Cookie Thank You

My son, Brigadier General Brian T. Bishop, sends this personal thanks from Joint Base Balad to everyone who supported the military personnel in Iraq by sending cookies:

I don't know how many cookies arrived or how many boxes but suffice it to say that we sent cookies to most of the Forward Operating Bases where
we have Airmen and we still had cookies enough to feed the masses here at Joint Base Balad....we still have cookies...I would just say from all our Airmen, thank
you to all who sent cookies or anything during the Holidays....everything finds its way to a home of an Airmen or Soldier
who needs something.....thank you....Brian

May I add my thanks also for all you do on behalf of the women in uniform. You have a wonderful organization and the encouragement you all provide is awesome.  It is these kinds of efforts that makes them feel respected and closer to their homeland. Thank you for sharing a part of yourselves with those women in the military.

May you and all the members of your organization have a New Year filled with sunshine, fun activities, and exciting adventures.

~ Venna

Hilton Austin Team Member Gathers Care Packages For ‘Her Boys’ In The Field

 

SOLDIERS' ANGEL ADOPTS COMBAT UNIT IN AFGHANISTAN

Hilton Austin Team Member Gathers Care Packages For 'Her Boys' In The Field

           

 Judy Love is pacing outside of the boss's office and eyeing a stack of boxes she is anxious to get shipped to 'her boys' in the field in Afghanistan.The boxes are filled with hotel-sized bottles of shampoo, mouthwash and bodywash, as well as compact toothbrushes, travel packets of toilet tissue, food bars, lip balm and powdered drinks. Much of it was donated by the Hilton Austin, her employer, and the rest purchased by her and her workout buddies at the gym.

"For the soldiers in the field, in combat, these items fit perfectly in their various pockets," Ms. Love says. She is a breakfast waitress in Liberty Tavern at the hotel. She also is a member of Soldiers' Angels ( www.soldiersangels.org ), an organization with approximately 200,000 members, who support troops in combat areas through 20 different programs. One of the ways she has chosen to support the troops is to send them care packages.

"We are very proud of Judy and the volunteer work she does. She is truly a soldier's angel," said Joe Bolash, Resident Manager of the Hilton Austin.

Ms. Love is always on task for her soldiers, whether it's commandeering the usable, but no longer in rotation, hotel sheets for military hospitals, or convincing the boss to order an extra supply of travel-sized toiletries for her troops. She has adopted three individual soldiers in Afghanistan and a combat stress unit that she supports with several other Angels. She said the stress unit is comprised of mental health specialists and doctors who go into combat areas to assist soldiers dealing with the stresses of living in a combat environment, struggling with family issues back home, or requiring specialized treatment to reconstitute after traumatic events, such as having to kill the enemy and/or watch their buddies get killed in combat.

"I think a lot of people want to help support the soldiers, but don't know how, or need someone to get it organized," she said. "Soldiers' Angels has it organized. "It's a great way for persons who are retired or have outlived their families, to feel needed and useful. There are so many projects and so many different ways to help the soldiers. Their lives are so much more enriched and so are the soldiers' lives."

Ms. Love also volunteers at Blue Santa in Pflugerville. In her spare time she rides her classic 1977 Harley Superglide.

 

ABOUT SOLDIERS' ANGELS:
Soldiers' Angels is a volunteer-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the mission of providing aide and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard and their families. It is comprised of more than 200,000 volunteers who have sent tens of thousands of care packages and hundreds of thousands of letters to deployed service members; supplied the wounded with First Response Packs directly at the Combat Support Hospitals in Iraq and Afghanistan and the major military hospital in Germany, as well as provided care and comfort to those in stateside military and VA facilities; provided emergency aid to military families in need; partnered with the Department of Defense to provide voice-controlled/adaptive laptops to over 2,600 severely-wounded servicemembers; provided flights to soldiers on leave or in emergency situations, and to their families wanting to be with them up return from overseas; provided KEVLAR armored blankets to give personnel extra protection in their vehicles when it was needed; and helped to honor the families whose loved ones have paid the ultimate price for our freedom and safety.


