Sears wish registry now ethical for military members Published Nov. 4, 2008 By Senior Airman Michael Sian and Maj. Joy Primoli 375th Airlift Wing Staff Judge Advocate SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Last week, an article was published stating that participation by military members in the Sears Wish Registry program was in violation of the Department of Defense Joint Ethics Regulations. The program was geared towards military members in the grades of E-1 to E-6 and allowed them to register online at the Sears website and create a personal wish list of items that Sears sells. Members of the public would then be able to contribute funds to buy items for military members. After the article was published, it was brought to our office's attention that the Standards of Conduct Office worked with Sears to resolve the ethical issues created by the original Wish Registry program and were able to make changes to the program that will now allow military members to participate without violating any ethics rules. Specifically, the program is now open to all ranks and rather than registering for specific items, the military members will be sent a gift card that will be loaded with funds after the donation period ends. All participating members will split the funds evenly. The program is now open to 20,000 personnel and the DoD is working with Sears to confirm the status of servicemembers. The registration period has been extended to Friday. There is one part of last week's article that still stands. Military members are still not allowed to endorse a business or even suggest an endorsement of a business. Therefore, it is unethical to appear in uniform at Sears stores to promote the Heroes at Home program.