvelli – Project Master at Arms - Dsgt2@aol.com
Jere Beery – Operations Public Affairs & Morale Officer – 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 WWW.VETMARCH2006.NET 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 WWW.VETMARCH2006.NET. 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 WWW.VETMARCH2006.NET and click on "Travel Planner" link. 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 to; VetMarch2006@aol.com
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS BY ATTENDING THIS MARCH!
SEE YOU IN DC!
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