Ian Anderson and the best of

JETHRO TULL

October 5, 2014

The National Theater

Richmond, Virginia

Sponsor

Opportunities

FOR THE HEROESFOR THE HEROESFOR THE HEROES

bB

CHARTERED BY THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES

BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION 477 H STREET NORTHWEST WASHINGTON DC 20001-2694 (202) 371-8880

July 2, 2014

Col. Bob Morris (U.S. Army, Retired)

President, Partners International Foundation

214 Terrebonne Road

Yorktown, Virginia 23692

Dear Mr. Morris,

On behalf of the Blinded Veterans Association and in cooperation with Partners International Foundation we

would like to request your sponsorship support to help honor our disabled veterans and first responders by raising

funds to benefit various joint programs supporting our veterans, as well as increasing awareness of the threat of

Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). These great events will include a Dining in Dark October 4, 2014 and a

great benefit concert on October 5, 2014 featuring legendary rock musician Ian Anderson performing ‘The Best of

Jethro Tull.’ Concert donations will also assist BVA field service outreach programs for war blinded veterans

and the caregivers and our other BVA programs and three of our Iraq war veterans will participate with this.

BVA is grateful that Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull Band) is joining with the Partners International Foundation to

perform at this benefit for our wounded veterans, and our first responders programs on the threats of IED’s.

The JETHRO TULL HELPING THE HEROES concert will be held October 5, 2014 at the National Theater

in Richmond. Also the famous Virginia Military Institute (VMI) Commanders “VMI Band” is opening the

show. We appreciate FOX Richmond TV and Richmond’s Classic rock station 96.1 FM being our lead media

partners for the concert and Dining in Dark events. There are a variety of various funding levels available for

donors and key sponsors who support the overall effort of “Helping the Heroes” events in Richmond on

October 4th

and 5th.

BVA is the only congressionally chartered 501-C-3 veteran service organization exclusively dedicated to

serving the needs of our nation’s blind veterans and their families for over 69 years.

We fully support this important work and request your sponsorship of these events and helping our heroes.

For More Information Contact COL (RET) Bob Morris Email: Bob.Morris@Partners-international.org.

Additional information is available at:

www.CamapiagnAgainstIEDs.org/Tull and www.bva.org

BVA is extremely grateful for all the coordination of these two PIF benefit events to help with our program

and to further our mission and we welcome this opportunity.

Sincerely,

Thomas Zampieri Ph. D.

BVA Board Director/ Chairman Fundraising Committee

Our Event

Honoring Veterans Concert

October 5, 2014 at The National

Theater, Richmond Virginia with

VIP Donor reception prior to the

show.

Concert by legendary rock musi-

cian Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull,

performing his “Best of,” with The

Virginia Military Institute Com-

mander’s Band appearing as spe-

cial openers.

Select veterans meet Ian Anderson

before the show and attend the

concert as special guests.

After show “Meet and Greet” re-

ception with Ian Anderson for VIP

Sponsors and special guest veter-

ans.

Veteran art show ,showcasing art

created by veterans in art therapy

to recover from the visible and in-

visible wounds of war.

A “Dinner in the Dark” providing

guests a unique sensory awareness

experience and a first-hand

glimpse into the lives of the

8,000+ vision impaired wounded

veterans and active duty.

Campaign Endorsements

technology

Virginia is for Veterans Over 85% of all Service member injuries and deaths in Afghanistan and Iraq were

from IEDs. No other single weapon in U.S. Military history caused more.

Virginia is a major stakeholder in the interests of active duty and veterans. Over

11% of all U.S. active duty members are stationed in Virginia — second-highest

of all U.S. states.

Virginia’s veteran population is over 873,000 spanning all major U.S. conflicts

dating back to World War II — seventh among all U.S. states for the number of

veterans per capita.

In one year 135,910 patients received treatment at Virginia VA facilities. Ranked

6th among states for Veterans Administration disability compensation and

pensions expenditures.

Active duty and veteran suicides affect Virginia’s suicide rate - 23% of all Virginia

suicide deaths and 29% of male suicide deaths are active duty military or veterans.

Sponsor a concert and other Sponsor a concert and other Sponsor a concert and other

activities to honor veterans and activities to honor veterans and activities to honor veterans and

raise funds for related programs. raise funds for related programs. raise funds for related programs.

About Us

A 100% all volunteer 501(c)(3) organization with no paid employees – All donations

go to programs supporting those in need.

Work through robust public-private partnerships to achieve the best, most cost-

effective solution regardless of source.

Work at the grassroots level, focusing on community-based capacity building to

establish long term, sustainable solutions.

Why We Need Sponsors Ian Anderson is volunteering his time and talent to this worthy cause but technicians,

equipment, facilities and other support are needed, as well as resourcing a number of

wounded veterans to attend the concerts as honored guests.

Sponsoring the Events The funding goal for the concert and related events is: $115,000. with a “stretch goal” to

fund key project supporting veterans and first responders of $60,000.

Reaching the total funding goal of $174,000 will cover all event costs and resource three

key programs including:

Training and equipment to help a war-blinded veteran achieve his Olympic dream

and compete in the 2018 Korean Paralympic Biathlon.

Provide training, certifications and job placement for up to 10 veterans in Virginia.

Increase the safety of our children and their schools through a program to reduce

school violence and the threat of IEDs therein.

Sponsor can fund a specific event; provide general support ; or help with in-kind

contributions in return for Sponsorship benefits.

1

Support Requested

Sponsorship support is requested to honor veterans and first responders by raising funds to

resource programs supporting veterans, as well as increasing awareness of the threat of

Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The events will include a dinner on October 4, 2014 and a

concert on October 5, 2014 featuring legendary rock musician Ian Anderson performing ‘The

Best of Jethro Tull.’

Funding goal and Programs Resourced

The funding goal for the concert and related events is: $115,000.

The “stretch goal,” to fund key projects supporting veterans and first responders, is $60,000.

Reaching the total funding goal of $174,000 will cover all event costs and resource three key

programs. Below you can find a brief summary of each; further details are attached. Proceeds

will provide direct Return on Investment (ROI) helping veterans, raising awareness of veterans’

issues, creating hope for our wounded veterans, providing veterans sustainable livelihoods and

reducing school violence to protect our children. The programs include:

• Paralympic Training for a War –Blinded Veteran – Goal = $10,000 Army veteran Steve Baskis lost 100% of his vision in an IED attack that also claimed the

life of his best friend in the army. Despite his wounds, Steve is training for the 2018

Paralympics to compete in the biathlon. As explained in Enclosure 1, a portion of the

funds raised by the concert, dinner, and other events will provide equipment and other

support Steve needs to realize his Olympic dream to inspire our wounded veterans. We

intend to present Steve with his specially fitted laser rifle at the show.

• Technical Skills, Training, Certification, and Job Placement Pilot Program

for 10 Virginia Veterans – Goal = $35,000 The pilot program (Enclosure 2) will select, train, and place up to 10 veterans in skilled

jobs within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Selected veterans will receive nationally

recognized training and certification in the selected field through Distributed Learning

(dL); job counseling; training and placement; and other services as may be required.

