View from the 8th Floor

MilblogConf 2011: Rumsfeld on veterans serving in Congress

2011-04-30T06:38:00.000-07:00

When asked about military veterans considering serving in Congress, Sec Rumsfeld referenced what he considered a very inspiring address by Adlai Stevenson's address to his senior class banquet at Princeton in 1954.

A .pdf of the speech is on his website.

2011 Milblog Conference

2011-04-30T06:13:00.000-07:00

Kicking off with former Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, taking questions from the "irreverent" Milblog community :-) Offered a interesting comparison between how info was shared from deployed forces to the home front when he was a naval officer. Very different.

He's as candid and irreverent as the crowd I think, which is part of his appeal.

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

2010-11-27T10:13:00.000-08:00

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?

2010-11-27T10:03:00.000-08:00

Have a look HERE. (HT: Blackfive)

Update on a Wounded Warrior

2010-11-23T22:05:00.001-08:00

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!

2010-11-02T20:07:00.000-07:00

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.

Sometimes it really is a small world

2010-05-31T18:21:00.000-07:00

Or at least smaller than we think.

I walked over to Arlington National Cemetery this morning with a friend. We headed out to Section 60 to visit and pay our respects to our fallen who have most recently been laid to rest at Arlington. There are familiar names that have been there for a while that I remember for one reason or another. Medal of Honor recipient Ross McGinnis. Major Douglas A. Zembiec. Capt Brian Letendre.

Today I noted a new name: Lance Corporal Noah M. Pier. I noted it because someone had placed a large photo of LCpl Pier next to his headstone. He was a good looking young guy, but it was the exuberant grin that made me look twice at his name. I thought, "Someone is going to miss that grin." And so much more.

When I was home later, I was reading Memorial Day posts on-line, including some at my favorite blog, The Mudville Gazette. The most recent addition to the Dawn Patrol - Mrs. G's special contribution to the blog and blogosphere in general - included a link to an article on some recently fallen Marines. The caption on the photo mentioned Lance Corporal Noah M. Pier:

Lance Cpl. Jeffrey P. Grivois, a fire team leader with 3rd Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, wears a metal bracelet to honor his friend, Lance Cpl. Noah M. Pier, who was killed in action in January and has a road in Nawa named in his honor. Grivois is currently serving at Patrol Base Meinert, named for another fallen Marine from Bravo Company, and both Meinert and Pier's photos are displayed at the post's entrance. Grivois, 21, is from Ocala, Fla. Photo by Sgt. Brian Tuthill.

Small world.

Here's a little bit more about this Marine. See what I mean about that grin?

Godspeed, Noah.

P.S. The photo reminded me of this post that Greyhawk highlighted today, too.

Memorial Day....Remembering and Honoring

2010-05-30T20:02:00.000-07:00

As I try to do whenever I'm in town for Memorial Day, I'll be visiting Arlington National Cemetery tomorrow. And in keeping with a tradition I started a few years ago, I'll be wearing the T-shirt in the picture below. You see, the names on that t-shirt are as close as I've gotten to knowing someone who died serving our country. I know many many veterans, but haven't lost anyone to war. One name on this t-shirt was a college classmate of my sister's. That's as close as I hope to get, but I can't imagine that it'll stay that way.

“An inestimable prize, the understanding that health, good fortune, long years, domestic tranquility, all the attributes of personal happiness, do not make a life well lived if we are afraid to risk it all for the love of something finer, something bigger than our own desires.” - Senator John McCain

For all those honoring someone dear to them this weekend, my gratitude for the service of your loved one and my prayers for you.

Next Weekend: Gettysburg or Bust!

2010-04-17T17:16:00.000-07:00

At Milblogs 2010: First afternoon session is with MG Hogg

2010-04-10T10:40:00.000-07:00

Milblogs is hosting a session of Military Blogger's Roundtable with MG Hogg live from Afghanistan, who is working with Afghan special forces or "commandos". Per the general, recruitment is improving, but is seasonally challenging as other employment opportunities arise, but retention is very, very high - pay raise helped! The commandos are active and are having successes.

Next panel....National Security Smorgasboard [UPDATED]

2010-04-10T08:01:00.000-07:00

Michael Yon is on the phone from Afghanistan and we've got some other people in the room to talk about national security issues.

Michael is talking about media coverage of the war. It's a hazardous and expensive place to operate as a journalist, independent or otherwise...and he just got "dis-embedded". Beyond his blog, he now has a facebook page and tweets... Check out his photos!

UPDATED:
Next "panel" member: Abe Sofaer of the Hoover Institution. And a veteran of US Air Force. Greyhawk asks, "Why did you leave??" more aptitude for State Department! Career stretched from Carter admin through Reagan admin, during which several terrorist events occurred (including the murder of Navy Seal Robert Stetham aboard hijacked TWA flight into Greece and murder of American passenger Leon Klinghoffer on passenger cruise ship, the Achille Lauro, both in 1985 - both vivid memories for me). He has a new book that examines at legal vs. illegal uses of force in post-9/11 world: "The Best Defense? Legitimacy & Preventive Force"

UPDATE: Next fabulous panel member, SSgt Norman Hatch, USMC! He was a combat cameraman in the Pacific in WWII. He contributed to the work that formed the Academy Award winning documentary, "With the Marines on Tarawa". Watch some archived footage HERE. NPR has an article and interview, and the Marines have it covered HERE.

Social Media and Non-Profits: The Charitable Landscape [Updated]

2010-04-10T06:59:00.000-07:00

The panel....

The moderator (Greta! she's an Angel, too)

A great panel with reps from the Navy Memorial, Wounded Warrior Project, Blue Star Families, and Soldiers' Angels...talking about fund raising and "friend" raising. Message: they all have great missions, but without funding a lot less happens. However, social networking tools help build maintain powerful relationships for supporting our active duty troops and veterans.

Update: Great question from Navy News... If you were Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for a day (ADM Mullen!), what would you ask troops to do to help troop support orgs?

1) encourage troops to share their stories - so many people don't know anything about the current war in Afghanistan (Shelle with Soldiers' Angels)
2) encourage veterans returning from theater to be aware of other new veterans who are having challenges after returning from war (Keith with Wounded Warrior Project)

More to come...

At Milblogs 2010...

2010-04-10T06:04:00.000-07:00

Just about to get under way here in Arlington at the 5th Annual Milblogs Conference! Wish you were if you aren't :-) ...but you can watch it live on the web HERE, thanks to the sponsorship of VA Mortgage Company (the folks that bring you YouServed).

I didn't even blog about this conference last year because it was co-scheduled with the 2009 Face of America Bike Ride, and Kathi and I (and the Banner Princess) were driving all over DC at the wee hours of the morning (!) to be here and to hang banners along the bike ride route.

Things were off to a great start last night with the opening panel and a great reception. Soldiers' Angels was the grateful beneficiary of the annual Jail and Bail fundraiser along with Homes for Our Troops. We also had great music from Saving Abel...who were blasting from my car CD player on the way over this morning.

And now... we're listening to a taped message from CDRCENTCOM, General David Petraeus! Thank you, sir, for taking the time to recognize this conference and milbloggers :-)

Not for Nothing - Take 12

2010-03-22T14:22:00.000-07:00

In pictures, see Iraq then and now.

Note that most of the initial pictures (2 through 10) are from 2007, which was the year of the "surge": Gen Petraeus was confirmed in early 2007, and additional troops soon followed him to Iraq. The most intense fighting raged through the summer.

Thank you, Ms Hagar for helping to document the changes in Iraq.

My favorite photo is her last one: a teacher and school girls smiling while on a field trip to Babylon.

In 2007, that photo might have seemed too much to hope for. Now that it's reality, it's particularly sweet.

Please Remember...

2010-03-20T06:41:00.000-07:00

...that the sacrifices are heartrendingly huge.

...and that remembering and honoring are our responsibility.

Thanks to The Sniper for the photo/poster.

"Thank you" from a Marine's little sister

2010-03-11T19:27:00.000-08:00

I've blogged before about the lunches that Soldiers' Angels hosts at the hospital at our National Naval Medical Center on a weekend day every month or so.

I was there again this past Sunday and was pleased to provide a sandwich, soda, and cookie to a couple dozen patients and family members and a bunch of medical staff.

We always get lots of thank yous, but this is the first time we've gotten a hand-crafted one. Little Eileen brought this by when I was cleaning up. Since there are lots of folks out there whose donations make these lunches possible, I thought you'd like to see our thank you gift from a Marine's little sister.

Her big brother was on a restricted diet, but his mom and I came up with a grape jelly sandwich, some grapes, and some pretzels.

Not bad, Team. Thanks.

Team Rubicon in Haiti - worth your notice and donations

2010-01-20T09:35:00.000-08:00

Some amazing initiative is making a real difference in Haiti... a place where nothing is "normal", and everyday tasks are a challenge.

Meet Team Rubicon. Former/current military, firefighters, ER docs.

Follow their activities. They've posted several times each day. Some is not for the faint of heart.

Note the impression they are making.

Maybe you have the right skills to join Team 2?

Offer some cash if you can (not tax deductible at present), prayers if you can't. I've done a little of both.

Godspeed.

Christmas at Landstuhl...thanks, Angels!

2009-12-30T18:23:00.000-08:00

Christmas at Landstuhl

Contribute to a civilian surge...of support!

2009-12-20T09:02:00.000-08:00

MaryAnn posts a great reminder of why your support of our deployed troops is so appreciated. I'll include the photo here, but click over to her blog to watch the video that showcases our Marines and Sailors at a combat outpost in Afghanistan.

A U.S. Army Soldier sleeps, while the first pot of coffee of the day brews, on Combat Outpost Cherkatah, in Khowst province, Afghanistan, Nov. 27, 2009. The Soldier is deployed with Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry (Airborne), 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Smith/Released.

Join the civilian surge today!

As well, Michael Yon's email to subscribers mentions the holiday support that is so appreciated:

"Christmas packages to the troops are arriving by the crate, and the soldiers are sharing with workers from places like Nepal, India, and Philippines. The soldiers are very happy with all the support flooding in from home. It must have taken a lot of big airplanes to get all this mail here."

Sign up for his email list here. Or check him out on Facebook.

I got word earlier this week that our Angel holiday support had reached some of our coalition medics in Afghanistan. They were very appreciative as they'd had a rough few days. We sent them holiday garland, lights, cocoa, candy, cookies, crackers, sausage, mustard, and fancy coffee creamer. And some cards from my Mom's 5th graders in Texas.

Large or small, your support means a lot.

Adopt a troop today! Click HERE!

We've got 2000+ waiting.

How about a civilian surge? [updated]

2009-12-02T16:05:00.000-08:00

No, I'm not talking about non-military deployments to Afghanistan (though that's important, too).

How about prepping for a non-deploying, civilian surge of support for the military men and women who will be serving in Afghanistan over the next two years?

At a minimum, we know that there will be more requests for Angels. Even before the Afghanistan surge has started, we have a backlog of requests for Angels. As of 7:11pm EDT on December 2, 2009, that backlog is 1713.

We also will continue to have wounded who deserve some extra TLC from people like you.

So.

Option 1: Plan to adopt.

Option 2: No registration or membership required, plan to send Angel supplies to our Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany. All the details and instructions are HERE. I just sent some sweatpants, zippered hoodie sweatshirts, and boxer briefs last week. If you don't have a lot of free time, but have a few extra dollars, send thru Walmart and save yourself a trip to the store and the Post Office. To give you an idea of items that are gratefully received by our ill and wounded at Landstuhl, here's the list at that link above:

- Sweatpants and Zippered Hoodie Sweatjackets (M, L, XL - grey, black, dark blue)
- Lounge/sleep pants/pj bottoms (M, L, XL - any color or pattern)
- Undershirts and plain T-shirts (M, L, XL - crew neck, any color)
- Shorts, baggy basketball-type (M, L, XL - any color)
- Men's Boxerbriefs (M, L, XL) 2nd choice boxers. Please do not send "tightie whities".
- Socks (white ankle or crew length preferred. Other colors ok)
- FlipFlops to wear while showering (men's large sizes)

- Toothbrushes (individually wrapped)
- Toothpaste (any size)
- Bar Soap, Shower Gel & Shampoo (any size)
- Dental floss
- Gold Bond or similar Foot Powder and Body Powder
- Body lotion (any size)
- Lip balm
- Nail Clippers (large & small)
- Disposable razors (at least double-blade, individually wrapped)
- Shaving cream (aerosol cans, travel size preferred)

- Calling cards (click for details)
- Blankets of Hope (click for details)
- Travel pillows
- Ipods & iTunes gift cards (click for details)

Option 3: Purchase "First Response Backpacks", which are supplied to medics in theater for cases like THIS. Purchase HERE (check out the "customer reviews" at the bottom of the page, too).

So, ready to sign up?

Remembering with Gratitude: A year like few others in American history (Updated)

2009-11-26T19:57:00.000-08:00

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God...

Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Day Proclamation, 1863

A small reminder of an important year in the history of our Union over HERE and of those who fought to preserve it. (HT: The Blog)

With gratitude for the sacrifices of those then and now who preserved and continue to defend our Union....a Union that has blessed so many here and abroad.

