Sears gift registry for troops violates rules

[unhappycamper]

Sears gift registry for troops violates rules
By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Oct 24, 2008 6:05:09 EDT

Defense officials have notified Sears that troops will not be able to participate in their “Heroes at Home Wish Registry” because they would be violating ethics regulations.

On Oct. 23, Sears Holding Corporation officials said they are working with defense officials to resolve the issue. “Sears is committed to supporting these military families and will not waver in that support,” said spokesman Tom Aiello.

Sears’ gift registry matches donations from the public with military members who registered for gifts at Sears.com through Sept. 28.

“After reviewing the available details of the Wish Registry, we determined that, as structured, participation in the Wish Registry results in an improper solicitation,” Leigh Bradley, director of the Standards of Conduct Office for the Defense Department General Counsel, said in an Oct. 14 letter to Sears.

“We respectfully request that Sears refrain from deploying its anticipated November-December campaign, which results in an improper solicitation of public support by eligible military personnel and their families.”


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/10/military_sears_wishregistry_102308w/%2e