Currently over 250 training and certification courses are available online. Participating

veterans will be matched to training and educational paths selected to track them into

careers for which there is significant demand in Virginia. The result will be long-term,

sustainable livelihoods for these veterans and their families through a process that can

become a model for all of Virginia’s veterans.

2

• IED response protocols for Virginia Schools to reduce school violence – Goal

= $15,000

One cannot address school violence or hope to reduce it without addressing the growing

IED epidemic. With the exception of the Newton School attack, recent thwarted and

actual school attacks included a homemade explosive component. No standard protocol

to respond to IED use in school violence currently exists. Working with the Public Safety

Sector through such organizations as the International Association of Fire Chiefs,

Fraternal Order of Police, The Sheriff’s Association, National Association of Police

Organizations, Department of Homeland Security Information Network (HISN), National

Fire Academy, and others we will develop a model to respond to the increasing frequency

of IEDs in school violence (Enclosure 3). These protocols will complement current

models and programs for active shooter incidents. These will be deployed first in

Virginia Schools with the direct result of keeping our children safe but will be capable of

being adapted and expanded nationally.

Why This Work is Important

• 84% of all Service member injuries and deaths in Afghanistan and Iraq were due to IEDs.

• No other weapon in U.S. Military history has caused more casualties than the IED.

• Virginia is a major stakeholder in the interests of active duty soldiers and veterans. Over 11%

of all U.S. active duty members are stationed in Virginia – the second-highest of all U.S.

states.

• Virginia’s veteran population is over 873,000 spanning all major U.S. conflicts dating back

to World War II - seventh among all U.S. states for the number of veterans per capita.

• In one year 135,910 patients received treatment at Virginia Veterans Administration

facilities – Ranked 6th

among states for Veterans Administration disability compensation and

pensions expenditures.

• Active duty and veteran suicides directly affect Virginia’s suicide rate - 23% of all Virginia

suicide decedents - and 29% of male suicide decedents - are active duty military or veterans.

• IEDs are a global problem, with an average of 500 IEDs events each month world-wide –

and those numbers exclude Afghanistan and Iraq.

• IEDs are used in populated areas; over 91% of the victims are civilians.

• IEDS are increasingly used by juveniles and linked to school violence which puts first

responders at high risk.

Supporting this effort directly impacts the significant veteran population, while aligning with the

historic connection between Virginia residents, the Virginia business community, veterans and

our first responders.

3

The Show

The main event will be a concert by legendary progressive rock

musician Ian Anderson at The National Theater in Richmond, Virginia

(Enclosure 4). Ian Anderson is the founder and front man of the

legendary rock band Jethro Tull. Anderson and his band will perform a

selection of Jethro Tull’s Greatest Hits. Anderson is donating his talent

to the show at no cost. The sponsor support requested will cover the

necessary venue and support costs for the show, related events and

travel for our special guest veterans. (www.jethrotull.com/ian-anderson-

helping-the-heroes-in-richmond-virginia)

Over the past two years Anderson has hosted a number of wounded

veterans, police, and fire fighters during his U.S. Tours to help raise

awareness of the IED issue, as well as the needs of veterans and first

responders globally.

The show will open with a guest performance by the Virginia Military Institute (VMI)

Commanders, under the direction of Colonel John Brodie. The VMI "Commanders" were first

formed in 1917, and since then they have provided music for dances and social events at VMI

and throughout Virginia. Most recently the band played in Paris, France [March 2006], at the

U.S. Ambassador's residence and at the Ecole Polytechnique.

During one arrangement, the VMI Commanders will be accompanied by Steve

Baskis. Steve is a U.S. Army veteran who lost 100% of his sight to an IED in Iraq.

On the same mission Steve’s best friend was killed next to him. Since his injury,

Steve has been an inspiration by climbing peaks such as Mount Kilimanjaro,

participating in ironman competitions and through other activities. Steve is

Figure 3 - Steve Baskis

Figure 2 - The Virginia Military Institute Commanders under the direction of Colonel John Brodie

Figure 1 - Ian Anderson

(Jethro Tull)

4

currently training for the 2018 Paralympics and hopes to compete in the biathlon. A portion of

the funds raised will help us provide equipment and other support Steve needs to realize his

Olympic dream. More information on Steve’s truly inspirational journey is at Enclosure 1.

One of the honored veterans at the events will be Richmond

Resident Sergeant Brian Pearce US Army (Ret.).

Brian was injured by a roadside bomb in Iraq in 2006 where he

suffered a severe penetrating head injury. The blast caused

severe TBI and cortical blindness as well as other complex

visual impairments, PTSD, hearing loss, pulmonary embolism,

seizure and REM sleep disorders. In 2007 Brian moved to the

Richmond where he spent the next six years in treatment and

rehabilitation at the Veterans Administration Poly Trauma

Medical Center. Brian lives in Richmond, Virginia with his wife

and Family. Although he cannot work, Brian continues to support

his country and fellow soldiers by donating the bulk of his time

advocating for wounded war Veterans and volunteering for charitable Guide Dog Foundation

and VA TBI organizations and families of the wounded to include serving on the board of the

Virginia Brain Injury Association. More information on Brian’s inspirational journey is at

Enclosure 5.

Prior to the show, select veterans will have the

opportunity to meet Anderson and the band, after

attending sound check.

Major sponsors and special guests will have the

opportunity to mingle and enjoy a light pre-show

fare at a special VIP reception inside the National

Theater.

VIP sponsors will also attend a special after show

“Meet and Greet” where they will personally meet

and have a photo taken with Ian and will have the

opportunity to meet our veterans and other special guests.

Accommodations and other facilities for concert related events are being provided by Marriott

International. This includes discounts on meals and hotel rooms.

The concert and related events will include other dignitaries from Virginia. Coordination is on-

going with the Office of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor for requested

attendance by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and other key leaders. Similar coordination is

planned to engage Members of Congress and other VIPs for participation from the public and

private sectors.

Supporting the concert itself will be a display of Veterans’ Art and a Dinner in the Dark.

Figure 5 - Ian Anderson (Center) hosting a disabled

and a blind veteran at one of his concerts in 2013

Figure 4 - Sgt. Brian Pearce

United States Army (Ret.)

5

Veterans Art Show

Located in The National Theater and Marriott Hotel

Lobbies, art created by veterans, using art therapy, to

recover from visible and invisible wounds of war will

offer guests a unique insight and appreciation of our

veterans and active duty service members.

Before and during the show, guests will have the

opportunity to experience Art of War created by veterans.

This moving experience offers profound insight into, and

an appreciation of, our military and their experiences

defending our country under the most arduous conditions.

Brian Rock will be our guest artist with a selection of his

paintings on display at the concert and available for sale.

All proceeds will be donated to our charitable efforts.

More information on Brian’s inspirational story, dealing with his own war experience and

helping others, can be found on Enclosure 6.

The activities of our program partner for this display, The Graffiti of War Project, offer a unique,

individual perspective, through the eyes and emotions of service members and veterans. Each

image represents a moment in time when an emotion was captured in ink, paint, or pencil - an

unconventional historical record of this generation's war.

The Graffiti of War’s (Enclosure 7) mission is that through sharing these images, we will begin

a dialogue between soldier and civilian. We hope to bridge this ever-widening divide between

those who have endured these wars and the rest of the world that can only imagine the horrors

and to bring understanding and true empathy of what these men and women experience during

modern conflicts.

