Operation Victory Remembrance & FAQs
OPERATION
VICTORY REMEMBRANCE
Become a Remembrance Partner Today!
Help 2000 Veterans Receive an Heirloom-Quality Gift and Inspire the Next Generation.
WHY THIS MATTERS
America has only held three military victory parades in Washington, DC since 1900... World War 1, World War 2 and Desert Storm.
Remembering this victory right now helps young men & women and future generations believe our nation can come together to stand against tyranny, work with allies, pursue specific objectives, fight boldly and win... together.
WHAT IT IS
It is a joint veteran - civilian entrepreneurial mission to honor Gulf War Era Veterans through commemorative gifts, shared remembrance and multi-generational education about one of America's most successful & forgotten victories.
WHAT IT DOES
Much like the lightning quick response that became Desert Shield 35 years ago, Operation Victory Remembrance takes advantage of F-15C 85-0114's short notice arrival announcement to launch a powerful new mission.
This mission begins by recognizing 2,000 Gulf War Era Veterans in the Virginia, Maryland & DC area while creating a powerful moment of national unity through remembrance and education.
2000 veterans will receive an heirloom-quality commemorative book; "The Liberation of Kuwait."
The Liberation of Kuwait and the companion feature-length documentary tell the story of Saddam Hussein’s initial invasion, the Kuwaiti resistance, the American-led Coalition’s victory, and the post-liberation progress of Kuwait and its people.
This one-of-a-kind commemorative is a 160-page full-color, hardbound, heirloom-quality publication created to honor those veterans that served during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Stories and pictures from U.S. Military Veterans give the reader a first-hand account of Desert Storm.
HOW IT WORKS
Through a 5-step Success Roadmap, we activate patriotic supporters, business partners and media allies to honor veterans, distribute gifts and prepare the next generation to carry forward the memory of the Desert Storm victory.
5-step Success Roadmap
1. Launch the Mission - Leverage Rico's August 13th National Air & Space Museum event as the rally point for public visibility and momentum.
2. Activate Partners - Enlist partners to support, promote, fund and host the campaign beginning with a networking breakfast & training before 114's arrival.
3. Deliver the Gifts - Each VA / MD / DC distribution partner will receive the books and materials to promote the campaign to honor veterans before Sep 15th.
4. Host Remembrance Events - Partner locations have the opportunity to host local moments of appreciation and connection between veterans and the community.
5. Inspire the Next Generation - Campaign momentum builds toward the 2026 National Desert Storm War Memorial Dedication and beyond through next generation education, storytelling and contests.
WHO IS HELPING
Mission Partners like Splash 3, Warbird National and PATRIOT MISSION are leading the effort.
Distribution Partners like Cool Spring Distillery are coming together on the front lines in local markets to serve and honor our veterans by delivering gifts.
Marketing Partners with big media impact like 1631 Digital and Roll Call are playing a key role.
In addition to our supporting, legacy and business partners, the Educational Partner team is coming together to lead the mission to help Inspire the Next Generation as we approach America's 250th & National Mall Dedication in 2026.
WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR TO JOIN THE TEAM
- Supporting Partners - Individuals and families who want to fund veteran gifts and spread the word through their networks.
- Legacy Partners - Business and civic leaders who want to leave a lasting impact by aligning their influence with remembrance.
- Distribution Partners - Businesses and organizations who deliver gifts and appreciation to Gulf War Era Veterans who will walk into their place of business to pick up their gift.
- Business Partners - Companies, organizations and non-profits who are aligned with Operation Victory Remembrance can create customizable programs to support the mission. Register to get more information.
- Educational Partners - Qualified Veterans, Service Member Families, Business & Defense Industry Leaders and educators are being invited to share personal experiences from the Korean War era through Vietnam, Desert Storm up to 9/11 and the Global War on Terror. Educational Partner Voices will be shared with younger generations as we approach America's 250th Birthday and the National Desert Storm War Memorial Dedication in 2026.
If you believe in honoring the forgotten, educating the next generation, and reviving stories that show what real victory looks like, join us now as a Remembrance Partner—because this mission cannot succeed without you.
Become a Remembrance Partner!
Join the Team!
Consider Helping Us Light 10 Stages of Afterburner!
Join us August 13th!
