202-208-6416

Deputy Secretary Griles to Visit Ft. Campbell,
Participate in Clean Up Campaign for the 101st

WASHINGTON--Deputy Secretary of the Interior Steve Griles will be in Fort Campbell, Ky. Nov. 25, 2003, to participate in a clean up campaign and deliver gift baskets in support of the family members of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) deployed in Iraq. Griles' participation is part of the Interior Department's Support Our Troops Initiative and a unique public partnership with "United As One," as well as Home Depot's "Project HomeFront"volunteer effort to assist soldiers and their families.

"With this initiative, we are blazing a new trail along the corridors of federal, public partnerships," Griles said. "By working together we achieve the same objectives of demonstrating our support and appreciation for our men and women in uniform, especially the Screaming Eagles."

The Interior Department, Home Depot and United As One are partnering to conduct yard clean up, light home repairs and deliver toys and needed household items to the families of deployed service members of the 101st.

The Interior Department adopted the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), as their military units for volunteer activities in support of the units and their family members March 31, 2003.

Who: Deputy Secretary of the Interior, Steve Griles
           Garrison Commander, COL Larry D.Ruggley
           Chair of United As One, Romey Kilgore
           Coordinator, Home Depot "HomeFront" Dana Chango

What: Support our troops yard clean up and toy campaign

When: Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2003
              11 a.m. - Clean up project:
              Location: 1534 Armistead Drive, Clarksville, TN

              3 p.m. - Meet with family members and deliver gift baskets
              Location: Junior Family Readiness Center (on Post)

Where: Fort Campbell, Ky.
              Junior Enlisted Families Center

Note to Editors: Following the clean up event, Deputy Secretary Griles will proceed to the Post, for a briefing on the current mission and activities of the 101st, followed by the opportunity to meet with soldiers' families and deliver the gift baskets.

For more information on DOI's "Support Our Troops" initiative visit www.doi.gov/SupportOurTroops/