The Mission Always Comes First!

This is my first attempt at the art of writing and I would be a fool if I did not take this golden opportunity to introduce to you, OPERATION: ENDURING GRATITUDE.  I have to mention that is indeed a relief to have finally figured out what I am going to be when I grow up!  Now all that’s left is to figure out how to do this…I realize I can’t do this by myself.  What follows will be earnest and my best effort to explain the Who, What, When, Where and Why of OP-EG.  It seems logical and sensible to present OP-EG’s missions to U.S. Military Veterans and welcome any feedback you may have.  After all, we are one of America’s Greatest Resources.

WHO – OP-EG, is a non-profit Veteran Service Organization registered in the State of Florida, Federal Tax ID 26-4335930.  Technically OP-EG is the largest VSO in the United States…it is just that too few are aware of our existence.  If you posses a DD-214 with an honorable discharge you have paid the lifetime membership dues and are a member.  It is OP-EG’s wish that you take full advantage of what we will accomplish.  27 million living American Veterans represent a significant amount of purchasing power.

WHAT – OPERATION: ENDURING GRATITUDE was created to develop innovative ways to recognize and thank ALL U.S. Military Veterans on a daily basis before they perish.  Awareness is the key and vital to accomplish a variety of missions that we have identified as beneficial to ALL U.S Military Veterans Nationwide.  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 three missions first.

• “OPERATION: 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.  This is an excellent opportunity for any merchant in the United States to find their own creative way to show their daily appreciation of your Service To Country.  Legally identifying our VETS is paramount to the success of VETNET.
• “OPRERATION: 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. We have contacted and lobbied all fifty States for the legislation to vote and pass OPERATION V.I.P. into State law.  Ohio’s Governor, Ted Strickland is this first governor to sign this into state law. http://www.op-eg.org/news1.htm .
• “The R.A.V.E. (Recognizing America’s Veterans Everywhere) Motorcycle Series“. – OP-EG believes that we should EARN OUR WAY and has presented and proposed the following for programming at AETN, The History Channel and The Discovery Channel.  Both Networks responded positively and the following is part of the initial contact to The Discovery Channel…

The reasons I am approaching the Discovery Channel are numerous.  To begin with, the program concept proposal is one that would address the history of the motorcycle’s role in the Military starting with WWI. While the motorcycle’s story is being told, custom motorcycles are being manufactured by Master Builders representing each Branch of Service (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard) as well as one concept motorcycle for the Enduring Gratitude mission that depicts all the conflicts the U.S. Military has participated in.  The building of the six motorcycles would be documented by the Discovery Channel.  After the motorcycle are finished, they would tour major motorcycle rallies and large scale events throughout the United States for one year with recognition going to the Discovery Channel as well as major sponsors covering the cost of the construction of the bikes.  At the end of that year, the motorcycles will be either auctioned or raffled off with the exception of the Gratitude motorcycle which would be used as a marketing tool to tour the country to help raise further funds and awareness needed for the success OPERATION: ENDURING GRATITUDE.  This an opportunity for the Discovery or Military Channel to greatly benefit from the noble effort to recognize one of the country’s greatest resources.  The R.A.V.E. Motorcycle Series is a fresh and original concept that that will resonate with viewers.

The six bikes would tour and be marketed as the R.A.V.E. (Recognizing America’s Veterans Everywhere) Motorcycle Series.

• I am confident that OP:EG can raise the funds to manufacture a unique set of motorcycles from government and defense contractors.
• These six motorcycles will be unique in all aspects i.e.…sidecar, fuel tanks, forks, seats, carburetors, rims and such.
• The vehicle and trailer that transports The R.A.V.E. Motorcycle Series throughout the United States will display the Network’s and Sponsor’s logos prominently.
• Sponsors and Advertisers will NOT be a problem for R.A.V.E.
• We most certainly can defray costs with donations i.e. the engines and man hours.

WHEN – All Day – Everyday, 24/7, 365.  We have dedicated the rest of our lives to accomplish our objectives.

WHERE – The Good Ol’ U.S.A.

WHY – Well let us start by addressing the fact that you earned and deserve this!  As U.S. Military Veterans we are very humble and do not ask for much.  A recent serious accident, which I have turned into a positive experience has only increased my passion for OP-EG’s missions.  The month I spent in two different VA hospitals exposed me to very sad situations that once again American Patriots died…nursing staff in tears because they feel they failed some of us…they don’t go to our funerals because it is too hard on them…a wife calling me after I was discharged that her husband and my new friend had died because we were not able to find an organ he required to continue living.  I would like to point out some very simple facts, we do not receive the folded triangular U.S. Flag nor do we hear TAPS or the 21 Gun Salute. It is my humble opinion that a high percentage of Americans know a Veteran whether friend or relative.  While there are numerous and wonderful programs that address very important issues such as the wounded and homeless, there is nothing that exists for ALL those who served proudly in support of combat oriented positions throughout the Armed Services.  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. OPERATION: ENDURING GRATITUDE must find avenues to raise awareness levels in order to succeed.

I would like to conclude with a few thoughts for your consideration.  First, I really feel uncomfortable asking for your help…you have already set the most incredible example of unselfishness by serving the United States of America.  I don’t know about you, but when I raised my right hand and heard “repeat after me…I, state your name”  the thought did come to mind during the ceremony, “am I going to die for doing this”.  I cannot imagine what it must have been like to have been drafted!  No wonder there are some Veterans that are homeless and angry…they do not want to be found!  I speak for the staff at OP-EG when I say “we are not done serving yet”.  It is our turn to serve you!  This Country has some healing to do…we hope that we can once again show cohesiveness and uniity setting an example for others to follow.  Maybe even become the UNITED STATES ONCE AGAIN!