Soldiers' Angels Network

From the frontlines

2012-01-24T20:15:00.002-06:00

From front line packages to homefront welcome, actively supporting the troops
is an important part of understanding their sacrifice and maintaining that
special connection between Protectors and Protected...

	Bridging the Divide America's amazing band of military volunteers means most of us live in peace and safety, but it also means fewer of us have a personal connection to their service. Doing our part to support them bridges that divide. read more >
	Bare Shelves The warehouse shelves and cupboards are bare! Snacks are desperately needed to fill care packages for deployed troops. From jerky to drink powder, tuna to trail mix, our heros need us! read more >
	Save a Veteran's Employment Did you know Soldiers' Angels Support Center (warehouse) is staffed almost entirely by veterans? SAVE helps transitioning veterans find a footing in the civilian world while aiding their deployed brothers and sisters. read more
	more news >

On Bridging the Divide...

“It is important indeed that all citizens
be acquainted with what it is that our
men and women in uniform
do for our country

- David Petraeus
Former American General
Current CIA Director



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Angel-eye View - Soldiers' Angels

2012-01-19T08:55:00.000-06:00

Angel-eye View - Soldiers' Angels

Tod

Today we're highlighting three amazing Soldiers' Angels projects doing
extraordinary things for wounded and returning heroes. Click, read,
and see how you can help...

	"Dear Mom," Project Valour-IT helps wounded troops stay in touch with family, friends and their teams in the fight. Requests for voice-activated laptops and electronics for severely-wounded troops continue to pour in... read more >
	Saddle Up! Heroes & Horses is designed to provide a challenging, educational, goal-oriented experience for war veterans who can benefit from the knowledge, camaraderie and skills found in a 7-day working ranch experience. read more >
	First Stop Before Coming Home Soldiers' Angels Germany provides onsite support for patients during their stay at LRMC. Receiving comfort items as gifts from everyday Americans has a powerful effect on morale and the recovery process. read more >
	more news >

2011-12-27T08:39:00.002-06:00

Gold Star Packages

12/23/11

While his association with Soldiers’ Angels began last year in pain and sorrow, this holiday season Angel and Gold Star Father Steven Ward is paying forward the comfort and support he received. With the help of his local community, he has sent 425 holiday care packages to Afghanistan in honor of his son. “I gave him reason all his life to always give back,” Steven says, and he continues to set that example to those in his community.
In February 2011 when Steven’s Marine son was killed in Afghanistan, Soldiers’ Angels showered him with hundreds of cards and letters full of condolences and comfort. Steven was overwhelmed. Seven months later he wanted to get involved with the organization that had given him so much, so joined the Cards Plus Team and later the Letter Writing Team.
Every winter Steven, who owns a chain of barbershops in Washington, chooses a charity project to sponsor during the holidays. This year he chose to support the troops in honor of his son, and asked Soldiers’ Angels for a list of 200 names to send care packages to. Instead, he receivd 425. “That panicked me,” he says. “A lot.”
But Steven knew what to do—he reached out to other organizations that he had worked with in the past and that he knew were working on care package projects for the troops. Those organizations, plus friends and fellow Gold Star Parents in Washington each took responsibility for groups of names, covering about 100 care packages of the 425 needed.
To meet the goal of sponsoring the remaining 325 deployed heroes for the holidays, Steven put a giving tree in each of his barber shops with names of troops on it. Customers were encouraged to take a name and contribute items for a care package, sponsor an entire package, or take home a box and fill it themselves before bringing it back for Steven to ship.
Even with all the help, Steven still came up a bit short on postage for the last 200 boxes. The word went out via local TV station KREM and within two days Steven had what he needed to get everything out the door and on its way to Afghanistan! He said the hardest part was just addressing and filling out the custom forms for all those boxes.
This holiday project is likely just the beginning of Steven’s Angel work. He donated the last quarter of his proceeds from eBay sales to Soldiers’ Angels and now is looking at applying to become a Community Network Coordinator so that he can take on an official leadership role for Soldiers’ Angels in his community.
Huge Angel thanks go to Steven for his continuing commitment to support the troops amid his grief. What strong wings this new Angel has!

United We Roll Tour Show

2011-12-27T08:38:00.000-06:00

United We Roll World Tour Show
Stardust Radio www.stardustradio.com
Tuesday 12/27/91 2:00pm – 4:00pm Central (Live)
Wednesday 12/28/11 6:30pm – 8:30pm Central (Repeat)

Welcome Stardust Listeners! Thank you for joining us on United We Roll
Tuesday, the 27th day of December, 2011.

This has been such a meaningful time of year with Christmas and Holidays of major importance to so many of us. We realize that for way too many families, one or more members were stationed far from home and it was not possible to be together. At the same time, many of our first responders were on duty and not able to be with their families, as they also protected their communities and fellow Americans.

We hope you were able to tune in for our Christmas Special For Our Heroes that we broadcast live at 10am Saturday morning (Dec 24th) and then let it repeat up until 8pm Christmas night. We had some great music and wonderful shoutouts from home.

In just a few more days, we will be looking at our New Year - 2012 - and we send out our wishes that this year will be full of good health, happiness and financial security for all of you.
Now, speaking of financial security, I was told by a friend of a custom to be done each New Year's Eve that came from her family. Please forgive me as I forget what country had been their original home. You take whatever change you have and place the coins in a dish, then place the dish outside your back door on New Year's Eve night. Bring the dish back in on New Year's morning and this is supposed to keep your coin dish full throughout the New Year. Now, I am not what you would call a superstitious person, but I do eat my Blackeyed Peas on New Year's Day! The list of traditions to celebrate New Year's both here in the US and around the world is long and full of interesting items, so we will share more on them in our United We Roll Blog before this weekend.

(2:08pm) Before we can begin something new, we must finish with the current or the "old" as it may be called. Our first interview today falls in this category as we visit with TSG Tammie Moore who has been responsible for the many wonderful visits we have held weekly with members on deployment at Transit Center Manas in the Kyrgyz Republic. TSG Moore has been with the 376th AEW at TC Manas for the past 6 months and, when we talked, was about to head home, hopefully in time to beat Santa before he came down the chimney. We also had the pleasure of working with Tammie in June 2008- January 2009 and look forward to more visits together in the future. But certainly not until after this mom has had plenty of time at home with her active duty hubby and their little gal. And, Tammie, if you are listening, I have the most adorable reindeer on my Christmas tree.

(2:40pm) We have another visit coming from Transit Center Manas with the help of SrA Lynsie Nichols who has just deployed to that location as we visit with SSG Benigno Cruz, who is a medic with the 376th EMG (Expeditionary Medical Group). At home base, SSG Cruz is busy in the Allergy and Immunology unit, but on deployment, he is much more hands on in the operation of the hospital and clinic. While SSG Cruz does have a schedule, he is also on 24 hour call to treat whatever ailments need his assistance, from sports injuries to appendectomies and on. We learn a lot about the medical team in this visit and appreciate the time that SSG Cruz spent with us. More, we appreciate the time and care that SSG Cruz provides for those with whom he serves.

As we prepare to wrap up 2011, we look back at the year that we just spent with the units of the 2nd HBCT, 1st ID during their last deployment in Iraq. Many of these members had been on 4 deployments since Operation Iraqi Freedom began up to and including this year as Operation New Dawn, which was a change from a combat position to one of mentoring and training. Thus, the name change to the 2-1 AAB or Advise and Assist Brigade for the 2010-2011 deployment.

(3:11pm) We are going to bring you a repeat of our last visit with SFC Christopher Roberts, who was a member of the 2-1 Public Affairs Office and assisted in bringing us weekly interviews with the members from Dec 2010 through Nov 2011. This is an outstanding visit and, like other outstanding interviews as the 2-1 or Dagger Brigade was preparing for the end of their last deployment, they should all be heard again.

Our show will end at 4pm Central today. Remember, if you are not able to stay with us through this afternoon, this show will repeat again tomorrow evening, that is Wednesday (Dec 28th) at 6:30pm Central.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL & MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA!

****************************************************
The song, "Auld Lang Syne," playing in the background, is sung at the stroke of midnight in almost every English-speaking country in the world to bring in the new year. At least partially written by Robert Burns in the 1700's, it was first published in 1796 after Burns' death. Early variations of the song were sung prior to 1700 and inspired Burns to produce the modern rendition. An old Scottish tune, "Auld Lang Syne" literally means "old long ago," or simply, "the good old days."
Auld Lang Syne
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!
And there's a hand my trusty fiere,
And gie's a hand o thine,
And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught,
For auld lang syne
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

**********************************************************
Shoutouts For Our Troops
If your organization would like to schedule a
date and time to record shoutouts for our troops,
please email us at unitedweroll@gmail.com

... "We Thank You" ...

*********************************************************************
Stardust Radio Network Inc

SA and the USO working together to help heroes

2011-12-24T06:11:00.003-06:00

Angel Wings Lift Georgia USO

12/21/11

In what is becoming a holiday tradition for all involved, the USO at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport once again received a boost of support from local Soldiers’ Angels.
Nearly 15,000 service members pass through the Hartsfield-Jackson USO facility each holiday season. In fact,a special Personnel Assistance Point has been established at the airport simply to help manage the thousands of service members who come through each week.
On Tuesday, the height of the rush of service members expected, Community Network Coordinator Dianne Moore led a team of Angels to the USO, bearing gifts. With support from corporate headquarters, the Georgia Angels supplied the USO with $1000 worth of hot drinks, soups and basic supplies.Diane reported, “The goodies bought by Soldiers' Angels were well received and appreciated!”
Congratulations to the Georgia Angels for once again demonstrating the Soldiers' Angels principle of working together with other military support organizations to help our heroes!

The Gallery Collection Remembers and Thanks Our Troops!

2011-12-07T15:24:00.001-06:00

Dear Customer:

We wanted to let you know about something special we have done. In the spirit of the holidays and with a heartfelt "thank you" we have donated 40,000 greeting cards to Soldiers' Angels. These cards will be used to honor and welcome home our troops from Iraq.

On Friday, October 21st, President Obama announced that, "After nearly nine years, America's war in Iraq will be over." Mr. Obama declared that most of the 40,000 troops still in Iraq should be "home for the holidays."

We don't want to wander into the political realm; we simply want to recognize that 40,000 families' loved ones will soon be home. We are thankful for their willingness to serve our country.

We are proud to honor our troops and all of our veterans on this day, Dec. 7, 2011 - National Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance.

Sincerely,

H.L. DeVore
Chief Marketing Officer
The Gallery Collection by Prudent Publishing Co, Inc.

P.S. - Soldiers' Angels will be using the cards for card signing events, care packages and other purposes consistent with their mission of "May No Soldier Go Unloved." The Gallery Collection began supporting Soldiers' Angels in 2007 when we made our first large donation of greeting cards for the troops. You can read more about that here:

http://www.gallerycollection.com/blog/business-christmas-cards/gallerycollectioncom-supports-soldiers-angels

www.GalleryCollection.com • 65 Challenger Road • Ridgefield Park, New Jersey 07660 • 201-641-0070

If you no longer wish to receive emails from The Gallery Collection, please click here to unsubscribe.

The Gallery Collection by Prudent Publishing Company respects your privacy.
We will never rent, sell, trade or exchange your email address...it's strictly between us.

Soldiers Angels Kids-Pack

2011-12-03T07:47:00.001-06:00

Send our military kids some love while their parent is away!
Soldiers’ Angels proudly introduces the Kids Pack, an easy way to show America’s support for the “littlest enlistees,” children who must live the military life when their parents volunteer to serve. The Soldiers' Angels Kids Pack is designed to keep military kids happily busy during the challenging time when a parent is deployed.
Each age-appropriate pack is full of activities and gifts to bring a smile to a military kid’s face. They can write to their parent or draw them pictures, snuggle up with a book and new stuffed pal, or keep a photo diary of deployment to share when mom or dad gets home!
Kids Packs can be sent to a specific child you know, or reserved for a child Soldiers’ Angels knows who could use a boost while mom or dad is deployed.
For full details on this great to way to support military families, see the Angels Store.

Angel Eye View!

2011-11-15T08:11:00.002-06:00

Here's the latest news from Soldiers' Angels--exciting, important, and
heart-warming...

Laptops Across America
Veterans Day become Laptop Day for wounded veterans across the country when Soldiers’ Angels distributed over 130 Valour-IT laptop computers to wounded warriors from Maryland to California. read more >

Holiday Care Packages Need Wings!
Care package items to wrap every deployed hero in holiday spirit have been stacking up! Now it's time to make sure all those gifts make it across the world to our heroes. Every dollar makes a difference! read more >

A Hero's Thanks
Not every hero is a position to show his or her adopting Angel just how much Angel support means during deployment, but MSG Gehring was. Check out the amazing thing he did for his Angel! read more >

more news >

Donate Today

Thoughts on Generosity...

"What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal."

- Albert Pike
Lawyer, Journalist and Soldier
1809-1891

NATIONAL DAY OF THE DEPLOYED

2011-10-18T10:42:00.000-05:00

Soldiers' Angels is proud to announce.... Day of the Deployed, October 26, 2011 was passed with 100% yes votes by the US Senate to become a NATIONAL DAY OF HONOR!

"Day of the Deployed is a day to honor the many selfless actions demanded of military members and their loved ones across the globe serves as a tangible reminder of the sacrifice being made in homes across America every day. Every deployment reflects the deep commitment of not only the deploying member, but of the many friends and loved ones who are left behind to aid in answering our nations call. Selfless men, women and children who are called upon to set aside their personal comfort and convenience to support the heroes they call mom, dad, father, mother, brother, sister or friend." Patti Patton Bader, Soldiers' Angels Founder

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 18, 2011

ATTENTION NEWS DIRECTORS: VIDEO DOWNLOAD AVAILABLE BELOW

Click the following ftp link to download video of Hoeven’s reaction: Day of the Deployed Reax.MP4,

HOEVEN’S NATIONAL DAY OF THE DEPLOYED RESOLUTION PASSES IN THE SENATE

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven announced today that a resolution he introduced to continue honoring the nation’s deployed service men and women with a Day of the Deployed has unanimously passed in the Senate. Hoeven launched the first Day of the Deployed in 2006 while serving as Governor of North Dakota and spearheaded the effort to bring the initiative to the national level this year. The resolution, passed last night, calls on all Americans to reflect on the service of the nation’s deployed service members and to offer support to their loved ones.

“Our U.S. service men and women currently deployed, along with their loved ones, make untold sacrifices as they serve our nation,” said Hoeven. “A national Day of the Deployed pays tribute to their commitment to our country and their work to protect our freedoms. We want to ensure that our military members and their loved ones know of our appreciation and support before, during and after their service.”

On Oct. 26, 2006, then-Governor Hoeven launched the first Day of the Deployed in support of Soldiers’ Angels, a nonprofit organization that aids deployed American military personnel and their families. The effort spread, and in 2010, 40 states had proclaimed a Day of the Deployed.

“Working with John Hoeven on Day of the Deployed since 2006 in North Dakota has been an honorable way to extend appreciation to the deployed service members and their families. Day of the Deployed is recognition for their hard work, dedication and commitment to the United States of America. This day is all about them,” said Shelle Michaels, Soldiers’ Angels Deputy Director of Development.

“More than 2 million Americans currently serve in the Unites States Armed Forces. These men and women are making great scarifies to ensure the safety and security of our great nation.

Next Wednesday, October 26, is the Day of the Deployed. I encourage people in North Dakota and across our nation to take a moment to recognize and celebrate America’s heroes — our men and women in uniform. They deserve our support and the thanks of a grateful nation,” said Senator Kent Conrad, a cosponsor of the resolution.

Currently, more than 2.27 million people serve as members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including those in the active guard and reserve components, with thousands of members deployed each year to 150 countries around the world. The resolution calls on Americans to reflect on the service of the nation’s soldiers and encourages ceremonies and activities on Oct. 26 to mark the Day of the Deployed.

-###-

The Resolution reads as...

112th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. RES. 253

Designating October 26, 2011, as `Day of the Deployed'.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

Introcduded August 2, 2011

Passed October 17, 2011

Mr. HOEVEN submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

RESOLUTION

Designating October 26, 2011, as `Day of the Deployed'.

