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Thursday, April 17th, 2008 Newsmax: Rise in Attacks on Military Recruiting Centers
From the May 2008 issue of Newsmax magazine:
Pro-Troop Group Demands of US Attorney: “Investigate Anti-American Activities in Berkeley”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pro-Troop Group Demands of US Attorney: “Investigate Anti-American Activities in Berkeley” City Accused of Encouraging Interference with Federal Officers SAN FRANCISCO---A law firm representing a pro-troop organization has sent a letter to the U.S. Attorney in San Francisco asking the federal government to investigate whether the Berkeley City Council’s official anti-Marine position and encouragement of anti-war groups to “impede” the work of Marine recruiters constitutes a breach of law. If the City Council violated the law, the letter asks the U.S. Attorney to prosecute the perpetrators. The letter was drafted by the attorney for pro-troop organization Move America Forward (website: www.MoveAmericaForward.org), which is the nation’s largest pro-troop grassroots nonprofit. The correspondence also voices concerns that the Berkeley Police were unresponsive and negligent to public safety during a protest the group organized in Berkeley on Feb. 12, 2007. The original copy has already been mailed and an additional copy will be hand-delivered Monday morning with a press conference immediately following. “We will explore every avenue to ensure that Marine Corps personnel are not harassed for simply doing their jobs, especially not by a city government,” said Catherine Moy, Executive Director of Move America Forward. Move America Forward has been active in organizing demonstrations as well as several ad campaigns rebuking the Berkeley City Council since they called Marine Recruiters “uninvited and unwelcome intruders” at a Jan. 29 council meeting. The council also reserved a publicly funded parking space and gave free sound permits to a radical anti-war group protesting the office. “That is a blatant misuse of tax dollars and a violation of civil rights” said Moy, referring to the privileges granted to Code Pink, the antiwar group that received special treatment from the council. “We have been fighting them all the way and this is simply the next step,” said Melanie Morgan, Move America Forward’s co-founder. Morgan is also demanding that Berkeley’s mayor give a full and official apology to all military personnel, veterans, and their families, and rescind the resolutions giving special treatment to Code Pink. “Berkeley has got to realize that we’re not going away,” Morgan concluded. WHEN – 10:00 AM Monday March 31 WHERE – North Entrance of U.S. Federal Building, 450 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco, Calif. CONTACT – Ryan Gill, MAF Operations Director (650) 678-7732 Saturday, February 2nd, 2008 Berkeley Mayor - Free Speech Thief
Feb. 2, 2008
BERKELEY – Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates, convicted of stealing 1,000 free newspapers from the Daily Californian newsstands in 2002, is at it again. The Mayor is attempting to steal the free speech rights of the United States Marine Corps by harassing the recruiting center into abandoning its lease. Move America Forward has launched a petition drive denouncing the Mayor and the Council, while demanding an apology to the USMC at its website www.moveamericaforward.com The response was so overwhelming it crashed the site within minutes after launching, fueled by intense coverage from bloggers, talk radio, Internet, television reports and pro-troops organizations like the American Legion and Vets for Freedom. Move America Forward plans to deliver the protest petitions at the Berkeley City Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting on February 12th. “We are looking at all options to stop Berkeley from issuing gifts of public funds, such as free parking spaces, and violating the Constitution,” said Catherine Moy, Executive Director of Move America Forward. “We have contacted all branches of our government to redress these issues, and will explore all legal, legislative and executive avenues to stop the injustice perpetrated by the Berkeley City Council.” A national backlash erupted last week over Berkeley’s attack on Marines. Mayor Tom Bates was forced to reconsider resolutions telling America’s heroes they are “intruders.” Bates has taken a further steps to shutter the doors of the Marine’s recruiting station. Bates told the Contra Costa Times that he would broker a deal to release the Marine’s from their building lease. But the Marines said they will stay. “Mayor Bates, in his arrogance, has crossed the line by trying to steal the Marine’s First Amendment Rights, and we will not stand for this treasonous behavior. His stunning offer to “broker a deal” to release the Marine’s from its building lease shows the depth of his contempt for our military men and women,” said Melanie Morgan, chairman of Move America Forward. “Our group will stand with the Marines until their attackers stop.” The Berkeley council on Tuesday passed two resolutions condemning the Marines as part of a campaign by anti-war activists to shut down the recruiting center. The council also gave Code Pink, a leftist group that daily harasses the Marines with hate speech, a free parking place and noise permit. Move America Forward (Move America Forward), initiated a campaign for people to call and email the rogue City Council. Thousands of e-mails, calls and letters of denunciation have poured into the offices of Bates and other council members who support the efforts to drive the USMC out of town. Move America Forward applauds the proposed legislation by U.S. Senator Jim DeMint to strip Berkeley of all pork barrel spending, amounting to $2.1 million dollars. A companion bill in Congress is now being prepared to do the same.
Wednesday, January 30th, 2008 SHAMEFUL: Berkeley City Council Attacks Marines!
** NOTE: Graphics concerning this action follow the press release copy at the bottom of this page.
January 30, 2008 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
IN BERKELEY, CA
SAN FRANCISCO – The City of Berkeley, California has passed two resolutions attacking the United States Marine Corps, calling the Marines, “uninvited and unwelcome intruders in the city.”
The Berkeley City Council voted to condemn the Marines on Tuesday night (January 29th) as part of a campaign by anti-war activists to shut down a U.S. Marine Recruiting Center located in the city of Berkeley.
The votes by the Berkeley City Council were immediately condemned by Move America Forward (website: www.MoveAmericaForward.org), the nation’s largest grassroots pro-troop organization.
“It is disgraceful that in the birthplace of the Free Speech Movement, anti-military activists would attempt to silence the same military men and women who serve this country and give their lives to protect the free speech rights of all Americans, including these ungrateful and despicable people on the Berkeley City Council,” said Melanie Morgan, Chairman of Move America Forward.
The actions by the Berkeley City Council followed continuous protests by Code Pink and other anti-military organizations that vandalized and defaced the U.S. Marine Recruiting Center in September 2007.
One of the two resolutions passed by the Berkeley City Council last night granted a parking spot in front of the Marine Recruiting Center to be used by anti-military activists to harass Marine recruiters. The anti-military activists would not need to apply for a sound permit for the next six months – allowing them free reign to disrupt the day-to-day operations by the Marines.
Move America Forward organized a counter-protest in support of the Marines last October that attracted over 400 pro-troop supporters who stood in solidarity of the Marine Recruiting Center.
“We have hundreds of thousands of military men and women serving honorably overseas to protect our freedoms. Imagine how they feel when they go to turn on the news and see that they are being stabbed in the back by shameful people here at home, it’s disgraceful!” said Catherine Moy, Executive Director of Move America Forward.