Dinner in the Dark

The dinner will be held on October 4, 2014 at the Positive Vibe Café in Richmond, Virginia.

Hosted in partnership with our blinded veterans, the dinner will raise awareness of vision-related

injuries.

Dining in the Dark is a unique sensory awareness experience that gives guests a first-hand

glimpse into the lives of those who are completely blind. This is a one-of-a kind experience and a

culinary encounter of heightened senses. During the dinner, guests are challenged to navigate a

meal without sight in an experience that many of the almost 198,000+ vision impaired wounded

veterans and active duty endure daily.

Figure 6 - Wounded warrior art "No Slack"

by Army veteran Michael "Fig" Figueroa

6

This will be a highly selective event with fewer than 100

seats available.

During the dinner, guests are deprived of all vision and

immersed in a ‘blacked out world’ creating an environment

where eyes cannot adjust for nearly 30 minutes during the

entrée portion of the meal.

Executive Chef Gary Whitecotton is preparing food and

wine for the meal that is specially selected for its flavor and

aroma to enhance the unique sensory awareness experience.

Servers trained especially for the dinner deliver the food and

help guests navigate the meal in their personal pitch

blackness. They also serve as sighted guides as they would

for any blind person should a guest need to move or require

other assistance during the meal. This begins with guiding

guests to their seats and continues throughout the meal to

include any requirement for guests: to leave for the

restrooms or other reasons during the dinner.

Vision impaired speakers and guests participating in the

event share their own stories and experiences of living with

low to no vision. Light is only restored after dessert so

guests’ eyes can adjust prior to departing to attend the

concert.

This is an experience participants will never forget.

The location is as unique as the event. So much more than “just another

restaurant”, Positive Vibe Cafe provides training in the food service industry

for people with disabilities and helps our graduates obtain employment.

Operated by The Positive Vibe Foundation, the Café is an evolving model for

training and employing people with disabilities in order that they enjoy the

satisfactions of being gainfully employed and fully contributing members of

our community. This focus will allow their confidence to self- actualize

through the development of their diverse talents.

Additional information on Chef Whitecotton, The Positive Vibe, and the Dinner in the Dark is at

Enclosure 8.

7

Publicity and Public Engagement

Media coverage will be provided by Richmond Television and cable; Richmond’s Classic Rock

station 96.5; and other media outlets with coverage from Washington D.C. to Virginia Beach,

Virginia. This will provide publicity and other public engagement coverage from just below

Washington, D.C. to the Hampton Roads Virginia areas. Media points of contact are available

for all of our sponsors.

Programming is currently being coordinated but will include coverage for event sponsors, the

concert itself, and stories raising awareness of the IED and veterans issues.

About Our Organization

As detailed in the information attached, we are a 100% all-volunteer non-governmental

organization recognized as a public charity under United States Law, section 501(c)(3). (IRS and

USAID Certifications available upon request)

Representative examples of our successful work are attached. They include international projects

and those in the United States helping veterans and first responders.

Figure 7 - Planned Radio and Television Media Coverage

8

In our Veterans programs, we operate through a network of vetted and highly respected Veterans

Service Organizations (VSOs) and other veterans’ groups to ensure delivery of resources to those

in need under strict accountability and objective assessment of the impact. These efforts are

partnered with AMVETS, Blinded Veterans Association, The Graffiti of War Project, Rolling

Thunder, Veterans Association of America, and others.

Detailed information on our success supporting veterans to date is at Enclosure 9.

The work we do with veterans, particularly in the area of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)

and related injuries is formally endorsed by various Veterans and Public Safety Sector

Organizations including:

Why We Are Different1

A 100% all volunteer organization with no paid employees – Maximum percentage of all

donations goes to programs supporting the needy.

Work through robust public-private partnerships to achieve the best, most cost-effective

solution regardless of source.

Open sharing of information and assistance to other appropriate organizations to solve

problems using highly productive teams.

Work at the grassroots level focusing on community-based capacity building to establish

long term, sustainable solutions.

Why We Need Sponsors

Ian Anderson is volunteering his time and talent to this worthy cause, but conducting these

events requires technicians, equipment, facilities and other support. We also need to cover the

cost of some wounded veterans to attend the concerts as honored guests and fund programs to

1 A few examples illustrate why partnering with PIF is the best business decision and the best for truly helping those

in need. Consider that according to their 2011 Form 990s, one major organization claiming to support wounded

veterans received $148,185,045.00 in contributions and grants while distributing $5,528,278.00 (only 2% of

donations received) to the needy. They spent $21,035,510 (almost 15%) on employee salaries and $1,901,510.00

to professional fundraisers. Annual salaries for their top 10 compensated officers reached $333,379.00 plus other

compensation for their Executive Director. By contrast, PIF had no salary or professional fundraising costs.

9

help those in need. Sponsor contributions will cover these costs and allow us to maximize

proceeds to resource these worthy programs.

All sponsors will receive signage and other promotional materials for their businesses that will

show their customers they support these important activities.

Sponsorship Opportunities

The activities offer sponsors the opportunity to support this important work at various levels.

Special sponsorship arrangements can be made for any level contribution. The current

categories include:

I. Sponsor an Event

One of the most comprehensive ways to support and have the greatest impact is to sponsor a

specific portion of the concert or related event. This will enable us to use the funds received in

programs helping those in need. Each provides Sponsor benefits detailed in the appropriate

donor level below. Opportunities exist at various funding levels:

• Performers expenses: $33,000

• Theater Production Costs: $21,000

• Logistics Support to the Band and Crew: $17,000

• Community Engagement Sponsor: $15,000

• Theater Rental: $9,000

• Travel and related costs for wounded veteran special guests: $8,000

• Dinner in the Dark Sponsor: $7,000

• Veterans Art Show Sponsor: $4,000

• VIP Reception Sponsor: $2,500

• After Show Meet and Greet Sponsor: $2,500

II. Provide-In-Kind Support

In-kind donations are also needed to reduce event costs in addition to direct funding. Sponsor

donations of their products and services in addition to cash donations will provide us cost-

avoidances that will increased the returns used to fund these programs or off-set costs in other

areas. Some examples include:

Provide courtesy vehicles to transport Ian Anderson, the bands, crew, and special guests

during the events. These can display sponsor logos and other advertising.

Provide food and other refreshments for the Dinner in the Dark;, The VIP Reception;

After Show Meet and Greet; and various show-related receptions.

Include donations to the events in corporate employee giving programs and encourage

employees and customers to support the events.

10

Other product donations as appropriate for the Sponsor’s business.

Please contact us directly for more information on these areas.

III. Sponsor at a Donor Level

Various funding levels are available for those who desire to support the overall effort. Although

sponsorship in any amount is welcome, the basic sponsorship levels are as follows:

• Platinum Elite: Over $10,000

– Special arrangements coordinated with the donor

• Platinum: $10,000

– VIP Pre-Show Reception

– VIP after show reception with Ian Anderson for one person

– 10 concert tickets (Can donate to veterans, Active Duty, First Responders)

– 5 Special edition Jethro Tull IED Campaign concert T-shirts

– Recognition on banner and signage at the concert

– Recognition in on-stage address prior to the concert.

