Operation FREE
Encyclopedia
Operation Free is a coalition of veterans and national security organizations founded in August, 2009 by the Truman National Security Project
, The National Security Initiative, VoteVets.org
, and VetPAC. Operation Free, in collaboration with other organizations, works to raise awareness, among policymakers and the general public, of the national security threat posed by climate change and the United States' reliance on oil.
On September 20, 2010 Operation Free announced its sponsorship of race car driver Leilani Munter, who is also a clean energy advocate and environmental activist. On September 30, Leilani’s car (#59) which featured Operation Free’s logo, drove in the ARCA Series Kansas Lottery 150 race at the Kansas Speedway. Sturman Industries cosponsored Leilani in an effort to promote its “Powered By Sturman” American engine modifications that "address national energy and security needs by using technology to transform engine efficiency and facilitate the nations’ effort to replace foreign oil with alternative American fuels"."
, of Pennsylvania, called any veteran who participated with Operation Free a "traitor to the oath he or she took to defend the Constitution." The group responded with a radio ad campaign calling for Metcalfe's resignation.
Truman National Security Project
thumb|right|300pxThe Truman National Security Project is a national security leadership institute based in Washington, D.C. It is the nation's only organization that recruits, trains, and positions progressives across America to lead on national security. The organization is named after President...
, The National Security Initiative, VoteVets.org
VoteVets.org
VoteVets.org is organized as a non-partisan political action committee and non-profit 501 status in the United States. It was co-founded in 2006 by Jon Soltz and Jeremy Broussard....
, and VetPAC. Operation Free, in collaboration with other organizations, works to raise awareness, among policymakers and the general public, of the national security threat posed by climate change and the United States' reliance on oil.
Activities
In the Fall of 2009, Operation Free launched a 29-state bus tour designed to give veterans the opportunity to talk directly to the American people about how climate change is "undermining our safety and why we need to pass clean energy and climate legislation as quickly as possible." In September 2009, Operation Free flew in 150 veterans to attend the White House Administration's Clean Energy Briefing. These veterans met with 26 US Senators and/or Staff to discuss the national security threats of climate change and America's current energy posture. In February 2010, Operation Free hosted a similar event in which it flew 80 veterans into Washington DC to meet with policymakers and members of the press.On September 20, 2010 Operation Free announced its sponsorship of race car driver Leilani Munter, who is also a clean energy advocate and environmental activist. On September 30, Leilani’s car (#59) which featured Operation Free’s logo, drove in the ARCA Series Kansas Lottery 150 race at the Kansas Speedway. Sturman Industries cosponsored Leilani in an effort to promote its “Powered By Sturman” American engine modifications that "address national energy and security needs by using technology to transform engine efficiency and facilitate the nations’ effort to replace foreign oil with alternative American fuels"."
Controversy
The group has been criticized for "lending their name, to promote the leftist propaganda of global warming and climate change..." Rep. Daryl MetcalfeDaryl Metcalfe
Daryl D. Metcalfe is an American politician currently serving in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Metcalfe is a member of the Republican Party and has represented the 12th legislative district since 1999...
, of Pennsylvania, called any veteran who participated with Operation Free a "traitor to the oath he or she took to defend the Constitution." The group responded with a radio ad campaign calling for Metcalfe's resignation.