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People wonder why we are still over there. I think the faces and smiles say it all. I am proud to be a disabled veteran and i am proud of my Brother and Cousin and all the rest of the Veterans out there. Thank You
posted by J Miller on 7/07/08 7:00: PM

Willie Nelson Video Tapes Public Service Announcements for Veterans’ Healthcare During a recent concert appearance in Tama, Iowa, grassroots American Icon Willie Nelson took time out from his schedule to video tape several public service announcements (PSAs), which are being produced by Operation Firing For Effect (OFFE). The PSAs were written by OFFE Public Relations Director, Jere Beery, and approved by Mr. Willie Nelson prior to production. The series of 15, 30, and 60 second Willie Nelson PSAs focus on the future of veteran’s healthcare, and ask the general public to take an active interest in the state of veterans’ affairs. Nelson, a U.S. Air Force veteran, is national spokesperson for OFFE as well as a strong supporter of full mandatory funding for veteran’s healthcare and services. The PSAs will be distributed nationwide to cable/television networks, radio and internet outlets by the end of July. OFFE National Chairman, Gene Simes and country legend, Willie Nelson discuss details of Public Service Announcements In one OFFE PSA Willie Nelson asked all Americans to unite for the common good of our men and women in uniform. Nelson states: “Together, we can do so much better.” According to Willie Nelson, our communities are comprised of veterans, and our veterans are our communities. In another PSA Willie Nelson asks everyone to call their Congressperson and urge them to support full mandatory funding of the VA. In yet another PSA Willie Nelson references the 1.3 million Illinois voters that voted ‘yes’ for full mandated funding of veteran’s healthcare on their February 5th primary election ballot. Nelson also encourages every American to exercise their right to vote. According to Gene Simes, these PSA will be aired prior to the 2008 general elections and are designed to get the attention of the presidential candidates. “We need to know where these candidates stand on the future of veteran’s healthcare before we give them our vote, not after,” Simes stated. “I am confident that everyone will agree these PSA are very innovative and cutting-edge as far as ‘veterans’ affairs’ goes. We expect more than a few raised eyebrows,” Simes concluded. In addition to the OFFE PSAs, Willie Nelson also met with Farm Aid organizers to discuss the recent flood devastation which has impacted Iowa and the mid-west. Nelson presented a $10,000 Farm Aid grant check to the newly formed group called the Iowa Farm Disaster Relief Coalition. For more information on how you can help, visit; www.farmaid.org If you would like an audio copy of the first 30 and 15 second OFFE PSA, simply click on the link below and download the broadcast quality audio files free of charge: http://stardustradio.info/downloads/willievetpsanew30a.wav http://stardustradio.info/downloads/willievetpsa15c.wav Once edited, additional Willie Nelson/OFFE PSAs will be posted at this link: http://www.stardustent.com/offemedia.htm You are encouraged to share these audio files with anyone you wish. All media inquiries are welcome. Operation Firing For Effect is a veterans advocacy group and subsidiary of Veterans For Veteran Connection, Inc., a registered non-profit organization devoted to the improvement and protection of benefits and services earned by our men and women in uniform. For more information, visit: www.offe2008.org If you wish to comment on this article, visit the OFFE Blog at; http://operationfiringforeffect.com/blog/?p=50 OFFE Public Relations Director Jere Beery jerebeery@aol.com
posted by Jere Beery on 7/07/08 4:29: PM

Thank you - this is very powerful and I hope will get through to the younger generations. I saw John McCain in this video - don't forget his sacrifice and continued service to our country when you vote. God Bless America!
posted by Kris on 7/07/08 3:21: PM

This says it all in a short time. The music is great and the chosen pictues are meaningful. America cannot be taken for granted. Freedom is a beautiful gift that -so many have given their lives -to enable us to live in a country that has freedom as it s watchword. I hope this gets around so many are reminded of what we have. Also they need to be reminded of what we must protect Thank You!
posted by susan jane reeves on 7/07/08 2:02: PM

god bless our troops
posted by j gullickson on 7/07/08 11:18: AM

As the wife of a retired Marine we thank each and every service man, woman and family for the gift of freedom that they are protecting. God Bless America. Kathy
posted by Kathy on 7/07/08 7:29: AM

