A Soldiers Blog

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

TVs for SAMMC

10/17/13

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Holidays For Heroes
This holiday season most of us will celebrate here at home with our loved ones. However, this will not be the case for tens of thousands of Americasâ?? bravest men and women who are protecting our freedom overseas. Soldiers' Angels will strive to make sure that every soldier deployed receives a Holiday gift.



Pasadena, CA (PRWEB) September 20, 2006 -- This holiday season most of us will celebrate here at home with our loved ones. However, this will not be the case for tens of thousands of Americasâ?? bravest men and women who are protecting our freedom overseas. Many of those who guard our freedom will be doing so from across the world and will not be able to share the holiday season with their families and friends. Fellow service members of many of these same deployed soldiers will be spending the holidays in hospital rooms recuperating from injuries earned in defense of our nation. While the warmth of the holiday season may remind many soldiers of the reasons they serve, it is also the time in which the absence from their families and friends is felt the most.



In an effort to let the soldiers know their sacrifices are appreciated and to lift them into the holiday spirit, many organizations support holiday projects aimed at giving gifts to the deployed and wounded soldiers. Soldiersâ?? Angels is at the very top of this list. Our mission is to provide aid and comfort to the thousands of American service members stationed wherever the United States raises its flag.



"No project could be better suited to our goal of letting our soldiers know that they are loved and appreciated," said Patti Patton-Bader, founder of Soldiersâ?? Angels. "Our â??Holidays for Heroesâ?? project strives to make sure that every soldier deployed in a combat area receives a gift of small but welcome items and a card with holiday greetings and encouragement." The gift, which contains items such a coffee mug bearing the Soldiersâ?? Angels logo, AT&T calling cards, hot chocolate and cider mix, candy, and even socks, are mailed to soldiers in combat areas and delivered personally by individual Soldiersâ?? Angels in our hospitals. While most soldiers receive tremendous support from home, Soldiersâ?? Angels strives to ensure that those who need the most attention receive it. To succeed in our mission, Soldiersâ?? Angels works closely with military clergy and non-commissioned officers who are in the best position to know the personal needs of each soldier.



"The goal is to get items to every soldier, but first, we want to take care of those who need it the most," says Debby Frerichs, the Central Region Director for Soldiersâ?? Angels. Frerichs says "Collecting donations to support â??Holidays for Heroesâ?? has been a wonderful project for churches, schools, businesses, and even families. The groups participating in the project know that they are doing something to help their fellow Americans." Frerichs explains that "Many soldiers have no family and are often forgotten during this time of year. In the past couple of years we have received many thanks from deployed soldiers who say that the simple gift and a friendly letter from home warmed their hearts and raised their morale. We know that support for â??Holidays for Heroesâ?? by the community is appreciated by the soldiers."



No project could be better suited to our goal of letting our soldiers know that they are loved and appreciated

Soldiersâ?? Angels continues the time honored tradition of civilian support of American soldiers, and, in addition to â??Holidays for Heroesâ??, sponsors programs which provide first response backpacks, support, and laptop computers to wounded soldiers who are receiving treatment at American military hospitals; care packages, letters, and support to deployed soldiers; armored blankets to military ambulances; and memorial trees for the families of soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.



If you would like more information about â??Holidays for Heroes, â??visit www.soldiersangels.org or contact Debby Frerichs or Gerri Riley at (615)676-0239. If you would like to schedule an interview with Patti Patton-Bader, founder of Soldiersâ?? Angels, please email Debby Frerichs.



Contact:

Debby Frerichs, Central Regional Director

Or Gerri Riley, Treasurer

c/o 1792 East Washington Blvd.

Pasadena, California 91104

Tel. (615)676-0239

Soldier Ride
Wounded warriors heal on the road

Lance Cpl. Patrick J. Floto

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. â?? For some veterans, particularly the combat-wounded, the biggest battle may not be the War on Terrorism itself, but coping with the injuries and disabilities.



Many organizations across the United States and beyond exist to help these wounded warriors find a unique way to recover from what was inflicted in battle.



For more than 75 wounded servicemembers, the best way to heal is to take action and accomplish something few have ever done: take part in a 3,000-mile bicycle ride across the country.



The cross country bicycle ride, an annual event known as Soldier Ride, began May 6 when the participants dipped the wheels of their bicycles in the Atlantic Ocean at Montauk Point, N.Y and ended July 29 with another dip in the Pacific Ocean here.



The 12-week odyssey was broken up into one week segments. The participants were able to join the cause for as long as they please.



Along the long route there were supporters cheering the participants on.



