SACRAMENTO – Former First Lady Nancy Reagan, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Lt. Col. Oliver North, Dr. Laura Schlessinger, comedian Jackie Mason, Mark Levin, Miss Florida 2007 and Five for Fighting’s John Ondrasik and former First Lady Nancy Reagan are among the many stars and heroes joining a Sacramento-based nonprofit in a historic push to send the single largest shipment of care packages in history to American troops overseas.

Move America Forward, (located online at www.MoveAmericaForward.org) the nation’s largest pro-troop, grassroots organization, is hosting “From the Front Lines,” an eight-hour Internet telethon fashioned after Jerry Lewis’s famous telethons, but with a high-tech twist. The June 26 event (which runs from 1:00pm – 9:00pm) will feature U.S. troops on the front lines, families of those who gave their lives in the War on Terror, top radio talkers, high-ranking military officials, celebrities and musical talent.

The event will air on the Web through the cutting-edge technology donated and operated by UStream.tv and will be co-hosted by MAF Chairman Melanie Morgan and renowned blogger Michelle Malkin.

The sometimes-competitive world of talk radio will become a unified front, as the kings and queens of talk radio unite for this effort.  The roster of radio hosts signed up for shifts on the telethon include Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham, Mark Levin, Dr. Laura Schlessinger, Mike Gallagher, Monica Crowley, Melanie Morgan, Roger Hedgecock, Michael Graham, Mark Williams, Brian Sussman, Martha Zoller, and Andrea Shea-King.

They’ll be joined by NBC’s designated “America’s Favorite Mom” Patti Patton-Bader (mother of two sons in the military including one stationed in Iraq right now).  Also participating will be an array of military bloggers and a special report from the office of Gen. David Petraeus, the architect of “the surge” which has helped stabilize Iraq.

“We are deeply honored that so many busy people are donating their time and efforts to send packages to our troops,” MAF’s Melanie Morgan said.

Thousands of Americans have already sponsored packages through MAF’s website and a giant database of names and addresses of U.S. troops in Iraq & Afghanistan is being built—so that the packages can reach our military men and women in time for the 4th of July holiday.  MAF would like all families with loved ones in Iraq and Afghanistan to send addresses and names to ensure all troops benefit from the overwhelming support of a grateful nation, Morgan said.

Local businesses have stepped up for the cause. Sacramento-based coffee roaster, Cornerstone Coffee, is a principal supplier of the coffee included in the care packages. And the old Travelodge hotel on 11th & H donated offices used for preparing the care packages prior to shipping. The Travelodge has been refurbished into the new work/loft office complex known as “Retrolodge.”

The Fairfield-based Jelly Belly Co., which makes the gourmet Jelly Belly beans made famous by President Ronald Reagan, has donated 100,000 bags of their gourmet jelly beans that will be included in the care packages to assist in the effort.

“This effort has stuck a nerve with people from across the nation and here in Sacramento,” Morgan said. “I am personally ecstatic about the love the American people have for our troops.”

Families of troops have already sent thankful notes to MAF, explaining how the men and women on the frontlines of the war against radical Islam appreciate every note, every package from home.

Jeff Via Sr., a Vietnam veteran, sent the address of his son, who is serving in Afghanistan.

“Thanks so much for the support. He graduated from college and decided that the military was what he wanted to do. He didn’t even go in to be an officer. He decided instead to be enlisted first so that, if and when he decides to go be an officer, he will know what it was like to be enlisted,” Via Sr. said. “Once again, thanks for the support. I know from experience how much it means to the troops.”

Roger Quarton is a minister whose son is fighting for the United States.

“My son is serving with the Marines in Iraq, and I’d like to pass along his address to you, so he might be able to receive a package,” Quarton wrote.” “I know it would be a huge “pick-me-up’ for him and his buddies!  Thanks for your help and encouragement to him, and myself!”

Morgan said she is humbled by the simple messages from families who give so much when their loved ones are serving in the military.

“We love all of them and we want them to know that the American people are behind them all the way,” Morgan said.

For more information on the telethon, or to sponsor care packages for our troops go to www.MoveAmericaForward.org.

Sacramento residents who want to donate items or make a financial contribution to the care package drive can do so by emailing Ryan Gill at Ryan@MoveAmericaForward.org (Move America Forward is accepting coffee, cookies, beef jerky, Gatorade, lip balm, sunblock, insect repellant, foot powder, personal fans, and wet wipes for the care packages).

Residents should send names and addresses of troops to Poohdo@aol.com.