Soldiers' Angels Kansas City

Remember the 3000 Marines?

2007-09-09T14:54:00.001Z

On our side bar was a request for support for 3000 Marines that we received in late July this year. I believe we've had almost every marine of the "Fighting 13th" MEU adopted, thanks in no small part to you the readers and many milblogs who heeded our call and sent the word out to all your great blog readers around the world.

The 13th MEU sent this photo as a special thanks to Soldiers' Angels and we pass it on to you so you know that your support was needed and appreciated:

Semper Fi!

Soldiers' Angels thanks the following websites for their continuing support for our mission:

The Conservative Grapevine

Rightwing News

- May no soldier go unloved

Have You Forgotten? Meeting the Parents of Ronald J. Hemenway, KIA Pentagon September 11

2007-09-09T05:59:00.000Z

An important date is fast approaching: the anniversary of September 11, 2001. As the years pass, even as we remain at war, for some that date and the shock of the attacks is fading to a distant memory. There are some who believe that the grieving of our nation should be lessened. There are some who believe that we should "move on" and let the dead rest. There are some who would like the war to simply go away so that they can go on with their lives unchanged.

Most who believe this were not personally touched by the tragic act of war that was perpetrated on our nation. They were far away or didn't personally know anyone who was lost or who had lost a loved one.

Then, there are those that can never forget because that day was more than an attack on our nation. There are those that can never forget because September 11, 2001 changed their lives profoundly and forever.

Bob and Shirley Hemenway are just such people.

We met Bob and Shirley by happenstance at a small town get together in Cleveland, Missouri. Cleveland, Missouri is about 30 miles south of Kansas City. Population 592. Today's event was held on Main St. There were approximately fifteen booths, largely organizations like Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the Lion's Club, etc. Funnel cakes, hot dogs, cotton candy and soda were sold at various booths to raise money for their programs. Several musicians played throughout the day until evening when a band came on and people were literally dancing in the streets. Something that you only see in the movies, but really does happen here in small town America.

Soldiers' Angels had been invited by the town to have a booth for free right in front of the post office on Main Street. The mayor offered us an opportunity to speak to the crowd. Throughout the day, the entire population of the town and surrounding farms came into town to enjoy the festivities.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: there is nothing like small town events. We enjoy going to large events where we can reach great numbers of people with out message for supporting the troops, but in small towns, the pace is slower, the people like to stop and chat and we get an opportunity to really let people know about how they can support the troops.

At the end of the day, we had been there for about seven hours and we were trying to decide if we were going to stay for the night time activities. We had several folks stop by to pick up t-shirts or information about how to support our troops.

This is the mother of Sgt Matt [redacted], United States Army. Sgt Matt just came back from Iraq. He is one of the few Explosive Ordinance Disposal members that are in great demand in Iraq to clear IEDs and VBIEDs, the number one killer and injurer of our troops. She is going to see him in two weeks. We gave her a coin and Thank You card to give him when she gets there.

This lady chatted with us for awhile. She has a group of ladies that meet once a week and they were extremely interested in how they could participate and support our troops.

This young officer stopped to check out the pictures of our troops and the support that we send.

This couple stopped by to check out our booth. As we chatted, Mrs. Hemenway revealed that her son Ronald J. Hemenway, ET1 USN, was killed on September 11, 2001 in the Pentagon. His remains were never found. His name appears on the Pentagon September 11 Memorial in the Arlington National Cemetery. He has a separate marker in Arlington in the MIA section.

When we go to these events, we often meet someone special that makes the event worth every moment. Whether it is a veteran or a family member, it reminds us why we do what we do. The Hemenway's were visiting their son Robert and his wife Dawn who live in the community. As we chatted and they revealed who they were, they expressed to us the importance of supporting our troops in every way. They told us about the flag that Sen. Sam Brownback had flown over the capitol in Ronald's honor and how their son Robert had put a 25' flag pole to fly the flag. We gave them a thank you card, a pocket angel, an angel pin and a challenge coin. They thanked us for supporting the troops.