â??Almost all of my adult life, I have been stationed at Fort Bragg where just about every civilian in town is a military relative,â?? said former Army Sgt. Andrew Biddle. â??The consistency of American support for the troops is unbreakable. This is the first time I have truly seen just how much the military is appreciated.â??



Bob Mullin, a supporter of Soldier Ride, flew from his home in Massapequa, N.Y. to San Clemente just to watch them finish the ride.



â??I went to the park in Montauk Point and saw these young men missing arms and legs, but still in great shape heading across the country on bicycles,â?? said Mullin, a former Marine sergeant and retired New York Fire Department captain. â??They served their country well, and they deserve our respect. They have true military spirit, and their courage is an inspiration to all.â??



Mullin was joined by numerous other veteransâ?? organizations such as several chapters of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Patriot Guard.



In addition to those who served, one performer particularly close to the Marine Corps rode with the wounded warriors.â??When I played â??Jokerâ?? in the movie â??Full Metal Jacket,â?? I began a special relationship with the Marine Corps,â?? said Matthew Modine. â??When I began visiting hospitals housing the combat wounded, I realized just how important it was to show our support for the troops.â??



The Soldier Ride is an annual event put on by Soldierâ??s Angels, a support group that was founded by a mother of a former soldier in the summer of 2003 when she heard from her son that not every soldier was getting letters and care packages from home.



Since then, the group has expanded to a non-profit organization with branches at military hospitals across the United States and overseas. The group now hosts several projects to send supplies to wounded soldiers. For more information on Soldierâ??s Angels, visit their website at http://www.soldiersangels.org .





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FOR OUR TROOPS
Hello,



Soldiers Angels in collaboration with Library of Lifeis mounting aGuinness Book of Records attempt, called Operation: Love Our Troops, to create the largest digital Valentineâ??s Day card ever and send the messages to our deployed military.



Library of Life is an organization that offers the public a way to celebrate life and share memories on line, through a digital library that will last forever. They are sponsoring the campaign, hosting the Valentines messages for free and created a way to raise funds for Soldiers Angels.



Before the site is promoted and Operation Love Our Troops is announced to the public, we want to populate the site with genuine, heartfelt messages. We are reaching out to Angels for support with this. We're asking that you visit www.operationloveourtroops.com and send a message of support to the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces. â??Who would better deserve the largest Valentineâ??s Day card than our troops abroad,â?? says Patti Patton-Bader.



Library of Life has retained The Bohle Company, a top public relations company based in Los Angeles, to promote the campaign. They will be seeking major media coverage for this effort that will greatly enhance Soldiers Angels visibility.



We are really excited about this partnership and trust you will be too.



Let's show the troops how much they are appreciated. You're welcome to forward this email on to others. We want Operation Love Our Troops to be an overwhelming success. Thank you for helping us attain this goal.





Take care,



Patti Bader, Founder

Ana-Marie Smith, President

Soldiers' Angels



http://soldiersangels.org

"May No Soldier, Sailor, Marine Go Unloved"





Patti Bader



May no soldier go unloved.

May no soldier walk alone.

May no soldier be forgotten,

Until they all come home.



SoldiersAngels.org

FOR OUR WOUNDED
http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/atf/cf/{279F00F6-7AEF-4E77-9462-B707D698D169}/TSGLI%20APPLICATION%20FORM.PDF

News and Highlights



Traumatic Injury Insurance Payment Forms Now Available:



The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Service Member Group Life Insurance has recently released the form that MUST be filled out for severely injured service members to qualify for payment under the newly created Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI) program.



To Download the Application Form (with instructions) Click here.



For a detailed presentation on the Traumatic Injury Insurance program and eligibility requirements Go here

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/atf/cf/{279F00F6-7AEF-4E77-9462-B707D698D169}/TSGLI%20APPLICATION%20FORM.PDF



Veterans' Day Message from the Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee



By U.S. Senator Larry Craig



"... I later met with three younger veterans, all in their early 20s, who also made me proud to be an American, and who put another lump in my throat.



Ryan Kelly, from Prescott, Arizona, lost a leg in Iraq. Heath Calhoun, from Clarksville, Tennessee, lost both of his legs. Jeremy Feldbusch from Latrobe, Pennsylvania, lost his sight. They explained the financial difficulties they faced with long recuperation times, and wives and family members who gave up jobs to be near them as they were in hospital rehab.



They sought legislation not to help themselves, but to help others. I was inspired by their courage and selflessness. Only a few weeks later, Congress approved legislation I authored, which will provide anywhere from $25,000 to $100,000 to our nation's "Wounded Warriors" to offset the costs families incur when they have to leave jobs and homes to be with loved ones who are recuperating at military hospitals."

