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Businessman Helps Families of Fallen Troops

Apr- 7-2005 » Filed Under: Charitable Projects , Homefront

The following AFPS article highlights the efforts of an organization we recently added to our Links Page - GI-Bracelet.org. All proceeds from sales of its "For Those Who Serve" bracelets go to charitable organizations that support military members and their families.

Link to Article
By Gerry J. Gilmore, American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 6, 2005 – “Freedom isn’t free,” asserted San Diego-area businessman James Lee. That’s why, Lee said, he’s promoting the sales of G.I.-styled bracelets to assist families of servicemembers who’ve been killed or wounded while serving in the war against terrorism.

The silicon-rubber bracelets bearing the inscription “For Those Who Serve” go for $1 to $5 on Lee’s Web site. The bracelets are the color of the military’s Purple Heart Medal.

“Customers can now choose their own purchase price,” Lee emphasized, “all of which is donated to charities that support military members and their families. We just want to do something for these families,” said Lee, 36, the proprietor of the Internet firm Dreamissary Inc. Many of his employees are married to military members who’ve served or are now serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, he said. The San Diego area, Lee also pointed out, has a strong military presence.

Lee said the Web site has generated more than $16,000 in bracelet sales since it was launched March 1. All proceeds are customer-selected for distribution among five charitable organizations: the Fisher House Foundation, Homes for Our Troops, Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Lee said the unique part about his project is that the entire purchase price goes to military charitable organizations. He also noted that people can view updates on the Web site on how their money is allocated.

“The ‘book’ is open on the Web,” Lee explained. “Your purchase shows up on the Web site,” which also indicates where the money goes.

The California entrepreneur said he’d love eventually to raise $25 million to $50 million through his Web site for servicemembers’ charity funds.

“We’re aiming high,” he said. “We’ll see.”

Lee said he doesn’t consider himself a patriot, noting that that appellation more rightly belongs to America’s servicemembers and their families.

“I just feel like I’m doing my part as a citizen,” he concluded.


Comments For "Businessman Helps Families of Fallen Troops":

Thank you so much for sharing this article and providing this link on the main page! I just purchased three bracelets with my donation alloted for the Fisher House. I'm glad that I can honor those brave men and women serving in our Armed Forces and am even happier that my donation will help wounded soldiers and their families! God bless our troops!

Meredith

Posted by: Meredith | April 7, 2005 10:43 AM

I wish to thank you for your post concerning GI-Bracelet. I work at the Wounded Warrior Project headquarters in Roanoke, VA and can personally attest to the authenticity of this program as I receive the checks from Mr. Lee's company. As a disabled veteran I would like to thank all these organizations that are helping our HEROs.

Posted by: Dennis L. McClure II | April 7, 2005 5:07 PM

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