Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Year!


Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com


In searching for a New Year's poem to go with this post, I decided I liked this Tennyson poem the best........



In Memoriam, [Ring out, wild bells]

by Lord Alfred Tennyson

Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light:
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.

Ring out the grief that saps the mind
For those that here we see no more;
Ring out the feud of rich and poor,
Ring in redress to all mankind.

Ring out a slowly dying cause,
And ancient forms of party strife;
Ring in the nobler modes of life,
With sweeter manners, purer laws.

Ring out the want, the care, the sin,
The faithless coldness of the times;
Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes
But ring the fuller minstrel in.

Ring out false pride in place and blood,
The civic slander and the spite;
Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good.

Ring out old shapes of foul disease;
Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;
Ring out the thousand wars of old,
Ring in the thousand years of peace.

Ring in the valiant man and free,
The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
Ring out the darkness of the land,
Ring in the Christ that is to be.

----------------
Wishing all of my readers all the best in 2010! Thank you, for stopping by here to read :)

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Wednesday Hero

Capt. Lyle L. Gordon
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Olga Elliott
U.S. Army

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Olga Elliott, a Multi-National Corps-Iraq human resources technician, poses with MNC-I Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Grippe after finishing the Bobby Crim 10-Miler Aug. 22, at Camp Victory in Baghdad. Elliott, a San Diego native, finished the race in 1 hour, 9 minutes, 57 seconds, earning her top female honors.

Photo Courtesy United States Army



These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Wednesday Hero Logo

Monday, December 28, 2009

"We Will Remember Them"

A "must see' video, beautiful song....
and pass this on.........

(the URL for the video is
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ektQbe-dOU )


On Sunday 1st November the recording of 'We Will Remember Them' took place at Abbey Road Studios with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Pipes & Drums from the Scottish Regiments. The website is http://www.wewillrememberthem.net/


Artists on the track include Michael Bolton, Robin Gibb, Paul Rodgers, Paul Carrack, Hayley Westenra, Mica Paris, Lee Mead, Liz McClarnon, Natasha Hamilton, Kenney Jones, Mark Read, Carol Decker, Sam Brown, Nell Bryden and The Carmel Thomas Youth Choir.

Jim Cregan produced, and Cliff Masterson conducted the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, in what was a remarkable full day session at Abbey Road Studios.

'We Will Remember Them' is an entirely Non Political benefit to say "Thank You" to all of our brave service men and women around the World who have served their Country for freedom and protection.

All proceeds from the Downloads / CD sales in the UK, will be paid directly to Help for Heroes and The Royal British Legion

--------------

Update: The US link to order from Amazon.com is Here


Sunday, December 27, 2009

Soldiers Angels Web Surfing

Photobucket

Another 'surf' of the web for news by, and about,
Soldiers Angels

At the time that I'm posting this 'web surf',
there are 2,064 troops waiting for ' adoption '

After being a volunteer with Soldiers Angels since 2005, I know that after the holidays, there's usually a downturn in adoptions and the waiting list starts to climb....but unfortunately, this is the first year I've seen that trend start well Before the holiday season.

Times are tight, with the downturn in the economy, and while in my own house we've also had to cut back on the amount of support we can give to the troops ?
What I Do know is that we Won't stop supporting the troops, no matter how small our contribution may seem to be.

For myself and my family? volunteering with Soldiers Angels has changed our lives in ways we never could have foreseen or imagined, when I first joined . It has enriched and enhanced our lives immeasurably, through the Soldiers And Angels we've come to know along this journey.

And so, I decided that this week's 'surf' theme would be about the Angels out there that you may not have heard from.....the ordinary 'Adopters, and Bakers, and Blanket-Makers'....and maybe their stories will inspire You to consider becoming a part of Soldiers Angels.

From The Moore American in Oklahoma
Angel Asks for Volunteers to Support Soldiers


Leslie Chisholm from 'over the mountain' in my own neck of the woods, asks
Want to be an Angel?


from the Lexington Herald-Leader in KY
Georgetown girl makes troops' holidays brighter

from loudini.com here in Virginia
All Around Ashburn: Hillside Elementary Helps and Hears from Overseas Heroes


From A Little Glimpse up in MN, comes the post Cookies Galore


Penny Sanford Designs talks about The Joys of Broken Cookies

and from this link at The World News in Oregon (may have to scroll down)
Baker sweetens holidays for GIs

From TribToday.com in Ohio Women make blankets for soldiers

and lastly, from Dare to bee creative in FL
Simple flowers for Soldiers Angels


Check out their stories, then check out the Soldiers Angels website and see the many ways you can start your own journey as a volunteer and troop supporter


That's the surf.....Happy New Year!

Well.........darn......

One of the hallmarks of being a nurse,lol, is that you always know your weekends off about a year in advance (because quite often, one of the hallmarks of being a nurse is that you Work every other weekend:)

so today, I decided to check to see what my weekend schedule was for the month of April 2010.....because that's the month of the Milblog Conference (April 9th and 10th)
and also the month of the Face of America Bike Ride which my daughter and I have volunteered at for the past several years (April 23rd thru 25th)

you guessed it.......both of those are scheduled on my weekends to work.......darn!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Wednesday Hero

With only two days until Christmas, I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and to remind you to keep our men and women that are not able to be with their friends and families this time of year in your thoughts a prayers. They do so much without ever asking for anything in return.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Wednesday Hero Logo

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Soldiers Angels Web Surfing~Holiday Round-Up

Photobucket

So, what did members of Soldiers Angels do for the troops to make their holiday season a little brighter?
A 'surf' around the web brings all kinds of holiday news......

