Operation Enduring Obligation

For Immediate Release

January 26, 2005

“Operation Enduring Obligation” to raise funds for surviving children and spouses of U.S. Military service members who have sacrificed their lives or suffered a severe disability during their service in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.

When Earl J. Lumpkins', Jr., “Some Gave All” participant, lines up for the start of the 26.2 mile marathon at 6:45 am, he won’t be competing for himself. He will be remembering those that gave their all by making the ultimate sacrifice so that others can live their lives in Freedom. Each mile is dedicated to a service member that was based or resided in the State of California. He is raising funds for the families of our fallen soldiers in cooperation with The Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund. All proceeds collected will be held in The Operation Enduring Obligation Fund and 100% of these funds will be disbursed to surviving U.S. Military families to assist them with College and financial assistance.

The Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund was founded October 23, 2003 and is recognized by the IRS as a 501 ( c ) 3 non-profit organization. Inspired by the tremendous amount of courage, honor and dignity of our U.S. Military Service members, our organization was established for the purpose of returning a “gift” to the children and spouses of our Military who have lost a loved one parent in the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars or whose disabling condition has caused them to suffer financially. We are proud to support this operation and encourage others to help Earl reach his goal of $10,000.00.

Some may ask why Earl has taken on such a commitment and the answer is simple and straight forward: "I think so often that it is really beyond the grasp of many civilians what the actual man behind the statistic stood for. I was in the Air Force/National Guard during Desert Shield/Desert Storm, so I feel a really strong, compelling sense of duty to complete this ‘mission’. I was lucky enough to not have a family during my service period, and now that I am a Father of two little girls, I can imagine what it is like during all of the stages of deployment up until the last minute when you most likely come to all of the realizations of what your life meant and what your death will most likely bring your children. I know that most likely many or all of these men have a last wish that their families will be looked after. I can’t be all they wish, but I certainly feel a responsibility to at least help."

The Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund is asking the community to support Earl’s fundraising efforts. To make a contribution or to help raise pledges, go to www.cfsrf.org and click on Operation Enduring Obligation under Upcoming Events. For further information email us at: mission@cfsrf.org or ready4rain@hotmail.com.