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{{Infobox organization
'''Move America Forward''' (MAF) is a ] formed in 2005 and based in ], which supports front-line troops of the ] serving in ] and ]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mission |url=http://www.moveamericaforward.org/mission-statement |publisher=Move America Forward |accessdate=30 May 2013}}</ref> by sending them ]s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Care Packages for the Troops |url=http://www.moveamericaforward.org/care-package-program-items |publisher=Move America Forward |accessdate=30 May 2013}}</ref> However, the group has repeatedly misled donors and inflated its charitable accomplishments, while funneling millions of dollars to right-wing ] firms.<ref name=Barker>{{cite web
| name = Move America Forward
|url=http://www.propublica.org/article/pro-troop-charity-misleads-donors-while-lining-political-consultants-pocket
|image = File:MAF_LOGO.png
|title=Pro-Troop Charity Misleads Donors While Lining Political Consultants’ Pockets
| formation = 2004
|first=Kim
| founders = ], ], ]
|last=Barker
| type = ]
|publisher=ProPublica
| purpose = Support United States Armed Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan
|date=August 5, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| headquarters = ]
|url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2014/08/05/the_pro_troop_charity_that_happens_to_give_millions_of_dollars_to_tea_party.html
⚫ | website = {{URL|http://www.moveamericaforward.org}}
|title=The Pro-Troop Charity That Happens to Pay Millions of Dollars to "Tea Party" Consultants
}}
|first=David

|last=Weigel
'''Move America Forward''' is a ] military charity based in ]. ], ] and ] established the organization in 2004.<ref name=alternet>{{cite web|url=https://www.alternet.org/story/18963/%27fahrenheit_9_11%27_on_the_hot_seat|title='Fahrenheit 9/11' on the Hot Seat|publisher=]|date=June 16, 2004|access-date=January 25, 2018}}</ref> The organization supports front-line United States Armed Forces troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.<ref name=sfgate>{{cite web|url=http://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/Conservatives-launch-pre-emptive-strike-against-2713321.php|title=Conservatives launch pre-emptive strike against documentary critical of Bush / 'Fahrenheit 9/11' called propaganda|author=Carla Marinucci|date=14 June 2004|accessdate=1 November 2014}}</ref> On March 20, 2024, the charity announced it was changing its name to Troopathon, after the annual fundraising event that it holds.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.troopathon.org/all-blogs/were-rebranding-to-troopathon-pt3ys-nzlty |title=We're Rebranding to Troopathon! |date=2024-03-20 |publisher=Troopathon }}</ref>
|publisher=Slate (blog)
|date=August 5, 2014}}</ref> ] recommends against donating to the group, giving it 0 out of 4 possible stars.<ref name=Barker/>


==History== ==History==
]
Move America Forward grew out of the ]. It was established in May 2004 by Republican political consultant ], former Republican assemblyman ] and former ] talk show host ], both of whom now serve as Move America Forward's co-chairmen. Both Russo and Kaloogian served in key roles in the successful ''] Committee'' that prompted the 2003 gubernatorial ] of California's Democratic governor — Kaloogian as chairman of the recall campaign, Russo as chief strategist.<ref name=CNN>{{cite web
], ] and ] formed Move America Forward in 2004.<ref name=alternet/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2004/film/markets-festivals/org-ignites-9-11-fight-1117906427/|title=Org Ignites '9/11' Fight|publisher=Variety|first=David|last=Rooney|date=June 14, 2004|access-date=January 25, 2018}}</ref>
|url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0306/17/se.01.html