This release posted at: http://www.moveamericaforward.org/index.php/MAF/MAFNews
 Monday, January 14th, 2008 BREAKING NEWS: MAF Exposes New York Times for Erroneous ‘Killer Vet’ Report
January 14, 2008 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Exposed as Erroneous by Pro-Troop Group SACRAMENTO- Move America Forward (website: www.MoveAmericaForward.org), the nation’s largest grassroots pro-troop organization, today announced that after vetting the numbers cited by The New York Times in their Sunday, January 13, 2008 story, “Across America, Deadly Echoes of Foreign Battles,” it became clear that the Times had engaged in demonstrably erroneous and false reporting. It took seven New York Times researchers to find 121 cases in which veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan committed a killing in the United States, or were charged with one, upon returning home to this country. The Times made the false conclusion that: “Taken together, they paint the patchwork of a quiet phenomenon, tracing a cross-country trail of death and heartbreak.” The Times documentation of 121 potential killings out of more than 1.5 million veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq) and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), divided by 6 years of conflict results in a murder rate of just 1.34 incidents per 100,000 veterans per year.*** That murder rate is far lower than the murder rate for the general population, demonstrating that the experiences of military service – including having served in Iraq and Afghanistan – actually made it less likely for returning veterans to commit murder once they returned home, than the general population. Given a census-estimated population of the United States of 300,000,000 persons in this country as of October 2006, and FBI-compiled statistics of 17,399 homicide offenders for 2006, the murder rate of the general population was 5.80 offenders per 100,000 on average – and a rate of approximately 7.67 per 100,000 for men. Since all but one of the veterans cited by the Times who committed a killing in the U.S. was male, the comparable rate is approximately 7.67 incidents of murder per 100,000 people among the general male population, compared to just 1.34 incidents per 100,000 returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans (of both genders). “It’s obvious that the New York Times has an agenda of undermining the missions of our troops in the War on Terror, so much so that they are willing to resort to demonstrably false statistics to support their anti-troop bias,” said Melanie Morgan, Chairman of Move America Forward. “The slander of our troops and veterans by the New York Times is unfortunately all too familiar. We heard this kind of nonsense about our returning veterans from Vietnam. It’s the same insult, different war. “Perhaps the shameful staff of The New York Times has run out of war-time secrets to publish for America’s enemies to read, because now they’ve resorted to an all-out smear campaign of America’s finest men and women, who have served this country bravely and with distinction,” Morgan said. In place of hard data to support their premise, The New York Times was instead forced to devote almost the entire portion of 6,321 word hit-piece to anecdotes of wrongdoing by individual veterans. The New York Times even went so far as to trace back the phenomenon of murderous veterans to Greek mythology to back up their assertions of their report. “The real mythology is the reporting by The New York Times,” Move America Forward’s Melanie Morgan concluded.
NOTE TO REPORTERS/BLOGGERS: Melanie Morgan and a delegation of staffers from Move America Forward have just returned from a 10-day trip interviewing U.S. troops in Iraq and Kuwait. To schedule an interview with Melanie Morgan or the other members who traveled to Kuwait and Iraq including: Gold Star Mom Debbie Lee (mother of first Navy Seal killed in Iraq), MAF Communications Director, Danny Gonzalez, and MAF Deputy Executive Director, Mary Pearson, contact Ryan Gill of Move America Forward at: (916) 441-6197 or via email at: mary@MoveAmericaForward.org
>> You can link to this report, which is published at the Move America Forward website, at this location:
*** Note that the central statistical measure is how many instances of alleged killings take place per 100,000 Iraq/Afghanistan war veterans who returned home. The New York Times might argue that our statistics are incorrect since the 1.5+ million Iraq/Afghanistan veterans have not been home during the entire 6 years of the war (especially since in the early onset of Operation Enduring Freedom troops were just arriving into the war zone). However, Salon.com reports that as of January 31, 2005 there were 1,048,884 Americans who had fought in Iraq or Afghanistan. One can then calculate statistics from that point onward. Let’s give the New York Times the leeway of saying their alleged 121 incidents of killings by veterans occured during just the three years that elapsed since that time to the present. The murder rate per 100,000 people would still be approximately 3.5 incidents of murder per 100,000 returning Iraq/Afghanistan veterans. Monday, December 10th, 2007A Song for Their Service
Friday, October 19th, 2007 Hundreds Turn Out in BERKELEY to Support U.S. Troops!
 Mark this day down folks. It was Wednesday, October 17, 2007 that hundreds of pro-troop supporters turned out for a giant pro-troop rally in Berkeley, CA (one of the most anti-military & anti-war cities in this nation). Not only did the size of the rally shock the San Francisco Bay Area news media, it surprised the anti-war activists at Code Pink who were outnumbered on their own turf!. Move America Forward and other pro-troop organizations and leaders put on a pro-troop rally to counter the harassment of the U.S. Marine Recruiting Center by Code Pink in Berkeley. For 3 weeks the U.S. Marine Recruiting Center has faced protests (including vandalism and defacing of their building) and taunts against the Marines that they were “traitors” and “liars” and “murderers” and guilty of “assassination.” MAF Blogger Danny: SEE RALLY PICTURES & VIDEO - HERE!!! Debbi’s Dribble Blog: More Pictures - HERE WorldNetDaily: Taking Back the Streets from Code Pinkos Human Events: Showdown at Berkeley! Michelle Malkin’s Blog: Red, White & Blue in Berkeley - HERE Pipeline News: Move America Forward Counter Demonstration Crushes Code Pink In Berkeley - HERE Contra Costa Times: Flag-waving demonstrators far outnumbered a group of peace advocates Daily Californian: Protestors Clash Over Military Recruitment Wake Up America Blog: Making Them “Pink” With Frustration MAF Daily File: Catherine Moy Gives a First Hand Report - HERE Winter’s Soldier Blog: Melanie Morgan, MAF Rout Code Pinkos in Berkeley! Cal Patriot Blog: Pictures from UC Berkeley Cal Patriot
Reaction to Ahmadinejad’s Propaganda
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 24, 2007
To Columbia University (SAN FRANCISCO) – The nation’s largest grass-roots, pro-troop organization, Move America Forward (website: www.MoveAmericaForward.org ) has issued the following statements in reaction to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s speech to Columbia University: STATEMENT BY MELANIE MORGAN, CHAIRMAN MOVE AMERICA FORWARD: “Today’s lies and distortions by Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad were disgraceful. Iranian agents and weapons are killing American troops in Iraq. British sailors who were in international waters were recently abducted by Iran. And yet Ahmadinejad claims that Iran, the leading sponsor of Islamic terrorism, is the victim. “Ahmadinejad is this generation’s Hitler and instead of being provided a platform to spew his hateful propaganda he should have instead been arrested for having committed crimes against the international community.” STATEMENT BY LT. COL. BUZZ PATTERSON (USAF, Ret.), VICE CHAIRMAN, MOVE AMERICA FORWARD: “Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad claims to be an academic, however he is no more an academic than serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. “Mr. Ahmadinejad traffics in murder, death and terrorism. He seeks to bring about acts of terror and tyranny against free people and free nations. It is a disgrace that he has been invited to speak at the United Nations and Columbia University.”
