May is Military Appreciation Month

"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 www.SoldiersAngels.org.

 

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 www.SoldiersAngels.org 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



Patti Patton-Bader
Founder, Soldiers' Angels

N.D. Guardswomen Going to New York City

Several women who have deployed with North Dakota Army National Guard units in recent years have been selected to take part in a Mother's Day event in Midtown Manhattan.

"Operation: Birthday Cake," a nonprofit partnership between Bake Me a Wish! and Soldiers' Angels, will hand out 5,000 Freedom Cakes in Times Square to those who volunteer to "mother" a deployed service member. Another 5,000 cakes will be sent with hand-written notes to those serving overseas. As part of the partnership, Ladies of Liberty, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Heidi Squier Kraft and Friends of Island Academy, a New York City nonprofit, have joined forces with the Soldiers and their mothers or daughters to hand out the cakes from 7 to 9 a.m. May 5 in Times Square.

Ladies of Liberty is a team deployed by Soldiers' Angels. The nonprofit group focuses on the needs of deployed female service members. Ladies of Liberty members who are North Dakota Guardswomen and will be taking part in the event include Sgt. Vanessa Mozinski, of Ardoch, N.D., and her mother, Gloria; Sgt. Amy Wieser Willson, of West Fargo, N.D., and her stepdaughter Molly, 15; and Sgt. Delicia Glaze, of Grafton, N.D., and her daughter Peyton, 8. Sgt. Sara Braaten, of Hutchinson, Minn., and her mother, Barb, also will be taking part. Braaten previously served in the North Dakota National Guard and is now a member of the South Dakota National Guard's Medical Command. Braaten, Mozinski and Glaze all deployed to Afghanistan with North Dakota's 1-188th Air Defense Artillery, and Wieser Willson deployed to Iraq with the 141st Engineer Battalion.

The Guardswomen will be joined by Soldiers' Angels National Communication Officer Shelle Michaels and her daughter Rebbeka McPherron, 13, of Grand Forks, and Squier Kraft, a Navy psychologist and mother of twin 5-year-olds who chronicled her seven months in Iraq in the book "Rule Number Two: Lessons I Learned in a Combat Hospital."

According to an Operation: Birthday Cake news release, the partners "are creating a whole new paradigm on how to celebrate this national holiday (Mother's Day), focusing on the role of non-traditional moms, and specifically those who play mothering roles for our nation's Soldiers."

CFC #:25131

For those of you who can or do take part in the Combined Federal Campaign for charity, you now have a new option:
CFC #:25131
Web Site:www.soldiersangels.org

Statement:To provide meaningful services and support to deployed military personnel, veterans and military families through a grass-roots volunteer network, thus ensuring no soldier feels forgotten.

Federation:Military, Veterans & Patriotic Service Organizations of America

Please make Soldiers' Angels a part (or even all) of your CFC contribution.

RANGER UP has designed a new Soldiers' Angels tee-shirt--- with a RANGER UP EDGE!!

 
They designed a shirt that showcased both the indominatable spirit of the American Troops and the raw passion, and yes TOUGHNESS, of the Angels that look over them.
 
Ranger Up will donate $5 from every Soldiers' Angel T-shirt purchased on rangerup.com! http://www.rangerup.com/angels.html

 

Join members of Operation: Birthday Cake, Bake Me A Wish! and Soldiers' Angels (team Ladies of Liberty) and Dr. Heidi Kraft, in honoring America's Mothers.

Join members of Operation: Birthday Cake, Bake Me A Wish! and Soldiers' Angels (team Ladies of Liberty) and Dr. Heidi Kraft, in honoring America's Mothers.

We will be handing out Mother's Day cakes and donating birthday cakes to soldiers along with letters written by attendees!

May 5th, 2009
0700-1000
Military Island in Time Square
7th Ave between 43 and 44th Street
New York, NY

Join our event page:
http://www.facebook.com/events.php?ref=sb#/event.php?eid=70730146821

Nice Story On Event - in the Times of NW Indiana and Chicago

 

Bake Me a Wish helps families send birthday cakes to soldiers in Iraq, elsewhere

BY CARRIE STEINWEG
Times Correspondent | Saturday, April 26, 2008

NWI Photo Store

Imagine this:  You're on a military base in the Iraq desert.

The sun is beating overhead, and the sand is blowing in your face. You're hot and dirty and hungry and sweaty with all the gear on your back. It's your 25th birthday -- and you're half a world away from home, thinking about the family you wish you could be celebrating with. 

Suddenly, you're greeted with a fudgy cookies-and-cream brownie cake, covered with chunks of Oreo cookies and drizzled with white chocolate, topped with a decadent piece of Belgian chocolate. 

Sounds about as likely as a pig flying over the desert.

But the scenario is happening, thanks to Bake Me A Wish, a gourmet baking company founded in 2004 in New York by Josh Kaye.

Growing up with a challenged background, Kaye often marveled at elaborate cakes at other children's birthday parties, always longing for one of his own. 

"A birthday is something very special," Kaye said.

"It's a special occasion, and a cake really makes it special."

Now that Kaye is a parent himself, he makes the kind of cakes he would serve to his own kids for their birthdays. 

"Cakes make us feel remembered and special," said Kaye, noting his gift cakes are shipped in an elegant decorative box.

When Kaye started his company, part of his mission was good will, to do something to make the world a better place. He decided to work with the Make A Wish Foundation, an organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. 

Bake A Wish donates 5,000 cakes a year to sick kids through Make A Wish. He also donates 5 percent of the online sales to that organization.

