Rolling Thunder^®, Inc. National - D.C. Information

 http://www.rollingthundermotorcyclerally.com

The National Media Committee has developed the following Message Points that represent the primary focus of Rolling Thunder XXI. These points should be followed when speaking with anyone in the media, to maintain focus and message consistency.

Definition and Purpose of Rolling Thunder® and Rolling Thunder XXI:

Rolling Thunder®, Inc. is a veteran’s based organization dedicated to working on issues for current and future veterans and for POWs and MIAs. We are NOT a motorcycle club and this is not a motorcycle event – this is an organized demonstration.

Key Message Points:

• Return of POWs – We continue to introduce and support legislation to protect and demand accountability for all live or potentially live POWs from Iraq and Afghanistan, along with previous and future wars. Our most recent POW/MIAs are: Capt. Michael Scott Speicher, captured 1/17/1991; Spc. Ahmed Al-taie, captured 10/23/2006, Pvt. Byron W. Fouty and Sgt. Alex R. Jimenez both captured 5/12/2007. Staff Sgt. Matt Maupin, captured 4/9/2004 – remains identified 3/08.

• House Resolution 111 –Establishing a Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs. The select committee shall conduct a full investigation of all unresolved matters relating to any United States personnel unaccounted for from the Vietnam era, the Korean conflict, WWII, Cold War Missions, or Gulf War, which include POWs and MIAs.

• VA Benefits – We continue to identify and support legislation that improves healthcare and retirement benefits for active military, as well as reservists, who now serve in ways not originally intended. This new generation of returning veterans portrays physical and mental symptoms unique to this conflict with over 28,000 wrongly discharged under the heading “Immature Personality Disorder.”

• Classification of “POW/MIA” Status – We continue to pressure the U.S. Congress and the Department of Defense to restore the “POW/MIA” designation and cease using the ”Missing/Captured” classification, which does not ensure that captured soldiers are given full protection under the Geneva Convention.

• Use of Legislation to Obtain Information About Live POWs – We continue to press for the United States to use and communicate to Middle East countries and their citizens the existence of The Persian Gulf War POW/MIA Accountability Act of 2002. This Act provides refugee status in the United States to any Middle Eastern citizen and their immediate family who provide information leading to the rescue of a live POW.

If there are any questions or concerns regarding these points or anything else involving media, feel free to contact us.

Thanks in advance for your help and we look forward to seeing you in DC.

Nancy Regg

Nregg2@patmedia.net

Rolling Thunder®, Inc. National Media Committee

Rolling Thunder^®, Inc. - Is A Registered Trademark Name

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