(1888PressRelease)
July 26, 2007 - I interviewed Woody Degan, Director of Communications for the Bronzes Of The Brave™ Project in response to some web-postings by other organizations. The following are his responses.
Let's start from the beginning: How did the Bronzes Of The Brave™ Project get started?
"Mr. Sam Patterson was summoned to Washington, DC at the request of the Department of Defense to develop the Bronzes Of The Brave™ Project. I've confirmed that fact personally with the Department of Defense Liaison. There has been no "re-naming of the project" as fraudulently represented by operation never forget. It remains The Bronzes Of The Brave™. The copycat group simply tried to steal the project. Mr. Patterson has also recently been approved on the Trademark, as well, while the copycat operation in question that attempted to trademark our name has had their application suspended. Read the DOCUMENTATION, often what their own members stated as to the Bronzes of the Brave™ project and its conception. It's at: http://www.thessf.org/sgt-grit.html. Our story is documented with their own comments, emails, postings, and state and federal documents, while their story is undocumented, inconsistent, incongruent, and often contrary to another story they have previously told. When you tell the truth, you've only got one story. That's why we documented everything."
(note: OK, I read it. It IS FULLY DOCUMENTED AND CONFIRMED. POWERFUL STUFF!)
What about comments attributed to Mr. Patterson?
"I have known Mr. Patterson for quite some time, and know fully that he has not taken a dime from this project in over three years of passionate service, sometimes to his own demise" further states Woody Degan, Communications and IT Director for the Bronzes Of The Brave™ Project. "The statements attributed to Mr. Patterson have been, in the very least, misconstrued, and more closely to the truth, presented to cover the actions of operation never forget members, which are fully DOCUMENTED at http://www.thessf.org/attempted-hijacking.html. Mr. Patterson has even created an entirely new fundraising vehicle to broaden the scope of this project to provide additional services to our troops. He DOES believe that "a lot of money can be made" from that vehicle FOR THE CAUSE, but not for him personally. There is so much he wants to do for our troops. He calls me everyday with a new idea! Again, in three years with this project, I have known Mr. Patterson to devote his entire time and energy to it without taking a dime. It is sad that some former participants with us who have numerous dichotomies in their own spoken and written word, are misrepresenting Mr. Patterson's integrity."
What precipitated the problem?
"Those former board members, some of whome were also paid to produce the bronze statues, became disgruntled when Mr. Patterson questioned their advice, and questioned as to whether they had a conflict of interest. In an attempt to formulate a first class business plan, Mr. Patterson executed very thorough due diligence, including analysis of the cost of each bronze statue. Upon presenting the bronze busts produced by marble cast to various consultants, sculptists, and foundries for analysis, EACH AND EVERY one of them agreed that the statues were of inferior workmanship, design, and quality - not something that Mr. Patterson wanted to present to his military heroes. To that end, he recruited a well known 1st class foundry and sculptress out of California, whose clients read like a 'Who's Who' list, from Disney to Howard Hughes foundation, and numerous Hollywood Stars to Churchill Downs. As a result, the Bronzes Of The Brave™ project now has a far superior bronze bust statue at 2/3 of the previous price! Mr. Patterson's assertions of quality and conflict of interest ultimately proved to be correct."
So why the persistent postings on their part?
"Well, now we've got just a bunch of disgruntled former worker bees who got caught trying to steal the names and hi-jack the project. Coupled with the fact that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has suspended their trademark application while approving Mr. Patterson's, the DODs request that onf not contact them anymore, and the internet domains of our name that they registered - again documented - it is apparent that the Bronzes Of The Brave™ assertions and allegations we made are true, as documented by the evidence. Documentation and evidence. That's what it's all about. They even lied about being on our board at all until we sent them back their own email with the pictures they had provided for the board. You can't argue with people who won't tell the truth."
Why did you remove some Generals from your Advisory Board?
"The Generals were in fact removed from TheSSF.org web-site, but only due to the fact that active duty personnel cannot participate in such programs. Others asked to be removed due to the constant harassment they received from operation never forget members. Those Generals still assist us on a daily basis, and have even stated 'I am in this with you until they nail me shut.' Yet, while they make their unfounded assertions, the members of operation never forget have been asked by the DOD not to contact them for further assistance. That says a lot. Mr. Patterson maintains a great relationship with them...with everybody else."
(note: I have personnally spoken to Generals and have confirmed Mr. Degan's comments.)
So what do you do now?
All we're trying to do is honor America's Military Heroes in the War on Terror. Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, wherever. We want to present these Bronzes Of The Brave™ bronze bust statues to each and every one of their families to honor their dedication and ultimate sacrifice - and to bring it home to our citizen's that it's more than a news story. I myself am the son of a United States Air Force Colonel. I know first-hand the sacrifice military men and women - and their families - make, yet while they are alive. The time away, the stress, the training, the dedication. There is room enough for the troops to be honored by many groups in many ways. All we are saying is 'don't try to steal our project to do it!' We've got to maintain our focus is on the brave men and women of our United States Military, and what they are doing for all of us. It is a shame that a group headed by a foreign born activist would post such non-sense, but the truth will come out. It already is."
Thank You, Mr. Degan
"Thank You."
Woody Degan is IT Communications Director for the Bronzes Of The Brave™ Project. He is also owner of Consumer First Consulting Services, where he represents major cutting-edge digital technologies and manages digital services for brand-name clients world-wide. He also owns and operates Memphis Sound Entertainment, Memphis Sound Records, where he produces concerts, records, and events large and small. He is Partner/President and General Manager of Porter Field, Inc., and The Wolf River Airport. Woody is often called the "Charity King," as he is widely recognized for his long-standing commitment to charity work on events and fundraising activities throughout the Mid-South region. He regularly mentors and assists the under priveleged and has a wall of award and certificates in recognition. In his spare time he performs with The Memphis Sound.
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