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Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski is praising two teenage girls whose free self-defense DVD is helping women fight back against sexual predators. “One in six women in Oregon have experienced rape in their lifetimes,” he wrote in a letter addressed to Dallas Jessup and Catherine Wehage, now sophomores at St. Mary’s Academy in Portland. “I applaud your efforts to change this stunning fact.” Governor Kulongoski said he was impressed by the girls’ effort. “As Governor of the State of Oregon, and as a father, I heartily endorse Just Yell Fire and thank you for making a difference in our community,” he wrote. Dallas Jessup, who holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and is an instructor in Filipino street fighting, developed simple self-defense moves with her instructor, Chad Von Dette, one of hundreds of volunteers who contributed to Just Yell Fire. She demonstrates punches and escape maneuvers with her best friend, Catherine Wehage. Just Yell Fire can teach anyone how to escape from an attacker, no matter how big or strong. The Governor’s endorsement accompanies wide praise for Dallas and Catherine’s work. They have received the Violet Richardson Award for the volunteer efforts of young women and will appear on the Montel Williams February 9th in a program recognizing outstanding teenagers. The 45-minute film is free through the Web site, www.justyellfire.com. It can be downloaded, or a DVD can be ordered at no cost. Donations can also be made through the site, which allows the continued production and free availability of the film.
For more information, or to contact the girls for an interview, call Maggie Jessup at 360-521-0437.
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