Mr. Hemenway talked about his son serving on the USN La Salle. He was wearing a hat from the La Salle. As we continued to talk about supporting our troops, Mrs. Hemenway broke down in tears and hugged each of us. Then Mr. Hemenway hugged each of us, shook our hands and said, "God bless you for what you do." It was hard to stay dry eyed.

I asked them if they would like to send a message to our troops. It was only as I was driving home later that I realized that this meeting was so special: the anniversary of 9/11 is in a few days. It was, in many ways, as if fate had taken a hand. Who would have thought that in a small town, at the crossroads of two highways that are only designated by a letter, dotted by farms and huge pastures, we would meet the parents of one of our first fallen of the war?

Many ask whether we should continue to honor September 11 as we have every year. There are people who still remember. The Hemenway's can never forget. Our men and women are still fighting the war in many places around the world.

We will not forget.

Message to the troops from the parents of Ronald J. Hemenway, ET1, USN:

Have you forgotten?

- May no soldier go unloved

Soldiers' Angels: Getting Educated On the Needs of Our Soldiers

2007-08-25T18:51:00.000Z

I found the next few videos interesting as they showed information that would be helpful to Soldiers' Angels and others supporting our troops in determining what sort of needs we might need to meet now and in the future.

These first videos are a two part series on amputees at Walter Reed and how they are improving technology as well as how physical therapy is used to manage their condition and bring normalcy back to their lives.

Amputees Walter Reed: choosing the right equipment

Amputees Walter Reed Part II: No regrets

This next video talks about the importance of sunscreen for our soldiers and choosing the right kind including what to look for on the bottle and how long it actually lasts. Even the best sunscreen only has about a two hour window then needs to be re-applied. That is something that we should be informing our soldiers about when we send them the sunscreen.

Sun Screen for Your Soldier

- May no soldier go unloved

Never Again

2007-08-24T15:31:00.000Z

While we were at the VFW convention, we met and spoke with many veterans of wars from WWII to our current conflicts. We interviewed several of these men and asked them about their service and what support from home meant to them while they were deployed.

I noted on my previous post that there was a recurring theme among the vets: many of them had family who were serving in the military today. The second theme? Vietnam era treatment of our troops: never again.

Not long ago, I read an article stating that some of the treatment the vets received, like being spit on or called "baby killer" did not happen. It was a myth or occurred on an extremely limited basis. The person that wrote the article allegedly based this assumption on known police reports or other non-fiction stories that they could reference on the internet. A faulty premise to base such an assumption on and then write an article for a re-known paper in which to try to change history or assuage some guilt for politicians who were actively anti-war during the period and may have participated in protests against the war. They want to show that they are "anti-war" not "anti-military". A fine line to walk during a war that is unpopular and where protesters attempted all sorts of acts that are similar to the "old school", but often mere caricatures.

So, in rejection of any mythology theory on the "spitting, baby killer" meme, I bring you this video of a vet talking about his experiences on returning from Vietnam and the importance of support to the men and women on the front lines.

Never Again

If I had, had enough memory and tape, I could have recorded hundreds of these stories. There is no myth. They remember the day and the place. These gentleman and ladies just don't care to write it down to be researched on the web.
- May no soldier go unloved

Soldiers' Angels at the VFW Convention Kansas City

2007-08-23T18:17:00.000Z

Soldiers' Angels Kansas City has spent the last five days going to the 108th VFW Convention and spreading the word about Soldiers' Angels and how the wonderful veterans and many auxiliary members can help support our troops.

All the Soldiers' Angels had a wonderful time, shared some great camaraderie, met some fantastic people and generally felt rewarded personally and as Angels for the experience.

I'll start at the end because it highlighted the reason why we were there. Angel Christy and I went to the closing party Wednesday evening at the Liberty Memorial Park in Kansas City. As we were preparing to leave, we came across a group of people who were standing in a circle, clasping hands raised above their heads as they sang to Lee Greenwoods, "Proud to be an American". We got a little video and, as usual, asked the group to give a message to our troops so we could send it on CD when we send our care packages. After recording the message, a few folks came over and we talked about what Soldiers' Angels does and how we would like to work with the VFW to extend the amount of support we can provide to our active duty and veteran service members.