# # #
10,000+ to Take to Streets to Support U.S. Troops & Their Mission in Iraq
July 23, 2007 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Supporting Missions of Troops in Iraq (SACRAMENTO) – With General David Petraeus set to report to Congress by September 15th on the progress of “the surge” of U.S. troops in Iraq, supporters of Operation Iraqi Freedom are preparing to launch a massive public effort to show support for the missions of U.S. troops in Iraq. From September 3, 2007 through September 15, 2007 the nation’s largest grassroots, pro-troop organization, Move America Forward (website: www.MoveAmericaForward.org) will lead more than 10,000 supporters in a cross-country caravan called the “FIGHT FOR VICTORY TOUR.” The caravan will stop for more than 25 pro-troop rallies along the way. Thousands of Americans have already signed up to join the tour in just the first few days since it was announced online.
 “We need to convey to our troops and the world in general that America doesn’t lose. We don’t turn our backs on our courageous men and women in uniform and we don’t walk away from the Iraqi people who desperately seek democracy and freedom,” said Lt. Colonel Buzz Patterson (USAF, Ret.) who serves as Vice Chairman of Move America Forward. “The Fight for Victory Tour is absolutely essential to demonstrate our support of our troops and to send a clear signal to the anti-military folks in this nation that we will not let them bring about an American defeat in Iraq or the greater war on terror. Victory is the only option and we’re not backing down from the fight at hand,” Colonel Patterson said. The caravan will be led by veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom & Operation Enduring Freedom, along with Gold Star Families (who lost a loved one in Iraq) and Blue Star Families (who have a loved one serving in Iraq). “We’re going to send a message of support for our troops that will be heard from the shores of the Pacific Ocean all the way across this country to the Atlantic Coast – we support our troops and their missions and we won’t let anyone force them to surrender to the jihadists,” said Melanie Morgan, Chairman of Move America Forward. The current schedule for the caravan includes pro-troop rally stops in more than 2 DOZEN cities across America including:
* Carson City, NV
More details can be found about the upcoming “Fight for Victory Tour” at: www.MoveAmericaForward.org
News Coverage of Fight for Victory Tour  Grassroots Group Organizing ‘Fight for Victory’ Caravan (CNSNews.com) - While lawmakers argue over the Iraq war, activists who support it plan to launch a cross-country caravan in September to urge continued support of American troops. The Sept. 3-15 “Fight for Victory Tour,” organized by Move America Forward, will end with a pro-troop rally in Washington, D.C., on September 15th - the day that General David Petraeus, the U.S. commanding general in Iraq, delivers his report on the troop surge strategy to Congress. “We’ll launch the cross-country caravan Monday, September 3/super rd/nosupersub , with rallies outside the offices of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in Nevada and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in California,” said Melanie Morgan, chairman of Move America Forward. “During the cross-country caravan, we will stop and conduct pro-troop rallies that will be attended by thousands upon thousands of patriotic Americans who believe that our leaders cannot be allowed to undercut our troops who are bravely serving on the frontlines of the war against Islamic jihadism,” said Robert Dixon, executive director of Move America Forward.
The current schedule includes pro-troop rally stops in more than 2 dozen cities, including Carson City, Nev.; Sacramento, San Francisco, Modesto, Fresno, Los Angeles and San Diego, California; Yuma, Phoenix, and Tucson in Ariz.; Las Cruces, N.M.; El Paso, San Antonio, Waco, Crawford, and Dallas, Texas; Oklahoma City; Wichita, Kan.; Kansas City, Mo., Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Chicago; Indianapolis; Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio; Pittsburgh, Pa.; and finally Washington, D.C.
 Pro-troop rally coming to Yuma
FROM STAFF REPORTS
From Sept. 3-15, the caravan will stop in about 25 locations around the country from California to Washington, D.C., in what a Move America Forward news release describes as a series of “pro-troop rallies.” The Yuma rally in what is being called the “Fight for Victory” tour is scheduled to for Sept. 5, according to the group’s Web site. As Move America Forward leaders head for a larger Sept. 15 rally in Washington, they will make about 25 stops in cities around the country - including Yuma, Phoenix and Tucson in Arizona - to meet with local supporters. The Sun attempted to contact Move America Forward organizers Monday, but calls and e-mails were not returned. The caravan and rallies are scheduled to coincide with Gen. David Petraeus’ report to Congress on Sept. 15 of the results of the troop surge in Iraq. It is intended as “a massive public effort to show support for the missions of the U.S. troops in Iraq,” according to the release. The release states that “thousands” have already signed up to join the tour.
For more information, contact the group office in Sacramento, Calif., at 1-916-441-6197 or visit www.moveamericaforward.org.
Pro-Troop Supporters Announce Major September Push
CONTACT: Robert Dixon (916) 441-6197 or Email: Robert@MoveAmericaForward.org
ANNOUNCE MAJOR SEPTEMBER PUSH Supporters of Operation Iraqi Freedom will conduct a nationwide caravan along with more than 2-dozen rallies calling for continued support of U.S. troops based in Iraq in the days leading up to General David Petraeus September 15th report to Congress. From September 3, 2007 through September 15, 2007 the nation’s largest grassroots, pro-troop organization, Move America Forward (website: www.MoveAmericaForward.org) will lead thousands of supporters in a cross-country effort called the “FIGHT FOR VICTORY TOUR.”
 “We’ll launch the cross-country caravan Monday, September 3rd with rallies outside the offices of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in Nevada and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in California,” said Melanie Morgan, Chairman of Move America Forward. “The caravan will then continue across the nation until we reach Washington, D.C. for a giant pro-troop rally on September 15th – the day that General David Petraeus, the U.S. Commanding General in Iraq, delivers his report on ‘The Surge’ to Congress,” Morgan said. “During the cross-country caravan we will stop and conduct pro-troop rallies that will be attended by thousands upon thousands of patriotic Americans who believe that our leaders cannot be allowed to undercut our troops who are bravely serving on the frontlines of the war against Islamic jihadism,” said Robert Dixon, Executive Director of Move America Forward.
The current schedule for the caravan includes pro-troop rally stops in more than 2 DOZEN cities across America including: Carson City, NV - Sacramento, CA - San Francisco, CA – Modesto, CA - Fresno, CA - Los Angeles, CA - San Diego, CA - Yuma, AZ - Phoenix, AZ - Tucson, AZ - Las Cruces, NM - El Paso, TX - San Antonio, TX - Waco, TX - Crawford, TX - Dallas, TX - Oklahoma City, OK - Wichita, KS - Kansas City, MO - Des Moines, IA - Cedar Rapids, IA - Chicago, IL - Indianapolis, IN - Cincinnati, OH - Columbus, OH – Pittsburgh, PA - Washington D.C. More details can be found at: www.MoveAmericaForward.org Thursday, July 12th, 2007MAF Condemns House Vote to Surrender in Iraq
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 12, 2007
(SACRAMENTO) – The nation’s largest grass-roots, pro-troop organization, Move America Forward (website: www.MoveAmericaForward.org ) expressed angry disappointment that the U.S. House of Representatives would vote for American troop withdrawal before the facts are presented. The report on progress in Iraq from General David Petraeus and United States Ambassador Ryan Crocker is due on September 15th. “The American people should rightly be ashamed today that their elected representatives chose to put partisan politics ahead of the military men and women who are serving in harms way in Iraq to protect American security. At the very same time we are learning that Al Qaeda is regaining strength and aiming another attack on the United States, the House wants to hand a victory to the terrorist by their irresponsible vote,” declared Melanie Morgan, Chairman of Move America Forward. “The record is clear that the terrorists are being destroyed and defeated in Iraq and Afghanistan, but the House wants to stop our victory and surrender it to the jihadists. When we let up on the terrorists and they are able to organize and strike the United States again, what lame excuse will they have then? Politics needs to be put on the shelf and American security needs to be the number one priority,” concluded Morgan. John Ubaldi, Deputy Executive Director of Move America Forward and a Marine reservist who has served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, said, “I am saddened and sickened to think about what those serving in harm’s way will feel after hearing about this vote. The House has just undermined the troops mission.”