Update: Here's some context for and the complete text of Abraham Lincoln's 1863 Proclamation. Of note: "The first observance of the national holiday came one week after the dedication of the Soldiers National Cemetery at Gettysburg."

You can read President Obama's Proclamation for Thanksgiving Day 2009 here.

For me, this still captures my feelings on the day.

Welcome! and thank you for your service.

2009-11-17T21:29:00.000-08:00

To some of our newest fellow citizens, who were willing to write that blank check to the U.S. of A... with gratitude and prayers, Godspeed!

"A veteran is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to ‘The United States of America’ for an amount ‘up to and including my life'."

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Military servicemembers take an Oath of Allegiance to become American citizens during a naturalization ceremony held at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Nov. 12. Nine Task Force Yukon Soldiers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) and attached units received their citizenship at the ceremony. (Photo by U.S. Army Pfc. Andrya Hill, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division Public Affairs)

Not for Nothing - Take 11

2009-11-14T15:59:00.000-08:00

With Saddam Hussein in charge, it was easy to forget that the "cradle of civilization" (click that link - it's a cool map) that we learned about in history class and the settings for many Biblical passages can be found within Iraq's borders.

When I am reminded of this fact, I often think that I'd like to visit Iraq (and Afghanistan) as a tourist some day.

Our troops have been among the first to test the waters:

“I heard about (the site) in college classes, but I never thought I'd get to actually be on the Ziggurat of Ur,” said Sgt. Brandon Metroka, from the Pennsylvania National Guard.
Another site, near the Ziggurat of Ur, is considered even more historically significant. It is believed to have been the home of Abraham, a central figure in the Muslim, Jewish and Christian religions.

“I'm actually in school to be a history teacher. I'm a senior in college right now so this means everything to me... to be able to show my students (photographs) for the next 30 years,” said Sgt. Kiersten Dozack.

Read the whole story and see the pictures HERE.

A different kind of "shock and awe" (updated)

2009-11-13T20:43:00.000-08:00

No precision bombs required. Ha.

"I was just in shock and awe that people would take time out of their day just to come out and support you," he said.

"I had the biggest smile on my face. I haven't felt this good in a long time."

Read the rest HERE. (Hat Tip: The Dawn Patrol)

If you live near the DFW airport, you can help generate that particular type of "shock and awe", too, but adopting a troop through Soldiers' Angels can do the same thing.

One of the niftiest things that you can get as an Angel is "free mail". "Free mail" is what deployed troops write in the upper right hand corner of an envelope where you and I put a stamp (you see, they can send their letters home for free). So, when you get mail from theater, it's "free mail". I'd adopted a number of troops before I received my first "free mail" (the others were kinda busy or sent email instead - which is still very cool). In fact, I think my first free mail came from a medic to whom I'd sent a one-time care package.

There is something special about a real letter; no matter how short, it's still very sweet. Free-mail is inevitably full of one thing: thank yous. And they go on and on with the thanks. Because of the extra support and TLC* that we provided. They don't expect it, even the smallest thing.

For Veteran's Day, I posted this quote on my "status" on Facebook (don't know the author):

"A veteran is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to ‘The United States of America’ for an amount ‘up to and including my life'."

A weekly letter and monthly care package for the length of a deployment - or a high-five from a five year old - seem like an inadequate trade, but they like it just the same.

1500+ are waiting. Are you ready to be an Angel? I think you probably are - no experience required! Go show 'em a little love.

*TLC = "tender loving care".... someone asked me what that stood for the other day!

Adopt a Troop. Send Letters. Send Care Packages.

2009-11-12T18:41:00.000-08:00

Adopt HERE.

Care package ideas HERE and HERE and HERE.

Letter ideas HERE or at the very end of the post HERE.

Why do it? Go HERE.

THANK YOU!! Valour-IT Fundraiser raises $103K+

2009-11-12T18:28:00.000-08:00

Y'all are the best. Details HERE.

Missed the fun? How about adopting a troop? We've got 1500+ waiting for an Angel. :-) (updated!)

Home stretch!! Just two days of Valour-IT Fundraiser

2009-11-09T18:55:00.001-08:00

Just two days left, and only the *Marines* are close to their goal. Sheesh.

If you can spare a dollar or two, maybe you'd like to....

...push the Marines over the top (tomorrow's their birthday, so that'd be a nice gift)
...drag the Air Force out of last place
...be nice to Army because their football team is....yeah.
...or support MY TEAM, TEAM NAVY!

I'd be okay with any of the above. Really.

Click on the blue, green, red, or gray bar in the graphic below (or click on the name of the service in the text above) to make a donation to your favorite team!

Show your support for the Fort Hood Community

2009-11-05T20:34:00.000-08:00

From the Soldiers' Angels web page:

Soldiers’ Angels is assessing the needs and--with our founder currently residing in Texas--standing by to offer physical and emotional support to our heroes and their families at Fort Hood.

RIGHT NOW: Collecting encouraging notes and NEW stuffed animals for the families and children of the injured or killed. Please send cards/letters and stuffed animals (and anything NEW that may brighten the life of a child) to:

Soldiers' Angels
4408 PanAm Expressway
San Antonio, TX 78218

You can check back HERE for updates.

Prayers for the Ft Hood Community

2009-11-05T16:39:00.000-08:00

Psalms 91:11

"For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways"

My Favorite Moment as a Soldiers' Angel...starring the US Navy

2009-11-04T17:13:00.000-08:00

I've written before about the blessings of being an Angel, especially after some of the unique opportunities I've had as a Soldiers' Angel living in the Washington, DC area.

However, my all-time favorite day as an Angel was in January 2007. I had just returned to the DC area after spending Christmas at my parents home in Houston, Texas.

I'd already done a little jig on Christmas Eve after receiving emails from about half a dozen of the 240+ sailors deployed to the Pacific on the USS Rentz that were on the receiving end of this project. Angel Michelle in Iowa, my co-lead for the project, had received emails as well. My favorite quote was:

“Thank u thank u thank u, I was happy to receive the stocking with your letter in it, I was sleeping and I woke up and it was on my leg. lol. Put a smile on my face. This is my first Christmas away and I felt a lot of love from yall"

Fun, huh? So what could top that?

Well, on January 7th, I got, not one, but two more emails.

The first had the subject: "THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE TROOPS". The message started,

"Lisa, My name is XXX and you're probably wondering who I am..."

Well, low and behold it was a from a member of a small Navy unit deployed somewhere in the Pacific. The USS Rentz had provided re-supply for them shortly after Christmas. We'd overestimated how many goody bags that were needed for the Rentz, so they shared some of the Christmas cheer along with food staples, fuel, etc.

How cool is that?? We never could have planned to provide some holiday cheer and a little morale boost for that remotely deployed unit, but that we did, well,... YAY!

Then a little bit later that day, I got this email, which I did get permission to share with "as many people as you wish":

“I can not begin to express the gratitude the Commanding Officer and I have for the gifts you delivered to this ship. I have been in the Navy for over 26 years and I have been deployed away from family and friends during Christmas eight times during that 26 years. Your gifts, notes, thoughts and the heart felt effort made this deployed Christmas the easiest to weather. Our crew has a large number of young sailors that experienced their first Christmas away from home. The homemade Christmas bags brightened so many faces and helped everyone on board forget about the distance between them and their families. You and your organization are wonderful. I am proud to be serving this country and helping to protect people like you and those that make Soldiers Angels possible. Thank you.”

THIS is why I'm a Soldiers' Angel. I want to make sure that those who serve know - without a doubt - that we appreciate their service to our country.

So maybe this will inspire you to adopt a troop (we have 2000+ waiting!!!), donate to the Soldiers' Angels Foundation (Go TEAM NAVY!), and/or remember to express your thanks the next time you have an opportunity. Maybe?

If you need to do some Christmas shopping, check out the Valour-IT Auction on eBay - great cause and some great items! (autographed first edition "Hunt For Red October" and baseball autographed by Nolan Ryan!)

Thanks in advance for any and all the support you can provide.

Valour-IT: Finding a new normal

2009-10-31T10:18:00.000-07:00

A common comment from Valour-IT recipients is that the technology offers a new way to do something that they were able to do before their injuries but now find impossible or simply exhausting. Our wounded warriors simply can't do some things the "old way", and Valour IT enables a new way. A new normal.

I shared this story with friends via email Thursday night, and Cassandra of Team Marine Corps wrote about him today, too.

Please read to the end of this post and find the link to the long write-up on Bryan at Esquire in January 2008, two years after he received his laptop and a year after being Esquire's cover story. SGT Bryan Anderson offers you an extended window on his world and the ongoing challenges of being a wounded vet. Have a look?

From the November 2005 request for a Valour IT voice-activated laptop for triple amputee, SGT Bryan Anderson:

“It was the last day of Valour-IT's first Veterans Day (2005) fundraiser, when I was still stunned by its success and thrilled Valour-IT was now a viable project. Amid that emotion, arrived an email requesting a laptop for Bryan:
'...He has a long road ahead of him. His mother said that they are doing everything for him and it is getting very frustrating for him. He wants to talk to his friends but he just is not ready to do it yet. With this laptop he will be able to communicate with family and friends and will be able to do it without the help of anyone. This is going to be the first step in showing him that he will be able to do things on his own.'

Less than four months later, in February 2006, Bryan was walking. The same correspondent shared:
B[ryan] came in town for a benefit dinner to help raise funds for his family. He walked into the room with his prosthetic legs, he was smiling and overwhelmed at the support he and his family received...

The laptop was the first step to the road to recovery. It proved that he was going to be able to do all the things that he did before.'
And today, out of the blue, I found him on the cover of Esquire. As my correspondent predicted, he did do all the things he'd done before... and so much more:
I've been wakeboarding, water-skiing, jet-skiing, tubing, rock climbing, snow skiing, playing catch with my brother. I try to do the same things. I'm not going to let it stop me. We did a 110-mile bike ride from Gettysburg to Washington, D. C. Sixty miles the first day, fifty miles the second day. Hand cycle, three wheels. I ended up ripping the glove, breaking the hand, breaking the whole socket. I might do it a little differently, but I'm still going to do it...
He knows who he is:
This doesn't define me. It may be how I look on the outside, but it's not who I am. I guess you could remember me easily as being a triple amputee, but it's not who I am, has nothing to do with who I am. I've always been the same person..'

And I discovered that Bryan continued to share his story here in Esquire Magazine.

It’s a long road, but you can help with that first step.

Special thanks to Brian Mockenhaupt at Esquire for writing about Bryan's story.

Click on the thermometer widget below to make a credit card donation today!

Address for donations by check or through PayPal are at the bottom of the page HERE.

[Note: 100% of all donations go to the purchase of Valour IT equipment. Soldiers' Angels is an IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations are tax-deductible and may be eligible for matching funds from donors' employers (ask your employer). Consult your tax advisor for details.]

And in case you didn't know what a Prowler is...

2009-10-30T19:52:00.000-07:00

A U.S. Navy EA-6B Prowler aircraft from Electronic Attack Squadron 129 prepares to launch from catapult one aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in the Pacific Ocean on Sept. 19, 2009. The Stennis is underway conducting fleet replacement squadron carrier qualifications off the coast of southern California. DoD photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Walter M. Wayman, U.S. Navy. (Released)

Aircraft carriers. Subs. Tomcats, Hornets, Prowlers. Crypto geeks! Combat medics aka "forward deployed Angels", and, SEALS... and Steeljaws!

2009-10-30T18:52:00.000-07:00

What are Steeljaws? Go HERE.

Better yet, why do I now know what a Steeljaw is? Because fellow Team Navy blogger Steeljaw Scribe posted some inspirational videos to rally the team!!

They're all HERE, and I like the navy planes, but I know you'll like this one:

Thanks to all the folks who answered the call (er, email) from last night and nudged Team Navy forward!!

A Wife's Perspective....on Valour IT laptops

2009-10-29T19:33:00.000-07:00

On the Soldiers' Angels website, you'll see this quote from Major Chuck Ziegenfuss:

"It was the first time I felt whole since I’d woken up wounded in Landstuhl."

Now go read what Carren - Chuck's amazing wife - had to say about the impact of the Valour IT laptop:

"I was able to relax a little bit more. Instead of trying to figure how to get Chuck some sort of outlet, I knew he had one. Instead of going to the Mologne House every night, wondering how Chuck will manage throughout the night, I knew he had an outlet. Instead of feeling guilty as hell when I went somewhere without him (for ME time), I knew Chuck had his connection to the outside world."

Her whole post is HERE. (BTW, that "amazing" is no exaggeration. One of the benefits of being a volunteer with Soliders' Angels has been getting to know people like Carren.)

A voice-activated Valour IT laptop is a gift that you can help give to other wounded warriors. Donate today!

I think you should support Team Navy (click thermometer widget at top right! or HERE), but I really don't care who gets credit. You can make a donation through any service's team HERE.

But really, Navy is still the best. Aircraft carriers. Subs. Tomcats, Hornets, Prowlers. Crypto geeks! Combat medics aka "forward deployed Angels", and, duh, SEALS.