That mission of good will was expanded in 2005 when he got a call from a mom of a soldier serving overseas who wanted to send him a birthday cake.

"At first I thought we couldn't do it. But then I thought, 'what if we could do that to provide soldiers -- who are risking their lives -- a cake to lift them up and make them feel special on their birthday?' "

Kaye said several recipes were created, and special packaging was developed to preserve the down-home-flavored gourmet cakes for the trip overseas so that it arrives looking the same as when it was made.

Operation: Birthday Cake was born. The cakes are available for sale, at cost, on the company's Web site, www.bakemeawish.com and can be sent to military personnel deployed in the Middle East and other locations.

About 4,000 cakes have been sent overseas so far as part of Operation: Birthday Cake. Kaye's goal is to find a corporate sponsor that will underwrite the entire project, so that anyone serving overseas can receive a free cake on his or her birthday.

Currently, the donated cakes are sent to contacts through the Armed Forces Foundation and Soldier's Angels. A facilitator works with a family to place the order. Currently, 25 cakes a month are sent free of charge as part of the program with AFF.

Sharon Coleman of Chicago was notified of the program through AFF and requested a cake for her son, Jason Memmen, who is serving with the U. S. National Guard in Kuwait. 

"I'm having a carrot cake sent," Coleman said.

"That's his favorite. He makes a mean carrot cake."

Coleman was able to send a note to her son along with the cake. She said that although they e-mail each other, she doesn't have a computer at home and isn't able to keep in touch with him as much as she'd like, so contacting him with a cake was really special.

A cancer survivor, who raised her kids as a single mom, Coleman is grateful to have the opportunity to send a cake to her son. 

She encourages other families with loved ones deployed to connect with organizations, such as the Armed Forces Foundation, which can provide support during a difficult time.

This year, the site is helping soldiers provide a treat to their mothers, by enabling soldiers overseas to go online and order a cake to send to their moms back home to celebrate Mother's Day.

Thousands of cakes are donated each year for families to send free of charge to loved ones serving overseas. 

For each cake bought through the site, 5 percent is donated to provide cakes for Operation: Birthday Cake, in addition to 5 percent going to the Make A Wish Foundation. 

Cakes being sent within the United States can be received the next day if the order is placed by 3 p.m. EST; overseas orders require two weeks notice.

Kaye has received many letters of thanks from families who received cakes, he said.

"One was from a soldier stationed in Afghanistan, and it was her second birthday there in the mountains. The soldier was feeling totally down and what the cake did for her was an incredible experience," he said. 

"She's coming home next month and she's just delighted."

How to send a birthday cake to a soldier
To order a cake for a special occasion to send to someone serving overseas or here in the United States, visit www.bakemeawish.com. When you order, 5 percent of your purchase goes to support Operation: Birthday Cake and another 5 percent is donated to the Make A Wish Foundation.

Other ways to help our troops or get support for loved ones serving overseas: Armedforcesfoundation.org, Soldiersangels.com.

 

Ranger Up has a NEW Soldiers' Angels Shirt and MMA Shirt

If you are unable to view this email, CLICK HERE NEW Shirts: Soldiers' Angels & Chinese Warrior MMA Get the shirts for a DISCOUNT during the PREORDER PHASE Introducing the NEW Soldiers' Angels Shirt. We got a call one day asking if we would be interested in designing a Soldiers' Angels shirt that would be a little tougher. As staunch supporters of Soldier's Angels, we of course said YES. With the focus on designing a shirt that represents the toughness of those men and women that support our returning soldier's we developed this aggressive image. Furthermore, in the giving spirit of the Soldier's Angels volunteers, we are donating a portion of every sale to the Soldiers' Angels organization. Get yours now! Get the NEW Soldiers' Angels Shirt >> Sun Tzu was the leading military mind of the ancient Orient. One of his most aggressive and controversial martial rules ever was the inspiration for this shirt: FIGHT ON THE DEATH GROUND. In other words - place yourself in a position where there is no escape and you will fight like hell itself is behind you. We believe our fighters get this same feeling when the doors close on the cage and they are staring at their opponent. Fight on the Death Ground. We couldn't be happier with this shirt. We hope you agree. Get the NEW Chinese Warrior Shirt >>     Blackout Drive, by Kelly Crigger On a night drive in his humvee, Kelly learns why officers don't drive military vehicles. Read Blackout Drive Now>>     Kris McCray Wins at UWC 6 - Capital Punishment 39 seconds. That's all it took for Kris McCray, a specialist in the Virginia Reserves, to demolish Ronnie Wuest. Get the Details and See Pics of the New RU Girl, Alex>>   Copyright 2009 Atomschirm Corporation| business@rangerup.com