– Inclusion in pre-concert media publicity distributions

– Donor provided material (flyer, etc. in concert attendee handouts)

– Listing on the donor posters at the concert

– Website donor listing

• Gold: $5,000

– 5 concert tickets (Can donate to veterans, Active Duty, First Responders)

– 5 Special edition Jethro Tull IED Campaign concert T-shirts

– VIP Pre-Show Reception

– Donor provided material (flyer, etc. in concert attendee handouts)

– Listing on the donor posters at the concert

– Website donor listing

• Silver: $2,500

– 2 concert tickets (Can donate to veterans, Active Duty, First Responders)

– 2 Special edition Jethro Tull IED Campaign concert T-shirts

– Listing on the donor posters at the concert

– Website donor listing

11

• Bronze (Rock a Vet): $1,000

– Concert Ticket (Can donate to veterans, Active Duty, First Responders)

– Listing on the donor posters at the concert

– Website donor listing

Other Sponsor Benefits

We are happy to work with potential sponsors on promotions that also directly benefit their

businesses in return for support. Several current sponsors are providing discounted hotel rooms

or discounts on meals for concert and dinner ticket holders. Other options could include store or

similar discounts for concert and dinner attendees. Please contact us for more information.

Contact Us

A detailed in-person presentation and current list of sponsors is available upon request.

We look forward to working with all association members on this, and all our projects. Please

feel free to contact me directly:

Bob Morris COL, USA (Ret)

Founder and President

Partners International Foundation

214 Terrebonne Road

Yorktown, Virginia 23692

Tel. (757) 869-6770

Fax: (270) 477-7087

Email: Bob.Morris@Partners-international.org

For more information on our activities:

www.CampaignAgainstIEDs.org

www.Facebook.com\CampaignAgainstIEDs

www.CamapiagnAgainstIEDs.org/Tull

www.Partners-International.org

12

Enclosure 1 – Paralympic Hopeful Steve Baskis

The Deliverable Your Sponsorship Will Support

Providing the specially-configured laser rifle and other equipment Steve needs to train for and

compete in global competitions, leading up to his hope to become a member of the United States

Paralympic team in the blind biathlon.

Steve’s story in his own words

My life was forever changed by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

Since I was a child, I wanted nothing more than to serve my Country in

the military as did my father, grandfather, and other members of my

family. In January 2007, I enlisted in the Army with the goal of starting

as an infantryman and eventually becoming a Green Beret. In pursuit

of that goal I graduated with honors from Fort Benning and earned a

meritorious promotion. Soon after, I was stationed with the 4th Infantry

Division out of Fort Hood, Texas. By the end of 2007, my platoon and I

were in Iraq tasked to protect a General.

Eight months into my deployment, on May 13, 2008, myself and two

other members of my squad made the decision to lead our convoy to a distant objective. As we

drove through nighttime traffic on the outskirts of Baghdad, an insurgent detonated an IED. The

searing metal hit the truck on the front passenger side and the blast of shrapnel ripped through

the vehicle commander—my closest friend in Iraq—Sergeant Victor Cota.

The shrapnel also peppered my face and gouged a hole in my neck barely missing the carotid

artery. Another piece tore into my left thigh, near the femoral artery. Had either artery been

clipped, I could have bled to death in a minute or two. More shrapnel sliced into my right biceps

and forearm, and a piece gashed my left forearm near the elbow, mangling the nerves and blood

vessels. But it was a tiny shard of jagged metal that caused the most profound damage. Boring

through my right temple, it ruptured my right eye, cut both optic nerves, damaged my sinuses,

and lodged behind my left eye.

Over the next six weeks, I had over a dozen surgeries to remove shrapnel and repair the damage

that included a fractured nose, fractured eye orbits, fractured skull, and 3rd degree burns. A

severed artery and a number of severed nerves that disabled my right leg and left arm. I

permanently lost my vision and am now legally blind.

What bothered me most was (and is) the loss of my friend, Sergeant Cota, and being separated

from my squad.

In my first weeks at the hospital, I met another visually impaired soldier further along in

recovery, and we talked about life without sight. “What he hated the most is that “you forget

what people look like. You forget what your family looks like.”

13

I haven’t yet forgotten my family’s faces, but for me they will always be stuck in time as they

were the last time I saw them. The faces of some friends have faded, now no different from the

undeterminable faces of those I’ve met since the injury. - But I refused to give up...

In July 2009, I was invited to compete as a cyclist in the State Games of America held in

Colorado Springs. A few months later, I competed in a half Ironman in Augusta, Georgia. Over

the next months I climbed the third highest volcano in Mexico with a team sponsored by Global

Explorers including blind adventurer Erik Weihenmayer. At 17,126 feet, Ixta (Ixtaccíhuatl) is

also the seventh highest peak in North America and a true challenge. I reached the Summit on

Veterans Day. I also summited a 20,000-foot ice-covered mountain in Nepal and Mount

Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. I’ve white-water kayaked and scuba-dived and snowshoed -

many of the excursions funded by groups that help wounded veterans. Between races and climbs,

I’m taking online classes at the American Military University, hoping to study international

relations or intelligence studies, not sure where it will lead. Someday I hope to climb Mount

Vinson, Antarctica’s highest peak, scuba-dive on the Great Barrier Reef, travel through Egypt

and Israel, and sail across an ocean. Recently, with the help of the Blinded Veterans

Association, I had the great honor and opportunity to travel to England to meet with war blinded

British army veterans through program called Project Gemini where war blinded veterans from

IED's get to meet each other.

All this to show others that obstacles can be overcome and all it takes is dedication and the will

to succeed.

On October 13th, thanks to the generosity of Mr. Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull) and support from

the Global Campaign against IEDs and the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA). I personally

met Mr. Anderson and was guest as this legendary musician performed his classics Thick as a

Brick and Thick as a Brick 2. Another once in a lifetime opportunity made possible by a

musician who is raising the call to action against IEDs.

My experiences are, in part, is why I strongly encourage everyone to support actions of the

Global Campaign against IEDs.

Over 84% of U.S. military combat injuries in Afghanistan and Iraq are due to IEDs including

249,480 with hearing loss; 222,600 TBIs, 210,202 experiencing PTSD; and 110,022 with vision

impairments. 34% of IED victims suffer from both hearing and vision loss and 75% of TBI

victims have visual dysfunctions. Percentages may be higher for civilian victims like those at the

Boston Marathon because they lacked military protective equipment.

I would not have been able to recover and achieve what I have without the assistance and

encouragement of Blinded Veterans Association (BVA). I had never heard of the Global

Campaign against IEDs until they were introduced to me by the BVA. They actually reached out

to me and offered assistance. I’ve since become aware of all they do for veterans, active duty,

and civilian IED victims as well as working with the Public Safety sector to reduce IEDs by

eliminating root causes through their holistic approach. This work is invaluable and should be

fully supported by the public and private sectors.

14

Enclosure 2 – Veterans’ Technical skills Training, Certification, and Job Placement

The Problem

Our veterans have unique and valuable skills for the workforce but are increasingly unable to

obtain jobs after transitioning from the military due to a lack of required private sector

certifications. They require training and the appropriate private sector certifications to re-enter

the workforce in many areas.