# # #
Gold Star Parents Offer to Work with Bree Walker on Pro-Troop Monument/Memorial
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 11, 2007
Hope TV Anchorwoman Will Keep Promise to Erect Pro-Troop Memorial
(SACRAMENTO) – Move America Forward (website: www.MoveAmericaForward.org), the nation’s largest grass-roots, pro-troop organization has released the following statement in response to news that Cindy Sheehan has sold her 5-acre “Camp Casey” anti-war protest site to radio talk show host and former television anchorwoman, Bree Walker: “We are saddened to hear that Cindy Sheehan reversed course on her earlier plans to sell her land through either a traditional real estate listing or through the E-Bay online auction service. It was our intention to purchase the land through an open and straightforward means, absent the deception that Ms. Sheehan originally used to acquire the land. This was the reason we announced our intentions in this matter in a public fashion. “It was the right of Ms. Sheehan to sell her land in a private real estate transaction to Ms. Bree Walker of the Air America affiliate KTLK in Los Angeles, and we respect her decision to do so. “Ms. Walker has said she is considering erecting a pro-troop monument or memorial on the land, which was the intention of Move America Forward as well. “In fact this week we had planned to release the following letter (see attached) on behalf of parents of fallen U.S. troops in Iraq requesting Ms. Sheehan to sell the land to Move America Forward so that it could be used to erect a pro-troop monument that honored both the service and sacrifices of all who served in the war on terrorism. “We are forwarding a copy of this letter to Ms. Walker, who has an established career in broadcast journalism, with the request that she work with these families to ensure that the monument or memorial she builds truly respects those who served their country. “We hope that Ms. Walker will use this opportunity to work with these Gold Star Families who have a far different view of the war on terrorism than Ms. Sheehan or Ms. Walker hold, and that it will be a place where the troops can be honored without the anti-troop rhetoric that Ms. Sheehan has become infamous for.” # # # June 11, 2007
Ms. Cindy Sheehan
Dear Cindy, Some of us have met you, and some of us have not. Some of us know you, but others have only crossed paths with you at places like Crawford, Texas. We all do share something in common: our children died heroes in service to their country that they loved. We live with the same pain you feel and our hearts will never heal. That is why we appeal to you to cooperate in making the property you own in Crawford, Texas a monument that cherishes the memory of your son, Casey, and the other men and women of the military who have served heroically in the fight against international Islamic terrorism. Today we come to you as brothers and sisters in this painful but proud community of Gold Star parents and ask this favor. We understand that you want to sell your property in Crawford, Texas, because you have some bills to pay. We respectfully ask that you sell it to Move America Forward so it can become a memorial park that honors our sons and daughters. The centerpiece of Move America Forward’s proposed use of the land would be a “Monument to America’s Heroes” honoring all those who served in the war on terrorism – including those who made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives in the fight. This could be a healing movement for all of us who have a wide range of emotions and views about the war that took our children. Isn’t it time that we all have a place that was made specifically for the memory of our sons and daughters who gave everything to our country? We know that you will never agree with us that our children have made a phenomenal contribution to freedom in the Middle East and security in America. Many of us went to Iraq and saw the successes and positive developments that are taking place. We believe that Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom are helping to turn the Middle East around and giving the people there the opportunity for economic development and freedom as the alternative to terrorism and violence. You have made it very clear that you do not share our outlook on this matter, and we respect the differences of opinion. You have said that Camp Casey is a place of peace and that your brave son would love the land you have in Crawford. We know from his actions on the battlefield that he loved his country and his friends so much that he laid down his life for them. We hope and pray that you will take time to consider our plea. It would be a selfless act of peace for you to offer the land for this proposed monument. We would be so thankful. Sincerely Yours, Your Gold Star brothers and sisters. DEBORAH TAINSH JOSEPH WILLIAMS MIKE BROOMHEAD JOE JOHNSON DEBBIE LEE MIKE ANDERSON KEVIN GRAVES ROBERT TAINSH MARGARET KELLUM DEBRA ARGEL TODD BASTIAN JAN JOHNSON GINGER DRAKE MARK CROWLEY STACEY HOLLEY GAYLE THOMAS ROBIN BUTTERFIELD SCOTT CONOVER DIANE LAYFIELD JON MARTINEZ JOEL AILES JOHN HOLLEY KEITH BUTTERFIELD LISA JOHNSON
-- END --
Move America Forward Announces Plan to Acquire Cindy Sheehan’s Crawford Land
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 1, 2007
Announces Plans to Acquire Cindy Sheehan’s Land in Crawford, Texas
(SACRAMENTO) – The nation’s largest grass-roots, pro-troop organization, Move America Forward (website: www.MoveAmericaForward.org ), is announcing today its plans to acquire the 5 acres of land in Crawford, Texas that had been used by anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan and her supporters. Move America Forward has retained the services of award-winning real estate agent, Holly Williams (website: www.HollyCountry.com), to broker the deal. Once the land has been obtained, Move America Forward plans to erect a “Monument to America’s Heroes” on the property. “I’m honored to be able to broker such a deal, and help turn this piece of land into a memorial that honors our brave men and women who fought for our freedom overseas. I am familiar with the land having spent time in Crawford and seeing first hand how Sheehan used the land to undermine the mission of our troops. I can’t think of a better use than to buy the land that was used to defile our troops and turn it into something beautiful that honors them,” said Holly Williams. An artist’s rendition of the “Monument to America’s Heroes” can be found at the Move America Forward website at: www.MoveAmericaForward.org Sheehan acquired the 5-acre plot of land in July 2006 for $52,500 using insurance money from the death of her son, Casey Sheehan, in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cindy Sheehan declared at that time that the land would be used, “until George’s (Bush) resignation or impeachment.” However, this Memorial Day weekend Sheehan reversed course and gave her “resignation” as the face of the anti-war movement, announcing that the 5-acres in Crawford, Texas were up for sale. “This land has been used as a staging ground for anti-war activists to denounce and denigrate the heroic service of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. It is our intention to turn this around and make this a site that will honor the heroic accomplishments of the men and women who have fought with honor and courage in the war against Islamic terrorism,” declared Melanie Morgan, Chairman of Move America Forward. Robert Dixon, Executive Director of Move America Forward, said the money to purchase the land would come from the financial contributions of Move America Forward’s one-million members. “We’ve already raised the initial sum to kick-start this effort and we will be collecting donations to fund both the purchase of this land and to pay for the construction of the Monument to America’s Heroes,” Dixon said.
