Mississippi Soldiers' Angels

Wednesday's Hero

2009-05-27T06:49:00.001-06:00

USS George H.W. Bush

Sailors assigned to the Air Department of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) are silhouetted against the setting sun at the conclusion of flight operations. George H.W. is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting flight deck certifications.

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.

MEMORIAL DAY

2009-05-27T04:50:00.000-06:00

He was very happy to see us all. There's no better way to spend Memorial Day than with approximately 111 Soldiers who are getting ready to deploy to Iraq in a few short weeks. They needed this family day as much as the families needed it. Thanks to their Company Commander for making this day possible.

Amber, Charles, Donna (Kristy's Mom), myself, Brandon Godfrey (MP at Camp Shelby who is a very good friend of Michael's), Michael and Kristy.

It was a long quiet ride back home. Very few words were said between us girls. It was all I could do to keep the tears from flowing. I think all I managed to say the whole ride home was to tell Kristy that it does not get easier, that it will actually get much harder over the next several weeks as we say those dreaded words (GOOD-BYE) time and time again.

Our next big day will be June 2nd, and we are all excited about that day. More to come about that big day when it gets here.

Wednesday's Hero

2009-05-20T07:01:00.001-06:00

Sgt. Christian E. Bueno-Galdos
25 years old from Paterson, New Jersey
3rd Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade
May 11, 2009

On Mother’s Day, Eugenia Gardos made a tabletop shrine to her recently deceased mother — surrounding her photograph with silk roses, a small white rosary cross, two votive candles and a prayer card of Senor de los Milagros, the patron saint of Peru.

The next day, May 11, she added her son's picture to the shrine for the dead.

Sgt. Gardos was killed along with five fellow servicemen; Army Spc. Jacob D. Barton, Army Maj. Matthew P. Houseal, Navy Cmdr. Charles K. Springle and Army Pfc. Michael E. Yates Jr. in the attack on Camp Liberty.

"The first time he left for Iraq, when they would read the lists of the dead on the news, we used to hold our breath, praying he wasn't on it," his mother said. "I don't understand how he could have died this way. I just don't understand it."

Sgt. Galdos had emigrated with his family from Mollendo, Peru, as a child and had been a U.S. citizen since high school. His mother, two older brothers and older sister recalled how he used to hand out candy to children in Iraq the same way he always did in Paterson — never making a trip to the corner bodega without a group of neighborhood children tailing behind, knowing he would buy them candy or a soda.

"We were all here at home," Carlos Bueno, Sgt. Galdos's father, said. "I was getting ready to go to bed when I heard screaming downstairs. I ran downstairs and everyone had thrown themselves to the floor, thrashing around, screaming."

Bueno said he does not feel bitterness toward the man accused in the shootings, whom he described as "mentally ill."

"We want people to know we're proud of our son's Army, but if my son had died in war we would be able to handle that," he said. "But not to die in this manner."

All Information Was Found On And Copied From MilitaryCity.com

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.

WELCOME HOME SOLDIER

2009-05-19T06:47:00.004-06:00

Jackson Mississippi International Airport was filled with family, friends, Patriot Guard Riders, Christian Motorcycle Association Riders and Soldiers' Angels last night to welcome home a Marine.

TRAIL OF HONORS

2009-05-18T07:02:00.002-06:00

What an awesome weekend was had by the Mississippi Soldiers' Angels. More pictures to follow tomorrow as these are from my iPhone.

Wednesday's Hero

2009-05-13T06:27:00.000-06:00

Spc. Robert Hamilton

Spc. Robert Hamilton, from Corpus Christi, Texas, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, prepares to bandage the thumb of an Iraqi boy in Ula Market in Sadr City, April 19. The boy cut his thumb while preparing meat at a local butcher shop.

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's Hero

2009-05-06T05:52:00.000-06:00

1st Lt. Michael A. Cerrone
24 years old from Clarksville, Tennessee
2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division
November 12, 2006

Cerrone's men said in written statements of remembrance that he put their safety and welfare first. He lead from the front and all of the paratroopers would "unquestionably" follow him into battle.

His platoon sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class Ronald H. Berryhill, said Cerrone was more than a leader, but a friend and "little brother."

He remembers the first day Cerrone got to the unit. At the time, he was shy and quiet. But after a few months, he became more outspoken.

"I am truly blessed to have known him and to serve under his leadership," Berryhill wrote. "He will never be forgotten. I will carry him with me always and I will always watch over his platoon. We will make him proud of his boys."

Sgt. Cerrone was killed when a suicide bomber detonated the bomb he had strapped to himself in Samarra, Iraq. Also killed in the attack was Specialist Harry "Buck" Winkler. You can read more at BLACKFIVE.

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.

NATIONAL MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH

2009-05-01T04:19:00.001-06:00

"May No Soldier Go Unloved. May No Soldier Walk Alone. May No Soldier Be Forgotten. Until They All Come Home."

As an all out effort to support National Military Appreciation Month, held in May, Soldiers' Angels is asking Americans to show their appreciation for our military by adopting a deployed service member at Soldiers Angels.

This year more than any other, our service men and women need to know they are truly appreciated for their role in protecting and defending our nation’s freedom. It doesn't take much time to become involved with Soldiers' Angels.

To Adopt-A-Hero go to the website Soldiers Angels and click on the ADOPT button. Your commitment each month is simply a letter a week and a small package each month. Join our team. Our nation's heroes need you. Soldiers' Angels is the place to start to show your appreciation.

WHEREAS, The freedom and security that citizens of the United States enjoy today are direct results of the blood shed and continued vigilance given by the United States Armed Forces over the history of our great nation; and

WHEREAS, the sacrifices that such members of the United States Armed Forces and of the family members that support them, have preserved the liberties that have enriched this nation making it unique in the world community; and

WHEREAS, the United States Congress, in two thousand and four, passed a resolution proclaiming May as National Military Appreciation Month, calling all Americans to remember those who gave their lives in defense of freedom and to honor the men and women of all of our Armed Services who have served and are now serving our Country, together with their families; and

WHEREAS, the months of May and June were selected for this display of patriotism because during these months, we celebrate Victory in Europe (VE) Day, Military Spouse Day, Loyalty Day, Armed Forces Day/Week, National Day of Prayer, Memorial Day, Navy Day, Army Day and Flag Day;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Patti Patton-Bader, Founder of Soldiers' Angels, do hereby proclaim the period May 1, through June 14, 2009 as a special time to show appreciation for our Military and proclaim it as NATIONAL MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH

Wednesday's Hero

2009-04-29T06:49:00.001-06:00

This Week's Post Was Suggested & Written By Mary Ann Sgt. Kenneth G. Ross 24 years old from Tucson, Arizona 7th Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment September 25, 2005 "He believed in serving his country," said Ross' father, David C. Ross. Gary Anderson, Ross' best friend and an Army infantry veteran who served nine months in Afghanistan and 11 months in Iraq during his active duty stint, was a classmate of Ross at Marana's Mountain View High School. "You know, I heard this news of Ken and I broke down and cried hysterically," said Anderson, now a firefighter for the Ak-Chin Indian Community in Maricopa. "He loved everyone; everyone who came in contact with him loved him. He'd always help everyone out that he could." A 1999 graduate of Mountain View, Ross played drums in the marching band and orchestra, his father said. Ross enlisted in the Army right after graduation. "He just wanted to take part in history," Anderson said. At the time of his death, he was a helicopter mechanic — acting as a door gunner on his last mission, his father said. SSgt. Ross was killed when his helicopter went down southwest of Deh Chopan, Afghanistan. Also killed in the crash were Sgt. Shawn A. Graham, Warrent Officer Adrian B. Stump, Sgt. Tane T. Baum, Chief Warrent Officer 2 John M. Flynn and Sgt. Patrick D. Stewart. Along with his father, SSgt. Ross is survived by his mother, Mary Ross, 57, and his sister, Stephanie Ross, 30. "I know his last thoughts were for everybody else and not for himself," Anderson said. "I know he wanted to make sure everybody was safe and would go home." 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's Hero

2009-04-15T06:32:00.002-06:00

Pfc. Alan R. Blohm
21 years old from Kenai, Alaska
425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division
December 31, 2006

Alan R. Blohm enlisted in the Army in 2004 because "He wanted to serve the country," his brother Jeremy said. "His grandfather had been in the Army, and it's just something he wanted to do."

Blohm graduated in 2004 from Bay City Western High School, where he was a 250-pound defensive player for the football team. Blohm's size prompted coach Jim Eurick to nickname him "Biggins Blohm," his brother recalled. "I know he paid the ultimate sacrifice with his life," Mark Boileau, Blohm's former school Principal, said. "We know Alan will be in a better place because of the sacrifice he made, because of his love for our country."

PFC. Blohm died of wounds suffered when an IED detonated near his unit while on combat patrol in Baghdad Besides his brother, he leaves behind his parents and a younger sister.

Information Was Found On And Copied From MilitaryCity.com & The Iraq Page

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's Hero

2009-04-08T06:33:00.000-06:00

Cpl. Aaron L. Seal
23 years old from Elkhart, Indiana
6th Engineer Support Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group, Marine Forces Reserve
October 1, 2006

With sleet gushing from gunmetal gray clouds, some 30 Marines standing in three trim lines saluted the U.S. flag that four of their brethren used to christen a new pole.

A large engraved stone set at the base of the 38-foot pole explained the occasion: "In memory of Corporal Aaron L. Seal. Who gave his life for our country. 1982-2006."

The Marines from Engineer Company B joined several dozen community residents and well-wishers at a ceremony Wednesday honoring Seal, the 23-year-old Elkhart reservist who died last fall in Iraq. Seal's family also attended the 20-minute tribute at Elkhart Community Schools' administration building adjacent to Memorial High School -- the fallen Marine's alma mater.

Read the rest of the story 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's Hero

2009-04-01T07:10:00.000-06:00

Spc. Jeffrey Scantlin, Sgt. 1st Class Erich Phillips, Sgt. John Hayes, 1st Lt. Aaron Thurman, Sgt. Hector Chavez and Spc. Tyler Hanson
2nd Platoon, Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment

In the early morning hours of July 13, 2008, Soldiers from Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment were not thinking about medals as they fought off roughly 200 insurgents attacking their vehicle patrol base in Afghanistan.

No Soldier in combat does.

The Army, however, takes pause afterward to honor those who distinguish themselves in battle and recognizes them before their peers.

Read the rest of the 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 you

Wednesday's Hero

2009-03-18T06:29:00.000-06:00
This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Kathi

Kevin Baker

Kevin George Baker, a disabled Navy veteran, had been riding his hand-propelled bicycle from his hometown through Washington, D.C. and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to Marseilles, Illinois to support a new flag designed to honor fallen members of the military. His trip began at his home on Saturday, March 7 and sadly ended on March 13 when he passed away in his sleep. Baker, who is unable to use his legs due to a neurological impairment, was flying the Honor and Remember Flag from his bike and encouraged people along the way to sign a petition urging Congress to adopt the flag as a new national symbol by passing HR Bill 1034.

You can read the rest of Baker's story 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's Hero

2009-03-11T12:00:00.001-06:00
Spc. Brian K. Baker
27 years old from West Seneca, New York
2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry)
November 07, 2004

Near his hometown, the flag flew at half-staff outside the East Concord Volunteer Fire Department where Baker had been a junior firefighter. He joined the Army shortly after graduating from Springville-Griffith Institute in 1996 with the goal of making it his career, friends said.

"You might say it was his calling," said Lori Ploetz, a longtime family friend. "He was great at what he did. He was respected by his peers."

Spc. Brian Baker was killed when a vehicle-borne IED detonated near his security patrol in Baghdad. He leaves behind his parents, his wife, Amy, and two daughters who were born after his death.

All Information Was Found On And Copied From MilitaryCity.com

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's Hero

2009-02-18T18:09:00.000-07:00
Sgt. Kelly Keck
34 years old from West Liberty, Kentucky

Secretary of the Army Pete Geren congratulates Sgt. Kelly Keck after presenting him the Purple Heart.

On September 13, 2008, Sgt. Kelly Keck, a combat medic serving in Afghanistan, was wounded while trying to aid his fellow soldiers who's truck had just been struck by an IED. "I stepped off the road to try to get to the side of the truck, and the next thing I know I hear a loud boom, and I'm laying on the ground," he said. Sgt. Kelly had stepped on a land mine. He was flown to a field hospital in Jalalabad where he ended up loosing three fingers on his left hand and his right leg below the knee. "It was quite an ordeal," the soft-spoken soldier said.

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's Hero

2009-02-11T06:31:00.001-07:00
This Weeks Post Was Suggested And Written By Brat

Sgt. Patrick Tainsh
33 years old from Oceanside, California
Troop E, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment
February 11, 2004

Five years ago today, Sgt. Patrick Tainsh sacrificed all as the mounted unit he
was part of was hit by an IED in Baghdad. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze and Sliver Stars saving the lives of his commanding officer and other soldiers before succumbing to his own wounds. Also killed in the attack was Pfc. William C. Ramirez from Portland, Oregon.

On Veteran’s Day, 2007, Deborah Tainsh, Sgt. Tainsh's mother, attended a school in Columbia, Georgia, and shared a story she had written called "A Boy Named Patrick."

Here is part of the story :

…a little boy named Patrick who loved football, beaches, surfing, and
skateboarding, and especially reading. Patrick watched his dad be a Marine for
over twenty years. During this time Patrick kept reading not only surfing and
skateboarding magazines, but history books, too. One day when Patrick was a man, he told his dad and best friend, “I want to do something that will make a
difference in the world, I’m going to be a soldier.” And so he did. And in 1999
he went to Fort Knox, Kentucky for boot camp and then went to Fort Polk,
Louisiana where he worked and trained hard to become a United States Army
Cavalry Scout. Then in 2003 Patrick had to say good bye to his mom and dad
because he had to go fight a war in Iraq to protect his country, friends, and
family from terrorists and to help fight for the freedoms of the boys and girls
in that country where they and their families were treated very badly by their
country’s leader. Patrick once wrote a letter to his mom and dad telling them
that he cried for the children because they were hungry and he didn’t have food
to give them. He said he couldn’t understand how a country’s leader could treat
the people so badly and make them live in such dirty conditions with trash and
wild dogs everywhere. And so Patrick's mom and dad keep a photo in their living
room of Patrick surrounded by Iraqi children.