A lady and husband from Minnesota told us that their son had served two tours in Iraq. He was wounded and received a purple heart on his last tour. He is going back to Iraq at the end of this year. He's married with three children and one on the way that he will not be here to see born. We thanked her and her husband for sharing their story and then we gave them some "Thank You for your Service" cards to give him and his friends. As I was explaining what we do and the process for signing him up and how he or others could sign up friends, I said, "And then he will be adopted by an Angel..."

I couldn't finish the speech I had given so many times before because this mother broke into tears, put her arms around my neck, hugging me and crying on my shoulder, repeating over and over again, "Thank you for what you do. Thank you."

You know, I couldn't speak for a moment because the tears were choking me up, too. I know how soldiers must feel when a stranger like me thanks them for their service. It wasn't me. I really hadn't done anything special. I did not go into danger like our men and women do every day. In fact, I had been having a great time while they are "over there" doing the hard work. Angels have a lot of different reasons why we join and support our military. I do it because I think it is the right thing to do. It is what we are supposed to do when our people go to war on our behalf. But, I realized that this gratitude was not really for me. It was for all of the Angels who go out there and support the troops unconditionally, untiring every day and the many people who donate time, money or supplies and make it possible for us to support our troops.

So, I hugged her back until she had composed herself and I had, too.

Pardon me. For this one moment, I have no pictures. My arms were a little busy at the time. Besides, I don't think I would have had the presence of mind to snap them.

I wanted to tell people about the Veterans of Foreign Wars. If you don't know, it's not just an organization of old soldiers and their wives getting together Saturday for a beer and to share a few laughs (though they do). These are people who have served our country in a time of war, continue to serve through many projects and programs to assist veterans, their families and many other community programs for children and the under privileged. Like the Military Order of the Cootie, a fun and hard working group of people that "wear funny hats", that volunteers at the VA and works to provide for the needs at the VFW National Homes.

There was another recurring theme that I recognized among these many veterans and their families: they give even more because their sons and daughters carry on the tradition, serving our nation as their parents have for years. Many VFW members told us that their son or daughter was serving in the military today. People know what our men and women are going through every day to complete their missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. We often ask where do we find such people? It is by the example set by such fine people as the Veterans of Foreign Wars that we continue to field the best and the bravest from the Land of the Free.

On Tuesday, a lady came by our booth and purchased a Soldiers' Angels t-shirt. As we had done hundreds of times in the last few days, we explained what Soldiers' Angels was about, sharing a few of our favorite "support" stories about the kinds of things that we did to support our troops. The lady thanked us for our support of the troops and then explained to us why she wanted the t-shirt. She had been a nurse in Vietnam. She would fly on the med-evacs with the soldiers, just like the many wonderful medics, nurses and doctors who do the same for our wounded today. She told us that the nurses that would fly with the wounded were called "Angels". She said the t-hirt would remind her of that always.

We were extremely fortunate throughout the convention. We took turns going to the different speeches by the visiting presidential candidates. Some we were merely able to shake hands or get a picture of, while others we were able to hand some literature and an angel pin with the opportunity for some photo ops. Throughout their speeches, all of them stated the our troops and our veterans have and continue to do extraordinary things that deserve our continued support.

This is Angel Stephanie talking with potential presidential candidate Fred Thompson after she gave him the card, brochure and pin, he diligently read it and commented that, "Supporting the troops was the right thing to do, but we should support them in everything including their mission." Here's hoping some of these folks will put their money where their speeches are and remember that Soldiers' Angels supports the troops every day.

After Angel Christy handed the information and pin to Sen. Barak Obama, he asked her if she would like to have her picture taken with him. Of course, we Angels are always looking for a way to get the information out about our organization and never turn down an opportunity for a little more publicity. While you might not be able to see the back, Christy is wearing a Soldiers' Angels jean jacket (which was extremely popular at the event). She has her Angel pin in the collar.