From McAlester,OK Cards,gifts sent to troops

Broomfield,CO Broomfield woman,father aim to spread holiday cheer to troops

Albany,NY Students enlist in holiday salute to soldiers

San Antonio,TX Students complete blankets for wounded soldiers

From Princeton, MN Minnesota soldier has an angel in Princeton girl

Via Soldiers Angels Germany blog
Nevada Angels prepare over 2000 Christmas stockings for deployed troops


and lastly, while I'm sure there's much more out there on the web about packages and cards sent by Soldiers Angels, or sent by school or church groups via Soldiers Angels?

The mailing date has come and gone, and hopefully all that good will is wending it's way to our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

So, we'll end this web surf with this story from KSAT in San Antonio,TX
Soldiers’ Angels Shipping Care Packages Volunteers Rush To Meet Dec. 11 Christmas Deadline

That's the holiday 'surf'!

Finally got a copy of Doonesbury.com's The Sandbox:)

Woot! yesterday on the way home we stopped at the Green Valley Book Fair on the way home, and although we had stopped because we were "just looking" , I Did get myself a copy of
Doonesbury.com's The Sandbox: Dispatches from Troops in Iraq and Afghanistan


(and then, of course, when I started perusing the military aisle and said to my husband "Oh, look, there's like 5 books here that have been on my Amazon wishlist for the past few years"......That was when he said "Got to go now!" before I spent the Christmas budget on myself,LOL)

Wednesday Hero

This Weeks Post Was Suggested & Written By Greta



This week's Wednesday Hero is both an individual, and a group. The group we honor are the milblogs: the military blogs, spouse blogs, and support blogs who bring you the news and information you can get nowhere else. The information and news that matter to you. The individual we honor today is C. J. Grisham.

Army Master Sgt. C. J. Grisham has always led from the front, from combat that earned him the Bronze Star with V device, to doing right by the men he led. His honesty won him readership and respect, from the White House on down. Yet, when he stood up for his children in school, his command did not stand by him. You can read more at Military Times to get the full story.

Please donate via PayPal; or you can log into PayPal on your own, go to the send money page, and put in his email: dj_chcknhawk AT yahoo DOT com; or, you can send donations directly to:

Grisham Legal Fund
c/o Redstone Federal Credit Union
220 Wynn Drive
Huntsville, AL 35893
Please write "Grisham Legal Fund" in the memo line if you use this option.

Milblogs have been a vital link in getting accurate news and information about the military, and military operations, to you. Today, many milblogs are gone and others are under attack from within and without. Today, you have the chance to imagine a world without milblogs, and to do something about it. Make your voice heard by writing your congressional representatives and others, and by making donations as you see fit.

The battle for freedom of speech and the marketplace of ideas is fought on many fronts and in many ways. Without your help, the battle may well be lost.


These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Wednesday Hero Logo

White House policy: No letter to families of military suicides

This DOD news release Army Releases November Suicide Data reminded me that I have yet to post about this recent news story on CNN
White House policy: No letter to families of military suicides

As I have been part of the Soldiers Angels Living Legends Team for the past several years, this story appalled me. The Living Legends Team sends condolence cards on behalf of Soldiers Angels to the family of Every fallen Hero, regardless of the manner of their death.

Until this CNN report, I was not aware that the Commander in Chief did NOT do the same on behalf of our nation.


The CNN story links to the letter written by Mr.Keesling to President Obama.....please make sure you take the time to click the link in that story and read the letter. Mr.Keesling respectfully requests that the administration review the policy of not sending letters of condolence to the families of those servicemembers who die by suicide.......and I wish to add my voice to his, in requesting the same.

As you can see by the 405 comments on the CNN story, suicide raises quite a lot emotions and judgemental thoughts about those who take their own lives.

But as for me? I simply feel it is Not for Me to Judge, whether or not the family of a servicemember who takes their own life should receive a condolence card from me .

I only feel it is incumbent upon me to acknowledge their loss, and express my sympathy and support to that family.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Wreaths Across America 2009 at Staunton National Cemetery,Staunton,VA


Once again, my husband and I were privileged to attend the wreath laying ceremony for Wreaths Across America at Staunton National Cemetery in Staunton, VA which is about a half hour south of us.
My husband Tony took the pictures, I have them posted on Flickr ( but since my Photostream changes) I also have a link to the photo album of the pics on Facebook
The ceremony as always was moving, and the Civil Air Patrol again did a good job of being in charge of the ceremony.
The good folks from area VFW's donated 850 wreaths! so this was the first year since Wreaths Across America went local that the entire cemetery was blanketed with wreaths after the initial ceremony laying wreaths for each of the service branches, and in honor of the POW/MIA's.
(quite a difference from the very first year the wreath laying went local, when there were only 6 wreaths on the graves.)
A lot of folks showed up......everyone from veterans to active duty service members, to the Boy Scouts and the ladies of the VFW's.
After the ceremony, everyone pitched in to start placing the wreaths.......quietly, and reverently.
This ceremony is always a beautiful way to honor and remember those who have served our country and given their lives while doing so.

