The Code of Support Foundation launched it’s first campaign on September 3, 2011. “Campaign 99” focuses on asking Americans (the 99%!) to sign their pledge to follow the “Code of Support” for our troops (the 1%!), and to become involved by donating to or volunteering for one of many recommended organizations supporting our troops and their families . This is truly a multi-organization umbrella campaign that will ultimately be of enormous benefit to our troops and their families by helping those who help them! The vision for this campaign is that a million signatures on the Code of Support will send a powerful message to the troops that America stands solidly behind them!
The campaign and the COSF web site focus on three immediate objectives:
1) Creating an increased awareness among Americans of the sacrifices made by our troops and their families, and the continuing need for meaningful support;
2) Moving Americans from “caring” to “commitment” through signing their
pledge to support our troops and follow the Code of Support; and,
3) Encouraging and facilitating real involvement of Americans by identifying and vetting quality organizations that provide direct support in categories such as Supporting the Troops, Supporting Military Families, Supporting Wounded Warriors, and Supporting Veterans, and asking Americans to donate to them or pledge to serve as volunteers (through our partnership with Operation Honor Cards) to help them. The foundation and its sponsors will match individual donations to these organizations up to $25 each!
Another important objective of the campaign is to help bridge what many perceive as a growing gap or disconnect between our troops and the American public whom they defend.
The campaign kicked off with an exciting high-profile “Patriots & Heroes Pacific-to-Potomac Relay” which carried a special scroll containing the Code of Support from the west coast, along a route passing near many major military installations through 11 states, culminating in the delivery of the Code with thousands of pledge signatures to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington DC. This was the first of many events and activities that will continue over the next year.
A second campaign event, a multi-faceted “Student Media Design Contest” aimed primarily at younger Americans, with cash prizes to be awarded for the best video, best photo story, best essay, and best poster design, launched on February 4, 2012. The first contest in the series is now accepting entries in the Poster Design category, following the theme of “Service, Sacrifice and Support.” Full information on the contest can be found on the contest page.
Throughout the campaign, a special emphasis will be placed on supporting military families, to include jobs for returning veterans. When asked what their needs are, deployed service members frequently respond with, “Just help me take care of my family.” For the returning veteran re-entering the civilian community, a secure job is the first requirement in providing for his or her family.
Another critical need area that the campaign will highlight is mental health, treating the invisible wounds of war. These wounds affect not only our serving troops, but also their family members and veterans who are no longer on active duty.
Campaign 99 is aligned with and has the full support of the White House “Joining Forces” initiative.