Whereas more than 2,250,000 people serve as members of the United States Armed Forces;

Whereas several hundred thousand members of the Armed Forces rotate each year through deployments to 150 countries in every region of the world;

Whereas more than 2,200,000 members of the Armed Forces have deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks;

Whereas the United States is kept strong and free by the loyal people who protect our precious heritage through their positive declaration and actions;

Whereas the deployed members of the Armed Forces serving at home and abroad have courageously answered the call to duty to defend the ideals of the United States and to preserve peace and freedom around the world;

Whereas members of the Armed Forces and veterans personify the virtues of patriotism, service, duty, courage, and sacrifice;

Whereas the families of members of the Armed Forces make important and significant sacrifices for the United States;

Whereas North Dakota began honoring the members of the Armed Forces and their families by designating October 26 as `Day of the Deployed' in 2006; and

Whereas 40 States designated October 26, 2010, as `Day of the Deployed': Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate--

(1) honors the members of the United States Armed Forces who are deployed at home and abroad;

(2) calls on the people of the United States to reflect on the service of those members of the United States Armed Forces, wherever they serve, both now and in the future;

(3) designates October 26, 2011, as `Day of the Deployed'; and

(4) encourages the people of the United States to observe `Day of the Deployed' with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

Soldiers Angels Day of the Deployed - YouTube

2011-10-15T07:03:00.000-05:00

DAY OF THE DEPLOYED OCT. 26TH

Soldiers Angels Day of the Deployed - YouTube

“call for volunteers”

2011-10-14T13:15:00.000-05:00

Hi Patti –

Would you help us promote our “call for volunteers” for our annual toy drive? See announcement below for Facebook…please have it connect to the link included. We would appreciate any help! Thanks. Susan

Operation Homefront would like to invite you to participate in their annual Holiday Toy Drive in conjunction withDollar Treestores nationwide. From Nov. 1 – Dec. 6, 2011, Dollar Tree stores nationwide will be collecting toys for military children and they need volunteers to collect and and help distribute these toys for military families in the area. Click on the link below and to find an available store in your area.

https://www.operationhomefront.net/collectionvolunteerform.aspx?id=13989

Susan A Miller

Online Communications Director

Operation Homefront

210-659-7756

susan.miller@operationhomefront.net

Welcome Angel

2011-10-12T05:17:00.000-05:00

Soldier Turns Angel
10/11/11

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Veteran Kelli Harmon knows what the support of Soldiers’ Angels means to troops and their families, so she jumped at the chance to join the team in September. Kelli is the Soldiers’ Angels Social Media Coordinator, a position in which she will focus on spreading the message of Soldiers’ Angels through mediums like Facebook, Twitter and other online avenues.

Soldiers’ Angels and Kelli have been partners for several years already. She initially encountered the organization in 2008 when Toby Nunn stopped in at the Fort Hood BOSS (Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers) office while she was the BOSS President for Ft Hood. As a previous Fort Hood BOSS President himself, Toby was interested in supporting Kelli’s efforts in the position. Toby and Kelli worked together on a number of large-scale events that Soldiers’ Angels supported. “During my two years as BOSS President, Soldiers’ Angels was the most supportive organization and they truly showed that they do care about Soldiers,” Kelli recalls.

In April 2010, Kelli was deployed to Camp Marmal, in Regional Command-North, Afghanistan with the 4th Infantry Division, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade and soon became the Brigade’s BOSS Representative. The Camp had no morale facilities when she arrived, so she set to work gathering resources to change that, including Soldiers’ Angels. Her efforts brought about MWR opportunities that included a gym, USO facility, basketball and volleyball courts, a movie theatre and a number of special events. Kelli’s tremendous work during her deployment garnered her two Army Commendation Medals and a Bronze Star.

Giving back to those around her has always been a part of Kelli’s life. Before spending 6.5 years in the military, she chose a career as a firefighter before discovering that she felt as though she still was not contributing enough to her country. “I loved it and will go back at some point,” she says, “but I wasn’t giving back enough as a firefighter.”

With her background and experience, working with Soldiers’ Angels after her military service was a natural fit. “The dedication of Soldiers’ Angels to the average Soldier and Veteran led me to choose Soldiers’ Angels as my next place of employment,” Kelli says. “I’m really excited to be working with Soldiers’ Angels.”

Soldiers’ Angels is excited to have Kelli on the team! Thank you to Kelli for her service—past, present and certainly future!

The Third Annual Soldiers’ Angels Sale-abration

2011-09-27T15:24:00.000-05:00

Dear Angels and Friends,

The Third Annual Soldiers’ Angels Sale-abration is just under one month away and here in San Antonio at the Soldiers’ Angels Support Center we’re getting very excited—lots of items are being offered up for sale, and even a gourmet food company is joining us to cook and donate!

Sale-abration is an annual nationwide garage/yard sale, held this year on October 21-23, 2011. Over the years, this special event has drawn together people across the nation to clear out their homes, support the troops, and spread the word about Soldiers’ Angels in their communities. It is a tremendous opportunity to raise awareness of the needs of military personnel, veterans and their families, and show patriotic Americans how to support them through activities such as signing cards for deployed and wounded heroes.

It’s not too late to start! This is a great event for a school or church, a Scout/youth group, or any organization. Get your whole neighborhood involved in one big yard sale! If you would like to hold a sale, please sign up here and start spreading the news to your friends and neighbors: www.soldiersangels.org/garage-sale-signup

If you would like to assist someone else who is holding a sale, you can find a location near you: www.soldiersangels.org/index.php?page=sales-pick-state

Sellers who register will receive information packets, including flyers and suggestions for improving the sale and its impact. Help with press releases and local media will also be available. For questions, email events@soldiersangels.org

Please join us and sign up now to participate in a garage/yard sale for Sale-abration!

Wingtip-to-wingtip,

Toby Nunn
Executive Director
www.soldiersangels.org
www.facebook.com/SoldiersAngelsOfficial

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Soldiers’ Angels Sewing Team Directions

2011-09-23T19:26:00.002-05:00

Soldiers’ Angels Sewing Team
PATRIOT PILLOWCASES
GOAL: To bring cheer to our wounded heroes at Combat Support Hospitals in Afghanistan
FABRIC: Cottons/Flannels
1 yard (approx.) of 45” fabric(s)
NEW fabric only – Please WASH the fabric
COLORS: Bright and/or patriotic colors
SIZES: 21” x 32” finished size
NOTE: - Minimum of 5 pillowcases per shipment
- The California warehouse is no longer in service.
SHIPPING: From ALL LOCATIONS:
Soldiers' Angels
BLANKETS OF BELIEF
4408 N. PanAm Expressway
San Antonio, TX 78218
TIMELINE: PATRIOT PILLOWCASES is an ongoing project.
THANK YOU on behalf of Soldiers’ Angels and the troops we serve!
Dee Jerge
Vice President - Sewing Team
blanketsofhope@soldiersangels.org
Visit www.SoldiersAngels.org for more information and pictures.
Do you crochet or knit?
Please contact crochet@soldiersangels.org for more information about making craft items.

Soldiers' Angels (Official) Premiere of Dolphin Tale

2011-09-14T09:22:00.000-05:00

Only days away from the Soldiers' Angels (Official) Premiere of Dolphin Tale in San Antonio make sure to sign up and get your tix here!!!

// GRACE HILL MEDIA \\

Only 6 days left

2011-08-25T07:39:00.000-05:00

Holiday Care Package 2011 Presale!

For the first time EVER we are offering a pre-pre sale on our Holiday 2011 Care Package!

Get it now for 25% off!

That's only $18.75 to ensure that our soldiers know they are loved this Holiday Season.

This year's care package will include:

1 Blanket of Belief

1 SA Logo Thermal Mug

2 Pairs of Socks

5 Packages of Hot Cocoa

6 Assorted Snacks

Optional: Holiday Card with Message

Phone Card

or Snack Pack

Click Here to order now!

Offer ends August 31 2011.

Coupon Code: Holiday2011

Encourage a Vet Like a Page

2011-08-24T08:56:00.000-05:00

The Hero Organization

Let's be sure to go to Green Smoke Racing and TJ Bell Fan Page to become fans on facebook to thank them for helping The HERO Organization by supporting Soldiers' Angels (Official) again on the #50 Chevrolet Green Smoke NASCAR Cup car. We couldn't do any of this without the help of Green Smoke and their commitment to help the heroes of America!

It will take a Nation to heal a war..Granny is one of the Nation!

2011-08-23T08:28:00.000-05:00

just gotta tell ya about this....4 louisiana soldiers drove in Sunday for our soldier fishin trip on monday....we planned a bbque for them an got a free room as well...i invited hank,,,the marine father that lost his son....well,,,the thing that really touched me is how this one louisiana soldier really made a difference in this fathers life,,,sgt derek callaway talked an talked with him sgt callaways job is meeting soldiers in louisiana that have been killed in action...it seems that derek really made a difference in hanks life...an i gotta tell ya...these crazy cajun soldiers had a great sense of humor..

i posted the pixs of the fishin trip on face book an it was a great success....32 soldiers attended....i got to ride in the boat with the air conditioned cabin...lol....i just cant take the heat anymore....wlox did a story,,,when i get it will send it to ya....grannyhugs

United We Roll World Tour Show

2011-08-23T07:31:00.002-05:00

United We Roll World Tour Show

Stardust Radio www.stardustradio.com

Tuesday 8/23/11 2:00pm – 4:00pm Central (Live)

Wednesday 8/24/11 6:30pm – 8:30pm Central (Repeat)

Welcome Stardust Listeners! Thank you for joining us on United We Roll

Tuesday, the 23rd day of Aug, 2011.

On today's show, we will check in with two deployed members, one in the Army and one serving with the Air Force. Each of our guests share a wealth of information with us that will touch on a large variety of military service and lifestyle issues. Remember, if you are not able to stay with us through the afternoon from 2-4pm Central today, this show will repeat again tomorrow, Wednesday, Aug 24th at 6:30pm Central.

(2:08pm) For our first visit, we are joined by Army 1LT Calvin King, who is on his 4th deployment since Jan 2002 and, as he says, his boys are growing up while he is gone. 1LT King holds down a minimum of two areas of responsibility with C Co/299th Brigade Support Battalion, 2-1 AAB as the Brigade Medical Supply Officer and also serves with the Convoy Commando Security which provide supplies to other bases and camps. This dedicated officer provides medical supplies for a brigade of around 4,000 soldiers as well as medical maintenance support to several battalion aid stations. Four deployments since Jan 2002 is a lot of time away from home. We cannot begin to thank 1LT King, his fellow soldiers and all their families for all they have done and still do every day.

(2:59pm) How would unit activities and events be documented if there were not Historians to collect, edit and make sure the information gets to its destination? Surprisingly there are not a lot of military Historians, but we have the honor of visiting with Mr. Faron Thompson this afternoon, who is currently on deployment with the 376th AEW at Transit Center Manas in Kyrgyzstan. As the Historian for the 376th, Mr Thompson is documenting all that goes on from the many units and offices around that base. The records from today will be the history of tomorrow.

We would like to express our appreciation to some folks without whom the visits this week would not be possible. Our deepest appreciation goes to Army CPT Selina Tolonen and Air Force TSgt Tammie Moore.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL & MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA!

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"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war,

no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceived

veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by our nation."

George Washington

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Press 1 For Enough!

Last week we talked about specific numbers from White House salaries,

military salaries and other actual numbers.

Some of these numbers will really get your attention!

Join us this Wednesday as we continue our discussion.

Wednesdays at 6pm Central

Tune in (www.stardustradio.com - click Listen Live)

Call in (319-648-5143 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 319-648-5143 end_of_the_skype_highlighting /877-213-4329 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 877-213-4329 end_of_the_skype_highlighting)

Join us each week for real discussions on real matters for Americans.

WEAR R.E.D FRIDAY

2011-08-19T09:25:00.002-05:00

Flying Flags

2011-08-19T03:52:00.000-05:00

Flying Flags Raises Funds
08/18/11
Last year’s Soldiers’ Angels Gold Star Family Event in Florida has spawned a patriotic fundraiser that is now set to go year-round.

The Gold Star Family Event gathers parents and siblings of fallen soldiers to Northwest Florida (NWF) for a weekend of fellowship with those who understand, under the guidance of a top grief counselor supplied by NWF Soldiers’ Angels. Angel Deb singlehandedly raised the money to fund the event last year, but this year she reached out to fellow NWF Angels for assistance in supporting 90 grieving family members.

Under the leadership of Angel John Adkins, the Pier Park flags project was born. In its first weekend, the project raised $1600. Year-round American flag events are now planned and the team expects to far exceed the funding needs of the Gold Star Family Event itself. The additional funds raised will go to local and national Soldiers’ Angels activities in support of troops and their families.

Here’s how it works: a person or business anywhere in the country donates $100 to have a 3’ X 5’ dedication flag set up five times per year at Pier Park in Panama City, Florida or at their Panama Cirty home or business (Piers Park is a beautifull shopping plaza directly adjacent to a veterans’ memorial). The flag will have a dedication tag attached to it, honoring a person, business, idea or group chosen by the donor. Other 501(c)(3) organizations, especially groups associated with public school music/arts/sports activity programs, can also use this as a fundraising method by receiving 25% of funds for their own event raised with Soldiers’ Angels.

“We hope to cover Pier Park in dedicated flags,” says Adkins. Beyond Northwest Florida, he envisions Angels across the country ultimately creating similar programs to raise money for local or national Soldiers’ Angels activities.

The first batch of flag materials (flags, poles and stands) were purchased by an anonymous donor. Now, two local building supply companies are donating supplies and flags. All labor is also donated.

For more information or to sponsor a flag, email Adkins at koolness@knology.net.

CALLING ALL ANGELS!

2011-08-18T19:03:00.000-05:00

CALLING ALL ANGELS!

Our Soldiers’ Angels Texas warehouse needs your help collecting special items just for our female troops!

Items most needed are:
Tampons
Panty Liners
Maxi-pads
Lotions & Hand Creams
Body Wash
Shampoo with Conditioner
Deodorant
Feminine Wipes
Hair Elastic Ties in
Black or Brown

Ladies can help the ladies!
Please ask your local veteran’s org ladies’ auxiliaries,
Avon & Mary Kay reps, Red Hat Society groups,
Women’s sports teams & bible study groups,
Or even Girl Scout troops….
To all please chip in and help!

Once collected, please ship your items along with your contact information to:
Soldiers' Angels
4408 N PanAm Exprwy
San Antonio, TX 78218

Soldiers’ Angels Org, nonprofit 503 (c)(3) since 2003, website: www.soldiersangels.org,
TAX ID #20-0583415, Questions contact: cvink@soldiersangels.org

SUPPLIES NEEDED!!

2011-08-16T05:07:00.000-05:00

The Soldiers' Angels Warehouse in San Antonio is in need of the following items:

toothbrushes
deodorant
baby wipes
non-perishable food items (especially tuna and jerky)
individual drink packets
nuts
raisins
microwaveable meals

If you can get these, wonderful, and thank you SO much! Please can ship them to:

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

United We Roll World Tour Show

2011-08-15T07:37:00.000-05:00

United We Roll World Tour Show

Stardust Radio www.stardustradio.com

Tuesday 8/16/11 2:00pm – 4:00pm Central (Live)

Wednesday 8/17/11 6:30pm – 8:30pm Central (Repeat)

Welcome Stardust Listeners! Thank you for joining us on United We Roll

Tuesday, the 16th day of Aug, 2011.

On this week's show, we will check in with three deployed members, two in the Army, and one serving with the Air Force. Every one of these visits will reach into your hearts today. These were taped time wise rather close together and we did have some phone line difficulties, esp to the outer bases which you will hear, but they do not distort the whole of the visits by any means. Remember, if you are not able to stay with us through the afternoon today, this show will repeat again tomorrow, Wednesday, Aug 17th at 6:30pm Central.

(2:10pm) For our first visit, we are joined by Army CPT Steven Hamby, who is currently on deployment with the 5/4 CAV, 2-1 AAB, and is still putting in 12-15 hours per day as his unit works hard not only to train Iraqi counterparts, but also to prepare places such as JSS Falcon - better known as FOB Falcon to so many - for the recent turnover to Iraqi Security forces. My respect and my heart continue to grow with each visit which we are blessed to host with the men and women who protect freedom for us and others.

(2:49pm) Our next visit takes us to the beautiful countryside of Kyrgyzstan and Transit Center Manas, where we visit with TSgt Patrick Cozad, who is the lead technician of a shop with the 376th EAMS (Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron) where they keep KC-135 refueling tankers in top maintenance shape and ready to fly. TSG Cozad and his team are acutely aware that keeping the planes in the air keeps other planes fueled and providing overhead protection for our troops on the ground. This is a beautiful visit that you do not want to miss.