We also got to see President Bush give his speech. All of the Angels were excited because it was the first time any of us had an opportunity to see and hear a sitting president live and in person. While the hand shake opportunities were limited, we were able to talk to one of his staff named Joshua. We told Joshua that Soldiers' Angels wanted the president to have a "May No Airman Go Unloved" challenge coin, an Angel pin and information about how our organization supports the troops. To our surprise, Joshua had heard of Soldiers' Angels and asked us if we were in Tennessee. We told him that there were Angels everywhere. He thanked us and told us he would get the coin and information to the president. He made sure that he had Soldiers' Angels mailing address so that the president could send something to our organization (so, Patti, et al, if you are reading this, check your mail in a couple weeks for something from the White House).

Even after meeting the candidates and listening to the president, the most exciting moments for us were getting to meet some real heroes and showing them that Soldiers' Angels cares. During a lull in speechifying, we ran into James E. Livingston, Medal of Honor recipient(left). Then we were able to meet Don Ballard, also a Medal of Honor recipient (left). Both of these gentlemen gave us a few minutes of their time and permission to share their photos. In fact, Don Ballard said that he had heard of Soldiers' Angels and told us to "keep up the good work!"

On Wednesday, as we waited for the president, we met some local heroes who had been serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. We told them about Soldiers' Angels, thanked them for their service and handed them a pin or coin. Some of them had heard of Soldiers' Angels and were very happy to see us. We collected a lot of memories, handshakes and hugs that day.

We also met John Miska from VFW Post 8208, Arlington, Virginia (right) who couldn't say enough about Soldiers' Angels and how our organization had helped the VFW pay for the gas they used to take the wounded to dinner and on other outings. He said to say hello to Lynette from Soldiers' Angels. She's our coordinator at Walter Reed Hospital. Everywhere we went, when ran into Big John and he would tell any VFW member present that Soldiers' Angels was endorsed by his VFW post.

We also met John Hanson from Grand Forks, North Dakota VFW Post 1874 who was the VFW State Commander 2004-2005 (center). He knew all about Soldiers' Angels and had our VP of Public Relations, Shelle Michaels on speed dial. He called her up to report that he had met us and we were all having a great time during the presentation of all the VFW state departments and follow up concert with Lorrie Morgan, the choir from the VFW National Homes for Children and the Army American Idol winner.

Our Angel gear was pretty popular as were the Angel camouflage bear. Many who bought it were sending it to a loved one over seas or to place it in a care package for a soldier they supported. We shook hands and shared the story of Soldiers' Angels with thousands of wonderful people. We sold our Angel gear to raise money for our Vet-Packs. Some people stopped and shared their stories from when they were deployed in defense of our nation. Patriotic colors and themes abounded at the convention and many loved our Red, White and Blue Soldiers' Angels t-shirts. We also met a VFW group from Lautenberg, Germany who knew all about Soldiers' Angels because they work with Landstuhl Medical Center and had seen our First Response Back Packs for the wounded.

This group of great ladies are from the VFW Auxiliary in Farmington, Missouri, right outside of St. Louis. They told us they were working on a project for Fisher House at the St. Louis VA Medical Center that specializes in polytrauma. They told us that they were looking forward to working with Soldiers' Angels to make sure our troops and their families get the best care possible.

We also learned that it was a tradition to exchange pins from the different VFW posts , commanders and presidents of the auxiliary. So, we broke into our private stashes of pins and carried Soldiers' Angels cards wherever we went. It presented a great opportunity to talk with people about our organization and how we could work with the Veterans of Foreign Wars to bring the most support to our troops from every state.

We were also fortunate to meet the next outstanding generation of defenders. A young troop of Army JROTC from Ft. Leavenworth High School received the National VFW award for outstanding drill team. The young men and women were dressed in period uniforms of the United States Calvary.

On the last day of the convention, there were a lot of active duty and recently returned Guard and Reserve military who had been invited to hear the President speak. We sent Angel Julie off to find some more that we might have missed in the crowded auditorium so we could make sure that we had given them each a personal "thank you for your service" from Soldiers' Angels.

To our surprise, she returned with a number of soldiers wearing a lot of brass that sparkled in the overhead lights. It was none other than LTG Caldwell, Commanding General, Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas; CSM Bruner, LTC Gilbreti, and Major Stroud.