Remember ALL those who have sacrificed, are sacrificing, and will sacrifice for our FREEdom....Remember their courage, their bravery, their selflessness for what you are enjoying this day....the FREEdom of speech, the FREEdom of life, the FREEdom of choice, the FREEdom to love, happiness...Remember those who cannot be home with their families, who cannot feel the comforts you so enjoy everyday....America the beautiful is FREE because of those who protect and preserve her...NEVER forget YOU are an AMERICAN....YOU are FREE...thank those who have done this for you....thank them by supporting them any way you can...say thank you...shake their hand...fly our colors respectfully...care packages to those at war...Remember to keep them in your prayers as well as their families who miss them...Your love for your country and her countrymen will shine through to others...it is called PATRIOTISM...NEVER FORGET!!!!! Thank GOD we are AMERICANS!!! A Soldier's Prayer Almighty Father, Whose Command is over all and Whose Love never faileth, let me be aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and in deed, and helping me so to soldier and to live so as to stand unashamed and unafraid before my fellow soldiers, my loved ones, and Thee. Protect those in whose love I live. Give me the will to do the work of a man and to accept my share of responsibilities with a strong heart and a cheerful mind. Make me considerate of those entrusted to my leadership and faithful to the duties my country has entrusted to me. Let my uniform remind me daily of the traditions of the Service of which I am a part. If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, bestow upon me courage to try again. Guide me with the light of Thy truth ~ and keep before me the life of Him in Whose example and deliverance I trust. In the name of my Lord, Amen. ~ Authored by an unknown World War II U.S. Navy Serviceman
posted by ~Sheri~ on 7/07/08 3:55: AM

Proud to have served this Great Country in Desert Shield/ Desert Storm 91and ,Beirut,82 and proud to be a D.A.V. in this wonderful USA where can speak our mind and honor our service men and women Semper-FI
posted by John E. Stevens on 7/06/08 8:16: PM

Very nice music it sound good in Danville, KY!
posted by Terry Orcutt on 7/06/08 8:04: PM

Thank you for protecting our freedoms we so take for granted. For your sacrifices for us to be able to live in freedom, to speak as we wish.. I am sick and tired of the those so opposed in us protecting our freedoms.. Thank you all you great service people.. thank you so much.. you make it all possible.. We need to get back to where America is .. stop the liberal press. support our troops.. God Bless You and God Bless America.
posted by Chrisq on 7/06/08 7:57: PM

Wow...powerful message. Hope this gets alll the way aroundto everyone. Thanks to ..well... you know who you are!
posted by Annette Walker on 7/06/08 6:31: PM

I was born into a military family, I served in Vietnam, came back wounded. To this day the Flag means so much to me. I stood up for it and will always stand for what it means to so many of us. I just do not understand why so many people today do not put their hands over their hearts when the flag is flown for the National Anthem. Why do many not salute the Flag? The flag stands for many of our fallen veterans and for those that still live today
posted by David Hooper on 7/06/08 3:49: PM

Im proud of all our military men and women.and want to say Thank you for all you have done for us. I know its a big sacrifice when you leave family members and friends behind. So think about that when you have anything bad to say about our troops!
posted by Susan Wilkins on 7/06/08 3:25: PM

Awesome! Thank you to all our men and women serving in the armed forces! God Bless America!
posted by Dean on 7/06/08 2:08: PM

WOW...A video that says it all. Good Bless America.
posted by Bob on 7/06/08 7:27: AM

man i really love this song because it tells the truth and noone wants to hear it now days. thank you five for fighting for this wonderful song.
posted by josh martin on 7/06/08 5:57: AM

God Bless our Troops and Veterans. glad to see many are going to run for Congress and Senate. They are just what we need to run this country. They are Brave Unselfish, Honest, and above all not quiters. THEY WIILL HAVE MY VOTES. A proud grandmother.
posted by Dolly Martineau on 7/06/08 5:01: AM

My sincere gratitude to all the Military and their families and to our great USA. To the Gold Star families..I want to thank you for instilling in your son or daughter the honor to be an American. I thank them for their service to our country. I cannot even imagine the pain that you are going through....I pray that the precious memories that you hold near to your heart of them will bring you comfort in the days and years to come. May God bless you and give you strength and peace. I also want us not to forget the 4 POW/MIA's in the current conflict...Until They All Come Home!! I will not forget.... "But God has promised strength for the day, rest for the labor, light for the way, grace for the trials, help from above, unfailing sympathy, undying love." Love, Susan Blue Star Mom (x's 2)
posted by Susan on 7/06/08 3:10: AM

As a former Heavy Anti-Armor Weapons Specialist, (Airborne - U.S. Army) my heart swells with pride at the fine effort this website represents. May our Nation's Soldiers be safe from harm as they spend sleepless nights in foriegn lands... to keep our families from wicked hands.
posted by Richard L. Albers on 7/05/08 9:43: PM

"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing." -Albert Einstein USAF Pararescue, retired.
posted by L.D. Jeffries on 7/05/08 6:35: PM