Merscom and Special Operations Warrior Foundation Join Forces for Children of Fallen Special Ops Personnel
Upcoming military action game 'Terrorist Takedown' to serve as unique source of charity for special foundation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHAPEL HILL, NC - October 5, 2004 - For a nation at war, entertainment has long provided an emotional outlet. During World War II, millions of Americans settled into movie theater seats each week to watch an heroic John Wayne or a determined Spencer Tracy battle Axis enemies. Today, computer games such as Merscom's upcoming arcade-style military action title "Terrorist Takedown" have become a part of the common American experience, offering another cathartic release for those of us at home. However, as the real heroes are not the movie stars or game designers, but, rather, the men and women fighting the war on terrorism around the globe, Merscom today announced they have joined forces with the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF). A percent of profits from the sale of each copy of "Terrorist Takedown" will be donated to this very special charity which honors those fallen Special Operations personnel by providing college scholarship grants, not loans, for tuition, books, fees, room and board, to their surviving children. The game will be distributed by Atari and will be widely available across the country.
With this arrangement, Merscom joins the ranks of others in the entertainment community actively supporting SOWF including rock band Linkin Park, and country music star Craig Morgan, as well as sports legends including the New York Yankees, golfers Phil Mickelson and Catherine Cartwright, Richard Childress Racing, and many more.
"Since September 11, 2001, to date 99 Special Operations personnel have lost their lives fighting the war on terrorism around the world, leaving behind 119 children," said Merscom Director Lloyd Melnick. "No matter what your position on the current war, none of us can deny the bravery and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform. Reading news reports of Special Ops killed in the Afghanistan, for example, you don't always think of the kids at home who just lost a parent, but thanks to SOWF those kids are not forgotten, and Merscom is truly honored that 'Terrorist Takedown' will help ensure their parent's legacy."
SOWF got its start in 1980 in the wake of the Iranian hostage crisis by providing college educations for the children of those American Special Operations forces killed or incapacitated during the attempted rescue of 53 citizens being held hostage by terrorists at the US Embassy in Tehran. Since then, America's Special Operations forces have suffered casualties at over 15 times the rate of conventional forces. Most of these casualties occur at an early age, at the beginning of their careers, thus leaving behind families who have yet to accumulate the resources to provide for their surviving children's college education. That's where SOWF comes in.
"When Merscom came to us with the idea to make 'Terrorist Takedown' a source of donations for the foundation, it just seemed like a great match," said Major Steve McLeary, SOWF Executive Director. "The entertainment community has always played a vital role during times of conflict, and thanks to their generosity, the Warrior Foundation can continue to serve the families of Special Operations troops and future generations."
For more information about SOWF and their mission, visit www.specialops.org
About Terrorist Takedown
This November, join the front line in the war on terror, pursuing cold-blooded terrorists in nonstop arcade action. Steeped in today's headlines with realistic 3D environments and special effects, take control of Apache and Huey helicopters, operate Humvees, and fire heavy machine guns, rocket launchers and more as you strike at known terrorists and their sponsors. In 16 heart-pounding missions, you must defeat the terrorists and protect our homeland. For more information visit www.TerroristTakedown.com
About Merscom LLC
Merscom LLC is a publisher of PC and console games. Founded in 1999 by video game veterans with over a decade of experience working with the industry's leading developers and publishers, Merscom has set its focus on producing fun, easy to pick up and play entertainment products for gamers of all ages. For more information visit www.merscom.com
PRESS CONTACT
Beverly Cambron
Rocco Media LLC for Merscom
214 284 4100