LTG Caldwell immediately noticed our famous Soldiers' Angels coffee mug. He told all the people with him about how these coffee mugs can be seen all over the combat hospital in Baghdad. As we chatted some more, CSM Bruner shared with us that his brother was wounded in Iraq and was the recipient of one of our First Response Back Packs.

We gave each of the officers a Soldiers' Angels Challenge Coin and a "Thank You For Your Service" card. We asked LTC Gilbreti if he knew what an Angel coin was for and, before we could explain he said, "It means, whenever I meet an Angel, I have to buy them a beer!" We all had a good laugh and enjoyed speaking with such fantastic representatives of our armed forces. Then we posed for some pictures and a video with the group. All the officers sent a message of gratitude to the men and women serving on the battle front. Then LTG Caldwell shook our hands, thanked us for our support and gave us each a Commander's Challenge Coin for "Outstanding Performance" which we accepted on behalf of all Soldiers' Angels.

Soldiers' Angels would like to thank the Veterans of Foreign Wars for having us as an exhibitor at their convention and for welcoming us to all of their events. We weren't simply a group soliciting their assistance in supporting our troops, we were treated as honored guests wherever we went and invited to next years convention in Orlando, Florida. We are looking forward to working with the many VFW posts across the United States to bring support to our troops and seeing them at every convention in the years to come.

- May no soldier go unloved

Soldiers' Angels VFW Convention

2007-08-21T11:57:00.000Z

Soldiers' Angels Kansas City is at the VFW Convention at Bartle Hall in Kansas City, Missouri. We've set up a booth and are spreading the word to many VFW members about our organization. We have even been fortunate to meet some of the great people from Landstuhl, Germany who were excited to see us and talk about our efforts to provide First Response Back Packs and other items for the wounded.

We also met the Major Christian from America Supports You. Actually, he told us "I work at the Puzzle Palace (the Pentagon) call me if you need anything." We'll be taking him up on the that offer.

We met many veterans of all conflicts since World War II as well as children, wives and husbands in the Auxiliary. There was a recurring theme among the veterans: Our troops need our support; we will not let Vietnam happen again.

All of these folks have been fantastic and very generous with our organization. The red, white and blue Angel t-shirts were the most popular.

One gentleman showed us the "pocket Angel" that his children gave him and he has been carrying for twenties years, including through Desert Storm. He said that it could never be replaced because of its special meaning as a gift from his children, but he did purchase a Soldiers' Angels Pocket Angel to give to his wife.

We got a chance to interview several vets about their time in service and how much support from home meant to them. Those interviews will be up shortly. We also got to hear Sen. Clinton and Sen. McCain on Monday. Tuesday is Obama Barak and Fred Thompson and on Wednesday we will get to see the President.

Soldiers' Angels will be at the Convention through Wednesday afternoon. We are having a wonderful time and hope to meet many more of our wonderful veterans and thank them for their service.

- May no soldier go unloved

Things To Read, Watch or Listen To

2007-07-26T02:55:00.000Z

We haven't done this in awhile, but, every so often, we like to point our readers to information that they may not get on their nightly news. Some are from commanders giving reports. Others are soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen who are serving on the front lines. They range from broad overviews to day to day life. They may help you understand what it is like "over there".

If you read enough, you will find out that the experiences of some in one sector do not reflect those of others. One district or province may be very active with contact with the enemy. Another district may be quiet and focusing on rebuilding basic infrastructure, developing good governance and economics. This is true for both Afghanistan and Iraq.

Please enjoy reading these posts. Some are rather long, but they wouldn't be here if they did not provide the best information possible.

Richard's Deployment

Richard is in Afghanistan and posts a weekly update. He is at FOB Salerno where our favorite dustoff medic is stationed. He posts pictures of the progress as they build a new, permanent hospital. Right now, they work in tents with raised floors. Last week they suffered a flood and had to rebuild. They've been treating a young patient, Azad who is six, for several months. Today he was moved to the Afghan Surgical Hospital:

There was one landmark today; Our longest-stay patient, Azad, has moved to our Afghan surgical hospital. He's doing very well and his family is visiting him now. His youngest sister in 17 days old. His family is looking forward to going back home. Their gratitude is overwhelming. The gratitude of all our Afghani patients is overwhelming.