You can read the story in it's entirety here.

Sgt Tainsh came to the military later than some, but rose through the ranks fast. In his last letter to his parents, Sgt Tainsh shared his thoughts about his mission. And in 2006, Sgt. Tainsh's mother wrote a book called Heart Of A Hawk about her son's life and her and her husband's struggles since their son was killed.

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.

Mississippi Gold Star Father lost his battle with Pancreatic Cancer

2009-02-08T16:40:00.004-07:00

It is with a heavy heart that I announce that Gold Star Father, Gary Allen, lost his battle with Pancreatic Cancer last night. He lost his son Shane Pugh who gave his life for our country in 2005. Gary was a proud member of the Patriot Guard Riders and a member of the Mississippi Air National Guard.

Gary fought a hard fight over this last year. He was at most all of the missions with the Mississippi Patriot Guard Riders despite his battle with cancer.

Gary is survived by his wife, Gold Star Mother Wilma Allen, five children and several grand children.

You will be missed Gary.

Wednesday's Hero

2009-02-04T06:48:00.000-07:00
This Weeks Post Was Suggested And Written By Cynthia

Sgt James E. Craig
27 years old from Hollywood, South Carolina
1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
January 28, 2008

James, 27, was killed on January 28, 2008, in Mosul, Iraq, along with four other soldiers when the unit encountered an IED, followed by an ambush from a nearby Mosque. It has been a year since James was killed. I miss him each day.

James was on his third deployment to Iraq. There are so many things about James that I admired. He was 'loud' and funny and articulate and sweet - even calling himself 'Sweet Soldier' - and brave and tough. He was a devout Christian and more comfortable with telling people he was than anyone I ever knew - he had a enviable, easy comfort with this faith. It would be so easy to write and write about James, but let me share some portions of his letters - his long and articulate letters.

"...I am very much looking forward to this war being over. However, I fully support everything that is going on over here ever since I saw first hand what the real situation was. Our media doesn't portray the truth of this operation or the necessity to the people here. They need freedom and desperately cry out for someone to help them. ... I know one thing, God wants me here."

"The war here is stating to come to an end. It will be a slow transition period where the responsibility of the battle space is handed over to the growing Iraqi Army. It all depends on the Iraqis if we are able to leave them with it safely."

"...it is a tale of my wonderful journey where I made memories I will never forget and stood up for something that I believe in...that sweet taste of freedom when the day is done and the knowledge that I have done something to ensure the positive future of my loved ones. And, you should know that it comforts me the most that what I do protects wonderful people like you."

To read more about Sgt James Craig, go 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.

THE SOULE WARRIORS

2009-01-30T20:08:00.001-07:00
WTOK, MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI

If you were driving down Interstate 20, west of Meridian Friday afternoon, you may have seen an unusual sight.

A group of five men, all veterans of some branch of service, is on a march to bring attention to the problems of veterans.

The men call themselves 'The Soule Warriors'. They began their march in Louisiana .and are bound for New York City.

They walked Friday from Newton County to Meridian as part of that journey.

"The government of America has promised the vets for so many years, that if you do this for the country, then we got your back," said Soule Warriors member Allen Mullins. "But I've met so many homeless veterans that has been shut out, denied, and lied to by the government. And it's time for somebody to stand up and try to do something and make a change to help those people out."

The Soule Warriors plan to start a foundation to supply housing and medical treatments to veterans.

Wednesday's Hero

2009-01-21T11:18:00.001-07:00
This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Cindy

Petty Officer 2nd Class Mike A. Monsoor
29 years old from Garden Grove, California
September 29, 2006

In April 2008, Michael Monsoor (who had already been posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his actions in a May 9, 2006 incident, when he and another SEAL pulled a wounded team member to safety amidst gunfire) was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His funeral, attended, in the words of President Bush, by "nearly every SEAL on the West Coast," was held on October 12, 2006 at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego. During Monsoor's funeral service, as the casket was taken from the hearse to the gravesite, fellow SEALs lined up in two columns to slap and embed the gold Tridents (a pin awarded for successful completion of SEAL Qualification Training) from their uniforms onto the top of Monsoor's coffin.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Mike A. Monsoor's Summary Of Action.

"The procession went on nearly half an hour, and when it was all over, the simple wooden coffin had become a gold-plated memorial to a hero who will never be forgotten." - President George W. Bush

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's Hero

2009-01-14T06:32:00.001-07:00
This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Deb

Capt. Ed Freeman
Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)

While reading the info on Cpt. Freeman, I found that I couldn't have put it better than this.

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.

Highway to be Named for Fallen Marine

2009-01-13T06:52:00.001-07:00
WTOK

The Mississippi Department of transportation will dedicate Highway 393 in Winston County as "Cpl. Dustin Jerome Lee Memorial Highway" to remember the fallen Marine.

The ceremony will be Jan. 16 at 3 p.m. at Good Hope Baptist Church, 12956 Highway 490 East of Nanih Waiya.

Cpl. Lee, of Stonewall, Miss., died in the line of duty in Iraq in March 2007.

His bomb-sniffing military dog survived the same mortar attack and has been retired, and lives with Lee's parents.

"With the deepest gratitude and admiration, we dedicate Highway 393 in honor of this heroic American," said District 1 Transportation Commissioner Bill Minor. "Cpl. Lee was an extraordinary soldier, and a beloved member of his family. His loss will always be felt, and his service to this country will be memorialized and commended forever."

Wednesday's Hero

2009-01-07T07:37:00.000-07:00
Airman Melissa Pyle

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) Airman Melissa Pyle mans a jet blast deflector station on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) in the Gulf Of Oman. Theodore Roosevelt and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

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 Have Every Right To Dream Heroic Dreams. Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

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's Hero

2008-12-31T07:29:00.000-07:00
This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Kathi

2nd Lt. Christopher E. Loudon
22 years old from Brockport, Pennsylvania
1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division
October 17, 2006

2nd Lt. Christopher Loudon graduated from Slippery Rock University with a Baccalaureate Degree in Environmental Health in 2005. Upon graduation, he entered the United States Army on September 9, 2005. He received his commission as an Infantry officer and was assigned to 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry, 4th Infantry Division at Ft. Hood, Texas. He deployed to Iraq in July 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

2nd Lt. Loudon’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Ranger Tab.

He was KIA in Baghdad, Iraq when an IED detonated near his vehicle. Also killed with him were; Corporal David M. Unger, 21, of Leavenworth, Kansas ;Corporal Russell G. Culbertson III, 22, of Amity, Pennsylvania and Specialist Joseph C. Dumas Jr., 25, of New Orleans, Louisiana.

He leaves behind his parents, Randy and Susan Loudon ; his wife, Jacey Loudon ; a daughter, Isabel Loudon ; two brothers, First Lieutenant Nicholas Loudon ,and Jonathan Loudon ; his paternal grandmother, Florence Loudon and his maternal grandfather, Everett William Campbell.

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's Hero

2008-12-24T05:39:00.000-07:00

To the Men and Women of the United States military, and all the armed forces around the world, thank you for everything that you do. And to those who are laying their heads down tonight in a foreign land, away from your loved ones, thank you so very much. Stay safe, you're in our thoughts and our hearts. Merry Christmas.

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.

Packages for Soldiers

2008-12-18T12:48:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Carol for passing this information along.

Please go here and sign the petition so that we can help get this bill passed and get more packages sent to your troops for FREE...

We ask you to join us in urging our U.S. Senators and Representatives to support the effort to pass a law that would allow for the free mailing of letters and packages to our military personnel in the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters of operation.

Representatives Kathy Castor and Gus Bilirakis have already committed to co-sponsoring a bill that would achieve our goal. They must get the support of the remainder of their colleagues, particularly those in the Senate.

Families and organizations attempting to ship goods to our military have discovered that the cost can be onerous. That should not be a factor in our attempts to make their lives more bearable in the most trying circumstances.

Keep in mind that the members of Congress enjoy the right of free mailing, called “franking” privileges. It is only proper that our fighting men and women who are in harm’s way be granted the same rights.

Wednesday's Hero

2008-12-17T06:42:00.001-07:00
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christian P. Humphreys
28 years old from Fallon, Nevada
6th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, Task Force 49
November 15, 2008

A funny, nice guy who loved to fly. That's how Christian P. Humphreys is remembered by his friends. "He was a great guy, always happy and had a joke," said Sean Whitney, a flight medic. "We used to play with our paintball guns in the cornfields behind his house."

Humphreys flew with the Fallon Naval Air Station Search and Rescue Longhorns from June 6, 2004, to May 5, 2006. He left the Navy and joined the Army as part of the "Blue to Green" program to become a helicopter pilot.

Humphreys, along with Chief Warrant Officer 3 Donald V. Clark, 37 years old from Tennessee, was killed when their OH-58 Kiowa helicopter crashed while on a mission over Mosul, Iraq. As a rescue crew chief, Humphreys was in charge of the operation behind the pilots. He made the decisions when to deploy rescue crews out of the helicopter to assist injured people, and he also took care of the equipment.

"He was a funny guy, a nice guy, a lot of character," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Schmidt. "The guy was always entertaining, always had something to say, but like everyone here, he displayed the professionalism in saving lives."

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christian P. Humphreys leaves behind a wife and parents.

All Information Was Found On And Copied From MilitaryCity.com

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.

HAPPY 372ND BIRTHDAY NATIONAL GUARD

2008-12-13T05:05:00.000-07:00

The National Guard celebrates its 372nd birthday tomorrow. On Dec. 13, 1636, the Massachusetts Bay Colony divided its citizen-soldiers, or militia, into the North, South and East regiments.

The Massachusetts Bay colony was seven years old in 1636. About 5,000 men, women, and children had made the two-month voyage to the New World, leaving behind the relative comfort and safety of England. In Massachusetts, they confronted a wilderness of dense forests, wild animals and suspicious Indians.

The colonists needed a military force for protection, but they had no money to hire a mercenary army, which was common practice in Europe at the time. So they turned to the English tradition of the militia -- citizen-soldiers who gathered for military training and who could fight when needed.

In Massachusetts, all able-bodied men between ages 16 and 60, except ministers and judges, were required to join the militia. By 1636, the Massachusetts Bay Colony militia was large enough to be divided into three separate regiments.

Today, the military lineage of these regiments from 1636 is carried on by the 101st Engineer Battalion, the 101st Field Artillery, the 181st Infantry and the 182nd Cavalry, which are all still part of the Massachusetts Army National Guard. These four units, in one form or another, have been in continuous service since 1636, and are the oldest units in the U.S. Army.

Much has changed in this country since 1636, but one thing has not: citizen-soldiers still gather to train and deploy as they have for 372 years.

Wednesday's Hero

2008-12-10T06:39:00.000-07:00
Spc. Jonnie L Stiles
38 years old from Highlands Ranch, Colorado
769th Engineer Battalion, Louisiana Army National Guard
November 13, 2008

Louisiana National Guard spokesman Maj. Michael Kazmierzak said Spc. Jonnie L. Stiles had been serving as a gunner on a Humvee doing route clearance when and IED detonated near his vehicle in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. He said the job typically involves checking roads for bombs and insurgents.

Stiles' wife, Launa, said that he was nearly killed last month when a suicide bomber blew up a military vehicle in front of his. She said he was still able to rescue three other soldiers and returned to duty before his 30-day recovery period was finished.

"He was strong and really cared for his men," she said.

Stiles was born in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and graduated from Littleton High School in Colorado. He served in the military for 17 years, first joining the Marines and then switching to the Army in 1999. He served three years at Fort Carson, left the Army and then returned as a member of the Colorado Air National Guard in the Summer of 2007.

All Information Was Found On And Copied From MilitaryCity.com

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.

BRING HIM HOME SANTA

2008-12-09T06:50:00.001-07:00

SOLDIERS' ANGELS NEEDS YOUR HELP!!!

2008-12-04T06:43:00.002-07:00

Soldiers' Angels needs your help for the 2008 Holiday Season!

This winter, an estimated 180,000 U.S. military personnel will be serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, in combat environments or in support of combat operations. Some will be on their 3rd or 4th deployments--spending yet another Holiday away from the loving arms of family and friends. We want them to know that they are remembered, that we are thinking of them during the winter Holiday Season, and that we are grateful for their service. Since we can't all wrap our arms around them in person to show how much we love and appreciate them, Soldiers' Angels needs your help to make sure each one of America's heroes is Wrapped in Holiday Spirit.

Wrapped in Holiday Spirit & Blankets of Belief

Please help us make sure that our deployed Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines this Holiday Season know: 'We haven't forgotten you, we support you, and we believe in you!'

Handmade 'Blankets of Belief' form the heart of the Soldiers’ Angels Wrapped in Holiday Spirit care packages for the 2008 Holiday Season. These special Blankets are designed to tell America's service men and women, 'We believe in you.' When deployed service members receive a Blanket of Belief, they know that somebody back home remembers them, that somebody labored over a handmade blanket with love and belief in them. Along with the handmade Blanket, each Wrapped in Holiday Spirit care package includes a collection of yummy snacks, a stainless steel travel mug, socks, and a holiday cardwith a personal note of thanks and support.

Many Ways to Help

Spread the word with a general info flyer, or a flyer about sending holiday greeting cards [pdf files].
Make a Blanket of Belief (we have a no-sew-option!).

Donate a complete care package (you can now donate in honor of someone) or contribute hot chocolate packets and mugs toward care packages - select 'Any Hero' for shipping address.

Donate other care package items: gum, candy/health bars, Tootsie Rolls, and white or khaki athletic/boot socks. Please include a note inside each box that contains your name, address, phone number, and an itemized list of contents with estimated value. Click here to purchase bulk items at a discount rate and ship directly to Soldiers' Angels.

