Coming with a Title in Your Mailbox, Compliments of Jesse White

Local media haven’t quite figured out the impact that NASA Education is having in the State of Illinois. Yesterday, McHenry County Blog wrote of the transitional living quarters soon to be operational in Crystal Lake near the intersection of Virginia Street (Route 14) and McHenry Avenue.

There were articles in the Northwest and Daily Heralds about the Monday and Tuesday Stand Down at Camp Algonquin.

But this is probably the first article about the one million and a half inserts that Secretary of State Jesse White is inserting into every envelope containing a title.

It is a pitch printed by NASA (National Association of Systems Administrators) Education asking for people to donate their old cars “and put a veteran to work!”

“NASA Education has received grants from the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs and McHenry County Community Foundation to transport and repair the vehicles, and to pay for title and license plate fees. All we need is your donated vehicle!” says one side of the insert. It has two American flags, one with a female soldier and another with a soldier in a wheel chair.

The other side explains, “Who we are, What we do and How you can help.”

It explains that NASA Education is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1999 by John Blanchard, an 8-year Navy veteran who “has a passionate commitment to helping veterans in need.”

“Project Fresh Start” provides “community reintegration for U.S. veterans who are displaced, disabled or homeless. This includes free training, employment services and use of vehicles when available.”

Donations of cars, vans and pick up trucks are requested, plus cash donations to support Project Fresh Start and the Stand Down for Veterans. Office machines, electronics and manufacturing equipment is also wanted.

I asked Blanchard how he pulled this really inexpensive direct mail campaign off.

He gave the credit to Illinois Veterans Affairs Director Tammy Duckworth.

Duckworth keynoted the Stand Down last spring at Camp Algonquin. She appeared in a pre-recorded talk this year.

The web site is NASAEducation.org.

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All the images can be enlarged by clicking on them.

John Blanchard talks with two of the Stand Down volunteers--Chuck and Elaine Slack of VFW Post 5915 Carpentersville--on Tuesday at Camp Algonquin.

The reflection in the screen where Tammy Duckworth can be seen is of the Vice Chairman of the Illinois VFW.