Coinciding with Veterans Day Weekend (November 9-10), the NFL has launched the "Families Helping Families" public awareness campaign to assist families of military service men and women who lost their lives in combat. The NFL and its players will contribute $100,000 to help launch the campaign.

This NFL program was initiated by the six NFL owners who served in the military during World War II. It includes TV and radio messages supporting the Intrepid Foundation’s Fallen Heroes Fund plus in-stadium salutes to the military and visits by players to military hospitals.

The six NFL owners who served during World War II are: Bud Adams, Tennessee Titans; Tom Benson, New Orleans Saints; Wellington Mara, New York Giants; Art Modell, Baltimore Ravens; Alex Spanos, San Diego Chargers; and Ralph Wilson, Buffalo Bills.

"Our clubs recognize that the men and women of our armed forces are tremendous NFL fans," said Commissioner Tagliabue. "This program is one small way to re-pay that support to families who lose a loved one in defense of our country in the Middle East. Our owners, coaches and players speak with one voice when it comes to this project."

The campaign cornerstone is a new national TV and radio spot produced by NFL Films that will air during network game telecasts starting this weekend. Narrated by Vietnam veteran and former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rocky Bleier, the message encourages NFL fans to support the Intrepid Foundation’s Fallen Heroes Fund, which provides an immediate $10,000 gift to families who have paid the ultimate price with the loss of a family member in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Clubs with home games on Veterans Day Weekend will salute the military and generate awareness with in-stadium tributes and special military color-guards, anthem singers and scoreboard messages.

To donate online to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund click here.

For more information about the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund call 800 340-HERO or visit online by clicking here.

View the TV spot produced by NFL Films narrated by Vietnam and Pittsburgh Steelers veteran Rocky Bleier. This spot will be seen on NFL game telecasts for the remainder of the 2003 season.