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Wednesday Hero

Petty Officer 2nd Class Daniel Elsey
Petty Officer 2nd Class Daniel Elsey
U.S. Navy

Abdul Rashid, a 5-year-old resident of the Nawa district of Afghanistan, receives a dressing for a wound on his face from Petty Officer 2nd Class Daniel Elsey, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, while a linguist translates at a medical aid station at Patrol Base Jaker Dec. 3. Rashid was injured by a motorcycle earlier that day. Navy hospital corpsmen like Elsey routinely see local residents and children here to treat their wounds.


Photo Courtesy United States Marine Corps


These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Wednesday Hero Logo

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

New Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army Invested

On the DOD website

New Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army Invested

Cool:) it's a small world.....T.Carter Melton was the administrator of our local hospital for years.

Congratulations! to Mr. Melton, and all the others who were invested.

Monday, December 07, 2009

Dec.7.....Remembering.....

I've been to visit the USS Arizona memorial twice in my life now, and each time I was struck by the solemnity and reverence that comes over those in the boat taking us out to the memorial as you get closer to it.......back on land at the gift shop, etc. there is lots of talking and noise.......but as you near the memorial and as you step onto it, the enormity of the loss that long ago day humbles and quiets you.

68 years later......whether we are there in Hawaii or far away, the nation still remembers......

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Wednesday Hero

Spc. Michael P. Garton & Spc. Rolando R. Flores
Spc. Michael P. Garton & Spc. Rolando R. Flores
U.S. Army

Spc. Michael P. Garton, a gunner with the Personal Security Detachment, with the 36th Sustainment Brigade out of Temple, Texas, and a Texarkana, Texas, native, relaxes on a Humvee and shares a laugh with Spc. Rolando R. Flores, a gunner with the PSD and a San Antonio native, during a break in preparations for a mission Nov. 23 in the maintenance yard at Contingency Operating Location Adder, Iraq.


Photo Courtesy U.S. Army

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Wednesday Hero Logo

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Rest in Peace,Sgt. Brandon T. Islip

Sad news this morning:

DoD Announces Change-In-Status of Army Soldier

The Department of Defense today announced the death of a soldier supporting Operation Enduring Freedom who was previously listed as Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown.

Sgt. Brandon T. Islip, 23, of Richmond, Va., had been listed as Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown. His status was changed Nov. 29 to having died in a non-combat related incident.



From the Richmond Times-Dispatch
Chesterfield soldier’s body found in Afghanistan

Godspeed,Sgt. Islip, and we are holding his family and friends in our prayers.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Holiday Mail Call....Time is Running Out

As you can see by the USPS website for Holiday Shipping Cut Off Dates (look under the
Military Mail section) December 4 is the cut off date for Priority Mail shipping to
APO/FPO AE 093
and December 11 is the cut off date for Priority Mail Shipping to all other APO/FPO 's.

so time is running out to get those packages or cards out to our troops.

You can still go by the Soldiers Angels Store and order a
Wrapped in Holiday Spirit Care Package sent to Any Hero


Out in Illinois, the great folks at Toys For Troops are having a packing party on
December 6th If you aren't in that area? as they say on their website ...As always, if you're not from Central Illinois, you can still participate in the merrymaking: If you'd like to send a box of gifts to a soldier, we'll give you a name, address, some gift ideas, and shipping advice.....or you can help them send their packages by sponsoring the cost of shipping 1 box.....details and contact info in this post on their blog.


Operation Love From Home is busy sorting through their cards and packing boxes for shipping,also, as you can see here the date has passed to get your cards in.....but you can Still donate towards postage and shipping costs, contact Kat@OperationLoveFromHome.org or
info@operationlovefromhome.org


Lastly, as I said in this post , if you want to send a card to a recovering soldier? cards should be postmarked no later than December 7 and sent to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

(One tip I'd like to add to that is that hospitals suggest to avoid cards that have 'glitter',which might get into open wounds)

------------------------
If you're just not going to be able to get anything sent out in time for the holidays? Fear not :)

You can always consider becoming a Soldiers Angel as we head into 2010.....there are many Teams or Projects you can get involved in, click on the Teams & Projects-How To Help link on the main website

as Anysoldier.com , another great troop support website, says
"Help them all year, not just at the holidays"







Saturday, November 28, 2009

Get Ready for Wreaths Across America 2009


DSCN0932
Originally uploaded by kasee102

Picture from Arlington National Cemetery,Arlington Wreath Project,2008
Above is a picture from Arlington National Cemetery last year, when my husband and I participated in Wreaths Across America there.

In the years prior to that, we've gone to our local National cemetery to participate, you can find a slideshow I did from our participation in 2007 here

This year's Wreath Laying will take place on December 12 at noon across the country, you can find out more (and locations near you) at the main Wreaths Across America website.

Whether you participate at Arlington, or at a local National cemetery near you? We have always found this to be a very moving and meaningful way to honor our fallen veterans.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving


Comments by ZingerBug.com





Came across this article with a message worth passing on today

Be an Angel for a Soldier this Thanksgiving


On this Thanksgiving day, as we count our blessings and give Thanks........we want to especially give Thanks for all those who have chosen to serve our country.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Wednesday Hero

Rear Adm. Ned Deets
Rear Adm. Ned Deets
U.S. Navy

Rear Adm. Ned Deets speaks with Frank Chebatar, president of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, at the conclusion of the base consolidation ceremony. The two bases consolidated to form Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Fort Story.