Read more about Azad, the flooded hospital tent and the continuing progress to build a permanent hospital here (pictures)

Soldier OnBackground on Azad's story and this little bit about being away from home:

Most of us spend an inordinate amount of time planning our redeployment, our return home. No matter how many times the Chaplain tells us not to idealize things back home, we do it anyway. When you are separated from home and family it's easy to remember everything through rose-colored glasses. It's great for getting through the deployment, but it can make things harder when you actually get home. Despite the fantasy, life goes on at home just as before; children grow up, spouses become independent, coworkers and friends move on. As we idealize life back home, and as life goes on back home, the gap between the fantasy and the reality grows larger and the transition becomes more jarring. It's all just part of the hidden stresses of war. Not all wounds are visible. Not all pain is obvious. Not all casualties of war are Soldiers.

JAG Officer in Mazar-e-sharif Afghanistan (pictures)

More here: JAG Officer in Mazar-e-sharif Afghanistan (pictures)

JAG Officer: Kandahar

Kandahar is just as hot as I thought it would be. I think it’s been around 105+ degrees every day. It can get up to 115 and even hotter but fortunately it hasn’t gotten there yet.

Our first day of class as I was proposing the schedule, which included afternoon sessions, the Afghans immediately protested. They said that they would rather start early and end by noon to avoid the heat in the class room. This week we’re teaching in ANA land so the buildings have no AC. So it was agreed that we would start at 0700 every day and end by noon. It’s actually worked out OK.[snip]

Here on Camp Hero there is a huge area that is surrounded by a covered boardwalk. In the center is a soccer field, small roller-blade arena, and volleyball pit. On the boardwalk are various fast-food places; a Canadian donut shop - "Tim Hortons" aka "deadman's donuts", Korean snack bar, Pizza Hut, Subway, and Burger King. There are also several Afghan shops selling various items, a sew shop, embroidery shop as well as a restaurant just off the boardwalk. It’s actually pretty nice.

The base even has it’s own waste reclamation plant. The first night we were here I asked Paul what that terrible smell was and he said it was the “poo pond” or “bamboo pond.” It’s the water/waste reclamation plant that has bamboo growing in it and it’s about 100 yards or so down the road from his room – where we’re staying. He offered to take us down to see it but of course we declined. The smell was enough of a tour.

This part of the country is the “hot spot” in terms of Taliban fighting. This is the area where Scott Lundell was killed, where road side bombs are a regular occurrence as well as small arms fire. Paul says that when they first got here there were regular rockets being fired over the camp but none that actually landed inside the wire. (continue reading:
JAG Officer: Kandahar)

JAG Officer continues with a great overview of life in Kandahar including the people, the food and the buildings: Last Days in Kandahar

We were there during the workers lunch and it was interesting to see what they were eating. Their main course was a watery soup of yogurt and green onions with a few cooked vegetables and naan (bread). They use the big loaves of naan as plates and then eat the bread around the things on top of the bread. They were very gracious and invited us to join them, but of course since we had just eaten we declined.

And this is Matt Sanchez in Afghanistan (formerly in Iraq). He has some great videos including interviews from enlisted and officers on their work there, conditions and progress.

Getting ready to go to Shura

Food Time in Afghanistan (an excellent quick view of food and eating traditions)

LTC Gilhart Provincial Reconstruction Team Afghanistan on progress and projects

Other videos from Matt Sanchez in Afghanistan

On to Iraq where the experiences can vary even more greatly from area to area.

Jack Army: Typical Patrol

It is real easy to get complacent when you go on patrol after patrol like this one. Nothing happens, nobody challenges you, nobody pushes the envelope, everything is just quiet, business as usual. That is one of the things that is so hard about this job: fighting the complacency. I haven't been in constant, days-long combat, but I imagine that it is easier to stay alert during that sort of activity because you have to. Of course, I'm not eager to test that theory!

A couple of notes about some of the things you see in the video.

