Less Than Two Weeks Away...
Operation Jump Start VI
Tuesday, February 2, 5:30 - 8:30PM
The Army Navy Club in Arlington, VA

Don't miss your chance to join the organizing sponsors, Federal CIO Council, 1105 Government Information Group and TechAmerica on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, from 5:30 - 8:30PM at the Army-Navy Club in Arlington, Virginia, as we hold our sixth annual "Operation Jump Start VI" event to help the soldiers of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom transition to civilian careers. The event is also supported by AFCEA-Bethesda, AFFIRM and ACT-IAC and open to all who want to give.

We are pleased to announce this year's Honorary Chair from our community - the Honorable Roger Baker, CIO, Department of Veterans Affairs.

Also, come learn about the volunteer internship program that is underway to assist these brave young men and women establish themselves in alternative careers and discuss how you and your organizations might participate. The price of admission is a donation to support the soldiers as they "jump start" their new career. Other suggested and valued donations are as follows:

Donations
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 The Aleethia Foundation, Tax id #51-0529300. 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.

Online donations are now being accepted. Please visit http://www.techamerica.org/donate/operation-jump-start.cfm?&nossl=1 to donate if you can't make it or in advance.

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

1.     Gift cards in $5 increments from Dunkin Donuts or Burger King (all at the hospital).

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

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

3.     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.

4.     Gift Certificates to Target (daily shuttle), Macy's, and Safeway (in increments of $20-25 denominations makes disbursement easier). All are within easy access of Walter Reed/Navy Bethesda.

PLEASE MARK CLOTHES with a TAG indicating the SIZE of the item (makes disbursement easier).
SPECIAL NEED FOR LARGER SIZES 44 -48+!! ALSO, formal wear for both men and women appreciated, as many of these soldiers and their spouses are invited to attend formal functions around town.

5.     Thumb drives

6.     New Laptops

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

7.     Gift cards in $5 increments from Dunkin Donuts or Burger King (all at the hospital).

8.     Gift cards for a nice meal out with the family – Macaroni Grill is close to Walter Reed (Takoma Park/Silver Spring metro) – in increments no larger than $25 please.

NOTES on Gift cards: Starbucks is not so popular primarily because they aren't around the hospital. Visa cash cards are hard for them to use as many places won't accept them!!! So... while the generosity is much appreciated, those cash cards seem to be difficult to use unless they go to a bank.

Event Details
Please join us for hors d'oeuvres and the music of the Bank Street Band. There will also be a cash bar. We will also have special VIP visitors from Walter Reed Medical Center and anticipate a full house, so registration is required!

Registrations will be accepted through January 30th.