(3:31pm) Our final visit is with Army SSG Scott Parham of Alpha Battery, 1-7 FA, 2-1 AAB where he is the Howitzer Section Chief and HQ Platoon Sergeant. At times, the sound will be pretty rough, but this is how it can be when you are talking with a unit that does not have the communication links that a full sized base has. But with the wonderful information that SSG Parham brings to share with us, it is worth staying tuned to catch all that you can.

We would like to express our appreciation to some folks without whom the visits this week would not be possible. Our deepest appreciation goes to Army CPT Selina Tolonen, Sgt Daniel Stoutamire and Air Force TSgt Tammie Moore.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL & MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA!

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Last American
Red Cross Team Leaves Iraq (JBB)

While we have followed the drawdown and the changes with Operation New Dawn as it is called in the final stages in Iraq, we are beginning to see some definite signs that the closing chapters are upon us. One is the recent closing of the last American Red Cross Team to leave Iraq on August 1st, which had opened its doors in June 2003 at Joint Base Balad. We will have more information on this during our show.

We the family members of those who serve send our deepest appreciation to the members of the ARC for all that they have done to bring comfort to our loved ones in Iraq in a variety of ways. You, too will never be forgotten. An article on the closing of this ARC unit is available in our United We Roll Blog at www.stardustradio.com, click on the United We Roll page and click on the Blog button on top left.

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Congratulations to a Great Patriot and Hero

2011-08-14T22:24:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

St. Paul, Minnesota, August 14, 2011

Military Order of the Purple Heart Elects William R. Hutton as National Commander

On August 13, 2011, William R. Hutton of Thousand Oaks, California was elected as National Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, a national veteran service organization with more than 44,000 members.

Bill Hutton enlisted and served in the United States Marine Corps from 1965-1969 and was assigned to the Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division during his tour of duty in Vietnam (1966). While serving in Vietnam, he was wounded three times with the last occurring on September 28, 1966 while leading his company up Hill 400, which was well fortified with North Vietnamese machine gun bunkers and had held off the Marine Company for two days. For his actions, Bill was awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart medal with second star and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

After returning to the states, Bill was assigned to the Military Police in Santa Ana, California. While serving in that capacity, he was sent on temporary orders to attend the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Academy for an intense 16 week course in law enforcement procedures. After graduation, Bill returned to the Marine Air Facility in Santa Ana and was assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID). Hutton was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps as a Staff Sergeant (E-6) in 1969.

In April, 1969, Bill joined the ranks of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department where he served in every major division including narcotics for over thirty five years. In 1993, Bill was awarded the Medal for Bravery and the Distinguished Service Award for saving the life of a fellow deputy whose weapon had been taken in a struggle with a "Hell's Angel" motorcycle club member who was under the influence of heroin.

Bill has been a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart since 1997 and has held every leadership position in the Order up to and now including, National Commander. Bill is most proud of his work as a Department Service Officer and his close relationship with the hard working National Service Officers who provide services to our veterans and their families through the National Service Program of the Military Order of the Purple Heart..

Hutton’s goals during his tenure as Commander include improving all aspects of service to veterans and their families, expanding and improving the National Service Program of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, improving communications at all levels within the organization, and expanding the active involvement of local chapters and state departments in veteran support activities.

The organization now known as the "Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc.," (MOPH) was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all combat wounded veterans and active duty men and women who have received the decoration. Chartered by the Congress, The MOPH is unique among Veteran Service Organizations in that all its members were wounded in combat. For this sacrifice, they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal. With grants from the MOPH Service Foundation, the MOPH and its Ladies Auxiliary promote Patriotism, Fraternalism, and the Preservation of America's military history. Most importantly, through veteran service, they provide comfort and assistance to all Veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless, and those requiring employment assistance. Through the VAVS program, MOPH volunteers selflessly provide assistance to hospitalized veterans at VA medical facilities and State Veterans Homes.

For information contact:

National Public Relations Director, John Bircher, 352-753-5535

Email: PublicRelations@Purpleheart.org

Smoke and NO SMOKE SA AND NASCAR

2011-08-10T07:24:00.000-05:00

At this weekend’s Watkins Glen NASCAR Race (Sunday, 1p.m. ET on ESPN), keep your eyes peeled for the Green Smoke Chevy, driven by T.J. Bell. Right behind each door will be the Soldiers’ Angels logo, and a decal on the bumper will read “Text Soldier to 20222,” encouraging viewers to donate. There’s a lot more to the story, including a very special American hero who has been made an honorary pit crew member with full NASCAR qualifications, so check it out!

The press release from The Hero Organization spills the beans about that honorary crew member:

In addition to representing Miami-based Green Smoke®, Bell will race for a special cause. He recently formed an alliance with the Helping Early Responders Organization (H.E.R.O.). H.E.R.O.'s primary mission is to support and assist the non-profit organizations that help the men and women who are firefighters, police officers, E.M.T.s, members of our armed services and their families in their time of greatest need. Bell and Green Smoke will host these heroes as their trackside guests. The Watkins Glen H.E.R.O. will be Captain Dennis H. Knowles and the non-profit organization that H.E.R.O. will feature is Soldiers' Angels.

"Captain Dennis Knowles will be with our Green Smoke® Chevy team this week at Watkins Glen," Bell said, of his guest that is a graduate of Buffalo State College and Canisius College. "Captain Knowles has served our country for twelve years and he’s now able to be on inactive reserve. It gives him the opportunity to be an asset and inspiration to the Addison Central School District where he teaches sixth grade. Hopefully the honors he’s earned for his years of service at the World Trade Center site, in Kuwait and Afghanistan make as much of an impression on his students as they have on me.”

Since Captain Knowles is a military veteran, the No. 50 Green Smoke® Chevy will feature a special Soldiers’ Angels “Text Soldier to 20222” decal as part of the team’s alliance with H.E.R.O. Soldiers’ Angels volunteers provide aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, veterans and their families. By texting “Soldier” to 20222, racing fans will be able to immediately donate $5 to the Soldier’s Angels non-profit organization.

Check out the Green Smoke car (without the Soldiers' Angels logo, which won't be revealed until later this week), so you know what to keep an eye out for Sunday!

UNITED WE ROLL TOUR

2011-08-09T05:14:00.000-05:00

United We Roll World Tour Show
Stardust Radio www.stardustradio.com
Tuesday 8/09/11 2:00pm – 4:00pm Central (Live)
Wednesday 8/10/11 6:30pm – 8:00pm Central (Repeat)

Welcome Stardust Listeners! Thank you for joining us on United We Roll
Tuesday, the 9th day of July, 2011.

Our hearts are heavy with grief and with deep sadness for the families of the 38 international military coalition members who were killed Saturday when their Chinook helicopter went down in Afghanistan, reportedly from being hit by an insurgent's rocket propelled grenade or RPG. A total of 30 American troops, seven Afghan soldiers and an Afghan interpreter died in the crash. The U.S. service members aboard the helicopter included five aircrew and 25 personnel from the U.S. Navy Seals.

As do some units within the US Armed Forces, the Navy Seals have a foundation that exists to provide assistance to the families of fallen members. You can reach out to help the families of these Fallen Heroes through this organization located at http://navysealfoundation.org/
As tight as our economy is, perhaps this is also a time when our neighborhoods should become tighter. Perhaps we should make the effort to get to know our neighbors better and to be aware of each others' needs - as was the way of life in the "old days". Checking in on each other and sharing a cup of milk or a few freshly baked rolls. Maybe this is one way that we would not have wounded Vets or elderly neighbors locked away alone in their apartments or homes when they really need a friendly voice. Maybe it could even lead to those fun ole block parties. Just a thought.
Now, to today's show, we will check in with two deployed members, both in the Army, but one stationed with an Air Force unit. Then we will also visit with a young man who has dedicated his time and efforts to a very special project. Remember, if you are not able to stay with us through the afternoon today, this show will repeat again tomorrow, Wednesday, Aug 10th at 6:30pm Central.

(2:10pm) We start off with an interesting visit with Army Sgt Melissa Mathes, who is on deployment with the USAF and the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing at Transit Center Manas. Sgt Mathes will tell us about her job as a Veterinary Technician, looking after the health of the dogs and her interesting military journey. This is a wonderful visit for dog lovers and all.

(2:49pm) Our next visit takes us to Iraq as we share a truly inspirational visit with 1LT Christopher Generazio, who is on deployment with HHC 2-1 STB, (2-1AAB). Coming from a family military history that reaches right into your heart, 1LT Generazio graduated from West Point as did his father and he shares many thoughts with us regarding his service and being part of the closing chapter in Iraq.

(3:29pm) Our final visit actually began with an inspirational relationship between a grandfather and grandson. Steven Behnke, the grandson and an extinguished music student, wanted to bring top quality music to Veterans at their retirement homes, hospitals, events, basically anywhere a live band could perform for those who have defended our freedom. I can bet, after you hear the musical piece from the Patriot Brass ensemble, that you will also go their website and purchase one of their CD's.

We would like to express our appreciation to some folks without whom the visits this week would not be possible. Our deepest appreciation goes to Army CPT Selina Tolonen and Air Force TSgt Tammie Moore.

We thank our listeners for tuning in and keeping in touch with our Heroes of Freedom as they share their experiences and thoughts with us at home. From the volunteers here at United We Roll and Stardust Radio, we wish all of you a safe and happy week.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL & MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA!

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"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war,
no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceived
veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by our nation."
George Washington

United We Roll World Tour Show

2011-07-26T06:41:00.000-05:00

United We Roll World Tour Show
Stardust Radio www.stardustradio.com
Tuesday 7/26/11 2:00pm – 3:30pm Central (Live)
Wednesday 7/27/11 6:30pm – 8:00pm Central (Repeat)

Welcome Stardust Listeners! Thank you for joining us on United We Roll
Tuesday, the 26th day of July, 2011.

On today's show, we will check in with two deployed members, one from the Army and one from the Air Force members. Then we will also visit with a Marine who is out of the service and making the transition into civilian life. Remember, if you are not able to stay with us through the afternoon today, this show will repeat again tomorrow, Wednesday, July 27th at 6:30pm Central.

(2:11pm) We start off with a very inspirational visit with Army SSG Jermaine Hollis, who is deployed in Iraq with HHC (Headquarters and Headquarters Company), 299th BSB (Brigade Support Battalion), 2-1 AAB (Advise and Assist Brigade).

(2:43pm) Our next visit takes us to Transit Center Manas in Kyrgyzstan to speak with TSG Eric Lacroix who is deployed there with the 376th EMG (Expeditionary Maintenance Group).

(3:20pm) I am sure we see the news reports almost every day where many of our Vets are returning home, leaving the service and trying to find jobs to move back into the civilian life. Making the transition is not easy and employment is not a simple thing to find. Our next guest, Craig Siwarga, recently left the Marines where he was a Staff Sergeant to make a new life in the civilian world with the help of a new Soldiers Angels program called SAVE – Save A Veterans Employment. www.soldiersangels.org

We would like to express our appreciation to some folks without whom the visits this week would not be possible. Our deepest appreciation goes to Army CPT Selina Tolonen and Air Force TSgt Tammie Moore.

As always, our hearts and prayers go out to all of our military members, families, Veterans and to all of our first responders & their families - everyone who puts their lives on hold and on the line for us and our families.

We thank our listeners for tuning in and keeping in touch with our Heroes of Freedom as they share their experiences and thoughts with us at home. From the volunteers here at United We Roll and Stardust Radio, we wish all of you a safe and happy week.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL & MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA!

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"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war,
no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceived
veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by our nation."
George Washington

http://soldiersangels.org/day-deployed.html

2011-07-20T04:32:00.000-05:00

How You Can Participate
A growing nationwide movement, Day of the Deployed has been celebrated every October 26 since 2005. It’s a time for Americans to reaffirm their patriotism and allegiance to flag and country, and to honor the brave men and women in uniform who are selflessly putting their lives on the line to protect and preserve America.

Why a Day of the Deployed?

A day to honor the many selfless actions demanded of military members and their loved ones across the globe serves as a tangible reminder of the sacrifice being made in homes across America every day. Every deployment reflects the deep commitment of not only the deploying member, but of the many friends and loved ones who are left behind to aid in answering our nations call. Selfless men, women and children who are called upon to set aside their personal comfort and convenience to support the heroes they call mom, dad, father, mother, brother, sister or friend.

Each year on October 26, Soldiers’ Angels, local and state governments, and groups of volunteers arrange special events to celebrate the courage and sacrifice of deployed military personnel and their families. To get involved in your state or to host an event in coordination with your state captain, please contact DayoftheDeployed@soldiersangels.org or join us on Facebook.

In honor of Day of the Deployed, businesses are encouraged to display the proclamation and individuals are encouraged to honor a deployed service member in any way they can think of, such as assisting the hero's family with daily chores, raking leaves, watching their children, or adopting a hero, etc.

You can download a Soldiers' Angels Day of the Deployed logo, proclamation to print (pdf), a poem to be read at events, and a list of ideas for how to show your appreciation and support for deployed military personnel and their families. Also, please take the time to sign the petition to make Day of the Deployed a national day of honor. For more information, you can visit Day of the Deployed on Facebook or email dayofthedeployed@soldiersangels.org.

Patti Patton-Bader, Soldiers' Angels Founder
Shelle Michaels

Design Our Next Tshirt

2011-07-15T08:34:00.000-05:00

Design the Next Angel T-shirt!

06/28/11

ANGELS, DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES
TO DESIGN A SOLDIERS ANGELS T-SHIRT?

Soldiers' Angels is accepting design entries for the next Angel t-shirt from July 1 - 27 and the best design will be selected by vote on July 28. The winner will be announced Aug 1.
Please email your designs to marktag@soldiersangels.org. If you submit a design, you give Soldiers' Angels the right to use/print it in whatever manner Soldiers' Angels chooses.
The winner will receive a free t-shirt and Soldiers' Angels will send a care package to their adopted soldier or any soldier that they wish.
All we ask is that you have fun with your design and don't forget to wear R.E.D. (Remember Everybody Deployed) on Friday to show your support for the troops!

Be a part of making a difference!

2011-07-14T10:39:00.001-05:00

YOU are Needed!

07/13/11

I cannot reinforce to you how much your support means
to every one of us. Please know that you are
truly making a difference. - LT "J"

Regardless of the challenge, there is no doubt that when patriotic Americans pull together, we can make miracles happen. Would you like to adopt a deployed hero but don't think you can take on the financial responsibility in these challenging times? The need for adopting Angels is huge, and there are options no matter your situation. In some cases, all you need is a single care package item, or even just your packing skills!

Team Up with a Friend -- Whether it's your office mate, best friend, the family next door or a retiree from church, tell someone about Soldiers' Angels and adopting a hero. Together you can split the costs of sending just one care package a month and take turns writing that one letter a week.

Bring a Group Onboard -- Talk to your company about supporting an individual or a unit. Participants can donate a single item for a care package or a couple dollars of postage each month. All you have to do is pack it up! This is a great option for community organizations like sports teams/clubs, churches, youth groups (scouts), schools and Chambers of Commerce. By working through a group, everyone helps as they can and another soldier knows he or she is not forgotten. When you've assembled a group that would like to support an individual hero or a whole unit, email groups@soldiersangels.org for tips and assistance.

Be a Substitute Angel -- Do you know someone who says they're just too busy to adopt a soldier? Offer to do it for them! You can take on the responsibility of writing a weekly letter to your adopted hero while your co-adopter takes just five minutes per month to order pre-made care packages for your hero from the Angels Store.

Short-term Adoption -- Sometimes service members sign up for support just a couple of months before they are scheduled to return. By the time they get to the top of the waiting list, they only need an Angel for about two months before mailstop begins. To adopt one of these heroes for three months or less when available, email special@soldiersangels.org to be placed on the short-timers alert list.

One-time Care Package -- This is a great option if you can't take on the responsibility of long-term support right now. You can have the fun and satisfaction of assembling a great care package whenever you have the opportunity, and all the cooperative suggestions above can apply. To get a hero's address for a one-time care package, email sacorporate@soldiersangels.org.

With each person doing what they can, we will all ensure that "No Soldier Go Unloved." Let's pull together and get these 1300 waiting heroes adopted!