Background

In 2013, 21.4 million men and women, or 9 percent of the civilian non-institutional population

age 18 and over, were veterans. In 2013, about 2.8 million of the nation's veterans had served

during Gulf War era II. About 20 percent of these veterans were women. Among women, the

unemployment rate for Gulf War-era II veterans (9.6 percent) was higher in 2013 than the rate

for nonveterans (6.8 percent). The unemployment rate for male Gulf War-era II veterans (8.8

percent) was higher than the rate for male nonveterans (7.5 percent) in 2013. The unemployment

rates differed by age. Male Gulf War-era II veterans age 18 to 24 had a higher unemployment

rate than male nonveterans of the same age group (24.3 percent and 15.8 percent, respectively).

While many private sector companies are placing a priority on hiring veterans, there are very few

opportunities for veterans to obtain the civilian equivalent certifications for the skills they bring

from the military.

This project fills that gap to help veterans take advantage of the opportunities available.

The Deliverable Your Sponsorship Will Support

The pilot program will select, train, and place up to 10 veterans in skilled jobs within the

Commonwealth of Virginia including required industry-standard certifications to provide them

and their families long-term sustainable livelihoods. More veterans can be added if we exceed

our funding goals.

We are currently the AMVETS Career Center program by developing, deploying and

maintaining a state-of-the-art Distance Learning (dL) capability providing over 250 certification

courses available through over 19 Career Centers Across the United States. AMVETS is the

fourth largest Veterans Service Organization in the United States with over180,000 members; 39

State departments; and over 1,150 posts nationally. Our solution is providing AMVETS the

capability to provide 24/7/365 training and industry standard certification to its customers with

the flexibility to conduct Instructor-Led Training (ILT) in a classroom environment is needed.

Funding this effort will bring this proven process to the Commonwealth of Virginia and directly

improve the lives of Virginia’s veterans.

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The Solution Your Sponsorship will Support

Selected veterans will receive nationally recognized training and certification in the selected field

through Distributed Learning (dL); Job Counseling, Training and Placement; and other services

as may be required. Currently over 250 training and certification courses are available on-line.

Participating veterans will be matched to training and education paths selected to track them into

careers for which there is significant demand in Virginia.

The program works at the local level directly with veterans in tailoring the training and

mentorship to their individual needs. Key attributes of the process include:

Determine Specific needs of each Veteran. Our one-on-one counseling works with each veteran

in determining realistic requirements, opportunities, and employment opportunities in the areas

they desire to live. After assessing the veterans’ current knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as

their learning and management styles, each veteran develops his or her own personal

development plan.

Heath Evaluations and Counseling. Individualized support that takes into account veterans’

personal and career goals as well as any special conditions resulting from their service (TBI,

PTSD, disabilities, etc.)

Personalized Evaluations to Develop Individual Life Plans. Each participating veteran

receives individualized working, learning, vocational, skills, and other counseling. Each

understands their skills and potential and develops a life plan. Participants determine their best

vocation and the opportunities available to them including the employment potential for each.

The individual receives training or education that has the highest potential for success.

Lifestyles Skills Training. Using the actual challenges veterans face in their daily lives working

in the private sector business culture, participants learn to tailor their unique military leadership

and other skills to make them even more valuable to future employers and those they’ll work with

and lead in the private sector.

Team Building and Action Plans. Participants utilize draft action plans in leadership and team-

building exercises with their initiative in problem solving and group work.

Targeted Counseling. Personal counseling to revise individual plans to final ones ready to

execute. Follow-on training and education tailored to individual plans and resources available.

Education and Training. Vocation training and develop life skills supporting the needs and

opportunities determined. Training is based on the individual’s plan and designed to give them

practical experience and the highest job placement potential. Veterans will be enrolled in the

appropriate on-line training under the guidance of their individual mentor. Following the

successful completion of this training they will be scheduled for the appropriate private sector

certification exam. The result will be a highly trained veteran who applies for a position already

holding the required credentials and certifications employers need.

Private Sector and Community Engagement. Working with the appropriate Commonwealth

agencies and commercial companies in Virginia will enable veterans to train for jobs they know

are available and, equally important, allow these private sector companies to nominate veterans

they desire to hire but who only lack the required certifications.

The result will be to transition more qualified veterans into the workforce faster.

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Enclosure 3 – IED Response and Safety Protocols to Reduce School Violence.

The Problem

Despite the increasing use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by juveniles and their

increasing connection with school violence, there are no protocols in schools to reduce IED use

or respond to IED events, as there is for active shooter incidents.

The Deliverable Your Sponsorship Will Support

A model for IED school response protocols in Virginia to compliment active shooter procedures

with the goal of making them adaptable for schools throughout the United States.

Background

The United States is a country with one of the highest rates of IED incidents within its own

borders. In fact, according to some Department of Defense briefings, the U.S. ranks as high as

4th in the world for IED incidents in the homeland, with the majority of them having no

connection to terrorism. In this context, members of the Public Safety sector are at greatest risk

and bear the greatest responsibility for dealing with them. Blast trauma injuries such as PTSD,

TBI, along with effect on suicide rates is an often overlooked area in the Public Safety Sector. It

is a very serious Health and Welfare issue for that community.

The increasing level of violence in schools that puts our most precious resources – our children –

at risk is of great concern. The threat from IEDs in school violence is underscored by very

disturbing facts.

According to some government estimates, the United States ranks 4th in the world for the

number of IED events within its own borders.

The FBI has reported that nearly half of all bomb threats in the U.S. targeted schools in

2011.

Most disturbingly, one out of four arrested for IED-related offenses in 2012 were

juveniles.

This history of these devices connected to school violence is undeniable and chilling:

The greatest loss of life to school violence in American history was the Bath School

disaster perpetrated by Andrew Kehoe on May 18, 1927 in Bath Township, Michigan, that

killed 38 elementary school children and 6 adults.

On September 15, 1959 - Paul Harold Orgeon, age 49, a tile-setter and ex-convict and his

son approached a teacher, Patricia Johnston, on the school playground, carrying a brown

suitcase; he asked that the children gather around him and waved the suitcase around. When

the Principal and the Custodian arrived Orgeron detonated the suitcase killing six people

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(Orgeron and his son; two students; custodian Montgomery and a teacher, Jennie Kolter)

and injured 18 – two were 7-year-olds who each lost a leg.

In 1986 at the Cookeville Elementary School in Wyoming, a man and his wife held hostage

154 children, teachers and visitors in the community’s elementary school. This story

shocked the nation as a whole school was forced into a crowded classroom with a bomb as

an armed man and his accomplice terrorized their captives for three hours - The bomb did

detonate. 1 fatality (bomber) suffered many injuries.

The connection of IEDs to the tragedy in Newtown on December 14, 2012 is equally disturbing

and increasing in frequency.

On December 14, 2012 (the same day as the Sandy Hook Shooting) a Bartlesville,

Oklahoma student, 18-year-old Sammie Eaglebear Chavez, was arrested for allegedly

planning to bomb his high school. His plan was to cause the school to go into “lock

down” then detonate explosive and incendiary devices against the trapped students and

staff.

