Foundation News

June 19, 2007

SFTT Holds Fundraiser in Greenwich, Connecticut

By Paul Connors

The Soldiers For The Truth Foundation, like all non-profit organizations relies on donations to provide funding for its educational and other efforts. Over the years, the foundation has received funding through the generosity of supporters who have donated directly through the website (sftt.org), via mail-in donations and the good will of several major benefactors. However, like many foundations, funding is often received on a sporadic basis and the costs associated with maintaining the organization’s educational mission—including a new effort geared toward Congressional leaders—needs urgently to be expanded to better protect our frontline troops.

SFTT Chairwoman and co-founder (with her late husband, Col. David Hackworth, U.S. Army, Ret.) Eilhys England founded SFTT for the express purpose of serving as a source of education for members of the public who may not be aware that our warriors are often short-changed when it comes to adequate equipment, proper training and competent leadership. Prior to his death in May 2005, David Hackworth had seen several of his books become influential best sellers that called to readers’ attention the shortcomings in our defense establishment. Out of those proceeds and other resources they had, the Hackworths founded SFTT and provided much of the early funding for the organization.

Over time, the financial needs of SFTT continued to grow and several fund raisers were held in Greenwich, CT., where Hack considered home and where he was greatly esteemed. On Friday, June 1, 2007, at Richard’s in Greenwich, several hundred supporters of the mission of the Soldiers For The Truth foundation gathered together to celebrate Greenwich’s second annual Col. David Hackworth Day and to learn more about the inadequacy of the current body armor issued to our soldiers and Marines, funding shortfalls for veteran’s benefits, recruiting and retention shortfalls and other issues that continue to plague our combat forces deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

First Selectman Jim Lash, CT Congressman Christopher Shays,
Scott Mitchell of Richards, Geraldo Rivera and Eilhys England Hackworth

The event’s guests, all of whom made a tax-deductible donation, listened to speakers who included Medal of Honor recipient and former Senator from Nebraska, Bob Kerrey, Geraldo Rivera of FOX News, Eilhys England Hackworth, and the foundation’s incoming new president, Major John D. Falcon, U.S. Army (Ret.). Gary Stahlhut, a member of the Board of Advisors of SFTT with two combat tours in Iraq also spoke of the inadequacy of the current personal weapons carried by our warriors. Although not a scheduled speaker, the Attorney General of Connecticut, Richard Blumenthal requested a few minutes to speak of the need for constant improvement to protect the troops. Mr. Rosenthal spoke eloquently on the subject based on his experience as a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve during the Vietnam War.

Gary Stahlhut, John Falcon and Martin Miles

Dave Kohn and Eilhys England Hackworth exhibit Dragon Skin

On hand for viewing by the audience were both a cutaway showing the component parts of Pinnacle’s Dragon Skin as well as a complete vest.

DefenseWatch Editor-in-Chief and outgoing foundation president, Lt. Col. Roger Charles, USMC (Ret.) discussed the armor, its construction and why he believes it is superior to the Interceptor Body Armor the troops are currently issued. He pointed out SFTT’s number one objective in the body armor controversy has been, and remains, independent, full and fair testing of all feasible alternatives so that America’s frontline troops get the “best-available” protection.

Eilhys England Hackworth and Roger Charles

Several of the guests tried on the vest to see exactly how much it weighed and what the troops wear before they don the rest of their tactical gear.

Soldiers For The Truth Foundation is a 501c tax exempt foundation. All donations are tax deductible under IRS regulations.

© 2007, Paul Connors. Paul Connors is a Sr. Editor of DefenseWatch. He can be reached at paulconnors@hotmail.com

Additional Event Photos:

Eilhys England Hackworth, Scott Mitchell of Richards and Shelly Tretter Lynch

Eilhys England Hackworth and Geraldo Rivera

Geraldo Rivera and Bob Kerrey

Geraldo Rivera and Christopher Shays