National Not-for-Profit Consumer Group Announces Expansion of Veterans Benefit Initiative Program for Family Members

The Federation of American Consumers and Travelers (FACT) has announced that it has expanded its Veterans Benefit Initiative" program to include the immediate family members of U.S. Servicemen and women. Under this program, a free one-year membership in FACT is being offered to anyone from any branch of the military who served in the theater of war during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Veterans or their immediate family members may sign up at any time, all deadlines have been waived.

Washington, DC (PRWEB) January 16, 2004 --The Federation of American Consumers and Travelers (FACT) has announced that it has expanded its Veterans Benefit Initiative" program to include the immediate family members of U.S. Servicemen and women. Under this program, a free one-year membership in FACT is being offered to anyone from any branch of the military who served in the theater of war during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Veterans or their immediate family members may sign up at any time, all deadlines have been waived.

FACT is an association of consumers, formed under the not-for-profit corporation laws of the District of Columbia in 1984. Membership normally costs $36 per year. The association currently represents some 1,000,000 consumers nationwide.

Under the Veterans Benefit Initiative, qualified Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans and their families are entitled to the same 20-plus benefits as dues-paying members.

Included: a job-search program, discounts on prescription drugs, eligibility to apply for FACT continuing-education scholarships, access to a consumer hotline and library, instant money help in the event of a natural or terrorist disaster, travel planning and discounts, Small Business Recovery aid, discounts on interstate van line service, and eyewear savings.

FACT also maintains an Eye on Washington" Program, which monitors and reports on legislation which might impact the lives of veterans and of the American consumer in general.

Any questions may be directed to Sarah Chase, FACT Program Director, at 1-877-444-FACT or sachase@fact-org.org.

In announcing the Programs expansion, Chase said, So many of our soldiers are still overseas and are unable to take advantage of this offer. FACT thought it best to simply expand the Veterans Benefits Initiative, and make the free membership available to the folks at home who could really use some useful benefits right now. We understand how taxed a family can become when a crucial member, like a spouse or child, has been away for so long, and this is just a way for us to help out those who need it most right now. Also, FACT has made it incredibly simple for the family members to apply, so they can start to use their free membership right away."