You have no idea what effect you have on a soldier
who receives something in the mail from a complete stranger
who is willing to give. - SPC James

ORGINALLY POSTED 2010

2011-07-12T20:33:00.000-05:00

A Soldier’s Hike for our Heroes
Commemorative Bat Supports 7,000-Mile Drum Hike
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Louisville Slugger® is going to bat for deployed military men and women and their families. The company that makes the Official Bat of Major League Baseball® is making special bats to honor and support the military. $10 from the sale of each of these special bats will be donated to Hike for Our Heroes, which supports the Soldiers’ Angels organization.
The special Louisville Slugger bats are in honor of deployed American military and their families and the sacrifices they make to keep our country safe and free. The idea came as Louisville Slugger prepared to work with SPC Troy Yocum, an Iraq War veteran fromLouisville, who plans to hike 7,000 miles across America over the course of 16 months. His journey begins on Saturday, April 17^th at 9:00 a.m. at the Big Bat outside Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. He will play his drum as he hikes across the country to “drum up” support for deployed military and their families.
“We’re honored to support Troy’s effort to help the families of deployed American military men and women,” said Hillerich & Bradsby Co. VP of Corporate Communications Rick Redman. “Our soldiers, sailors, and airmen and women make incredible sacrifices for their country and for all of us back home. We are grateful for their service.”
The special bats come in black or natural finish and have a special “Drum Hike” logo for Troy’s Hike for Our Heroes journey. In addition, purchasers of these special Louisville Slugger bats can have their own name or someone else’s name engraved on the barrel along with special messages such as “Honoring Military Families” or “National Day of the Deployed.”
“I and many others connected to the U.S. military hope to one day see Washington recognize our military with a National Day of the Deployed,” Yocum said. “I’ll be gathering signatures from mayors and governors on these special Drum Hike logo Louisville Slugger bats as I hike across America. I plan to present the signed bats to the White House and seek the President’s support for a National Day of the Deployed.”
The special Drum Hike logo personalized bats are $75 each, with Louisville Slugger donating $10 from each bat sold to Hike for Our Heroes and military families. The bats can be purchased at www.sluggergifts.com or by going to www.drumhike.com.
-www.slugger.com-

It was the first time I felt whole since I’d woken up wounded

2011-07-01T13:29:00.000-05:00

It was the first time I felt whole since I’d woken up wounded in Landstuhl.–Major Charles "Chuck" Ziegenfuss, on using a voice-controlled laptop

To donate to the overall campaign, use the Give Now! button on the right--->
To donate to Team Army, go here.
To donate to Team USMC, go here.
?To donate to Team USN, go here.
To donate to Team USF, go here.
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:

Six Months Of Christmas

2011-07-01T03:41:00.000-05:00

Six Months of Christmas

Just Twelve Days of Christmas? Here at Soldiers’ Angels we're stretching it out to six whole months to make sure our troops know how much they are loved and appreciated when the Winter Holidays finally arrive!
Every year, Soldiers’ Angels aims to send a Wrapped in Holiday Spirit care package to each deployed hero. Budgets are tight this year, but we can do it all together... a little bit at a time…
For each of the next six months, Soldiers’ Angels will focus on collecting one component of the Wrapped in Holiday Spirit care package. Whether you send a pair of socks in a small padded envelope, or a big box of handmade blankets, every bit will add up to fantastic packages full of love for our deployed troops during the Holiday Season!
This is a great project of the month for a youth group, classroom or church, etc. At your place of business, it can be as simple as putting out a box so that everyone can bring one pair of socks or a couple packets of hot chocolate each. If you and all your friends or coworkers send one item, that easily could mean another dozen gifts for the troops—it all adds up!
If you’re really ambitious, how about putting on an event to raise one month’s item, or maybe throwing a blanket-making party? For help in planning an event in your area, please email events@soldiersangels.org. If you happen to have items from a previous month, please don't hesitate to send them!

June – Socks (cotton, boot-style or athletic, or tactical)
July – Instant hot chocolate and apple cider (click for details)
August – Blankets of Belief
September – Gift cards from Walmart to purchase needed items
October – Christmas cards/letters
November – Postage

Click for for details on Six Months of Christmas.

Valour-IT Fundraising Competition

2011-06-29T21:49:00.000-05:00

Valour-IT Fundraising Competition

As the number of American Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines suffering battlefield wounds continues to grow, today’s economic challenges continue to squeeze military support nonprofits. Project Valour-IT—which has supplied over 6,000 severely wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines with adaptive laptops and other devices to aid their recovery and reintegration—is addressing that squeeze with a fundraising technique it pioneered: online competition.
Held July 1-14, the Valour-IT fundraising competition will draw on blogging, Facebook, Twitter and other social media to raise money and awareness for the needs of wounded troops. Divided among four “virtual teams” named in honor of U.S. military service branches, participants will also use flyers, word-of-mouth and traditional media outlets to spread the word. The goal is to raise at least $100,000, which will meet increased demand for Valour-IT services through October 2011.
“Project Valour-IT changes lives,” says Soldiers’ Angels founder Patti Patton-Bader. “Wounded heroes report that being able to use a laptop helps them feel whole again. Physical therapists are actually designing therapy sessions around Wii Sports! And something as normal as a handheld GPS reduces stress and helps a hero cope. It’s just amazing what this project does!”
Each of the devices Valour-IT supplies helps restore confidence and independence for a wounded hero. Voice-activated laptops reconnect the wounded with the world and develop self-confidence by showing soldiers they can continue to be engaged and productive despite their injuries. Servicemembers also use the laptops to research their medical care or prepare for a post-military career. Physical therapists report Wii Sports is extremely motivational and beneficial when used in physical therapy settings, and wounded personnel with short-term memory loss due to TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and severe PTSD use GPS systems to keep from getting lost or disoriented when they move on to more independent living.
For more information about the fundraising competition, email campaign@soldiersangels.org or click here. All funds raised go directly to wounded troops with no overhead costs removed, and requests for support are vetted through case managers.
To join a fundraising team as a blogger or webmaster, email one of the team leaders below or click here on July 1st:
Air Force: greyhawk@mudvillegazette.com
Army: spear_sniper at yahoo.com
Marines: howlsatmoon@gmail.com
Navy: cdrsalamander at hotmail.com

ANGEL EYE VIEW

2011-06-28T16:22:00.000-05:00

Soldiers’ Angels

Dear Angel,

I have a question for you:

Will you sponsor one or more of the 50,000 pre-paid phone cards we urgently need to send to our brave troops serving in Afghanistan or Iraq this year?

Phone cards may be largely a thing of the past here in the states, but they are precious in war zones for our Marines, soldiers, airmen and sailors.

It’s the only way they can talk to family and loved ones. And for our troops, thousands of miles from home with their lives on the line, contact with home is crucial for morale.

Please click here to give your tax-deductible contribution

You see, our troops get a small amount of phone time from the military. After that’s gone, they have to pay astronomical international rates.

For many of our troops - - especially those raising families - - those rates are out of the question. And so they have very limited contact with loved ones at home.

Won’t you help one of our troops say “Happy Birthday” to his son, who he hasn’t seen for many long months? Or help a serviceman or woman talk to their spouse on their anniversary, or to their family at Christmas, their mother on Mother’s Day . . .. . . or just to talk to their sweetheart before heading out on patrol?

Our troops love these cards. I constantly receive requests for them.
And because I hear the need for these almost every day, Soldiers’ Angels plans to send 50,000 of these phone cards in just the next few months.

Please click here to give your tax-deductible contribution

But we can’t carry out this monumental task without your help and the help of many good people like you.

Just $16 will sponsor a pre-paid 60-minute phone card, which also ships with snacks and hygiene items, for one of our servicemen or women in Afghanistan or Iraq. And you’ll also be helping to support over 30 other projects that Soldiers’ Angels conducts to support our troops.

Perhaps you can sponsor more than one card by giving $32, or $48, or even more.

I started Soldiers’ Angels so that we would never have to say “No” to a soldier in need.

I fervently believe that we can never show too much love or support for those who are sacrificing so much for us.

As a loyal Soldiers’ Angel, I’m sure you agree. So I hope you’ll join this monumental project to send 50,000 pre-paid phone cards in just the next few months.

Please click here to give your tax-deductible contribution

Soldiers’ Angels doesn’t receive government grants or support. We can only be successful with the generous help of good people like you.

And this is just one small way we can make their service a little easier.

I need to put the final sign-off on this massive Phone Card Campaign in the next few weeks, so I need to hear soon if we’ll have the funds to send out these 50,000 pre-paid phone cards.

Please do your very best right now, before you put my letter aside and go on to something else. I’ll be waiting to hear from you in the next few days.
Gratefully,

Patti Patton Bader
Founder and Chairman
Soldiers’ Angels

P.S. Sending 50,000 pre-paid phone cards to our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq is a massive undertaking, and a very expensive one.

I need to know in just the next few weeks if we’ll have the funds necessary to send the full 50,000, or if we need to cut back or even eliminate this program.

Please let me hear from you today. Thank you so much!

Please click here to give your tax-deductible contribution

Soldiers Angels Sewing Team making a difference everyday!!

2011-06-25T15:09:00.001-05:00

Sewing Team

The Sewing Team covers several sub-teams of Angels who support the troops through their sewing skills. Whether you are an expert seamstress or just a casual hobbyist, you can help our Sewing Team meet the needs of the troops with your talents. Blankets of Hope even has a no-sew option! You can join all the Sewing Team groups, or just one if you like. To join Soldiers' Angels and participate in the Sewing team click here to get started, or go to ApprovedAngels.com if you're already an Angel! Check out our latest newsletter, or click the following to learn more about each group:

Blankets of Belief - Showing our deployed heroes, "We believe in you!"
Blankets of Gratitude - Knitted/crocheted/loomed blankets for hospitalized veterans
Blankets of Hope - Handmade sewn and no-sew blankets for the wounded
Patriot Pillowcases - Handmade pillow cases to bring cheer to troops hospitalized in the war zones
Scarves - Simple scarves to protect and cool deployed troops
VA Crochet and Craft - Knit/crochet/sew a variety of items to improve VA patients' dignity and comfort
Operation Top Knot - Not part of the sewing team, but includes sewing for infants of deployed fathers

OVER 1500 HEROES WAITING...will you help

2011-06-23T09:54:00.000-05:00

Soldiers' Angels - Adopting a Soldier

OVER 1500 HEROES WAITING...will you help

What Next?: The next step is writing your first letter and preparing your first care package for your soldier. Each Angel who adopts a soldier commits to sending at least one letter a week and at least one care package a month (if you have any questions, you can find out who your mentor is on ApprovedAngels.com). You may or may not hear back from your soldier, so do not be disappointed if your soldier does not reply. Our troops are very busy (they are in a war zone!) and sometimes they might be a little shy, but you can be sure that your letters and care packages are treasured by your soldier! Some Angels have experienced writing to a soldier an entire deployment without getting a reply until the soldier returns home and tells the Angel how much the letters and packages meant during deployment.

OVER 1500 HEROES WAITING...will you help

Please support the family of Lcpl Nicholas S. O'Brien, 21, of Stanley, NC.

2011-06-23T08:14:00.000-05:00

Lance Cpl. Nicholas S. O’Brien, 21, of Stanley, N.C., died June 9 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, IMarine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Best friend and fire teammate, Lcpl Josh Cawthorn, was 10 feet behind O'Brien.

"We hit the IED and all I remember is a loud bang." said Lcpl Cawthorn, who was severly injured in the roadside blast. His right eye socket was crushed and his right eye had to be removed.

"I loved Nic like a brother. They lost their only son. I'm more than willing to be their son for them," Lcpl Cawthorn said. "I really appreciate it that they're thinking of me. I know that they're always going to be there for me now and I'm always going to be there for them. They told me that I was like a son to them."

Lcpl O’Brien graduated East Gaston High School in 2008, where he was centerfielder for baseball team and played soccer. He was named Defensive Player of the year in his junior and senior years. He earned his school's Math Award during his junior year.

Lcpl O’Brien joined the Marines in Fall of 2009, following in the footsteps of his father, a Marine veteran, and his grandfather, a Navy veteran. He intended to serve his four or five year enlistment and go to college to become a firefighter, like his uncle, a Charlotte firefighter.

This was Lcpl O'Brien's first deployment. He had just turned 21 years old, two weeks prior.

His father, Richard, said his son was a talented high school baseball player who was offered college scholarships to continue playing. "He had a lot of choices in front of him. Nic made his mind up when he was about 15 years old that he was going into the Marine Corps, come hell or high water."

High school coach, Brian Sellers said “I knew when it came time to play, Nic was going to give me all he had,” said Sellers. “You never had to worry about his desire to win or play hard. He was going to leave everything on the field.”

“Our best memories of him were based on his ability to make anyone laugh at any given time,” said Johnson. “I remember getting frustrated with him sometimes, but then I’d turn around and he’d be doing something to make me crack up laughing. “Even if he was doing something you didn’t like, it was impossible to be mad at him.”

Ginger Petty said she'd known O'Brien since he was about 10 years old and was devastated by his death, saying he grew up playing baseball with her eldest son, Lee.

She described O'Brien has a "wonderful boy" and a great outfielder who never belittled anyone and found a friend in everyone. He was the kind of person who wasn't afraid to step in when he saw a friend in need. She said her son, Lee, struggled with the death of his father when he was a senior in high school and he was in jeopardy of not graduating, but O'Brien talked to him about what was going on and encouraged him. The pair graduated together weeks later.

Petty said she hadn't heard that story until Friday. "It was the first time Lee ever told me," she said. "I thought it was amazing for someone at that age...Nic deserves to be recognized."

From friends:

I grieve with you over the loss of your precious son. I lost my son Sgt. Kevin Brian Balduf, USMC on May 12th and buried him in Arlington last Wednesday. I know your pain. Ironically, Josh who was with your son is a relative of my wife by marriage. Please know that we are here for you and feel your pain in a very real way.~ Chip Balduf, Ellenboro, North Carolina

My son (Travis) and his girlfriend both went to school with Nic and thought that world of him. My son couldn't be there today so I came out not only for him but to also show my support and respect for you and your son. No words can replace him but his love lives on in you. You raised an amazing young man. You are in our thoughts and prayers.~William and Jennifer H., blacksburg, South Carolina

June 20, 2011

To the O'Brien Family,
My first memories of Nic are from watching him play soccer as a 6 or 7 year old on a league in Coulwood. Every time I think of Nic, I remember how I loved to watch him play. He was the star of the team and even at that very young age, he impressed me with his drive to give the game all he had. I have kept up with him thru more recent years through my daughter and Hayley and have been equally impressed with his courageous ambition when he joined the Marines. Nic is truly an inspiration. It would seem that he lived more in his short life than some could live in 90. My heart has been broken for you all since we got the truly shocking news of his death on that Thursday night. My prayer for you all is that the God who gave him to you and now has taken him Home, will strengthen you and hold you in His loving care, close to His heart, until you see your precious Nic again. Proverbs 10:7 says; "The memory of the righteous is blessed..." Nic's life was a blessing and an inspiration. His memory will forever be blessed. May God's comfort and peace be with you all.~ Kim W., Stanley, North Carolina

June 18, 2011

I don't know if your family remembers me, I kept (little Nic) as I used to call him, at Shady Brook Daycare. My name is Toni aka Ms Toni. Nic was a very sweet little boy as well as his sister, Haley. They were two of my favorites. I didn't know him as he was growing up, but it looked like he grew up to be a fine, young man. I was devastated when I heard about his death. I didn't want to believe the news. I know you all are very proud of little Nic and his accomplishments and especially for protecting our country. I'm sure it's going to take some time to heal from this, but always remember he'll always be in yall's hearts and you will see him again one day. God Bless you, Tammie, Richard, Haley and Ms Lila. you are all in my prayers.~Toni L., Charlotte, North Carolina

June 12, 2011

Richard and Tammy, we also mourn with you in the death of Nic, for our son, LCpl. David B. Houck, was killed in the Battle for Fallujah, 26 Nov 2004, one of 13 in 1/8, Bravo Co. David's body was laid to rest in section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery. Arlington has become our family's burial place as my dad (USAF) and mom are buried in section 6...We want to support you as you trudge through day by day. Please call xxx xxx-xxx or email xxxxxxx My hubby is a retired Navy senior chief and we will put flowers on Nic's grave each time we visit Arlington. Thank you for raising such a fine son who willingly joined the USMC to defend and protect our freedoms. May our Lord comfort you.~ Bob & Beth H., MOUNT ULLA, North Carolina

June 12, 2011

Dear Tammy, Richard and Haley:
Words can not express the hurt and loss I feel today. Nic was a wonderful kid. So full of life. One thing just sticks out in my mind like it was yesterday: Nic riding his 4-wheeler in the backyard over in West Chester, just a tot, but going wide open, fearless. Nic has taken that same fearlessness from just a tot to the GREAT MAN he is today. What a remarkable Angel he will be in Heaven. I can see him now. Picking and preparing his ball team for Jesus. What a Great Star, his light will be shining down on you guys for long time to come. Keep the faith and Trust in God he is with you today, tomorrow and always. I love you more than you will ever know. My prayers and thoughts will be with you as you take this long journey. I stand with you and will be here for you at any time of the day,night or whenever you need me. " "Thank you Nic for allowing me the opportunity to know you and thanks for the freedom that you so proudly sought for us each and every day. You will always remain in my heart forever. I am so Very PROUD. What a HERO you are.~Love Pixie B., Charlotte, North Carolina

June 12, 2011

My thoughts and prayers goes out to you. O'Brien and my son Daniel was at Parris Island together in the same company. When my son call home I would always ask him where is O'Brien and he would say right here mom. They even went to California to school together. He will truly be miss by me and my son. Rest in peace O'Brien. We love you.~Daniel S. and Mom, Lulamae S., Goose Creek, South Carolina

A memorial service was held at 2 p.m., Monday, June 20, at First Assembly of God in Gastonia.