These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Wednesday Hero Logo

Monday, November 23, 2009

Military Monday

While I don't 'tweet', I'm aware that Monday is designated as "militarymonday" on Twitter.
A search on Twitter brings up some of the tweets using that hashtag here

Friend and fellow Soldiers Angel member and blogger Greta is one of the founding forces of #militarymon (she still blogs, however, both here and here , and she's got a new gig over at RightPunditsMedia YouTube channel )

My friend JP at Milblogging.com who is also greatly enamoured of tweeting on Twitter :) is continuing to blog,also, thank goodness (for dinosaurs like me,lol, who just can't make that jump into tweeting...I have enough trouble thinking what the heck to say on my Facebook status, for pete's sake :) and he put up a nice post Nov.9
My 10 Favorite Experiences as a Military Blogger

Whether it's through blogging or Soldiers Angels ......supporting the military has brought so many unexpected blessings into my Own life, also, that I wanted to write a post supporting #militarymon

even though I don't 'tweet' :)

and to say how Thankful I am, for those who are currently serving, and those who are veterans, not only during this Thanksgiving week, but every day.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Prayers needed for a Milblogger

Blackfive has the information here Spiritual warfare for a wonderful man

Keeping Concrete Bob, and his family, in our prayers here!

-----------------
Update: Bob Checks In

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Operation Christmas Tree

We sent one to our soldier when he was deployed last year, read more about this
here Operation Christmas Tree

No, You CAN'T send Christmas cards to "Any Wounded Soldier"...but, you CAN still send cards to recovering soldiers at Walter Reed

This is the time of year when emails circulate asking folks to send Christmas and holiday cards to 'Any Wounded Soldier' at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.....which, sad to say, you CANNOT do, due to security considerations.
However, there IS still a way to get those cards to recovering soldiers at Walter Reed, and elsewhere.........from the WRAMC website


The American Red Cross again will sponsor a national “Holiday Mail for Heroes” campaign to receive and distribute holiday cards to servicemembers, veterans and their families in the United States and abroad.

The card campaign includes those working and receiving care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

The American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes Inc., will partner for the third year to provide screening of all mail sent to the following P.O. Box address:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456


Cards should be postmarked no later than Dec. 7 to reach servicemembers recovering at Walter Reed.

People shouldn’t send cards to Walter Reed unless they are addressed to a specific wounded warrior.

Due to security restrictions, Walter Reed cannot accept generic mail addressed to “A Recovering Soldier” or “Any Soldier.” In past years, hundreds of cards were returned to senders because of generic addresses, many sent in response to misleading e-mails.

Soldiers Angels Web Surfing

Photobucket

A Holiday Edition of Soldiers Angels Web Surfing because time is running out to get those cards and packages in the mail in order for them to reach our troops in time for the holidays......

View From the 8th Floor says Adopt A Troop.Send Letters. Send Care Packages.

Ballseye's Boomers has a great post Ballseye’s Choices For Care Package & Stocking Stuffers


Airman Mom says If You Can't Feed a Hundred People, Then Feed Just One. ~ Mother Teresa

(and major Congratulations! to her, for her blog being featured in an article in the
Washington Post With 2 sons serving, mom blogs for others By Meghan Tierney )


There's still time to get our troops Wrapped in Holiday Spirit!

that's the surf!

RIP Sgt. Benjamin W. Sherman...and Praying for Sgt. Brandon T. Islip, Missing....

the DOD News Release DOD Announces Army Casualty, Dustwun Status brought to my attention not only the sad news of another death of a young soldier, but also that the missing soldier is from my home state:

The Department of Defense today announced the identity of a soldier currently listed as Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown (DUSTWUN) and the death of a soldier who were both supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. The two soldiers were members of the 1st Battalion, 508thParachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Sgt. Brandon T. Islip, 23, of Richmond, Va., has been unaccounted for since Nov. 4 in Bala Murghab, Afghanistan, when he went missing while involved in a resupply mission.

Sgt. Benjamin W. Sherman, 21, of Plymouth, Mass., has been identified as having been killed while participating in the Nov. 4 resupply mission.


The Richmond Times-Dispatch had this story today
Army searching Afghanistan river for Chesterfield soldier by Reed Williams


Keeping both families in our prayers here.......

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Wednesday Hero

Staff Sgt. Dennisur Thompson
Staff Sgt. Dennisur Thompson
U.S. Army

Staff Sgt. Dennisur Thompson, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, overcompensates a left turn while on a driving simulator as a part of the Save a Life Tour in Kaiserslautern, Germany.

Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army



These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.


We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Wednesday Hero Logo

2009 USPS Holiday deadlines for shipping to the Military

The link to the page on the USPS page is HERE

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Random stuff.....

Came across this book during the Valour IT fundraiser......I'll add it to the list of books I'd like to read:)
Reporting for Doodie


Another book that looks interesting The Monuments Men


chocolate for the troops in a bottle Chocoley


Kat's card drive still going on Yikes!

An Officer's Outrage over Ft.Hood

Hat tip to Assoluta Tranquillita for leading me to An Officer's Outrage over Ft. Hood

there are others out there speaking their minds about this,
also worth reading Cowardice, Not Blindness from the USNI blog

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Veterans Day 2009


You can read more about the history of Veterans Day HERE


Thank you, to each of our nation's veterans........

and a special thank you to the veterans in my own family.......


Photobucket
Grandad, Dad, Tony and Aunt Lynn.....some served in wartime, and some in peace.....but they all chose to serve, and for that I am forever grateful.

The Project Valour IT fundraiser heads into the home stretch....