'Nuf said.

Come on NAVY!

2009-10-28T21:43:00.000-07:00

The friendly (cough, cough) inter-service Valour-IT fundraising competition has begun! Support our wounded warriors and Team Navy today!

Soldiers' Angels's Valour-IT program provides voice-activated laptops and other helpful technology gadgets to our more severely injured troops. Technology supplied includes:

- Voice-controlled Laptops - Operated by speaking into a microphone or using other adaptive technologies, they allow the wounded to maintain connections with the rest of the world during recovery.

- Wii Video Game Systems - Whole-body game systems increase motivation and speed recovery when used under the guidance of physical therapists in therapy sessions (donated only to medical facilities).

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

For the very first recipient (and inspiration for the program), the Valour-IT laptop meant being able to blog again and get back in touch with his buddies down range, even when tapping on a keyboard was not an option. It made a huge difference to him and has to many others since.

Won't you support this wonderful program with a small (or LARGE!) donation today? And Team Navy could really use the help. Sheesh! Click on the thermometer widget below to make a credit card donation today!

Address for donations by check or through PayPal are at the bottom of the page HERE.

[Note: 100% of all donations go to the purchase of Valour IT equipment. Soldiers' Angels is an IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations are tax-deductible and may be eligible for matching funds from donors' employers (ask your employer). Consult your tax advisor for details.]

Send a Care Package. Annoy A Mail Clerk...at least at first :-)

2009-10-23T18:31:00.000-07:00

A great letter from a Medic in Afghanistan who was on the receiving end of some care packages from Soldiers' Angels. Here's an excerpt, but go read the whole thing:

"I must admit the Soldier who is our mail clerk was cursing my name when he went to check the mail yesterday and discovered that many of the packages had my name on them. Oh how the tune changed when it was discovered that the contents of the packages were for our wounded warriors and the Soldiers assigned to the team."

I have a suspicion that I've caused similar consternation on one or two occasions over the last 5 years. Last year I sent 12 or 14 boxes to a medic for their holiday party, but those boxes at least went out in three batches. However, my favorite Post Office experience was from December 2006, when an my Angel buddy, Michelle (in Iowa), and I inadvertently adopted a Navy ship for Christmas.... Whole ship.

With contributions from family and friends, we collected cards and goodies to fill 270 homemade gift bags. Because it was a last minute "adoption" and the goodies were heavy, I needed to send everything Priority Mail in those great flat rate boxes. 23 flat rate boxes to be precise (thanks, Dad, for the postage money!). Fortunately for me, the National Capital Post Office (a block from Union Station in DC) is open until midnight each weeknight. I drove over on a Tuesday night at about 9:30pm and wheeled in my load of boxes. When the clerk who was to help me saw my pile, I could see him thinking "oh no!". However, he quickly caught on to the project at hand and didn't give me a hard time at all when we realized that I'd printed out my customs forms incorrectly and had to hand-write all 23 of them over again. Anyone who knows what postal clerks have to put up with as far as clueless unprepared customers also knows what a "pass" I got. No "go stand over there and come back when you're done". Nope, I wrote fast, and he methodically processed my packages.

So we got the packages all set to go and I said thanks with a smile.

I was back at that post office after the first of the year and happened to get the same clerk helping me. I asked, "I don't know if you remember me, I..." He interrupted, and said, "Oh yes, I remember you." Ha! I'm confident that there was a twinkle in his eye. Better yet, his face brightened when I told him that I'd gotten several emails from sailors on Christmas Eve letting me know that the US Postal Service and US Navy had done yeoman's work to get the packages to the ship (somewhere in the Pacific) on time. I got a thank you message from the ship's Command Master Chief too. And I got one more email about 10 days later that I'll share later, in honor of TEAM NAVY and the Valour IT fundraiser. But just to tease... To this day, it's the coolest email that I've ever gotten as a result of a Soldiers' Angel project.

So, be an Angel, go annoy a Postal Clerk...until they catch on and smile too.

It starts Monday! Get ready to support TEAM NAVY!!

2009-10-22T19:13:00.000-07:00

Bookmark DBS and read it every day.

This edition will remind you why we NEED MORE ANGELS!!! Adopt today :-) Or donate, and we'll pass along your TLC that way!

Not for Nothing - Take ...10

2009-10-21T20:43:00.000-07:00

HT: Dawn Patrol (good job GH)

For all those who serve or have served in Iraq, and remembering those that made the ultimate sacrifice while serving there, once again we have a reminder of the tremendous progress made:

"In a demonstration of how far the mission in Iraq has come, the first minutes of the leaders’ media availability after their meeting concerned Afghanistan - something that would have been inconceivable two years ago."

Read it all HERE.

Milblog to Read: "AfghanQuest.com"

2009-10-17T08:06:00.000-07:00

HT: Dawn Patrol and Mudville
I've read Old Blue's writing in the past, but this is my reminder to do it more often. If you're wondering what's really going on in Afghanistan, his blog - Afghan Qwest - gives you at least one piece of the puzzle. Check it out. Often.

Angel Buddies!

2009-10-16T20:29:00.000-07:00

This is a great slide show set to music/song (thank you Jeff and Patti!) that happens to include a couple of photos of some of my favorite Angel buddies... including Robin, Debbie, Monica, Emily and Trevor, plus Diane and Steve of massive-Holiday-Project-down-in-Georgia fame.

Saw mention recently, that some of those Georgia troops are on their way back to Iraq for a fourth tour. Hope you'll consider adopting a deployed troop or making a donation to Soldiers' Angels' efforts to provide them all some extra TLC while they are on the front lines for all of us.

SOS for Soldiers' Angels - need your help!

2009-10-15T20:28:00.000-07:00

Thanks for stopping by this blog!

I’ve been an active member and volunteer with Soldiers’ Angels for nearly five years now and can personally attest to how much our deployed troops and wounded warriors appreciate support from their fellow Americans.

Could you afford to make a donation to Soldiers’ Angels today? Even $10 would be a big help.

Soldiers' Angels is a tax-exempt 501(C)(3) volunteer organization that was started by Patti Patton-Bader in 2003 when her oldest son was serving in Iraq. And while she named the organization for her son’s service, Soldiers’ Angels supports all branches of our military: Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

One of our core activities is the one-on-one adoption of troops for the length of their deployments. I’m currently participating in this program, so I send one letter a week and at least one care package a month to a soldier in Iraq and two troops in Afghanistan. I’ve got Halloween candy and decorations to ship out tomorrow!

It would be fantastic if you could adopt a troop, too (we have 2100+ troops waiting for an Angel), but if that’s not within your means, I’m hoping that you might be able to spare a few dollars.

You see, Soldiers’ Angels has 4000+ care packages ready to ship to troops in Afghanistan and Iraq but is short on cash for postage.

We also are seeing a very high demand for our First Response Backpacks, and we need to purchase items to fill them up. Here’s some info on that need from my team member Roger.

A group of Angels and friends in Bowie, MD rallied to make 330+ no-sew fleece blankets for those backpacks last weekend. I got to help (fun!) and wrote about it here.

Your donations also support activities like a monthly deli buffet lunch for our ill and wounded and their loved ones at our National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD (I’m actually the coordinator/hostess for that lunch each month). I’ve written about that here and here.

If you are able to support one of these efforts financially….

You can make a donation with your credit card (click on "Donate" button at upper left).

Or, you can donate thru PayPal
Or, you can support Soldiers' Angels in the America's Giving Challenge on Facebook.
Or, you can send a check here: Soldiers Angels, 1792 E. Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104

Or, if you’re a federal employee, considering including Soldiers’ Angels in your CFC donations – we’re CFC #25131
I actually make my monthly donations to Soldiers’ Angels and other charitable organizations thru American Express’s GivingExpress Program

Maybe one of the above would work for you?

If you have any questions, please leave them as a comment. If you’re still wondering if your donation could make a difference, go read some of these:

Make a Difference - Adopt a Service Member

Thank you letters to Soldiers' Angels in Germany

Thank you letters to Soldiers' Angels from troops (scroll to bottom to see latest letter from troops)

"Do Americans Care About British Soldiers" (my Angel buddy MaryAnn plays a role in this story related by Michael Yon)

Thanks in advance for any assistance that you can provide!

Love and smiles,

Lisa

Member, Soldiers Angels, Wounded Team – Bethesda

Tribute to Our Military Health Care Providers

2009-10-15T20:07:00.000-07:00

HT: Soldiers' Angels Germany

They're pretty special, and a former patient shows appreciation through this video.

I voted for Roy Foster - what a great story

2009-10-11T21:11:00.001-07:00

Blanket-Making Marathon Busts Record AGAIN :-) (UPDATED again!)

2009-10-04T20:04:00.000-07:00

Great link from the other Lisa - tons of photos of the blanket-making party!!

-----------------------------------
UPDATE from Matt and Lisa in the comments! Total? 335!!! YAY! :-)
-----------------------------------
Just a quick post to let you know.... 313+ Blankets of Hope were made in Bowie, MD on Saturday! (I don't know the final tally as I had to leave a little before 4pm)

Hooray!

That wipes out last year's record of 242, which is a pretty amazing effort and so MUCH needed. These blankets are a cozy, personal touch included in our much-appreciated Soldiers' Angels First Response Backpacks. Read a message from a recent recipient HERE.

All of the blankets made on Saturday got boxed up for shipment to MaryAnn in Germany, where they'll be distributed at our Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. See all those boxes below??!? MaryAnn called in to say hi and to let all the blanket-makers know how much their efforts are appreciated. MaryAnn often delivers the blankets to troops herself, so she gets their feedback first hand.

If you'd like to make a *NO-SEW* fleece blanket for a wounded troop, click HERE for instructions (size for Germany is 45" x 60" minimum) and then click HERE to send an email to MaryAnn to get mailing instructions.

Back to Saturday's fun... here are some of the busy little hands that tied a bunch of blankets at my table. Those hands belong to some 4th grade girl scouts. They took the lead tying the knots and their moms and I did the cutting. Amazingly enough, one of the mom/daughter pairs were the same two that I helped get going last year! Small world in Bowie, huh?

Maybe you'd like to have a blanket making party, too?

Kudos to Lisa and Matt for orchestrating the event once again - what a wonderful achievement! And really fun, too :-)

Eight years on

2009-09-11T19:03:00.000-07:00

It was a rainy day in DC today, and remembrances seemed more muted. However, the flags still draped the office buildings, and we still remember.

My Angel buddy MaryAnn posted this letter from a soldier - LTC Steve Osterholzer currently deployed with Task Force Spartan, 3rd Combat Brigade, 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan. An excerpt:

"Countless people, including my brothers and sisters in arms that serve with me here in the dust and heat of Afghanistan, have worked tirelessly with one simple goal: to prevent another 9-11.

I am especially moved by the 19-year-old privates that I talk to sometimes, about why they joined the Army. Many of them simply say, "9-11." Think about that: they were only 11 years old at the time of the attack and yet they are still so moved by what happened on that day that they are over here fighting the IEDs, the Taliban, and the mountains and deserts themselves."

His perspective is worth understanding eight years on. I also was grateful for his reminder of the pithy words of Leonard Pitts of the Miami Herald, written 7 years, 364 days ago. You might remember them. I did.

Boundless gratitude to Steve and all those who serve.

And prayers for all those who lost loved ones then, and since.

Mark Your Calendar! Blanket Making Bash 2009!

2009-09-02T20:31:00.000-07:00

The folks in Bowie, MD (just east of Washington, DC) are gearing up for their 2009 marathon to make as many Blankets of Hope as they can in one day.

We (yes, I joined in!) busted their record last year, and we'd love to have your help to do it again.

These hand-assembled fleece blankets get placed in Soldiers' Angels' "First Response Backpacks" which are sent to our combat support hospitals in Afghanistan and Iraq and to our Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany.

Click HERE and scroll down to see some words of appreciation for these wonderful blankets.

Mark Saturday, October 3rd, on your calendar and plan to join us in Bowie, MD between 8am and 4pm (or until the fleece runs out!) !

Additional details coming soon.

Come join the fun, even if you only have an hour or two to spare!

If you care

2009-08-04T20:19:00.000-07:00

The fighting in Afghanistan has escalated, and the coalition is taking an increasing number of casualties.

I know that people care that our troops are in harms way.

They care when our troops get injured.

They appreciate the hard work of our medics who continue to save lives on the battlefield, day in, day out.

But folks back home often don't know what they can do to show that they care.

They can't do anything about the bullets and IEDs, but *I* know that they can provide a little TLC that makes a big impression.

Soldiers' Angels sends hundreds of our "First Response Backpacks" each month to combat support hospitals in theater and to our Landstuhl Regional Medical center in Germany. You can send one of these backpacks with a personal message by making a $55 donation at the Soldiers' Angels store.

The backpacks include:

(1) Backpack - fully unzips for easy access
(1) T-Shirt
(1) Knit shorts OR Pajama bottoms (depending on availability)
(1) Boxer Shorts
(1) Pair of White Crew Socks
(1) Toothbrush
(1) Toothpaste
(1) Mouthwash
(1) Deodorant
(2) Disposable Razors
(1) Shampoo
(1) 5" Comb
(1) Hand Lotion
(1) Anti-Bacterial Wet Wipes
(1) Nail Clippers
(1) 100 Minutes AT&T Phone Card
(1) Handmade "Blanket of Hope" created with love by one of our Angels (click link if you'd like to make one!)