Schiff to Deliver Letters to Our Troops
Schiff to Deliver Letters to Our Troops







During the next few weeks, Congressman Schiff will be visiting our troops, and he would like to bring messages of thanksgiving from our community.







"I'm so thankful to the men and women of our military, many of whom are overseas, sacrificing time away from their families to serve our nation," said Schiff. "During this holiday season when we gather among friends and family, let's think of those who are away from home. If you would like to send notes or letters to the soldiers, I'd be honored to deliver them to our heroes in uniform. Children may even want to draw pictures. Your messages will brighten the day for so many who are serving our nation far from home."







Please send cards, letters, and drawings to:







Congressman Adam Schiff



35 South Raymond Avenue



Pasadena, CA 91105



Or via fax at (626) 304-0572







Please send messages by December 9. If you have any questions, or have additional ideas for how our community can honor our troops, please contact my office at 626-304-2727.

Posted at 1:00 PM, Pacific


The news on the Special Forces crash in Afghanistan is confirmed as as bad as it could be. I will feature a number of milbloggers on today's show, including FroggyRuminations Col. Bay, Smash, as well as Mark Steyn and, from Baghdad, Michael Yon.



I will also be urging the audience to contribute to the United Warrior Survivor Foundation which is "dedicated to the surviving spouses of Special Operations military personnel killed in the line of duty since 9/11. UWSF offers Survivor Transition Assistance to surviving spouses, along with educational counseling, financial guidance, investment planning, and other programs." I know the groups' founders and they are superb people with extensive ties to the special operations community, and they do great things with the resources they raise. You can contribute here.



Perhaps some other civilian bloggers could post a link to the Foundation. The url is easy to remember: www.frogfriends.com.



SoldiersAngels can also use as many sponsors as there are out there.



Radioblogger will post the transcripts later this evening.

HughHewitt.com

There is one man (other than God Himself) in particular who saved Chuck's life. CPT Jason Spencer, Chuck's XO. Chuck said to me, "Jason saved my life. Don't ever let me forget that." I don't know Jason on a very personal level, but he dove into the canal when Chuck was blown in from the explosion... I don't know the details of what Jason did when he was in the canal w/ Chuck, but whatever it was, Chuck remembers, and Jason is forever in our debt.


From My Position... On the way!: Walter Reed, Her We Come!

Marathon for the Fisher House Landstuhl
Marathon for the Fisher House Landstuhl

http://sponsormywalk.info/

My name is Norm Raynal; I am a 64-year old diabetic who works for the Defense Commissary Agency. I have been wondering, perhaps like many of you, how to stay healthy and do something beneficial with my off-duty time. I tried several different activities, but nothing seemed "right" for meâ?¦too time-consuming, limited exercise, and especially no sense of feeling like I was doing something worthwhileâ?¦nothing seemed to "fit.â?? I told a good friend about my dilemma and she suggested I consider volunteering at the Fisher House. I had no idea what the Fisher House was. When I saw an ad looking for volunteers to help the Fisher House clean up after the holidays, I thought about her suggestion and decided to give it a try.

The manager was kind enough to take some time from her busy day to explain what the Fisher House provides for service members and their families. I learned that in our area, there are two Fisher Houses collocated to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center that provide a â??home away from homeâ?? for families assisting wounded service members or who are themselves receiving medical care at Landstuhl. During 2004, these two houses assisted over 900 families.

The Fisher Houses depend on donations to maintain their operation. To support this worthwhile cause, I will walk five 42.9 marathons and ask each of you to pledge a dollar amount for each kilometer I walk or a dollar amount for each marathon I walk. No walk â?¦no donation.

Kathy Gregory provided me with more ideas and suggestions and along with another friend, Berndt Schwarz, we put this web site together. Karin Hand did the final edit so Kathy Reed could do the English - German translation what we will post in the near future. Thanks to my friends, we are able to reach out to the community for support.

Your donation after the first, third and fifth marathon will directly go to the service members and their families who stay at the Landstuhl Fisher Houses.

I ask you to help those who fight for our freedom by being generous with your pledge.

As the Manager of the Landstuhl Fisher Houses I welcome the support you will provide us. We do not receive any government funding and our operating costs come from donations and the $10 room fee. The Fisher House Foundation that is listed on the Combined Federal Campaign is a separate Fund that solicits money for building new Fisher Houses, supporting existing Fisher Houses and helping individual families in need. Charitable activities like this 5 X marathon help us meet our donation goal as well as spread the word that the Landstuhl Fisher Houses are here to help our families in need. We estimate $155,000 will be needed this year, so we thank you for your pledge which will help us provide care and support. You will be helping to keep a family unit together and assisting each family through their medical crisis by giving us the ability to provide â??compassionate care beyond the call of dutyâ??.