If you haven't already given, please consider giving today......

the fundraiser ends on November 11th, there's still time to help wounded soldiers.

Thursday, November 05, 2009

Keeping the Ft. Hood community in my prayers...

and

SOLDIERS' ANGELS STANDING BY FOR FT. HOOD-- We are collecting cards and NEW stuffed animals for the families and children of the fallen/wounded heroes.

Please send cards and stuffed animals/blankets/anything NEW that may brighten the life of a child to:

Soldiers' Angels Warehouse
4408 PanAm Expressway
San Antonio, TX 78218


WE WILL FOCUS on the HOLIDAY OUTREACH as a major push.

Fallen Heroes by Kevin Morgan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGPRMJuglxA

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

VAULT™ and the USO partner on campaign to send messages to u.s. troops

ATLANTA, Nov. 4, 2009 – The approaching holiday season is a time of hope and family for millions of Americans, but hundreds of thousands of U.S. troops stationed around the world will likely celebrate far from home again this year.

In an effort to boost morale with messages of support and gratitude, VAULT is partnering with the USO and country music act Montgomery Gentry on

“The Uniform of Heroes: The Taste of Support” campaign.

Entering its second year, the program provides a unique opportunity for people to send hand-written postcards to “any service member” stationed worldwide.

Beginning today, people are encouraged to write messages of support on pre-addressed postcards, which are available through VAULT displays at convenience retail outlets and on VAULT standees in grocery stores where VAULT is sold.

They also are available at VAULT-sponsored events and on MyCokeRewards.com , while supplies last. Consumers can provide postage and easily drop the postcards in the mail for delivery to a USO collection center for screening before being distributed to U.S. troops.

“Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for all Americans to recognize the special contributions and sacrifices made by U.S. troops, especially during this time of the year,” said Neil Golson, VAULT Brand Manager, Coca-Cola North America. “These messages will go a long way in bringing comfort and lifting the spirits of our troops, especially those who are a world away from home.”

In addition to boosting morale through the postcard program, VAULT is asking consumers to contribute to the USO by donating their own MyCokeRewards points, which translate to cash for the organization. MyCokeRewards points, found under caps and on packaging of more than 60 products from Coca-Cola North America , can be redeemed at MyCokeRewards.com to donate funds that help support the continuing efforts of the USO to provide a home away from home to U.S. troops wherever they serve.

Sandy Douglas, President, Coca-Cola North America, recently presented $100,000 from last year’s campaign to Sloan Gibson, USO President and CEO, during a special performance by Montgomery Gentry at The Tabernacle Concert Hall in Atlanta. The concert served as the kickoff of “The Uniform of Heroes: The Taste of Support” campaign.

“We’re proud to continue the effort to support our U.S. troops, and it’s exciting to partner with VAULT on this important campaign once again,” said Troy Gentry. “VAULT and the USO have created a great way to spread goodwill and offer our thanks to the brave men and women serving our country. We hope thousands of people will get involved again this year.”

“Corporate partnerships, like the one we have enjoyed with Coca-Cola for 68 years, are the lifeblood of the USO, and programs like VAULT’s ‘The Uniform of Heroes: The Taste of Support’ make an enormous difference to the troops who defend our nation,” said Gibson. “We’re very pleased to work with VAULT and Montgomery Gentry again in generating awareness and delivering much-appreciated thoughts and well-wishes for U.S. troops worldwide.”

Background
The VAULT postcard program replicates the popular service previously operated by the U.S. Department of Defense, which allowed the American public to send mail addressed to “any service member” for more than 17 years before being discontinued in 2003 due to security concerns. “Since email has become the primary form of communication for soldiers, handwritten, personal notes are especially valued and can provide an incredible morale boost,” said Gibson. “By teaming with VAULT and leveraging the reach of the Coca-Cola system, we’re giving people across the country a chance to send a note of support or gratitude to our troops delivered through the network of USO centers.”

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Wednesday Hero

This Week's Post Was Written By Greta


Col. Henry J. Cook
Col. Henry J. Cook
U.S. Army

Past National Commander, Military Order of the Purple Heart, after serving over fifteen years with MOPH, gaining invaluable experience while in the positions of National Aide-de-Camp, Chapter Commander, Region Commander, National Junior Vice Commander and National Senior Vice Commander.

He was a career Special Forces (Green Beret) officer for thirty-three of the total forty-two years that he was on combined active and reserve duty. His combat tours began in 1967-68 when he operated behind enemy lines in for extended periods of time conducting operations with native guerrilla troops as the Executive Officer of the 4th Mobile Guerrilla. He saw additional combat in 1969-70 when he led a U.S. Special Forces Mobile Strike Force Battalion (MIKE FORCE), consisting of Green Beret officers and sergeants leading Cambodian mercenaries, again working behind enemy lines as well as reacting to attacks on friendly bases, often requiring that his unit be parachuted into hostile drop zones.


Later, he participated in Desert Shield (Saudi Arabia), Desert Storm (Kuwait) and Iraq, and Operation Provide Comfort (Support to Kurdish refugees in Northern Iraq.

For his valor and military skills, Colonel Cook was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for Valor and two Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device and one Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart with One Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Gold and Silver Stars, Joint Services Commendation Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Special Forces Combat Diver Badge, Special Forces Tab, and numerous other U.S. and foreign decorations.