I know that $55 is beyond the means of some, but if you're able, I hope you'll consider it. Details are HERE. Those of us who've visited our military hospitals know that these gifts are truly appreciated by our wounded warriors... and make for a least a few grateful moms!

Haven't got that much cash? Okay, no problem. MaryAnn can always use some extra cards of encouragement for our ill and wounded at Landstuhl. Click HERE for instructions.

Or, if you're like me and just like to go shopping for items that are appreciated by patients at Landstuhl, go HERE to see MaryAnn's list. Whether it's microwavable treats or pjs or flipflops, I always enjoy putting together a package of TLC to send across the pond...

I hope you'll choose one of the above.

"...it seems like love really does make a difference."

2009-08-02T11:08:00.000-07:00

At last month's lunch at the National Naval Medical Center at Bethesda, I was talking to a visitor who was visting a troop who had been badly injured and was receiving treatment at the hospital.

I commented on how wonderful it was that he lived here locally and was able to come visit his friend. We Angels hear over and over again how big a difference it makes for patients to have visitors, especially family and friends.

The friend said, "You know, it seems like love really does make a difference."

I couldn't agree more, but I must admit that the comment was extra memorable because that visiting friend was male, and maybe 30. Not your average comment from a 30-something guy.

During that same Soldiers' Angels visit (our monthly buffet lunch for patients, visiting family and friends, and medical staff), I also met yet another military family who had been touched by the love of another Angel, my buddy MaryAnn in Germany. MaryAnn always seems to be around when she's needed. This time it was to hold the phone so that a wife could talk to her husband, who was thousands of miles away in a hospital in Germany. He was unconscious, but MaryAnn held the phone so that his wife could send her love.

You can't tell me that that didn't make a difference.

If you'd like to help provide some TLC to our troops, consider "adopting" a deployed troop or signing up for the Soldiers' Angels Wounded/Medic team and help send a little love to our wounded and our medics laboring away to give our men and women the very best care that they can. There are some very busy medics in Afghanistan that could use your support. I just sent some brownies, rice krispy treats.... and a little love last week.

MaryAnn has details on those busy medics here and here and here.

Sign-up today. It's a great way to show your support whenever you are able.

Welcome Home, Captain Speicher

2009-08-02T10:45:00.000-07:00

From FOXNews:

'Remains of the first American lost in the 1991 Persian Gulf War have been found in the Anbar province of Iraq after a nearly 20-year search, the U.S. Navy said Sunday. Captain Michael "Scott" Speicher['s]...disappearance has bedeviled investigators since his jet was shot down over the Iraq desert on the first night of the 1991 war.'

'Officials said Sunday that they got new information from an Iraqi citizen in early July, leading Marines stationed in Anbar province to a location in the desert which was believed to be the crash site of Speicher's jet.

The Iraqi said he knew of two other Iraqis who recalled an American jet crashing and the remains of the pilot being buried in the desert.

"One of these Iraqi citizens stated that they were present when Captain Speicher was found dead at the crash site by Bedouins and his remains buried," the Pentagon said in a statement.'

The rest of the details are on the news and the web, and while the news makes me sad, I'm very grateful to know that we take such great care to bring all our missing and fallen warriors home.

That dedication by our armed forces is demonstrated everyday by the units who focus on nothing but this sober task. The importance of this work to those who've served and to their loved ones can be seen in those who make sure that we don't forget.

My prayers and condolences go out to Captain Speicher's family, especially his children. I'm so sorry for your loss, but so humbled by and grateful for your father's service to our country.

Godspeed.

SFC Jared Monti, Congressional Medal of Honor, posthumous

2009-07-28T19:16:00.000-07:00

HT: Mudville Gazette, who also has details of the actions being recognized.

SFC Jared Monti of Raynham, Massachusetts, to be awarded Congressional Medal of Honor, posthumously, for his actions on June 21, 2006, in Gowardesh, Afghanistan.

Quote from Jules Crittenden, blogging from Monti's home state of Massachusetts:

"He didn’t just give his life trying to drag badly wounded soldiers to safety under heavy fire. He gave in life."

...and a link to full coverage in the Boston Herald.

This is a big deal. If you don't understand the significance of the Medal of Honor, go read up on it.

This is only the sixth Medal of Honor awarded for actions since 9/11. Three others have been awarded since 9/11, but for actions in Vietnam and Korea.

Here's a list so you don't have to go look them up yourself:

Master Sergeant Woodrow W. Keeble, USA
PFC Ross McGinnis, USA
Petty Officer Michael Monsoor, USN
Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, USN
Major Bruce P. Crandall, USA
Corporal Jason Dunham, USMC (and here)
Corporal Tibor Rubin, USA
Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith, USA

Be proud. Be grateful. Be inspired. Remember.

Why they are my heroes: Wounded Vet is World Champ Again!

2009-07-27T20:03:00.000-07:00

(HT: Miss Ladybug)

It's always particular sweet to see the results of hard work, but milestones achieved by our wounded vets are even sweeter.

This one ought to set you back on your heels (video included).

http://fox21online.com/news/wounded-veteran-wins-seventh-title-lumberjack-world-championships

Congrats JR (and Josie!)!

MaryAnn found a write-up at the NY Times too.

Remembering.... on Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-23T14:03:00.000-07:00

Growing up, Memorial Days passed with more emphasis on BBQs than the significance of day.

Considering that I grew up in the wake of the Vietnam War, I guess that's not surprising - public rhetoric focused on the tragedy of war, not on honoring those who gave their "last full measure of devotion".

It's reassuring that that seems to have changed.

In Arlington, the hints that Memorial Day is soon to arrive are at first subtle and then persistent.

First, the quiet and subtle... When I went for a long walk after work on Thursday, I noted that the small American flags were already in place in front of every headstone in Arlington National Cemetery. The flags are placed there every year, and it touches me deep inside that those who were charged with care of our National Cemetery thought to institute this individual tribute.

Next, the persistent... Since yesterday afternoon, Highway 50 has rumbled with the sound of big shiny motorcycles cruising toward DC. With my windows open, the sound is... not subtle. The percentage of those in black leather in the DC metro area will reach its annual high tomorrow during the Rolling Thunder ride to the National Mall and the White House. Since I first witnessed this tradition 5 or 6 years ago, I've thoroughly enjoyed it. There is something uniquely satisfying about the rumble of thousands of Harleys rattling the staid and somewhat self-important core of Washington, DC. I also now have more respect for the significance of the tradition. Not only does it carry their message of "never forget" on behalf of our POWs and MIAs, but it also seems to say: let's remember together and honor the sacrifice of those we've lost.

That's not too much to ask.

Bike Ride and Banners! Face of America 2009

2009-05-08T19:32:00.000-07:00

[photo above is from Angel Ann - see link at bottom of post]

I am a bit tardy in giving an after action report on the Face of America Bike Ride 2009.

I'd posted about all the wonderful banners that Angels and friends from all over the country had sent in. I received banners from more than 65 locations, and many people sent more than one.

They came from twin sisters, a grandmother and granddaughter, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Daisy Scouts, schools and day cares, individuals, and even several locations of the Hoosier Lottery!

I got some help from some familiar Angel buddies (Kathi and her daughter, the Banner Princess), but also from all the volunteer crews that set up the 7 rest-stops along the route. I bundled up banners and clothesline and clothespins so that each rest-stop could hang up a few banners on on whatever was available. At one location on Sunday, we simply commandeered a convenient barbed-wire fence. I got help from the wife and daughter of one of our wounded marines for that one. I remember chatting with them last year as we hung banners at a lunch stop waiting for their marine to arrive with the rest of the riders.

The ride kicked off right on schedule at 0730 Saturday morning in Bethesda. Kathi, the Banner Princess, and I hung up our first batch banners along the start, then cheered the riders as they got underway. No dillydallying for this crowd!

Not long after, while on our way the Milblog Conference, Kathi and I happened to pass the riders coming up the Clara Barton Parkway. All 300+ of them were causing a slight traffic jam but that was okay as it gave me time to roll back the Mini's sunroof and for Kathi to stand up through the roof and wave a banner that we had with us. Woohoo! We honked and hollered and yelled hello to Laughing Wolf and Chuck Z, and generally enjoyed the moment. I turned to Kathi after they'd passed and asked, "Did you get a picture?" "Ah. No." LOL.

I was back on banner-hanging duty with many others early Sunday morning in Frederick, MD. Kathi swung by the Milblog Conference hotel so that Greta could join us as well, and they met me at the first stop. The folks that had set-up up the stop-over site at Frederick the night before had hung banners all around the inside walls of the gymnasium where the riders had dinner and breakfast. Great idea!

After hanging banners along that barbed wire fence near a beautiful covered bridge, we dashed off to the finish line. The ride finishes at the home of a retired marine who lives midst the rolling hills at the edge of the historic battlefield at Gettysburg.

We decked out the neighbor's red barn once again, as well as a couple of parked cars. The rest of the banners were hung up around the inside of the lunch tents for folks to see as they enjoyed the live band and chowed down on some excellent BBQ.

The finish of this ride is always a special part of the event. A volunteer bagpiper, an impromptu artillery arch across the road, a cheering crowd, plus two Ospreys and a Cobra made it extra special. Check out Banner Princess's video here - she caught the audio of the bagpipes too!

Thanks again to World T.E.A.M. Sports, to all those who sent in banners, to all who donated or volunteered (Go Angels!) to support the event, and to all who rode in support of our wounded troops.

But most especially, thank you to our troops, who have overcome some tremendous challenges and have inspired us all over again.

For more pictures, go to Angel Ann's site HERE.

And a few more:
http://www.oohrah.net/seamus/AmericaRide2009/DonsPhotos/pages/DSC_6959.htm
http://www.oohrah.net/seamus/AmericaRide2009/DonsPhotos/pages/DSC_7083.htm
http://www.oohrah.net/seamus/AmericaRide2009/GregFloyd/photos/pages/DSC_0562.htm
http://www.oohrah.net/seamus/AmericaRide2009/GregFloyd/photos/pages/DSC_0695.htm

Now recruiting virtual members for Soldiers' Angels' Bethesda Lunch Team

2009-05-04T16:13:00.001-07:00

So I had this idea.

How would you like to be part of a Soldiers’ Angels Bethesda Lunch Team?

I’m not actually inviting you to lunch. In fact, even if you lived here in DC, I couldn’t invite you along. It’s not that kind of lunch. It’s the kind of lunch where I show up with food to feed other people. Those people are some of our troops – Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines – and their families and friends who, for whatever reason, happen to be at our National Naval Medical Center-Bethesda. Some have just been medevac’d from Germany because of a combat-related injury. Some were injured a while ago, but are back for yet another surgery. Some are ill. Whatever the reason, Soldiers’ Angels provides a simple buffet lunch once a month.

It’s not fancy, but we have make-it-yourself-&-your-way turkey, roast beef, ham, cheese, PB&J, even Nutella. To balance it out, there are usually mini-carrots, grapes, pickles, chips or pretzels, potato salad, and coleslaw. And cookies, of course.

We offer a sandwich to our hardworking Navy medical staff as well.

So, while I can’t invite you along, I could use some virtual teammates. I’m especially thinking of those folks who aren’t quite ready to adopt a deployed troop or aren’t able to volunteer in other ways, but who *might* have an extra $5 or $10 a month to support the lunch AND who might want to send greetings to those who drop by for a sandwich.

So here’s the plan: if you are willing and able, hit the “Chip In” button above or on the side bar. The donation goes directly to Soldiers’ Angels – an 501(c)(3) non-profit – via Pay Pal. Don’t like Pay Pal? Drop me an email at letters-to-send AT mindspring DOT com, and you can send in a check made out to Soldiers’ Angels instead.

After that, I’ll send you an email asking for your message for me to share, something that will fit on a 3x5 index card that I can stick in a notebook.

I’m always asked – every time we’re there with lunch and especially by the family members – “who’s providing this food?”

If this works out, I’ll be able to point to my notebook and say, “Have a look in there.”

A contribution of any size makes a difference. Really.

Thanks in advance!

P.S. The total in the Chip In widget is a rough budget for the year. If extra funds are donated, others - Mary Ann, Roger, or our Walter Reed team - who also provide support to our wounded troops can put the funds to good use. Click on their names to see the kinds of TLC that they provide.

Wounded Warrior Bike Rides....!

2009-04-21T20:33:00.000-07:00

Here in DC, we're gearing up for this weekend's 2009 Face of America Bike Ride from Bethesda to Gettysburg, a 2-day, 110 mile ride that pays tribute to and supports the participation of our more severely injured veterans.

I'm "Banner Queen" again this year, so I've been on the receiving end of handcrafted banners sent in from Angels all over the United States. I've received 75+ so far from 50 different individuals, families, schools, girl/daisy scout troops, businesses, and social groups. What a treat to be on the receiving end!

Wondering what this is all about? See my 2007 and 2008 blog posts.