Each Option includes Admission to the Dulles Hilton Luncheon & Fighter Pilot Happy Hour
August 13th Ticket - $100
- 1 Admission - Dulles Hilton Luncheon & Fighter Pilot Happy Hour
Supporting Partner - $250
- 1 Admission - August 13th Event
- Supporting Partner Recognition
- Mission Updates via email
- Invitations to future events & networking opportunities
- 2 Gulf War Era Veteran Commemorative Gifts delivered to Distribution Partner
- Bonus - If you are a Gulf War Era Veteran, you will have the option to receive a Commemorative Gift mailed to you in September 2025 or donate a 3rd gift
Legacy Partner - $500
- 2 Admissions - August 13th Event
- Legacy Partner Recognition
- Mission Updates via email
- Invitations to future events & networking opportunities
- Invitation to share digital words of encouragement to Next Generation Educational Program participants leading up to Desert Storm War Memorial Dedication (Beginning October 2025)
- 5 Gulf War Era Veteran Commemorative Gifts delivered to Distribution Partner
- Bonus - If you are a Gulf War Era Veteran, you will have the option to receive a Commemorative Gift mailed to you in September 2025 or donate a 6th gift
Distribution Partner through 2026 - $5,000
If you have a public outlet in the Virginia, Maryland or Washington, DC metro area to invite Gulf War Era Veterans to pick up a Commemorative Gift, you'll enjoy:
- 3 Admissions - August 13th Event
- Recognition in multi-media campaign as a featured location for Gulf War Era Veterans to Pick Up a Free Gift - Liberation of Kuwait ($50 Value)
- 50 Gulf War Era Veteran Commemorative Gifts delivered to you in September 2025
- Create Additional Walk-In Traffic with potential additional Commemorative Gifts made available for distribution by Major Sponsors, Champions & Supporters
- Promotion of Your Special Offers, Coupons, Discounts or Programs from now through the Desert Storm War Memorial Dedication on the National Mall in mid-2026
- Invitations to September 2025 Operation Victory Remembrance Events with "Rico" Rodriguez & Future Networking opportunities
- Mission Updates via email
- Bonus - Be one of the First 5 Registered Distribution Partners, you will have the opportunity to host a private Operation Victory Remembrance event with "Rico" Rodriguez in September 2025 at a venue of your choice at your expense.
Note: Future events with Rico flying from Tucson for your private event will be at least $10,000, which is waived if you are 1 of the First 5 join the team before August 13th and host your event with Rico in September.
FAQs
May I bring more than one guest to the August 13th Events?
As most good fighter pilot answers usually begin; it depends.
For any of the events at the Dulles Hilton, just reach out to use and ask. If we have space available, we will certainly welcome an additional guest.
Regarding the Udvar-Hazy location of the National Air & Space Museum, we have no control of capacity. That is open to the public and we have no reserved space in the Observation Tower or in the Restoration Hangar overlook.
What if I can only attend part of the schedule on August 13th?
Please register with us and let us know which part of the program you intend to attend.
We are in close communication with the National Air & Space Museum and will be giving them our best attendance estimate.
Regarding the Dulles Hilton, we know schedules are busy and a number of our attendees will only be able to enjoy part of the day. Just let us know and we'll be happy to accommodate based on our availability.
Are active-duty military personnel invited to attend?
Absolutely.
There are no restrictions on our end. As long as your supervisor approves your attendance, we would very much enjoy having you join us.
What is the "Uniform of the Day" or Dress Code?
Summer in DC business attire.
We welcome anything from flight suits to business casual. Jeans are acceptable, but please leave shorts and flip flops at home. Some of our business guests will be in coat and tie while others will be in khakis and a polo.
Remember, the day will end with a Fighter Pilot Happy Hour, beginning at 3pm, so as you might expect, that will not be a formal event.
What about Gulf War Veterans who do not live in Virginia, Maryland or DC?
There are numerous unique circumstances that have created the opportunity to offer these free gifts, not the least of which is F-15C 85-0114 arriving at the National Air & Space Museum and its role in Desert Shield/Storm.
During our September events, we'll be sharing more information on how we plan to maximize the opportunity to use digital resources to honor all Gulf War Era Veterans as we prepare for the 2026 Dedication of the Desert Storm War Memorial on the National Mall.
What is the difference between the August 13th and September Event(s)?
The August 13th event is completely built around the unique circumstances of the F-15C 85-0114 Arrival into Dulles Airport and the Udvar-Hazy National Air & Space Museum. The program at the Hilton is built to complement that specific activity, which also requires flexibility due to weather, air traffic control etc.
The September events when Rico returns to Washington DC will be primarily focused on Sponsors and Partners. The timing for those programs will be designed around an additional event at the National Air & Space Museum when Rico will donate personal memorabilia once "114" has been placed in her permanent gallery location.
How will the Distribution Partner Process work?
One of the most expensive tasks for retail locations is getting new people in the door. By offering the Gulf War Era veterans a free gift, it makes it cost effective to distribute in a limited number of locations and creates an opportunity for new people to walk into your location.
During the August 13th morning event, we'll network with other local distribution partners as well as major sponsors who will be promoting the gifts and the locations where veterans can pick them up.
Most of the major sponsors along with the Supporters and Champions, are not retail locations. Their gifts will be distributed to distribution partners. This also be a great opportunity to cross market with other public facing business locations you want to work with.
If you know of a great retail location who would like to increase traffic of Gulf War Era Veterans and their families, please share this information.
Are the Operation Victory Remembrance Partner Fees Tax Deductible?
It depends. The program fees are not tax deductible, but if you are using them for business purposes, there may be tax advantages to do so. Please consult your legal and tax professionals to determine what's appropriate in your case.
What else can I do to help?
The biggest help is to share AVIATION WARRIORS with your network and ask folks to join you in supporting it. We all have different circumstances, but knowing we are in the fight together makes a world of difference.
NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT OR UNITED STATES AIR FORCE WHATSOEVER. NO FEDERAL ENDORSEMENT INTENDED OR IMPLIED.
