Chantilly, Virginia – Operation
Interdependence®, a major U.S. troop support group
known for large care package shipments to troops overseas,
announced it has teamed with the International Webcasting
Association (IWA) for a live webcast to solicit support for
it’s effort to re-directs the group’s vast infrastructure to
deliver care packages to Katrina survivors. After the group
received authorization from the Office of Louisiana Governor
to proceed with the effort, Operation Interdependence®
asked the IWA to assist with a live webcast from the studios
of TV Worldwide to raise awareness about the effort while
providing instructions for efficient care package collection.
The group, led by former military personnel renowned for
expertise in logistics support, is stressing that just like in
Iraq and Afghanistan, efficient distribution and delivery of
materiel is integral to making sure the supplies aren’t
wasted.
”We are pleased to work with the IWA and TV Worldwide to help
us get the word out to Americans everywhere on how they can
help us get these needed supplies into Louisiana and the gulf
coast areas and do it effectively,” stated retired Chief
Warrant Officer and OI President Albert R. Renteria. “We are
tapping our resources in several states around the country to
maximize efficient distribution and are pleased to be working
with the Office of Louisiana Governor and other officials in
the affected areas to make sure the supplies get to those who
need it most. Even U.S troops in Iraq have offered to send
their care packages back to support the effort.”
The event will feature representatives of Operation
Interdependence® and volunteers who will discuss the
organization’s efforts that have recently garnered national
media attention in addition to addressing specifics on how
webcast viewers can help.
The IWA recently announced it was working with major
Broadcasters, news organizations, ISPs, technology companies,
IWA members, and relief support organizations across the
country to create a live streaming media Emergency Katrina
Information Portal at
www.webcasters.org.
People
planning to participate in the live Internet broadcast on
Wednesday, September 7, 2004, should tune in online at
www.webcasters.org or
www.OIDelivers.org by12:45PM ET and have the free
Windows Media Player installed prior to the event. Questions
during the live pre-show can be directed to 703-961-9250, ext
220 or
info@tvworldwide.com .
Renterria
formulated the idea for the Operation Interdependence®
organization during a tour of duty in the Gulf War. As part of
his responsibilities, he was charged with the task of
supporting the requirement to assign personnel to receive and
distribute “civilian care donations” (goods donated by
civilians and U. S. companies, for use by individuals
stationed abroad). While supporting this requirement, he was
exposed to the challenges of dividing and delivering these
items to individuals, without compromising the manpower
required for the particular mission’s needs.
Renterria
will participate via telephone along with other Operation
Interdependence® personnel during the webcast.
About Operation Interdependence.
Operation Interdependence®
is the premier civilian-to-military delivery system®
that provides a means for Americans to demonstrate their
support of our deployed military forces by supplying them with
the everyday items they miss. It is the only such care
package delivery system that is secured and logistically
sound. Most people are not aware that sending packages and
messages to military troops can cause logistics and security
problems for the military, detract from the mission and
possibly bog down in the system and never reach the troops.
Operation Interdependence®
works with the military supply system, to expedite care
packages to America’s deployed men and women. The organization
is seeking corporate sponsors, individuals and groups to
supply items such as videos, games, magazines, grooming aids,
and sports clippings as well as letters and messages from
home. Operation
Interdependence® serves as a clearinghouse for
other organizations where volunteers inspect, pack and ship
the civilian rations®
that let America’s deployed men and women know they have
support from home. For more information or to join the
organization’s vital mission visit their website
www.oidelivers.org. Since launching in December 2001, OI®
has delivered over 500,000 c-rats® WITHOUT impacting military
resources.
About the IWA
The International Webcasting Association (IWA) is a
worldwide non-profit trade organization dedicated to the
growth and development of the art, technology and commerce of
webcasting and streaming media over the Internet and other
networks. The IWA, headquartered in Washington, DC represents
members throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, Canada and
Australia. The IWA works to keep members informed, connected,
and better prepared for the changes that are an integral part
of the technology