Henry Cook is now twice retired, as a soldier and as a lawyer and resides in Diamondhead, Mississippi. He is a member of the Pro Bono Consortium representing veterans who appeal denial of claims and is a member of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans’ Claims. He’s been a member of the Mississippi Bar Association since 1978 and also serves as a Municipal Judge Pro Tem in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Other significant contributions to veterans by Henry Cook include: a major role in the creation of the Mississippi Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Ocean Springs and helping raise over $500,000 to help MOPH members in Louisiana and Mississippi who lost everything during Hurricane Katrina. In addition to MOPH, he also belongs to Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Special Forces Association (SFA), Special Operations Association (SOA), Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW).

You can read more about Col. Henry in this PDF file on pages 31 & 32.


These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Wednesday Hero Logo

Sunday, November 01, 2009

Soldiers Angels VALOUR IT Web Surfing

Photobucket

A 'surf' of the web for posts related to the Valour IT fundraiser

Nice Deb had the same idea, check out her post Project Valour IT News and Links

The Daley Gator weighed in for the Marine Team with
Your Valour IT Marine of the Day

and Miss Ladybug blogs Nolan Ryan is Helping Support Valour IT


For Team Navy,from the USNI blog Valour IT: Giving in Action

and View From the 8th Floor is blogging posts every day (and also has the Navy blogroll on her sidebar)



Soldiers Angels New York posted Why I Like the Air Force


and sometimes,LOL, it just gets silly........Uncle Jimbo at Blackfive posted
Navy Brings out SEALS to Support Valour IT

and Mudville Gazette had the Valour IT Trick or Treat



There's lots more out there, this is just a sampling......

the Navy blogs are also listed at the bottom of the page at the link to join the Navy Team here


the Air Force blogroll is listed at the page to join the AF team here

the Marine's blogroll is listed on the Marine Team sign-up page here

and the Army Team's blogroll is listed at the Only page you really need to sign up your blog at,
HERE

While I'm partial to the Army:) go check out All the blogs listed that are participating in this 'Virtual Fundraiser'.....it's a great way to get introduced to some bloggers you might not otherwise have come across....and you Might be able to leave a snarky comment or two on a competing Team's post,LOL.

Soldiers Angels Web Surfing

Photobucket

My 'surf' of the web for news by, and about,
Soldiers Angels


From The Daily Journal in NJ Don't forget the soldiers this holiday


From The Paladin at Furman University in Greenville,SC
Students to send Thanksgiving Overseas


Great post from a new-to-me blogger at Savoring the Sweet Life


From the NewsTribune in Illinois Penny collection makes 'cents' in effort to help soldiers


That's the surf!

Passing the Word Along....

Stars and Stripes Holiday message program is ready to roll again, check out the main page
HERE


and on November 14th, there will be a Veteran's Day 5K run held at Camp Slayer in Baghdad....
Run For the Fallen is suggesting folks consider 'shadow running' with this event.

Another "Blog to Book'

A blogger Coppola A Pediatric Surgeon in Iraq

who was deployed in 2005 and 2007 with the Air Force,

has joined the ranks of those who've turned their blogging into a book

the book Coppola: A Pediatric Surgeon in Iraq

(yet another book to add to my 'wishlist' :)

Saturday, October 31, 2009

The Ballad of Captain Z

For those of you who might not know how Project Valour IT got started?


Project Valour-IT began when Captain Charles "Chuck" Ziegenfuss was wounded by an IED while serving as commander of a tank company in Iraq in June 2005
.
During his deployment he kept a blog From My Position...On the Way
Captivating writing, insightful stories of his experiences, and his self-deprecating humor won him many loyal readers. After he was wounded, his wife continued his blog, keeping his readers informed of his condition.

As he began to recover, CPT Ziegenfuss wanted to return to writing his blog, but serious hand injuries hampered his typing. When a loyal and generous reader gave him a copy of the Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred software, other readers began to realize how important such software could be to CPT Ziegenfuss' fellow wounded soldiers and started cast about for a way to get it to them.

A fellow blogger (blog author) who writes under the pseudonym FbL contacted Captain Ziegenfuss and the two realized they shared a vision of providing laptops with voice-controlled software to wounded soldiers whose injuries prevented them from operating a standard computer. FbL contacted Soldiers Angels, who offered to help develop the project, and Project Valour-IT was born.

In sharing their thoughts, CPT Ziegenfuss (now a Major) and FbL found that memories of their respective fathers were a motivating factor in their work with the project. Both continue their association with this project in memory of the great men in their lives whose fine examples taught them lasting lessons of courage and generosity.

In the years since its founding in 2005, the project has acted to meet emerging needs and its mission of supporting the the severely wounded has expanded. In addition to voice-controlled laptops, Valour-IT now helps provide active and whole-body video games such as Wii Sports, which is used to great effect in physical therapy, and personal GPS systems that help compensate for short-term memory loss and organizational/spacial challenges common in those with brain injuries.
------------------------------
Check out the video "Ballad of Captain Z"





(or the URL is here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwh2bVL0ibc )

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Valour IT Video Contest

I'll leave it to Greta to give all the details:)




(or you can check the link at YouTube HERE )

or you can check out the details on the Official Valour IT blog


While I do have dear friends who have (possibly mistakenly,lol:)
signed up for Other Teams

the link to donate for Team Army is Here

Veteran's Day and Applebee's

If you haven't seen this yet, Veteran's and Active Duty Military are invited to eat
FREE at Applebee's on November 11th

as their way of saying THANK YOU! to those who have served, and are serving.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Wednesday Hero

Spc. Justin Slagle
Spc. Justin Slagle
U.S. Army

Spc. Justin Slagle returns to Forward Operating Base Lane in a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter after an air assault mission in the Zabul province of Afghanistan, Oct. 15, 2009. Even as leaders in Washington struggle with the next steps in Afghanistan, troops there are moving to better protect the Afghan people by separating them from Taliban influence and intimidation.



Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army


These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.


We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Wednesday Hero Logo

Monday, October 26, 2009

Project Valour IT: Go! Team Army!

Today is the kick-off for the fundraiser for Soldiers Angels Project Valour IT

The Valour-IT Veterans Day Fundraising "Competition" was a developed as a fun way to raise money for a very serious project. Teams are purely for the sake of friendly competition, building on the natural inter-service rivalries of the U.S. Military.

Project Valour-IT, in memory of SFC William V. Ziegenfuss, helps provide voice-controlled/adaptive laptop computers and other technology to support Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines recovering from hand wounds and other severe injuries. Technology supplied includes:

Voice-controlled Laptops - Operated by speaking into a microphone or using other adaptive technologies, they allow the wounded to maintain connections with the rest of the world during recovery.

Wii Video Game Systems - Whole-body game systems increase motivation and speed recovery when used under the guidance of physical therapists in therapy sessions (donated only to medical facilities).

Personal GPS - Handheld GPS devices build self-confidence and independence by compensating for short-term memory loss and organizational challenges related to severe TBI and severe PTSD.

-------------
This blog (of course:) is registered for the competition with 'Team Army', which is headed by Blackfive


To donate via Team Army, you can click on the Valour IT widget on the right of this blog, or you can go here

The Valour IT fundraiser runs from today (Oct.26) through Nov.11.......please, give what you can, and also help spread the word......and Go! Team Army!

Soldiers Angels 'Day of the Deployed'

Today is the 4th Anuual

Soldiers Angels Day of the Deployed


As always, but especially today....our heartfelt Thank You, to those who are currently deployed!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Wednesday Hero

Sailors & Marines Playing Volleyball With Local School Children
U.S. Navy

Sailors and Marines assigned to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) play volleyball with students from Sangley Point National High School during a lunch break at a community service project. Tortuga, the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) are participating in Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 2009. PHIBLEX is designed to improve interoperability, increase readiness and develop professional relationships between the U.S. military and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.



Photo Courtesy Navy.mil Taken By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Geronimo Aquino


These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Wednesday Hero Logo

Monday, October 19, 2009

Holiday Card Drive for the Troops over at Operation Love From Home

Friend Kat at Operation Love From Home has started her holiday card drive for this year,
you can read all about it HERE

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Catching up on Wednesday Hero posts

Missed posting Wednesday Hero twice while we were gone, so wanted to link back to those posts on Chris' blog.......

the Wednesday Hero post for Oct. 7 was Sgt. Michael Egan

and the Wednesday Hero post for Oct. 14 was Cpl. Benjamin S. Kopp

Friday, October 16, 2009

Had a good experience at the V.A. Hospital...

as much as it's possible to Have a good experience when your loved one suddenly has major, unexpected surgery.





The cardiothoracic team that operated on my husband were all wonderful.


All of his nurses, in both ICU and the unit he moved to afterwards, were excellent.





and, the hospital's Voluntary Service's department also provided me with a room to stay in there at the hospital, for the 9 days we were there.which helped out a great deal.





Because we spent so many days up there, I spoke with some of the folks in Voluntary Services several times. and I'd like to pass on that they do accept donations.......so, if you were interested in what they might need? here is some of the 'Wishlist' that Voluntary services gave me when I asked :





For Families


Personal care kits (including toothbrush,toothpaste, shampoo(small bottle),conditioner(small bottle),shave cream, razors, soap, deodorant, hand lotion





Phone cards





Gift certificates to area retail stores, grocery stores and restaurants





(that last would have helped out a Great deal.....as the cafeteria for families was closed on the weekend and also the Monday holiday. Fortunately, I knew an 'Angel' [as in 'Soldiers Angel'] who very nicely spent part of her Saturday afternoon not only taking me to lunch, but also taking me by a grocery store to buy items I could keep and eat in my room. buying both my husband and I some other clothing to wear [since we hadn't packed for a 9 day stay,lol], and bringing me some 'SA' T-shirts to wear......thank you, "L' :)





so, anyway, if you get the urge to donate any of the above from the Wishlist ?

the address is:





Voluntary Services 135

Veterans Affairs Medical Center

50 Irving St. NW

Washington,DC 20422


---------------

for the 'lighter side' of our recent 'adventure', you can read a bit on my family blog
here and here

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Where have I been?

It's been quiet on the blog because on October 8th, my husband unexpectedly had to have triple bypass surgery......and we just got home from the hospital today,yay:)

Many,many thanks to all those who sent so much love, support and prayers!

more later....just wanted to update.

Friday, October 02, 2009

Don't forget the Soldiers Angels "SALE-ABRATION" Oct.3!