December 18, 2012 A Galloway Township, New Jersey student was arrested for

possession of bomb making chemicals he planned to use in a “copycat” of the Sandy

Hook Attack.

January 8, 2013 - A 17-year-old Alabama high school student – influenced by the

Newtown Shooting – was arrested for plotting to blow up his classmates.

April 29, 2013 – Edson, New Jersey police found shotgun shells and improvised

explosive devices at the home of a 16-year-old Edison High School student.

May 8, 2013 – 18 Year old Arizona High School Student arrested after a cleaning woman

found materials and IEDs in his room.

May 29, 2013 - An Oregon teen planned an assault on his high school and wrote detailed

plans to "shoot and throw bombs throughout the school," then kill himself before

engaging with responding police officers.

May 4, 2014 – A 17-year-old Minnesota high school student was arrested after a private

citizen call police to report his suspicious activity at a self-storage unit. In the search the

followed police recovered a cache of ammunition, several weapons, and a large quantity

of homemade bombs (IEDs). Inspired by the school shootings at Sandy Hook, Virginia

Tech and Columbine he planned to kill his mother, father and sister and start a fire in

rural Waseca to distract first responders. Then, he said he wanted to go to Waseca Junior

and Senior High School, where he planned to set off various bombs during lunch, kill the

school resource officer, set fires and then open fire on students. Police estimate the young

man was within two weeks of carrying out the attack and estimate the casualties would

have been many times higher than the Newtown attack.

One cannot address school violence or hope to reduce it without addressing the growing IED

epidemic.

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The Solution Your Sponsorship will Support

From our work globally and within the United States on the connection between IEDs and school

violence, we believe a holistic solution is required and our focus is on complimenting (not

duplicating) ongoing Public Safety Sector efforts, such as the Active Shooter Protocols which the

Public Safety Sector led the way in developing. Our approach is a comprehensive one that seeks

to reduce or eliminate the root causes of why these events occur, working at the community

level. At its core this approach is a holistic one focused on responding to needs with sustainable

solutions. Mitigating the threat is best achieved at the community level, and our approach

supports and empowers communities in this regard.

To that end we’ve begun an initiative working with the Public Safety Sector through meetings

with such organizations as the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Fraternal Order of Police,

The Sheriff’s Association, National Association of Police Organizations, Department of

Homeland Security Information Network (HISN), National Fire Academy, and others. Veterans

Service Organizations (VSO) such as AMVETS, Blinded Veterans Association, Veterans of

America, Rolling Thunder, and others have joined in to share best practices on caring for

victims, particularly in the areas of TBI and PTSD. We found these lessons learned extremely

valuable not only for first responders to school violence incidents but the young survivors

themselves. This past year we had the honor to present to a Committee of the International

Association of Fire Chiefs at their recent National Convention.

Currently the group is working on a partnered approach to develop a model to respond to the

increasing frequency of IEDs in school violence that will complement the models and programs

in place for active shooter incidents. We believe such models and procedures are critical, as

some of the actions taken in response to active shooters can actually increase the potential for

injuries and fatalities when IEDs are used or when fire is used as a weapon.

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Enclosure 4 – Ian Anderson

Ian Anderson - Flute, Guitar, Bouzouki, Mandolin, Harmonica, Vocal

Ian Anderson, known throughout the world of rock

music as the flute and voice behind the legendary

Jethro Tull, celebrates his 46th year as a recording

and performing musician in 2014.

Ian was born in 1947 in Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland.

After attending primary school in Edinburgh, his

family relocated to Blackpool, England in 1959.

Following a traditional grammar school education, he

moved on to art college to study fine art before

deciding on an attempt at a musical career.

Tull formed in 1968 out of the amalgamation of the

John Evan Band and McGregor’s Engine, two blues-

based local UK groups.

Still enjoying a lengthy, if intermittent, ongoing

career, Jethro Tull has released 30 studio and live

albums, selling more than 60 million copies since the

band first performed at London’s famous Marquee

club.

After undertaking more than 3000 concerts in forty-something countries throughout four

decades, Tull has played typically 100 concerts each year to longstanding, as well as new fans

worldwide.

Widely recognized as the man who introduced the flute to rock music, Ian Anderson remains the

crowned exponent of the popular and rock genres of flute playing. So far, no pretender to the

throne has stepped forward. Ian also plays ethnic flutes and whistles together with acoustic guitar

and the mandolin family of instruments, providing the acoustic textures which are an integral

part of most of the Tull repertoire.

Anderson has so far recorded six diverse albums under his own name during a long career:

1983′s “Walk Into Light”, the flute instrumental “Divinities” album for EMI’s Classical Music

Division in 1995 which reached number one in the relevant Billboard chart, and the more

acoustic collections of songs, “The Secret Language of Birds,” “Rupi’s Dance,” plus rock

albums “Thick As A Brick 2″ and now, 2014′s “Homo Erraticus.”

In recent years, he has toured more and more as simply Ian Anderson, often with orchestras,

string quartets, featured soloists. Most of the concerts scheduled for 2014 will feature “Homo

Erraticus” together with an hour of favorites from the Jethro Tull catalogue.

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In 2006 and 2010, he was awarded Doctorates in Literature from Heriot Watt University in

Edinburgh and the Abertay University of Dundee. He received the Ivor Award for International

Achievement in Music and, in the New Years Honours List of 2008, an MBE for services to

music.

He declares a lifelong commitment to music as a profession, being far too young to hang up his

hat or his flute, although the tights have long since been consigned to some forgotten bottom

drawer.

(Source: Edited G. Bostock 2013 – www.jethrotull.com/ian-anderson-bio/)

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Enclosure 5 –War Blinded Veteran from Richmond Sgt. Brian Pearce (.S. Army (Ret).

Sgt. Brian Pearce US Army (Ret.) – In his own words

Prior to joining the U.S. Army, I worked as a Deputy Sheriff in

Ohio for over 8 years before joining the U.S. Army in 1992 and

serving until March of 2000. After leaving the Army after

completing my first tour of duty, I was hired as a Police

inspector for Osmose count, Ohio, followed by time as a

patrolman for the Pomery Police Department and then Chief of

Police, Syracuse Police Department.

In January 2004 I returned to Active Duty in the United States

Army.

In 2005 I was stationed at Fort Wainwright Alaska with 172nd

Striker Combat Brigade when we deployed into Iraq from

August 2005 to August 2006 where my and I were sent into the

Sunni Triangle.

On October 20, 2006 a road side Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded and I suffered a

severe penetrating head injury. Once the blast zone was secured I was air evacuated to the field

hospital in Ballad, Iraq. There I underwent an emergency craniotomy of the right occipital and

posterior fossa with duraplasty retaining foreign body, and a ventriculostomy. The IED blast

caused shrapnel to penetrate the right occipital lobe of the skull and although my eyes were not

damaged, the brain injury itself damaged the visual pathways inside the brain cortex. This blast

also caused severe TBI and cortical blindness. Later we learned it was the cause of complex

visual impairments, PTSD, hearing loss, pulmonary embolism, seizure and REM sleep disorders.

