The Vista Sun - 21 August 2003

"Operation "I Do" Expresses Thanks Through Wedding Gift"

Local Businesses Express Gratitude to US Armed Forces Through Contributions to "Operation I Do".

Several local Carlsbad businesses are showing their appreciation to the US Armed Forces by contribution to "Operation I Do", which makes possible two weddings to two lucky members of the military. Details Defined will be coordinating the event, Sharla Ladick and Marcy Puccio of Hair Biz West will be the bridal hair stylist and makeup artist, Royal Maui Jewelers is contributing the wedding rings, and Pamela's Parasols will donate bridal accessories.

"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 protesters after the war 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), Kathy Wright & Co. (florist), and San Diego Magazine are among the contributors and also serve on the "Operation I Do!" steering committee along with the other businesses 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 and/or Operation: Enduring Freedom are eligible to win a "5-star" wedding from "Operation I Do!" No extraneous qualifications apply; no essay writing got 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 August 29, 2003 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 the 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, August 16, 2003 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 newly weds as a wedding present.