|title=Calif. Gov. Davis Faces Recall Effort
In 2005, the organization took its first trip to Iraq called ''Voices of Soldiers'' tour.<ref name=accessnorthga>{{cite web|url=http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail-pf.php?n=128734|title=The Final Chapter of My Trip To Iraq|accessdate=1 November 2014|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101205924/http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail-pf.php?n=128734|archivedate=1 November 2014}}</ref><ref name=utsandiego>{{cite web|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2005/jun/30/kaloogian-headed-to-iraq/|title=Kaloogian headed to Iraq|date=30 June 2005|author=Mark Walker|accessdate=1 November 2014}}</ref> Soldiers were interviewed to share their stories in the success in the fight against terrorism during the trip.<ref name=accessnorthga/> That August, Move America Forward sponsored a ''You don't speak for me, Cindy!'' tour to counter Cindy Sheehan's protest at President Bush's Crawford, Texas, ranch and the vigils held in her support.<ref name=freerepublic>{{cite web|url=http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1465713/posts|title=Supporters of U.S. Involvement in Iraq Plan Caravans to Texas|date=18 August 2005|author=Jim Robinson|accessdate=1 November 2014}}</ref> The following year, Move America Forward sponsored ''Trip Gold Star'', the organization's second trip to Iraq.<ref name=goldstar>{{cite web|url=http://www.sgtmacsbar.com/CCTPhotos/Gallery24/Argel/Funeral/Iraq.html|title=Lompoc mom hopes to honor son's memory in trip to Iraq |publisher = Santa Barbara (Cal.) News-Press | date = 23 January 2006 | author=Nora K. Wallace| accessdate=1 November 2014}}</ref> The trip to Kurdistan, including Gold Star Moms, was for the parents of fallen American soldiers to see where their sons and daughters made the ultimate sacrifice.<ref name=goldstar/> That year, the organization introduced its ''Care package for the troops'' program.<ref name=hotair>{{cite web|url=http://hotair.com/archives/2014/08/05/move-america-forward-responds-to-pro-publica-report/|title=Move America Forward responds to Pro Publica report|date=5 August 2014|author=Ed Morrissey|accessdate=1 November 2014}}</ref><ref name=army>{{cite web|url=http://www.army.mil/article/25781/Move_America_Forward__MAF_/|title=Move America Forward|author=John Heiner|date=12 August 2009|accessdate=1 November 2014}}</ref> The program sends care packages including coffee, cookies, beef jerky, Gatorade, and other requested items to troops year around.<ref name=depotpark>{{cite web|url=http://www.depotpark.com/blog/depot-park-hosts-the-5th-annual-troop-a-thon|title=Depot Park Hosts the 5th Annual Troop-A-Thon|date=30 July 2012|accessdate=1 November 2014}}</ref><ref name=tcttimes>{{cite web|url=http://www.tctimes.com/news/want-to-support-our-troops/article_ac3006be-78d5-11e1-8efe-0019bb2963f4.html?mode=jqm|title=Want to support our troops?|date=28 March 2012|accessdate=1 November 2014}}</ref>
|work=
|date=2003-06-17}}
</ref> In November 2003, one month after the successful recall election, Russo told the ] of the 120,000 recall supporters in his database. "We took on the political establishment and won, and they feel empowered, ... They want to be involved. ... We'll change the name to something like 'Move America Forward,'" and go national, he predicted. A week later, the ] MoveAmericaForward.com was registered to Russo's ] firm, ''Russo Marsh & Rogers''.<ref name="PR Watch">{{cite web
|url=http://www.prwatch.org/prwissues/2004Q3/maf.html
|first=Diane
|last=Marsetta
|title=Moving America One Step Forward And Two Steps Back
|accessdate=2008-02-28
|work=
|year=2004}}
</ref> Both Kaloogian and Russo continued on with Move America Forward in essentially the same roles as in the ''Recall Gray Davis Committee''.<ref name="about MAF">{{cite web
⚫ |url=http://www.moveamericaforward.org/index.php/MAF/AboutUs
|title=About Us
|work=
|accessdate=2008-02-28}}</ref>