ABOUT HILTON AUSTIN:

The Hilton Austin, located at 500 E. 4^th St, and adjacent to the Austin Convention Center, features Finn & Porter™, an upscale steak, seafood and sushi restaurant, (www.finnandporter.com/austin); Liberty Tavern™, a classic American grill; Java Jive On Fifth^, a premium coffee outlet and The Tower Health Club & Spa, a full-service health club featuring spa services. To find out more about the Hilton Austin, please visit our website at www.austin.hilton.com.

         

 ABOUT HILTON:

Hilton Hotels Corporation is recognized internationally as a preeminent hospitality company. The company develops, owns, manages or franchises more than 3,000 hotels, resorts and vacation ownership properties. Its portfolio includes many of the world's best known and most highly regarded hotel brands, including Hilton®, Conrad® Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree®, Embassy Suites Hotels®, Hampton Inn®, Hampton Inn & Suites®, Hilton Garden Inn®, Hilton Grand Vacations®, Homewood Suites by Hilton® and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection®. The following service marks are owned by Hilton Hospitality, Inc.: Hilton®, Doubletree®, Embassy Suites Hotels®, Hampton Inn®, Hampton Inn & Suites®, Hilton Garden Inn®, Hilton Grand Vacations®, Homewood Suites by Hilton® and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection®. Conrad® Hotels & Resorts is owned by Conrad Hospitality, LLC.

Soldiers' Angels Photo of the Day - January 5, 2009

 
To view the Soldiers' Angels Photo of the Day click here:
 
www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5376775&l=84f60&id=649495531

 
 
January 5, 2009 - Friends of Soldiers' Angels Dwayne Somers and Eddie Rausch are sporting their Tillman Jerseys at the game in Seattle. These guys run the Veteran Tickets Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to giving back to those who gave us so much.

They team up with major sports teams, leagues, promoters, organizations, venues and everyday ticket holders to provide free and discounted tickets to the more than 26 million Veterans and Active Duty Service Members in the United States.

Check them out...www.VetTix.org

Their organization hosted their first event this past spring- with the 3rd Annual Pat's Run.

Pat Tillman's friends and family created Pat's Run as a way to celebrate Pat's passionate legacy while raising awareness and funding for the Pat Tillman Foundation. Perry Edinger, Pat's friend and former head trainer for Arizona State University, initiated and developed the concept of a 4.2 mile run/walk around Arizona State with a finish on the 42-yard line of Sun Devil Stadium (#42 was Pat's number while a Sun Devil). Perry wanted the event to be something physical, outdoors, and open to all saying, "With Pat's Run, people are motivated to exercise and do something positive for themselves, while honoring Pat's memory, sharing their stories and ultimately being an inspiration to others."

This event benefits the Pat Tillman Foundation. To find out more about the Foundation please visit their website: www.pattillmanfoundation.org.

RIP Hero Pat Tillman..... RIP

 
 
 
 

To submit a photo for possible spotlight, please send the photo, credits, links and details regarding the photo with DAILY PHOTO in the subject line to:
ShelleMichaels@msn.com. To view the whole album click here: www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=197345&l=f76e5&id=649495531

 
 
 

Capital News 9 | 24 Hour Local News | HEADLINES | You can be an "Angel"

Capital News 9 24 Hour Local News HEADLINES You can be an "Angel"

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Jeremy Slaybaugh is teaching his friends and neighbors how to be angels. Because the need is great.
"Currently, when I checked yesterday there were close to 800 soldiers who had signed up with Soldier's Angels waiting to be adopted," said Slaybaugh. "The numbers are unbelievable of soldiers who simply feel they've been forgotten. There are a lot of soldiers who could do with just simply receiving a card, just a note saying 'hey, we remember you, we care about you.' Their reactions are humbling."
"Dear Angel, thank you for the hope that you provide," one soldier wrote.
"All I can say is it brought tears to my eyes that American people that I have never met stand behind me and support me even though they have never met me," another wrote.
"I do not mind going back to my unit knowing I am fighting for people like you," said another.
"They are amazed that you or whoever it was, that has done it, has gone out of their way to help when you it takes so little effort," said Slaybaugh. "But to them it's like you handed them gold because for that minute you link them back home. You link them to everything they know and everything they love."

You can be an "Angel"
The holidays are over, the presents are put away, and your last holiday card has long been sent. But an organization that supports troops overseas would like you to consider sending just one more. Our Britt Godshalk has the story.

