Reminder: National Infantry Museum, Columbus, GA, to Host Gulf War 20th Anniversary National Tribute 9 a.m. Thurs., May 26 to Honor Service Members, Unveil Stones to Those Who Lost Lives in Decisive Military Action

/PRNewswire/ -- The National Infantry Museum, located adjacent to Fort Benning in Columbus, GA, will host a Gulf War Twentieth Anniversary National Tribute to the men and women killed in service during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm on Thursday, May 26, from 9-10:30 a.m., leading off Memorial Day Weekend. The event will include participation by the top service commanders from the conflict and will feature laying commemorative granite paved stones for each of the men and women who died. Families and unit members will attend and thousands are expected.

"We won rapidly in the Gulf War; 382 men and women gave their lives," says Col. Greg Camp (Ret), Executive Vice President of the National Infantry Foundation. Infantry Foundation Chairman Lieutenant General Carmen Cavezza added, "This event is a well earned national tribute to the sacrifices our military heroes made to enable a clear victory by the United States and coalition forces. This will be the first official recognition of all Gulf War men and women who died in service." The event is also Fort Benning's Memorial Day celebration.

The event's host speaker will be retired Four-Star General Barry R. McCaffrey, a division commander in the Gulf War. The top Air Force and Navy commanders in the Gulf War have already indicated participation, Gen. Charles Horner (Ret), and Admiral Stanley Arthur (Ret), as well as LtGen. William M. Keys, USMC (Ret.), who commanded the 2nd Marine Division in the Gulf War. Other leaders from all branches are expected. In addition to the stone pavers and speeches, a military honor guard will march. Taps will be played following the unveiling of the stones and the raising of a new, special, dedicated flag for the Gulf War.

McCaffrey stated, "The Gulf War was a decisive military action. Anyone who comes to the Infantry Museum and sees the powerful exhibits from all of America's wars will understand how appropriate it is that the Gulf War commemoration be hosted here. As a participant in the Gulf War, I am proud that America is giving recognition to those who served and died for their country."

The National Infantry Museum and Foundation continues to seek information from families and unit members of the service members killed in the Gulf War to include at the event. All are invited to come. Persons with information or photos of the 382 are asked to send them to Cyndy Cerbin at ccerbin@nationalinfantryfoundation.org. "We want families and friends of Gulf War veterans to feel that this is home for recognition of their heroes," said Ben Williams, Executive Director of National Infantry Foundation.

In partnership with the Army and the Maneuver Center of Excellence, the Gulf War ceremony will be a special event included at the conclusion of the graduation of a company of new Infantry School soldiers, a powerful message of continuity for the graduates. Four-Star General BB Bell (Ret), who was General Norman Schwarzkopf's executive officer in the Gulf War as a colonel, will deliver the graduation address. Four-Star General Ronald Griffith, a commander of the First Armored Division in Iraq, will also participate. The class will then march the short distance to the granite pavers for the unveiling.

For planning purposes, Columbus' airport is served by Delta and American Airlines, or media may wish to fly to Atlanta and rent a car or take a shuttle to Columbus, which has many hotels. Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International airport (ATL) is approximately a 75-minute drive from the National Infantry Museum, and Columbus Airport (CSG) is a twenty-minute drive.

-----

Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG @FayetteFP

Fox Sports Net to Air the Farmers Insurance Group(R) Angel City Classic

GFP Note: Be sure to tune in on September 27th to see Morehouse College!

PRNewswire/ -- Mark your calendars and get ready for a fantastic football game to be nationally televised on the Fox Sports Network September 27, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. from the Los Angeles Coliseum. Farmers Insurance Group of Companies is proud to bring to Southern California, the unique exposure to the excitement and thrill of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU's) by sponsoring a football game between two powerhouses, Prairie View A & M University from Prairie View, Texas and Morehouse College, from Atlanta, Georgia.

"We are honored to be the title sponsor of the Farmers Insurance Group Angel City Classic and welcome the Fox Sports Network to the Classic," noted Farmers Insurance Group CEO Paul Hopkins. "Everyone is invited to enjoy the game which includes the highly anticipated half-time battle-of-the-bands and after the game, a special tribute by Stax Records to world famous musician Isaac Hayes who died this week."

"This is absolutely fantastic," said Black Educational Events CEO John T. Fleming. "Fox Sports Net coverage will allow the entire country to see firsthand the game, high school Band Clinic, Greek tailgate party, and the enthusiasm that these Historically Black Colleges and Universities elicit. We're thrilled that Fox, along with Farmers Insurance Group, share our goal of promoting educational opportunities for minority students through athletic competition and unbelievable musical exhibition."

"Farmers will also announce three recipients of the Farmers Insurance Group UNCF National Scholarship Awards for college students who are in their 2nd, 3rd or 4th year attending an HBCU or United Negro College Fund (UNCF) school during the September 26-27 weekend at a special Gala," explained Faye W. McClure, Farmers Vice President of Strategic Marketing. "It is Farmers way of saying we care about young people who could use a helping hand as they pursue a college education. We couldn't be more proud about helping these students achieve their dreams in life."

Stax Records VP of Artist & Repertoire, Collin Stanback, expects to see an outpouring of artists joining what will inevitably be a huge celebration for Hayes. "This is of course tragic news about the loss of such a giant in the music business. Stax Records was in many ways the house that Isaac built as a prolific songwriter and performer and I can't think of a more fitting way to show our gratitude for everything he gave us than to fill the L.A. Coliseum with all of his fans," said Stanback.

For more information, or to participate as a sponsor or a vendor, call the Farmers Insurance Group Angel City Classic office at 323-293-0940 or visit http://www.angelcityclassic.com/

_____
Georgia Front Page
Fayette Front Page

Atlanta Braves to Honor Skip Caray with Tribute and Celebration

The Atlanta Braves have announced plans to honor the life of longtime broadcaster and friend, Skip Caray on Tuesday, Aug. 12.

The Braves invite all fans to come and pay tribute to the legendary voice of the team on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Turner Field. Speakers include Braves Chairman and CEO Terry McGuirk, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, longtime broadcast partner and friend Pete Van Wieren and Skip's son Chip Caray. Another longtime broadcast partner and friend, Joe Simpson, will lead the event.

Cherished moments will be shared and video tributes will air throughout the ballpark. Fans who wish to attend can park in the Green lot and enter through the Plaza gates. Gates will open at 9 a.m.

Tuesday night's game, ironically versus the Chicago Cubs, will continue the celebration of Skip's life and career with a special pre-game ceremony with the Caray family and the entire night will be filled with video clips and first person stories shown on Braves Vision.

The game begins at 7:10 p.m., with the pre-game ceremonies beginning at 6:45 p.m.

As a reminder the family has asked in lieu of flowers donations be made to the following organizations:

Camp Twin Lakes
www.camptwinlakes.org or
P.O. Box 933507
Atlanta, GA 31193-3507

Small Dog Rescue (will only accept donations online)
www.smalldoghumane.org

Winship Cancer Institute
www.cancer.emory.edu or
Plaza 1000
762 Clifton Road
Atlanta, GA 30322-4001

-----
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page