Move America Forward held its first "Honoring our Heroes at the Holidays" national bus tour in 2007.<ref name=usatoday>{{cite web|url=http://yourlife.usatoday.com/mind-soul/doing-good/kindness/post/2011/05/how-to-honor-our-heroes-this-memorial-day/171900/1|title=Honoring our heroes this Memorial Day|author=Christie Garton|date=27 May 2011|accessdate=1 November 2014}}</ref> The tour traveled to over 40 cities in the United States and collected over 200,000 Christmas, Hanukkah and holiday cards for American troops.<ref name=usatoday/> That year, a third trip to Iraq was led by spokeswoman Debbie Lee. The Move America Forward delegation visited troops in Ramadi, at Camp Marc Lee named after Debbie Lee's son, the first Navy SEAL to be killed in the war in Iraq.<ref name=troopathon>{{cite web|url=http://www.troopathon.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Troopathon-7-Media-Availability.pdf|title=Troopathon 7 2014|accessdate=1 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140627175308/http://www.troopathon.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Troopathon-7-Media-Availability.pdf|archive-date=2014-06-27|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2008, Move America Forward sent a delegation to ] to thank troops for their service.<ref name=freerepublic2>{{cite web|url=http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2151437/posts|title=Pro-Troop Group Brings Holiday Cheer to Gitmo Troops|date=19 December 2008|accessdate=1 November 2014}}</ref> The trip was organized by Kylie Williams, the official ambassador for veterans' advocacy for the State of Florida.<ref name=freerepublic2/> The second ''Honoring our Heroes at the Holidays'' national bus tour collected over 200,000 cards that year.<ref name=freerepublic3>{{cite web|url=http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2150165/posts|title=MAF Honoring Heroes |date=17 December 2008|accessdate=1 November 2014}}</ref> That year, Move America Forward hosted the first Troopathon, an online fundraiser, to raise money to send care packages to troops.<ref name=propublica/>


''K9 Care Packages'', a program to support military working dogs and their handlers, was launched by the organization in October 2011.<ref name=tailsinc>{{cite web|url=http://www.tailsinc.com/2011/12/local-hero-supporting-the-troops%E2%80%99-best-friends/|title=Local Hero – Supporting the Troops' Best Friends|date=1 December 2011|accessdate=1 November 2014}}</ref> Move America Forward was named "Top-rated Nonprofit" by Great Nonprofits in 2014 and 2015.<ref name=greatnonprofits>{{cite web|url=http://greatnonprofits.org/org/move-america-forward|title=Move America Forward|accessdate=1 November 2014}}</ref> That March, the Rogers Family Company donated coffee and tea to Move America Forward for troops.<ref name=rogerscoffee>{{cite web|url=http://www.lincolnnewsmessenger.com/article/rogers-family-company-donates-gourmet-coffee-and-tea-troops-partnership-move-america-forward|title=Rogers Family Company donates gourmet coffee and tea to troops in partnership with Move America Forward|date=31 May 2014|accessdate=1 November 2014}}</ref> Stag Arms partnered with the organization for the 2014 Troopathon in July.<ref name=tacticallife>{{cite web|url=http://www.tactical-life.com/news/stag-arms-helps-raise-funds-for-overseas-troops-during-troopathon-7/|title=Stag Arms Helps Raise Funds For Overseas Troops During Troopathon 7|date=31 July 2014|accessdate=1 November 2014}}</ref>
Past activities have included:


In June 2015, Move America Forward hosted its 8th annual Troopathon fundraiser to help send care packages to American troops deployed in war zones overseas.<ref name=ammoland>{{cite web|url=http://www.ammoland.com/2015/06/8th-annual-troopathon-aims-to-send-care-packages-to-troops-overseas/#axzz3fKgFPk2p|title=8th Annual Troopathon Aims to Send Care Packages to Troops Overseas|date=June 20, 2015|accessdate=November 3, 2015}}</ref> The organization raised over $280,000.<ref name=radioink>{{cite web|url=http://www.radioink.com/article.asp?id=2946527|title=Hosts Raise Funds for Military Charity|date=July 3, 2015}}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> State Assemblyman Devon Mathis, Hulk Hogan, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Mark Levin, Geraldo Rivera, Brian Kilmeade, Dennis Miller, Adam Corolla, Herman Cain, Ted Nugent, Jerry Bruckheimer, Joe Theismann, Tony Orlando, and Nancy Grace made appearances on the broadcast that year.<ref name=radioink/><ref name=ewrestlingnews>{{cite web|url=http://www.ewrestlingnews.com/profiles/hulk-hogan|title=Hulk Hogan|accessdate=November 3, 2015}}</ref><ref name=411mania>{{cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/wwe-news-hulk-hogan-taking-part-in-troop-fundraiser-xavier-woods-plays-rock-band-4-at-e3-and-more/|title=WWE News: Hulk Hogan Taking Part in Troop Fundraiser, Xavier Woods Plays Rock Band 4 at E3, and More|date=June 21, 2015|accessdate=November 3, 2015}}</ref><ref name=recorderonline>{{cite web|url=http://www.recorderonline.com/news/mathis-to-appear-on-troopathon/article_3d7b4142-1c20-11e5-97d9-03cd0a37db35.html|title=Mathis to appear on Troopathon 8|date=25 June 2015 |accessdate=November 3, 2015}}</ref> Prior to the ] on July 16, 2015, Move America Forward advocated for more security at military recruiting centers.<ref name=cnn2>{{cite web|url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1507/16/cnr.18.html|title=CNN Newsroom|date=July 16, 2015|accessdate=November 3, 2015}}</ref><ref name=news10>{{cite web|url=http://www.news10.net/story/news/local/sacramento/2015/07/17/sacramento-area-troops-react-to-chattanooga-shooting/30281415/|title=Sacramento-area troops react to Chattanooga shooting|date=July 16, 2015|accessdate=November 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150719005247/http://www.news10.net/story/news/local/sacramento/2015/07/17/sacramento-area-troops-react-to-chattanooga-shooting/30281415/|archive-date=July 19, 2015|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> After the shooting, the organization released a statement in support of lawmakers that wants to allow military recruiters to carry firearms.<ref name=armytimes>{{cite web|url=http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/capitol-hill/2015/07/17/hunter-military-recruiters-weapons/30291235/|title=Lawmaker wants to let military recruiters carry weapons|date=July 23, 2015|accessdate=November 3, 2015}}</ref><ref name=al>{{cite web|url=http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2015/07/tennessee_republican_introduci.html|title=Tennessee Republican introducing bill to repeal military firearm ban: Do you agree?|date=July 17, 2015|accessdate=November 3, 2015}}</ref>
*2005 First MAF trip to ] called the ''“Voices of Soldiers”'' tour. The delegation interviewed soldiers so they could tell, in their own words, the successes in the fight against terrorism.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Final Chapter of My Trip To Iraq|url=http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail-pf.php?n=128734|publisher=Access North Georgia|accessdate=13 April 2013}}</ref>
*2006 Second MAF trip to Iraq, This “Gold Star” trip, including Gold Star moms, to ] was for the parents of fallen U.S. soldiers to see where their sons and daughters made the ultimate sacrifice.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lompoc mom hopes to honor son's memory in trip to Iraq|url=http://www.sgtmacsbar.com/CCTPhotos/Gallery24/Argel/Funeral/Iraq.html|publisher=sgtmacsbar.com|accessdate=13 April 2013}}</ref>
**Introduced the ''“Care Packages for the troops”'' program, to send items year round. Products included in the care packages have changed over time, but they contain only best quality, including custom roasted premium coffee, cookies, ], ], and many other things requested by the troops.
*2007 The first ''“Honoring our Heroes at the Holidays”'' national bus tour, which traveled to over 40 cities all across the United States. Seen as a huge success because MAF was able to collect over 200,000 ], ] and holiday cards for our troops.<ref>{{cite web|title=Honoring our heroes this Memorial Day|url=http://yourlife.usatoday.com/mind-soul/doing-good/kindness/post/2011/05/how-to-honor-our-heroes-this-memorial-day/171900/1|publisher=USA Today|accessdate=13 April 2013}}</ref>
**Third MAF trip to Iraq led by Debbie Lee. The MAF delegation visited the troops in ], at Camp Marc Lee named after her son and ].
*2008 Sent a delegation to ] to thank the troops for their tireless effort and service.
**The second ''“Honoring our Heroes at the Holidays”'' national bus tour. MAF was able to collect over 200,000 Christmas, Hanukkah and holiday cards for our troops.
*2011 Launched the ''“] Care Packages”'' program to support military working dogs and their handlers with items catered to help ] that save lives by finding ]’s.
*2012 On or about December 16, 25 packages worth around $5000 were stolen waiting to be shipped to soldiers in Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite web|title=Grinch Steals Christmas Care Packages Meant for Troops in Afghanistan|url=http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/12/grinch-steals-christmas-care-packages-meant-for-troops-in-afghanistan/|publisher=ABC News|accessdate=5 August 2015}}</ref>