To give you an idea of the kind of folks who ride in these rides - especially our more severely injured veterans - go read these two stories about the Ride2Recovery event, a 350-mile, 6 day event that took place in Texas: one story by actor and ride participant Adam Baldwin & another (my favorite) by writer and participant Stephen F. Hayes. It was a different group of riders, a different ride, a different state, but it highlighted the resilience and achievements of the same kind of amazing veterans that will make you hesitate to say "I can't" ever again.

Kudos to participants/article writers Adam and Stephen.

And for our wounded vets, a heartfelt, "WOW." We are so proud and so grateful.

If you see some cyclists/trike riders between Bethesda and Frederick MD on Saturday or between Frederick and Gettysburg PA on Sunday, pass with care and shout out your support, okay?

Must see film - now showing near you?

2009-03-29T16:02:00.000-07:00

I blogged about it here and here, and on Friday, March 27th it opened in the following additional cities:

Oceanside, CA (near Camp Pendleton)
Savannah, GA (near Ft Stewart)
Decatur, IL
Cleveland Heights, OH
Dayton, OH (near Wright-Patterson AFB)
Killeen, TX (near Ft Hood)
San Antonio, TX (near Ft Sam Houston)

Starting April 3rd, folks in these places will be able to see it too:

Monterey, CA (near Presidio)
Colorado Springs, CO
Augusta, GA (near Ft Gordon)
Shreveport, LA (near Barksdale AFB)
Clarksville, TN (near Ft Campbell)
El Paso, TX
Hampton, VA (near Langley AFB)
Norfolk, VA (near Norfolk Naval Station)

Theater details are HERE.

I highly recommend it!

Don't wait for the DVD, go see it in the theater.

In case you missed it too...

2009-03-25T21:06:00.000-07:00

March 25th was Medal of Honor Day. I didn't know it until I saw Blackfive's post earlier tonight.

Greyhawk has an amazing round up of write-ups on many of those awarded the Medal of Honor, the "the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force" that can be bestowed on members of our military.

I liked MaryAnn in Germany's post too.

Take some time - whatever the date - to read up on these amazing stories.

More on "Brothers at War" - updated

2009-03-20T18:50:00.000-07:00

www.brothersatwarmovie.com

Marc Miller, Director of Photography for "Brothers at War", stopped by this blog and I wanted to pull two things from his comments on my post below:

1 - For those near Akron, Ohio, the film opened today:

3/20/2009
* Akron (Ohio National Guard), Regal Interstate Park 18 - Regal Cinemas - http://regalcinemas.com/

2 - Re-posting some of Marc's comment here:

"As one of the two Directors of Photography...I can testify that what you see on screen is what we shot....the character, intelligence, courage and commitment of our service men and women is beyond what expected"

Update: check out this clip from the premiere in Georgia

Update: I noted the credit for the Five for Fighting song, "Brothers in Arms", at the theater, but then forgot about it. Hugh Hewitt featured the song this week and you can listen to it here.

"Brothers At War" -- A "must see" documentary

2009-03-19T17:39:00.000-07:00

www.brothersatwarmovie.com

It will surprise you. I agree with Laughing Wolf that it left me wanting more, but in a good way.

I commented to my friend Maggie that there was a simple frankness to it that showed both the harsh realities and the sweetness of life. Truly. It's a special film.

It seemed to strike a cord with those in the audience with me, too. I'd spoken to a vet (late 20's maybe?) before it started, and he was just hoping it portrayed vets better than "Stop-Loss", which set the bar pretty low! He also mentioned that he might need to prep for deployment this spring (he's no longer active duty), and while his girlfriend clearly wasn't excited about that, he seemed accepting. On the other hand, he talked about his new civilian career with a lot of enthusiasm.

The film ends with footage of the younger brother boarding a plane for another deployment. As much as there is reluctance to leave, you can also see the sense of purpose and, yes, enthusiasm for the opportunity to do the job he's trained to do. The scene also reinforces the sense of closeness felt by those who serve together and for which there is no substitute.

As the credits began to roll, I noticed that the vet I'd spoken to got up and left the theater well ahead of everyone else. His girlfriend leaned down to say goodbye and to comment, "That was really good". I'll go out on a limb and say that I think that ending, showing the unit going off on another deployment, struck that vet hard. There's the pull of the mission and the opportunity to re-connect with fellow warriors, but then there's the pull of the new life he's created as a civilian. He likely has a choice ahead of him, one that most of us will never make or understand. It's a choice that our warriors make each time they decide whether to remain on active duty or in the reserves or to get out.

For everyone who has ever volunteered to serve, let alone volunteered to do it again and again and again, thank you. But I do want you to know, while we'll never walk a mile in your shoes, we civilians know that we're missing out on something. We don't envy you the hardships, but most of us envy that bond, and I can't help but think that that is simply your due.

Everyone: go see the film.

Look who came to dinner

2009-03-15T08:36:00.001-07:00

I'm really bad with names. I even mentioned it last night at dinner.

But the funny thing was, his name stuck in my head. And I wondered, had I heard his name before?

Chances are I hadn't, but look at what I found:

"Injured Soldier’s perseverance inspires others"

And from a little earlier on in this Soldier's career was this post among Blackfive's "Someone You Should Know" series:

"Staff Sergeant Roy Mitchell - Someone You Should Know"

I couldn't agree more, that this is someone we all should know.

I've written numerous times that being a volunteer with Soldiers' Angels has put me in touch with people that inspire me. I've called them blessings of being an Angel.

In addition to the enormous challenge of just getting back to some sense of "normal", this soldier broke ground for the many that followed him. He was injured in Afghanistan in 2003, a full year before I became a member of Soldiers' Angels, and back when we all were just figuring out how to best to support our troops. But within the military he blazed a trail for those who wanted to "stay Army", despite their injuries. It took a while, but as you can read in the two articles, he's successfully made the transition and is contributing in an invaluable way.

Pleasure to meet you, Roy.

Calling all Cooks and Movie-goers!

2009-03-14T13:03:00.000-07:00

Two things to bring to your attention:

Calling all Cooks! Founders of Honor Their Service (some info on their Facebook page) are putting together a Milbloggers Cookbook based on recipes from military bloggers and other lively folks who support our troops. They will sell the cookbook to raise funds for their programs, which include Operation Fresh Air, which I've written about over the last couple of years HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE.

Got a recipe? They are accepting recipes for another day or so. Go HERE for details. MOST IMPORTANTLY, stay tuned for an update on where you can buy a copy!

Movie Alert! Screening this weekend in Washington, DC and Arlington, VA and some other cities across the country, is a new documentary, "Brothers at War". From their site:

"BROTHERS AT WAR is an intimate portrait of an American family during a turbulent time. Jake Rademacher sets out to understand the experience, sacrifice, and motivation of his two brothers serving in Iraq. The film follows Jake’s exploits as he risks everything—including his life—to tell his brothers’ story. Often humorous, but sometimes downright lethal, BROTHERS AT WAR is a remarkable journey where Jake embeds with four combat units in Iraq. Unprecedented access to U.S. and Iraqi combat units take him behind the camouflage curtain with secret reconnaissance troops on the Syrian border, into sniper "Hide Sites" in the Sunni Triangle, through raging machine gun battles with the Iraqi Army. Ultimately, the film follows his brothers home where separations and life-threatening work ripple through their parents, siblings, wives and children. BROTHERS AT WAR provides a rare look at the bonds and service of our soldiers on the frontlines and the profound effects their service has on the loved ones they leave behind."

It's gotten good milblogger and "Angel" reviews, so I encourage you to check it out if it's showing in your neighborhood this weekend or later in the month. Go HERE for locations. Local theaters here seem to be showing the film at least into next week.

Go to the homepage and listen to the movie trailer.

If they inspire you, maybe you'll adopt one that is currently deployed? We've got 900+ interested in hearing from you!

In case you hadn't heard...

2009-01-31T12:03:00.001-08:00

The Iraqi's held nationwide provincial elections today (background HERE, HT: Mudville's Dawn Patrol). The relatively violence-free process is a credit to them and to the Coalition troops who helped the Iraqi's turn their country around over the last 2 and half years.

Check out the stories and pictures HERE (MNF-I) and HERE (FOX) and HERE (CNN) and HERE (FOX photo essay) and HERE (a painter/blogger in Iraq, HT: again to Mudville's Dawn Patrol).

I loved this comment on the painter's blog: "I think it's impressive for Iraq that they're biggest problems for the provincial elections is there's too many damn candidates."

There are challenges ahead for Iraq's fledgling democratic processes, but they are a very different tenor of challenges than those of 1998 or 2006.

Thank a vet!

Updated: Could you be one of 757 new Angels? ** UPDATE: It's DOWN to 462, but still need your help!

2009-01-18T20:17:00.001-08:00

462 troops waiting (down from 767) for a little extra TLC for the length of their deployment.

The waiting list went up to over 1000! and is now back down, but we could still use your help.

Wanna be an Angel? Go here

Happy New Year! ... a lot late.

2009-01-17T16:56:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy month, and blogging seems to have fallen off my list of things to do.

On the Angel front, I have two adopted soldiers headed home (one from Iraq and one from Afghanistan), while another has a couple months of her 15 month tour left to go. I added a new one (a Sailor) in late December who is in chilly Afghanistan. I've already sent him some oatmeal-reese's cup cookies (yes, that's what you end up with when you decide to use up some candy - trick is to get the cookies in the mail before I eat any!).

I also spent time in early December sending a bunch of boxes to a Combat Support Hospital in Afg. My friends and I "adopted" one among many in theater. Angel dude Roger collects contact info and finds volunteers to send holiday party stuff. We sent lights, garland, santa hats, fiery hot cheetos with lime, oreos, oatmeal cremes, hot cocoa, mocha mix, chai mix, tea, corn chips, velveeta and chili to make a hot dip, marshmellows, party plates and cups. Oh, and a bunch of small gifts for a white elephant gift exchange. I heard back from my contact at the CSH, and she said that they enjoyed the loot. Nothing gives me warm fuzzies like knowing that we've brightened the day of one of our deployed troops.

The new year is bound to be interesting. DC is humming with pre-Inauguration acitivity - it was a nippy 20 F today, so everyone seemed to be inside at the mall - can't blame them. It's supposed to be back in the 30s tomorrow. As always, saying a prayer for joy and progress. The amazing feat of this veteran, Chesley Burnett "Sully" Sullenberger III, a former fighter pilot with the US Air Force, seems a great way to kick off the new year.

And because it looked fun, I snagged the list below from Miss Ladybug. I don't know whether it's lists that appeal or the ability to go "ha! I've done that" (highlighted items), but I enjoy stuff like this...

99 things on the wall:

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars (in a tent but I'm told that doesn't really count)
3. Played in a band (nope, I'm definitely a member of the audience)
4. Visited Hawaii (August 1985, and got the worst sunburn of my entire life)
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/World (Land '73 (I don't remember!), World '81)
8. Climbed a mountain (little ones)
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped (only if my life depended on it)
12. Visited Paris (25th birthday)
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning (three times)
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables (as a kid only)
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train (Victoria, BC to Thunder Bay Ontario, 1982; Atlanta to Charlottesville 1999, Atlanta to DC 2001)
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon (I've watched a few!)
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset (best: sunrise from the north rim of the Grand Canyon, 2001)
31. Hit a home run (softball)
32. Been on a cruise (not exactly)
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person (went on the "under the falls tour, too!)
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors (generally only - Finland)
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied (no complaints)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing (not even on one of those fake walls)
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person (was there in January 1985 - had snowed in Rome for the first time in years so very few tourists; it hadn't been cleaned yet, but we got to linger for 15 or 20 minutes)
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud (rain, yes; mud, no)
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter (this one I'd really like to do)
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial (over and over again!)
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square (and paid too much for lunch at TGIF)
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person (from the north and south rim - the former is worth the drive)
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car (2 times)
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper (Sewickley Herald)
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House (Old Executive Office Building is as close as I've gotten)
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous (my favorite so far: chatted with Michael Barone in an elevator)
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Best wishes and prayers for a wonderful 2009!

Not for Nothing, Take 9

2008-12-14T20:38:00.001-08:00

In case you missed it, people are partying in Iraq. HT: Gateway Pundit

Oh yeah, and our guys and gals are AMAZING. HT: Mudville Gazette

But you knew all that, right?

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T08:47:00.000-08:00

It's a special day every year, probably my favorite holiday for reasons I've written about before. This year I'm especially grateful for this news from Iraq. And as always find it special to read the President's Thanksgiving Day proclamation. My church always reads it during the morning Thanksgiving Day service so it's always been a part of my Thanksgiving Day memories. Hope you are sharing this day with some special someone's or at least get to chat with them. As I got in an email from a family friend yesterday who lives overseas: "“nothing compares to home sweet home”! Free elections, the best possible medical care, religious freedoms, material wealth beyond belief even after the subprime crisis, and the list is almost endless. Talk about God’s blessings!"

I couldn't agree more.

Happy Thanksgiving

Annual Valour-IT Fundraiser - Go NAVY! BUMPED

2008-11-26T08:01:00.000-08:00

It's a tough time for fundraising, but your donation - large or small - is MUCH appreciated.