Jack Army: Giggles

Since I've figured out how to embed video, I'm able to give you a couple of more. Next up is a video from a visit to a town outside our area. This town gets almost no notice from anybody, good or bad. It's just a quiet town doing it's own thing, but security there is good, services are getting better, and the townsfolk are very supportive of the government and the Coalition.

We started our visit to a small pre-school where we handed out toys and played with the kids for a few minutes. Some of the children were a little shy.

See the rest of Jack's patrol and a little video of the kids enjoying a little "giggle fest" here.

Acute Politics: Militias

I have written previously about some of the major distinctions in the structure of the Iraqi Security Forces. Over the course of the last year, I have had the opportunity many times to see various Iraqi units in action. The Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police have greatly increased in number- there were few of either evident in Ramadi last October, and they are everywhere now. I like to see IAs and IPs; I like to see that Iraqis fighting for their own country. However, the guys I really like to see are the PSF and Neighborhood Watch fighters.

I have witnessed the appearance of local fighters in an area several times- an advent that is normally followed quickly by relative peace.

Militias are a mixed bag. In some areas, they have been extremely helpful in decreasing the violence and securing neighborhoods. These are most closely associated with neighborhood watch or policing programs. In others, like Sadr City, they continue to be dangerous for the people and coalition forces.

An example of how working with the shiehks and creating a locally staffed security force improves security and living conditions can be seen in this report at Badgers Forward:

Raider Commander Update on Ramadi

Security here in Ramadi continues to improve as the Iraqi police and army forces work daily to keep the population safe. When we arrived in February, we were averaging 30 – 35 attacks per day in our area of responsibility. Now our average is one attack per day or less. We had an entire week with no attacks in our area and have a total of over 65 days with no attacks. I attribute this success to our close relationship with the Iraqi security forces and the support those forces receive from the civilian population. The Iraqi police and army forces have uncovered hundreds of munitions caches and get intelligence tips from the local population every day.[snip]

Some of our most recent successes have been in the areas of reconstruction and governance. The city government didn’t exist before April of this year, but has grown steadily over the past few months, and is now providing essential services to the population. In areas that were battlefields only a few months ago, city electrical employees are now repairing transformers and power lines. Sanitation workers are fixing sewer leaks caused by hundreds of buried IED’s [improvised explosive devices]. The Iraqis now have repaired the electrical grid in about 80 percent of the city and about 50 percent of the rubble has been removed. We expect to have all rubble removed in the next 90 – 120 days, which will allow for many parts of the city to start rebuilding.

Read the rest of the report at
Raider Commander Update on Ramadi. Ramadi is in the Al Anbar Province, once considered the hotbed of the insurgency in Iraq. It still has a high attack rate, but this is because the small corner of Al Anbar overlaps Baghdad and a southern "suburb" or "Mahala" called Ahmadiya. There is also an area north east of Baghdad between Camp Taqqadum, Tikrit, Mosul and Kirkuk where the routes for smuggling money, weapons and fighters follow the main highway and river system. It is also the area where the tribes most loyal to Saddam hold the land. In fact, the al Tikriti tribe is the family or tribe of Saddam. It is these small areas where concentrated attacks drive up the average in the whole.

On the odd variances in conditions in different parts of Iraq, we have two reporters:

Violence ebbing. Wealth returning. Can this be Iraq?

For there are two Iraqs in evidence these days: not just the one where weddings are bombed and young women murdered in reply. The other Iraq is harder to dramatise but it is equally real. It is a place where boring, ordinary things take place. And in taking place become extraordinary in the context of conflict.

Last week it was the opening of a new $20 million government centre next to Tal Afar's ancient ruined fort. The day before Jamil detonated his explosives' belt, the sheiks and dignitaries came in and crowded through the building's corridors, muttering approvingly as they examined its new painted walls, the photocopiers, printers and computers - some of them still wrapped in plastic - sitting on the brand new desks.

From Michael J. Totten, veteran reporter who has traveled and reported from the Middle East: In the Wake of the Surge (pictures included)

Just to the right of my knees were the feet of the gunner. He stood in the middle of the Humvee and manned a machine gun in a turret sticking out of the top. I could hear him swiveling his cannon from side to side and pointing it into the trees as we approached the urban sector in their area of operations.

