April 21, 2003

An Open Letter About Operation Uplink…

I want to share with you some very exciting news about Operation Uplink. We are beginning to ship cards again, and fulfilling all the reasonable requests. Moreover, we ask your help in creating new polices that could make the program more effective. This is especially crucial given the current War and the increased demand which that has created. I also want to share some other information on the program.

BACKGROUND - With the War, Operation Uplink has received unprecedented support, and unprecedented demand. The VFW shipped over 1,100,000 telephone cards - in less than 120 days. That is more than 64,000 a week - well over $2,500,000 worth of telephone time - and more than the total number of cards provided over the last six years.

Operation Uplink had always been funded by donations - a condition the VFW established when the program was launched. In keeping with the donors' faith in the project, 95% of the funds are going into the production of cards. There is only one full-time employee. There were times in the last few weeks that the effort was penniless. In spite of the support of the NFL and Wal-Mart, the demand for cards was too great. That is why we declared a short moratorium.

Many new visitors to the program arrived without a solid understanding of the struggle needed to create and maintain this platform. As the VFW launched MAP, many new Chairmen looked to Operation Uplink as a way to facilitate unit adoption. That added to the strain. Some made requests that were simply impossible to meet. For example, one individual tried to order 15,000 cards at one time. Requests for 500 - 1,000 - 2,000 - even 5,000 cards were common. A recent VFW Magazine article added to the strain - leaving some readers with the impression that generous corporate funding had alleviated the need for additional contributions.

From a personal standpoint, we began to be concerned that we could run the risk of violating the tenet which created the program… that the money would be used for cards - and the money would be used wisely. If we somehow broke the chain of trust, it would severely harm the effort. As the effort moves from an experiment to a real ambassador of the VFW, building a better understanding of the program is critical. We believe this discussion is an important step in that process.

CORPORATE GIFTS - This effort has given the VFW unprecedented recognition. One source in the Pentagon called it, "today's' War Bond," a way for the average citizen to show their support for our troops - just like the War Bonds of WWII. Consequently, SBC and Wal-Mart have decided to renew their support. Moreover, public support is growing at the same time.

A "NEW IDEA" - The National Headquarters receives hundreds of thank you notes each week because of Operation Uplink. We have attached samples of these. You can see what a difference this effort is making. We will begin shipping a new version of the reply card in the next few weeks that will ask the service person if they would like to hear from their hometown. If they so indicate, we will begin sending these replies to the Departments or the local Posts. A copy of this concept is attached.

NEW CARD POLICY - In an effort to remedy some of the problems we recently experienced, we talked with many VFW Departments and Auxiliaries, Operation Uplink supporters and the military. With their comments, we have begun to draft a policy that we hope will help everyone reach a common understanding and expectations for the program. Here is a simple outline of the initial process:

ü We are asking each Department to approve member and public requests from their state or region. Note: As the policy firms-up, we will also ask the Departments to coordinate some distribution requested by the Military.

ü The Department Headquarters - or the Operation Uplink Chairman, at the election of the Department - can make approvals.

ü Orders should be requested by completing the order form and returning it to Headquarters via fax, email, or mail. A blank form is attached.

ü Requests may be modified to conform to project needs and the card supply. Please request only one card per person.

ü Special requests will be handled on an individual basis - depending on availability of cards, time and need.

ü Orders to be approved will be faxed on Friday to the Departments - or their designate. If not approved by noon the following Monday, orders will be shipped.

ü We are working with the Navy and the Air Force to refer group requests to them.

ü We are asking Army and Marine Corp Units that request more than ten cards to do so in writing.

ü We are no longer issuing cards for the MAP Adopt-a-Units.

Key to developing this policy is the input of everyone that cares about Operation Uplink. Therefore, we will solicit your opinions along the way.

WAREHOUSE - The VFW Foundation has received millions dollars in merchandise. Some has been injected into MAP and other programs. Countless pallets have been shipped to military bases all over the world. These books, toys, and novelty items are now available to you for the next 30 days. After that period, we will lose access to the free warehouse space. If you are interested in this merchandise, the minimum shipment is usually one pallet. Remember it is all free, including shipping!

ADJUTANT'S NOTE - As the May General Orders go to press the warehouse is empty. John Dillman has indicated more material may be available in the future.

If you have any questions about Operation Uplink email Joanne Dickerson at jdickerson@vfw.org or call 816-968-1102.

Please email John Dillman at jdillman@vfw.org or call 816-968-2726 for any questions about the Warehouse.