So Rif is totally cool and welcomes our participation in San Diego - actually, he thought that this was already in the works. Here's his original post in case any of you have not seen it yet. Obviously, we'll have to pick a location here in San Diego, and he suggests that we contact the local newspapers or what have you for a little publicity and create a local buzz that will hopefully get to our troops overseas via word of mouth, or media.

So here we go:

********OPERATION TROOP HUG**********

OBJECTIVE:

To gather as many people as possible in a non-political show of unified support for our soldiers stationed overseas.

PRIMARY MISSION:

To gather One Million Americans to hug in the name of the troops on Valentines Day.

*It is also asked that a Yellow Ribbon or Bandana be worn as a visible indicator of Non Partisan support.

SECONDARY MISSION:

Create films of the Mission to send to the troops.

*Prior to V-day, Hugging Personnel, hereafter code named HUGGER, will have researched the name of a US soldier or division stationed overseas. They will have created a sign that reads FREE HUGS, and the Name, Rank, Division and location of their Soldier. Or, a specific battalion, company or division may be chosen.

They will also have procured a Video Camera and qualified OPERATOR

Before the application of the HTE (Hug Type Embrace), each HUGGER will show their signs to the Camera, then commence hugging. They will be hugging in the name of their chosen soldier.

Films will be uploaded to You-tube.

Soldiers can then access the films from their current base.

TERTIARY MISSION:

Create a warm place for single HAP, (Hug Army Personnel) and Civilians to be on what can be a very depressing day. NO HUGGER LEFT BEHIND!

*It is also highly advised for single and available Huggers to also wear a RED ribbon or Bandana, as a visible indicator of willingness to engage in Operations SOULMATE, NEW-FRIEND or HOOK-UP.

LOCATION:

Hollywood Boulevard. Ground Zero is to be Graumann’s Chinese Theatre.

TIME:
7pm. February 14 2007. St. Valentines Day.

STATEGIES FOR DISPERSAL OF HIGHLY UNCLASSIFIED INFO:

1 Operation Troop Hug personnel will be an all-volunteer Army. Officers will be self appointed, based on time and energy given.

2 Using the power of Viral Marketing, Officers will alert the enlisted public of the Mission specifics.

*Key engines available are personal Email lists, My-Space, You-tube, Tribe.net, Face book, Craigs-list, Yahoo, and Dating sites. Officers are also advised to use Word of Mouth by contacting people who have influence within social circles.
(CodeName “OPERATION COOL KIDS”)

*Please forward this Attache to as many people in the Greater Los Angeles area as possible.

*Command base will be on tribe.net. tribes.tribe.net/troophug These are the co-ordinates to co-ordinate all co-ordination.

*Secondary command is www.myspace.com/troophug

*It is also asked that you contact your local mainstream news outlets, PR firms, Newspapers and circulars. Multiple requests for press will cause the mainstream to take notice.

*It is imperative to Link to GENERAL JUAN MANN'S original Free-hugs operation film, to both inspire morale and educate new recruits. To find this film, access You-Tube.com. Search for “Free hugs”. This film is a shining example of what can be accomplished.

V-DAY MINUS 7

February 7th. Officers will start another wave of communications, revisiting original incursion points, and any new avenues of commuication available.

V-DAY -1:

Feb 13th. A FINAL full out assault of E-communication.

V-DAY.

Call your Mom.
Converge on Hollywood Boulevard.
Hug everyone.
Film it.
Make new friends.
Meet your Soul Mate.
Show your love.
Show the world what Americans are really about.

V-Day PLUS 1.

Edit your film.
Add music.
Upload.
Take pride in your desire to bring more love into the world.

This message will never self destruct.