It all starts, he says, with a link online.
"First thing you would do is go to their website," said Slaybaugh.
"Where everything from general questions to what you would need to do if you adopted a soldier is spelled out very clearly," said Slaybaugh. "Everything from sending cards to if you can make crafts or blankets."
Your artistic ability doesn't matter. Whether or not you support the war? That doesn't matter either.
"Their main focus is these men and women give you the right, give you the right, give you the ability to believe that way, which is great. Support them," said Slaybaugh. " You may never know that card may have given that soldier the strength to go on one more day, or to encourage one of his buddies and then that buddy encourages another, and encourages another. It's not a small thing by any stretch of the imagination. It's not a small thing."
If you'd like to be a Soldier's Angel go to soldiersangels.org or call (615) 676-0239.
To contact local volunteer Jeremy Slaybaugh, email him at: lslaybau@nycap.rr.com.

You can be an Angel

This story is from Capital News 9 out of Albany, NY and the video is there.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

You can be an "Angel"
Updated: 01/03/2009 03:41 PM
By: Britt Godshalk

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Jeremy Slaybaugh is teaching his friends and neighbors how to be angels. Because the need is great.

"Currently, when I checked yesterday there were close to 800 soldiers who had signed up with Soldier's Angels waiting to be adopted," said Slaybaugh. "The numbers are unbelievable of soldiers who simply feel they've been forgotten. There are a lot of soldiers who could do with just simply receiving a card, just a note saying 'hey, we remember you, we care about you.' Their reactions are humbling."

"Dear Angel, thank you for the hope that you provide," one soldier wrote.

"All I can say is it brought tears to my eyes that American people that I have never met stand behind me and support me even though they have never met me," another wrote.

"I do not mind going back to my unit knowing I am fighting for people like you," said another.

"They are amazed that you or whoever it was, that has done it, has gone out of their way to help when you it takes so little effort," said Slaybaugh. "But to them it's like you handed them gold because for that minute you link them back home. You link them to everything they know and everything they love."
You can be an "Angel"
The holidays are over, the presents are put away, and your last holiday card has long been sent. But an organization that supports troops overseas would like you to consider sending just one more. Our Britt Godshalk has the story.


It all starts, he says, with a link online.

"First thing you would do is go to their website," said Slaybaugh.

"Where everything from general questions to what you would need to do if you adopted a soldier is spelled out very clearly," said Slaybaugh. "Everything from sending cards to if you can make crafts or blankets."

Your artistic ability doesn't matter. Whether or not you support the war? That doesn't matter either.

"Their main focus is these men and women give you the right, give you the right, give you the ability to believe that way, which is great. Support them," said Slaybaugh. " You may never know that card may have given that soldier the strength to go on one more day, or to encourage one of his buddies and then that buddy encourages another, and encourages another. It's not a small thing by any stretch of the imagination. It's not a small thing."

If you'd like to be a Soldier's Angel go to soldiersangels.org or call (615) 676-0239.

To contact local volunteer Jeremy Slaybaugh, email him at: lslaybau@nycap.rr.com.

Theft of $8,000 donation was blessing in disguise for mother of fallen soldier | Stars and Stripes

Theft of $8,000 donation was blessing in disguise for mother of fallen soldier Stars and Stripes

Theft of $8,000 donation was blessing in disguise for mother of fallen soldier
By Steve Mraz, Stars and StripesEuropean edition, Sunday, January 4, 2009

Photo courtesy of Linda Ferrara
Linda Ferrara, far left, and her friends display some of the blankets they made for troops recovering at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.

Photo courtesy of MaryAnn Phillips
The Ferrara family poses at the grave of Capt. Matthew Ferrara at the West Point cemetery in New York. From left are mother Linda, father Mario, brother 2nd Lt. Damon Ferrara, brother Maj. Marcus Ferrara, brother West Point cadet Andrew Ferrara, sister Simone Carmichael holding niece Kaitlyn, and brother-in-law Pete Carmichael.