Soldiers' Angels Receives Combined Federal Campaign Approval

Soldiers' Angels Receives Combined Federal Campaign Approval


Soldiers' Angels Receives Combined Federal Campaign Approval

PASADENA, Calif., April 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National military support nonprofit Soldiers' Angels proudly announces its inclusion in the 2009 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), an effort to encourage philanthropy among United States Government employees. This opportunity increases the organization's visibility and respectability, building on its growing reputation for providing a wide variety of powerful and personalized support for service members, military families and veterans of all branches.
During the yearly "campaign season" of September 1 through December 15, CFC provides federal civil servants, military personnel, political appointees and elected politicians with a list of verified and respectable charities they can be confident in supporting. Donations are collected through payroll deductions, offering employees the chance to make gifts that add up to substantial support over a twelve-month period.
Soldiers' Angels founder Patti Patton-Bader is excited to be included in the upcoming campaign. "We've been working very hard to meet CFC's guidelines and we are so thrilled to be a part of the campaign this year. It makes it so much easier for people to donate to Soldiers' Angels and will help us continue the important work of taking care of our military and their families."
As a CFC-approved charity, Soldiers' Angels has been subject to extensive review of its financial and governance practices, auditing performance and program activities, ensuring federal employees can be confident in supporting the organization. The approved status also gives Soldiers' Angels the opportunity to participate in meetings, exhibits and other events hosted at federal agencies and departments during campaign season, including providing speakers and other representatives.
Established in 2003, Soldiers' Angels is a volunteer-based 501(c)(3) 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 through a wide variety of hands-on projects and volunteerism. For more information, see www.soldiersangels.org or call 615-676-0239. Tax ID# 20-0583415. CFC# 25131.

Students get to meet their adopted Marine

Original story can be found here

LeeAnn Cladin’s fourth grade class at Hilltop Elementary in Warner Robins last week got to meet their adopted son: Cpl. Maxwell Mendenhall of the U.S. Marine Corps.

The Keokuk, Iowa, native was fresh from Iraq, where he served 215 days as a member of the 1st Maintenance Battalion-Reinforcement. He returned toward the end of March in California, and was wrapping up his leave time by making a special visit to the school.
Click here to find out more!

Sarah Cladin, the teacher’s daughter who works with CB&T bank in Perry, started the ball rolling last autumn after hearing friends talk about “adopting” military personnel stationed in the Middle East. She contacted Soldiers’ Angels on the Internet and was put in touch with Mendenhall.

Mendenhall, 24, was stationed at Camp Taqaddum, eight miles west of Fallujah at Lake Habaniyah in Anbar Province.

“I basically did metalwork, manufactured parts and did basic repair on track vehicles and Humvees,” Mendenhall said. “If a bumper gets blown off from an IED, I make another one.”

The fourth-graders, with an unending curiosity, kept the questions coming hard and fast for about an hour:

Did you get to shoot machine guns? “I was qualified to use them, but I never used one in combat.”

Do you like Monster? “I live on them. I drink about eight a day.”

What was your favorite subject in school? “Science. Physics is real fun.”

Have you ever been injured or wounded? “I did hurt my ankle in basic training, but it’s fine now.”

Have you ever shot anyone? “Nope.”

Where have you been in the Marines? “I took my basic training at Camp Pendleton, then Rock Island, Illinois (and) Norway where it was 45 degrees below zero and 14 feet of snow, three weeks in Okinawa, Japan, Iraq, Kuwait, Dubai and Germany. From here I’ll be back on active duty at Camp Pendleton.”

Did you live in barracks over there? “I lived in a 20-by-10 metal can I shared with another guy. We had air conditioning, beds and eventually a TV, which I used a lot to play Guitar Hero.”

Where is the longest place you’ve served? “The 215 days in Iraq. That’s a long time over there.”

Have you ever won Guitar Hero? “Yes, twice.” (The class oohed in appreciation.)

Did you see any children over there? “One time we went to a village and there were a whole bunch of kids. They’re different, and they’re not afraid to ask for anything. But let me tell you, everyone in the U.S. has it great compared to there. Here, if the cable is out it’s a bad day; there, if there’s running water it’s a good day.”

Did you see any schools? “When we first started the war only boys were allowed to go to school. No girls after they were 8 years old. Now there are schools all over. Outside of Fallujah, there are some private schools for girls older than 8.”

Why did you join the Marines? “When I was 6 years old I saw my cousin get his commission in the Marines. From that day onward, I knew I wanted to join the Marines.”

What is your favorite piece of equipment? Mendenhall stopped for a few moments before saying, “The rack, so I can sleep.”

Do you like to get stuff over there? “The stuff from home, it’s the best thing. It can make a horrible day better, even something as small as a piece of candy.”

What do you do in your free time? “We played cards and Guitar Hero. I read a lot of books and I tried to sleep.”

Do you have a girlfriend? “Not right now.”

Do you have a favorite pizza? “Domino’s.”

Of your dogs, do you have a favorite? “Bob. I’ve had him since I was 6 years old. He’s getting up there in age.”

Then teacher Cladin interrupted. “Do you have any advice for the students?” she asked.

“Do well in school, it pays off at the end,” Mendenhall said. “High school builds more chances for opportunities, and I do recommend the military.”

Sarah Cladin encourages others to adopt military personnel through Soldiers’ Angels.

“These men and women are far away from home protecting our country and fighting for our freedom while missing their families ... ,” she said. “From what I’ve seen and been told, a small inexpensive gesture can make their world light up when they receive a letter or package from home, and it doesn’t take much to make

Mothers Day Raffle & Times Square Event

MOTHERING AMERICA'S SOLDIERS On May 5th in Times Square, we'll be handing out gourmet Mother's Day Cakes and allowing recipients to write letters to soldiers on the spot! We'll also be donating a birthday cake to a soldier in the name of each recipient! CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS!
	BECOME A FAN! Bake Me A Wish! Cakes are on Facebook! Thanks for being such great customers! CLICK HERE

 

In honor of the 2009 National Volunteer Week, Soldiers’ Angels would like to thank our volunteers.

 

The theme for National Volunteer Week, is "Celebrating People in Action", and honors the individuals who dedicate themselves to taking action and solving problems in their community. This week presents an opportunity for individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and government agencies to celebrate the ordinary people who accomplish extraordinary things through service. 

