They volunteer, I'm grateful, and...

A reminder of why I send care packages to our deployed troops - they volunteer, I'm grateful, and they really do appreciate hearing from people like you and me: the year I adopted a Navy ship...

Have you ever wondered what a finished deployment to Afghanistan makes you thankful for?

Have a look HERE. (HT: Blackfive)

Update on a Wounded Warrior

I blogged HERE about Cpl Zach Briseno (ret) back in 2008 when he participated in the trike part of the Marine Corps Marathon.

MaryAnn in Germany passed along an update today, HERE.

Best wishes on the new home, Zach!

Annual Veteran's Day Fundraiser for Soldiers' Angels' Project Valour-IT Program! GO TEAM NAVY!

I'm behind the curve here, but once again supporting TEAM NAVY in the annual, friendly-yet-fierce blogger fundraiser for a very special Soldiers' Angels program called Project Valour-IT.

The fundraiser runs through Veteran's Day, November 11th.

Bottom line: Project Valour-IT funds the purchase of voice-activated and otherwise modified laptops for our more severely injured veterans as well as GPSs, Wii, iPads and other gizmos that support their recovery and new normal. Well over 5000 laptops have been distributed to date, and I can attest to the gratitude with which they are received having delivered one to an injured Marine a few years ago.

The goal for each team is to raise $15,000 (first!). If you have a few extra dollars, give generously and give through TEAM NAVY here (UPDATE - competition is over, but you can still donate HERE). There are also eBay auctions of nifty items - books and memorabilia - that can be found here - all proceeds go to the fundraiser.

Pass the word!

P.S. The inspiration for the program, then Captain Chuck Ziegenfuss in the US Army (now Major Z), is captured wonderfully well in the cartoon by http://www.coxandforkum.com/ at the top of the page.