A CHANCE TO GIVE BACK

3 Jun 03 Update: Here's the latest from The Intrepid/Fallen Heroes Fund. Please consider supporting this most worthy cause.

Anheuser-Busch has donated $1 million to create the Intrepid/Anheuser-Busch Fallen Heroes Fund, which will provide scholarships to spouses and children of U.S. military and coalition personnel killed during the war in Iraq.

I've found no word yet on how to donate to this worthy cause. There is an e-mail address on the Intrepid contacts page, and I am awaiting a reply to my inquiry. I am sure they are likely swamped with contacts right now. I will post immediately when I find out.

Here's why I think it matters: Sacred Words

I would add that speaking as a career military guy, I know of no finer military-related charitable organization then the Fisher House Foundation. (See full press release below.) They do have an online donation form set up, and it can be found here. The Fisher family suffered it's own personal tragedy and the military lost a great friend recently, an event practically unnoticed during the early days of the war.

Update: 'Gary' posted the following in comments. You may consider paying these folks a visit:

Here's another good organization for helping our fallen heroes:
http://www.fallenpatriotfund.org/

Thanks Gary!

The complete Anheuser-Busch press release can be read below. (And hey, I'm ready for a cold one!)

Anheuser-Busch Donates $1 Million to Help Spouses, Children of Those Killed in Iraq War

WASHINGTON (May 9, 2003) – Anheuser-Busch has donated $1 million to create the Intrepid/Anheuser-Busch Fallen Heroes Fund, which will provide scholarships to spouses and children of U.S. military and coalition personnel killed during the war in Iraq, it was announced today in Washington by the Intrepid Museum Foundation.

Patrick Stokes, Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. president and chief executive officer, presented the donation. Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Richard B. Myers, his wife, Mary Jo, and other distinguished leaders of the military attended the announcement. Capt. Paul Bucha, who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1970 for service during the Vietnam War, presided at the press conference.

“For the families of our military men and women who have died while serving the nation, I want to thank the Anheuser-Busch Company for this special gift,” Mrs. Myers said. “I also want to thank the Intrepid Foundation for its continuing support of our military families.”

Rebuilding lives after losing their loved ones takes courage and support from others,” said Stokes. “Giving to these families enables us to express our deep gratitude for their service.”

The Intrepid Museum Foundation will administer the scholarship program. The foundation operates the Intrepid Family Support Fund that provides financial assistance for the families of U.S. military personnel lost in the line of duty; the Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum in New York, a U.S. Armed Forces memorial, educational and charitable institution; and Fleet Week, an annual celebration honoring the men and women of the U.S. military.

“We are proud to join with Anheuser-Busch in supporting these families,” said Arnold Fisher, chairman of the Intrepid Museum Foundation. “This donation will give them educational opportunities to help pave the way for their future.”

The Intrepid Museum Foundation was established in 1982 by Zachary Fisher. It has provided more than $15 million to families of military personnel lost in the line of duty. The group’s sister organization, the Fisher House Foundation, provides comfort homes at major military and Department of Veteran Affairs’ medical centers to house the families of hospitalized military personnel and veterans.

The donation continues Anheuser-Busch’s 150-year history of support for the U.S. armed services. The company recently announced Operation Salute, a broad effort by the company to thank the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families for their sacrifices in the war. The program includes free single-day admission to its SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Sesame Place parks to active duty military, active reservists, U.S. Coast Guard, National Guardsmen and coalition forces and up to four of their direct dependents. The parks program begins the Friday of Memorial Day weekend and concludes Veterans Day, Nov. 11. The company is also matching all employee USO contributions through Veterans Day.