 

Established in 1974 by former President Richard Nixon, National Volunteer Week has grown exponentially in scope each year, drawing the support and endorsement of all subsequent U.S. presidents, governors, mayors and other respected elected officials, as well as corporate and community groups across the country.

 

Through the dedication and care of Soldiers' Angels 300,000+ volunteers, the deployed and wounded service members, veterans and their families are well supported in their mission for global, state and national emergencies and homeland defense.

 

Volunteers have spent numerous hours in support of the Soldiers' Angels throughout the nation by adopting heroes or getting involved in over 30 teams and programs that Soldiers' Angels support.

 

The volunteers collectively create a network that is crucial to sustaining the livelihood of the U.S. Armed Forces.  Our volunteers give value every day to the mission of bringing home healthy soldiers that Soldiers' Angels embraces.  

 

Listed are a few examples of what Soldiers' Angels has accomplished in the past year thanks to our volunteers:

 

• The Letter Writing Team has sent over 250,000 letters and 20,000 special event cards to our heroes.
• 3800+ Valour-IT laptops to date have been given to wounded heroes.
• The Cards Plus Team has sent over 26,000 cards to our heroes.
• 2,100 first response backpacks have been given to our wounded heroes.
• The Chaplains Team sent over 1200 large packages and letters
• 42,000 service members were adopted in 2008.
• Ladies of Liberty Team sent over 5,000 care kits to the deployed female service members.

 

 

Together we unite, wingtip-to-wingtip. Soldiers' Angels has grown quickly to be one of the most well reputed service organizations in the nation in support of the United States Military branches. We are successful, because the volunteers of Soldiers' Angels have giving and supporting hearts to our nation's military. Thank you for being an Angel.

 

 

 

Those who can, do.  Those who can do more, volunteer.  ~Author Unknown

 

 

I've seen and met angels wearing the disguise of ordinary people living ordinary lives.  ~Tracy Chapman

 

Lily Burana Supports Soldiers' Angels

The original article can be found here.
The real Army wives of the U.S.
The lives of military spouses are revealed in new memoir


PROFILE. As the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq go into their sev­enth year, it’s not just the enlisted soldiers who are fighting. As Lily Burana explains in her new memoir, “I Love a Man in Uniform” (Weinstein Books, $24), the spouses and loved ones of the sol­diers are battling just as hard.

Burana, a former stripper who married a West Point officer shortly before 9/11, details her struggles to fit into the highly regimented and strictly ordered world of the Army.

“Semper Gumby — ‘Always Flexible,’ should be the watchword for army wives,” Burana reveals. “You can make as many plans as you wish, but they’re going to change —often, and sometimes suddenly.”

Indeed, many army wives must contend with putting their own dreams on hold as their husbands are shipped thousands of miles away, with no firm date as to when they might return.

Technology has changed how the home front copes, but it’s often a false comfort. Though they might get daily e-mails and even the occasional phone call, the wives still must sleep alone and contend with a home that is missing one important member. The world of military wives has also subtly changed, thanks to the length of the two wars their loved ones are fighting.

“Some very senior wives’ husbands have never deployed, while many younger wives — some still in their mid-20s — have been through two, three and four deployments already,” Burana says. “So they are, in essence, more experienced with family issues related to deployment.”

And just because the war has moved from the front pages to page 14 doesn’t mean there aren’t still soldiers who could use a helping hand.

“A small charitable contribution can go a long way,” Burana insists. “You don’t have to donate Trump-sized bucks to make a huge difference in the morale and welfare of troops and their families.”

Burana recommends Soldier’s Angels (www.soldiersangels.com) “because it has several branches with different ways to help, so you can take your pick,” she explains. “You can even adopt a soldier, so to speak, by meeting a specific soldier’s needs, which may be better than randomly pitching care packages overseas.”

Dixon Gaines

Do One Nice Thing book synopsis

DEBBIE TENZER'S NEW BOOK

DO ONE NICE THING

SPREADS MESSAGE OF HOPE

 

Debbie Tenzer, founder of the phenomenally successful website DoOneNiceThing.com (which has members in ninety countries and gets more than one million hits per month), has written a new book.

 

DO ONE NICE THING will hit bookstores nationwide on May 5. And, at a time when so much feels bleak, Debbie has good news to share. "In spite of everything that's going on in the world now, we can make it better, and we don't need a lot of time or money to do it," Tenzer says. "That's what my book is about: the little things that can make a big difference."

 

Do One Nice Thing offers over 100 easy ways to help kids, friends, co-workers, soldiers, animals and more. The book weaves inspiring stories with quotes from the many people touched by Debbie's message, like:

-     Reina, whose Sweet Sixteen guests made get-well cards for sick kids

-     Bob, who hands out cookies to the people he sees on his morning walk

-     American soldiers who give school supplies and hope to Afghan kids, who are eager to study but don't have pencils.

 

The story of Soldiers' Angels is in Chapter 7, Do One Nice Thing for Soldiers.

The title is From Sea to Shining Sea, pp 211, 212

 

 

Send encouragement to an ill of wounded service member at the Ladnstuhl Army Medical Hospital in Lanstuhl, Germany by mailing a picture postcard from your state.

 

Write a "we-are-with-you message," then put your card in an envelope and mail it to  Angel MaryAnn Phillips' address. 

 

 

And in Chapter 8, Just Click! Do One Nice Thing Online

p. 226 -  The Soldiers' Angels website is listed so people can easily find out how to adopt, make a donation and get more information

 

 

 

Upbeat with a wry sense of humor, Do One Nice Thing encourages everyone to change the world one small step at a time. Join Debbie and her army of Nice-o-holics, and give the world some help–and some hope. Best of all, the more help you give, the more hopeful you'll feel. It all starts when you do one nice thing. 