If you live east of the Mississippi, please ship your items to:

Soldiers' Angels
Wrapped in Holiday Spirit
112 Greenhill Road
Ramseur NC 27316

If you live west of the Mississippi, please ship your items to:

Soldiers' Angels
Wrapped in Holiday Spirit
914 Tourmaline Dr
Newbury Park, CA 91320

Help cover the cost of shipping 180,000 care packages overseas.

Soldiers' Angels is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and donations are tax deductible. Please consult your tax advisor for details.

180,000 Care Packages!

Please help Soldiers' Angels place a gift and personal message of support into the hands of each deployed military man and woman this December. Help us tell them, 'We believe in you!'

We are committed to providing Wrapped in Holiday Spirit care packages to every Soldier, Sailor, Airman and Marine deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. That's around 180,000 gifts to purchase, assemble, and ship halfway around the world! This is a big challenge but with your support and our wonderful group of hard-working volunteers, it can be done!

Wednesday's Hero

2008-12-03T06:46:00.001-07:00
Spc. Matthew T. Morris
23 years old from Cedar Park, Texas
2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment
April 06, 2008

"He was a very creative kid, and when he wasn't in a challenging environment, he tried to make life interesting," Glenn Morris, father of Spc. Morris, said. "He excelled in a military school structure and in a team environment."

Before enlisting in the Army in 2005, Morris attended the Fishburne Military School in Waynesboro, Virginia where he met a history teacher who inspired him to want to become an educator. "After his service, he wanted to go back to school and get a four-year degree to become a teacher," said his mother, Lisa. "He wanted to make a difference and give back to the community."

Spc. Morris was killed when his vehicle encountered an IED in Balad, Iraq. Also killed in the attack was Cpt. Ulises Burgos-Cruz.

All Information Was Found On And Copied From MilitaryCity.com

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.

REST IN PEACE CPT YLLESCAS

2008-12-01T15:15:00.001-07:00
Rob is with God now

"Well, today Rob went to be with the Lord. Last night his ICP's went really high and they took him for another CT scan. The scan results were devastating. So, we decided to let him go Home. He went very painlessly and quickly. I don't know when his funeral will be but it will be in Nebraska in my hometown. I will let you all know the details when I get them. Thank so all so much for the thousands of prayers you sent for my husband. We now have an angel looking over us."

Our thoughts and prayers are with this family.

CD For the Troops II

2008-11-29T12:44:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Salute to Your Service for a heads up on this great offer for our troops.

Just in time for the holiday, we are giving our thanks to the troops and their families. “For the Troops II” will be available for free download for U.S. active duty service members and veterans worldwide with a valid military ID at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) Web site, www.aafes.com. Additionally, TriWest Healthcare Alliance is producing and distributing 200,000 hard copies of the CD at locations, such as military bases in Iraq and Afghanistan, America Supports You events, USO Centers, Fisher Houses, and others across the nation and overseas.

This CD is the follow-up to the first “For the Troops” released last fall. Songs from the CD “For the Troops” were downloaded more than 350,000 times at www.aafes.com, and another 200,000 service members and retirees worldwide received hard copies of the CD. Ondrasik partnered with AAFES, TriWest and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) to produce and release both CDs.

Please help spread the word about the FREE CD with “For the Troops II” widgets for your blog or web site. Download the widget to add to your site here

Mississippi family host soldiers for Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T18:35:00.004-07:00

Clarion Ledger

Hattiesburg American

It was Thanksgiving Day as usual at the Smiths' home on Thursday.

By noon, the air in their quaint home was filled with the aroma of roasted turkey, a baked ham and apple pie.

In the kitchen, 59-year-old Kay Smith pulled out a warm sheet of freshly baked rolls from the oven and coated them with butter.

In the next room, Smith's husband, Marlin, and her son entertained the family's special guests Thursday: six soldiers from Camp Shelby who couldn't be home with their own families for Thanksgiving.

But it was no problem - Kay Smith loves making the soldiers feel welcome in her home.

"This is my fourth time doing this," Smith said as she put the final touches on Thursday's feast.

The menu included turkey - of course - green bean casserole, sweet potato bake, a cranberry salad, cornbread dressing and a variety of homemade desserts.

"I plan way ahead," Smith said about preparing the meal. "(And) so much of it is last-minute stuff too."

The Smiths are just one of several families who opened up their homes Thursday to soldiers from Camp Shelby.

The Smiths, however, hosted the most soldiers.

Smith actually founded the program five years ago when she cooked for 14 soldiers from the military base. Since then, Smith's effort caught on to others in the Pine Belt and they too began inviting soldiers for Thanksgiving meals.

"I think it's great," her son Billy Bell said moments before eating Thursday.

"I'm so proud of her. And I'm glad other people are doing the same thing."

Bell is a retired Air Force captain who said he could relate to the soldiers very easily.

He also was forced to spend some Thanksgivings with someone else's family due to his military obligations.

"It was always somebody I knew and they welcomed me into their home," he said.

"I've always appreciated that she did it for other people, and now I can be home for it."

Staff Sgt. HollyAnn Nicom of Pennsylvania said she felt welcomed in the Smiths' home as soon as they pulled up to the coffee-brown house and Smith came running out the door in her red apron to greet them.

Nicom said she's scheduled to deploy to Iraq in early January.

"Thanksgiving is a big deal because I usually spend it with family," she said.

"This year my mother is eating alone, (but) she's happy I have a family I'm eating with for Thanksgiving."

And like Smith has done every year, she also gave each soldier a warm Thanksgiving message on a business card with her contact information on the back.

Before they ate Thursday, Smith told the soldiers how much a note in the future from them would be appreciated by her and her husband.

Smith said many of the soldiers do keep in touch.

"One year we had two of the soldiers come back and eat Christmas dinner with us," she said.

"Every year we've had soldiers fall asleep on our couch. When a stranger takes a nap in your house, you feel like you're doing OK."

Wednesday's Hero

2008-11-26T07:04:00.001-07:00

Lance Cpl. Samuel Joyce, from Boston, accepts a bagfull of toys during the Toys For Tots 5k Run at Fleet Activities Yokosuka. Runners donated new toys to the local Marine's Toys for Tots program.

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 Have Every Right To Dream Heroic Dreams. Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

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.

VI DAY

2008-11-22T04:28:00.001-07:00

Victory in Iraq

We won. The Iraq War is over.

I declare November 22, 2008 to be "Victory in Iraq Day." (Hereafter known as "VI Day.")

By every measure, The United States and coalition forces have conclusively defeated all enemies in Iraq, pacified the country, deposed the previous regime, successfully helped to establish a new functioning democratic government, and suppressed any lingering insurgencies. The war has come to an end. And we won.

What more indication do you need? An announcement from the outgoing Bush administration? It's not gonna happen. An announcement from the incoming Obama administration? That's really not gonna happen. A declaration of victory by the media? Please. Don't make me laugh. A concession of surrender by what few remaining insurgents remain in hiding? Forget about it.

The moment has come to acknowledge the obvious. To overtly declare a fact that has already been true for quite some time now. Let me repeat:

WE WON THE WAR IN IRAQ

nd since there will never be a ticker-tape parade down Fifth Avenue in New York for our troops, it's up to us, the people, to arrange a virtual ticker-tape parade. An online victory celebration.

Saturday, November 22, 2008 is the day of that celebration: Victory in Iraq Day.

What do you need to do to participate? Simple. Just make a post on your blog on Saturday, November 22, announcing that the war is over, and declaring that day to be Victory in Iraq Day. That's it.

If you want to write a short post (or a long essay) analyzing the nature of our victory or cheering the troops for a job well done, great; but if you just want to make a simple announcement of the victory, that's fine as well. Anything will do. Just come and join the celebration to mark the day.

Keep reading below to find: evidence that the war is over (for the doubters); an historical discussion of previous postwar occupations and guerrilla violence; a list of blogs which have already joined the VI Day movement; free banners and graphics for you to download and put on your blog, if you so choose; and an invitation to submit your own "victory graphics" for posting here.

MDOT partners with charity to collect old cell phones

2008-11-19T07:06:00.001-07:00

The Mississippi Department of Transportation has an answer for those wondering what to do with old cell phones:

Donate them.

MDOT on Tuesday announced a partnership with Cell Phones for Soldiers, a national charity drive that collects old cell phones for recycling.

The money earned on each phone - usually $5 - is then put toward a 60-minute calling card for a soldier serving overseas. A typical international call home can cost $15 a minute.

The program also can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and keep material out of landfills. Cell phone batteries and the internal memory boards - which can contain copper and gold - are valuable and can be reused.

So far, MDOT has collected 200 phones.

"But our goal is to put a calling card in the hands of each soldier, so we realize we have a long way to go," MDOT special projects coordinator Wes Carter said.

To donate your old cell phone or cell battery, MDOT has installed donation boxes in front of their offices:

MDOT Administration Building, 401 N. West St., Jackson.

MDOT District One Headquarters, 909 N. Gloster St., Tupelo.

MDOT District Two Headquarters, 150 U.S. 51 North, Batesville.

MDOT District Three Headquarters, 1240 U.S. 49, West Yazoo City.

MDOT District Five Headquarters, 7759 U.S. 80 West, Newton.

MDOT District Six Headquarters, 6356 U.S. 49 North, Hattiesburg.

MDOT District Seven Headquarters, US. 51 North, McComb.

Carter said MDOT will take any cell phone, even the original gray "brick" cell phones and "black bag phone."

Those who donate need to remember to terminate their phone's service contract, wipe out the phone's memory and remove the phone's SIM card, if it has one.

Wednesday's Hero

2008-11-19T05:04:00.000-07:00
Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody
55 years old from Fort Belvoir, Virginia

Call it breaking the brass ceiling. Ann E. Dunwoody, after 33 years in the Army, ascended Friday to a peak never before reached by a woman in the U.S. military: four-star general.

At an emotional promotion ceremony, Dunwoody looked back on her years in uniform, said it was a credit to the Army—and a great surprise to her—that she would make history in a male-dominated military.

"Thirty-three years after I took the oath as a second lieutenant, I have to tell you this is not exactly how I envisioned my life unfolding," she told a standing-room-only auditorium. "Even as a young kid, all I ever wanted to do was teach physical education and raise a family.

"It was clear to me that my Army experience was just going to be a two-year detour en route to my fitness profession," she added. "So when asked, `Ann, did you ever think you were going to be a general officer, to say nothing about a four-star?' I say, `Not in my wildest dreams.'

"There is no one more surprised than I—except, of course, my husband. You know what they say, `Behind every successful woman there is an astonished man.'"

You can read the rest of Gen. Dunwoody's story 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.

PROJECT VALOUR-IT

2008-11-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

Soldier's Angels

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Best-Selling Authors Provide Autographed Books to Support Project Valour-IT

Seven noted authors have stepped up to support Project Valour-IT by donating autographed books for auction, and more are anticipated to join them. The books are being auctioned on eBay to help raise money to help Soldier's Angels provide adaptive laptops to wounded or disabled service members.

David Weber, David Drake, John Ringo, David J. Williams, Dean Ing, Mark L. Van Name, and Travis "Doc" Taylor have all agreed to provide works for auction as part of the annual fundraiser, which kicked off on Veterans Day and ends Thanksgiving Day. The works are being auctioned on the eBay Giving Works listings (seller spliffslips) with the money raised going directly and fully to the Project Valour-IT fund.

Currently, there are seven items up for bid on eBay:

The Last Centurion by John Ringo.

The Quantum Connection by Travis S. Taylor.

Warp Speed by Travis S. Taylor.

Von Neuman's War by John Ringo and Travis S. Taylor (autographed by Travis S. Taylor only).

The Complete Hammer's Slammers Volume 1 by David Drake.

Vorpal Blade by John Ringo and Travis S. Taylor (autographed by Travis S. Taylor only).

Slanted Jack by Mark L. Van Name.

Works by David Weber, Dave Williams, and Dean Ing will be posted for auction soon. The end time for each auction is different, so please check each listing to determine its end date.

John Ringo is a New York Times best-selling author with more than a million copies of his works in print. A veteran (Airborne!), he is known for his solo "Posleen" and "Ghost" series, as well as his "Empire of Man" series co-authored with David Weber.

Travis S. "Doc" Taylor is a rising light in the science fiction sky. He's earned not only a Ph.D. in optical science and engineering, but Master's degrees in physics, aerospace engineering, and astronomy and a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering as well. The author of several books, he may be best known for the "Looking Glass" series co-authored with John Ringo. The start of a series of video interviews with Taylor can be found here .

David Drake is the New York Times best-selling author of the "Hammer's Slammers" series. Having written on a variety of subjects, his Hammer's Slammers work is based on his service in Vietnam and he is known to describe the series as the 11th Armored Cavalry with ray guns. The start of a series of video interviews with Drake can be found at here.

Mark L. Van Name is an author who also runs a technology assessment company in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina. A former Executive Vice President for Ziff Davis Media and national technology columnist, he's published over a thousand computer-related articles in addition to his "Slanted Jack" series and numerous short stories. The start of a series of video interviews with Van Name can be found here.

David Weber is the New York Times best-selling author of the acclaimed "Honor Harrington" series. The author of multiple best-selling books and series, he has seen his works develop a world-wide reach and following. The start of a series of video interviews with him can be found here.

David J. Williams is another rising star in the science fiction universe. Born in Hertfordshire, England, he now resides in Washington, DC. Mirrored Heavens is his first novel.

Dean Ing is the author of multiple science fiction and techno-thriller novels. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he earned a doctorate in communications and worked in aerospace engineering. He served on the Citizen's Advisory Council on National Space Policy.

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.

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

The experience of Major Chuck Ziegenfuss, a partner in the project who suffered serious hand wounds while serving in Iraq, illustrates how important these laptops and other technologies can be to a wounded service member's recovery.