Capt. Matthew Charles Ferrara
Last month’s theft of nearly $8,000 of donated items for wounded troops turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the mother of a fallen servicemember.
The improbable tale resulted only because of the unlikely combination of a soldier’s death in Afghanistan, a robbery in southern California and a blog run by an American living in Germany.
The events, spanning three continents, will bring about the donation of some $30,000 and dozens of boxes of goods for the wounded recovering at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. On Monday, Linda Ferrara — the mother of the late Vicenza, Italy-based Capt. Matthew Ferrara — will visit Landstuhl to thank troops and hand out the donated items.
The events leading to Ferrara’s upcoming visit began in eastern Afghanistan in November 2007. On Nov. 9 in Aranus, then-1st Lt. Matthew Ferrara was one of five 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment soldiers killed in an ambush.
Then, in January 2008, MaryAnn Phillips with Soldiers’ Angels — a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting U.S. troops — reposted on her blog a video clip of an Army helicopter removing Ferrara’s remains from the battlefield. The clip can be seen at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVYgsYiE2yU.
The video was posted by a soldier serving in Afghanistan. But not until the four-minute clip appeared on Phillips’ blog with the names of the troops who died in the fight did Ferrara’s parents become aware that the video existed. Linda Ferrara of Torrance, Calif., contacted Phillips via e-mail, and the two formed a friendship.
Later that year when 11 wounded soldiers in her son’s unit were recovering at Landstuhl, Linda Ferrara decided she needed to do something. At Phillips’ suggestion, Linda Ferrara started making patriotic-themed blankets that are popular with the wounded at Landstuhl. Ferrara would auction blankets to get money for the supplies to make even more blankets.
That Linda Ferrara reached out to the military is not unexpected.
The Ferrara family has a long tradition of military service. Three of the four Ferrara sons, including Matthew, either attended or are attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. The fourth son is also serving in the Army. Their grandfather, Mario, served in the Navy during World War II and in Korea, earning a Silver Star.
Linda Ferrara eventually collected about $8,000 worth of blankets, sweat pants, socks, etc., and the items were loaded into an RV that was parked outside her family’s bakery in Compton, Calif.
But in early December, thieves broke into the camper and stole nearly everything days before Ferrara was going to send the donations to Landstuhl. The robbers even shredded letters grateful Americans had written to the wounded soldiers.
Linda Ferrara and Phillips were distraught. "We were both devastated when it happened," Phillips said. "After the initial shock wore off, we both believed something good would come of it, and something good did happen because people are great."
The robbery turned out to be "a blessing in disguise," Linda Ferrara said.
After a few days, Linda Ferrara contacted a reporter. A news story appeared, outlining the robbery. More news outlets picked up the story, and it gained wide attention.
In the aftermath, Linda Ferrara has been flooded with donations from across the U.S. About $30,000 in cash and enough items (clothing and the sort) to fill around four dozen, 35-pound boxes has poured in. She’s received touching letters from strangers, sharing their thoughts on and gratitude for the U.S. military. Linda Ferrara is particularly glad that the story has increased the awareness among the American public of what the troops downrange experience.
"Actually, it’s something that you couldn’t have planned more successfully — not that you’d want to repeat what happened," Linda Ferrara said. "I definitely felt that somebody else directed this and some plan was in motion."
Phillips stressed that troops at Landstuhl have everything they need, but the donations offer them something else.
"The items are a vehicle for people to express their support," she said. "It’s not about items; it’s about love."

Voting for The 2008 Weblog Awards begins on Monday, Jan 5, 2009

MANY OF OUR GREAT FRIENDS IN THE MILBLOG WORLD ARE UP FOR THIS AWARD!! DON'T MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SUPPORT THEM WITH YOUR VOTE!!