 

www.DoOneNiceThing.com

 

Soldiers Angels founder Patti Patton Bader | Pundit Review

 

Soldiers Angels founder Patti Patton Bader | Pundit Review It is always a pleasure to get the opportunity to talk with Patti Patton Bader about her amazing group of Soldiers Angels. Soldiers Angels has become a global organization of volunteers who give backs in all kinds of ways, ... Pundit Review - http://www.punditreview.com/

 

Face of Defense: Flight Nurse Provides Care in the Air

Face of Defense: Flight Nurse Provides Care in the Air By Air Force Senior Airman Erik Cardenas Special to American Forces Press Service BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, April 20, 2009 - While troops on the ground risk their lives fighting terrorism, Air Force Capt. Susan McCormick provides emergency care to wounded troops so they can return to the fight or return to their families back home. Air Force Capt. Susan McCormick gives medicine to Air Force Airman 1st Class Brent Noah during an aeromedical evacuation flight to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, March 26, 2009. Noah dislocated his hip and was being flown to Bagram Airfield from Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, for treatment. McCormick is a flight nurse with the 455th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight at Bagram. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Erik Cardenas (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. "I couldn't picture myself doing anything but this -- giving someone the chance to survive when they risk their lives every day for us," the flight nurse assigned to the 455th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight here said. The 33-year-old captain enlisted as a reserve medical technician in the aeromedical evacuation career field in 1994. As a technical sergeant in 2003, she received her commission to become a licensed flight nurse. As she serves here in her third deployment, McCormick's six years as a nurse in the operating and emergency rooms at St. Vincent's Hospital in Worcester, Mass., are coming full circle. She is deployed from the 439th Aeromedical Evacuation Flight at Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass. "Each deployment has helped me better myself and my training," she said. "The skills we use in flight need to be practiced daily. My experience in the OR and ER has helped me become a better nurse." Members of the 455th EAEF are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, covering Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan. The unit has three types of missions: an Alpha alert, with a one-hour response time for critically injured patients; a Bravo alert, with a two-hour response time for patients who do not need immediate evacuation; and a scheduled flight twice a week for patients who need care or treatment that cannot be provided at their deployed location. Each alert, depending on the situation, requires a different number of personnel. An Alpha alert requires a nurse and two medical technicians. A Bravo alert has either a three- or five-member medical crew, depending on the number of patients and their acuity. A five-member medical crew of two nurses and three medical technicians flies on the scheduled missions. Before each mission, McCormick prepares by arranging equipment and configuring the aircraft. She said she also mentally prepares by visualizing the patient's condition and how it could progress during the flight, relying on reports from the ground medical team at a forward operating base and her training on how the stresses of flight could affect the patient's condition at altitude. "I try to think about the worst, but really we have no idea what the patient will look like when [he or she arrives]," McCormick said. "With all the years I have been doing this, nothing can really prepare you to see a child who has devastating blast injuries." In flight, patient conditions are subject to change. The altitude, cabin pressure and weather are concerns of the crew, and the lack of light and a noisy environment challenges their assessment skills. And sometimes, McCormick said, limited access to medical equipment leads the forward operating base's medical staff to an incomplete or inaccurate diagnosis. "My crew had one patient who was ... stable until they took off," she said. "At altitude, the patient's oxygen level decreased drastically, and ... they didn't understand what was happening with the patient." The medical crew treated the condition and kept the patient stable until he was re-evaluated at Bagram and diagnosed with a hemo-pneumo thorax, which wasn't found at the forward operating base, she said. The captain has treated 40 patients in the three months she has been deployed here. As each day gets warmer, she said,she expects to treat more patients, as insurgent activity traditionally rises during the spring and summer. But the seasoned nurse said she's more than ready to go when she gets the call. "I'll fly anywhere on any plane in order to evacuate our men and women who are sick or injured and make sure they get the care they need," she said. (Senior Airman Erik Cardenas serves with the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing.)

Related Sites: U.S. Air Forces Central

 

 

Congrats Lt. Col. Rick Smith....

BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota National Guard Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, announced today that Lt. Col. Rick J. Smith assumed duties as the Public Information Officer for the North Dakota National Guard. Smith replaces Capt. Dan Murphy who is slated to lead the public affairs efforts for the upcoming Kosovo mission later this summer.

"Rick Smith is a perfect choice to lead our public affairs team during Murphy's deployment to Kosovo," said Sprynczynatyk. "His background in public relations combined with 19 years of successful military experience in the North Dakota National Guard provides him a solid foundation to excel in this important position."

Smith, a native of Bismarck, joined the North Dakota National Guard in 1990 excelling in various staff positions and successful company command. Smith was deployed to Iraq from 2007 to 2008 as an operations and liaison officer with the Engineer Brigade serving in support of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Smith is a 1990 graduate of the University of Montana with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations and received his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps.

Murphy has served in various capacities with the North Dakota National Guard including both 1st Sergeant and commander of the 1/129th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. He is currently assigned as the commander of the 116th Public Affairs Detachment and was deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism serving in Qatar from 2006 to 2007.

"Dan Murphy's performance has been simply outstanding" added Sprynczynatyk. "He has successfully led our public affairs efforts ensuring timely and accurate dissemination of information regarding North Dakota National Guard missions and activities. His efforts in facilitating and guiding media affairs during our recent and still ongoing flood operations have been particularly noteworthy."

