On April 9, 2009, American Airlines partnered with PTPI's Operation Iraqi Children (OIC) and the Department of Defense to send 20 tons of school supplies and Crocs shoes to children in Iraq. Guests of this send-off event were treated to a performance by Vandel-Snook, a video message from OIC co-founder Gary Sinise and recognition of wounded veterans from Fort Riley.  GKCPTP President Pat Burnett and members Irina Kobzeva-Palovic, Robert Palovic and Gabrielle Reilly attended along with Simona Cibotaru and Alexey Dorofeev from Park University.