The excitement is building and the buzz is overwhelming.  Voting for The 2008 Weblog Awards begins on Monday, Jan 5, 2009.  As those who have seen the voting in previous years can attest we've got some pretty spiffy voting booths.  We've had reports of people just reloading the polls to watch them animate the vote totals...
Before voting starts there are a few housekeeping details to share with everyone.  We announced the finalist sites earlier this week and word has been spreading around to blogosphere.  I've attached a text version of the finalist listing to the end of this message for reference.  We've got a fairly large number of folks who receive our announcements, but we know that there are probably some bloggers who have been selected as finalist who may not yet be aware that they are finalists.  If you know bloggers that have been selected as finalist send them a note of congratulations (or forward them this message) - it may be the first they are hearing about becoming finalists.
For finalists you'll want to have finalist logos and links to the voting page ready to go for Monday.  Those are now available.  Finalist badges (along with embedding code) are available here:
http://2008.weblogawards.org/logos/get-your-finalist-logos/
Links to the voting polls for all 48 categories are now available here:
http://2008.weblogawards.org/polls/
That's everything you need to get started on Monday.
Many bloggers (whether they are finalists or not) publish their picks in several (or even all) categories; sort of like a voters guide.  We've always though that it was pretty cool that bloggers would go to the trouble to scan the categories and throw their support to sites they like.
Also, please let your readers know that The Weblog Awards are really about expanding your blog reading horizons by exploring the hundreds of finalists you may not be familiar with. Sure there are winners in each category at the end of the voting, but the goal is for all finalists to gain new fans and readers.  Each poll includes links to all of the finalists sites as well as a RSS/Atom feed subscription link.  There are some new categories this year and we've switched out size based categories to one based on Technorati Authority.  There really is something for everyone - we hope voters will not just follow your links to vote for you, but do that and then explore a lot of different finalist sites.
Thank you for participating and spreading the word!  We'll see everyone Monday.

_______________________________
Kevin Aylward
The Weblog Awards
E-mail: kevin@weblogawards.org

Soldiers' Angels Photo of the Day January 3, 2009

 
 
January 3, 2009 - (ret.) Sgt. Sam Floberg is shown in early 2007 at Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital. Sam was having Mirror therapy to assist in his recovery.

"It was to take care of phantom pain. If you look close you can see my right leg that isn't supposed to be there."



To view the  Photo of the Day click here:
 
www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5340169&l=9f528&id=649495531


Samuel Floberg of Fargo, ND- was deployed with the North Dakota Army National Guard 188th ADA SECFOR. On November 23, 2006 in Afghanistan, soldiers from 188th were participating in a combat patrol mission escorting military convoys from one forward operating base (FOB) to another when the enemy attack occurred with a rocket propelled grenade (RPG) striking the vehicle that Floberg was the gunner in.

Cpl. Nathan J. Goodiron, 25, of Mandaree, N.D., was killed in action as a result of a the accident and Sgt. Claude O'Berry, Mandaree was wounded. Floberg's right leg was severed resulting in amputation.


Sam's story can be read here:

1) www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_496171.html

2) www.kxmc.com/t/nathan-goodiron/106421.asp

3) www.servingheroes.com/storyFull.php?storyID=1

4) www.projecthealingwaters.org/html/events/070510BeaverCreek/index.html

 
To submit a photo for possible spotlight, please send the photo, credits, links and details regarding the photo with DAILY PHOTO in the subject line to:
ShelleMichaels@msn.com.
 
 
 

GreatAmericans.com Salutes America's Heroes

- GreatAmericans.com, an online patriotism portal with a mission to inspire America with videos telling stories about Great Americans, launched Veterans Day, November 11, 2008. The Web site is a new partnership backed by Sequoia Capital, the firm that created YouTube and Google. Sprint Nextel is the charter sponsor of GreatAmericans.com. Matt Daniels, J.D., Ph.D., created GreatAmericans.com to share the stories of positive role models, something he worked hard to find in his personal life. Growing up, Daniels attended inner city schools in Spanish Harlem, a neighborhood with one of the highest violent crime rates in New York City.
GreatAmericans.com celebrates citizens in every area of society whose lives offer a positive example to others. As the first step in the pursuit of this vision, the Web site focuses on the men and women who serve our nation in uniform, including military, law enforcement, fire/rescue, NASA, Homeland Security and the everyday American hero.
"There are no perfect people. But there are many ordinary people in America doing extraordinary things for the sake of others and our country," said Daniels. "Too often, the media is a source of negative examples. GreatAmericans.com is an effort to use the power of the media- especially the Internet- to introduce our society and our young people to better examples."
Visitors can login to GreatAmericans.com and upload videos or simply check out the Web site for segments featuring military, law enforcement, fire / rescue, NASA, Homeland Security and everyday American heroes. An interactive forum allows visitors to comment on subjects ranging from their military experience, a specific video or current affairs. GreatAmericans.com also features an online memorial to American heroes in uniform.
For more information, visit Great Americans.com.
Contact:
Lauren Sammak
Fanscape
lsammak@fanscape.com
323.785.2818
 