Lcpl O'Brien will be buried at Arlington National Cemetary, because, as his father said, "“In his short life, he grew to be a class man. He was a warrior and a hero. And he deserves to be buried beside warriors."

Lcpl O'Brien will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, June 28th.

The day his battalion deployed to Afghanistan in March, he sent his parents an email to reassure them and tell them to sleep easy. "If something happens to me, don't cry over me because this is what I want to be doing," he wrote.

The Department of Defense announced the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

In lieu of flowers, the O'Brien family respectfully requests memorials be sent to the Josh Cawthorn Fund, in care of Shady Brook Baptist Church, 2940 Belmeade Drive, Charlotte, NC 28214.

Lcpl O'Brien is survived by parents, Tammy and Richard; and sister, Haley.

ANGEL EYE VIEW

2011-06-21T10:22:00.000-05:00

Dear Angels and Friends,
Welcome to “Angel-Eye View,” our new weekly email designed to keep you informed on Angel projects and events, and to offer you more opportunities for involvement and feedback!
Summer seems to be the busy season for Angel activities and it is so exciting to see the many ways people are working together to support the troops! From children’s birthday parties to city-wide events, from one person to a Summer seems to be the busy season for Angel activities and it is so exciting to see the many ways people are working together to support the troops! From children’s birthday parties to city-wide events, from one person to a multi-office company, patriots across the country are stepping up with big hearts and creative spirits to show their heroes the homefront remembers them. Banding together, they multiple their efforts—the only limit seems to be how big they can think! Check out the News page at www.soldiersangels.org/past-news.html for some of the latest stories of Angels making it happen:
          Portland Goes Angel – a city gets in on the act
           Little Birthday Angels Lead – children know what matters
          Sabre Systems Stands for the Troops – a company steps up again
          IBM Angel Shines – one person reaches out to thousands of co-workers

…and there are so many more! Keep your eyes open for upcoming stories about 200 young people at a packing party, Blue Star Mothers at work, and busy Angels on a naval aircraft carrier!
In addition to big, splashy events, Angels are quietly doing everyday things to raise funds for the troops--like saving money. CellarAngels.com and SoldiersAngels.Sale.com are the two most recent ways to purchase things you want or need while supporting the troops, but there’s an entire page full of companies who donate a percentage of purchases or offer discounts for Angels/troops: www.soldiersangels.org/discounts-for-soldiers-angels.html. In the Pacific Northwest, Angels are descending on Applebee’s to dine for dollars (soldiersangelswashington@gmail.com for details).
From bands of Angels doing amazing feats, to individuals who make every cent count by buying from companies that support the troops, it all adds up to big things for our heroes. Please consider how you can step up and stand wingtip-to-wingtip with other patriotic Americans to do something special...
Inspired to put your wings to work? Start here: www.soldiersangels.org/groups.html. We can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Wingtip-to-wingtip,

Soldiers’ Angels
www.soldiersangels.org
www.facebook.com/SoldiersAngelsOfficial

VALOUR IT in 9 days

2011-06-21T05:57:00.000-05:00

Wounded Veteran: Voice-Controlled Laptop "Changed My Life"

Inspiration and Co-founder of Project Valour-IT Tells How Software Helped Him Cope

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When Project Valour-IT began in 2005, it used Nuance's Dragon software to help severely wounded troops.

The use of Dragon Naturally Speaking to use a computer, to connect, to do something that I was able to do before I was injured made me feel somewhat whole, somewhat normal, for the first time.

Pasadena, CA (PRWEB) August 8, 2008

Army Major Chuck Ziegenfuss, wounded Iraq veteran and inspiration for Soldiers' Angels Project Valour-IT, has won an award for describing how the software used by Valour-IT improves his life. Called Dragon Naturally Speaking, it allows users to operate a computer by voice, giving independence and self-confidence to the severely wounded.
Nuance, the maker of Dragon, recently sponsored a competition for users to describe how Dragon improves their lives, work, or creativity. Major Ziegenfuss won three years of Dragon software updates and an electronic personal travel assistant for his entry about how Dragon "changed my life."
"I use Dragon NaturallySpeaking to regain control of the life that was temporarily robbed from me," Ziegenfuss wrote, describing his experiences after being nearly killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Iraq. "The use of Dragon Naturally Speaking to use a computer, to connect, to do something that I was able to do before I was injured made me feel somewhat whole, somewhat normal, for the first time."
Major Ziegenfuss' experience with the technology led to Soldiers' Angels purchasing Dragon Naturally Speaking to help severely wounded veterans connect to the world through laptops the organization provided. In its three years of existence, Project Valour-IT has distributed over 2,700 laptops. As Major Ziegenfuss continues to recover, he has become intimately involved in the project, helping others feel whole and normal after being wounded. "It has been my distinct pleasure and honor to give that feeling, a feeling of ability, to our wounded. Dragon has not only improved my life, it has changed my life."
Soldiers' Angels salutes Major Ziegenfuss for his commitment to helping his fellow wounded, and congratulates Nuance for its product that changes lives. Says Patti Patton-Bader, founder of Soldiers' Angels, "It takes both technology and the human touch to help our wounded warriors recover, and Soldiers' Angels is thrilled to see the two work together so well in Project Valour-IT."
SOLDIERS' ANGELS is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) non-profit providing aid and comfort to the men and women of the U.S. military and their families. Comprised of 200,000 volunteer members in over twenty different teams and programs, activities include letters, care packages, and comfort items to the deployed, and support for their families at home. The organization also provides assistance to the wounded, continuing support for veterans, remembrances and comfort for families of the fallen, and immediate response to unique difficulties. See http://www.soldiersangels.org for more information.
NUANCE is a leading provider of speech and imaging solutions for businesses and consumers around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.nuance.com or http://www.nuance.com/news/pressreleases/2008/20080806_dragonstories.asp.

Thank you from the front

2011-06-19T09:53:00.000-05:00

Clint Hundley

Just received 24 boxes from Sodliers Angels!! Absolutely awesome! Couldn't have come at a better time as we are about to relocate to an area without access to a PX

Thanks!!!

Want to helkp make a difference? Click here Soldiers Angels

Little Birthday Angels Lead

2011-06-17T10:58:00.000-05:00

Little Birthday Angels Lead

Recently a well-loved little boy turned six years old and had a great birthday party with his friends… but he didn’t get any presents.
Thanks to his mother, Soldiers’ Angel Heidi, Hunter is an “Angel in training” who has obviously learned his lessons well. Rather than ask for birthday presents this year, he asked his family and friends to bring fabric to make no-sew Blankets of Belief for Wrapped in Holiday Spirit care packages!
Hunter was following in the footsteps of his younger sister Genevieve, who did the same thing for her 4th birthday this Spring. Together, the children have received enough fabric and monetary gifts to make and ship about 15 blankets!
This is the second time that Hunter has forgone birthday gifts. Last year he asked for care package items for the troops rather than presents for himself. Friends responded enthusiastically, bringing in close to $200 worth of items.
Congrats to Heidi for raising two loving and patriotic children, and thank you to Hunter and Genevieve for showing the rest of us how to support the troops and get our friends involved in the fun!

With his "presents" going to the troops, Hunter has learned that the best part of a birthday party is hanging with friends.

Many Fallen Heroes this week here is ONE

2011-06-17T10:25:00.000-05:00

Please support the family of Cpl William J. Woitowicz, 23, of Middlesex, MA.

The Department of Defense announced the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Cpl. William J. Woitowicz, 23, of Middlesex, Mass., died June 7 while conducting combat operations in Badghis province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Special Operations Regiment, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Cpl Woitowicz graduated from Groton-Dunstable Regional High School in 2007 where he played basketball. He joined the Marines shortly after graduating high school. He was an avid biker and was due home in two weeks.

In high school, Cpl Woitowicz earned the nickname "class flirt".

"He was a lady's man," former teacher, Michael Donnelly said, adding that he treated female friends with respect.

Donnely said that Woitowicz was a standout in his high-school engineering class who could have easily gone to college to follow in the footsteps of his older brother, who works as a construction engineer.

"I appreciated him so much because he had good work ethics," Donnelly said. "He was a good man," added Donnelly. "He was a fine student from a wonderful family. He was a son I would be proud to have. It just hurts.”

"Definitely, he lived by his word, and always went out of his way to do good things for his classmates and teachers," said Assistant Principal Marisa Brisson.

"He had an uncanny sense of humor," said Brisson, who was dean of students at the high school when Woitowicz attended. "He was very caring, and I would describe him as a gentle soul."

"He was one of those special kids that you never forget," said Dan Twomey, who was the high school's athletic director. He coached Woitowicz on the freshman basketball team, watched him play junior-varsity basketball and run in the cross-country team.

"More than anything, he was just a funny kid and he had fun with everything he did," Twomey said.

He was very friendly, very outgoing — always, always had a smile on his face,” said neighbor Kristin Lacombe. “Always willing to help you in a time of need. Just an incredible kid.”

From friends:

June 15, 2011

Rose, Kevin, Amanda, and Chris,

I can not put into words how sorry I am for your loss. I have so many memories of Billy, his kind heart, and playful spirit. He was so loved and will be missed by everyone he touched. I wish I could have been there today to hug each of you. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Sending love. ~ Courtney Cunningham, Pago Pago, American Samoa

June 15, 2011

I too wanted to pass on my family's condolences to the Woitowicz family. I had the good fortune of getting to know Billy for a short time when I coached his high school rec. basketball team in 2007. He was a terrific player and athlete, but more importantly, someone who always encouraged the lesser skilled players on the team to keep working hard. I admired his energy and positive attitude and knew he would become a leader. Very sorry to hear of his passing. ~ Tom Rosa, Groton, Massachusetts

June 14, 2011

To Kevin, Rosie,Chris,and Amanda
My family will always be in debt for the sacrifices you as well as Billy have made. He always made me laugh and always left me with a smile. It was an honor to know him. He was taken too soon but will always be remembered. You have our deepest sympathy. Semper Fi. ~ Keith, Tracy & Pat Flanagan, Westford, Massachusetts

June 13, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss My son was in school with your son a few years ago in Georgia He is stationed now in Afghanistan and wishes he could be here to pay his respects. I can not even begin to know how you must be feeling. Even though he died a hero, it does not lessen the pain. I will pray for you and your family. God Bless!!Lisa George ( for Cpl George,Patrick ) ~ Lisa George, Hyde Park, Massachusetts

June 12, 2011

Dear Kevin, Rosie, Chris, and Mandy - our hearts are with you. We were blessed with 8 years of watching Billy grow from a boy to a fine young adult. As a young man he touched our lives and we will never forget him. Much love and prayer is coming your way. Love, Bob and Patty Gettman,Temple, New Hampshire

Cpl Woitowicz's awards and decorations include:

Purple Heart

Combat Action Ribbon

Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal

National Defense Service Medal

Afghanistan Campaign Medal

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Sea Service Deployment Ribbon

NATO International Security Assistance Force Medal.

Army parachutist wings

Funeral Mass was held 10am, Thursday, 16 June, at St. Catherine’s Church. Burial followed in the Pine Grove Cemetery in Westford.

Sgt Woitowicz is survived by his parents, Rosemary and Kevin; older brother, Chris; younger sister, Amanda.

*Special thanks to researcher Michelle*

Thank you for your support of our Fallen,

Christine Theaker

Living Legends Team

www.soldiersangels.org

On the Angel Team

2011-06-17T09:56:00.000-05:00

Soldiers' Angels is proud of it's long history of support for start-up military support organizations and individual patriots who care for our troops and their families. Two great examples of this are artist Michael Reagan and the woodcarvers of the Eagle Cane Project, whom Soldiers' Angels has partnered with for years.

Using the family’s favorite photo, professional portrait artist Michael Reagan creates custom, hand-drawn portraits free of charge to the families of all servicemen and women who have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001. Soldiers' Angels assists Michael in this profound labor of love by helping to cover the cost of shipping his beautiful creations. To learn more or request Michael create a portrait of a fallen hero, see the Fallen Heroes Project website.
Members of the Eastern Oklahoma Woodcarvers Association put their artistry to work for America's wounded heroes, creating symbolic "Presentation Canes" as a representation of support and respect for their sacrifices. Created by Jack Nitz, The Eagle Cane Project is a nationwide network of carving associations who create beautiful canes for wounded warriors. Where possible, canes are made by woodworkers in the veteran's home state and presented in person. When that is not possible, Soldiers' Angels covers the cost of shipping these valuable and beautiful canes to their recipients.
The heart of Soldiers' Angels has always been cooperation and support among those who have the same mission--supporting our heroes and their families. If you would like to help Soldiers' Angels support this great artists who love the troops, please donate. Be sure to indicate in the comments box which project you would like your gift to assist. You can also mail donations to the address below (be sure to write "canes" or "Michael Reagan" on the check":

Independence Day Sale!!!

2011-06-15T14:00:00.000-05:00

Independence Day Sale!!!

15% off our Independence Day Pack now thru Sunday only!

This pack is sure to bring the joy of summer and home to your soldier! Send this Red White and Blue themed pack for Independence Day!

Each pack contains:
6 snacks
5 drink mixes
1 loofah sponge
1 pack of baby wipes
1 deck of cards
1 toothpaste

And a free add on!

Choose between 1lb Seattle's Best Coffee, or a box of Girl Scout Cookies

Click the photo below to order now!

Enter coupon code july15 at check out to redeem.

http://www.angelsstore.org/product_p/sa4thpack.htm

Dear Angels and Friends,

2011-06-14T10:31:00.000-05:00

Dear Angels and Friends,

Welcome to “Angel-Eye View,” our new weekly email designed to keep you informed on Angel projects and events, and to offer you more opportunities for involvement and feedback!

Throughout June, we’ve been kicking off 6 Months of Christmas—for the next six months we’re working hard to put together a great holiday care package for each deployed hero this December, focusing on a different aspect of the care packages each month. As the drawdowns continue in Iraq and Afghanistan, Soldiers’, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen are living in much more austere conditions and counting on care packages from the homefront more than ever. A great Holiday Care Package will be a big morale boost!

This month the 6 Months of Christmas focus is socks. Believe it or not, a nice clean pair of new socks is a welcome luxury for deployed service members, especially in remote areas where they don’t have access to laundry facilities and are walking many miles a day. Colors needed include white, tan or khaki made of 100% cotton/wool (specialty sport/hiking/tactical socks in these colors are also greatly appreciated). Whether 1 pair or 100 pairs, every package of socks will bring a smile to a deployed hero this Holiday Season!

For more details, including shipping instructions, please click here or visit www.soldiersangels.org and click on “6 Months of Christmas - Sock Month.”

Coming much sooner than Christmas, the Project Valour-IT online fundraising competition to help Soldiers’ Angels provide more voice-activated laptops and other adaptive technology to support wounded veterans runs July 1-14. Your help is needed to email friends, share flyers in your community, and rally people to pick their favorite teams! To get involved, please email tcoverride@gmail.com or join the Valour-IT Google Group (www.groups.google.com/group/valour-it). Keep your eyes peeled for the kickoff!

Both these projects are huge, but Angel volunteers have proven over and over again that when we band together, amazing things happen. Whether it’s sending a pair of socks or simply putting up a Valour-IT flyer at work, each Angel can impact a hero’s life!

