FCW Insider: Event worth attending: Helping soldiers rebuild their lives

I mentioned this late last year, but if you haven't attended or contributed to Operation Jump Start before, it is a real opportunity to help soldiers as they come home to 'jump start' their civilian lives.

This is the fourth year of Operation Jump Start. The event is sponsored by the CIO Council, the Information Technology Association of America, by FCW's parent company, the 1105 Government Information Group.

The event will be held Thursday, January 31, 5:30 - 8:30PM at the Army Navy Club in Arlington, Va. You have to register by Jan. 21 by going to http://events.fcw.com/EventRegistration.aspx?Event=OJS08.

Here are details:

Also, come learn about how you can hire these brave young men and women and establish themselves in alternative careers.   

Please join us for hors d'oeuvres.  There will also be a cash bar.  We will have special VIP visitors and anticipate a full house, so  registration is required Registrations will be accepted through January 21st. 

What has made this event so successful in the past is that everyone is there to give back to the soldiers for giving so much for us.  Although the event is sponsored by several organizations and companies for monetary and organizational support, all are doing this for one purpose - the soldiers.

Donations
The price of admission is a donation to support the soldiers as they "jump start" their new career.  Suggested and valued donations are as follows:

All PHASES:  Cash donations

Cash donations are always appreciated and will go into a special, non-profit, tax-exempt fund established for the soldiers and their families.  Make checks payable to the 501(c)3 organization LVAAA SMS, tax id #52-1843131.

This fund is used 100% to support special needs for the recovering soldiers and their families as they work to build new lives, whether it is a "first month/last month" deposit, bills forgotten while recovering or to meet other educational/emotional needs.  

PHASE 1:  Still in the Hospital, Keeping in Touch, Building up Strength 

Gift Cards:
       1.  In $5 increments from Subway*, Dunkin Donuts* or Burger King (all at the hospital). 
           *Soldier favorites.

       2.  In increments no larger than $25 please.  For a nice meal out with the family.
            Macaroni Grill is close to Walter Reed (Takoma Park/Silver Spring metro).  

 
PHASE 2:  Transitioning to the Work Force, Moving Up and Out

  1.  Dry-cleaned mens and ladies suits, coats, ties, etc. for office wear.  This is not a
       clothing drive; emphasis is on mint quality, not quantity.  Donate only what you would be
       proud to see our soldiers wearing as they dress for success on the way to a new
       career.  PLEASE MARK CLOTHES with a TAG indicating the SIZE of the item
       (makes disbursement easier).

  2.  Gift Certificates to the following stores (in increments of $20-25 denominations - makes
       disbursement easier).  All are within easy access of Walter Reed/Navy Bethesda:  Target,   
       Macy's or Safeway.

  3.  New Laptops