BLACKFIVE: What A Difference A Year Makes: Operation Puppy Love

BLACKFIVE: What A Difference A Year Makes: Operation Puppy Love If you are out there wondering if you made a difference last year (Soldiers and Marines really never have to wonder, but...), and you contributed to our efforts or Soldier's Angels, you did. You did good. ... BLACKFIVE - http://www.blackfive.net/main/

Soldiers' Angels Photo of the Day January 2, 2009

 
 
To view the Photo of the Day click here:
 
www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5323031&l=d65dc&id=649495531

 
Wade Muscha made it home in time for the birth of his daughter. He touches his wife Jesse's stomach in the airport shortly after getting off the plane.

Gone for a year with the North Dakota Army National Guard 191 MP CO, it is only a matter of time before the Muscha family is reunited again. Wade- thanks for serving and Jesse and girls... thanks to all three of you for serving too...


To submit a photo for possible spotlight, please send the photo, credits, links and details regarding the photo with DAILY PHOTO in the subject line to:
ShelleMichaels@msn.com.
 
 
 

Iraqis take control of Baghdad's 'Green Zone

Iraqis take control of Baghdad's 'Green Zone'

 BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- The U.S. military formally handed authority over Baghdad's "Green Zone" to Iraqis on Thursday as new pacts governing the mission of international troops replaced a U.N. mandate.

An Iraqi honor guard parades outside the former palace of Saddam Hussein in Baghdad on Thursday.

An Iraqi honor guard parades outside the former palace of Saddam Hussein in Baghdad on Thursday.

Iraqi troops took over checkpoints around the heavily protected district, formally known as the International Zone, which houses Iraqi government offices and the U.S. Embassy.

Saddam Hussein's Republican Palace, which served as U.S. headquarters in Baghdad after the 2003 invasion that ousted Iraq's longtime strongman, was among the facilities handed over in Thursday's ceremony.

"This day is a great day in the history of the Iraqi people," Iraqi military spokesman Maj. Gen. Qassim Atta said.

Maj. Gen. David Perkins, a U.S. military spokesman, noted the significance of turning over the former Republican Palace.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/01/01/iraq.green.zone/index.html

Soldiers' Angels Photo of the Day January 1, 2009

Starting the New Year out focusing on the BIG PICTURE of deployment; the loved ones left behind.

SFC Kevin Albrecht of HHC, 4BSTB, 4BCT, 1CD has 9 months left in his deployment.

His wife Nadine is keeping up a fantastic blog sharing their experiences - http://thealbrechtsquad.blogspot.com/


I want to say thanks to Kevin, Nadine and the boys for all they are giving to each and everyone of us.

Sharing a quote from their blog - "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free." Ronald Reagan - 40th president of USA (1911 - 2004)
 
To view the January 1, 2009 Photo of the Day click here:
 
www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5299122&l=2ceaf&id=649495531
 
 
To submit a photo for possible spotlight, please send the photo, credits, links and details regarding the photo with DAILY PHOTO in the subject line to:
ShelleMichaels@msn.com.
 
 
 

Thank-you to All my Angels and Happy New Year

Hello All!

 

I pray that my words find you all in good health and spirits.  I just wanted to wish you all a Happy New Year and to tell you that you are indeed the true essence of what our country stands for.  You have supported me and my fellow comrades with your wonderful gestures of kindness and words of encouragement.  I have no doubt that your support carried not only me, but my entire team through this deployment.  With each card or box that arrived it reminded us that the fight we fight is not in vain, that our efforts do not go unnoticed.  It is my prayer that you are blessed for all that you do for your military men and women in uniform, for you have truly been a blessing to us.  As we head back to our homes and families in the coming weeks you will remain in our heart, thoughts and prayers and forever a part of our military journey.  Take care and Thank you  

 

 

V/R

TSgt Kea Brown
NCOIC C-17 Supply
Deployed

 

FW: Soldiers' Angels Photo of the Day December 31, 2008

 
To view the December 31, 2008 Photo of the Day click here:

www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5295359&l=b60ce&id=649495531
 
December 31, 2008- Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody gives a thumbs up to recognize her father, retired Brig. General Harold H. Dunwoody, of Engelwood, Fla., not pictured,
today during her promotion ceremony to four-star General at the Pentagon. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)


IT IS GREAT TO BE A GIRL!! Thanks General Dunwoody for all that you are!!