In 2016, Move America Forward partnered with the ] to send care packages to troops overseas to show support for those away from their families during the holiday season.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wdrb.com/story/34174532/wounded-warrior-project-empowers-veterans-to-give-back |title=Wounded Warrior Project Empowers Veterans to Give Back |date=January 3, 2017 |publisher=WDRB |access-date=January 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113122443/http://www.wdrb.com/story/34174532/wounded-warrior-project-empowers-veterans-to-give-back |archive-date=2017-01-13 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wfmj.com/story/34174591/wounded-warrior-project-empowers-veterans-to-give-back |title=Wounded Warrior Project Empowers Veterans to Give Back |date=January 3, 2017 |publisher=WFMJ |access-date=January 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113135446/http://www.wfmj.com/story/34174591/wounded-warrior-project-empowers-veterans-to-give-back |archive-date=2017-01-13 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
⚫ ==Policies and Programs==
In addition to ''care packages'', they also hold an annual online fundraiser called “]”, which is and eight-hour event to help send packages to United States troops broadcast live on the web. Past guests have included ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] Universities’ “Coach K” ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Mission|url=http://www.troopathon.org/mission|publisher=troopathon.org|accessdate=6 April 2013}}</ref>


Move America Forward received a 2 out of 4 star rating from Charity Navigator.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=12342#.VjkXPK6rSt9|title=Move America Forward|publisher=Charity Navigator|accessdate=November 3, 2015}}</ref> Guidestar rated the organization as a Platinum Participant.<ref name=guidestar>{{cite web|url=http://www.guidestar.org/organizations/84-1627277/move-america-forward.aspx|title=Move America Forward|accessdate=3 November 2014}}</ref>
The policies they promote include the removal of the ] headquarters from the United States, keeping the ] open,<ref> Move America Forward.</ref> the closing of the ] and the deportation of illegal aliens back to their countries of origin. MAF is known for vocally opposing politicians and political action groups and even media that it deems to be too liberal. At the same time, they advocate for conservative candidates and appointees.