Established in 2003, Soldiers' Angels is a volunteer-based 501(c)(3) non-profit providing aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, as well as veterans and military families. For more information, see www.soldiersangels.org or call 626-529-5114. Tax ID# 20-0583415

PROJECT VALOUR-IT

2008-11-17T06:16:00.005-07:00
Last Tuesday we celebrated the faithful service of our veterans who have answered the call to defend us. Veterans Day was also the fundraising kickoff of a an organization that supports the wounded--our living veterans who have given the most. Non-profit Soldiers' Angels Project Valour-IT works closely with caseworkers in military and VA hospitals to supply technology that supports the recovery of wounded warriors.

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 (over 2700 so far).
Wii Video Game Systems - Whole-body game systems increase motivation and speed recovery when used under the guidance of physical therapists in therapy sessions.
Personal GPS - Handheld GPS devices build self-confidence and independence by compensating for short-term memory loss and organizational challenges related to TBI and severe PTSD.
To make this fun, Valour-IT is having a competition among the service branches to see who can raise the most by Thanksgiving (all monies go to the same account). You can donate by clicking on your favorite branch below, join a team and get a widget here, or make a general donation here.

Make a Difference Through Soldiers Angels

You can also send donations to Soldiers' Angels, Project Valour-IT [YOUR TEAM], 1792 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 92025.

The war hasn't been in the headlines lately, but each week still brings more wounded soldiers who need our support. Please help spread the word [download flyer]—to your office, your email list, your Facebook friends, your neighbors, etc. Our elected government called on our service members to do what they were trained for, and they answered the call with courage and commitment. Now it's time to pick up our end of the bargain by doing everything we can to make sure they have what they need when they come home wounded.

More info:

Project Valour-IT Blog

Chuck Z - the man whose wounds inspired it all

Soldiers' Angels financials

FREE CUSTOMIZABLE BANNERS

2008-11-12T06:26:00.003-07:00
BUILD A SIGN is offering 20,000 banners or jumbo cards free in honor of Veteran's Day. They are giving military families a free customizable banner to help welcome home their loved ones returning from overseas or the option to send a free customizable jumbo card to a loved one overseas.

Wednesday's Hero

2008-11-12T04:26:00.000-07:00
Spc. Kenneth W. Haines
25 years old from Fulton, New York
2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division
December 3, 2006

Spc. Kenneth Haines joined the United States Army in September 2000 as a fire support specialist and had been assigned to his unit for just over three years. He deployed to Iraq in October of 2006.

During his time in service, he received several military awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and National Defense Service Medal.

Spc. Haines was killed by an IED that was detonated near his vehicle while on patrol in Abu Hishma, Iraq.

All Information Was Found On And Copied From MilitaryCity.com

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.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARINES

2008-11-10T04:45:00.000-07:00
229 YEARS AND STILL GOING STRONG...

Wednesday's Hero

2008-11-05T05:15:00.000-07:00
Cpt. Gussie M. Jones
41 years old from Raleigh, Arkansas
31st Combat Support Hospital
March 07, 2004

Cpt. Gussie Jones was born in Arkansas and was one of eight children. She began her Army career by enlisting in 1988 as a personnel clerk and climbed to the rank of a sergeant.

In 1986, Jones earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Arkansas Central University. She was selected to attend the Army Enlisted Commissioning Program and earned her second bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University in 1998. It was in nursing.

Her career as a registered nurse and a commissioned officer began in September 1998 at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. In 2002, after completing a course in critical-care nursing, she was assigned to Beaumont Army Medical Center, where she became a mentor.

"She was a very dedicated person and was always smiling, said a co-worker and friend, Capt. Susan Gilbert. If anyone asked her to do something, she would do it. And she was very kind and gentle and patient with the patients."

Cpt. Jones died of a heart attack while on duty in Baghdad, Iraq. During her 15 years of military services, Jones received a Joint Service Commendation medal, four Army Commendation medals and three Army Achievement medals.

"She was so much a part of their team, and so her death must really affect their morale," Gilbert said. "I'm very worried about the other soldiers because they've lost their battle buddy."

All Information Was Found On And Copied From MilitaryCity.com

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.

Wrapped In Holiday Spirit

2008-11-02T12:27:00.001-07:00

Knock out your holiday shopping now! For just $18.75 you can sponsor a holiday package for a deployed hero who will be away from his or her family this holiday season. The package called "Wrapped in Holiday Spirit" will include a blanket, socks, a mug, hot cocoa and snacks for the service member. For your generous $18.75 tax-deductible donation, you can purchase the package in honor of a teacher, co-worker, coach, friend or family member, and Soldiers' Angels will send you a certificate that you can give them for the holidays. Act now so we can get them shipped to them in time for Christmas Day!

Click HERE NOW!!!

Wednesday's Hero

2008-10-29T06:48:00.000-06:00
Wednesday Hero was started to put a spotlight on the men and women of the United States military and the bravery their show day in and day out. But on a few occasions a service members of an allied nation has been profiled. Such is the case this week.

Despite being shot twice during an ambush in Afghanistan, an SAS (Special Air Service) soldier from Australia lashed himself to the front of his patrol vehicle so he wouldn't be left behind if he passed out from loss of blood and kept on fighting.

The Digger is expected to be recommended for a high level bravery award.

Suffering from serious upper body wounds, the soldier struggled on to the front of his SAS long range patrol vehicle (LRPV) and, under heavy fire, used a rope to attach himself firmly between the vehicle's bull bar and radiator.

Once he was secured, and there was no chance that he would fall off if he fainted, he picked up his rifle and resumed firing at the enemy during a two-hour fighting withdrawal.

SAS troops and their special forces comrades from the Commando Regiment are well aware of the slow and painful death that awaits them if they are captured by the Taliban.

The Digger, who cannot be identified, faded in and out of consciousness, emptying several magazines as volleys of enemy rounds and rocket propelled grenades, rained down around him.

He was finally evacuated from the battle field at high speed still lashed to the front of the LRPV.

A source told The Courier-Mail the Digger was now "up and about" and would recover fully from his serious gunshot wounds. His heroic deeds will be recognised when he is recommended for a high level bravery award.

Several others engaged in the do-or-die battle on September 2 are also in line for top honours.

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.

GOLDEN CORRAL

2008-10-28T14:14:00.003-06:00
Golden Corral restaurants nationwide in partnership with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) are offering free meals and drinks to Veterans and Active Duty Military on Monday, November 17, from 1700-2100 as part of their annual Military Appreciation program.

WRAPPED IN HOLIDAY SPIRIT

2008-10-23T11:40:00.001-06:00

This winter, an estimated 180,000 U.S. military personnel will be serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, in combat environments or in support of combat operations. Some will be on their 3rd or 4th deployments--spending yet another Holiday away from the loving arms of family and friends. We want them to know that they are remembered, that we are thinking of them during the winter Holiday Season, and that we are grateful for their service. Since we can't all wrap our arms around them in person to show how much we love and appreciate them, Soldiers' Angels needs your help to make sure each one of America's heroes is Wrapped in Holiday Spirit. So we ask…..

Can you be there for a Hero this Holiday Season?

To send a Wrapped in Holiday Spirit care package to a deployed service member this Holiday Season please visit us at Soldiers Angels.

Wednesday's Hero

2008-10-22T04:08:00.000-06:00
Sgt. Carlton A. Clark
22 years old from South Royalton, Vermont
2nd Brigade Troop Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)
August 06, 2006

Sgt. Carlton Clark graduated from South Royalton High School in 2002. While in high school, he was co-captain of his soccer team and a member of the track and field and basketball teams. He graduated from basic combat training and advanced individual training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. in 2002 and was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. as a combat engineer. He was air assault qualified and deployed during the initial wave of Operation Iraqi Freedom for one year. He was subsequently assigned to West Point to train cadets. He re-enlisted and was deployed for a second tour of duty in Iraq. He earned a Purple Heart, an Army Commendation Medal with Valor, a Bronze Star Medal and was posthumously awarded a second Purple Heart.

Sgt. Clark was killed in action when an IED detonated near his Humvee while conducting combat operations in Baghdad. Also killed in the attack were Staff Sgt. Stephen A. Seale and Cpl. Jose Zamora.

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.

Funeral Arrangements for Chris McGraw

2008-10-21T17:39:00.003-06:00
Mississippi Soldier Killed In Iraq

The Mississippi Patriot Guard have been invited by the McGraw family to escort Chris's body from the airport in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and then stand a flag line for the funeral.

The Mississippi Patriot Guard will be meeting Christopher at the Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport Wednesday morning at 0900.

The wake is Thursday evening at Hathorn Funeral Home on Old Hwy 98 in Columbia on Thursday and the funeral services will be held at WoodLawn Pentecostal Church on Hwy 98 at 10am on Friday, October 24th.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PATTI...

2008-10-21T10:36:00.001-06:00
A very special Happy Birthday to Patti, founder of Soldiers' Angels. Where would we be without you today. Thank you Patti for being our rock.

American Veterans Conference

2008-10-20T11:50:00.003-06:00

AMERICAN VETERANS ANNUAL CONFERENCE TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 6-8 in Washington, DC where America’s Greatest Heroes Gather for The Eleventh Annual Conference.

2008 Conference Registration Form

2008 Schedule

The Doolittle Raiders – Several of the men who flew alongside Jimmy Doolittle on his famous raid on Japan.

The Filthy Thirteen – The famed 101st Airborne unit that is the true story behind The Dirty Dozen.

Major League Baseball and WWII – Baseball players who put their careers on hold to serve in World War II. Panel includes Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller and will be moderated by George Michael, former host of The George Michael Sports Machine.

Theodore “Dutch” Van Kirk – Navigator of the Enola Gay on its fateful mission.

The Tuskegee Airmen – The legendary first African American pilots in U.S. military history.

The Battle of Iwo Jima – Including Col. Dave R. Severance, commander of E Co., 28th Marines – the company that took Mt. Suribachi and raised the flags.

Lt. General Hal Moore & Joseph Galloway – Co-authors of the best-selling book We Were Soldiers Once…And Young, and the upcoming We Are Soldiers Still.

The Tet Offensive – 40 Years later.

Adrian Cronhauer - Famed Air Force DJ portrayed in the film, "Good Morning, Vietnam"

Brig. Gen. R. Steve Ritchie – The only Air Force “ace” pilot of the Vietnam War.

Black Hawk Down: The Battle of Mogadishu – Featuring Matthew Eversmann

Today’s Heroes – Several of the most highly decorated service members from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Medal of Honor – Recipients of our nation’s highest military award.

The Medal of Honor: A New Generation – Service members who served alongside those recipients from Iraq and Afghanistan help share their stories of valor.

And more to come!!

FEATURED BLOG

2008-10-20T00:24:00.000-06:00
Thanks to Greta @ Kiss My Gumbo  (and all her other blogs) for letting me know that the MS Soldiers' Angels/MS Soldiers' Angels VA Blog is the Feature Blog of the Month at Soldiers Angels.

Mississippi Air National Guard's 172nd Airlift Wing

2008-10-16T17:06:00.002-06:00
Mississippi's Finest...

Thanks to Mary Ann @ Soldiers' Angels Germany for posting this video...

MS Soldier killed in Iraq

2008-10-16T09:41:00.002-06:00

I just received an email from Rhonda, Mississippi Community Team Leader State Coordinator regarding a Mississippi Soldier who was killed in Iraq on Tuesday, October 14th. Please keep this family in your prayers.

The Columbian Progress

Columbia resident makes the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq...

Private First-Class Christopher A.(Chris) McCraw, son of Avon McCraw and Cathy McCraw, both of Columbia, was killed in Iraq this week. He was 23 years old and joined the Army in Feb. 2006. He went to Basic Training at Fort Benning, Ga., where he graduated in June 2006. McCraw had been stationed in Hawaii prior to being deployed to Iraq in Dec. 2007. In Iraq he was stationed at Camp Liberty outside Baghdad. McCraw attended city schools until his family moved to North Carolina in the late 1990’s. He graduated high school there prior to the family moving back to Columbia.

Wednesday's Hero

2008-10-15T05:42:00.000-06:00
Sgt. Anton J. Hiett
25 years old from Mount Airy, North Carolina
391st Engineer Battalion, Army Reserve
March 12, 2006

Misty Hiett, the widow of Sgt. Anton Hiett, said in an interview that he, Sgt. Hiett, asked to transfer to the 391st Engineering Battalion when it looked like his reserve unit would not be deployed.

Sgt. Hiett was a truck driver who joined the military right out of high school because he "wanted to go help out" during the current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. After his transfer to the 391st, he was deployed to Afghanistan on April 22, 2005.

On March 12, 2006, Sgt. Hiett, and three fellow soldiers from the 391st, Staff Sgt. Joe Ray; Spc. Joshua Hill and Sgt. Kevin Akins, were killed when an IED detonated near their Humvee during combat operations west of Asadabad, Afghanistan. He left behind his wife and their then 2(now 4)-year-old daughter Kyra.

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.

Mississippi Angels to adopt unit for Christmas

2008-10-14T05:42:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Rhonda, our MS CTL State Coordinator for putting this together.

Hey MS Angels,

I would like to adopt this Unit for the holidays! If any of you Angels would like to help out, that would greatly be appreciated. Just a small Wal Mart gift card donation can help get this unit the things they are asking for. The packages need to be mailed out by mid November. I can put the packages together and mail them out with a note from us: "Mississippi Angels" Thanks to all for your help!

Rhonda
MS CTL State Coordinator

The following is a list of items requested. If you would like to send a package directly, please contact Rhonda via email at: lynzie_98@yahoo.com or ctlms10@gmail.com for the address to Paul, the Marine liaison in a British hospital that takes care of our wounded.

1)Decorations

2)Party supplies requested: Ruffles potato chips regular or flavored, Snyders pretzles, oreo cookies, hot chocolate mix, any little debbie cakes, cans of egg nog,

3)Christmas music CD's

4)thank you cards that I can give out so those that are receiving so much can send a few words in return

Wednesday's Hero

2008-10-08T04:29:00.000-06:00
Cpl. Lance M. Thompson
21 years old from Upland, Indiana
2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force
November 15, 2004

The father of Cpl. Lance Thompson said his son would be proud knowing he fought and died to help Iraqis vote in an election.

Cpl. Lance Thompson died in during fighting in Ramadi by a truck bomb. His father, Greg Thompson, said his son sent him a letter in September of '04 which said, "Freedom is not free. It requires sacrifice."