Tuesday, May 29th, 2007 Gold Star Families Rebuke Cindy Sheehan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 29, 2007
A group of Gold Star Family members, who have lost a son or daughter in the war on terrorism, today issued the following statement in response to Cindy Sheehan’s announcement that she is halting her public anti-war protests. For more information log on to: www.MoveAmericaForward.org “We are very pleased to hear that Cindy Sheehan is ending her disgraceful campaign to discredit the United States military and the heroic men and women in harms way in Iraq and Afghanistan. We sympathize with the shared pain from losing a child in the war effort, however, we cannot excuse the fact that Cindy has taken the wrong turn at every corner in assigning blame for the loss of her heroic son, Casey. “Casey Sheehan was a proud member of the United States Armed Forces. He believed in serving his country faithfully and volunteered for the duty assignment that led to his death at the hands of Islamic extremists. He should have been the example followed by Cindy Sheehan. Instead, she chose to associate with the most virulent anti-American elements in the United States and abroad. “Throughout her public demonstrations, Cindy Sheehan has repeatedly been dismissive of the majority of Gold Star Parents who disagree with her stance on the war. Cindy Sheehan does not speak for us, nor thankfully does she speak for most Americans. It’s time for Cindy to go home and put her life back together and realize just how fortunate she is to live in the greatest nation on earth. “We are saddened that Cindy’s withdrawal from political activities is because she was disappointed that more Americans did not accept her distorted worldview that America is the blame for all of the ills of the world. Perhaps off the world stage, she will be able to regain her bearings and see that her son and America were serving the cause of freedom in the world and security at home. God Bless the United States of America, and may God help Cindy Sheehan to heal from the pain and bitterness that have consumed her.” DEBRA ARGEL TODD BASTIAN JOSEPH WILLIAMS DEBBIE LEE JOSEPH JOHNSON MIKE ANDERSON MERILEE CARLSON JAN JOHNSON Tuesday, March 27th, 2007Shame on You Senate!
NEWS RELEASE CONTACT: Robert Dixon
SHAME ON YOU SENATE!
U.S. Senators Who Vote for Iraq Withdrawal
(WASHINGTON, DC) – In response to the vote by the U.S. Senate on a congressional proposal to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq, before they have completed their missions, the nation’s largest grass-roots pro-troop organization has announced its strong disapproval of the actions by 50 members of the United States Senate. “The Senators who voted to undercut our troops have blood on their hands – the blood of U.S. troops who will die from attacks by terrorists who will be emboldened by the Senate’s cowardice,” said Melanie Morgan, Chairman of Move America Forward. “Our troops on the ground in the middle of a war don’t need to have their missions’ undermined by some armchair generals in Washington, D.C. If these Senators won’t stand behind our men and women on the frontlines, then perhaps they would prefer to stand in front of them,” Morgan said. “This action by the U.S. Senate sends a message to the terrorists that they are winning, and that the leaders of our Congress lack the will and resolve to win the war on terrorism,” Morgan said. The move by the Senate comes concurrent to the launch of a national pro-troop advertising campaign that takes to task those who seek to undermine support for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The ad is being broadcast with a national television and print advertising buy. The ads can be seen online at the Move America Forward website: www.MoveAmericaForward.org Saturday, March 3rd, 20075 Days Til Caravan Launch
NEWS RELEASE - March 3, 2007
National Patriotic/Pro-Troop Caravan to Launch!
On the eve of the 4th anniversary of the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom, a national patriotic, pro-troop caravan will cross the nation, traveling from California to Washington, D.C. to show support for U.S. troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Members of the public are encouraged to join the caravan and attend the pro-troop rallies along the way. The “THESE COLORS DON’T RUN” national caravan (organized and sponsored by the pro-troop non-profit group Move America Forward – www.MoveAmericaForward.org ) will depart San Francisco, California on the morning of Thursday, March 8, 2007, traversing the length of the state and then heading across the nation to Washington, D.C. The effort is in support of the “Gathering of Eagles” event in Washington, D.C. on March 17th. The patriotic caravan will feature 25 pro-troop rallies in cities across the nation. People attending the rallies are asked to bring American flags to each rally that will be collected brought to Washington, D.C. where they will be displayed at the “Gathering of Eagles” event to create a giant “Flag City” on Saturday, March 17, 2007. Leading the caravan will be Blue Star Mother Deborah Johns, whose son William is serving his 3rd tour of duty in Iraq; Gold Star Mother Debra Argel Bastian whose son, Derek, died in Operation Iraqi Freedom; Gold Star Father Joseph Williams whose son, Michael, died in Operation Iraqi Freedom; and John Ubaldi – a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). “We’re going to bring thousands of Americans together in a positive and patriotic fashion to say loudly and clearly that we support our troops and their missions,” said Melanie Morgan, Chairman of Move America Forward. John Ubaldi, a Marine Reservist who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom explained his reasons for participating in the cross-country pro-troop caravan: “I want the guys and gals serving over in Iraq and Afghanistan to know that many Americans are supporting them and pulling for them to achieve their missions. “It pains me greatly to see some people in this country determined to invoke a Vietnam-like malaise surrounding the war on terrorism. We can’t sit back and allow some of the nastiness and negativity directed towards our troops and their missions to go unchallenged,” said Ubaldi. Gold Star Mother Debra Argel Bastian says she feels the military men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan are “family” and that she needs to do all she can to let them know they are loved and appreciated here at home. “I am joining Move America Forward’s ‘These Colors Don’t Run’ caravan to support our troops at home and out of the country. My goal is to let them know that I appreciate their service, and all who have served. “I was raised the daughter of a career Marine and a Navy nurse. I served in the Army, and am a Viet Nam era Vet. Service before self was a common phrase in our home. Derek felt that way since the 6th grade. He knew that the military was his duty, and never questioned that. The military is our family. Each and every person who serves this country is my son or daughter,” said Bastian. Blue Star Mother Deborah John’s son, William, is currently serving his third tour of duty in Iraq. She says she is “sick and tired” of the negativity being directed against our troops serving in harm’s way. “I am sick and tired of how some in this country are turning their backs on our troops at a time when they need our support the most! “I know the American people want change in Iraq, our military wants change and so do their families. The change we want is for everyone to stop undermining the war effort and support our troops so that they may achieve a complete military victory in Iraq and Afghanistan alike,” Johns said. Gold Star Father Joseph Williams, a Vietnam Veteran whose son Michael died in Operation Iraqi Freedom, explained that he was motivated to act in order that this generation’s military men and women will have better support on the home front than did the military men who fought in Vietnam. “My son and I shared a strong admiration for the United States Armed Forces. I am a Vietnam Vet, having served in the United States Navy from February 1961 – June 1966. I saw a lot of good men fight valiantly for their nation and the cause of freedom over communism, who came home to be spit upon, dishonored and disgraced by the anti-war movement here in America. “I cannot sit back and let this kind of behavior happen again to this generation’s heroes,” Williams said.
