A number of ethics counselors have made inquiries about the "Heroes at Home" Sears Wish Registry Program. Although the original concept was found to be legally objectionable Sears made changes that removed the legal objection. Accordingly, Soldiers and their Families may now participate in the Sears Wish Registry Program.

In anticipation of the coming holiday season, Sears had created the Wish Registry program. Under the program, Sears allowed active-duty personnel, E-6 and below, to apply for and create an individualized wish list of merchandise available for purchase at Sears stores or online at the website

www.Sears.com. Interested members of the public were given the opportunity to provide funds to purchase the requested gifts.

The Department of Defense Standards of Conduct Office reviewed the details of the Wish Registry program and determined that it resulted in military personnel improperly soliciting gifts in violation of the applicable Government ethics regulations. Based on that determination, the Director of the DoD Standards of Conduct Office sent a letter to inform Sears that "current military personnel will not be permitted to participate in the [Wish Registry]."

Sears made a number of changes to the program that were acceptable to DOD SOCO. All active duty military members will now be permitted to participate in the program.

Service members and their Families who register will also remain anonymous.

A gift card will be mailed by Sears to all who participate, which will not exceed $550 in value.