Greg Thompson said the millions turning out to vote in Iraq was "fantastic" and said it was a "momentous day in the Middle East."

"Are you asking me was it worth Lance losing his life?" he asked a reporter. "Being the gung-ho Marine that he was, he would say yes. So I'll say yes. That is a tough, bitter pill to swallow. It hurts. God, I didn't want to give up my son."

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's Hero

2008-10-01T05:33:00.000-06:00
This Week's Post Was Suggested And Written By Kathi

SSgt. Renee A. Deville
44 years old from Webster New York
401st Civil Affairs Battalion
September 1, 2008

SSGT Renee A. Deville was an Army Reservist who deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 401st Civil Affairs Battalion from Webster, N.Y. She arrived at Walter Reed August 10, 2006, after being injured in a mortar attack.

While at Walter Reed, Deville was assigned to Chosen Battery, Warrior Transition Brigade, and was among three graduates of the Army's first Basic Noncommissioned Officers Course Stand Alone Common Core offered to Warriors in Transition.

Deville, who successfully completed every aspect of the course from a wheelchair, was lauded by SGT Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston as exemplifying the Army's 'Warrior Ethos', at the graduation ceremony for the course on March 28, 2008.

Deville was also the impetus for a new playground being built behind the Mologne House at Walter Reed in 2007.

An October 2007 Washington Post article about the opening of the playground says that SSGT Deville's mention of her children's limited recreational options to Col. Bruce Haselden, the garrison commander, helped set in motion the playground project.

Staff Sgt. Renee Antoinette Deville died September 1, 2008 in her room at the Mologne House at Walter Reed. She was 44.

She is survived by her husband and 4 children, her mother, a brother, and two sisters.

SSGT Deville was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery on September 19, 2008.

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.

BLANKETS OF BELIEF CHALLENGE

2008-10-01T04:09:00.002-06:00
A huge thanks to Conservative Belle .

Blankets of Belief Project

For nearly a year I have been communicating with blogging friends who are members of an organization called Soldiers Angels. Soldiers Angels is a non-profit group of volunteers all across the country to work on various teams and projects to bring comfort and provide aid to men and women in uniform (and their families) in the United States military. I wanted to be a part of something that in some small way gives back to our troops who sacrifice so much for us. From their 'About Us' page:

Our slogan, "May No Soldier Go Unloved," encapsulates the motivation behind Soldiers' Angels. By working together and sharing a common vision of service, the volunteers of Soldiers' Angels continue to demonstrate active care and concern for veterans, the wounded, deployed service members and their families.

This year they have a team project called Blankets of Belief. This is an attempt for volunteers across the country to make a large number of blankets to send to our troops, particularly during the holidays when they are away from their families. This year's goal is 180,000 blankets!

We want them to know that they are remembered, that we are thinking of them during the winter Holiday Season, and that we are grateful for their service. Since we can't wrap our arms around them in person to show how much we love and appreciate them, our goal is to wrap all 180,000 of our deployed service members in blankets representative of our support and faith in them, Blankets of Belief. The Blankets will be a physical reminder that they are not alone during the Holidays. When deployed service members receive a Blanket of Belief, they will know that somebody back home remembered them, that somebody labored over a handmade blanket with thoughts of them and hopes or prayers for their strength and comfort.

I decided to make a couple of blankets - one for another team project called Blankets of Gratitude and one for the Blankets of Belief drive. That is when I discovered how low they were on donations. They have only received around 1,100 blankets for their holiday drive, when they need 180,000. Sadly, this is way below the mark. So, I decided this is a great opportunity to do a blog challenge and a blog giveaway.

So here is how it works.

First, set aside all your "I can't sew or do crafty things" reservations and put on your "can do" attitude. Remember this is for those in our military who always have a can do attitude for us. This project is easy and you have OPTIONS!

Option 1: If you can sew or quilt, here are the guidelines for your blanket. (Adobe Reader required to open) This document gives you the measurements, choices of fabric, patriotic colors and how to package and ship your blanket.

Option 2: If you can't sew, here is your project - a no-sew blanket. This is the option I chose and I created a blanket over the weekend for under $20. I'll be writing a separate post to show you photos of the blanket I made and some tips for saving on the materials and some helpful hints.

Option 3: If you knit or crochet, you can make a blanket for our veterans in the Blankets of Gratitude project. [Note: I'm making one of these as well and I will do a post at the end of the month to display the finished blanket. I found a pattern, in one of my crochet books, that looked masculine and I am using patriotic colors.]

Here are the prizes I'm giving away and the contest rules:

I'm giving away three (3) matching scarf/hat sets that I crocheted. And I'm giving away two (2) pairs of flip-flops that I decorated with yarn.

Pictures of the scarves

"PRIZE #1: If you agree to make a blanket for the Blankets of Belief drive and email me (or link to) a photo of your completed item, I will post it and at the end of the month we will have a contest to vote for the best blanket. Whoever gets the most votes in three days, will win a scarf and hat set (pictured above).

PRIZE #2: The person who makes the most blankets for the Blankets of Belief and shows me a photo of them, will get a scarf and hat set PLUS a pair of the flip-flops.

PRIZE #3: The first person who makes a Blanket of Belief AND a Blanket of Gratitude and shows me photos will receive a scarf and hat set PLUS a pair of the flip-flops.

SURPRISE PRIZE: For all others who don't win one of the three prizes mentioned, I will have a drawing and the randomly selected winner will get a special prize which will be revealed in the beginning of November.

Wait. We have a deadline. November 1, 2008. That means this is a 30-day challenge. You have to commit to your project, complete it and let me know the results in order to qualify for the prizes by the end of October. And you can spread the word on your blogs to help out with this challenge. Tell your church groups. Tell your bunco friends. Tell your quilting/sewing club. We have to get approximately 179,000 blankets made by November 1st and Soldiers' Angels will never meet that goal unless you tell others and get them involved. If you have posted this on your blog, be sure to let me know so I can recognize each one of you in a separate post. I'll do as much free promotion as I can.

This should be fun and heart-warming at the same time. Thanks so much for helping me with this endeavor! After all, it's the least we can do for our men and women in uniform. Who's with me? Will you accept this special mission? Will you commit to the Blankets of Belief challenge?

A PROUD BUT BROKEN HEARTED DAD...

2008-09-30T15:21:00.001-06:00
Thanks to David at The Thunder Run for this letter from a Gold Star Dad...

What fear at times like these should our nation hold given the willing sacrifice of my son, SGT Mike Stokely and many others like him?

Wall Street may heave, it may even tumble. Some may lose their homes, and others their golden parachute, but the price of freedom is not devalued by the greed and failure of those who lead in politics or private business. Let us be careful, for while enemies like Al-Qaeda may seek from without to devour us, there are those of our own kind whose selfishness can lead to a similarly disastrous effect on our country.

In these coming days, when there are those who call-out to bail out Wall Street and others, who bails out the financial needs of soldiers who work for $63.00 and change in a war zone? When loved ones come home in a flag draped casket, their severance pay paltry compared to the golden parachutes that many corporate executives seek. Most recently the CEO of Washington Mutual, who after 17 days on the job walked away with $20,000,000.00 severance ($1.2 million per day, $50,000 per hour on a 24/7 time clock)?

And for those in the mortgage industry taking back the bad fruits of their ill given labor - billions in bad loans only an idiot would have made in the first place, consider this: Mike Stokely owned but one piece of Real Estate in his time, small as it is. For three years in a severe drought I have traveled 70 miles one way and fought to get grass to grow on his lawn in Georgia red clay. But, finally, a good stand these last few weeks, after hours of digging down two plus feet, taking out red clay and putting back rich organic soil with fresh cut sod on top and hauling water from a mile down the road to drench it, and keeping it drenched with a bucket brigade of friends.

DUTY - HONOR - COUNTRY

Grave of SGT Mike Stokely, Corinth Christian Church Cemetery, Loganville GA KIA 16 AUG 05 near Yusufiyah Iraq E 108 CAV 48th BCT GAARNG (Photo by author)

What you are willing to give, how much you get in return and what you are willing to worry about is relative.

Robert Stokely
proud, but broken hearted dad

GOLD STAR MOTHER'S DAY

2008-09-26T05:21:00.000-06:00
received this via email from a Mississippi Gold Star Mom and wanted to share with you all.

THE WHITE HOUSE

GOLD STAR MOTHER'S DAY, 2008
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Throughout our history, the men and women of the Armed Forces have put our Nation's security before their own, doing their duty in the face of grave danger.

On Gold Star Mother's Day, we pay solemn tribute to the mothers of the patriots lost serving this great Nation.

Gold Star Mothers inspire our Nation with their deep devotion to family and country. These extraordinary women serve their communities, dedicate their time to helping members of our Armed Forces and veterans, and bring comfort and hope to families whose loved ones laid down their lives in the defense of our liberty. Nothing can compensate for their sacrifice and loss, yet Gold Star Mothers demonstrate tremendous courage and resolve while working to preserve the memory and legacy of all our fallen heroes.

On this day, we honor our country's Gold Star Mothers and remember their sons' and daughters' noble service and great sacrifice. We offer them our deepest gratitude and our most profound respect, and we ask for God's blessings to be upon them and their families.

The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 of June 23, 1936 (49 Stat. 1895 as amended), has designated the last Sunday in September as "Gold Star Mother's Day" and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in its observance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Sunday, September 28, 2008, as Gold Star Mother's Day. I call upon all Government officials to display the flag of the United States over Government buildings on this special day. I also encourage the American people to display the flag and hold appropriate ceremonies as a public expression of our Nation's sympathy and respect for our Gold Star Mothers.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

/s/ GEORGE W. BUSH

Wednesday's Hero

2008-09-24T06:25:00.001-06:00

Click Image For Full SizeYeoman 3rd Class Margret Ueberlauer

Yeoman 3rd Class Margret Ueberlauer hands out toys to HIV infected children during a community relations project at the Camillian Center in Pattaya, Thailand. The USS Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

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.

OPERATION WHITE SOCKS!!!

2008-09-23T19:42:00.002-06:00

2008 National POW/MIA Recognition Day

2008-09-19T04:14:00.000-06:00

Until July 18th, 1979, no commemoration was held to honor America's POW/MIAs, those returned and those still missing and unaccounted for from our nation's wars. That first year, resolutions were passed in the Congress and the national ceremony was held at the National Cathedral, Washington, D.C. The Missing Man formation was flown by the 1st Tactical Squadron, Langley AFB, Virginia. The Veterans Administration published a poster including only the letters "POW/MIA" and that format was continued until 1982 when a black and white drawing of a POW in harsh captivity was used to convey the urgency of the situation and the priority that President Reagan assigned to achieving the fullest possible accounting for Americans still missing from the Vietnam War.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day legislation was introduced yearly, until 1995 when it was deemed by Congress that legislation for special days would no longer be proclaimed by Congress. However, the President continues to sign a proclamation each year. In the early years, the date was routinely set in close proximity to the League's annual meetings. In the mid-1980's, the American Ex-POWs decided that they wished to see the date established as April 9th, the date during World War II when the largest number of Americans were captured. As a result, legislation was passed in 1984 which included a July date, but established April 9th as the commemoration date for 1985.

The 1984 National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony was held at the White House. At that most impressive ceremony, the Reagan Administration balanced the focus to honor all returned POWs and renew national commitment to accounting as fully as possible for those still missing. Perhaps the most impressive Missing Man formation ever flown was that year, up the Ellipse and over the White House. Unfortunately, the 1985 ceremony was canceled due to inclement weather, a concern which the League had expressed when the April 9th date was first proposed.

Subsequently, in an effort to accommodate all returned POWs and all Americans still missing and unaccounted for from all wars, the National League of Families proposed a date in September, usually the third Friday, not associated with any particular war and not in conjunction with any organization's national convention. Nearly all National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremonies have been held at the Pentagon; however, on September 19, 1986, the national ceremony was held on the steps of the U.S. Capitol facing the Mall, again concluding with a flight in Missing Man formation.

Wednesday's Hero Blogroll

2008-09-17T04:39:00.001-06:00
L/Cpl. Jason Hanson
21 years old from Forks, Washington
3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force
July 29, 2006

L/Cpl. Jason Hanson died when a gasoline truck near a building he was in exploded, causing the building to collapse in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Three other Marines were also killed in the blast. Lance Cpl. Anthony E. Butterfield, 19 yrs. old, of Clovis, California; Cpl. Phillip E. Baucus, 28 yrs. old, of Wolf Creek, Montana; Sgt. Christian B. Williams, 27 yrs. old, of Winter Haven, Florida.

Hanson graduated in 2003 and joined the Marines in 2005. He married his wife just before shipping out.

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.

GalleryCollection.com Donates Holiday Cards

2008-09-16T04:32:00.000-06:00
Soldiers' Angels is receiving a donation of 180,000 personalized holiday cards from GalleryCollection.com to be included in the Wrapped in Holiday Spirit care packages.

GalleryCollection.com is the country's leading business Christmas cards and corporate holiday cards publisher. Last year GalleryCollection.com donated holiday cards for every soldier stationed overseas and the greeting cards publisher decided to do the same again this year. The card donation consists of three different peace-themed designs. Each card contains a personalized message thanking the recipients for their service and wishing them a happy holiday season and New Year.

Soldiers' Angels is honored to receive this generous donation of a total of beautiful holiday cards, and grateful to be the conduit through which our deployed heroes will receive another example of how much they are loved and remembered during the upcoming holiday season.

Dang Hurricanes...

2008-09-12T05:19:00.001-06:00
Clarion Ledger

Members of the Mississippi Army National Guard 155th Combined Arms Battalion from McComb are supporting Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties due to effects from Hurricane Ike.

Soldiers are on standby to assist with search and rescue efforts if needed due to flooding and damaging winds caused by the storm.

Members of the battalion are from Biloxi, Brookhaven, McComb and Poplarville.

These Guardsmen were called to active duty just over a week ago to help support local governments during Hurricane Gustav.

