DC Metro Area Local Help Hero to Hero Program

April 10, 2008 – Fairfax County, VA Local 2068 fire fighters are working in conjunction with other IAFF affiliates in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC to boost the morale of U.S. troops. As part of the “Hero to Hero” program, fire fighters literally take “the shirts off their backs,” sign them with messages of support and send them to men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

This is Local 2068’s third year of involvement with the program, but it is the first year that Fairfax County fire fighters will take on a region-wide effort. Due to reasons beyond her control, the program’s founder, Liz Jackson, is unable to conduct the nationwide Hero to Hero tour this year.

Fairfax County Local 2068 Hero to Hero Campaign 2007

Joel Kobersteen, spokesperson for Local 2068, says, “The tour is where most of the shirts are collected. Many first responders are unaware of the program, but are inspired to donate because of her enthusiasm. We are hoping to offset any decrease in the number of T-shirts collected by increasing our own efforts.”

Local 2068 members have tentatively scheduled a press event over Memorial Day weekend to celebrate the total number of T-shirts collected. Shirts can be delivered to Local 2068 ahead of time or turned in at the time of the press event.

To donate shirts or participate in the press event, contact Joel Kobersteen at JKobersteen@fairfaxfirefighters.org. Click here for more information on the Hero to Hero program.