Iraq War News
U.S. Probing Private Iraqi Guards: "The U.S. military is investigating 16 private American security guards and three Iraqi contractors for shooting at Marines and Iraqi civilians during a three-hour spree last month in Fallujah."

In CBS News: Iraq Crisis



Sunnis given 25 seats on Iraqi committee: "Sunni Muslim Arabs will be given up to 25 seats on the committee drafting Iraq's new constitution, President Jalal Talabani said Thursday."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



16 contractors under arrest for attack US troops in IraqWar.info



Iraqi leader seeks security role for militia: "very hard to sully the reputation of nationalist movements like Badr so that they can achieve goals that do not serve the interests of the Iraqi people," Abdul




[in Aljazeera.net]"

In The US News: Iraq News



Talks with Iraqi rebels possible - Rice: "Washington - American Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice left the door open on Wednesday for Iraqi officials to negotiate with groups linked to the insurgency, saying political reconciliation must be...




[in IOL]"

In The US News: Iraq News



America's best hope is a Democratic regime change: "Iran is developing an atomic bomb delivery system along with North Korea, and our president invaded Iraq. Iraq had no capability to do anything to anyone.




[in Port Huron Times Herald]"

In The US News: Iraq News



In Increasing Numbers Youth Resisting Recruitment for Iraq: "Darrett Evans, a legal secretary from Bridgeport, Connecticut and of Costa Rican descent, wanted to find summer employment for her nephew and her daughter, so she responded to a Sunday classified ad i...




[in Pacific News Service]"

In The US News: Iraq News



Katy soldier who killed himself added to Iraq casualty roster: "The Department of Defense has added the name of a soldier from Katy who committed suicide almost two years ago to the official roster of casualties from the war in Iraq."

In HoustonChronicle.com -- Iraq

Iraq War News
Saddam will face only 12 charges at trial: "Ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein could face up to 500 charges at a tribunal, but he will be tried on only 12 because prosecuting all would be a "waste of time," the prime minister's spokesman said Sunday."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Kurdish rebels kill four Turkish soldiers: "Kurdish rebels have killed four Turkish soldiers in a clash in southeastern Turkey, officials said Sunday. The clash occurred near the city of Tunceli, the Anatolia news agency reported, citing the governor's office. It was not clear when the fighting took place."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Australian hostage in Iraq alive, says cleric: "SYDNEY (Reuters) - An Australian held hostage in Iraq for five weeks has been seen alive and well by an Australian mufti trying to negotiate his release, a local Muslim leader said on Sunday. Sheik...




[in Reuters]"

In The US News: Iraq News



Iraqi Airways Starts Flights to Southern Basra, Considers Expanding Service: "BASRA, Iraq (AP) - Iraqi Airways inaugurated a route from Baghdad to the southern city of Basra on Saturday, part of an expansion plan that also involves extreme security measures at the capital's air...




[in Tampa Bay Online]"

In The US News: Iraq News



Marines discover insurgent bunker...Quran reaction...Gore discusses global in Katu.com: Iraq & Terror



Bush's optimism on Iraq tested: "The disconnect between Rose Garden optimism and Baghdad pessimism, according to government officials and independent analysts, stems not only from Bush's focus on tentative signs of long-term progress...




[in MSNBC]"

In The US News: Iraq News



Saddam is depressed, says his trial judge: "05 June 2005 Saddam Hussein's morale has "collapsed" after nearly 18 months in jail awaiting trial, according to the man who will sit in judgment on him. Iraq's former dictator has been held in an Ame...




[in Independent]"

In The US News: Iraq News



Elected Iraqis hold session in Saddam's hometown: "The U.S. soldiers entered the battered government building, made their way past expressionless townspeople and came face to face with about a dozen men carrying AK-47s."

In HoustonChronicle.com -- Iraq



Iraqi troops seize militant 'prince of princes': "MOSUL, Iraq (Reuters) - Iraqi forces have seized a senior militant leader linked to Jordanian mastermind Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and accused of overseeing an array of deadly attacks in Iraq, the Defense ...




[in Reuters]"

In The US News: Iraq News



In Prison Duty Training, Military Guards Face Their First Riot at Home: "The Army is taking lessons learned from combat zones to train its security forces for guard duty at American detention centers."

In New York Times: World Special



Iraqi troops refuse to attend army training: "RUTBA:An Iraqi national guard unit has been disbanded after it refused to attend a military training academy overseen by US advisers, former members of the unit said on Sunday.