Gulf Coast under tropical storm warning; some schools closing

Flooding and severe weather conditions from Hurricane Ike caused road and school closures today.

In Hancock County, Second Street Elementary and North Bay Elementary will close at 12:30 p.m. Bay High School and Bay Middle School will close early at 2 p.m. Pass Christian schools are also closed.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency reports that Jackson, Harrison and Hancock counties are under a tropical storm warning and wind gusts up to 45 miles per hour have been recorded on the coast.

Way to many road closings to list. The surge is more than some expected in Mississippi...

September 11th...

2008-09-11T03:53:00.002-06:00
THE DAY THAT CHANGED SO MANY LIVES.

Where were you?

I remember that day as if it were yesterday, but Some Soldiers Mom tells it much better than I ever could here, here, here and here.

Please keep out troops in your thoughts, especially today, PATRIOTS DAY...

MISSISSIPPI GOVERNOR ORDERS FLAGS TO BE FLOWN AT HALF-STAFF

2008-09-10T19:17:00.000-06:00
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 1005

PATRIOT DAY

WHEREAS, on September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on the United States of America at the World Trade Center in New York City; the Pentagon near Washington, D.C.; and Somerset County, Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, on that fateful day and in its aftermath, Americans and the world saw the bravery and heroism of first responders who sacrificed their lives to save the victims of these atrocious attacks, many of whom they had never met; and

WHEREAS, the spirit of America was witnessed by the world as Americans joined together, united in our determination to overcome this tragedy and continue to spread the merits of democracy throughout the world; and

WHEREAS, courageous Mississippians in our National Guard and Reserve, in the active duty military services, and in vital civilian, health care and public safety roles, both at home and overseas, continue to display acts of bravery in the fight to advance freedom and prevent future terrorist attacks on America; and

WHEREAS, America remains a symbol of liberty and freedom for nations throughout the world; and

WHEREAS, President George W. Bush has issued a directive ordering U.S. Governors as well as appropriate government officials to direct that U.S. flags under their jurisdictions be flown at half-staff on Patriot Day;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Haley Barbour, by the authority vested in me as Governor by the Constitution and laws of the State of Mississippi, do hereby proclaim a period of official mourning in the State of Mississippi and further do hereby order the flag of the State of Mississippi and the flag of the United States of America be flown at half-staff on all buildings and grounds of the State of Mississippi and all areas under its jurisdiction beginning at sunrise and ending at sunset on September 11, 2008.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Mississippi to be affixed.

DONE at the Capitol in the City of Jackson, the 10th day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and thirty-second.

HALEY BARBOUR,
GOVERNOR

Wednesday's Hero

2008-09-10T05:54:00.000-06:00
SSgt. Andy Pena

Staff Sgt. Andy Pena performs in-flight calibrations on a HH-60 Pave Low while flying Sept. 3 over Ellington Field, Texas. He and members of the 55th Rescue Squadron deployed from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., to Ellington Field in response to Hurricane Gustav with less than 24 hours after notification. Sergeant Pena is an aerial gunner.

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 Have Every Right To Dream Heroic Dreams. Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

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.

Ike will not make his presence known in Mississippi...

2008-09-09T05:29:00.000-06:00

Gustav Devistation

2008-09-08T15:31:00.003-06:00
I received these pictures from a friend that lives on the coast. I think the pictures speak for themselves.

NO ONE TO FOLD THE FLAG

2008-09-04T12:23:00.000-06:00
No One To Fold The Flag.

By Milton E. McKinney ©
aka Breaktrack

We had the word that a veteran passed with family and friends so few,
He’d earned his place in history’s past by deeds performed for you
Viet Nam was where he’d been, the place that damaged his life,
And now he lay there all alone, no lover, friend or wife.

A sister remained, a brother-in-law, and a Preacher hired for the day.
His parents were gone many years before, and friends had drifted away,
Shoved away by the mental scars left on him by his war.
When we arrived there was no one there to move him from the car,

So six of us stepped up to gently lift him from the hearse
The weight we felt was only just a temporary curse.
The Preacher spoke and tried to comfort those few who remained.
The sisters tears were very few, her emotions so restrained.

So here we stood to honor one that none of us had known,
But a comrade he was and duty felt, so honor he was shown.
No honor guard, no bugler there, no twenty-one gun salute.
Just those of us who knew him not, but that point very moot.

A recording played of Taps and then just silence as we stood.
We’d paid respects and honored him the very best we could.
Then we realized there was no one to fold the flag
To have thought ahead to do this thing I saw I could not brag.

I found myself beside the casket a final task to do,
Then not alone as others also stepped up straight and true.
We took our place and looked toward the banner lying there
And took it up and held it straight with thoughtful loving care.

I’d not had the chance to fold a flag like this for many years.
The times before were glad, not sad, no falling piercing tears.
In Boy Scout camps so long ago, just children learning how
Or Army posts upon Retreat, but this is here and now.

I’d seen it done a thousand times and played it in my mind
I knew this was important so the courage I did find.
I knew we wouldn’t have the skill of the Army’s Olden Guard
But I also knew this simple task could just not be that hard.

But I knew we have to try our best, it is what he deserves.
It is expected in the end, for every one that serves.
So I looked with calm at my comrades who were waiting for me to share
The steps it took to fold this flag over the body of the veteran there

We walked up to the casket, positioning ourselves just so.
We grasped the corners and began as they started out long ago.
No professionals here, no burial detail, with many flags under their belt,
Only we few were standing there with the fears and emotions we felt.

They took my lead and I grasped the flag, and folded it over with care.
Then we tightened the cloth, and folded again, and the red and white stripes were there
My fingers followed my mental commands, fold in, fold over, fold true.
Thirteen folds till all the stripes were tucked into that field of blue

Then the little tricks, like tucking the end, slowly come back with ease.
With each slow fold I pressed on the edge, sharpened and deepened the crease
I knew my efforts were meager at best, but we did it correctly at least.
The fear and apprehension was there, but I had tamed that beast.

When we were done folding that flag, it lay there soft in my hands,
And I realized another thing, for which I had no plans.
There are words that go with handing that flag, to loved ones there that day,
Words that are true and have meaning for all, words I needed to say.

So to the sister I turned and walked up, knelt down and said to her true,
On behalf of the President, and a grateful nation, we present this flag to you.
A token of appreciation for your brother’s faithful service, and honor due.
To fulfill an obligation felt by those of us, we proud, we few.

There was no more to be done that day as we rode away on our own.
We owned that thing which we had done, the honor we had shown.
While our hearts were heavy with another loss, another brother gone,
We knew he’d seen the care with which that final curtain was drawn.

I can still feel that flag in my hands as I go through day by day.
That short little time is gone now but with me it will always stay.
They say that which does not kill us, only serves to make us strong.
I am glad to say after this one day, I am glad they were not wrong.

Copyright ©2007 by Milton McKinney

Captain, USAR (retired)(1975-2002)
Member - Patriot Guard Riders - Texas
Member - BGBB (Brotherhood of the Grey Beard Bikers)
Proud PGR Member #1082.

Wednesday's Hero

2008-09-03T05:31:00.000-06:00
Lance Cpl. Ryan T. McCaughn
19 years old from Manchester, New Hampshire
1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force
November 7, 2006

"I just can't believe it," said Nicole Cote, mother of L/Cpl. McCoughn. "It's not supposed to happen this way. Your kids aren't supposed to leave you." McCoughn joined the USMC during his Senior year of High School. "He said he needed to do this. He said if he could keep one dad from going to Iraq and he could take his place instead, then he'll feel like he's accomplished something."

Lance Cpl. Ryan T. McCaughn was killed on November 7, 2006 while conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq. He leaves behind his mother, father, step-father and two brothers.

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.

Patti Receives Prestigious VFW Award for Service

2008-09-02T04:53:00.000-06:00

For demonstrating inspirational service and citizenship in founding Soldiers' Angels, Patti Patton-Bader received the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) 2008 James E. Van Zandt Citizenship Award last week at the VFW 109th National Convention in Orlando, Florida.

Through Soldiers’ Angels, Patton-Bader has inspired hundreds of thousands of volunteers to display their citizenship by actively supporting American military personnel in this time of war. With over twenty different teams and programs addressing a variety of needs, the organization’s 200,000 members assist the deployed, families on the homefront, the wounded, and families of the fallen.

Patton-Bader sees the award as a testimony to the efforts and effectiveness of the volunteers she leads. “I am so appreciative that the VFW honored Soldiers’ Angels with this wonderful award,” she said. “Each of our volunteers create ripples of kindness that add up to an ocean of greatness in support of our heroes, and it fills my heart that veterans know they are loved and appreciated.”

The Van Zandt Citizenship Award is given in recognition of selfless service and dedication that inspire Americans to better citizenship. The citation reads:

"Awarded to Patti Patton-Bader in esteemed recognition and utmost appreciation of her selfless contributions and steadfast efforts in providing support for members of the United States military and their families.

As founder of Soldiers’ Angels, her extreme generosity, benevolent care and ardent concern for America’s troops, along with her tenacious dedication, have truly made her an inspiration for countless others, thus in keeping with the highest standards of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States."

The James E. Van Zandt award is given in honor the three-time Commander-in-Chief of the VFW who served in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War before becoming a U.S. Congressman. Other recipients of the award during its fifty years of existence include notables such as Ronald Reagan, Lyndon Johnson, Gerald Ford, Hubert Humphrey, Jeannie Kirkpatrick and Barbara Bush.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United State and its auxiliaries include 2.3 million members in approximately 8,400 Posts worldwide. Its mission is to "honor the dead by helping the living" through veterans' service, community service, national security and a strong national defense.

Wednesday's Hero

2008-08-27T04:34:00.000-06:00
Lt. Col. Nathan Blood

Lt. Col. Nathan Blood, brigade effects coordinator for 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light), Multi-National Division - Baghdad, says "Hello" to his 16-month-old daughter, Mackenzie, during a web camera communication.

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 Have Every Right To Dream Heroic Dreams. Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

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.

5K RuN FOR THE MS FALLEN

2008-08-24T20:55:00.004-06:00

Photo taken by the Clarion Ledger.

Becky Lambert (left) of New Site, Wilma Allen of Stonewall, Stacy Lee of Crystal Springs and Donna Bagwell of Pontotoc chat before the start of the 5K for Mississippi's Fallen Soldiers on Sunday at Choctaw Trails in Clinton. Lambert, Allen and Bagwell have each lost sons serving in the U.S. military in Iraq, while Lee's son is currently serving. The event was organized to raise funds for the Wounded Warrior Project and the 114th Family Readiness Group.

Additional Clarion Ledger Photos

I participated today in the 1st Run for the Mississippi Fallen Soldiers in honor of two of Mississippi 's Fallen, SGT Shane Pugh and CPL Dustin Lee. Tropical Depression Fay made sure that it rained the whole 3.1 miles but no one seemed to mind the rain.

Three Mississippi Gold Star Mothers being interviewed by WLBT Channel 3 News.
The older generation brought up the rear.
Becky and I almost to the finish line.
Becky and I crossing the finish line at 56 minutes.

SA Founder's Notes

2008-08-22T19:18:00.005-06:00

Dear Friends of America’s Troops,

After spending the week with our veterans at the VFW convention, I am so proud to be an American! These heroic veterans of yesterday are incredibly proud of the younger generation serving America with courage and valor today. And due to the hard work and sacrifice of today’s heroes, Iraq is quieter, but this has been a difficult month in Afghanistan--It’s so important for us to continue to support our wounded heroes in every way we can.

Project Valour-IT
Changing Wounded Lives

This wonderful project supplies voice-controlled laptops to wounded veterans who need special technology to do what we take for granted—use a computer. Major Chuck Ziegenfuss, whose severe wounds inspired the project, recently won an essay contest by describing his use of a voice-controlled laptop during recovery. [more]

VFW Van Zandt Award
Support Matters

Because they are so thrilled with the impact of the wonderful work hundreds of thousands of Soldiers’ Angels volunteers do to support veterans and active duty military and their families, the VFW has given us a very prestigious award at their national convention. You have such loving and generous hearts, and I’m so proud of you! [more]

Meet the Angel Leadership—Band of Volunteers

Janet Kelley - Director, Development and Donor Services

Janet’s family lives in northern Maine these days, but has spent eight years abroad. This gave her "a wider perspective of our nation and our role in the world, and a true appreciation for the brave men and women who protect us all. Our troops and their families deserve every bit of recognition and support we can provide,” she says. With a background in corporate training and development, Janet and her team work with donors, corporations and foundations to ensure that Soldiers' Angels has funds available to complete that mission of support.

Janet says that Soldiers Angels' vision and commitment make it an incredible organization, one she is extraordinarily proud to be a part of. "The soldiers I have come to know through Soldiers' Angels, and the many talented, warmhearted and dedicated people I work with have enriched my life in ways I would never have foreseen when I signed up to adopt my first soldier."

This week I have been so proud to represent our volunteers who do such amazing things everyday to help our troops and their families. We must keep it up—the fighting in Afghanistan is heavy right now, and the living conditions are tough for many of our heroes. If you’ve already adopted someone, recruit a friend! Our heroes need to know we haven’t forgotten them.

Wingtip to Wingtip,

Patti Patton-Bader
Soldiers’ Angels Founder and CEO

Coming Home Project

2008-08-22T12:07:00.000-06:00
RIVER RAFTING, WILDERNESS RETREAT
ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS WITH FELLOW VETS

when:
September 25-28

where:
South Fork, American River, Northern California.

lodging:
Camping.

who's eligible:
OIF & OEF veterans, reservists, guard, active duty. [Family members: stay tuned for vets and family retreat in 2009]

cost:
Free, including transportation if outside Northern California.

interested?
Apply at
http://www.cominghomeproject.net/calendarch/display.asp?id=40

deadline for applying:
Sept 10- If outside No. Calif and need air transportation
Sept 15 - If from No. Calif.

Mississippi Soldier killed in Iraq

2008-08-22T05:14:00.000-06:00

Clarion Ledger

The Department of Defense said that a soldier from Greenwood was killed in Iraq.