Murphy will concentrate on preparing for the Kosovo mission in the ensuing months prior to the mobilization slated for later this year. The North Dakota Army National Guard is expected to deploy about 700 Soldiers in support of this mission.
——
Since the terrorist attacks on America, the North Dakota National Guard has mobilized more than 2,800 Soldiers and more than 1,600 Airmen in support of the Global War on Terrorism. In recent weeks, nearly 2,000 North Dakota National Guardsmen — with support of about 400 additional Soldiers and Airmen from six other states — have been mobilized for current flood fighting missions all across North Dakota. With a total force of about 4,400 Soldiers and Airmen, we continue to have sufficient forces available to provide emergency response and homeland defense.

Soldiers' Angels Daily Internet Flight

 

Today, as I worked my way through the internet in search of Soldiers' Angels activities, I came across this terrific note...on the blog LGF Cookbook!

 

In February, 81 cookbooks sold, revenue of $405. On 3/17 that was placed into the project paypal account; I left $5 in the account, and sent $200 to LGF and $200 to Soldier's Angels, identified as a donation from LGF readers from the cookbook sale. This information is at the blog.

In March - 17 more books sold, revenue of $85. I am awaiting the e-mail telling me this has been placed into the project paypal account, which will result in $90 being in that account because the account has $5 left in it from February. The $90 will be split $45 to LGF, and $45 to Soldier's Angels. I will UPDATE this post when that happens (should be today or tomorrow). These will be identified as donations from "LGF readers".

http://lgfcookbook.blogspot.com/2009/04/volume-1-to-date-recap.html

 

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our heroes!

TWEET DREAMS!! Soldiers' Angels is dreaming of YOU tweeting in support of Soldiers' Angels

TWEET DREAMS!! Soldiers' Angels is dreaming of YOU tweeting in support of Soldiers' Angels

FIRST OFF-- FOLLOW US!! @soldiersangels

 
LONDON - 'Wolverine' actor Hugh Jackman is donating $100,000 to charity through a Twitter contest that encourages users to nominate their cause.

Users can tweet at Jackman's Twitter page, @RealHughJackman, naming their chosen charity and their reason for nominating it. SOLDIERS' ANGELS!!!  and your reason.
 

Jackman will give the $100,000 to the charity named in the best tweet, which will be announced on Friday April 24.
 
Suggestions that have been tweeted to the actor include one from @JenTheArmyWife who said "Soldiersangels.org. They 'adopt' soldiers overseas sending them needed supplies and support. No Soldier left behind!".

 

Detained Minors Make Cards for Soldiers' Angels

Article from California Chronicle

Minors in detention find a way to contribute to community through FOOD Share
Tina Vervoorn
April 15, 2009
As the Ventura County Probation Agency of Ventura County celebrated its 100th anniversary, many local organizations praised the facilities outreach programs for its detained youths.

"With detained minors who are not eligible to leave the facility on furlough there is time to do projects that benefit the community during after-school hours," said Bryan Wilson, Division Manager of Juvenile Facilities for the Ventura County Probation Agency. "A few years ago we created a program to make Christmas cards to sell at the Santa Paula Street Fair. The project has since evolved and our youths now handcraft cards for military families as part of the "Soldiers Angels" program."

In another effort to reach out to a segment of the community, Bonnie Weigel, CEO of FOOD Share, approached Wilson about delivering cards to its many senior citizens who are home-bound. "We already are delivering food baskets to seniors…what a great way to brighten their week to include a handmade card from someone who also needs to reach out beyond their current horizon."



"Cards for seniors is a great concept and we know it will bring hope to those giving and receiving of cards," Wilson said.

The Ventura County Probation Agency of Ventura County houses minors from 10 to 18 years of age. Wilson said approximately 90 minors are housed in detention awaiting court proceedings. The remaining individuals are housed for commitment service, ranging from 90 days to one year.

A major food bank distributing millions of pounds of food each year throughout Ventura County, FOOD Share collects and receives food year-round, distributing to more than 150 partner agencies throughout Ventura County and to more than 40,000 people each month.

8-year-old gives lessons on dealing with the deployment of a parent

We will think of Dad and pray for him'
 
8-year-old gives lessons on dealing with the deployment of a parent

In a crowded room at Grand Forks Air Force Base, 45 Grand Forks teachers listened attentively today to a briefing on military deployment.
By: Chuck Haga, Grand Forks Herald

In a crowded room at Grand Forks Air Force Base, 45 Grand Forks teachers listened attentively today to a briefing on military deployment.
 

The young man doing the briefing was in uniform: jeans, a pullover shirt and sneakers.

"I want to talk to you about my dad's deployment," said Kevin Nedegaard, 8, earnest and composed as he read from notes assembled with his mom's help.
 

"This is how I felt when I found out my dad was going to leave: Sad. Bad. Mad. I felt sad like if a pet died. I felt bad for my dad that he was leaving. I felt mad and frustrated."

The teachers all work at Twining or Carl Ben Eielson elementary schools on base, but most live off base. Tuesday's briefings, by Air Force officers and enlisted personnel and one 8-year-old boy whose father is headed to Afghanistan, were designed to help them better understand the impact of parental deployments.
 

Kevin's father, Lt. Col. Randy Nedegaard, begins training next month for deployment to Afghanistan on July 4.
 

"He'll be home next January, God willing," said Kathy Nedegaard, who will handle the home front with Kevin and his sisters, Miranda, 17, and Lauren, 16.
 

