MEDIA ADVISORY
For Release: June 5, 2002
Contact:
Bob Weiner (Gen. McCaffrey):
(301) 283-0821 (202) 361-0611
Jeff Van Keuren (United Defense):
(763) 572-7615 (888) 969-1411
War Hero to Visit
Minnesota's Crusader Program:
12 Noon, Thursday,
June 6
News conference with Four-Star
General Barry McCaffrey (ret.) following visit to United Defense
WHAT
Four-Star General Barry McCaffrey
(ret.) will hold a news conference at United Defense in Fridley, Minn.,
to discuss the Crusader Artillery System and its future.
Media will be able to observe displays of important aspects of the Crusader.
McCaffrey is a supporter of Crusader and its ability to bolster our nation's
artillery, which ranks 9th in the world. The Crusader System, which
is only a few years from being ready for soldiers, is at risk after the
Administration and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld recommended the program's
cancellation in early May despite Army testimony concerning its effectiveness
and importance. On the 58th anniversary of D-Day, McCaffrey will provide
an interesting perspective as a former soldier well aware of what it takes
to be successful in the field.
McCaffrey Bio: General McCaffrey
is currently the Olin Distinguished Professor of National Security at West
Point and a prominent media consultant on national security matters.
From 1995-2001, he was U.S. National Drug Policy Director. Previously
he served as Commander in Chief of the US Southern Command and advisor to
Colin Powell at the Joint Chiefs of Staff. When he retired from
active duty, McCaffrey was the most highly-decorated and youngest four-star
general in the U.S. Army. He was twice awarded the nation's second
highest award for valor - the Distinguished Service Cross. He also
received three Purple Heart medals for wounds received in combat.
McCaffrey was commander of the famous 24th Mechanized Infantry Division
during the 400-kilometer "Left Hook" attack of Operation Desert Storm.
WHEN
The press conference is at NOON,
Thursday, June 6
* Please allow 15 minutes to
check in at the guard gate
WHERE
Yorktown Conference Center
United Defense
4800 East River Road
Minneapolis (Fridley), Minnesota
55421-1498
*Media should enter through the
north guard gate off East River Road
PHOTO/VIDEO OPPORTUNITIES
Photographers and TV media will
have full access to the press conference and displays.
CRUSADER BACKGROUND
The Crusader Artillery System
is the first major advance in direct support cannon systems since breech-loaded
howitzers were invented in the 1850's. It is fully automated and is
capable of firing up to 10 155mm-artillery rounds a minute. It can be directly
tasked by infantry, armor and other sensors for fire support in seconds.
It is the perfect close support indirect fire weapon.
Crusader is essential to maintaining
America's military strength and its ability to fight and win decisively.
Its relentless firepower and range weakens our enemies -- before they get
close enough to harm us. Crusader will give the United States artillery
overmatch for the first time since WWII.
Source: Robert Weiner Associates
(301) 283-0821 / (202) 361-0611