Wingtip-to-wingtip,

Soldiers’ Angels
www.soldiersangels.org
www.facebook.com/SoldiersAngelsOfficial

Thanks to a partnership with Sale.com

2011-06-14T05:30:00.000-05:00

Thanks to a partnership with Sale.com, Soldiers’ Angels has an amazing new way you can support the troops simply by saving money.
Modeled on the highly-successful social sales site Groupon, Sale.com has created a special page for Soldiers’ Angels with steep discounts on products and services, and 25% of net revenue donated to Soldiers’ Angels. Sale.com was founded by the same person who created GI Bracelet, which raised $140,000 for various military charities (including $70,000 for Soldiers’ Angels).

To get access to amazing deals while helping Soldiers’ Angels support America’s heroes, click the graphic above and sign up for the daily deal email—when you use this link to sign up, an additional 5% of revenue from your purchases will automatically go to Soldiers’ Angels. Be sure that you continue go to c when making future purchases.
Please spread the word about this exciting opportunity by email, blog, forum, Facebook, etc. It’s a great way to support the troops and save a bunch of money at the same time!

Despite your injuries..Wingtip to Maryann Phillips

2011-06-05T10:29:00.000-05:00

Soldiers' Angels Germany: "Despite your injuries, you're still a Marine... "

Palo Alto — Marine Lance Cpl. Jorge Ortiz, 19, of Fresno, who was critically injured in an explosion in Afghanistan, rests at the Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center at the Department of Veterans Affairs hospital in Palo Alto, where physicians and therapists take a team approach to care for those who have suffered catastrophic injuries. Photo: Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times.

Falling for the Angels

2011-05-28T04:54:00.000-05:00

Falling for the Angels

People are falling from the sky for Soldiers' Angels!

On June 25, 2011 with the help of SkyDiveMilwaukee.com, skydivers in East Troy, WI will be jumping out of planes to raise money for Soldiers' Angels. First-timers, novices and experts are all invited to the 2nd Annual MSG Glenn Helwer Invitational Free Fall.

Funds raised through honorary donations, sponsorships and "challenge" donations to inspire jumpers (such as specific amount per jumper) will go toward Angel activities at the Milwaukee VA. The jumpers themselves will also be soliciting donations in honor of their jumps, and other jumpers from around the state will have the opportunity to learn more about Soldiers' Angels from a booth placed at the high-traffic jump site. Click here to donate!

Wisconsin Soldiers' Angels have been very active at their local VA, including a monthly ice cream social/bingo event that is a great morale booster for the residents. The Angels need YOUR help to inspire the people who will jump from the skies with wings of parachutes to benefit Soldiers Angels!

Now's the time to take that leap you've always dreamed of! The more people who sign up, the more inexpensive the jump--first 15 participants will receive a free Ranger Up t-shirt. For more information, contact Mark Groth at mgroth8@wi.rr.com or click here.

Many thanks to Ranger Up for the free t-shirts and for their donation of $300 toward sponsoring two VA jumpers!

Memorial Celebration Sale and Gift

2011-05-27T15:36:00.000-05:00

Soldiers' Angels Store

Celebrate Memorial Weekend with Angels and Heroes!

In honor of our Nation's Brave Militay, we will send a complimentary SA coin or SA dogtag for each order over 100.00 or more placed on our angelsstore;

From Today until Tuesday Midnight !

Plus take 20 percent off your order

use coupon code fb2night

Our Armed Forces are taking extra precautions overseas to be safe, why not send them some love from home to show them we are with them?

Or take the opportunity to order your May Shirt of the Month!

Coin and Dogtag will be shipped out according to stock status.

Don't forget your Angel Discount! Coupon Code: fb2night

Major Mathew Schram's Memorial Day wingtip to Blackfive

2011-05-26T12:03:00.002-05:00

BLACKFIVE: Major Mathew Schram's Memorial Day

On Memorial Day, May 26th, 2003 at approximately 7:00AM, Major Mathew E. Schram was leading a resupply convoy in Western Iraq near the Syrian border. Major Schram was the Support Operations Officer for the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment (out of Ft. Carson, Colorado). He had responsibility for organizing the logistical arm of the regiment - ensuring that the Cavalrymen never ran out of food, fuel or ammo. more

U.S. Army Builds on "Army Strong" Campaign with New Advertising

2011-05-25T18:34:00.000-05:00

Patti,

I know you play a critical role in spreading the Army Strong story, so that's why I want to give you a preview of a new, fully-integrated advertising campaign the Army will launch on Memorial Day. The campaign uses the symbol of the Army uniform – a "Symbol of Strength" – to inspire young adults to see for themselves how putting on the Army uniform will strengthen their own lives.

An extension of the popular "Army Strong" campaign, the "Symbol of Strength" campaign highlights the life-changing decisions that the majority of young adults are focused on as they begin to plan for their futures. It takes a tremendous amount of strength to be a Soldier in the U.S. Army – and the experience itself strengthens a Soldier every day they serve. The uniform is the outward symbol of the variety of experiences and opportunities each Soldier gains by putting on the Army uniform day after day.

Three television spots will each feature a different aspect of serving as a Soldier – getting a strong education, having access to a variety of options and opportunities that will set them apart, and gaining important leadership skills to make a difference in their lives and the lives of others.

The integrated campaign encourages young adults to go online to discover more about the strength gained by wearing the uniform. Additional elements of the campaign include:

Interactive features on goarmy.com, such as personal interactions with real Soldiers through the "Soldier Q&A" page or exploring the "Soldier Stories" page for an authentic look at the lives of Soldiers from nearly every rank, background and career path.
Leveraging the Army's hundreds of thousands of existing fans, friends and followers across Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, YouTube and Army Strong Stories.
A collaboration with the new X-Men: First Class movie through cinema activations, including a 30-second co-branded Army/X-Men video featured in theaters nationwide from May 20 – June 23 and offering exclusive X-Men footage on facebook.com/goarmy before the movie's release.

We're excited about this new campaign and will provide additional information on the Army Advocates site on Memorial Day. In the meantime, we invite you to share this exciting news with friends, family and colleagues by directing them to goarmy.com. We also encourage you to share the video and other resources about the campaign with other community members through organization meetings such as the Kiwanis Club or Rotary Club.

Thank you again for your continued support and all that you do for your Army.

ARMY STRONG!

LTG Benjamin C. Freakley
United States Army Accessions Command
Commanding General

Wingtip to Blackfive Memorial Day

2011-05-23T10:32:00.000-05:00

Posted By Blackfive • [May 23, 2011]
What is Memorial Day really about? While we are busy gearing up for the weekend, I thought I should post this annual reminder about the holiday. It may surprise some of you.
If you are relatively new to Blackfive, you should read this story about a Memorial Day eight years ago - Mathew Schram's Memorial Day. And, unfortunately, we've posted many memorials to our Fallen Americans.
The words to "Taps" are:

Day Is Done,
Gone the Sun,
From the Earth,
From the Hill,
From the Sky,
All Is Well,
Safely Rest,
God Is Nigh

When Taps is played at dusk, it has a completely different meaning than when Taps is played during the day. No soldier really wants to hear it played during daylight. For when the bugle plays Taps in the daylight...that means a soldier has fallen...There is a belief among some that Taps is the clarion call to open the gates of heaven for the fallen warrior and letting them know to "Safely Rest"...
Of course, Memorial Day is about remembering the sacrifices that our military men and women have made over the last 235 years. We are still a young nation, but one that has made many sacrifices to remain free. We should also take time to remember the families who have lost loved ones. More..http://www.blackfive.net/main/2011/05/the-gates-of-heaven.html

Chaplain Ed Calls on Angels Again

2011-05-21T10:01:00.000-05:00

Chaplain Ed’s first request for assistance through the Soldiers’ Angels Chaplain Support Team (CST) was a smashing success! Now he has stepped forward with a smaller-but-still-vital need. The chaplain wrote to the CST:

"As I am working through the reintegration programming, I am working on developing a program much like a 2-Day Vacation Bible School. On the Academic side these are the books I am looking to obtain. Do you think Soldiers’ Angels could do one last operation for Task Force Gambler?"

CST Leader Dina has the details…

I of course told him we would be honored to help! I know we can work together on this one, so the kiddos will be blessed, just like you all blessed the families from his group with our previous book project. Here are the books he is looking for:

No Excuses by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer - 50 copies
How Full is your Bucket?: For Kids by Tom Rath & Mary Reckmeyer- 50 copies
Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul - by Jack Canfield - 50 copies
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey - 35 copies

Just as before, gently used is absolutely fine and just as appreciated as before.

Please scour used bookstores, online pricing (I found some of them on Amazon.com for 57 cents + shipping), friends and neighbors. Chaplain Ed, and all of the families and I will be forever grateful for your generosity and help.

Please email me at cst@soldiersangels.org if you are able to purchase/send any of these requested books.

R.E.D.Friday from Toby Nunn

2011-05-20T07:33:00.002-05:00

WEAR R.E.D. FRIDAYRemeber everyone deployed. It will mean much to them!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/video/video.php?v=10150194279048612&notif_t=video_tag

Thank you to Harry and Davids

2011-05-19T14:14:00.000-05:00

Moose for the Troops

Gourmet treats retailer Harry & David is once again teaming up with Soldiers’ Angels to supply delicious Moose Munch® Bars to deployed troops. The 3rd Annual “Support Our Troops with Moose Munch®” allows families, friends and supporters of the U.S. military to purchase the popular Harry & David Moose Munch® treats and ship them to war zones for sweet enjoyment by our men and women in service.
From now through July 4, Harry & David stores nationwide are offering customers the opportunity to purchase Moose Munch® Bars and gift them to soldiers with a personalized greeting. Each bar and note is packaged with a plastic spoon and boxed for pickup via Soldiers’ Angels to be included in care packages for deployed troops.
Last year over 38,000 Moose Munch® bars were shipped to soldiers in Afghanistan and other regions through the “Support Our Troops with Moose Munch®” Bars event. Soldiers’ particularly enjoy the Bars because they find this portable treat to be a delicious energy source that’s easy to carry on patrols.
Moose Munch® Bars retail for $2.50 each or $4.00 for two, a discount that encourages customers to purchase a bar for themselves while donating the other for the troops.
As part of the event, Harry & David is also donating a Moose Munch® Bar for each new “Like” on Facebook, up to 1,000 additional Bars.
For Harry & David store locations nationwide and for more information, visit harryanddavid.com, friend them on Facebook, or follow them Twitter.

Shirley J Means More Flavor for Troops

2011-05-19T07:56:00.000-05:00

Soldiers’ Angels announces a new partnership with Shirley J, a “just-add-water” cooking company with 30 years of commercial history and chef loyalty working to “rain sweets and salts” on our troops. Through their “Treat Our Troops” campaign, Shirley J is encouraging customers to purchase select gourmet foods to be shipped to Soldiers’ Angels for inclusion in care packages for the deployed.

All four “Treat Our Troops” products are shipped in powder form and then reconstituted with water to create a delicious sauce or topping for a variety of savory and sweet foods. They’re a great fit for soldiers in very remote areas who make use of care package contents to come up with new and interesting food combinations to supplement their MREs.

“We’re very happy to add Shirley J to the family of companies who make it possible for us to send thousands of delicious care packages to America’s deployed servicemen and women every month,” says Soldiers’ Angels Executive Director Toby Nunn. “Troops in remote locations often rely on military MREs for meals, so the change of pace these soups and sauces will provide can be a real morale boost.”

Shirley J products are available online at ShirleyJ.com (Shirley J Sendables) or at their store in Orem, Utah. In addition to the special choices recommended for the “Treats Our Troops” campaign, Shirley J offers a number of their other products—such as just-add-water cookie, muffin and cake mixes—that are suggested for customers who can ship directly to soldiers with access to cooking facilities.

Soldiers’ Angels welcomes Shirley J to the team of Angels helping to ensure “No Soldier Go Unloved.”

OPEN HOUSE!!!

2011-05-18T05:24:00.000-05:00

Everyone's invited!

Soldiers’ Angels Support Center in San Antonio, location of the Soldiers’ Angels warehouse and home to a number of support activities for the many service members stationed or recuperating in the San Antonio area, is holding a special Open House for the community.

You can join civilians, military heroes and community leaders on Thursday, June 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to celebrate Soldiers' Angels and see how your donations help our heroes!

The centerpiece of the event will be a ceremonial re-opening with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Other activities include tours of the newly-expanded facility and a blood drive. A $5 donation covers the BBQ lunch and one raffle ticket for prizes such as dinner for two, a wine tasting for 10, and a spa package, with additional tickets sold separately. Click here for more information, or email csiwarga@soldiersangels.org (please RSVP by May 19, though walk-ins are welcome).

Special thanks to the following companies for their support in putting this exciting event!

Event Support:

Allegra Printing for signage
South Texas Blood & Tissue Center for coordinating the blood drive
Clara Moreno for the food donation
David Dunne for the BBQ Grill / Smoker
Prize Donations:

Dry Comal Creek – Wine Tasting and Tour for 10
San Antonio Foodie Tours – Hill Country and Winery Tour for 4
Mediterranean Day Spa – Spa Package

Standing for the Fallen Wounded

2011-05-17T11:02:00.002-05:00

Once again, former Marine Mark Dolfini is conducting his special brand of fundraising on behalf of his wounded brothers and sisters. On May 22, beginning at 8 a.m., Dolfini will spend the day standing at attention between American and Marine Corps flags in Rio Rancho, NM. Wearing his dress blue uniform, he will be encouraging passersby to donate funds and comfort items to Soldiers' Angels for wounded veterans, an event he calls "Standing for the Fallen."

Patriots in the Rio Rancho area are invited to bring monetary donations or specific clothing and hygiene items listed here (click for event details). Supporters across the country can participate in Dolfini's "Stand for the Fallen" by donating financially through the Marine Corps League (Marine Corps League, P.O. Box 53, Lafayette, IN 47902).

With the support of his local Marine Corps League, Dolfini has conducted several of these events over the last year, always raising thousands of dollars in donations and items for the wounded at Landstuhl Medical Center.
Soldiers' Angels salutes Mark Dolfini for his continued service and his creative dedication!

"Robo" is Really an Angel

2011-05-17T10:59:00.000-05:00

Soldiers' Angels - Soldiers' Angels

"Robo" is Really an Angel
Joining other Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters who are sponsored by Ranger Up and spotlight Soldiers’ Angels in that role, former Force Recon Marine Chad "Robo" Robichaux is using his platform as a highly successful fighting star to support his fellow veterans.

“Robo's” impact is already being felt. “Thanks to Robichaux, Soldiers’ Angels received a lot of coverage at the Bellator Fight Championship 41 live on MTV2,” Executive Director Toby Nunn says. “Fight announcers spoke about how passionate he was about Soldiers’ Angels, and the next time MTV2 had an MMA event they talked about him and Soldiers’ Angels again, even though he wasn’t fighting. He’s very proactive in reaching out to spread the word.”

T-shirts for the Troops

2011-05-16T01:34:00.002-05:00

Orphan, a lifestyle brand for those who ride, is partnering with Soldiers’ Angels to raise money to send care packages to deployed men and women in honor of the upcoming Memorial Day.

To raise this money, Orphan has designed a special memorial t-shirt honoring those who have paid the ultimate price. Throughout the month of May, 50% of proceeds from sale of the shirt will go to Soldiers’ Angels for postage and supplies to send much-needed items to our heroes overseas. "Orphan is excited to raise funds for this important organization, and to give back to the troops," says Robyn Byrd, Social Media Manager for Orphan. "Many of our customers are military or retired military (as are many riders), so we are thrilled to be able to honor them in this way!"

The special memorial t-shirt for sale is themed for the rider and features Orphan's motorcycle frame shop "The Wrench" over original artwork of an eagle in red, white and blue. The eagle bears a ribbon reading, “NEVER FORGET those who have fallen in the name of Freedom.” The shirt is available in men’s and women’s styles.

As a Thank You to those who purchase the Memorial t-shirt, Orphan will give customers $10 off their order if they add any additional items to the T-shirt purchase. In addition, all shirts at this link result in donations to Soldiers' Angels.

Take Action on Memorial Day

2011-05-14T01:10:00.001-05:00

Soldiers’ Angels calls on all Americans to actively observe Memorial Day this May 30 by participating in an official Moment of Remembrance or undertaking other acts in honor of the over 1.3 million service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Established by Congress, National Moment of Remembrance asks Americans to pause in an act of remembrance for one minute on Memorial Day at 3 p.m. local time. The Moment can be as informal as ringing a bell, a moment of silence, a prayer or singing at a concert, etc.

