NATIONAL FUND FOR CHILDREN OF FALLEN SOLDIERS ANNOUNCED

NATIONAL FUND FOR CHILDREN OF FALLEN SOLDIERS ANNOUNCED Organizers formally announced today the creation of the first national fund that will provide financial assistance for the future needs of the children of American military personnel who were killed in the war on terrorism. The creation of the Armed Forces Children's Education Fund (AFCEF), was mentioned during a press conference held recently in Washington, DC, to kick off National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM), which runs the entire month of May. Representative Duncan Hunter, R-CA, who is the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, hosted the event. Hunter also sponsored the bill in 1999 for National Military Appreciation Month. "This is a very noble cause and we must do what we can to help these children" said Congressman Hunter. Hunter was joined by Congressman Ike Skelton, D-Mo, who agreed that the fund was something that would be of great benefit. "We must continually express our appreciation to our service men and women even when they are not on the front page," he added. "The Armed Forces Children's Education Fund is a non-profit corporation, that was established to provide financial support for the future educational needs of the children of those U.S. service members who gave their lives in the war against terrorism", said Michael Fleming, the spokesman and co-founder of the fund. The idea for the fund was the brainchild of Alice Wax, who was also the inspiration behind establishing a month that would allow Americans to show appreciation to our service members each year. Her efforts established National Military Appreciation Month which is celebrated May of each year. More information can be found at http://www.NMAM.org "Two months ago, I woke up in the middle of the night with this idea to have a fund to help the children of those military men and women who were killed fighting the war on terrorism," said Wax. "With the help of many people we were able to establish the non-profit quickly. The fund is going, all we need now is donations", she added. According to Fleming, fund officials are hoping Americans will recognize the need, and will generously donate millions of dollars over the next several years. He said all those connected with the fund are donating their services. "The children we plan to help have lost a parent forever. Their parent made the ultimate sacrifice so that someday we might be free of terrorist activities. The least we can do as a caring nation is to help their child(ren) with future education costs", said Fleming. For information on the fund, go to http:/www.AFCEF.org. Donations can be sent to: Armed Forces Children's Education Fund (AFCEF) (http://www.AFCEF.org or http://www.NMAM.org ) c/o CT Corporate System 1025 Vermont Ave NW, 4th Floor Washington, DC 20005