⚫ ==Policies and programs==
Prominent Move America Forward campaigns have included the closing of the US-Mexico border (the MAF's "Secure Our Borders" campaign) and the ending of amnesty programs to illegal immigrants (through nomoreamnesty.com), support of ]—an outspoken critic of the United Nations—to serve as the US representative to the United Nations, and restricting the distribution of the ] film '']''. In August 2005, Move America Forward sponsored a ''You don't speak for me, Cindy!'' tour to counter ]'s protest at President Bush's ], ranch (and the ]s in support of Sheehan that were held around the country). The organization also protested ] when he made a speech at ] in ], California and has protested against the ].
]
The organization annually hosts "Troopathon", an 8-hour live online broadcast that it says it uses to help send packages to American troops.<ref name=propublica/> The fundraiser hosts movie stars, TV personalities, elected officials, professional athletes, musicians, talk radio hosts and many other supporters.<ref name=ammoland/>


In a partnership with the ] Company, MAF introduced a program where soldiers would receive specially wrapped 2 oz. bags of jelly bellies to use as gift to the native people they were in contact on a daily basis with.<ref>{{cite web|title=Merry Christmas, and pass the ammunition|url=https://shanghaijill.wordpress.com/tag/troops/|publisher=shanghaijill.wordpress.com|accessdate=13 April 2013}}</ref> Each specially marked package displays these words in English, Arabic, and ]: ''“A gift from the America People in hope that your country will one day enjoy the freedom and opportunities that we have in the United States"''<ref>{{cite web|title=Jelly beans fill an urgent need!|url=http://www.timesleaderonline.com/page/content.detail/id/529671/Jelly-beans-fill-an-urgent-need-.html?nav=5008|publisher=timesleaderonline.com|accessdate=6 April 2013}}</ref> In a partnership with the ], Move America Forward introduced a program where soldiers would receive specially wrapped 2 oz. bags of jelly bellies to use as gift to the native people they were in contact on a daily basis with.<ref name=freenews>{{cite web|url=http://www.freenewspos.com/news/article/c/1476084/today/exposures-i-care-gifts-bring-comfort-help-troops-make-friends|title=Exposures: I Care: Gifts bring comfort, help troops make friends|accessdate=1 November 2014|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101202942/http://www.freenewspos.com/news/article/c/1476084/today/exposures-i-care-gifts-bring-comfort-help-troops-make-friends|archivedate=1 November 2014}}</ref><ref name=veooz>{{cite web|url=http://www.veooz.com/news/mH6hHY2.html|title=Exposures: I Care: Gifts bring comfort, help troops make friends|accessdate=1 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102010354/http://www.veooz.com/news/mH6hHY2.html|archive-date=2014-11-02|url-status=dead}}</ref> Each specially marked package displays these words in English, Arabic, and ]: "A gift from the America People in hope that your country will one day enjoy the freedom and opportunities that we have in the United States."<ref name=freenews/><ref name=veooz/>


== See also == ==Controversy==
In 2014, ] released a report accusing Move America Forward of giving a percentage of its donations to for-profit companies run by people affiliated with Tea Party Express.<ref name=propublica>{{cite web|url=https://www.propublica.org/article/pro-troop-charity-misleads-donors-while-lining-political-consultants-pocket|title=Pro-Troop Charity Misleads Donors While Lining Political Consultants' Pockets|date=5 August 2014|author=Kim Barker|accessdate=1 November 2014}}</ref><ref name=slate>{{cite web|url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2014/08/05/the_pro_troop_charity_that_happens_to_give_millions_of_dollars_to_tea_party.html|title=The Pro-Troop Charity That Happens to Give Millions of Dollars to "Tea Party" Consultants|author=David Weigel|date=5 August 2014 |accessdate=1 November 2014}}</ref><ref name=hotair/>
*]


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist}} {{Reflist|2}}


==External links== ==External links==
*{{Official website|moveamericaforward.org}} *{{Official website}}


]
] ]
] ]

Latest revision as of 16:00, 11 June 2024

Move America Forward
Formation2004
FoundersSal Russo, Howard Kaloogian, Melanie Morgan
TypeNonprofit
PurposeSupport United States Armed Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan
HeadquartersSacramento, California
Websitewww.moveamericaforward.org

Move America Forward is a nonprofit military charity based in Sacramento, California. Howard Kaloogian, Melanie Morgan and Sal Russo established the organization in 2004. The organization supports front-line United States Armed Forces troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. On March 20, 2024, the charity announced it was changing its name to Troopathon, after the annual fundraising event that it holds.