The full story is available here:
http://theladiesofliberty.blogspot.com/2008/11/gen.html


 
To submit a photo for possible spotlight, please send the photo, credits, links and details regarding the photo with DAILY PHOTO in the subject line to:
ShelleMichaels@msn.com.
 
 
 

News Tribune - News - Local

News Tribune - News - Local
Once an elf for Project Santa, Pat Scanlon of La Salle has made spreading cheer to soldiers overseas a year-round endeavor. This holiday season she spent nearly a week in Germany inspecting the fruits of her labors.During the first week of November, Scanlon’s days were comprised of visiting injured American soldiers and preparing care packages with the Soldiers’ Angels organization in Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in southwestern Germany.“I wanted to see what was going on. The need is so great and it was so rewarding,” said Scanlon. She said the troops would show much appreciation for even simple gestures.

Soldiers' Angels Photo of the Day December 30, 2008

 
 
To view the December 30, 2008 Photo of the Day click here:
 
www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5281270&l=b4969&id=649495531
 
 
A C-17 Globemaster III, 14th Airlift Squadron, Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. releases flares over the Atlantic Ocean during a local exercise over the Charleston S.C., area. The "smoke angel" is caused the vortex from the engine. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Russell E. Cooley IV) (Released)
 
To submit a photo for possible spotlight, please send the photo, credits, links and details regarding the photo with DAILY PHOTO in the subject line to:
ShelleMichaels@msn.com.
 
 
 

A note from (Lady of Liberty) Gonzalez

I would like to take this time to say thank you for all that you have done for me and other Soldiers like me.

 

Thank you for your letters, cards, calling cards, heartfelt prayers and thoughts. 

 

Our force, however strong, needs encouragement, especially when our will is weak. 

 

 

 Your kindness has healed our sad souls and our longing for our homes.

 

With reminders every day that we are not alone...

 

 

We have you!

Thank you Soldiers Angels

ARMY YEAR IN PHOTOS 2008

This annual year-end special features the best of Army.mil's feature photos, drawn from a variety of Defense Department sources. These photos capture the essence of America's Army - the Soldiers and their Families - the Strength of the Nation.

www.army.mil/yearinphotos/2008/



Soldiers' Creed


I am an American Soldier.

I am a Warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values.

I will always place the mission first.

I will never accept defeat.

I will never quit.

I will never leave a fallen comrade.

I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills. I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.

I am an expert and I am a professional.

I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.

I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.

I am an American Soldier.


www.army.mil/soldierscreed/flash_version/index.html

A couple really great Soldiers' Angels video clips.... enjoy...

This first one is Operation Price of Freedom, and is a bit long... but very good
http://soldiersangels.org/opof.wmv


This is our PSA from 2008
http://soldiersangels.org/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=138&cntnt01returnid=150


or this one simply says it all....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHJCg1a_Bjs

Holiday Message from the Patriot Guard Riders Board of Directors

The Board of Directors would like to take a moment to thank all Patriot Guard Riders and their families for their support and dedication to our mission.  We are all aware of the gift of time, vacation, family events missed, and expenses that each member donates to escort our fallen heroes.  I ask that you each take a moment over the holidays and visit our Letters Pages, and read the words of family members about what you have done for them.

 

Times are tough, but we continue to make a difference that lasts.  The mission is being accomplished every day of the year because the membership won't fail our Heroes and their families.   As an organization, we do continue to face challenges in the coming year, but at the same time; I believe we will grow stronger.  I see efforts coming forward to improve communications and develop advisory committees to help meet the needs for the growth we have had over the past three years.

 

We truly hope that each member will be able to spend their holidays with their own family and loved ones and thank them for understanding the time they have given so that we may stand the flag line.  The National Staff and Board of Directors respectfully wish you all the best over the holidays.

 

Bill "Whirlwind" Richart 

Donnie "Reaps" Snyder                 

Gary "garycolumbia" Everett                      

Tom "Taz" Hoffmann                   &