[in Stuff]"

In The US News: Iraq News



Iraqi, U.S. Troops Search for Insurgent Hideouts, Find Insurgent Lair and Arrest Dozens: "LATIFIYAH, Iraq (AP) - Hundreds of Iraqi and U.S. troops searched fields and farms Saturday for insurgents and their hideouts in an area south of Baghdad known for attacks, and the Marines said they d...




[in Tampa Bay Online]"

In The US News: Iraq News



Attacks in Iraq, 84 gunmen detained south of Baghdad: "Attacks in Iraq, 84 gunmen detained south of Baghdad Iraq, Military, 6/4/2005 Various areas in Iraq witnessed on Friday a series of explosions that resulted in killing and injuring scores, the las...




[in Arabic News]"

In The US News: Iraq News



Surge in Iraq violence leaves 750 dead in May: "zones that have powered the on-going guerilla offensive in Iraq that claimed has continued with a suicide car bomber killing at least 10 Iraqis and wounding 10




[in Hindu]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Three suicide bombings in Iraq kill 20: "BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Three suicide car bombings killed 20 people in northern Iraq on Thursday, including a top municipal council leader and a bodyguard of Iraq's Kurdish deputy prime minister, officials said."

In Fresno Bee: Iraq



Beirut blast kills anti-Syrian journalist: "A prominent Lebanese journalist known for his anti-Syrian writings was killed after a bomb placed in his car exploded Thursday, police said, a slaying in the midst of parliamentary elections, free for the first time of overt Syrian interference."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Abu Ghraib GI: I'm No Bad Apple: "The first Army reservist to be freed after serving time in the Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse scandal says he's a good person who was under conditions so stressful it would "drive the most docile soldier from 'Gomer Pyle' into 'Full Metal Jacket.'""

In CBS News: Iraq Crisis



After the Shooting Has Stopped: "It's one of the deepest wounds a soldier can suffer, and one that few want to talk about. But it happened to an American GI in Baghdad whose convoy was attacked while hauling an emergency supply of fuel. He talks to David Martin."

In CBS News: Iraq Crisis



Stay The Course, Iraqi Foreign Minsiter Tells Allies: "Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari commented Wednesday after meeting with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. He said it's important the coalition be "firm and solid" while Baghdad builds its military a...




[in ABC 7]"

In The US News: Iraq News



US warns Iraq's neighbours not to help al Qaeda commander >: "Last Updated 02/06/2005, 11:02:41 The US defence secretary, Donald Rumsfeld, is warning countries in the Middle East not to offer medical treatment to al Qaeda's man in Iraq, Abu Musab al Zarqawi.Mr ...




[in Radio Australia]"

In The US News: Iraq News



Judge Hears Arguments Over AP's Publication of Iraqi Photos: "SAN DIEGO (AP) - A federal judge heard arguments Wednesday on The Associated Press' request to dismiss a lawsuit that claims the wire service violated copyright and privacy laws by publishing photos o...




[in Tampa Bay Online]"

In The US News: Iraq News

Iraqi Civilian Deaths in May Increase: "Print this story. Iraqi civilian deaths in May increased nearly a third from the previous month, a Health Ministry official said Wednesday.Separately, an Interior Ministry official said 151 polic...




[in Tuscaloosa News]"

In The US News: Iraq News



Car bomb hits Baghdad checkpoint, 15 wounded: "BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A suicide car bomb detonated at a checkpoint into Baghdad's international airport on Wednesday, wounding 15 civilians, the U.S. military said. The bomber blew up his vehicle amo...




[in Reuters]"

In The US News: Iraq News



U.N. Worker Axed In Iraq Oil Flap: "Joseph Stephanides is the first U.N. official to be publicly fired by U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan in the wake of an independent probe into allegations of corruption in the $64 billion oil-for-food program."

In CBS News: Iraq Crisis



Jerusalem wants to tear down Arab homes: "Eighty-eight homes in an Arab neighborhood of Jerusalem are marked for demolition to make way for an archaeological park documenting the disputed city's ancient Jewish origins, the engineer overseeing the project said Wednesday."

In Seattle Post-Intelligencer: War on Iraq



Officials see terror threat from Iraq vets: "Veterans of the insurgency in Iraq pose such a threat, security measures will change Americans' quality of life, say former Bush anti-terror chiefs.




[in The US News]"

In The US News: Iraq News



Sentences cut for Iraq abuse soldiers: "The British Army has reduced the sentences of two soldiers convicted of abusing Iraqi civilians.




[in The US News]"

In The US News: Iraq News