History

Move America Forward volunteers sorting materials to put in care packages.

Sal Russo, Melanie Morgan and Howard Kaloogian formed Move America Forward in 2004.

In 2005, the organization took its first trip to Iraq called Voices of Soldiers tour. Soldiers were interviewed to share their stories in the success in the fight against terrorism during the trip. That August, Move America Forward sponsored a You don't speak for me, Cindy! tour to counter Cindy Sheehan's protest at President Bush's Crawford, Texas, ranch and the vigils held in her support. The following year, Move America Forward sponsored Trip Gold Star, the organization's second trip to Iraq. The trip to Kurdistan, including Gold Star Moms, was for the parents of fallen American soldiers to see where their sons and daughters made the ultimate sacrifice. That year, the organization introduced its Care package for the troops program. The program sends care packages including coffee, cookies, beef jerky, Gatorade, and other requested items to troops year around.

Move America Forward held its first "Honoring our Heroes at the Holidays" national bus tour in 2007. The tour traveled to over 40 cities in the United States and collected over 200,000 Christmas, Hanukkah and holiday cards for American troops. That year, a third trip to Iraq was led by spokeswoman Debbie Lee. The Move America Forward delegation visited troops in Ramadi, at Camp Marc Lee named after Debbie Lee's son, the first Navy SEAL to be killed in the war in Iraq. In 2008, Move America Forward sent a delegation to Guantanamo Bay to thank troops for their service. The trip was organized by Kylie Williams, the official ambassador for veterans' advocacy for the State of Florida. The second Honoring our Heroes at the Holidays national bus tour collected over 200,000 cards that year. That year, Move America Forward hosted the first Troopathon, an online fundraiser, to raise money to send care packages to troops.

K9 Care Packages, a program to support military working dogs and their handlers, was launched by the organization in October 2011. Move America Forward was named "Top-rated Nonprofit" by Great Nonprofits in 2014 and 2015. That March, the Rogers Family Company donated coffee and tea to Move America Forward for troops. Stag Arms partnered with the organization for the 2014 Troopathon in July.

In June 2015, Move America Forward hosted its 8th annual Troopathon fundraiser to help send care packages to American troops deployed in war zones overseas. The organization raised over $280,000. State Assemblyman Devon Mathis, Hulk Hogan, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Mark Levin, Geraldo Rivera, Brian Kilmeade, Dennis Miller, Adam Corolla, Herman Cain, Ted Nugent, Jerry Bruckheimer, Joe Theismann, Tony Orlando, and Nancy Grace made appearances on the broadcast that year. Prior to the 2015 Chattanooga shootings on July 16, 2015, Move America Forward advocated for more security at military recruiting centers. After the shooting, the organization released a statement in support of lawmakers that wants to allow military recruiters to carry firearms.

In 2016, Move America Forward partnered with the Wounded Warrior Project to send care packages to troops overseas to show support for those away from their families during the holiday season.

Move America Forward received a 2 out of 4 star rating from Charity Navigator. Guidestar rated the organization as a Platinum Participant.

Policies and programs

Care packages ready for shipping.

The organization annually hosts "Troopathon", an 8-hour live online broadcast that it says it uses to help send packages to American troops. The fundraiser hosts movie stars, TV personalities, elected officials, professional athletes, musicians, talk radio hosts and many other supporters.

In a partnership with the Jelly Belly Company, Move America Forward introduced a program where soldiers would receive specially wrapped 2 oz. bags of jelly bellies to use as gift to the native people they were in contact on a daily basis with. Each specially marked package displays these words in English, Arabic, and Pashto language: "A gift from the America People in hope that your country will one day enjoy the freedom and opportunities that we have in the United States."