I was moved to the Richmond VA Poly Trauma Medical Center in early 2007 where I spent over

six years. Today I still reside in Richmond and continue TBI and Vision rehabilitation as an

outpatient at the Polytrauma Center. During my rehabilitation I was fortunate enough to be

supported by the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) who assisted me in being treated at the

Veterans Affairs (VA) Blind Center in West Haven, Connecticut for eight weeks in October 2007.

There I received training for blindness with the VA providing me with adaptive technology

computer devices and training. The VA Eastern Blind Rehabilitative Center was excellent

helping me go through extensive and thorough training in living skills, manual skills, orientation

and mobility training, and computer training. we decided to live in this area and not move back

home to Ohio. I am still married to wonderful wife Angie, and have two teenage children. The

VA has deemed me unemployable now since my injury and it has been a long road back to this

point with many twists and turns.

I now spend the bulk of my time advocating for wounded war Veterans and volunteering for

charitable Guide Dog Foundation and VA TBI organizations and Families of the Wounded.

This includes my service as a Board Member Virginia Brain Injury Association.

Figure 1 - Sgt. Brian Pearce, U.S.

Army ((Ret) and his guide dog

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Enclosure 6 – Guest Artist Brian Rock

Army Veteran Brian Rock will be our guest artist with a selection of

his paintings on display at the concert and available for sale with all

proceeds going to our charitable efforts. Brian served in the US Army

from 2001-2013 taking part in Operation Noble Eagle, Operation

Enduring Freedom and Operation Joint Guardian as part of the 56th

Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division. He left the

Army after achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant (E6) and has been

painting ever since as therapy to deal with his Post-Traumatic Stress

Disorder (PTSD). Brian uses mixed media in his Abstract Expressionist

work that incorporates his memories of growing up in Belfast, Northern

Ireland with his military experiences in order to “bring the images from

the inside into the present".

Brian has shown his work in Los Angeles, New York City, Washington D.C. Miami, Pasadena,

and Baltimore and in states that include Kansas, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He is currently

working with the US Museum of the Army and numerous Veterans organizations. Brian’s

military awards include a Meritorious Service Medal, 5 Army Commendation Medals, 3 Army

Achievement Medals, NATO Medal, German Armed Forces Award and overseas ribbons.

Brian’s work is featured on the Global Campaign against IEDs music video of Ian Anderson’s

Wootten Basset Town from his Thick as a Brick 2 album.

Samples of Brian’s compelling and though provoking art:

Figure 1 - Ardoyne Figure 2 - Never Forget

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Figure 3 - Peaceline

Figure 4 - Burn

Figure 5 - Explosion

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Enclosure 7 – The Graffiti of War Project

The Graffiti of War Project...

Offering a unique, individual perspective, through

their eyes and their emotions. Each image represents

a moment in time, when an emotion was captured in

ink, paint, or pencil, an unconventional

historical record of this generation's war. Our

Mission is that through sharing these images, we will

begin a dialog between soldier and civilian, to bridge

this ever-widening divide between those who have

endured these wars and the rest of the world that can

only imagine the horrors. To bring understanding

and true empathy of what these men and women

experience during modern conflicts.

Capturing Our Generation's

Conflict Art...

We are collecting these images any way we can,

through submissions to our website, on Facebook

and those sent into us via email. Each day that goes

by we lose dozens of these culturally significant

creations.

Because of this statistic, The Graffiti of War Project

headed an expedition to Kuwait and Iraq to embed

with US Forces ahead of the impending withdrawal

in 2012. During our almost month-long effort, our

The Invisible Wounds of War...

Now more than ever, our veterans are becoming

homeless faster than compared to those coming home

from Vietnam.* According to a recent CBS 60

Minutes story, when Vietnam veterans came back, it

took 8 to 10 years before they succumbed to

homelessness. Now, within a year of separation from

the Armed Forces, our warfighters are on the street,

homeless. Though some of them are victims of our

economy, these staggering statistics point to the

increased occurrence of invisible wounds such as TBI,

TBI and PTSD.

The ultimate goal of this project and book is help raise

awareness of these invisible wounds of war and with

the help of our non-profit partners such

as GiveAnHour.org, develop both traditional and non-

traditional forms of treatment such as Music and Art

Therapy.

Upon the release of the book, The Graffiti of War, a

large portion of the proceeds will be used to develop

and provide these alternative methods and to help erase

the stigma associated with reaching out for help. If our

warfighters won't reach out to us, it is OUR

RESPONSIBILITY to reach out and care for them.

25

team was able to document over 2,000 images, raise

awareness of our mission and interview dozens of

warfighters, civilians and local nationals, however,

we still need your help.

Through your participation, we can ensure that we

document as much of this Conflict Art

(www.Facebook.com/ConflictArt) as we can for this

generation and those to come. These unconventional

works of art represent a new genre of art to be

admired, marveled at and studied but only with your

help.

We have NO political affiliation, NO ulterior agenda

other than to ensure our brothers and sisters-in-arms

receive the help and support they deserve because of

their selfless service to answer the call to arms. They

are that 1% and it is our duty as Americans to ensure

their health and posterity.

Through understanding their service and the horrors of

war they have experienced on our behalf, we can

bridge this cultural gap and truly ensure we leave no

warfighter behind on the battlefield in the mind.

26

Enclosure 8 – Dinner in the Dark

October 4, 2014 The Positive Vibe Café, Richmond, Virginia. Open Reception and

Cocktails begin at 6:00 pm with the Dinner in the Dark at 7:00 pm.

Chef Gary Whitecotton was the Executive Chef at the Country Club of

Virginia from 2006. Chef Whitecotton previously worked for several other

private clubs in the Richmond area, including the Dominion Club, Hanover

Country Club, Richmond Country Club, and Hermitage Country Club.

Raised in Hanover County, Chef Whitecotton was exposed from a very early

age to the culinary arts through preparing food for his expansive family.

Together with his grandparents, he maintained a vegetable garden, plus raised

hogs and chickens from which they made their own sausage and cured their

own ham. They were beekeepers and made their own honey. From their

additional property in King William County, that bordered the Pamunkey and Mattaponi Rivers,

Chef Whitecotton found his love for fishing.

Chef Whitecotton is also an active member of the American Culinary Federation and achieved

his ACF Certified Executive Chef designation in 2008. In 2010 he was named ACF Virginia

Host Chef of the Year. In 2008, Chef Whitecotton traveled to Erfurt, Germany, to represent the

ACF Team United States in the IKA Culinary Olympics, where he was awarded a bronze medal.

Chef Whitecotton is also extremely committed to the development of young culinarians and can

often be found mentoring local and regional juniors.

Menu

First Course

Butternut Squash Soup with Duck Bacon

Second Course

Choice of

Roast Bison with Barley Risotto, Sweet Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts,

Apples and Shallot Au Jus

or

Gulf Shrimp & Grits with BBQ Shrimp, Pimento Cheese Grits and

Crispy Collards

Final Course

White Chocolate and Pecan Bread Pudding with a

Whiskey Hard Sauce and Praline Bacon

27

Enclosure 9 – Organizational Background and Successes

About Us

The organization managing the Global Campaign against IEDs is Partners International

Foundation (PIF) (www.partners-international.org), PIF is a non-profit, non-governmental

organization recognized as a public charity under United States Law, section 501(c)(3). (IRS and

USAID Certifications available upon request). We are 100% all volunteer with no paid staff.