Sunday, February 25th, 2007 Historic 22 City Caravan to Support Troops
NEWS RELEASE CONTACT: Robert Dixon
of Operation Iraqi Freedom
With the 4-year anniversary of the commencement of Operation Iraqi Freedom this March, anti-war advocates had been hoping to use the occasion to rally their supporters to the streets. Instead, it will be pro-troop supporters who plan to put on a massive display – creating a historic caravan of vehicles that will cross the entire country from San Francisco, California all the way to Washington, D.C.
The caravan is called: “These Colors Don’t Run” and is being organized by the nation’s largest grassroots pro-troop organization, Move America Forward (www.MoveAmericaForward.org). The patriotic and pro-troop caravan will stop at 22 cities across the country, conducting pro-troop rallies at each stop. At the rallies, Move America Forward will collect American flags from attendees – the flags will be brought to the final rally location on Capitol Mall in Washington, D.C. where they will be erected into a powerful and patriotic “Flag City” display. The Washington, D.C. event is being held in support of the “Gathering of Eagles” rally on March 17th being organized by veterans. At the conclusion of the rally each flag will be sent to a U.S. Service member stationed in either Iraq or Afghanistan along with a placard showing who donated the flag, and how it flew in a patriotic show of support for our troops and their missions in the war on terrorism. The public is invited to join the caravan with their own vehicles, decorating them with red, white and blue patriotic flair. “We’ve had enough of the negativity and backstabbing of our troops. They need our support, and more importantly they deserve our unqualified backing,” said Melanie Morgan, Chairman of Move America Forward. “This historic caravan will cascade across this nation with a wave of patriotism, driven by a positive message celebration our nation’s foundations of freedom and liberty that our troops help to preserve,” said Morgan. “How can we hope to win a war when some in this country are actively working to defeat the mission?” Morgan asked.
 Cities where the caravan will make pro-troop rally stops (and where new supporters can join the caravan or just bring an American Flag for our troops) include: San Francisco, CA; Lafayette, CA; Vacaville, CA; Sacramento, CA; Stockton, CA; Fresno, CA; Bakersfield, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Palm Springs, CA; Phoenix, AZ; Tucson, AZ; El Paso, TX; Midland/Odessa, TX; Dallas, TX; Little Rock, AR; Memphis, TN; Atlanta, GA; Columbia SC; Charlotte, NC; Raleigh, NC; Richmond, VA; Washington, DC. The caravan will include spokespersons whose lives have been deeply touched by the war: Gold Star Mother Debra Argel Bastian lost her son, Derek in Operation Iraqi Freedom; Gold Star Father Joseph Williams lost his son Michael in Operation Iraqi Freedom; Marine Mom Deborah Johns, whose son, William, is currently serving his third tour of duty in Iraq; and Operation Iraqi Freedom & Operation Enduring Freedom veteran, Marine Reservist John Ubaldi. Other military families, Gold Star Families and veterans will help the caravan at rally stops along the way. A small sampling of those involved in the effort are: Gold Star Father Mark Crowley in the San Francisco Bay Area, Gold Star Father John Holley in Southern California, Gold Star Mother in Tucson, AZ, Gold Star Parents David & Deborah Tainsh in central Georgia, Gold Star Parents Joe & Jan Johnson in Northern Georgia; Gold Star Mother Merrilee Carlson of Minnesota (traveling to join the caravan); and Operation Iraqi Freedom & Operation Enduring Freedom veteran, Eric Egland in Washington, D.C.
A copy of the caravan’s route and itinerary can be found online at the Move America Forward website: http://www.MoveAmericaForward.org
NATIONAL PATRIOTIC CARAVAN COUNTERS ANTI-WAR EFFORT
COUNTERS ANTI-WAR EFFORT
A national patriotic, pro-troop caravan will cross the nation, traveling from California to Washington, D.C. to show support for U.S. troops serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The “THESE COLORS DON’T RUN” national caravan (organized and sponsored by the pro-troop non-profit group Move America Forward – www.MoveAmericaForward.org ) will depart San Francisco, California on the morning of Thursday, March 8, 2007, traversing the length of the state and then heading across the nation. The patriotic caravan will feature stops across the nation in major cities where pro-troop rallies will take place. Leading the caravan will be Blue Star Mother Deborah Johns, whose son William is serving his 3rd tour of duty in Iraq; Gold Star Mother Debra Argel Bastian whose son, Derek, died in Operation Iraqi Freedom; Gold Star Father Joseph Williams whose son, Michael, died in Operation Iraqi Freedom; and John Ubaldi – a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). At each rally, participants will bring American flags – either a homemade one they created themselves, a store-bought flag, or a flag that has a special significance, history or meaning. The flags will be collected at each stop and brought to Washington, D.C. where they will be displayed to create a giant “Flag City” on Saturday, March 17, 2007. The participants of Move America Forward’s “THESE COLORS DON’T RUN” caravan will join with several other patriotic and pro-troop organizations for a giant patriotic rally in Washington, D.C. on March 17th. Among the participating groups MAF is proud to support in this display of patriotism are: Free Republic, Gathering of Eagles, Vets for Victory, Rolling Thunder and Vets For Truth. “There’s been way too much negativity and doom-and-gloom mentality in this nation about our nation, our values and the missions our troops are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Melanie Morgan, Chairman of Move America Forward. “We’re sick and tired of the shameful subversiveness of the anti-war crowd and we decided it’s time to give Americans a chance to respond with a positive, uplifting and patriotic response,” Morgan said.
*Updates will continuously be made to the Move America Forward website: www.MoveAmericaForward.org
Iraqi Kurd PM Slams Media’s Coverage of Iraq War
NEWS RELEASE - November 5, 2006
MEDIA COVERAGE OF IRAQ WAR
 (ERBIL, IRAQ) – The Prime Minister of the Iraqi Kurdistan regional government met with the families of fallen U.S. soldiers today and he had a message for the news media: your coverage of the Iraq war is terribly biased. “CNN International and Al Jazeera are equally bad in their coverage of the situation in Iraq,” said Nerchivan Barzani, Prime Minister of Iraqi Kurdistan. “When I was in the United States recently and read the negative news in the Washington Post, New York Times and in the network TV broadcasts, I even wondered if things had gotten so bad since I had left that I shouldn’t return,” said Prime Minister Barzani. The comments came during meetings between the Prime Minister and the delegation of Gold Star Families who are on a historic trip to Iraq. These families lost a child in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and they are in Iraq now to see the progress being made that their children gave their lives for. Yesterday they joined the people in Iraq in celebrating the GUILTY verdict handed down against the murderous former dictator of Iraq, Saddam Hussein. These American families are on a 10-day journey to Iraq to see the land where their children died in the fight against terrorism. Never before has such a coordinated delegation of Gold Star Families visited Iraq, and their arrival comes amidst news reports that Saddam Hussein had a nuclear weapons program under development before Coalition Forces toppled his regime. The trip is organized by the nation’s largest grass-roots pro-troop organization, Move America Forward which was founded in 2004. COMPLETE DETAILS – INCLUDING PHOTOGRAPHS & AUDIO FILES ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE: www.MoveAmericaForward.org Sunday, November 5th, 2006Families of Fallen Soldiers Celebrate Saddam Verdict With Iraqi People!
