OPERATION: ENDURING GRATITUDE (OP-EG)
Federal Tax ID 26-4335930 was created to develop innovative means and methods to identify, recognize and thank ALL U.S. Military Veterans on a daily basis BEFORE they perish. Some very simple facts, the Veteran does not receive the folded triangular U.S. Flag nor do they observe or hear either the 21 Gun Salute as well as TAPS. Quite frankly our Veterans most likely don’t care about that…they are gone. The ratio is (7 to 1) seven support personnel for every combat oriented position…that is a tremendous amount of unsung heroes walking around the United States…and we don’t know who they are. To further explain OP-EG’s perspective, the fact that out of over 308 million (2010 census) people living in the U.S., a fraction below 1% are serving our country at this very moment… Although we have numerous causes we have earmarked for another time such as the purchase of fishing and hunting licenses as well as camping permits on State and Federal land, we have to prioritize and feel we should accomplish the following two missions first.
V.I.P. (Veterans Identification Program)
Upon discharge, 95% of Veterans only receive a Department of Defense form (DD-214) which is the only documentation of their service to country. A DD-214 is much like a birth certificate and is not carried around by VETS. State issued driver licenses and ID cards will allow merchants and vendors to easily identify a United States Military Veteran nationwide. Massachusetts, Georgia, Utah, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Arkansas, Texas and Florida have seen the merit to the V.I.P. leaving 41 States left to pursue.
VETNET
To enlist a network of retailers and service providers that will share our vision and become members, supporters, sponsors, and/or underwriters by agreeing to provide a discount on services and products to our U.S. Veterans while proudly displaying the VETNET sticker next to MasterCard and Visa on their front door.
The R.A.V.E. Fishing Trip
Serves a twofold purpose…First and foremost, we can show our commitment to our wounded and recovering Veterans in the Greater Tampa Bay Area with an all expenses paid fishing trip to the Florida Keys on December 16 through 18, 2011. Secondly all proceeds after expenses will be applied to OP-EG’s initiatives and objectives.
Both V.I.P. and VETNET present significant challenges and obstacles that require the help of Companies and individuals that recognize the merit of this fishing trip and how the funds will be applied. OP-EG is willing and open to any ideas, suggestions and of course financial support of the three day experience these recovering men deserve.
- December 16th – Travel Day
- December 17th – Baiting Hooks
- December 18th Travel Day
Sponsors are needed for Travel,
Food, Lodging and Entertainment
OPERATION: ENDURING GRATITUDE has planned a first class fishing trip for former U.S. Military Special Operations Command’s (SOCOM) wounded and recovering in the Greater Tampa Bay Area. We are working directly with SOCOM to ensure these men are given the gratitude they deserve for serving this nation. Let’s show them how much we appreciate their service to us and our country…they came home battered and severely wounded. We are requesting that Corporate America and Individuals step up and financially support this event. Let’s show these men that their sacrifice will always be remembered and we are a grateful nation.