“Deserving Soldiers” Holiday Appeal Exceeds $110,000.00 for 2005

JINSA
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March 17, 2006

"Deserving Soldiers" Holiday Appeal Exceeds $110,000.00 for 2005

Funds Distributed to More Than 1,000 Military Families, Recovering
Service Personnel

For the third year in a row, members and non-members alike supported
American troops through JINSA's Holiday Appeal on behalf of "Deserving
Soldiers" and their families - an increase of more than $50,000 from
2004. Since the effort was established, more than $215,000 has been
distributed.

The 2005 effort was co-chaired by David Steinmann, chairman of JINSA's
Board of Advisors, and David Justman, JINSA vice president. Major
General Sidney Shachnow, USA (ret.), JINSA Board of Advisors, served as
advisor and coordinator for this effort.

The $110,000 was raised through an appeal generated by the co-chairmen
and other JINSA volunteers over a three-week period. The majority of the
funds were distributed to more than 1,000 families within the U.S.
Special Operations Command (Army, Air Force, Navy) who were identified
as deserving of financial assistance. Most of the families had a
breadwinner serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries where
American troops are deployed or that had a family member killed in action.

Through Service Foundations, contributions were forwarded to military
units and bases around the country to include Ft. Bragg, the 82nd
Airborne Division and the Naval Special Warfare Command in Coronado, Calif.

While the primary use of the money was to help ensure these families
would be able to participate fully in the holiday season, some of the
money was allocated to servicemen/women who have suffered grievous
injuries fighting in the War on Terrorism to include sponsoring three
activities run by the Quantico Injured Military Sportsman Association, a
non-profit organization established at the United States Marine Corps
Base Quantico to help wounded and recovering servicemen and their family
members.

In commenting on the need for the appeal and JINSA's response, General
Shachnow said, "we frequently witness sad events, express our sympathy
and wish there were some small way in which one could lighten the burden
and sorrow. Well this past holiday season a number of JINSA members and
supporters took that extra step. It is difficult to describe the
difference this has made. The men and women that they helped were truly
down on their luck and for them life will never be the same. It has been
said that freedom is not free and every generation is called upon to pay
a price. There is one common denominator; those who have paid the price
are all young. For those who have been injured, often as amputees, any
financial assistance for these recovering warriors, not only helps them
as they are facing a challenging future, but makes them feel good to
know that they are appreciated."

In response to the appeal, Mr. Steinmann, Mr. Justman and the JINSA
office heard from commanders on behalf of the troops that benefited from
the appeal.

Brigadier General John Mulholland, USA, Commanding Officer, U.S. Army
Special Forces, wrote, "...the life of a soldier and a soldier's family
is almost always difficult, sometimes lonely and frequently thankless. I
want you to know you have touched the hearts of these great Americans.
They have selflessly served their country and paid a heavy price to
protect our freedom. Your efforts to ease their pain, relieve their
financial burdens and provide for a wonderful holiday meal all serve to
show that they are not forgotten; that their sacrifices are appreciated
beyond words..."

Rear Admiral Joseph Maguire, USN, Commander, Naval Special Warfare
Command, and Mr. Robert Rieve, Naval Special Warfare Foundation
expressed similar sentiments. Mr. Rieve noted that, "...Thanks to the
Deserving Soldiers Fund there are over 150 Naval Special Warfare
warriors and their families that are having a more joyous holiday.
Receiving an unexpected check to help them through the holiday season
drew a multitude of smiles and sighs of joy. Please allow me to relay a
huge ‘Thank You' from me for all the warriors and their families."

Admiral Maguire wrote, "...I cannot express well enough how much it
means to all of us to know we have such wonderful support from you and
your organization. Just as well, it sends a message throughout ALL our
community, here and abroad, SEALS and SWCCs, military and civilian, how
much their sacrifices are appreciated..."

Sergeant Major Jeffrey A. Morin, USMC, Marine Forces Command, said,
"Thank you and the members of JINSA for supporting our wounded heroes
and their families. The Quantico Injured Military Sportsman Association
(QIMSA) trustees promise to put good use to your generous donation ...
The level of our success by the size of the smile each participant
displays. Thus far, I would say, we have been very successful and with
your assistance, I'm positive that trend will continue."

JINSA CONTINUES TO ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO SUPPORT THE U.S. MILITARY IN
THIS TIME OF GREAT DEMANDS AND GREAT STRESSES. For further information
about the Holiday Appeal, please contact the appeal co-chairmen or
Marsha Halteman at the JINSA office or send an email to info@jinsa.org

To view this online click on the link below.
http://www.jinsa.org/JINSAReports/3355

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