NEWS RELEASE - November 5, 2006
NOW IN IRAQ CELEBRATE SADDAM VERDICT!
with the people of Iraq.” (IRAQ) – A historic delegation of Gold Star Families in Iraq (families who lost a child in the war on terrorism) reacted today with jubilation at the GUILTY verdict handed down against the murderous former dictator of Iraq, Saddam Hussein. These American families are on a 10-day journey to Iraq to see the land where their children died in the fight against terrorism. Never before has such a coordinated delegation of Gold Star Families visited Iraq, and their arrival comes amidst news reports that Saddam Hussein had a nuclear weapons program under development before Coalition Forces toppled his regime. The trip is organized by the nation’s largest grass-roots pro-troop organization, Move America Forward which was founded in 2004. COMPLETE DETAILS – INCLUDING PHOTOGRAPHS & AUDIO FILES ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE: www.MoveAmericaForward.org The families explained that news of the verdict was especially heartening since their children gave their lives to free the people of Iraq and bring an end to Iraq’s dubious role as a state sponsor of terrorism under Hussein’s brutal rule. “Justice has been served and we are now celebrating together with the people of Iraq,” said Gold Star Father, Joseph Williams. Williams is a resident of Vacaville, California and his son Michael died near Nasiriyah, Iraq. Mike Anderson’s son died in the Anbar province of Iraq. He reacted to the news of the Saddam verdict by noting that it provided additional justification for the war on terrorism. “We are doing the right thing in Iraq, and many of the people in Iraq are trying to do the right thing in building a future free of violence and terrorism,” Anderson said. Debra Argel Bastian of Lompoc, California agreed. “I am so happy to see that justice has prevailed over terrorism and bloodshed. Saddam Hussein killed millions of people, he sponsored terrorism and he sought to spread his tyrannical rule throughout the Middle East. Now he is being held accountable for his actions.
“I am so proud of the men and women of the United States military who have made this moment possible. And I honor the sacrifice my son gave to serve his country in the war against terrorism,” Argel concluded.
Historic Trip to Iraq - NEWS RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE - November 4, 2006
* Group to Highlight News of Saddam’s Nuclear Weapons Program * Rebut Senator John Kerry * Report on the Successes of U.S. Troops in Iraq (IRAQ) – Under the cover of utmost secrecy, the parents of U.S. troops who died in Iraq have made a surprising and historic visit to Iraq. No other such coordinated trip to Iraq by families of fallen troops has ever taken place. The trip comes amid new reports from The New York Times that Saddam Hussein had a nuclear weapons program under development. Some have suggested that Hussein could have been 1-2 years away from developing a usable nuclear weapon.
“The American people are shown a skewed picture of the situation in Iraq day after day by the international news media. We felt it was time to allow the families of U.S. troops who died in Iraq to come see the progress being made in Iraq and report it back to the American people,” said Melanie Morgan, Chairman of Move America Forward.
The trip also occurs following statements by Senator John Kerry, who suggested U.S. Troops serving in Iraq lack intelligence and are “stuck” there because of their limited abilities. “I am spitting mad at John Kerry for insulting our troops. Duck and run was his specialty in Viet Nam,” said Gold Star Mother Debra Argel. Joe & Jan Johnson, whose son Justin died in Sadr City, expressed their anger with Kerry: “These were grown adults we are talking about, not kids who didn’t know what they were doing. Contrary to Kerry’s belief, they made an “educated” decision to join the military, most of them after 9/11, so they knew the possibilities of going to war were pretty good and they chose to serve anyway.” The trip will allow these parents to see the newly liberated Iraq that their children gave their lives for. A new Iraq is rising up from the ashes of what was once a state-sponsor of terrorism under dictator Saddam Hussein. Most provinces in Iraq are without the violence that is shown each day by international media outlets, but for some reason only the most negative developments from Iraq are regularly reported. These family members will meet with U.S. Troops currently stationed in Iraq, and will offer their support. They hope to meet with both the Iraqi people as well as government leaders. The “Gold Star Families to Iraq” trip is being organized by the nation’s largest grassroots pro-troop organization, Move America Forward (website: www.MoveAmericaForward.org ). Updated trip accounts, photographs, audio/video files will be continuously uploaded to the Move America Forward website. This trip to Iraq has been in the planning stages for more than one year. It is being paid for by the contributions from thousands of Americans who gave money to Move America Forward to pay for this trip to take place. No government money has been used to finance this trip. These family members have issued the following statements to explain in their own words why it is that they have made this unprecedented trip to Iraq: JOHN HOLLEY: “I want to see for myself what America has been able to accomplish to help the Iraqis help themselves. I will be asking the Iraqis what message do they want me to give for them to the people back in America. Finally, I came because I wanted to experience the same feelings that my son experienced when he was preparing to go to Iraq, sort of like walking in his shoes.” DEBRA ARGEL: “I want to carry a message of love, support and hope to our troops. I want them to know that despite the negative media and despite our loss, we are there for them with all of our hearts. I hope to take some pictures with some of the troops and send pictures and cards to their families when I get home. These cards will help their families know that someone cared to spend a little time with their soldier.” MIKE ANDERSON: “This trip is something that I will gain additional closure from. Losing my only son, namesake, and first born, has been the toughest thing in my entire life. I continue to gain strength from Mike Jr. When they say Marines are a different breed, they are right - this kid was as tough as nails, and a force to be reckoned with.
I want tell anybody that will listen, the good that we have done, and are currently doing. We cannot find security by turning a blind eye, or thinking that “if we leave them alone, they’ll leave us alone”. That’s utterly ridiculous.”
“I am proud of my son and his service to this nation. He made the ultimate sacrifice so that each of us may live in peace, blessed with freedom. America has carried the torch for freedom, fighting for individual liberties against Communism, Fascism, Totalitarianism and now once more against Terrorism. If we cut and run from Iraq, that will deal a devastating blow in the war against terrorism. Will any terrorist group ever fear us again, or will they know that they need only outlast us. We must stand by our heroic military men and women in Iraq and the mission they are serving there.” JAN JOHNSON: “I’m anxious but excited...after all, it is still a war zone over there. I want to go see for myself what is going on over there. I have heard from a lot of people, both ways, and I want to be able to say I personally have been there and saw it first hand.” JOE JOHNSON: “I want to be able to tell the troops that there are Americans who still believe we are doing the right thing by being here. We want them to know that there are people back here who are supporting and praying for them daily.”
NOTE: The following are short biographies on each of the individuals traveling in the “Gold Star Families to Iraq” delegation.
IN IRAQ INCLUDES:
GOLD STAR DAD JOSEPH WILLIAMS
Michael was 31 years old and fromYuma, Arizona; assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C. He was killed in action near Nasiriyah, Iraq. Lcpl Williams was older then most of his fellow Marines, and took an active part in taking care of them and guiding them while in combat duty in Iraq, even sacrificing his life protecting his fellow Marines. Joseph Williams currently is active in letting the American public know how important it is to support the effort of the nation in supporting the War on terror and the American Armed Forces.