PIF enables collaboration between local people and international experts to plan, develop, and

maintain sustainable livelihoods. Our operating philosophy uses an innovative approach that

brings together members of the public and private sectors. These public-private partnerships

harness intellect, imagination, and creativity with material and non-material solutions to execute

collaborative locally led programs producing sustainable livelihoods.

In our Veterans programs, we operate through a network of vetted and highly respected Veterans

Service Organizations (VSOs) and other veterans’ groups to ensure delivery of resources to those

in need under strict accountability and objective assessment of the impact.

PIF’s programs supporting Veterans and First Responders are formally endorsed by AMVETS

Blinded Veterans Association, The Graffiti of War Project, Rolling Thunder, St. Louis Fire

Department, Veterans Association of America, and others (read more using the link HERE)

The work we do with veterans, particularly in the area of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)

and related injuries is formally endorsed by various:

Why We Are Different2

A 100% all volunteer organization with no paid employees – Maximum of all donations goes

to programs supporting the needy.

Work through robust public-private partnerships to achieve the best, most cost-effective

solution regardless of source.

2 A few examples illustrate why partnering with PIF is the best business decision and the best for truly helping those

in need. Consider that according to their 2011 Form 990s, one major organization claiming to support Wounded

veterans received $148,185,045.00 in contributions and grants while distributing $5,528,278.00 in grants (only 2%

of donations received) to those in need. They spent $21,035,510 (almost 15%) on employee salaries and

$1,901,510.00 to professional fundraisers. Salaries for that group’s top 10 compensated officers reached

$333,379.00 annual salary plus other compensation for their Executive Director. By contrast, PIF had no salary or

professional fundraising costs.

28

Open sharing of information and assistance to other appropriate organizations to solve

problems using highly productive teams.

Works at the grass roots level focusing on community-based capacity building to establish

long term, sustainable solutions.

Projects Representing Our Work with Veterans

Global Campaign against Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

IEDs are the number one cause of injuries and fatalities to military

members and will remain so for the foreseeable future. Over 85% of

all injuries to service members in Afghanistan and Iraq resulted from

IEDs while these devices are the cause of the top four injuries

including: hearing loss, vision loss, Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-

Traumatic Stress Disorder. With over 500 IED incidents monthly

around the world excluding Iraq and Afghanistan, the IED has become a very effective weapon

for those who advance their cause through terror and violence. If you exclude Iraq and

Afghanistan, there are on average, three IED incidents each day in the remainder of the world.

Where explosive weapons were used in populated areas 91% of the casualties were reported to

be civilians- most of the explosive devices were IEDs. We are working to reduce the use of IEDs

and provide needed aid to IED victims, especially veterans. (read more using the link HERE)

Community Based Veterans and Public Safety Sector Projects:

In 2012 PIF partnered with local fire, police, Emergency Medical

Services, and Veterans groups to support their local charity

programs as well as raise awareness. The supported events help

engage the community on the issues of IEDs, school violence,

Traumatic Brain Injury, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Vision

loss and other injuries that not only effect active duty and veterans

but members of the public safety sector. Some 72 events were conducted in 16 States across the

country. (download the tour of locations (google Earth required) HERE)

Veterans at Ian Anderson Concerts and Support to Public

Safety Sector. Through a special arrangement with Ian Anderson

wounded veterans and first responders participate in a unique

music experience. They meet Ian and the band while attending one

of their concerts as special guests. In 2014 and beyond, we are

planning to hold special Ian Anderson concerts specifically to

honor veterans and raise funds to support grassroots programs to

support veterans and our other charity efforts. In 2012 and 2013 we conducted over 12 of these

events as well as 72 special events for First Responders in 19 states (read more using the link

HERE).

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Awareness Video: Wootton Bassett Town - Ian Anderson (Jethro

Tull). Through the generosity of Ian Anderson and contributions of

art from veterans recovering from TBI, PTSD, and other IED

injuries, a powerful and moving music video addresses the global

threat from IEDs. The music is from Anderson’s song Wootten

Bassett Town. Wootton Bassett Town is the community in England

where military personnel killed in the line of duty are repatriated.

The story of this town’s actions in honoring the fallen sets an

example for us all. (view the video HERE)

House Resolution 190. Representative Richard Hanna (R-NY)

has introduced a bill to set the United States on the path to being

the leader in reducing the global threat from Improvised Explosive

Devices (IEDs) such as those used in the Boston Marathon

Bombing. House Resolution (H. Res) 190 formally condemns the

April 15, 2013, IED attack in Boston, Massachusetts and calls

upon the United States Government, the governments of all

nations, the United Nations, and other international organizations to renounce the use of IEDs, as

well as take actions to stop their proliferation and control the trafficking of IED production

techniques. Veterans Service Organizations (VSO) strongly support H. Res 190 and its call for

all relevant agencies of the U.S. Government to support the care of active duty service members,

veterans, and first responders who are victims of IEDs by facilitating the exchange of blast

trauma research data (read more using the link HERE).

U.S. House Letter on Veteran and Military Suicide. On March 4,

2013 fifty-three members of the U.S. House of Representatives sent

a letter to Secretary of Defense Hagel and Secretary of Veterans’

Affairs Shinseki calling for them to share blast-trauma related

research and add important areas of inquiry to the National

Mortality Study on veterans investigate the linkages from blast-

trauma, low level traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other IED effects

on suicides. The letter is in response to the increasing number of active duty and veteran suicides

despite numerous programs implemented by the military services and Department of Veterans

Affairs (VA). According to the most recent data, active duty personnel committed suicide at a

rate of almost one every day in 2012. The statistics are higher for veterans with 18 to 22 veterans

estimated to have committed suicide every day that same year (read more using the link HERE).

U.S. House Letter to President Obama. On May 3, 2012 sixty-nine

members of the U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter to

President Obama calling for a unified U.S. strategy and international

action against Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The action

coincided with the exposure of a new Al Qaeda plot to bomb an

airliner with updated and difficult to detect Improvised Explosive

Devices (IEDs) concealed in underwear. On June 4, 2012, some 23

more members of the House of Representatives requested to be

added, bringing the total number of signatories to 92 representing 28 states, American Samoa

and the Virgin Islands. (read more using the link HERE)

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Helping Children of Service Members Killed on Active Duty. The day after terrorist attacks killed thousands at the Pentagon,

World Trade Center, and four hijacked airplanes, Katie Morris, a

student at Hardaway High School in Columbus, Georgia started a

project to help other children whose parents died on active duty.

(read more using the link HERE)

Projects Representing Our Work to Reduce School Violence

Improvised explosive Devices are increasingly connected with

school violence in the United States. According to the FBI, 1 in 4

arrests for IED related activities in 2012 where juveniles and

schools were the number one target. We are working with national

Public Safety Sector organizations (Police, Fire, EMS, EOD, etc.) to

develop programs at the community level to stop the violence. We

are also working to partner these organizations with veteran groups

to help address the issues of PTSD, TBI, suicides and other injuries among members of the

Public Safety Sector. This project will be resourced by proceeds from the events.