Navy Dispatch - 14 August 2003

"Local resident expresses gratitude to U.S. armed forces through 'Operation I Do!' "

There are many ways people have shown their support and appreciation for the United States Armed Forces, with most of the support taking the form of banners, posters, or flowers. But one local resident has come up with an innovative way to show his appreciation, and understanding of the commitment made by the military: a wedding. "Operation I Do!" was created by local resident Jan Vlcek as an expression of gratitude to the members of the US military. As a United States 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 are in Iraq had begun.

"The closest civilian parallel to the commitment made by the US military, is the commitment made by the traditional American family," said Vlcek. "The most publicly understood display of this commitment is a wedding."

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 of the best 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. Anna V (pastry chef), FirstDance.com (DJ), Details Defined (wedding coordinator), Kathy Wright & Co. (florist), and San Diego Magazine are among the many contributors and also serve on the "Operation I Do!" steering committee along with other business and organizations such as Variant, Inc. (ocean-engineering) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

All military members who were forward deployed during Operation: Iraqi Freedom are eligible to win a "5-star" wedding from "Operation I Do!" No extraneous qualifications 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, at 8:30 a.m. 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, an application may be completed by any interested party on behalf of a member of the military. 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. All military applicants' information will be verified through the Department of Defense. Applications must be received by midnight Saturday, Aug. 16 to be eligible for the drawing.

To become a contributor please call (760) 788-1138. Cash donations will be accepted and used to cover incidental expenses and any remainder will be given to the newlyweds as a wedding present.