********
The 4th annual blog-based fundraiser for Soldiers' Angels' Valour-IT program got underway on Veterans Day. To make it fun, there is always a *friendly* inter-service competition. The feud, I mean, fun ends on Thanksgiving Day.

I'm on the Navy team in honor of my baby sister (who of course is no longer a "baby"), an Annapolis grad and former LT in the US Navy. Yes, as I told Admiral Larson on Parents Weekend after her Plebe Summer, I'm still insufferably proud. :-) GO NAVY!

Plus, it was to her Navy friends that I sent my first, pre-Soldiers' Angels care packages.

ANYWAY, for those unfamiliar with the Valour-IT program, go HERE (make sure you scroll down to read the testimonial from LtCol X).

I've had the pleasure of watching the inspiration and the very first recipient of a Valour-IT laptop present the 1000th laptop to another recovering wounded soldier at Walter Reed Regional Medical Center. I've also had the pleasure of delivering one myself, to a marine at our National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD last December.

While many injuries create challenges that take months or years to overcome, the beauty of Valour-IT is that it offers a short cut. Hands in bandages or arm in a cast so they can't type? or maybe a permanent injury so that they'll never type again? How about a laptop with voice-activation software or an adaptive keyboard or mouse? A short cut to blogging, emailing, or IM'ing with family, buddies, or the world at large. And now, the program is expanding to offer other techie-enabled therapy or independence.

It's a worthy cause, so give as generously as you are able. Every $1 helps. Really.

Hit the "Donate" button under thermometer in the upper right corner of this blog or click HERE.

(GO NAVY!)

To be fair.... and to prompt you to donate even if your loyalties lie elsewhere....!

A Coast Guard supporter is HERE
A Marine Corps supporter is HERE
An Air Force supporter is HERE
An Army supporter is HERE

A Mechanic's Blog (ISTP)

2008-11-23T19:12:00.000-08:00

Mudville did this, so I figured, what the heck.

My blog is a little different than me...

The independent and problem-solving type. They are especially attuned to the demands of the moment are masters of responding to challenges that arise spontaneously. They generally prefer to think things out for themselves and often avoid inter-personal conflicts.
The Mechanics enjoy working together with other independent and highly skilled people and often like seek fun and action both in their work and personal life. They enjoy adventure and risk such as in driving race cars or working as policemen and firefighters.

First part is not far off, but the "enjoy adventure and risk such as in driving race cars or working as policemen and firefighters"...not so much. I know my limitations.

Heh.

Navy is the coolest!

2008-11-23T14:01:00.000-08:00

See photo HERE. Now that you're convinced, make your donation to Valour-IT viaTeam NAVY.

Victory in Iraq Day 2008

2008-11-22T19:31:00.000-08:00

Yes!
Victory is sweet. Please savor it.

Join me in passing along buckets of thanks to our veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom for a most excellent job done. I've met so many of you - way to go!

As well, thank you, Mr. President, for not backing away before attempting to win.

And, most assuredly, thank you, Generals Petraeus and Odierno, for your foresight and fortitude in the face of so many naysayers.

Finally, congratulations to all Iraqis - you're on your way.

****************************
In case you missed all the preparations (and the reason's we're celebrating), it's Victory in Iraq Day.

Doubt it? Here's independent combat reporter, Michael Yon, via Instapundit:

"There's nothing going on. I'm with the 10th Mountain Division, and about half of the guys I'm with haven't fired their weapons on this tour and they've been here eight months. And the place we're at, South Baghdad, used to be one of the worst places in Iraq. And now there's nothing going on. " November 14, 2008

Update via Instapundit:

"MORE: Yon emails this correction: "'Actually, NONE of them have fired their weapons in combat during this tour, and about half of them are combat veterans from Afghanistan and/or Iraq.' Sorry, I had misunderstood that bit."

This blog will be supporting Victory in Iraq Day, November 22nd 2008

2008-11-20T19:09:00.000-08:00

In the past, I've posted to links on this topic by those "more in the know" than me. Based on their most recent assessments, we're long over due for this special day.

So, on Saturday, November 22nd, this blog will be celebrating Victory in Iraq day along with all the other blogs listed HERE and all the rest that zombietime hasn't had time to add.

Go HERE or HERE or HERE or HERE to read why we all think this day has come.

You've got a little over 24 hours to prepare.

Cool Cartoon... just remember to donate to Team NAVY!

2008-11-17T17:49:00.000-08:00

If you haven't seen Cox & Forkum's Valour-IT editorial cartoon, go see it HERE (HT: Blackfive.net). NOTE: Auction of that artwork took place in 2005 - sorry!

And go see the quote from then Capt Chuck Ziegenfuss (below the cartoon), the first recipient of what is now called a Valour-IT laptop. (but! come back here to donate to NAVY!)

Ha! Late night Coast Guard shenanigans...

2008-11-15T21:34:00.001-08:00

A formidable opponent indeed. Coast Guard has boarded and taken control of the opposition's donation vehicles.

Since Navy and Coast Guard buddy up anyway.... and if you're feeling bad that Navy is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO far ahead, you could donate to Coast Guard instead (see link at bottom of previous post).

If not, just donate to Navy HERE.

Heh.

From Families United: A Veteran's Day Video

2008-11-11T19:37:00.000-08:00

A friend just forwarded the link to this video, which I think is really terrific:

Info about the sponsoring organization, Families United, is HERE. Go see their Veterans Day message (lower right of homepage).

With gratitude to all our veterans

2008-11-10T17:54:00.000-08:00

There are no words that seem adequate.

When you read stories link this. (HT: www.Blackfive.net)

Or meet people like this.

Or listen to folks like these.

Or when you understand how true this statement is...

“War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.”

John Stuart Mill, 1862

Or, keeping it really pithy, when you realize that (HT: www.MudvilleGazette.com):

"Good people sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." George Orwell

...you can only resolve to make sure that they never doubt your support.

Sending out endless gratitude to those who've served.

2008 Soldiers’ Angels Benefit Gala

2008-11-09T20:01:00.000-08:00

Last week, during a very partisan week in Washington, DC, two US Congressmen did a very non-partisan thing: they co-hosted a fundraising gala for Soldiers’ Angels.

My sincere thanks to Representatives Roy Blunt of Missouri and Steny Hoyer of Maryland.

I had the pleasure of attending the event, which of course gave other Angels and me an excuse to shop for new dress up clothes. Within the Angel/Milblog world, there were quite a few familiar faces. I got a hug and hello from Patti Bader (founder of Soldiers’ Angels), chatted with Monica, Joe, and Maureen (our crew of regular Angel volunteers at Walter Reed), and said hi to Kassie (who volunteers at Bethesda, too, and who leads our Hero Flights effort as well). I chatted with LDR and Roger (two of our Wounded Team leads), plus Lisa, AnaMarie, and Kathleen. I bumped into Matt Burden, founder of Blackfive.net, while lining up in front of the bar (surprise!), and saw Laughing Wolf from a distance, but didn’t get a chance to say hello, darn it. But I did get to say hi to Carren and Chuck, who are both amazing.

But most importantly, the event gave us all a chance to talk to others about Soldiers’ Angels, to people who really knew very little about the organization before that night. I chatted with a representative from Peabody Energy, one of the corporate sponsors for the event, and his wife, as well as a table full of young congressional staffers and their friends, including some from Rep Blunt’s offices and one from the office of Senator Kit Bond.

Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, gave the keynote. Not bad, huh? I even got to shake his hand and thank him for being there after he was nice enough to get his photo taken with one of the folks at my table. ADM Mullen was carefully doing the rounds of the room, making sure that he said hello to each of the service members in attendance; a number of our wounded who are recovering at Walter Reed had made the trip downtown for the evening. To me, his careful attention to those who’ve made a very physical sacrifice in their service to our country was an extension of his keynote remarks. He noted that our government is doing a better job of taking care of those who serve or have served, but that there is still room for improvement. And he also noted that a key aspect of our efforts is to make sure that our men and women never return home from war to a public reception like they got during the Vietnam War; one that lingered for years.

That aspect of his remarks resonated with me because that was the driving motivation that led me to become a member of Soldiers’ Angels, four years ago this week.

I feel as strongly today as I did then: I don’t ever want anyone who serves our country with such honor and dedication to doubt my appreciation and admiration of their service.

As I’ve written in so many cards and letters, I’m so grateful and so very proud to call them “ours”.

Yay, Marine!

2008-10-28T19:04:00.000-07:00

I mentioned that we had our monthly Soldiers' Angels lunch for patients and their families at Bethesda last Saturday.

What I didn't mention was that at the end of our lunch, I ran into Zach. I met Zach, a Marine, at Bethesda last December shortly after he was transferred from Landstuhl, Germany. Even then, just short weeks after his injury, he had so much energy and such an amazing attitude. MaryAnn in Germany wrote about the days immediately following his injuries HERE.

I emailed MaryAnn Saturday night to let her know that I'd seen Zach and that he was in town, not for treatment at the hospital, but to participate in the Marine Corps Marathon!!

When my younger sister ran the MCM a few years ago, I had a great time chasing around DC and Arlington to cheer her on. I now live in Arlington and I'm just a 15 minute walk from Miles 1, 4 and 26. A couple years ago, my sis and I chased around town to cheer on a Navy friend. It's really fun and I get a ton of exercise. Needless to say, when I heard Zach's plans, I told him I'd try to cheer him on as I live so close.

Well, after a late start and then getting stuck on the wrong side of the main flow of runners so that I couldn't get in front to catch up with the trike riders (which included Zach), I made a beeline for the second half of the course in south DC and sat down to wait... yes! I managed to catch a glimpse of Zach at Mile 15 and Mile 20 and yell "Go Zach! Go!" before he rolled by surrounded by a pack of runners.

MaryAnn posted about Zach's latest efforts HERE, so go see the photo of Zach...

And yes, he finished! Totally cool.

Way to go Zach! You're an inspiration for us all. :-)

Operation Fresh Air 2008 - Part IV

2008-10-26T19:54:00.001-07:00

I managed to get to part of the final Operation Fresh Air for 2008.

I wrote about 2008 Part I back in May HERE.

I was late, so I missed the lunch. And it was colder than expected (and I didn't bring a coat!), so I didn't go hang out on the dock with the fisher-people. Darn. However, it was a pretty day and getting outside for some fresh air is key (I was late because I'd gone out for exercise that morning!). Between fishing and kite flying, folks seemed to have a great time.

And, I did get to chat with the military wives, who coordinate and run these fishing events for our wounded vets who are recovering at Walter Reed Medical Center and elsewhere, which is always worth the trip.

When I attend, I am representing Soldiers Angels' and our tangential support for these trips. So when I get introduced, Carrie or Cyndi will say, "This is Lisa. She's with Soldiers' Angels."

Quite often the vets have heard of us, but not always. When they have, it's always fun to hear how they know about us. Last Saturday was no different.

One volunteer (a marine) said: "I know you." Someone had received a Blanket of Hope and had asked the marine to do some research into the group that had sent it. Nice.

A wounded veteran was there with her children, and she first learned about us when she received one of our insulated travel mugs in Iraq. The photo above shows one of those mugs (you can buy one of your very own at www.angelsstore.org; proceeds support Soldiers' Angels operations). Her mug was a prized item in theater, she said. "Every one knew that was my mug", making it clear that no one dared walk off with it! And I'm pretty sure she said it came home with her. It seems like such a small thing, a travel mug. I have 3 or 4 between the office and home, so you forget that when someone packs up their kit to go to Iraq or Afghanistan, they probably don't waste space on a coffee mug. But that doesn't mean that they didn't wish they had one once they got there.

It's the little things. Something to remember for your next care package!

Anyway, my thanks to Carrie for giving me the heads up so that I could head south again and join in the fun. I'm also grateful to all the women who contribute to these events - their events truly address the need that our wounded vets feel "to just get away" (that's another direct quote from last Saturday!).

Well done!

P.S. We had our monthly Soldiers' Angels lunch for patients, family members, and the navy medical staff at Bethesda yesterday, and one of the docs looked at our sign and said: "I had a silver travel mug in Iraq that had that logo on it." Heh. Small world.

Whoohoo! Currently only 8 troops waiting for adoption!

2008-10-19T18:04:00.000-07:00

If you're interested in one of those still waiting, go HERE.

And care package ideas are HERE and HERE.

Done! One more Blanket of Gratitude...

2008-10-19T17:58:00.000-07:00

Made one yet?

Details are HERE.

Film Premiere: Warriors... in Their Own Words

2008-10-18T22:19:00.001-07:00

MaryAnn brings word that Kelsey Grammar is hosting a premiere of the documentary which he narrated and which I wrote about here.

If you're in LA, check it out. If not, order your own copy like I did.

It's worth the time and money to watch. And as I mentioned before, high school history and civics teachers should consider screening it for their students.

Blankets of Gratitude

2008-10-11T20:35:00.000-07:00

Hey all! There are actually two Soldiers' Angels holiday blanket making efforts going on right now...

