FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Operation Helmet Reaches Milestone

Washington DC – March 8, 2007 - Operation Helmet has reached a major milestone this week: the 35,000th helmet upgrade kit has been sent to Marine stationed in Iraq’s Al-Anbar province..

Operation Helmet sent the 35,000th helmet upgrade kit to American soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines. This has been the result of over 3 ½ years of efforts by men, women, and children from all over this great country.

The majority of today’s helmets worn by most Marines and Airmen are designed to protect our troops from gunfire and flying debris – not blasts – which have accounted for 65 percent of U.S. military deaths in Iraq since May, according to figures compiled by the Associated Press.

A helmet upgrade kit consists of shock-absorbing pads and when needed, a new chin strap. Adding shock-absorbing pads to combat helmets can reduce fatal impact forces to a survivable level.

“We get e-mails every day from real Americans who want to make a difference by helping young troops return home safe and sound,” says Robert Meaders, M.D., who founded Operation Helmet after his Marine grandson requested upgrade kits to make his unit’s helmets safer in Iraq.

We need ongoing donations right now from the American people to keep this effort alive!

About Operation Helmet

Operation Helmet is a nonpartisan, 501(c)3 charitable grassroots effort that provides helmet upgrade kits free of charge to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Operation Helmet depends on tax-deductible donations and is a team member of AmericaSupportsYou.mil. For $70-$100, added safety and comfort can be provided for a trooper. But donations of any amount are welcome. The donation can be designated for a specific branch of the military, a particular unit or an individual trooper. 99% of donations go toward helmet kits. There are no salaries or payroll costs deducted and the Operation’s books are available for inspection at the home office. To date, Operation Helmet has sent upgrade kits to over 35,000 troops.

Contacts:

Dr. Bob Meaders, President, Operation Helmet,
ophelm@operation-helmet.org
www.Operation-Helmet.org
(936) 449-9706

Mark Meaders
610-202-3037

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