"It's frightening," she said. "We know there's danger, and we'll deal with that if it comes. But for now, there's life to be lived. And it's a worthy cause, what he'll be doing, absolutely necessary. Somebody has to do it, so he's doing it."
 

The girls understand "that this is what Dad does," she said. "I think it's been hardest on Kevin. He and his dad are thick as thieves."
 

Ribbon in the tree

You could tell from Kevin's "briefing" for the teachers that he and his father are close.

"We talk about our feelings," he said. "We plan fun things like golf, hockey and piano lessons. We find things to help us while he's gone, like cameras for the computer so maybe we can see him sometimes.
 

"I put a ribbon on the school deployment tree."
 

The tree has had 37 ribbons placed on it this school year, said Denise Loftus, a counselor at Carl Ben Eielson. Each ribbon bears the name of a child and a deployed parent.
 

"What will I do while Dad is deployed?" Kevin asked, rhetorically, in his briefing. "I will miss the fun times. I will do the extra work to help out with Dad's chores. I will try to have fun.

"I will be the only boy in the house. ... Even my cat is a girl.
 

"Dad will miss all the holidays and kids' birthdays. We will have to figure out ways to include him.

"I will worry about the danger for Dad."
 

Helmets, armor

Several teachers said they notice the effects that deployment of a mother or father can have on a student. Most seem to handle the new circumstance well, but for some "it could be traumatic," said Marcia Wahlstrand, who teaches third grade at Carl Ben Eielson. "It could affect behavior, how they're learning."
 

Kevin's presentation "was heartwarming, and it was real," she said.
 

"He's an articulate young man," added Jennie Quanrud, a paraprofessional at Carl Ben Eielson. "It personalized it for me to hear a student explain it so well."
 

During their three-hour "deployment" to the base, the teachers heard from Col. John Quinn, vice commander of the 319th Air Refueling Wing, who said the base population — including numbers of school children — will rebound in 18 months or so as the base mission evolves.

The teachers tried on body armor and other combat gear ("I need this for my teachers when I have bad news," a helmeted Twining Principal Barry Lentz said), and they heard from Tech Sgt. Karlyn Beadles about how she handled her deployment and a separate deployment by her husband.
 

"I rearranged the living room furniture" while he was gone, she said, and she fretted: "What if I gained 20 pounds, or I lost 20 pounds? Is he going to see that fender I dented? Is he going to want the checkbook back? The TV remote?"
 

And how would he, the disciplinarian, be with the kids when he returned home?

"He didn't come in all forceful," she said. "He sat back for a few weeks, which probably helped with the kids."
 

Looking forward

As he concluded his briefing, Kevin explained how he and his family will try to make this time apart from his father as good as possible.

"We will talk about our feelings," he said. "I will keep playing hockey. I will keep going to school. I will keep playing with friends. We will think of Dad and pray for him.

"I will write to Dad a lot and talk to him when I can. We will help each other with trying to stay together and not miss out on Dad too much.

"We will look forward to him coming home."

Reach out and help a hero---

The news across America is bleak at best, day in and day out with the economy inching towards rock bottom.
 
This company is laying of 100 people, another has to let go 1000 employees and that business is filing  for bankruptcy. Non-profit organizations across America are feeling the impact of this economic uncertainty right along side the rest of the nation.
 
One thing for certain is... our heroes are still deployed, getting wounded, leaving families behind, and coming back with the status of being a war veteran.
 
At Soldiers' Angels, we understand that times are tough, but now more than ever, our troops really need America to step up and give a little. When forces combine and a little (time, money, resources etc.) is given by many... we can all smile at the end of the night, knowing that we made a difference in the lives of our American heroes.
 
Day in...day out... they put in long hard hours assuring that the nation sleeps peacefully under that blanket of freedom. 
 
Soldiers' Angels recently received a very touching email from the commanding officer of soldiers deployed to Iraq.  As he explains in his letter, he has personally experienced the impact of Soldiers' Angels on both the frontlines and the homefront...

 
Dear Soldiers' Angels,
 
I wanted to take a few minutes and extend my true and heartfelt thanks for the support your organization has made available to the Soldiers under my command and to me personally.
 
I am the commander of [redacted] a 132 man unit conducting Convoy Security missions in central and northern Iraq. We have been here for several months and the quantity and quality of support we have received from you and you volunteers is truly humbling.
 
We receive mail each day, and there has yet to be a single day pass that someone in the company does not receive a letter or package from a Soldiers' Angels volunteer. Most days it is multiple letters and packages. I can assure you, the Soldiers' Angels charter "May No Soldier Go Unloved" is alive, well, and flourishing. For some of my Soldiers, letters from your volunteers are the majority of the correspondence they receive. Having served over 22 years in the Army, [I know that] not receiving mail can be very disappointing, especially when forward deployed or overseas far from home. Soldiers in Company D rarely experience this disappointment, thanks to you and your volunteers.
 
I became familiar with the Soldiers' Angels organization during my last deployment when I was wounded and evacuated to Germany. I received countless emails, letters, and visits during my hospitalization which I will remember for the rest of my life. Soldiers' Angels has been there for my men (and for me) during our darkest hours and in our moments of triumph. You are all Angels in the truest sense.
 
Thank you for all that you do, have done, and will continue to do in the future, for all of us; you will always have my gratitude, respect, and appreciation.
 
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Captain O.
 
 
Now is the time to take a step forward and reach out to assist others in need of support. Now is the time for us to be brave and face this economic crunch head on. Now is the time to lend a hand. Now is the time.
 