One is "Blankets of Hope" which involves making full size blankets for our troops overseas, which I linked to here.

The other one is "Blankets of Gratitude" for which I'm making the small afghan/lap blanket (sorry Shelley! Got them muddled...) - the lap blankets are for our vets in more than 60 veterans facilities across the country.

Anyway, lap blankets are to be about 36" x 48"; blankets for the deployed are more like 58"x84".

If you'd like to make a lap blanket, please send an email to:

va. crochet. craftteam @ gmail . com

and my Angel buddy Michelle will help you get it to a Veteran!

If you don't crochet, the no-sew fleece type are great for either size! Instructions (pdf) here.

Y'all, the listing is growing

2008-10-11T20:24:00.000-07:00

It's 440 now. 440 of our troops are wishing for an Angel. Can you help? Adopt a troop!

Adopt a Troop! 131 Waiting for an Angel...

2008-10-04T18:38:00.000-07:00

Can you make a commitment? Write a letter once a week? Send a package once a month? For the length of their deployment?

If so, go HERE to learn how to become a Soldiers' Angel!

Go HERE or HERE for tips on your first care page.

If that seems more than you can manage, go HERE and see if there's something else you might like to do.

Do you knit or crochet? Go HERE and help my Angel buddy Michelle in Iowa and others with this massive holiday project for our Veterans in VA hospitals. My afghan is about 25% done - got to get busy!! They need LOTS of help.

Thanks in advance :-)

Three clicks and get $2 for Soldiers' Angels!

2008-09-30T15:58:00.000-07:00

Squiddo is giving away $2 for each of the first 40,000 votes from charity supporters.

If you have a second, CLICK HERE, scroll down, select "Soldiers' Angels" and the click "submit".

Thanks! Your donations help support some terrific activities for our troops and their families. :-)

Act fast!

In their own words

2008-09-25T19:59:00.000-07:00

HT: Maj Pain at Blackfive

**THIS** (go read the whole thing - and yeah, you might need a kleenex) is why I'm a member of Soldiers' Angels, why I read milblogs, and why I've written this and this and this and this and this and, maybe, especially THIS in the past.

Remember, without milblogs, most of us would never hear these stories. Remember the extraordinary work that our troops have done and continue to do. A fitting tribute would be for you to seek out good coverage of their work; read reports in their own words when you can find them. If they are willing to go to Afghanistan for a year, surely you can go poke around on the internet to find some decent war coverage.

Don't know where to start? The Dawn Patrol at Mudville or the Blackfive site are good places to visit every day or so.

Go on, go read that letter.

UPDATED - Blanket-Making Marathon Busts Previous Record...

2008-09-21T18:49:00.000-07:00

[Note: Instructions for making a "no-sew" blanket are HERE]

Update!! The grand total is....242 Blankets of Hope! Woohoo!
And Organizing Angel Lisa sends this link to her photos (MUCH better than mine) of the event: CLICK HERE

And Angel MaryAnn has a post at her blog, too, because all these blankets will be headed to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany! MaryAnn's post gives you more info on all those who donated to support the event. Many thanks to those generous folks!

~~*205 and Counting*~~

I went to a blanket-making party in Bowie, Maryland yesterday. We were making Blankets of Hope that go into Soldiers' Angels' First Response Backpacks. The backpacks are given to troops who are med-evac'd to combat support hospitals in theater or sent to military hospitals in Germany and stateside.

We were making the "no-sew" version of the blankets. Got some fleece, a ruler, a pair of scissors, nimble figures, and an hour or so? Then you too can make a Blanket of Hope. As this is a terrific project for kids, there were several Brownie and Girl Scout troops participating. More than 100 people had signed in by lunch time and more arrived as the day went on.

Here are some of my blanket making buddies. I worked at their table from about 10 to 2, and then went to another table to help a mom and daughter team (by 2pm I was no longer a "newbie" and could help those just learning - ta da!).

I was stunned at the varieties of fleece fabric that are available. My table made blankets with little stars, big stars, sports equipment, fire rescue/first responders (in picture below), lady liberty, geckos, US Army, and horses. My second table did blue plaid, blue cammo, and two lady liberties.

There were also fleeces with Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force logos, hot rods, flags, Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons, and on and on. All were made into amazingly cuddly blankets, and each will make a terrific addition to a First Response Backpack.

Another Lisa and her husband Matt were the Angel-ringleaders-organizers-extraordinaires of this event. Lots of work went into making this event go off without a hitch, and they made it look very, very easy.

Not only that, but as of about 2:30 pm folks had helped make 205 Blankets of Hope.

205. Busted that record of 168 from last year, and folks were still making blankets. A spectacular success. And a whole lot of fun. Soldiers' Angels founder, Patti Bader, called in from California to say thanks and to congratulate everyone on the successful event.

Each blanket was carefully rolled up and tied with a ribbon. The finishing touch for each blanket was a card signed by all those who had helped make the blanket. Nice.

I'm not sure how many boxes they used, but they certainly had lots to pack up as I left.

Yay!

Reports from Milblog Conference 2008...

2008-09-21T18:30:00.000-07:00

ArmyWifeToddlerMom did some liveblogging here, here, and here.

So did Marcus at A Soldiers' Perspective here, here, here, and here.

Thanks!

2008 Milblogs Conference...

2008-09-19T19:58:00.000-07:00

...gets underway tomorrow morning in Las Vegas, NV. I'm disappointed that I can't be there this year (it was 10 minutes from home last year!), but check Mudville for updates. My write-ups from last year are here , here, here, and well, this one too. The line-up for this year looks to be great - it includes my favorites (Greyhawk and Mrs G) and more, though looks like another of my favorites, Bill Roggio, won't make it after all.

Since I can't hang out with the milbloggers in Vegas, I will be Angel-ing tomorrow - making "no sew" Blankets of Hope for our First Response backpacks. Some Soldiers' Angels in Bowie, MD have set up a 12-hour marathon event - should be fun. I'll share more later this weekend!

Why their work and our support is so important

2008-09-13T09:27:00.001-07:00

Okay, to be fair, *tissue alert*!

Go visit Sgt Hook's blog. He's currently 12 months into a 15 month deployment to Iraq. He hasn't posted as much during this deployment, but his words are always worth reading.

This time he notes progress, American GI Janes inspiring a little Iraqi, and how our military families serve, too.

Take note, and don't forget.

Remembering 9/11

2008-09-11T18:29:00.000-07:00

Seven years ago this morning, I was driving to work in Atlanta, listening to WKHX 101.5 country radio. I remember the morning DJ prefacing his remarks by saying something like “we like to be careful how we report these kinds of stories, but there are reports that a plane has crashed into one of the towers of the World Trade Center”.

I remember continuing to listen, thinking like many that some small plane must have had an accident, lost control. I don’t think it was clear what happened until I got to work. With no TV access, we were all on our computers trying to get news from the internet. I remember giving up on connecting to the national news sites, and successfully connecting to WashingtonPost.com.

I still remember when a colleague walked into my office to say that the first tower had fallen.

They sent us all home just before lunch.

What I remember most about my reaction to that day is captured in Allan Jackson’s song, “Where were you”. In one verse, the song asks: “Did you… Close your eyes and not go to sleep?” With the whys, the hows, and the what will bes that apparently went through many of our heads, it was hard to turn it all off and rest. And I didn’t even know anyone personally who was killed that day.

Still, when you don’t have a personal connection, it’s easy to forget the details, the impact.

However, now, living and working in Arlington, VA, I now have friends and colleagues who have vivid memories of that day at the Pentagon. One was on the way to the Pentagon from Maryland for a meeting that was to include a friend and fellow naval officer… at a location in the Pentagon that was destroyed by American Flight 77. Another colleague was on the phone talking to her husband speculating that “we [the Pentagon] have to be next” and hearing a loud noise and not immediately connecting the noise to the impact of Flight 77. Another, who I saw today at the newly dedicated Pentagon 9-11 Memorial, remembers seeing then Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld exit his office and go toward the crash site, the fire. At this morning’s dedication of the new memorial, Secretary Rumsfeld said: “Those of us who were in the Pentagon on September 11th, share — and we will always share — a very special bond with each member of their families and with each other. We will not forget the way this huge building shook.”

Now, with only one degree of separation between me and those who experienced that event first hand, whose friends and colleagues were murdered that day, remembering is not difficult. Of the speeches given today, it is Rumsfeld’s words that stand out. Two more quotes:

“Today we renew our vows to never forget how this long struggle began, and to never forget those who fell first.”

“My constant prayer is that God will bless the families of those we remember this day. And that the good Lord will bless all of those who have lost loved ones in the long struggle that has followed. We are deeply in their debt. And each of us will remain so for the rest of our lives.”

The only thing that got a longer standing ovation than Donald Rumsfeld today was the official unveiling of the memorial itself.

Things that I’ll remember and share about this morning’s dedication…

…the sun rising and slowly breaking through the clouds
…the lone bagpiper who played Amazing Grace as he walked the grounds of the new memorial
…the continuous series of airliners passing behind the Pentagon on their normal approach to National Airport (yes, they are always that close)
…being surrounded by people, men and women, in uniform and not, who intermittently wiped their eyes all morning
…the flourish with which the covers were removed from the memorial’s 184 benches
…the spontaneous and sustained applause that greeted that unveiling of the individual tributes

That end, the unveiling accompanied by the voices of military choir members, was, in a way, exultant. For those remembering loved ones and friends and colleagues, the memorial was warmly received as was the acknowledgement of its importance to them, and to the nation.

The new memorial is now officially open to the public, 24-7.

September 10, 2008

2008-09-10T18:52:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy month. Not much time for blogging, and what spare time I had I used for a few Soldiers’ Angels volunteer activities (another lunch at Bethesda, the memorial Run for the Fallen 10k, and the 2008 National Freedom Walk [which had a terrific turnout!]) and to write to my adopted soldiers .

However, work has finally hit a lull, so I got a chance to take a walk across town after work tonight, something I really enjoy doing. On my walks, I pass by the mid-rise office and county buildings in Rosslyn, VA which are just across the Potomac from DC. They do it every year, but I happened to notice workers atop one of the buildings hanging their huge American flag down the side of the building. The neighboring buildings already had their flags hung, and the flag at the Pentagon has been up for over a week. I stopped near the Marine Corps Memorial to take a quick photo of some of the flags.

It’s a beautiful night in Washington, DC/Arlington,VA and somehow seeing them hang one of the tribute flags while I watched made it even more special. It certainly brings to mind the flag that draped the side of the Pentagon seven years ago this week. Tomorrow I have the privilege of attending the dedication of the Pentagon’s 9-11 Memorial. You can find more information about the memorial at that link above. Here’s a brief description:

“Located just outside the Pentagon, the memorial park features 184 granite-topped, stainless-steel “sculptural elements” that represent the 125 lives lost in the Pentagon and the 59 deaths aboard American Airlines Flight 77. Each element has a reflecting pool of water at its base, which is flood-lit in the evening. The families of the attack victims had a hand in the memorial’s design.”

I’ll share more tomorrow.

I wore one of my Soldiers’ Angels shirts on my walk tonight, because the anniversary of 9-11 also reminds me of this George Orwell quote:

“Good people sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."

Remembering those killed seven years ago, and those fighting to reduce the chances that something similar ever happens again. Godspeed.

A Film to Watch: "Warriors... in their own words"

2008-08-05T20:35:00.000-07:00

I first wrote about the film when I got an email with a link to the trailer clip back in the spring.

This film isn’t about Iraq or Afghanistan. It’s about those who step up to serve as warriors - as our “sheepdogs” - who do not only their best, “but what’s necessary”.

[Milblog readers may have read about “sheepdogs” before, here and here.]

Through interviews and quotations, from warriors from American history and all the way back through ancient history, this film speaks of what it is to be a warrior… and why we need them. The following quote from John Stuart Mill, economist and philosopher, is included and might be considered the Cliff Notes version of the film:

“War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.”

John Stuart Mill, 1862

In my opinion, this film is a reminder of why we need to respect what our warriors volunteer to do, regardless of our political persuasions.

This is a film that should probably be picked up by high school civics, government, and history teachers. Veterans of WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm plus our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are interviewed in the film. Ilario Pantano (contributor and Associate Producer) will be a familiar name and/or face for many. Kelsey Grammer is a terrific narrator, and Neil Argo’s soundtrack is terrific.

It’s 84 minutes well spent. Order a copy and then grab a seat and a tissue.

Thank you, gentlemen, for your service and your sacrifices – I’m a grateful and humble beneficiary.

Supporting Our Wounded Warriors [bump]

2008-08-03T11:37:00.000-07:00

The very first thing that I did as a member of Soldiers' Angels was join the "Wounded TLC Team". I'd submitted my information to adopt a troop, but there was a delay and I was anxious to participate. So I joined the team that writes to our wounded troops who are recuperating at state-side hospitals or in their homes. That was November, 2004, and I still get those weekly emails with names to write to. Their names are submitted to Soldiers' Angels by family or friends or colleagues who think they need a little extra support. Interested in writing letters? GO HERE. Or maybe you know a wounded warrior who could use some encouragement? CLICK HERE.