Additional acts of Memorial Day remembrance can include the following:

Visit a local VA hospital to learn the stories of patients’ fellow soldiers who never came home
Use blogs, Facebook or other online resources tell the stories of family members who died in service to the country
Read the names of fallen heroes on websites such as Honor the Fallen.
Throw a care package party or write letters of encouragement for a hard-hit unit or the Mortuary Affairs units that care for America’s fallen heroes (for info, email events@soldiersangels.org)
Visit a local military cemetery or memorial to stand in quiet solidarity with those who have lost their brothers and sisters in arms on the battlefield
With conscious awareness of those who have made our safety possible, enjoy a weekend vacation or celebration in “the land of the free because of the brave”
Attend a local parade
Fly the American flag (at half-staff until noon and then full height until dusk, if possible)
Use Angels Mail to tell your story of a fallen hero (send it to angels@soldiersangels.org and we will post it for you)

Please make a commitment to promote the National Moment of Remembrance and other Memorial Day activities to local leaders and businesses. This is a time to come together in honor of those who have given their lives so that we may continue to live free. In this shared remembrance and shared activities, we connect in gratitude as one America.

http://www.postbulletin.com/news/stories/display.php?id=1452545

2011-05-04T10:57:00.000-05:00

http://www.postbulletin.com/news/stories/display.php?id=1452545

A group of about 25 people gathered at the Eagles Club in Rochester on April 20 to make blankets through the Soldiers' Angles-Blankets of Hope program.

The Blankets of Hope team creates unique, handmade blankets to send hope, support and gratitude to America's wounded and veterans. Used on hospital beds, wheelchairs and transport litters on medevac flights, Blankets of Hope bring the message that each service member is loved and not forgotten. They are included in our First Response Backpacks and Vet Packs sent to Combat Support Hospitals in the war zones, major medical facilities in Germany and around the world, and selected military hospitals and veterans centers here at home.

Wounded soldiers are quickly evacuated from the battlefield, leaving behind their clothing, personal equipment and brothers in arms. During this time of pain and upheaval, the Blanket of Hope provides warmth and comfort for the wounded soldier. Most importantly, it shows the soldier that someone cares about him and is thinking and praying for him.

SAVE: Support a Veteran's Employment

2011-05-04T10:52:00.002-05:00

SAVE: Support a Veteran's Employment
Soldiers' Angels recently announced its first Angel-operated warehouse, staffed and run entirely by veterans and Angel volunteers. The busy facility opened in December 2009 and shipped 50,000 Holiday care packages in just two weeks!

In addition to the reduction in overhead the warehouse brings, payroll for the staff itself fits the mission of Soldiers' Angels by supporting veterans as they return home. Staffing it with recent veterans helps provide a soft-landing for their transition to civilian life...It surrounds them with like-minded people as they develop skills in the corporate world.

The Need
The Soldiers’ Angels warehouse is both an extension of the mission to assist America’s veterans, and a challenge—a challenge you can help Soldiers’ Angels meet!

In difficult economic times such as these, hiring employees is an act of faith and determination. It is this type of tenacity and dedication that defines Soldiers' Angels and its Angel volunteers. Currently Soldiers’ Angels has staffed the warehouse with four recent veterans and hopes to hire more to meet the tremendous demands on the facility. With your help, that growth is possible!

SAVE helps make sure Soldiers' Angels is able to continue to employ veterans and increase the number of positions available for additional veterans.

How You Can Help
You can employ a hero! You can help pay the cost of helping a returning hero transition back to the civilian workforce and develop comfort with—and the confidence of success in--the civilian world.

Employ a hero by donating towards the payroll of veterans at the SA Warehouse:

1 Hour $15
1 Day $120
1 Month $2,400
or 1 Year $30,000

If you would like to include a note to the veterans employed at the SA Warehouse, enter your text in the comment box when you donate online, or include a note with your donation to:

Soldiers' Angels
S.A.V.E.
1792 E. Washington Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91104

We would like to say a big "Thank you" to the guys at the San Antonio warehouse; they were so helpful. We recently went there and they helped us to put together packages to send to our son 1LT B. and his troops in Iraq. - Pauline Tony

Thank you for Heroes

2011-05-02T14:47:00.001-05:00

Celebration--- our troops still need A LOT of TLC

2011-05-02T11:34:00.001-05:00

Dear Soldiers' Angel,

    We did it. Our Navy Seals, part of our best-in-the-world U.S. Special Operations Forces, finally brought Osama bin Laden to the justice he deserved.

    You probably realize, though, that this is just a first step of a new chapter, as terrorists seize on a new martyr. Every American intel source tells us to be on high alert for expected revenge attacks.

    My first reaction on hearing the news was to think of the families of the 9/11 victims and the feelings of relief they must be feeling.

    And my second reaction was to think of our troops - - how they're still in danger and need our love and support now more than ever.

    Now, as our troops are put on high alert all over the world, we should show our gratitude for their sacrifices more than ever. Especially after such a tremendous victory.

    Soldier's Angels is putting a push on to get out a record number of Angel Care Packages this week, to say "thank you for all you've done."

Click here to send a Soldiers' Angels Care Package
to one of our troops.

    These Care Packages are packed full with "comfort items" like coffee, snacks, toiletries and even clean socks.

    Your help to send out one or more of these Angel Care Packages would go a long way to showing your support to the individual troops at this time of victory - - and this time of renewed danger.

    Thanks again for all you've done as a Soldiers' Angel to show your love and support for our troops.

                        Gratefully,

                        Patti Patton Bader
                        Founder and President

P.S. We had a victory, but one that experts everywhere tell us will lead to increased attacks from terrorists seeking revenge.

    Now would be a great time to show your support for our troops. Would you send an Angel Care Package today?

    Each Care Package costs about $16. Thanks so much!

Click here to send a Soldiers' Angels Care Package
to one of our troops.

FW: Last Chance to Send a Military Kid to Camp

2011-04-27T16:22:00.001-05:00

Dear e:
"Sometimes I feel like I want to quit and just be normal for a bit." –Operation Purple® camper.
What's "normal?" Whatever it is, it's something all kids strive for—including military kids. In addition to the everyday social pressures that all kids face, military kids often feel that they don't belong. Whether it's because they move often or are dealing with their mom or dad deployed to a war zone, they feel that they are not normal. There are now 1.8 million military children coping with these feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Help send a military kid to a summer camp where they will fit in—Operation Purple Camp!
Operation Purple camps allow military kids to make fast friends. These friends share feelings not experienced by their civilian friends—and find that these feelings and experiences are normal. They are not alone.
Military kids get to share their worries, celebrate their family's military service, and learn ways to cope with stress. But best of all, they get to be kids—free from the extra responsibilities they often pick up when their mom or dad is deployed.
April is almost over, but it is not too late to do something to celebrate the Month of the Military Child. We're more than half way to our goal to raise $10,000 for military kids this month.
Donate today to send a kid to an Operation Purple camp this summer.
Military kids don't wear a uniform, but they serve too. Take this opportunity to thank them.
Regards,

Joyce Wessel Raezer
Executive Director
P.S. To celebrate the Month of the Military Child, cards are available on our website to email to a military kid you know. Whether they are living in your house or across the country, this is a great time to say thanks!

p: 800.260.0218 | f: 703.931.4600

Welcome Home--- Missing WWII Airman Identified

2011-04-24T16:21:00.000-05:00

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

No. 334-11
April 22, 2011


Missing WWII Airman Identified The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors. U.S. Army Air Forces Pfc. Mervyn E. Sims, 23, of Petaluma, Calif., will be buried Friday in his hometown. On April 24, 1943, Sims and four crew members aboard a C-87 Liberator Express departed from Yangkai, China, in support of "the Hump" resupply mission between India and China. Prior to takeoff, a ground crew determined the aircraft had sufficient fuel for the six-hour flight to the air base on other side of the Himalayas in Chabua, India. Once cleared for takeoff, there was no further communication between the aircrew and airfield operators. Army officials launched a search effort when the plane did not arrive at the destination. No evidence of the aircraft was found and the five men were presumed killed in action. In 2003, an American citizen in Burma reported to U.S. officials at the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) that he had found aircraft wreckage he believed to be an American C-87 in the mountains 112 miles east of Chabua. He was detained by Burmese officials when he attempted to leave the country with human remains and artifacts from the site. The remains and materials were handed over to officials at the U.S. Embassy in Rangoon. Attempts to excavate the site are being negotiated with the Indian government. Meanwhile, JPAC scientists continued the forensic process, analyzing the remains and physical evidence already in hand. Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory used mitochondrial DNA, which matched that of Sims' sister, in the identification of his remains. Of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II, more than 400,000 died. At the end of the war, the U.S. government was unable to recover and identify approximately 79,000 Americans. Today, more than 72,000 are unaccounted for from the conflict.

WELCOME HOME HERO! Missing WWII Airman Identified; Tech. Sgt. James G. Maynard

2011-04-20T10:25:00.001-05:00

DOD Launches New Helpline to Support Victims of Sexual Assault

2011-04-15T15:13:00.000-05:00


Missing WWII Airman Identified The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors. U.S. Army Air Forces Tech. Sgt. James G. Maynard, of Ellenwood, Ga., will be buried on April 22 at Arlington National Cemetery. On March 12, 1945, Maynard and five crew members aboard a C-47A Skytrain departed Tanauan Airfield on Leyte, Philippines, on a resupply mission to guerilla troops. Once cleared for takeoff, there was no further communication between the aircrew and airfield operators. When the aircraft failed to return, a thorough search of an area ten miles on either side of the intended route was initiated. No evidence of the aircraft was found and the six men were presumed killed in action. Their remains were determined to be non-recoverable in 1949. In 1989, a Philippine National Police officer contacted U.S. officials regarding a possible World War II-era aircraft crash near Leyte. Human remains, aircraft parts and artifacts were turned over to the local police, then to U.S. officials at the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC). From 1989 to 2009, JPAC sought permission to send teams to the crash site but unrest in the Burauen region precluded on-scene investigations or recovery operations. Meanwhile, JPAC scientists continued the forensic process, analyzing the remains and physical evidence already in hand. Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory used mitochondrial DNA-which matched that of Maynard's cousin-in the identification of his remains. At the end of the war, the U.S. government was unable to recover and identify approximately 79,000 Americans. Today, more than 72,000 are unaccounted-for from the conflict. For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, call 703-699-1420 or visit the DPMO website at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo.

Volunteers Recognized for Supporting Guard Family - Soldiers' Angels own Shelle Michaels gets the GOLD

2011-04-15T10:18:00.000-05:00

Volunteers Recognized for Supporting Guard Family

(photo is of Shelle and Patti)

BISMARCK, N.D. - Members of the North Dakota National Guard's network of
volunteers were honored for their service and openhanded contributions to the
organization's Soldiers and Airmen during National Volunteer Week April
10-16, 2011.

The Guard's Service Member and Family Support (SMFS) division annually gives
out four awards recognizing volunteers and organizations for their
outstanding contributions to military members and their families. The SMFS
division, whose mission is to enhance quality of life for service members,
veterans and their families, began the volunteer award recognition in 2008.

"To achieve mission success, our organization relies heavily on the culture
of caring that our volunteers provide," said Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk,
North Dakota adjutant general. "I'm extremely grateful to these award winners
as well as all of our generous volunteers throughout the state."

Raina Askin received the Family Member of the Year award for 2010. Askin, of
Moorhead, Minn., is a volunteer with the C Battery, 1-188th Air Defense
Artillery's Family Readiness program. Yearly, she attends the VFW's
Remembering Our Serving Soldiers (R.O.S.S.) event where she helps raise money
for the unit's Family Readiness Group which provides morale and recreational
events for the 1-188th's Soldiers.

The Extra Mile award is presented to a North Dakota National Guard retiree
who distinguishes themselves by continuing to serve the Guard through
volunteering. Chief Warrant Officer (Ret.) Don Baglien is the recipient of
this year's award. Baglien, of Bismarck, is the volunteer communications
director for the North Dakota National Guard Retiree advisory board. He
manages e-mail communication to more than 550 Guard retirees, giving them the
opportunity to stay connected to the organization.

The Arthur W. Jones Post 7564, West Fargo VFW was named the Family Program
Community Purple award winner for 2010. The organization coordinates the
annual R.O.S.S. event which raises funds for area Family Readiness Groups.
For more than eight years, R.O.S.S. has provided nearly $75,000 for Family
Readiness Group activities.

Shelle Michaels received the Gold award for her steadfast support for
deployed Guardsmen throughout 2010. The award is presented to a volunteer
showing long-term, consistent and dedicated support to the Family Program and
community. Michaels, of Bismarck, is the communications officer for Soldiers'
Angels, an organization that distributes care to service members and their
families through packages and letters of encouragement. She also has been
instrumental in establishing the annual Day of the Deployed and Month of the
Military Child proclamations.

National Volunteer Week was first established by President Richard Nixon in
1974. It was designed to inspire, recognize and encourage citizens to seek
out ways to engage in their communities.

--
Since the 2001 terrorist attacks on America, the North Dakota National Guard
has mobilized more than 3,500 Soldiers and more than 1,800 Airmen in support
of the Global War on Terrorism. Currently, about a dozen North Dakota
Guardsmen are serving overseas while more than 4,000 remain in the state for
emergency response and national defense. For every 10,000 citizens in North
Dakota, 65 serve in the North Dakota National Guard, a rate that's more than
four times the national average.

###

WELCOME HOME HERO! Airman Missing in Action from WWII Identified

2011-04-13T17:19:00.001-05:00


DOD Launches New Helpline to Support Victims of Sexual Assault The Department of Defense today launched its newest initiative to support victims of sexual assault. Using DoD Safe Helpline, service members can "click, call or text" for victim support services for themselves or others. The free, anonymous and confidential resource can be accessed worldwide, 24-hours a day, every day, to connect with live sexual assault support professionals. In addition to improving victim care, secure and confidential access to Safe Helpline was developed to encourage victims to come forward when they might not otherwise. "The underreporting of sexual assault poses a serious challenge to military readiness," said Clifford L. Stanley, under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness. "We believe the Safe Helpline will provide DoD sexual assault victims with a variety of support outlets, which will lead victims to report sexual assault, seek needed information, and receive care." Safe Helpline offers three access options designed for service members. Users can log on to http://www.SafeHelpline.org to receive live, one-on-one confidential help with a trained professional through a secure instant-messaging format. The website also provides vital information about recovering from and reporting sexual assault. A second option is to call the telephone hotline at 877-995-5247 to speak with Safe Helpline staff for personalized advice and support. Safe Helpline staff can also transfer callers to installation-based sexual assault response coordinators (SARC), on-call victim advocates, civilian rape crisis centers, or to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The third option is for users to text their location to 55247 inside the United States or 202-470-5546 outside of the United States to receive automated contact information for the SARC at their installation or base. Further information on Safe Helpline can be found on http://www.SafeHelpline.org or at http://www.sapr.mil .

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

No. 300-11
April 13, 2011

Thank you!

2011-04-13T11:33:00.001-05:00

On behalf of the three trauma team doctors here at the 256th Combat Support Hospital, I wanted to send you and the folks at Soldier's Angels a very big thank you and hug for your generosity and thoughtfulness. The package brought a constant smile on everyone's face and truly made our day. We passed on the coffee packages to our medics who also double as Barista's here in the desert :) We've also enclosed a picture of the mugs going into immediate use with this e-ail.

Thank you so much again & God bless!

Sina

MAJ Sina Haeri, MD
256th Combat Support Hospital

Soldier Missing from Korean War Identified WELCOME HOME HERO!!!

2011-04-12T14:47:00.001-05:00


Airman Missing in Action from WWII Identified The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors. Army Air Forces 2^nd Lt. Martin P. Murray, 21, of Lowell, Mass., will be buried on April 16 in Marshfield, Mass. Murray, along with 11 other crew members, took off on Oct. 27, 1943, in their B-24D Liberator from an airfield near Port Moresby, New Guinea. Allied plans were being formulated to mount an attack on the Japanese redoubt at Rabaul, New Britain. The crew's assigned area of reconnaissance was the nearby shipping lanes in the Bismarck Sea. But during their mission, they were radioed to land at a friendly air strip nearby due to poor weather conditions. The last radio transmission from the crew did not indicate their location. Multiple search missions in the following weeks did not locate the aircraft. Following World War II, the Army Graves Registration Service conducted searches for 43 missing airmen, including Murray, in the area but concluded in June 1949 that all were unrecoverable. In August 2003, a team from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) received information on a crash site from a citizen in Papua New Guinea while it was investigating another case. The citizen also turned over an identification card from one of the crew members and reported that there were possible human remains at the site of the crash. Twice in 2004 other JPAC teams attempted to visit the site but were unable to do so due to poor weather and hazardous conditions at the helicopter landing site. Another team was able to successfully excavate the site from January to March 2007 where they found several identification tags from the B-24D crew as well as human remains. Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used dental comparisons and mitochondrial DNA in the identification of Murray's remains. At the end of the war, the U.S. government was unable to recover and identify approximately 79,000 Americans. Today, more than 74,000 are unaccounted-for from the conflict.


