2006 Attendance Higher at Nonprofit's Annual Northern California Event Honoring U.S. Combat Dead

San Jose, CA (PRWEB) October 19, 2006 -- The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA) held its second annual event in Moss Landing on September 2, 2006. The memorial paid tribute to all U.S. killed in action (KIA) and died of wounds (DOW), with many more participants this year than last year. This year, the event also honored U.S. citizens killed in acts of terror and public safety personnel, as well as military personnel who died in the line of duty. 2006’s event also included a military-vehicle show put on by Military Vehicle Collectors of California (MVCC) and a swap meet. Congressman Farr’s office and the California National Guard also participated. Preliminary estimates of attendance were about 300 for the midday ceremony, probably more than double last year’s participation.

Big Rain played live for much of the day, with speakers and patriotic music during the memorial beginning at noon. USAKIA president Vincent Bartning spoke after a blessing by Chaplain Joy Joy Jeannette. Joy, also the president of the California chapter of Rolling Thunder, also participated. Keynote speaker was Mrs. Pat Wiscowiche, mother of Marine Lcpl. William "Willie" Wiscowiche, KIA April 30, 2004, in Iraq’s Al Anbar province. Congressman Farr’s office also sent a speaker and presented a certificate to sponsors for special congressional recognition. Ms. Gabby Cribland again did a fine rendition of The Star Spangled Banner as the flag raising portion of the ceremony began at 1PM. USAKIA also presented certificates of appreciation to participants, including Rolling Thunder and the California National Guard.

The nonprofit also began two raffles on July 15 to help raise funds, with one ending at the end of the Labor Day Weekend event; the other will end Veterans Day, November 11. USAKIA also accepts tax-deductible donations, including, vehicles. See its Web site at www.usakia.org. The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation’s mailing address is P.O. Box 720123, San Jose, CA 95172. For vehicle donations, call CARS toll free at 1-877-537-5277, and mention USAKIA.

About the USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation:

The USA KIA/DOW Family Foundation (USAKIA), based in San Jose, California, is an IRS-approved, tax-deductible and tax-exempt nonprofit. KIA families incorporated the 501(c)(3) organization in the fall of 2003 to benefit families of those killed in action and died of wounds while in the U.S. armed forces. Current services include memorials, membership, and it had planned a new California Medal of Honor Project (CAMOHP).

USAKIA also has products honoring U.S. KIA. America Remembers KIA allows USAKIA the use of its trademarked KIA flag and symbol. See the organization's Web site at www.usakia.org for further information.

###