Date: October 3, 2005
From: Operation Homecoming Branson
Contact: Gary Linderer
Phone: 417-335-6000
Attention: News Desk
For Immediate Release
Another Vietnam Veterans Homecoming Announced in Branson, Missouri.
Operation Homecoming Branson, is proud to announce a second Vietnam veteran’s homecoming to be held in Branson, Missouri. “The impact on the vets who attended last year’s event and the healing that occurred mandated a repeat performance,” stated Gary Linderer, Vietnam veteran and one of the founders of Operation Homecoming USA. “More Vietnam vets need to experience a real welcome home celebration," said Linderer. A new company, Operation Homecoming Branson, has been established to carry on that legacy.
"We’ve added a number of new events to this year’s homecoming," Linderer pointed out. “We’ve also simplified the registration process, reduced the costs for the vets and their families, established a veterans’ locator service for those attending the event, and added a weapons range, a Native American pow wow, and air assault demonstrations during the week. In addition, we expanded the Saturday concert to a 2-day Heartland Benefit Concert that will aid a number of charities, among them The Wounded Warrior Project, the Branson Veterans Task Force, and Operation Troop Aid.”
Rob Frank, executive producer for the event, is excited about the national entertainers who have already committed to help make this second homecoming a huge success. “We’ve contacted a number of “A” List and “B” List artists for the Branson On Revue Concert and the Heartland Benefit Concerts. It’s an impressive slate of talent and should guarantee a capacity crowd.”
“We’ve contracted with Neste Event Marketing, a Nashville event management company, to handle the operations end of the event,” stated Frank. “Neste is the premiere management team for live entertainment concerts.”
“This year, we’ve brought on a national publicist to help us promote the homecoming. Webster and Associates, also out of Nashville, will add a whole new dimension to reaching Vietnam veterans across the nation,” added Frank.
The 8-day event will begin on Sunday, June 11, 2006 and run through Sunday, June 18. Scheduled events include a Pro/Am bass tournament, a golf outing, a military weapons range, a Native American pow wow, an awards presentation ceremony, a homecoming parade, Branson On Revue Concert, and the weekend Heartland Benefit Concert. Once again the skies over Branson will be full of Vietnam vintage helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Huey rides will be available for those vets wanting to share old thrills with their wives and children, or just enjoy a little dajavu.
“Our Vietnam vets and their families are in for a very special homecoming this year,” announced Barb Linderer, executive vice president of Operation Homecoming Branson. “Everyone who attended last year’s event shared a marvelous experience. It’s a shame these men and women had to wait so long to receive the homecoming they deserved. They are special, and they deserve to be treated that way. That is why we selected Branson, Missouri to host this event. We know that the people of Branson will treat them special. It’s a way of life here.” “We’ll announce our list of entertainers at a national press conference in Nashville in the middle of November,” Gary Linderer declared. “Nashville and Branson have come together in a big way to show their appreciation and support for Vietnam veterans. We’re excited about Welcome Home 2006. I only wish every Vietnam vet could be here for it.”
For more information about Welcome Home 2006, go to www.welcomehome2006.org or call 1-800-335-4587.
11/10/05 just a note: this website is still under construction.