Since those first efforts, I occasionally have sent special care packages to our medics in theater or to our Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany. Any member of Soldiers' Angels can find out how to support our medics by monitoring postings on the Soldiers' Angels Forum. Scrowling through some blog posts by Roger (Angel of All-Things-CSH-Support) at his blog will give you some idea of the things that get sent. The rocking chairs are still my favorites. Last year, I wrote about some of what I've sent.

If you're not a member of Soldiers' Angels, there is another great opportunity to support our wounded warriors. Angel MaryAnn (who I mention frequently!) ring-leads terrific support for our ill and wounded who get sent to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center for treatment. On her blog, you'll find links to more information as to where to write to troops or what items you could send to make things a little nicer for those that often arrive with nothing more than the shirts on their backs - if that. These patients will eventually get a chance to purchase their own supplies, but if it were you, wouldn't you like to get one of these while you were getting settled? Depending on the situation, a troop might be given one of these backpacks in theater, at Landstuhl, or at places like Bethesda National Naval Medical Center or Walter Reed Army Medical Center in the Washington, DC area.

Last Saturday, I met the parents of a Marine who had received one of those backpacks. His mom mentioned it while she stopped by the hospital lounge to get a sandwich courtesy of Soldiers' Angels. Among many things, Soldiers' Angels sponsors a lunch at Bethesda once a month for patients and their family and friends. It's not an elaborate endeavor, usually just the fixings for a deli sandwich, but there's not much open for visitors on the weekend, and many times our fixings entice those who've been reluctant to eat hospital food - or any food for that matter - to have a bite to eat. We had a couple of those last weekend, and the Navy medical staff eagerly collected whatever they thought their patients would eat. Sometimes it's the fresh veggies, or the potato salad. Or a turkey sandwich (we've found a great local deli). Or a cookie (duh). Whatever, it's such a pleasure to provide a "treat" that hits the spot. In other cases, it's a handy, fresh meal for family members who have dropped everything to be with their warrior.

There are Angels that provide even more support at Walter Reed, and they've started blogging about it over here.

So if you've ever wondered what your donation to Soldiers' Angels gets used for, buying cold cuts and cookies is on the list. Each and every person that joins us for lunch passes along a thanks to all who provide the financial support for these efforts.

As someone who gets to see the impact of your gift, thanks.

[Updated] Please Read: Error Fixed!!! Any site with sitemeter...

2008-08-02T08:30:00.000-07:00

...is/was crashing for anyone trying to view the site with Internet Explorer, versions 7 and older.

I downloaded a new, free browser, Firefox, from Mozilla which doesn't have a problem (I know lots of people who have been using Mozilla products for a while). I couldn't get to some my favorite blogs (Long War Journal, Mudville, Blackfive, MichaelTotten) without the new browser.

So, I removed sitemeter.com code so that others wouldn't have a problem reading my blog if they use IE. :-)

Update: Sitemeter.com has fixed their problem :-)

THIS is execellent news: Iraqis permitted to compete in Beijing

2008-07-29T20:55:00.001-07:00

I've always loved the Olympics, and after living midst all the activity during the Atlanta games, I've enjoyed them even more - especially the more obscure sports like team handball or curling.

However, it's been harder to get excited about them this year. This decision by the International Olympic Committee was particularly depressing. Read the whole article to understand why the Iraqi government's action were quite understandable and not deserving of rebuke. I was just complaining about it to a friend tonight as we talked about getting together to watch the opening ceremonies on the 8th.

Which is why the news that the IOC has reversed that silly decision has made my day. Go, Iraq!

Night, all.

Not for Nothing, Take 8 (or so)

2008-07-29T19:34:00.000-07:00

Remember this photo?

I wrote about it last Thanksgiving. I eventually ordered my own 3x5 print.

Michael Yon has other photos that get more visibility, but this one is still one of my favorites because the caption gave me chills. The good kind.

I was reminded of that photo, of Iraqi Muslims sitting in a Chaldean Catholic church in Iraq showing support for the church and urging Iraqi Christians to come home, when I read this story via The Tank. Not only are there Iraqi Muslims willing to sit in a Christian church to show support for fellow Iraqis, at least one Sunni sheik was willing to say...

"...that anyone who killed a Chaldean will be regarded as one who has killed in a member of his tribe (under the medieval Islamic concept of qisas this is a capital offense), and money will be provided from the Sahawa al-Iraq treasury to rebuild the churches and cemeteries that al-Qaeda destroyed. He justified this by quoting from the Qu'ran and stating that there should be no compulsion in matters of religion because truth stands free from error. "

As Steve Schippert at The Tank comments:

"So is there progress in Iraq? You betcha.

Armed Sunnis and Shi'a protecting Iraqi Catholics? Who'da thunkit?

Well . . . Who'da reported it for anyone to know?"

Well, now you know.

Our troops are fighting for a peace that permits some semblance of religious freedom.

And by fighting for Iraqis, our side continues to champion the ideals on which our own freedoms are based:

United States Constitution, Bill of Rights
Amendment I: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Thank a vet. Their work is not all that is required, but it is - quite often - a minimum requirement.

Not for Nothing, A Follow-up on the Sky Soldiers in Afghanistan (the details you might otherwise miss...)

2008-07-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

Angel Mary Ann has point in providing TLC for our wounded in Landstuhl. She also has kept a close eye on the Sky Soldiers of Chosen Company, 2/503 Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team who have been in Afghanistan for the last year.

It was Sky Soldiers that fought that pitched battle in Afghanistan last week and who lost 9 of their own before they prevailed. Some of their wounded have found their way to Landstuhl and MaryAnn.

As expected, there's much more to the story than made the headlines. Mary Ann has a round-up of links at the end of her post.

I saw this story earlier today among the news links at Long War Journal in which the 173rd's commanding officer, Col. Charles "Chip" Preysler, provides a detailed explanation of just what kind of "base" the Taliban attacked

And if you can overlook the incorrect use of "FOB" (as Col Preysler explains in the previous story, this was no fortified Forward Operating Base [FOB] that was attacked), this Stars and Stripes reporter relays first hand accounts from those who fought off the enemy and survived. It also gives you a glimpse of some of the men we lost. Valiant is the word that comes to mind.

Godspeed, gentlemen. My prayers and condolences to their families.

Not for Nothing: Celebrating Success in Iraq

2008-07-18T20:26:00.001-07:00

From Greyhawk....

Which seems really appropriate when we have commentary like this (HT: Greyhawk, who has a series of post you should read, too) and news like this (HT: A Major's Perspective), although The New York Times is spinning the story for all it's worth. If I were you, I'd read Major C's post instead of the whole NYT article.

Milbloggers to the rescue once again.

And for a laugh, go watch the video at the very very end of today's Dawn Patrol. I knew our troops were talented and always step up to a challenge, but the ability to dance while wearing all that stuff is truly.... amazing.

Not for Nothing, and Knowing It: A Special Thanks to Milbloggers (again)

2008-07-17T20:55:00.001-07:00

I've written on this topic a couple -- oops! -- a FEW times before here and here and here and here.

You'd be correct to guess that this is a topic near and dear to my heart.

Whether it's because I want to have an informed opinion on proposed new strategies in Iraq or Afghanistan or Lebanon, or because I want to know how things are going where my "adopted" troops are deployed, or because I want more than a sound-byte about US casualties in Afghanistan, I turn to - without fail - milblogs.

So why post about this again?

Just a few days ago, I saw the sensationalist headline from the AP (Associated Press) reporting that a US base in Afghanistan had been overrun and nine US troops killed. I went immediately to The Long War Journal website. Why? Because a US base being "overrun" sounded extraordinary. If nine US troops had been killed, something significant had happened. Why would I think that? Because our guys are really good at what they do. We do not lose nine in one day very often any more. So, I knew there was more to this story than a notable death toll.

The first clarification I found was that the Taliban attacked a remote combat outpost - one that was still under construction. And while there was a heartbreaking loss of nine of our own, the US and Afghan forces, numbering just 70, repelled a "complex attack" by 200+ Taliban fighters (some estimates put the attacking Taliban force as large as 500).

That's news. The success of the out-numbered good guys wasn't the AP headline, but it was discussed in detail at the Long War Journal and it was the emphasis of another milblog report here. Hat Tip on that second write-up goes to Mrs G's Dawn Patrol (I now have a link at the top of my blog to the Dawn Patrol so that you'll be reminded to peruse her latest round-up of milblog-type reporting on the web on a regular basis).

The thing I've learned is that you can't rely on the major news outlets (print, web or TV) for good war reporting because their coverage is inconsistent at best. But that's okay, because we're fortunate to have a lot of volunteers and a bunch of new professionals dedicating their time to consistent reporting. That consistency is crucial to providing adequate context for the latest blaring headline or sound byte on the evening news.

If you're as appreciative as I am of these alternate news sources, considering donating to keep these folks up and running:

The Long War Journal and Public Multimedia, Inc (donations are tax-deductible!)

The Mudville Gazette [home of Greyhawk and Mrs. G]

Michael Totten

Michael Yon

The daily and ultimate sacrifices made by our troops and their families are not for nothing. Our troops are accomplishing terrific things around the world, and we wouldn't be nearly as well informed about their endeavors without the efforts of milbloggers and independent journalists covering the wars.

My thanks to them all. Again.

View from the 8th Floor

MilblogConf 2011: Rumsfeld on veterans serving in Congress

2011 Milblog Conference

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

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

Update on a Wounded Warrior

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

Sometimes it really is a small world

Memorial Day....Remembering and Honoring

Next Weekend: Gettysburg or Bust!

At Milblogs 2010: First afternoon session is with MG Hogg

Next panel....National Security Smorgasboard [UPDATED]

Social Media and Non-Profits: The Charitable Landscape [Updated]

At Milblogs 2010...

Not for Nothing - Take 12

Please Remember...

"Thank you" from a Marine's little sister

Team Rubicon in Haiti - worth your notice and donations

Christmas at Landstuhl...thanks, Angels!

Contribute to a civilian surge...of support!

How about a civilian surge? [updated]

Remembering with Gratitude: A year like few others in American history (Updated)

Welcome! and thank you for your service.

"A veteran is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to ‘The United States of America’ for an amount ‘up to and including my life'."

Not for Nothing - Take 11

A different kind of "shock and awe" (updated)

"A veteran is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to ‘The United States of America’ for an amount ‘up to and including my life'."

Adopt a Troop. Send Letters. Send Care Packages.

THANK YOU!! Valour-IT Fundraiser raises $103K+

Home stretch!! Just two days of Valour-IT Fundraiser

Show your support for the Fort Hood Community

Prayers for the Ft Hood Community

My Favorite Moment as a Soldiers' Angel...starring the US Navy

Valour-IT: Finding a new normal

And in case you didn't know what a Prowler is...

Aircraft carriers. Subs. Tomcats, Hornets, Prowlers. Crypto geeks! Combat medics aka "forward deployed Angels", and, SEALS... *and* Steeljaws!

A Wife's Perspective....on Valour IT laptops

Come on NAVY!

Send a Care Package. Annoy A Mail Clerk...at least at first :-)

It starts Monday! Get ready to support TEAM NAVY!!

Not for Nothing - Take ...10

Milblog to Read: "AfghanQuest.com"

Angel Buddies!

SOS for Soldiers' Angels - need your help!

Tribute to Our Military Health Care Providers

I voted for Roy Foster - what a great story

Blanket-Making Marathon Busts Record AGAIN :-) (UPDATED again!)

Eight years on

Mark Your Calendar! Blanket Making Bash 2009!

If you care

"...it seems like love really does make a difference."

Welcome Home, Captain Speicher

SFC Jared Monti, Congressional Medal of Honor, posthumous

Why they are my heroes: Wounded Vet is World Champ Again!

Remembering.... on Memorial Day Weekend

Bike Ride and Banners! Face of America 2009

Now recruiting virtual members for Soldiers' Angels' Bethesda Lunch Team

Wounded Warrior Bike Rides....!

Must see film - now showing near you?

In case you missed it too...

More on "Brothers at War" - updated

"Brothers At War" -- A "must see" documentary

Look who came to dinner

"Staff Sergeant Roy Mitchell - Someone You Should Know"

Calling all Cooks and Movie-goers!

In case you hadn't heard...

Updated: Could you be one of 757 new Angels? ** UPDATE: It's DOWN to 462, but still need your help!

Happy New Year! ... a lot late.

Not for Nothing, Take 9

Happy Thanksgiving!

Annual Valour-IT Fundraiser - Go NAVY! *BUMPED*

A Mechanic's Blog (ISTP)

Navy is the coolest!

Victory in Iraq Day 2008

This blog will be supporting Victory in Iraq Day, November 22nd 2008

Cool Cartoon... just remember to donate to Team NAVY!

Ha! Late night Coast Guard shenanigans...

From Families United: A Veteran's Day Video

With gratitude to all our veterans

2008 Soldiers’ Angels Benefit Gala

Aircraft carriers. Subs. Tomcats, Hornets, Prowlers. Crypto geeks! Combat medics aka "forward deployed Angels", and, SEALS... and Steeljaws!

Annual Valour-IT Fundraiser - Go NAVY! BUMPED