Soldier Missing from Korean War Identified The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors. Army Cpl. John W. Lutz, 21, of Kearny, N.J., will be buried tomorrow at Arlington National Cemetery. From May 16-20, 1951, Task Force Zebra, a multinational force made up of Dutch, French, and U.S. forces, was attacked and isolated into smaller units. Lutz, of the 1^st Ranger Infantry Company, part of Task Force Zebra, went missing while his unit was attempting to infiltrate enemy lines near Chaun-ni, South Korea, along the Hongcheon River Valley. After the 1953 armistice, surviving POWs said Lutz had been captured by enemy forces on May 19, marched north to a POW camp in Suan County, North Korea, and died of malnutrition in July 1951. Between 1991-94, North Korea gave the United States 208 boxes of remains believed to contain the remains of 200-400 servicemen. North Korean documents turned over with one of the boxes indicated the remains inside were exhumed near Suan County. This location correlates with the corporal's last known location. Analysts from DPMO developed case leads with information spanning more than 58 years. Through interviews with surviving POW eyewitnesses, experts validated circumstances surrounding the soldier's captivity and death, confirming wartime documentation of his loss. Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used dental comparisons and mitochondrial DNA – which matched that of his niece—in the identification of the remains. More than 2,000 servicemen died as prisoners of war during the Korean War. With this accounting, 8,001 service members still remain missing from the conflict.
John Lutz was captured and held as a Prisoner of War during the Korean War. He was unaccounted for when the war ended and was listed as Missing in Action. His remains were recovered, identified, and returned to the United Sates in 1993.

Prisoner of War Medal Awarded posthumously for actions during the Korean War
Corporal John W. Lutz (ASN: RA-12265234), United States Army, was held as a Prisoner of War after he was captured during the Korean War on 19 May 1951 was held until his death in captivity.
General Orders: Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office
Action Date: May 19, 1951 - Died in Captivity
Service: Army
Rank: Corporal
Division: Prisoner of War (Korean War)

April 2011 Real Warriors Campaign

2011-04-12T14:41:00.001-05:00

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

www.realwarriors.net

Real Warriors Campaign Celebrates Military Children and Families

This month, in honor of military children, the Real Warriors team is offering ideas for fun activities and resources for military kids in our article, April Is the Month of the Military Child. The Real Warriors website's Family section has 18 articles and a list of 20 useful websites for military families and children. Visit our Helping Children Cope with Deployments and Reunions section and check out our Resources for Military Families.

Family Resilience Conference

The DoD/USDA Family Resilience Conference will be held on Wednesday, April 27 at 8:00am – April 29 at 4:30pm in Chicago. The conference will offer a wide range of workshops, program showcases, panels, keynote addresses and research presentations for those aiming to improve delivery systems and partnerships to impact quality of life for military families.

Professionals, educators, support staff and health care providers serving military families are invited to attend.

For more information on this and other conferences and events, visit our Facebook Events tab.

New Articles

Four Tips for Successfully Managing Chronic Pain

Whether a veteran has been wounded in action, has experienced a non-battle injury or is currently working through a recovery, chronic physical pain has the potential to play a significant role in his or her rehabilitation and reintegration process. Managing the psychological and emotional effects of chronic pain can be challenging, but there is hope when it is addressed properly from both a physical and psychological perspective.

Building Resilience as an Individual Augmentee

Deploying with a unit or component that is not your own offers exciting opportunities to gain new experiences and work with different teams. While individual augmentees bring unique expertise and knowledge that greatly supports the overall unit, their deployment also presents unique challenges. This article outlines tips for individual augmentees to build resilience before, during and after deployment.

New E-Cards

E-Cards are a great way for families to stay connected during separations. This month, we are offering new e-cards for the Coast Guard – to welcome Coast Guardsmen home from deployment, and to encourage them to reach out for support.

Coming Soon: In honor of the Month of the Military Child, the Real Warriors Campaign will launch two new e-cards in the coming weeks to support the dedication and resilience military families provide for our warriors. Follow us on Twitter, or like us on Facebook, to get notified when the cards become available.

Real Warriors Message Boards

The Real Warriors Message Boards are a great place for families to connect and share their unique experiences with other military families. We encourage all our readers to connect with each other, whether you are an active duty service member, veteran, or are in the National Guard or Reserves, whether you are a military family member or a health professional who works with service members. Use the message boards to ask questions, share experiences, or post information, links, or hotlines for programs that serve those who serve our country.

Partner Spotlight

The Association of the U.S. Army's Family Programs Directorate is dedicated to providing Army families with information and resources to help them manage the challenges of military life. The organization also works to address Army family concerns through its legislative efforts and by being active on a number of Department of Defense and Department of the Army councils and working groups.

Real Warriors & Families

Share Your Story

The Real Warriors Campaign is looking for new profilees for our video profiles, which spotlight stories of real service members who have reached out for support or sought treatment and are continuing to maintain successful military or civilian careers. If this sounds like you, share your story with the Real Warriors Campaign.

Upcoming Events

The Real Warriors Campaign may be in your area soon! Visit our Events tab on Facebook to keep up with campaign events. You don't need a Facebook account to visit the Events tab, but we'd love for you to like us online.

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Michelle Obama and Jill Biden ask, "Will You Join Forces with Us?"

2011-04-12T12:57:00.001-05:00


	Good afternoon, I'm writing to make sure that you know about an unprecedented national campaign to support our nation's military families called Joining Forces. As First Lady, I've had the privilege of meeting with Americans in uniform around the world. These brave men and women would be the first to tell you that they don't serve alone. Every day, they are joined in service to our country by military wives, husbands, children, siblings and parents. Joining Forces is about all of us joining together, as Americans, to give back to the extraordinary military families who sacrifice so much every day. Our motto is simple — everyone can do something. So take a moment to find out how you can play a part: Like their loved ones, military families are proud to serve. But that doesn't mean it's easy. Indeed many Americans may not realize how difficult it can be to have a parent or spouse deployed overseas. That's why Joining Forces is so important. We're going to match the unique needs and strengths of America's military families with specific ways that Americans can offer support. So on behalf of the President, as well as the Vice President and Dr. Jill Biden, proud military parents themselves, let me offer a heartfelt thanks to not only our troops and their families – but also to the rest of you for joining forces to support them. Sincerely, Michelle Obama First Lady of the United States P.S. We've created a special email list for more frequent updates about the Joining Forces campaign. You can sign up here: WhiteHouse.gov/JoiningForcesEmail

The White House • 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW • Washington, DC 20500 • 202-456-1111

Soldiers' Angels sewing teams need your help...

2011-04-12T12:42:00.001-05:00

Dear Soldiers; Angels,

We need your help!

Will you please help us get the word out about our Sewing Team projects?

Our troops still need to know that we are here for them! So many of them are struggling with severe and devastating wounds. Those deployed will see a return of 120-130 degree heat this summer. Sandstorms make it difficult to breathe. Sewing Team items made with kind and loving hands bring the message of love and support to these heroes when they need it the most.

BLANKETS OF HOPE provide comfort to the wounded. Will you download a copy of our flyer and spread the word about blanket-making? The flyer may be found at www.soldiersangels.org/uploads/boh/BOH%20Flyer.pdf Simply download and print it, then distribute it to fabric shops, sewing groups, crafting groups, church groups, scout troops, co-workers, etc. Thank you!

All of our projects and guidelines are included in the latest Sewing Team Newsletter. To view the newsletter, simply go to www.soldiersangels.org/uploads/sew/newsletter/2011-1.pdf Please note our newest project, PATRIOT PILLOWCASES! It is a perfect project in which to involve children.

Other important links and contacts are shown below. We welcome your feedback and would love to hear from you at bohnewsletter@gmail.com.

Thanks so much to all of you who have taken part in sending love and gratitude to our servicemembers through our projects... they are truly gifts from the heart!

Love,

Dee Jerge :)

Contacts/Links:

Soldiers' Angels Website - www.soldiersangels.org

Vice President - Sewing Team
Director - Blankets of Hope
Dee Jerge
blanketsofhope@soldiersangels.org
bob@soldiersangels.org
djerge@soldiersangels.org

Soldiers; Angels - Germany
Maryann Phillips
mphillips@soldiersangels.org

Sand Scarves
Anita Dice
sandscarf@soldiersangels.org

Cooling Scarves
Deborah Delcorio
coolscarf@soldiersangels.org

Crafts Corner / Crochet Team
crochet@soldiersangels.org

Operation Top Knot
Jody Shervanick
optopknot@soldiersangels.org

Sources of polyacrylamide crystals for Cool Scarves:
www.watersorb.com
www.theartisticshop.com
www.soilmoist.com
www.watercrystals.com

Pico Textiles - www.picotextiles.com

Blue Star Families, American Red Cross, and ServiceNation: Mission Serve Launch Operation Honor Cards

2011-04-12T11:08:00.001-05:00

Organizations Join Forces to Help America Volunteer in Honor of Service of Military Families, Service Members and Veterans

Blue Star Families, American Red Cross, and ServiceNation: Mission Serve launch Operation Honor Cards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 12, 2011
Contact: Stephanie Himel-Nelson
Email: stephanie@bluestarfam.org
Phone: 703-472-6292

Washington, D.C. — Major national organizations are challenging Americans to perform millions of hours of community service to support and honor our nation's military families, veterans and service members, in support of the First Lady's campaign for military families.

Today, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden launched an initiative to support and honor our nation's military families. As part of that event, the First Lady and Dr. Biden highlighted Operation Honor Cards. Blue Star Families, the American Red Cross and ServiceNation: Mission Serve are the driving forces behind this initiative to encourage Americans to perform service in honor of military families, veterans and service members.

About Operation Honor Cards
Operation Honor Cards is the joint project of Blue Star Families, the American Red Cross, and ServiceNation: Mission Serve, run cooperatively with the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Department of Defense. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has also agreed to support this initiative by sharing information related to our honor cards with their various Veterans Service Organizations whose members volunteer at VA's medical centers. Inspired by the First Lady's campaign for military families, the program aims to create an atmosphere of 'shared service' and a WWII sense of 'all give some' by encouraging Americans to perform service in honor of military families and veterans.

Operation Honor Cards will promote and collect virtual Honor Pledges of community service through the website at www.honorcards.org. The website will also maintain a running tally of hours of community service hours committed and fulfilled in honor of military families, service members and veterans. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to join the program and may also fill out physical honor cards pledging service and download an online Operation Honor Cards kit. The American Red Cross and Blue Star Families will distribute Honor Cards to deployed service members, military families, wounded veterans and caregivers, who can then see tangible evidence of the community service performed in their honor.

The program has already collected pledges of more than three million hours of service from Girls Scouts of the USA, Lions Clubs International, the Virginia Office of Volunteerism, the American Red Cross, Operation Gratitude, The Mission Continues, BAE Systems, Inc. and Blue Shield of California. The physical card collection portion of the program will culminate on or before 11/11/11 with 'Honor Walls' of pledge cards displayed at the Capitol Rotunda, military bases, and other public venues.

Visit www.honorcards.org for more information.

About Blue Star Families
Blue Star Families (http://bluestarfam.org) is a national, nonprofit network of military families from all ranks and services, including guard and reserve, with a mission to support, connect and empower military families. In addition to morale and empowerment programs, Blue Star Families raises awareness of the challenges and strengths of military family life and works to make military life more sustainable. Membership includes military spouses, children and parents as well as service members, veterans and civilians.

About American Red Cross
The American Red Cross has provided humanitarian support to the United States military, veterans and their families under a trusted symbol for almost 130 years. The Red Cross provides emergency communications, supports military and veteran hospitals and health care facilities as well as providing social services to military family members.

The Red Cross is able to provide these services through employees and volunteers stationed around the world - through a network of more than 650 Red Cross offices to include supporting service members, veterans and their families far from military installations. For more information, visit www.redcross.org.

About ServiceNation: Mission Serve
ServiceNation (www.ServiceNation.org) is a campaign to increase service opportunities and elevate service as a core ideal and problem-solving strategy in our society.

Mission Serve (www.MissionServe.org) is the ServiceNation campaign's civilian-military initiative, connecting civilian and military communities through a broad array of service and volunteer partnerships designed to address the challenges of our nation and our military communities.

Media requests may be directed to:

Blue Star Families
Stephanie Himel-Nelson at stephanie@bluestarfam.org or 703-472-6292

American Red Cross
Peter M. Macías at maciasp@usa.redcross.org or 202-303-4438

ServiceNation: Mission Serve
Ross Cohen at rcohen@bethechangeinc.org or 202-340-8682
####

Have you seen what’s new at Cup Of Joe?

2011-04-08T20:07:00.001-05:00

Dear Cup Of Joe Fan I'm writing to share some exciting news! Green Beans Coffee has been tasked to broaden our footprint in Afghanistan. This year, we'll be opening many new cafes; some at small bases like FOB Ramrod and others at big bases like Camp Leatherneck where 18,000 of our US Marines and support personnel serve. The mission is daunting, but we remain committed to serving our Troops and providing each of them with their "15 Minutes Of Home" whenever they come to visit us. Our Cup Of Joe For A Joe program continues to be a wonderful way for folks to let our Troops know they're remembered and not forgotten. If it's been a while since you've visited our Cup Of Joe page at Facebook, I hope you'll take a moment to stop by, see what's new and post a message of support. And as your circumstances may allow, please consider writing a letter and sending it with your Cup Of Joe to one of our Troops who serve for us so far from home... Thank You! Jason Araghi CEO & Co-Founder Green Beans Coffee Company Honor First, Coffee Second


Green Beans Coffee Co. Inc. \| (415) 461-4023 900 Larkspur Landing Circle, Suite 281 Larkspur, CA 94939 ©2011 Green Beans Coffee. All Rights Reserved.

Blue Star Families Awards Military Children for Month of the Military Child

2011-04-08T06:05:00.001-05:00

Soldiers' Angels salutes the GREAT WORK of the Blue Star Families.... we salute the children, we salute the families and we are sending you all BIG ANGEL ((HUGS))!

Operation Appreciation to Recognize Outstanding Military Children

Blue Star Families unveils plan to offer military child award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tricia Ross
Email: books@bluestarfam.org
Phone: 910-430-4216

Falls Church, VA — Sending a loved one to war puts enormous stress on families – and children are particularly susceptible. In fact, over 2 million military children have sent a parent to war in recent years, on top of the frequent moves that come with the military lifestyle. Most military children have moved more times in several years than most Americans will their entire lives! Although our military kids do not wear uniforms, families are vital to the mission of our military. While our service members are frequently thanked formally and publicly, their children stand on the sidelines cheering them on. To raise awareness of the challenges and triumphs of military children, Blue Star Families is shining a spotlight on our littles heroes during this special Month of the Military Child.

Blue Star Families will allow military families to recognize these dynamic youth by distributing formal, personalized certificates recognizing each individual child's contribution to defending our freedom, supporting our military, and being a vital part of a military family. Families may request a certificate via the Blue Star Families website www.bluestarfam.org/operationappreciation or by emailing OpApp@bluestarfam.org for more details.

About Operation Appreciation
Operation Appreciation, is a nationwide program with the goal of recognizing the millions of military family members supporting our troops. "The goal of the Operation Appreciation program is to thank the family members standing behind our military. A thank you note can mean so much to a military parent, spouse or child," said Mark Smith, executive director of Blue Star Families, Inc. Operation Appreciation letters are distributed to military spouses, children, parents, service members and veterans across the country and throughout the world.

About Blue Star Families
Blue Star Families is a national, nonprofit network of military families from all ranks and services, including guard and reserve, with a mission to support, connect and empower military families. In addition to morale and empowerment programs, Blue Star Families raises awareness of the challenges and strengths of military family life and works to make military life more sustainable. Membership includes military spouses, children and parents as well as service members, veterans and civilians.

To learn more about Blue Star Families, visit http://www.bluestarfam.org.

Media requests may be directed to Meghan Wieten-Scott at OpApp@bluestarfam.org or 910-366-9752.