Soldiers' Angels is a  volunteer-based nonprofit, supporting all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Through special projects, dedicated teams and individuals supporting our troops, we make a visible difference in the lives of our service members and their families.
 
We have over thirty teams to get involved within the organization; from making quilts for the wounded to knitting booties for babies. From writing letters to wounded heroes to helping write grants. From organizing state events to assisting on national campaigns for awareness. Everyone has a talent, skill or gift that can be shared within the Soldiers' Angels organization.
 
 
Please go to Soldiers' Angels website (www.soldiersangels.org) and sign up to adopt a hero- it is a small commitment of one letter a week and a small package a month.
 
Wingtip-to-wingtip we shall make a difference.
 
Shelle Michaels
ShelleMichaels@SoldiersAngels.org
 
 
 

Franki Loves the Troops

For the second time, singer Franki Love is sharing her music with deployed soldiers through Soldiers' Angels...
 
"Sometimes music is medicine. Songs can often express what people don't know how to say." That's what Franki Love's single, Momma, does by expressing a heartfelt "Thank you, I love you, and there's no better time to tell you than today."
 
Franki Love's single, Momma, was written for her Mother as a gift. "Because we live across the country from one another (her in New York and myself in Los Angeles), it's difficult to connect like I wish we could. I often find myself feeling sad after I get off the phone with her, thinking that she probably doesn't realize how much I miss her and think of her."
 
"Momma was written at a time when my Mom was going through some very hard times and I didn't know how to comfort her," explains Franki. No material object could express what I wanted to give to her so I decided to write her a song. I sat at the keyboard and imagined that I was telling her all the things that were bottled up inside, that I never had the time to say over the phone - - and the song just poured out. I didn't think about whether this song would be on the radio - - I never imagined anyone hearing this song, except for my Mom.
 
 
Once I sent it to her, she called me and said, 'It's the best gift I have ever gotten, thank you!' For that Mother's Day, I decided to give the song to every Mother I knew and many of those women suggested I make it available for the public to purchase because of its message… a message which many find difficult to express.
 
 
Momma can be purchased for $4.99 via FrankiLove.com. In addition, with the donation of one dollar, a Momma CD will be sent to a Mother Soldier in Iraq or Afghanistan through a partnership with Soldiers' Angels.

ANGEL THANKS (again) TO DUNKIN' DONUTS!! 15 skids of coffee donated to Soldiers' Angels

Our deployed warfighters would probably love a fresh, delicious donut, though it's a bit hard to send them halfway around the world. But quality gourmet coffee travels much better and is prized by the troops... and Dunkin' Donuts (www.dunkindonuts.com/) has stepped up to the plate to provide it!

A longtime supporter of the troops in partnership with Soldiers' Angels, in 2007 Dunkin' Donuts sponsored festivities in New York with Rachel Ray (DEC '07 clip- www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfiEmN8YL60) to support the troops through donations and personal letters. More recently, Dunkin' Donuts continued their support of our heroes by donating 15 skids of Dunkin' Donuts coffee to Soldiers' Angels—675 cases of 24-oz packages, totaling about two tons and worth almost $10,000!

The coffee has been distributed to troops in Afghanistan, Iraq, and even a few stateside locations such as Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Thank you notes from grateful service members are already arriving.



Soldiers' Angels gratefully salutes Dunkin' Donuts for their continuing generous support of America's servicemen and women, enabling Soldiers' Angels to ensure that "No Soldier Go Unloved."

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NOTE:
April 21st is Dunkin' Donuts ICED COFFEE DAY!! Stop by your local U.S. Dunkin' Donuts on Tuesday April 21, 2009 and turn 50¢ into refreshment you can feel good about. You Kin' Do It. For each small Iced Coffee you buy on Iced Coffee Day, 10% of the purchase price will go to The Dunkin' Brands Community Foundation to support Homes for Our Troops.

Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Time: 12:00am - 11:55pm
Location: Dunkin' Donuts (US - Nationwide)


** Learn more about the event and Homes For Our Troops: https://www.DunkinDonuts.com/IcedCoffeeDay

Ways to Show Your Support:
DONATE YOUR STATUS and show your support. http://apps.facebook.com/icedcoffeedaystatus


Want more ways to volunteer? Learn how you can help here: http://www.homesforourtroops.org/volunteer

*Offer valid all day. Price and participation may vary. Limited time offer. ©2009. DD IP Holder LLC. All rights reserved.

**Guaranteed minimum donation $100,000. For information about the Foundation, visit http://www.DunkinBrands.com/Foundation.

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HAVE A HERO YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE COFFEE SENT TO?

Order now: www.angelsstore.org/category_s/131.htm

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Dunkin' Donuts also has the Serving Heroes Award Program- Listen to these great stories of heroes nominating our angels for this award:


August 22, 2007
- Sergeant Sam Floberg, thanking Shelle Michaels of Soldiers' Angels
http://servingheroes.com/storyFull.php?storyID=1


December 01, 2007
- David Schacherer nominating Robin Bateman (Soldiers' Angels) for her support of soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen.
http://servingheroes.com/storyFull.php?storyID=291


December 01, 2007
- Iraq veteran Dan Ehrlich, nominating his mother Sara (Soldiers' Angels) for supporting U.S. Army troops deployed overseas.
http://servingheroes.com/storyFull.php?storyID=292



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WIN COFFEE FOR YOUR HERO:
https://www.dunkindonuts.com/aboutus/contact/Feedback.aspx?type=4



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Once again... THANKS DUNKIN' DONUTS for your undying support and commitment to our troops!!
We are proud to fly wingtip-to-wingtip with you!