HOUSTON, Jan. 17, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Oilfield Helping Hands (OHH), a (501)(c)(3) non-profit organization comprised of oil & gas businesses (http://www.oilfieldhelpinghands.net/) is pleased to announce its support of Home for Our Troops (HFOT), (http://www.homesforourtroops.org/site/PageServer), a nationwide, non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 2004, which builds or modifies specially adapted homes for soldiers returning home from combat with life-altering disabilities. OHH member Energy Corporation of America (ECA) proudly announced that it would contribute $25,000 and numerous volunteer hours to become the Title Sponsor for the 1st Annual Homes for Our Troops Sporting Clay Tournament on January 25 and 26, 2008. ECA, as well as the other corporations contributing private funds and volunteer hours, are either Houston-based or have a major presence in Houston.
On January 15, 2008, during the public session of the Houston City Council, Houston Mayor Bill White stated that he will issue a Proclamation designating one of the dates of the tournament as "Homes for Our Troops Day" in Houston. Several Council Members expressed their gratitude to Army Sgt. Shawn Monroe for his contribution and service to this Country. Sgt. Monroe is a recipient of one of the specially adapted homes from HFOT. He was injured while serving in the 18th Military Police Brigade, 709th Battalion in Germany. In response, Sgt. Monroe expressed without hesitation, "If you ask any one of us...that have been wounded...we would gladly do it again and we thank you for your support."
In a statement to OHH after learning of Mayor White's forthcoming proclamation, President and Founder of Homes for Our Troops, John Gonsalves, expressed his heartfelt appreciation stating, "I would like to personally thank you for everything. Since we began our mission almost four years ago the one thing that has made us stronger and helped us to continue, is the dedication that our fellow Americans put into helping us. I feel so privileged to not only be helping our wounded veterans, but to meet and interact with so many patriotic Americans. No other country in the history of the world has had citizens with the compassion that we have not just for our own people but for all people. Because of the American spirit the world is a better place."
Over 2,500 people and more than 80 corporations are expected to come together with active, reserve and retired members of the U.S. Armed Forces, in support of this 2-day event. To launch the start of this tournament on January 25 at 7:00 a.m., Sgt. Monroe will be escorted from his home by the Patriot Guard/Patriot Riders and taken to Ellington Field. A privately owned, Vietnam-era, Huey helicopter will transport Sgt. Monroe to the event, where he will be welcomed by a flag-flying processional of the Patriot Guard/Patriot Riders. Of further note is a ceremonial raising and lowering of the American Flag with Military Trumpeter. The flag that will fly during the tournament is being loaned to the HFOT by Carson George, who was presented with this flag by soldiers serving at Camp Warhorse, 1st Cavalry, in Iraq. At the same time Carson was working as a civilian at Camp Warhorse, his son, Russell George, an active Marine fighting in Afghanistan, was killed in the line of duty. In honor of his service to his country, this same flag, draped over Russell's coffin, accompanied his body home.
Other exciting events to be expected at the tournament will include:
* Fly-over by the Commemorative Air Force. * 6th Cavalry Historical Association, a group that privately owns decommissioned and antique military land vehicles, will be on hand. * Ebony Cowgirl performs C&W music ala Patsy Cline. * The Patriot Guard will escort to the event William Baker -- Korean War Veteran who was listed as MIA for 18 months, POW for 33 months. Mr. Baker is making a rare personal appearance to show his support for HFOT. * The Houston Chapter of American Gold Star Mothers -- Mothers of service men/women killed in combat. * Operation Military Embrace, a support group operated by Brenda Kaiser who works with wounded vets. * Food and beverages, door prizes, raffles and much, much more!
Edge Petroleum Corporation employee and OHH spokesperson Mitzi Johnson Flowers added, "We are thrilled to be a tournament sponsor and part of the OHH team organizing this important patriotic fundraiser for the injured men and women who so bravely fought for our freedom. We remain deeply appreciative for all the individuals and corporations who have devoted their time, private funds and services to make this fundraiser the best in Homes for Our Troops (HFOT) history."
For further information please visit the HFOT and OHH websites.