Kick-off Event for "Campaign 99"
MCLEAN, Va., Sept. 6, 2011 — The Code of Support Foundation kicks off its "Campaign 99" on Saturday, September 3rd with a nine-day cross-country motorcycle relay, the "Patriots & Heroes Pacific-to-Potomac Relay," accumulating pledges from thousands of Americans who want to put meaning into the phrase, "Support Our Troops."
The relay by the national Patriot Guard Riders organization rolls from Oceanside, Calif., near Camp Pendleton, to the Pentagon where signed pledges for the Code of Support will be delivered personally to Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on Sunday, Sept. 11, the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States.
"Campaign 99" is intended to reach the 99% of Americans who benefit from the service and sacrifice of the 1% who serve in uniform," said Major General Alan Salisbury, USA (Ret), founder and CEO of the Code of Support Foundation. "Our troops in uniform follow the military's 'Code of Conduct' in which they pledge they are prepared to give their lives in our defense. We created the 'Code of Support' for the other 99% of us to follow in appreciation for their selfless service. It's a simple set of promises that we can make to them in return for their profound commitment to the nation."
The relay will run through California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia, stopping for over twenty pledge events in civilian communities and near military installations along the way. These events are intended to provide an opportunity for Americans to sign their commitment to support our troops. Pledge signing may also be done online at http://www.codeofsupport.org.
On the West Coast, the event will start with a skydiving demonstration team from the United States Parachute Association (USPA) dropping in to the beaches of Oceanside and handing off a special scroll to the motorcyclists. A highlight on the East Coast will be a special presentation of the Code at the Sprint Cup NASCAR race on the evening of Sept. 10 at the Richmond International Raceway before an expected crowd of 100,000.
"Americans want to help," said Kristina Kaufmann, the foundation's Executive Director, "but they often don't know how. We're making it easier for the public to get involved. Those who want to help can go to our website to find quality organizations, both big and small, to either contribute to or volunteer their time and talent." This is a primary goal of First Lady Michelle Obama's and Doctor Jill Biden's "Joining Forces" initiative.
Principal partners in the campaign include the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Red Cross and the USO, as well as the American Legion and The Mission Continues. Charter sponsors include NASCAR, the Richmond International Speedway, Noblis, Inc., Pragmatics, Inc., and By Light Professional IT Services.
For more information, go to http://www.codeofsupport.org or connect on Facebook or Twitter.
MEDIA CONTACT: John Grady
Email
703-250-4869
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