GOLD STAR DAD JOHN HOLLEY
Matthew was 21 years old and from San Diego, California; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky. He died of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near his Humvee during combat operations in Taji, Iraq. John Holley was instrumental in having a provision added into the 2007 Defense authorization bill that states that all fallen military personnel who perish in the line of duty, be flown on military aircraft to their final resting place, unless designated otherwise by next of kin.
GOLD STAR DAD MIKE ANDERSON
Michael was 21years old and from Modesto, California; assigned to 3rd battalion 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California. He died of injuries from small arms fire while protecting his fellow Marines from enemy action in the Anbar Province of Iraq. Mike Anderson has been very active in his son’s unit upon their recent deployment to Iraq, and has been adopted into his son’s unit. For Veterans Day 2006, Mike Anderson has been invited to Quantico, Virginia to be part of the new Marine Corps Museum dedication.
Currently he is active letting the American public know how important it is to support the effort of the nation in supporting the War on terror and the American Armed Forces.
Derek was 28 years old and was from Lompoc, California; assigned to the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla.; He died in the crash of an Iraqi air force aircraft during a training mission in eastern Diyala province, Iraq. Currently Debra Bastian is the Military Outreach Coordinator for Move America Forward, and she speaks throughout the country in support of the War on Terror and especially in support of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.
GOLD STAR PARENTS JANET & JOSEPH JOHNSON
Justin was 22 years old and was from Rome, Georgia.; assigned to 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. He was killed when his patrol vehicle hit an improvised explosive device (IED) in Baghdad. Upon the death of his son, Joseph Johnson decide to enlist in the in the Georgia National Guard which he was assigned to the 48th Infantry Brigade, then deployed to Iraq and served in and around the Baghdad area. His story has been detailed in the new book, “American Mourning” written by Move America Forward Chairman, Melanie Morgan, and Vacaville Reporter columnist, Catherine Moy. Justin Johnson was very close friends with Casey Sheehan, son of the well-known anti-war activist, Cindy Sheehan. Wednesday, November 1st, 2006Kerry’s Non-Apology Not Accepted
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 1, 2006
Accuses Americans of Being Too Stupid to Understand Him (SAN FRANCISCO) – The chairman of the nation’s largest pro-troop organization, Move America Forward (website: www.MoveAmericaForward.org ) has issued the following statement rejecting the non-apology by Senator John Kerry for his comments belittling the intelligence of U.S. Troops in Iraq.
“Your non-apology is not accepted, Senator Kerry. “John Kerry has done it again! He has sunk to a new low by managing to insult the American people and members of the United States military in his issuance of a non-apology. Rather then apologizing for the hurtful words he used, he instead says he regrets that his words were misinterpreted? [Source: Kerry statement, “I sincerely regret that my words were misinterpreted…” ] “So apparently it is the fault of the American public, news media and the men and women of the United States Military for not being smart enough to understand what Senator Kerry meant to say? “The American public understands what he really said. There is no mistaking his contempt for our troops. He has a long history of name-calling, and now he refuses to apologize for his conduct. Instead he says it’s all our fault. “Shame on you, Senator Kerry.”
Wednesday, June 21st, 2006 National TV/Radio Campaign: America Says Thank You
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 21, 2006
“America Says Thank You”
for Service & Sacrifice in Iraq & Afghanistan (SAN FRANCISCO) – A major multi-media advertising blitz thanking American troops for a “job well done” in the war against terrorism will begin on Thursday, June 22, 2006. The “America Says Thank You” ad campaign is a project of the pro-troop organization, Move America Forward (website: www.MoveAmericaForward.org). The first television ads will air on the Fox News Channel television network. The debut 60-second TV spot features a listing of major terrorist figures killed, captured or arrested as a result of the U.S.-led war against terrorism. The ad campaign will then expand to CNN/Headline News and then on to local affiliates of the major television networks (NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox, WB, UPN). Total expenditures for the ad campaign are expected to run well into six figures, and this funding is being provided by individuals, organizations and institutions who wish to see more balanced and positive media coverage on the war against terrorism. To date more than 1,000 individuals have contributed to this specific advertising effort. Pro-Troop Message Must Be Purchased – Media Bias Alleged “We’re broadcasting these ads because somebody has to tell the other side of the story that’s not being reported by the news media. Our troops are making great progress in the war on terrorism, and there is a steady stream of positive developments taking place in Iraq,” said Melanie Morgan, Chairman of Move America Forward. “Many journalists have gotten so bad in obsessing on any and all negative developments in Iraq – at the exclusion of coverage of any positive accomplishments being made – that supporters of U.S. troops are forced to buy the airtime to tell the public about the progress being made by our troops. “We understand the mission in Iraq is a challenging one and we recognize that there are obstacles that must be overcome. However, can’t the news media tell the American people about all the good things being done there in addition to the bad stories? The good news coming out of Iraq is almost never reported,” said Melanie Morgan. “So, until it does, Move America Forward will rally the American public to stand together and get that message out. We owe it to our troops and the military families to make sure that the efforts being made by the men and women of the United States military receive fair and proper coverage,” Morgan concluded. The first television and radio advertisements can be seen online at Move America Forward’s website: www.MoveAmericaForward.org. The following is a description of the above-mentioned commercial advertisements.
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View it Here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvfRCwk8edg
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Listen to it Here: http://websrvr80il.audiovideoweb.com/il80web20028/MAF-7452_REV.mp3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Radio Ad 2: “America Thanks You” Description: Similar audio track to “America Says Thank You” television ad. 60-second radio advertisement.
Listen to it Here: http://websrvr80il.audiovideoweb.com/il80web20028/MAF-7456_Mix.mp3
BLOGSHOCKER: Daily Kos Embraces “Move America Forward”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 19, 2006
Pro-Troop “Move America Forward” (SAN FRANCISCO) – Liberal blogger Markos Moulitsas Zuniga, founder of the popular left-of-center blog, DailyKos.com, has just returned from his first annual “YearlyKos” convention by embracing a surprising mantra: that of the nation’s largest grassroots pro-troop organization, Move America Forward (website: www.MoveAmericaForward.org). In a posting headlined “Move America Forward” the blogger “Kos” denounced the former Dean campaign’s slogan of “Take America Back” as being “regressive.” “…let’s remind people that we are focused on the future. And that’s where we want to take our country.” So Kos’s solution? He wants to embrace the slogan “Move America Forward.” [See: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/6/19/133628/972 ] In response to his online proposal, Move America Forward’s Executive Director, Robert Dixon, said he welcomed Markos Zuniga to the pro-troop family. “For the past couple years, DailyKos.com has served as home of some of the most irresponsible anti-military and ‘Blame America First’ propaganda. I don’t think many of the contributors to that blog understand that America has been attacked and our nations is now at war, because in many of their posts it seems as if they are rooting for the United States and our Coalition Partners to lose the war,” said Dixon. “Giv |
