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A Jersey songwriter/guitarist, Bob Kosch has his business office near "Ground Zero" and while talking to a number of New York Fire Fighters, he was surprised to find out that the IAFF (International Association of Fire Fighters) funds a memorial to "fallen fire fighters" founded 30 years ago (1976) located Colorado. Its granite walls list the names of those firemen killed nationally in the line of duty. Kosch felt he could do something musically to raise funds and honor the firemen, namely the "343" on 9/11. Bob decided to write a song which seemed to be "an appropriate fitting tribute". Not just any song, but one that would say it all. "343" is that song and more (today) - it salutes all of the fallen fire fighters as it tells of the tragedy of the 343 firemen who died 5 years ago on 9/11. As Kosch played it ad hoc for some NY firemen, the emotions came through. "343" performed "live" brought tears of sadness, looks of loss, personal reflection, tragic memories, a sense of pride and fraternity all topped off by "the applause of a firehouse". The "343" song will be released formally on Friday, August 11th with funds paid directly into the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Foundation - a 501(c)(3) corporation. Monom Records will recoup less than a $1.50 per unit sold to cover the production, website, promotion, mailings, duplication costs, etc. The additional funds will be wired directly into the national firemen's charity account (IAFF). "343" CD single will sell for $5 and $2.85 for each download. How can one charity song like "343" make a difference? "When some firemen buddies told me about the union's funds and trusts, I wondered, how I could I help? I could write a check but that wasn't enough. I had what I believed to be a fitting memorial in "343. It came to me while watching "American Chopper" - the Tutles' and their crew were building a motorcycle especially for a firehouse in New York. They applied "343" in gold leaf on the gas tank and the words for the song just came to me. The song developed on its own and I've been 'hands on' in regards to the project for months - recording, duplication, attorney, public relations, charity filings, photography, radio etc. Even if "343" sells 10,000 copies or that many downloads, those funds are a lot more than the original check I was planning," Kosch replied.