PASADENA, Calif., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Across the country this weekend, Americans are uniting in support of the troops through the First Annual Soldiers’ Angels Sale-abration.
In metropolitan areas, small towns and on military bases, from Alaska to Florida and Southern California to Vermont, patriots are raising money for troop support activities through community-based yard sales.
Angel volunteers organizing each Sale will be donating a percentage of their profits to Soldiers’ Angels, helping to support deployed or wounded soldiers.
The grassroots Sales are sponsored by military support nonprofit Soldiers’ Angels, whose motto is “May No Soldier Go Unloved.” An award-winning organization with nearly 200,000 hands-on volunteers around the world, Soldiers’ Angels assists active duty, wounded, veterans, military families through over 30 separate teams and projects.
Angels participating in Sale-abration are working on two missions: raising money for the Soldiers’ Angels Holidays for Heroes and Project Valour-IT, and introducing their neighbors to the variety of hands-on ways they can demonstrate their support for America’s military men and women. At each Sale, customers will find blankets and 300 holiday cards on which to write greetings for the troops, and Soldiers’ Angels bracelets will go to the first 25 customers at each site.
------------------
Want to know if there will be a sale going on near you?
Click HERE to check your state .
And hey, if you Don't find one listed near you? there is going to be a 25% OFF sale at the
(go HERE on the main Soldiers Angels website, to get the coupon code before ordering. The sale will run through midnight,Oct. 4th at the online Soldiers Angels store)
With over 1700 soldiers waiting for 'adoption' right now? this would be a nice time to click on the option when you're ordering to send to 'ANY Hero'.....and you can either remain anonymous, or send a note along with your order, and 'send some love' to one of our Heroes serving our country!

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Wednesday Hero

This Week's Post Was Suggested By Cindy


1st Sgt. Jose San Nicolas Crisostomo
1st Sgt. Jose San Nicolas Crisostomo
59 years old from Spanaway, Washington
August 18, 2009
U.S. Army

Sorry for the presentation of this post, but haven't been feeling well and don't feel much like typing. You can read Sgt. Crisostomo's story here and here.


These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Wednesday Hero Logo

Monday, September 28, 2009

Soldiers Angels Web Surfing

Photobucket

A (very) brief 'surf' of the web for news by, and about,

Soldiers Angels


With Twitter, and so many social network sites like Facebook out there now,
and of course the Soldiers Angels Blogwire

there are so many ways for you to get news and keep up-to-date about what's going on with
Soldiers Angels

that I'm not really sure there's a need for me to keep posting "Soldiers Angels Web Surfing" any longer?

I've been posting a review of news by and about Soldiers Angels since
May 7, 2007 (on the original incarnation of this blog)

It started out as a (usually) weekly post, and over the years has dwindled due to time constraints and the emergence of sites like Twitter, to basically just a monthly round-up of posts by or about Soldiers Angels that I don't see elsewhere, or just want to highlight.

Kind of hate to give up on it totally,though, since it is kind of 'my baby':)

So I'll keep mulling it over:) and move on to passing on the links I wanted to share with you in today's 'web surf'.........

What do your letters and packages mean to the deployed?

From SororitySoldier back in early September Gratitude

and on Soldiers Angels Network wow!(UNCLASSIFIED)


what were Angels doing in September?

Among other things, they were traveling
Soldiers Angels Texas California Here We Come

and volunteering with wounded warriors and their families

Soldiers Angels-Wounded Warrior Support What a Weekend!
(UPDATE: Soldiers Angels Germany's story HERE led me to the rest of the story on
SA:Wounded Warrior Support HERE )




Soldiers Angels Washington Angels & Warriors-A Great Day!


What's coming up in October?

Oct.3, the Sale-abration-National Yard Sale

Oct. 10, the "largest military baby shower" in Las Vegas

Oct. 26, the Soldiers Angels Day of the Deployed (from Soldiers Angels Kansas)

and I believe Oct. 26th will also be the kick-off for the Project Valour-IT fundraising competition


That's the 'surf'!

Go,MP's! 2009 Warfighter Competition

Let's just say I know someone who participated in this:)

An article in the Ft. Leonard Wood newspaper that describes the competition

MPs gear up for regimental week: Warfighter competition continues by Kerstin Mitchell


JP over at Milblogging.com posted about a civilian blogger who is blogging about her experience at Ft. Leonard Wood...........on her blog called Civilian Standpoint Tessa Long also had a post about the Warfighter Challenge..... Warfighter which was pretty cool to come across, considering we were quite interested in hearing about this!


The Guidon at Ft. Leonard Wood had this article up today as a wrap- up
2009 Warfighter Challenges Military Police by Kerstin Mitchell

and the Ft. Leonard Wood Facebook page had a photo album with pics from the event
2009 Warfighter Challenge

(those of you who know him will recognize one of the MP's in one of the pics! pretty cool,huh?)

This sounds like a pretty grueling and challenging event......congratulations, both to the winners, and to ALL who participated in this!
Go, Army MP's!

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Sunday,September 27th-Gold Star Mother's Day

September 27, 2009, is Gold Star Mother's Day.

Every year the fourth Sunday of September is for honoring mothers whose sons or daughters died in the line of duty. The name references the single gold star on service flags displayed in the windows of homes that have lost a son or daughter to war.


Mothers of fallen servicemembers began calling themselves “Gold Star Mothers” during the First World War, but the sorrowful bond they share reaches back to every woman who has lost a son or daughter in uniform since our nation’s revolution. The United States began observing Gold Star Mothers Day on the last Sunday of September in 1936.


The Presidential Proclamation for this year's Gold Star Mother's Day is HERE


From the Army.mil website Gold Star Mothers
From the American Gold Star Mother's,Inc. website Gold Star Mothers Sunday
Please keep the Gold Star Mothers, and Families, of our nation in your hearts and prayers, not only on this day......but every day.