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The Daily Transcript - 25 July 2003 "Two luck members of the military can win free wedding" by Sonya McDowell A local resident has come up with an innovative way to show his appreciation and understanding of the commitment made by the U.S. Armed Forces: a wedding. Jan Vlcek has created "Operation I Do!" as an expression of gratitude to the members of the US military. As a US Army veteran, Vlcek wished to demonstrate his respect to the military for its sacrifices and as a counter to the opposition mounted by antiwar protestors after the war in Iraq had begun. Originally conceived as one wedding, "Operation I Do!" has now expanded to two weddings, appropriately named "Alpha" and "Bravo". This expansion is due to the generosity of more than 65 wedding-related vendors in the San Diego area who are donating almost everything needed for the ultimate wedding including attire, reception site, photography and air transportation for the bridal couples and their parents. All military members who were forward deployed during Operation: Iraqi Freedom and/or Operation: Enduring Freedom are eligible to win a "5-star" wedding from "Operation I Do!" apply; no essay writing or stories of need will be necessary. A random drawing will be held at the San Diego Symphony's Summer Pops concert facility at the navy Pier in downtown San Diego on Aug. 29. Participants in the event will include the Veterans of Foreign Wars, San Diego Symphony, the Port of San Diego and classical music trio Caprice Strings. To become eligible
to win one of the weddings, any interested party on behalf of the member
of the military may complete an application. The application can be found
online at www.operationido.com,
and completed online or downloaded and faxed to (760) 788-1138 or mailed
to "Operation I Do!" P.O. box 2294, Ramona, CA 92065. Applications
must be received by midnight Aug. 16 to be eligible. To become a contributor,
call (760) 788-1138. |