The military said that 40-year-old Sgt. 1st Class George Stanciel died Aug. 19 of wounds suffered when the base he was at came under mortar attack.

Stanciel was assigned to the 370th Engineer Company, 54th Engineer Battalion, 18th Engineer Brigade, Bamberg, Germany.

A Thank You from Mr. Robert Stokely

2008-08-20T07:20:00.000-06:00

To everyone that has honored Mike these past few days, Thank You, you ALL are dear and wonderful friends to the Stokely Family.

We obviously were impacted a little more than usual with the time of the year we just passed through. I held a brief prayer service at Mike's grave Friday 8/15/08 @ 1820 hours, which was then 0220 hours in Yusufiyah, the time Mike died three years ago on 8/16/05. 25 plus came out to include two of Mike's fellow soldiers, one a close high school friend, and both brought their infant babies born within the last few months.

Mike's close friend through high school, college and whose first child was Mike's god daughter, Charles "Chuck" Crowder had his second girl, and since it was to be his last planned child, named her Charlye and allowed us to pick the middle name to represent Mike. We chose Mikyla. Charles "Chuck" Crowder should have been given a bronze star for his meritorous service and bravery to rush to the assistance of fellow GA National Guard soldiers hit by an IED but higher ups knocked it down to an ARCOM.

Mark Allen who served in Mike's unit had his two month old little girl there as well. Both soldiers, along with another of Mike's close friends are scheduled back to Afghansitan in summer 09'.

I noted to those present that this was the life cycle - men like Mike Stokely die for freedom but we all needed to go on and live as full and happy lives as possible and that having children, for some, is part of that life cycle. Life is for the living and living such full and happy lives is how we best Remember with Honor Mike Stokely and others who died for our country.

Retta, our son Wes and I went back on Saturday evening 8/16 and had a more private time with Mike. As Retta leaned on me, she summed it up best as her tears dripped on my arm - "I sure do miss him", to which I softly responded "So do I..." Seemingly, at first sounds, these are understatements, but then, really, what more can we say that would yield the truest feelings of our hearts.

Then Retta and I walked away so Wes could have, in his very quiet and private way, time alone with Mike. Afterwards, Retta and Wes carefully arranged all the flowers left by those who had come on Friday and Saturday. It is amazing that three years later, considering some of us might be lucky to have a small crowd at our funerals, Mike Stokely had so many come for a prayer service and individually throughout the day. That is heartwarming to our family, to know that Mike and our family's sacrifice - one which cost us a lifetime of love - is not forgotten and that he is Remembered with Honor.

We will carry on and live as happy and full lives as possible, for we, as a family are committed to Remembering Mike with Honor and he would want us to live such lives - NO, he would expect it of us!! It is the least we can do for Mike.

DUTY HONOR COUNTRY

Robert Stokely
proud dad SGT Mike Stokely
KIA 16 AUG 05 near Yusufiyah Iraq
E 108 CAV 48th BCT GAARNG

Thanks to David at Thunder Run for posting this letter from Mr. Stokely.

Wednesday's Hero

2008-08-20T04:57:00.000-06:00
Pvt. Nathan Z. Thacker
18 years old from Greenbrier, Arkansas
2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division
October 12, 2007

Pvt. Nathan Z. Thacker had only been in the country for two weeks before his death, according to the soldier's father, Stephen Thacker.

Thacker's father said his son felt a duty to enlist. "He said it was his job. Even after he got his orders that he was going over there, he said it's his job."

Thacker had attended Guy-Perkins High School in Guy, Arkansas. He earned his GED in 2006, his father said. Thacker enlisted in the Army in April 2007 and completed his training at Fort Benning, Ga. He arrived at Fort Drum in August 2007. His honors include the Purple Heart.

"Nathan was an excellent man," sister Sabrina Black said. "He loved me, I loved him, and I’d give anything to have him back."

Pvt. Thacker was killed when an IED was detonated near his vehicle near Kirkuk. Three other soldiers were injured in the attack.

Pvt. Thacker is survived by his parents, siblings and his grandfather.

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.

Army 1st Lt. Donald Carwile

2008-08-20T03:14:00.001-06:00
Clarion Ledger
A 101st Airborne Division officer from Oxford was killed in Afghanistan after his vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb and attacked by insurgents, military officials said Tuesday.

Army 1st Lt. Donald Carwile, 29, died Friday along with Pfc. Paul Conlon Jr., 21, of Somerville, Mass., the Department of Defense said in a news release.

After being struck by the bomb, their vehicle came under attack from small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades.

Carwile, a former police officer, is survived by his widow, Jennifer, and daughters Reese, 5, and Avery Claire, 3.

"He wanted so much to protect me, to take care of me, and the same thing with the girls," his wife told the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal. "He took that with him into the military."

Carwile spent time in the Army soon after graduating from high school but left to follow his father, grandfather and uncle into law enforcement. He worked for a time as a patrol officer with the Batesville Police Department and later joined the Oxford Police Department, where he worked from 2004-06.

"He was a good officer," Oxford Police Chief Mike Martin said Tuesday.

Martin said Carwile was a seasoned officer "who would do anything we needed him to."

"He liked to pick and have fun like anybody else," Martin said. "You have to have a sense of humor to do this job."

In 2006 he opted to re-enlist in the Army, this time qualifying for Officer Candidate School.

"He cared so much about the men in his platoon," Jennifer Carwile said. "He always said his first goal was to bring his men home and his second was to come home himself."

Jennifer Carwile said she knew the near future would be painful for her and her children but said she'd would find comfort in her faith and the love they shared.

"Every time we talked on the phone, he told me he loved me. And he loved his little girls so much," she told the newspaper. "And he was a Christian. I know he's in heaven now."

The soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Ky.

The Mississippi Patriot Guard have been invited to attend.

5K for Mississippi’s Fallen Soldiers

2008-08-19T04:08:00.000-06:00

Benefiting Wounded Warrior Project and the 114th Family Readiness Group

Date: Sunday, August 24 2008

Time: Registration 3:30pm, 5K 5:30pm – Reception til 8pm

Location: Choctaw Trail, Clinton – MS

The 114th Family Readiness Group is asking for your support in honoring our fallen Soldiers! We will honor the MS fallen Soldiers by running/walking a 5K at the Choctaw Trail in Clinton, MS. Currently, there are a total of 57 Operation Iraqi Freedom & Operation Enduring Freedom fallen Soldiers in the state of MS. After the 5K, the concession stand will be available where you can purchase hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and soda. Concession stand sales will benefit your local 114th Military Police Company FRG. Any and all other donations, including registration fees go to the Wounded Warrior Project.

I will attempt to walk the 5 miles even though I have not walked that far since before I had my ankle surgery.

Three Years On...

2008-08-19T04:02:00.001-06:00

Three Years On…

Sergeant Michael Stokely KIA August 16, 2005 near Yusifiyah, Iraq

It seems so fitting that today, 3 years and 3 days after Mike's passing that I posted the letter from Major General John Kelley about Sgt Michael Ferschke, a letter that could very well have been written about Sgt Michael Stokely of E Troop 108 CAV 48th BCT Georgia ARNG. A letter that could very well describe the dedication and devotion to Duty, Honor and Country that Sgt Stokely exhibited through out his entire life. A letter that despite the belief by many liberals that our soldiers are nothing more than automatons following orders proves that they are anything but, for their devotion is unmatched by any other but those that wear the uniform of the US Military.

I never met Sgt. Stokely, but have been introduced to him through conversations with his father Mr. Robert Stokely. After only one conversation with Mr. Stokely it's obvious that Mike was one of those men that you should have known: a devoted son he helped his father canvas for votes in his first election for County Solicitor, a son who according to his doctors was not supposed to live, but who in the end lived a life so full and purposeful that he touched, in a positive way, the lives all those with whom he came in contact.

Son, a simple three letter word, but one that is so full of meaning, a word that explains the conundrum of Mike Stokely and so many of those who have died in war and peace - a word that by itself in one breath defines the link to the father and the path to the future. It's not hard to imagine after spending a few hours with Mr. Stokely the kind of son that Mike was, and by extension the kind of man he had become. Mike Stokely was without a doubt a man sure of himself and his place in this world. He knew not what to expect when he agreed to become a Scout in the U.S. Army, but he accepted that challenge like he accepted the challenge placed upon him by God. He lived his life's purpose.

Mike like those before him, and the thousands of those who will follow, chose to leave the comforts of home and hearth, the predictable daily life of a civilian and took up the path of a warrior in service to his country. A life fraught with danger but also immense satisfaction and camaraderie, a life that most American's will thankfully never know because men like Mike, serve while many debate.

Service - that is the life Mike chose. Service to an ideal greater than any known to man for not only did Mike serve his country, he served his God. He accepted his purpose in life and lived it without question and in doing so he gave his only life in service to his God so that his brothers might live.

Sgt Mike Stokely died 3 years and 3 days ago in a place called Yusifiyah, Iraq but the memory of Sgt. Mike Stokely will never die for it lives on in all of us that continue his work, spread his message and live our life's purpose.

I can only hope that one day I grow up to be the man he expects me to be.

Other blogs honoring SGT Mike Stokely

The Thunder Run
Some Soldiers Mom
Keep My Soldier Safe

MS and the US Dept of VA

2008-08-19T03:28:00.002-06:00
State Summary: Mississippi
July 2008 Word

Mississippi
and the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
General Information
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a wide variety of programs and services for the nation’s 23.5 million veterans.  In 2007, about 5.5 million people were treated in VA health care facilities, 3.6 million veterans and survivors receivedVA disability compensation or pensions, more than 500,000 used GI Bill education benefits and more than 2.2 million owned homes purchased with GI Bill home loan benefits.  Some 90,000 veterans took advantage of VA’s vocational rehabilitation and employment service in 2007.  More than 100,000 veterans and family members were buried in VA’s national cemeteries and more than 360,000 headstones and markers were provided for veterans’ graves worldwide.

General Information – Mississippi
- Number of veterans:  216,000
- VA expenditures in Mississippi:  $948 million
- Compensation and pensions:  $377 million
- Readjustment benefits:  $26 million
- Medical and construction programs:  $515 million
- Insurance and indemnities:  $11 million
- Number of veterans and survivors receiving disability compensation or pension payments in Mississippi:  42,620
- Number of Mississippi veterans using GI Bill education benefits:  4,541
- Number of veterans owning homes backed by VA loan guarantees:  21,722
- Value of Mississippi home loans guaranteed by VA:  $674 million
- Number of VA life insurance policies held by Mississippi residents:  10,046
- Value of VA life insurance policies held by Mississippi residents:  $114 million
- Number of Mississippi participants in vocational rehabilitation:  559
- Number of veterans buried in Mississippi’s VA national cemeteries:  797
- Number of headstones and markers provided for graves of Mississippi veterans and survivors:  4,632

Health Care
One of the most visible of all VA benefits is health care.  VA has 153 hospitals, 732 community-based outpatient clinics, 232 Vet Centers, 135 nursing homes, 47 residential rehabilitation treatment programs and 121 comprehensive home care programs.  To improve patients’ ability to access care, VA has changed from a hospital-based system to a primarily outpatient-focused system over the past decade.  Veterans will make more than 60 million outpatient visits to VA health care facilities this year.

Health Care - Mississippi
- Inpatient admissions, statewide, fiscal year 2007:  8,695
- Gulf Coast Health Care System (Biloxi):  2,608
- Jackson:  6,087
- Outpatient visits, statewide, fiscal year 2007:  633,646
- Outpatient clinic locations
- Byhalia
- Columbus
- Greenville
- Hattiesburg
- Kosciusko
- Meadville
- Meridian
- Natchez
- Smithville

Post-Conflict Care
VA has launched special efforts to provide a "seamless transition" for those returning from service in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF). Each VA medical facility and benefits regional office has a point of contact to coordinate activities locally to help meet the needs of these returning combat service members and veterans. In addition, VA increased the staffing of benefits counselors at key military hospitals where severely wounded service members from Iraq and Afghanistan are frequently sent. Once home, recent Iraq and Afghan veterans have ready access to VA health care, which is free of charge for five years following separation for any health problem possibly related to wartime service. Some 300,000 veterans from the Global War on Terror have sought VA health care since returning stateside, about one-third of the total number of men and women leaving military service.

Post-Conflict Care - Mississippi
- Number of veterans from the Global War on Terror seeking treatment in 2007:  5,133
- Gulf Coast (Biloxi):  2,861
- Jackson:  2,272
- Veterans Readjustment Counseling Centers (Vet Centers) Locations:
- Biloxi
- Jackson

Disabilities and Pensions
Not all military service-related issues end when people are discharged from active duty.  About 2.7 million veterans receive monthly VA disability compensation for medical conditions related to their service in uniform.  VA pensions go to about 323,000 wartime veterans with limited means.  Family members of about 524,000 veterans qualify for monthly VA payments as the survivors of disabled veterans or pension recipients.

Disabilities and Pensions - Mississippi
- Number of veterans receiving monthly disability compensation:  27,779
- Number of VA pensions to veterans in Mississippi:  5,447
- Number of death compensation or pension payments made to survivors:  9,394
- Number of disability compensation claims processed:  7,159

Memorial Affairs
Most men and women who have been in the military are eligible for burial in a national cemetery, as are their dependent children and usually their spouses. VA manages the country’s network of national cemeteries with more than 2.9 milliongravesites at 125 national cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico, as well as in 33 soldier’s lots and monument sites. In 2007, more than 100,000 veterans and dependents were buried in VA's national cemeteries. Additionally, VA provided more than 359,000 headstones and markers and 423,000 Presidential Memorial Certificates to the loved ones of deceased veterans. VA-assisted state veterans cemeteries provided more than 23,000 interments.

Memorial Affairs – Mississippi
- National cemetery burials in Mississippi, 2007:  797
- Biloxi:  646
- Corinth:  49
- Natchez:  102
- Headstones and markers provided in 2007 (statewide):  4,632
- Presidential Memorial Certificates issued in 2007 (statewide):  2,431

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List of State Summaries

Remembering SGT Mike Stokely

2008-08-16T19:25:00.000-06:00
Thinking of you and your family today Mr. Stokely.