Controversy

In 2014, ProPublica released a report accusing Move America Forward of giving a percentage of its donations to for-profit companies run by people affiliated with Tea Party Express.

References

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  2. Carla Marinucci (14 June 2004). "Conservatives launch pre-emptive strike against documentary critical of Bush / 'Fahrenheit 9/11' called propaganda". Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  3. "We're Rebranding to Troopathon!". Troopathon. 2024-03-20.
  4. Rooney, David (June 14, 2004). "Org Ignites '9/11' Fight". Variety. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  5. ^ "The Final Chapter of My Trip To Iraq". Archived from the original on 1 November 2014. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  6. Mark Walker (30 June 2005). "Kaloogian headed to Iraq". Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  7. Jim Robinson (18 August 2005). "Supporters of U.S. Involvement in Iraq Plan Caravans to Texas". Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  8. ^ Nora K. Wallace (23 January 2006). "Lompoc mom hopes to honor son's memory in trip to Iraq". Santa Barbara (Cal.) News-Press. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  9. ^ Ed Morrissey (5 August 2014). "Move America Forward responds to Pro Publica report". Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  10. John Heiner (12 August 2009). "Move America Forward". Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  11. "Depot Park Hosts the 5th Annual Troop-A-Thon". 30 July 2012. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  12. "Want to support our troops?". 28 March 2012. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  13. ^ Christie Garton (27 May 2011). "Honoring our heroes this Memorial Day". Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  14. "Troopathon 7 2014" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-06-27. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  15. ^ "Pro-Troop Group Brings Holiday Cheer to Gitmo Troops". 19 December 2008. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  16. "MAF Honoring Heroes". 17 December 2008. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  17. ^ Kim Barker (5 August 2014). "Pro-Troop Charity Misleads Donors While Lining Political Consultants' Pockets". Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  18. "Local Hero – Supporting the Troops' Best Friends". 1 December 2011. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
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  20. "Rogers Family Company donates gourmet coffee and tea to troops in partnership with Move America Forward". 31 May 2014. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  21. "Stag Arms Helps Raise Funds For Overseas Troops During Troopathon 7". 31 July 2014. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  22. ^ "8th Annual Troopathon Aims to Send Care Packages to Troops Overseas". June 20, 2015. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
  23. ^ "Hosts Raise Funds for Military Charity". July 3, 2015.
  24. "Hulk Hogan". Retrieved November 3, 2015.
  25. "WWE News: Hulk Hogan Taking Part in Troop Fundraiser, Xavier Woods Plays Rock Band 4 at E3, and More". June 21, 2015. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
  26. "Mathis to appear on Troopathon 8". 25 June 2015. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
  27. "CNN Newsroom". July 16, 2015. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
  28. "Sacramento-area troops react to Chattanooga shooting". July 16, 2015. Archived from the original on July 19, 2015. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
  29. "Lawmaker wants to let military recruiters carry weapons". July 23, 2015. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
  30. "Tennessee Republican introducing bill to repeal military firearm ban: Do you agree?". July 17, 2015. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
  31. "Wounded Warrior Project Empowers Veterans to Give Back". WDRB. January 3, 2017. Archived from the original on 2017-01-13. Retrieved January 11, 2017.
  32. "Wounded Warrior Project Empowers Veterans to Give Back". WFMJ. January 3, 2017. Archived from the original on 2017-01-13. Retrieved January 11, 2017.
  33. "Move America Forward". Charity Navigator. Retrieved November 3, 2015.
  34. "Move America Forward". Retrieved 3 November 2014.
  35. ^ "Exposures: I Care: Gifts bring comfort, help troops make friends". Archived from the original on 1 November 2014. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  36. ^ "Exposures: I Care: Gifts bring comfort, help troops make friends". Archived from the original on 2014-11-02. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  37. David Weigel (5 August 2014). "The Pro-Troop Charity That Happens to Give Millions of Dollars to "Tea Party" Consultants". Retrieved 1 November 2014.

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