SGT Mike Stokely
KIA 16 AUG 05 near Yusufiyah Iraq
USA E 108 CAV 48th BCT GAARNG

Video made by Mike's sister.

Other blogs honoring SGT Mike Stokely

The Thunder Run
Some Soldiers Mom

Wednesday's Hero

2008-08-13T06:49:00.001-06:00
Spc. Matthew A. Koch
23 years old from West Henrietta, New York
Company C, 70th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division
March 9, 2005

Spc. Matthew A. Koch was on his second tour of duty when he was killed by an IED that was detonated near his vehicle in Taji. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He previously was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Service Ribbon and medals for service in the fight against terrorism.

Koch enlisted in the Army in January 2002 after the attacks on September 11, 2001 and re-enlisted because he wanted to help the Iraqi people. "He was a brave soldier who made the greatest sacrifice anyone could make for everyone else's freedom," Diane Worman, Koch's mother, said through tears. "He realized that by being over there, he was going to make a difference in the lives of those people." She said her son once unsuccessfully sought green cards for an Iraqi family that had been threatened for helping Americans.

"He always looked out for the other guy, never thought of himself. He volunteered to go to C Co before our first deployment so that one of the guys from our Platoon didn't have to deploy early and would have a chance to marry his fiance. That's Koch for you, always looking out for his buddies." - David A. "Buch" Buchanan.

"He really loved the service and went back," said James Worman, Koch's stepfather. "He had no problem. He was dedicated to the fact that people over there needed help. He was always concerned about other people. He loved children. He was a nice, soft-hearted kid."

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.

A Soldiers' Angel keeps him warm

2008-08-10T12:47:00.002-06:00
Thanks to Lawn Darts for taking the time to draw this for Soldiers' Angels.

Blankets of Hope

Blankets of Belief

Blankets of Gratitude

Local Hero Headed Back for Surgery #20

2008-08-09T11:22:00.001-06:00
Guardsman's medical saga continues

Galatas to have 20th surgery in October

By Brian Livingston / staff writer

When Winston Walker, a medic with the 159th Combat Engineering Battalion, helped load Sgt. 1st Class Grayson "Norris" Galatas into a medical evac helicopter in April 2005, he told the soldier he would be alright.

But deep inside, Walker didn't think he would ever see Galatas alive again.

"Norris asked Winston why he said that and Winston said they are supposed to in order to give the injured soldiers hope," said Janis Galatas, Norris Galatas' wife. "Everyone was so surprised to see Norris pull through. They wanted to touch him in order to confirm to themselves he really was alive and well."

For the Galatas family, alive and well is a relative term.

Norris Galatas, who suffered severe lacerations to his stomach and back and had shrapnel wounds over much of his body as a result of that day's IED attack has received notice he will return to Walter Reed Army Medical Center to prepare for his next surgery — his 20th. This latest operation will be to open up his abdomen for the third time to repair damage to his colon, caused by the MRSA staph infection last June. He will have to have a second temporary colostomy, which will have to be reversed at some future time for surgery number 21.

The good news: he is well and happy, said Janis Galatas.

"You would never know he was injured at all, except he walks with a limp and uses a cane for balance," she said. "You know how hard-headed guys can be. He thinks he is still bulletproof. He is doing his own therapy on his bad leg and foot by making them work, and the muscles are slowly coming back."

Norris Galatas will return to WRAMC a month before the October operation so doctors can prepare him for the 9-10 hour procedure. Janis Galatas will, once again, be holding down the family waiting room area while her husband goes through the operation. She admitted to being excited and at the same time apprehensive about the upcoming date despite having been through these sorts of trials before.

"How do we get through this?" she asked herself quietly repeating the question. "Being a military wife for one thing and having faith in God is a large part of it as well. All soldiers, especially those who deploy to a war zone, are told they may not come back. Of course they believe it won't be them being loaded into a helicopter on a stretcher. But they accept dying more than those of us in the general public. That acceptance of the inevitable I guess has a lot do to with how we handle these sorts of things."

Janis Galatas has been approached by other family members who did lose a loved one in combat. The main question they want answered is why their son, daughter, husband or wife was lost and Norris was spared.

"All I can tell them is that maybe God wanted them to come home," said Janis. "For some reason, and we may never know for sure what that reason is, God wanted Norris to continue living on this earth."

In order to keep sane, Janis Galatas has adopted numerous soldiers across the Iraq and Afghanistan war zones. She said Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is something all military family members should be on the lookout for from their loved ones who either have served or are currently serving. She also has written a book that not only delves into her husband's service and current condition, but also gives a military wife's perspective on the war as well. It is in these ways she hopes she can do something good for all soldiers, airmen and seamen who fight for the freedoms of a people and the security of our nation.

"I know people get tired of me when I get on my soap box but we can't let the general public forget what these men and women have done and are still doing," Janis said.

And while Norris Galatas is in surgery this October, Janis Galatas will have a few hours to sit and possibly reflect on what has occurred in the past two years.

"I think it is easy for people to just sit there and ask 'Why' over and over," she said. "But it is what it is. You deal with it."

Wednesday's Hero

2008-08-06T05:34:00.000-06:00
Senior Airman Kimberly Bickford
332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

Senior Airman Kimberly Bickford performs a pre-load check July 28 on an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, to ensure the cable that releases the bomb is operational.

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.

First Annual Meet-n-Greet

2008-08-04T20:31:00.004-06:00
Oh my! What a day we had. It was awesome. The heat didn't deter us from having a good time. I want to thank Carol for getting this together and pulling it off so well. As well as, Stacy, Janis and many more! Yes, we want to make this an annual event but when the weather is cooler. I also want to thank the speakers and the Patriot Guard Riders for attending and Keith for the bike ride :-) It was a day worth remembering!

Soldiers' Angels Meet & Greet in Mississippi

2008-08-02T12:34:00.015-06:00
Larry Vetter (Manager of Fisher House in Biloxi), Michael and Norris (Wounded Veterans)
Michael and Joyce, Rhonda (Soliders' Angel) and I
Mark Scarbrough, Mayor of Richland and Carol, Soldiers' Angel CTL.
North Mississippi Soldiers' Angels
Rhonda, Larry and I
It was a great day. Good turnout and lots of good fellowship. Our food drive for our local hero and his family was a huge success. Thanks to everyone who either brought food or gift cards. A huge thanks to the Mississippi Patriot Guard Riders for coming out and supporting us.

We are planning on making this an annual event, just moving it to a month that is not so hot for next year.

Link to all pictures

Soldiers' Angels Gets Video Facelift

2008-08-02T04:35:00.002-06:00

Thanks to Rocky Mountain regional sports network Altitude Sports & Entertainment, Soldiers' Angels has a new public service announcement (PSA) for use on broadcast and Internet media. Altitude created the original spot several years ago for free and recently offered to update it. They will be airing the updated PSA on their network stations, and it will be available to other outlets in audio and video form. It will also be available on YouTube for online sharing and distribution in coming days.

Shelle Michaels of Soldiers' Angels and Mark Darlington of Altitude Sports worked together on the new spot. Many thanks to Altitude Sports & Entertainment for their longtime support of Soldiers' Angels!

Guitars for our Wounded

2008-08-01T05:50:00.001-06:00

U.S. Soldiers SFC John Kirby, SGT Phillip Gonzalez, SGT Sammy Woods, SGT Able Lueras, PFC Jeffery Rosas, SGT Shilo Harris, SGT James Clark, SSG Lara, SGT Adam Emmory, SGT Jonathan Baderscher, LTC Richard Casper, SFC Jay Boen, Corp Jenny Lyons, Corp Scott Norris, Corp Jason Mico, Corp Isaac Gallegos, Corp Christian Payne, PFC Brandon Brenza, SGT Shaun Hummel, and SGT John Wolf pose with their Epiphone D-100 Acoustics donated by The Gibson Guitar Corporation and Soldiers' Angels.

Epiphone Guitar Celebrates Freedom With Support Of The Soldiers Angels Program

Epiphone Announces Effort to Bring Aid and Comfort to the Men of Women of the Nation's Military

JUNE 30, 2008 PASADENA, CA - In cooperation with Soldiers' Angels, Epiphone Guitar announced is support of the program with a donation of new Epiphone acoustic guitars to wounded guitar-playing service members as part of a "Freedom Celebration" at the Brooke Army Medical Center on July 5th in San Antonio, TX. In addition, Angels & Airwaves and the Van Warped Tour will create a party that will live on in memories of wounded service members and their families as they recover.

A picnic for approximately 1200 wounded soldiers and their families, held in the Fisher Houses "Quad" area and hosted by Soldiers' Angels, will form the core of the Freedom Celebration. The band Angels and Airwaves will showcase their acoustic abilities, and there will be a variety of activities especially for children.

In addition, transportation will be provided at 3 p.m. for Freedom Celebration's guests to attend the Vans Warped Tour at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in San Antonio, the longest-running traveling music festival in the nation. Guests will watch the show free of charge from a viewing area near the stage built exclusively for them, compliments of Kevin Lyman, C.E.O. and founder of the Vans Warped Tour.

Freedom Celebration's highlight will be the awarding of Epiphone acoustic guitars to wounded service members, and a single guitar will be presented to each of the seven local Fisher Houses at Brooke to be used to further the programs that enrich wounded military member's live through the making of music.

The husband of Soldiers' Angels founder Patty Patton-Bader, Jeff Bader, is proud to be participating in Freedom Celebration and points out the therapeutic value of Epiphone's gift. "I am honored to be involved in the whole event," says Bader, "but since I am also a guitar player, this new program and the gifts to our service members are something very special to me. Music truly has a healing power, and guitar-playing soldiers who have suffered from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) have improved their memory capabilities by remembering the songs they used to play."

Twenty Epiphone acoustic guitars were presented to selected wounded guitar playing soldiers. 10 Epiphone acoustics were donated to the Fisher House facilities which care for over 1000 wounded Soldiers.

Soldiers' Angels is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing aid and comfort to the men and women of U.S. military and their families. Comprised of 200,000 volunteer members in over twenty different teams and programs, their activities include letters, care packages, and comfort items to the deployed, and support for their families at home. They also provide assistance to the wounded, continuing support for veterans, remembrances and comfort for families of the fallen, and immediate response to unique difficulties. For more info - www.soldiersangels.org or soldiersangels@gmail.com

Angels & Airwaves (also known as "AVA") is an alternative rock group fronted by former Blink-182 and Box Car Racer guitarist/vocalist Tom DeLonge. The band includes guitarist David Kennedy, drummer Atom Willard, and bassist Matt Wachter. Albums include We Don't Need to Whisper (2006) and I-Empire (2007). For more info - www.angelsandairwaves.com.

The Vans Warped Tour has been a staple of the summer music scene since 1994. Featured performers in 2008 include Against Me!, Angels & Airwaves, Cobra Starship, Gym Class Heroes, Say Anything, and The All American Rejects, among others. For more info - www.warpedtour.com

Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX is a modern state-of-the-art, 450-bed health care facility that provides level-one trauma and graduate medical education for the U.S. Military. For more info - http://www.sammc.amedd.army.mil

Epiphone fretted instruments, amplifiers, strings and accessories are known worldwide for offering the best combination of quality, performance and value. One of Gibson's most formidable competitors through the first half of the 20th century, Epiphone was acquired by Gibson in 1957. Headquartered in Nashville, Epiphone is a part of the Gibson family of brands. For more information on Epiphone go to www.epiphone.com

FREE CALL DAY

2008-07-31T12:55:00.000-06:00
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR A FREE CALL HOME IF YOU ARE A SOLDIER STATIONED IN AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ...

Thanks to VFW National Military Service

Soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan will get to call home for free Aug. 17 courtesy of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
“Free Call Day,” according to an Army news release, is a VFW Operation Uplink program that uses contributions from supporters so service members can call loved ones in the United States free of charge.
All existing users of the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Prepaid service and all new users will be able to take advantage of this opportunity.
Here’s how it will work: Follow the regular dialing procedure to place a call using your SPAWAR prepaid personal identification number. When the system plays an announcement that says your call is being sponsored, it will mean the call is free.
The free calls will take place between 12:01 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. Iraq time on Aug. 17, a Sunday. Calls to Canada and other countries will be charged at the standard rate, the release said.
The VFW is composed of current or former members of the U.S. armed forces. It is a non-profit organization whose mission is to “honor the dead by helping the living” through veterans’ service, community service, national security and a strong national defense.
Since the program began in 1996, the VFW has provided deployed service members and hospitalized veterans with millions of minutes of free phone time.
The program is part of VFW National Military Services, which includes initiatives that boost morale, aid struggling military families and encourage troop support, the release said.

Soldiers' Angels Meet and Greet

2008-07-31T05:40:00.000-06:00

Don't forget this Saturday at the Richland Park, the very first Soldiers' Angels Meet and Greet will take place from 0800-1700. Bring your own picnic.

A huge thanks to Carol for all her hard work in putting this event together.

Wednesday's Hero

2008-07-30T05:43:00.000-06:00

1st. Lt. Thomas M. Marti
27 years old from Ward, Arkansas
C Troop, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division
October 14, 2007
An Eagle Scout, Thomas M. Martin took on cleaning up an old red train caboose as a service project. “He remodeled it to make it where people could go inside. If you saw it before and looked in it after he was through - it was daylight and dark”, said his former principal, Robert Martin, who is no relation. “Tom was involved in Key Club, German Club and band, making All-Region Band his sophomore year”, said Robert Martin. “He was a wonderful young man. Those that knew him knew he was funny and outgoing.”

Lt. Martin died in Al Busayifi, Iraq of wounds sustained from small-arms fire when insurgents attacked his unit during combat operations. He enlisted in the Army in 1998 after graduating high school and served in Korea before accepting an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 2005.

“He was very polite and respectful. I can’t think of him ever overreacting; he had a wonderful, good-natured personality”, said Pat Hagge, a family friend. “It’s a terrible tragedy; he was a great young man.”

Lt. Thomas Martin is survived by his parents, Edmund and Candis.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.