This was all purely defensive. The battalion I’m embedded with here in Baghdad hasn’t suffered a single casualty – not even one soldier wounded – since they arrived in the Red Zone in January. The surge in this part of the city could not possibly be going better than it already is. Most of Graya’at’s insurgents and terrorists who haven’t yet fled are either captured, dormant, or dead.

A car approached our Humvee with its lights on.

“I can’t see, I can’t see,” said the driver. Bright lights are blinding with night vision goggles. “Flash him with the laser,” he said to the gunner. “Flash him with the laser!”

A green laser beam shot out from the gunner’s turret toward the windshield of the oncoming car. The headlights went out.

I'll warn you now, this is long, but it is Gen. Petreaus giving a very detailed interview on the ground situation in Iraq: Interview with Petreaus

HH: Welcome, General. You took over command of the multinational forces in February of this year, February 10. In the past five months, how have conditions in Iraq changed?

DP: Well, obviously, we have been surging our forces during that time. We have added five Army brigade combat teams, two Marine battalions, and a Marine expeditionary unit[ed...that's our Fighting 13th that we need additional support for], and some enablers, as they’re called. And over the last month, that surge of forces has turned into a surge of offensive operations. And we have achieved what we believe is a reasonable degree of tactical momentum on the ground, gains against the principal near-term threat, al Qaeda-Iraq, and also gains against what is another near-term threat, and also potentially the long term threat, Shia militia extremists as well. As you may have heard, that today, we announced the capture of the senior Iraqi leader of al Qaeda-Iraq, and that follows in recent weeks the detention of some four different emirs, as they’re called, the different area leaders of al Qaeda, six different foreign fighter facilitators, and a couple dozen other leaders, in addition to killing or capturing hundreds of other al Qaeda-Iraq operatives.

Boredom

We were sitting out at one of the check points and there is this house a little ways away from where we stage our vehicles. They are always standing outside the house waving at us. I just so happened to have some hard candy in case I was near any kids, so I got out of the truck and started walking over. One of the sergeants went with me. I stood a little way back and waved a them, and then kind of shook my bag of candy. They started to walk toward me, two of them holding hands with their father, so I started walking toward their house.

I stuck my hand out and said “assalaam alaikum” to the man, which means “peace is upon you.” The man said it back and then asked me how I was doing. It turns out that he is a teacher at the school in the village and he spoke English. I told him I had some candy I would like to give to his kids, and asked if that would be okay. He approved, so I gave some to each of the three kids. They loved it and were all smiles.

We got in to a conversation with the man, just trying to find out a little bit about him. We all introduced ourselves and he introduced his kids (I forgot everyone’s name in about two seconds…) He told us that he loves the American troops here. He said that the IPs at the check point were doing a good job. One of his concerns though was getting shot at. At night, because they don’t have air and because it is so hot, they sleep in the grass outside their house. Gunshots are a pretty normal thing, and he told us he was “weary” of his children getting hurt from stray bullets. The sergeant I was with said that he would try to talk to the IP and the guys at our patrol base to notify them of his concerns and see if there was anything that could be done as far as getting them some sort of wall put up.

Another read from Badgers Forward on support from Military Spouses: Ladies of Lakedaemon

Right now I am reading Steven Pressfield's Gates of Fire, an ode to the Spartan martial spirit, but I was really struck by this passage, a short soliloquy from one of the Spartan officer's wives:

The wives of other cities marvel at the women of Lakedaemon. How, they ask, can these Spartan wives stand erect and unblinking as their husbands' broken bodies are borne home to a grave or, worse, interred beneath some foreign dirt with nothing save cold memory to clutch to their hearts? These women think we are made of stauncher stuff than they. I will tell you, . . . we are not.

Do they think we of Lakedaemon love our husbands less than they? Are our hearts made of stone and steel? So they imagine that our grief is less because we choke it down in our guts?

So too of today's "milspouses." People ask Mrs. Badger 6 how she does this, as if dealing with deployment is a superhuman task. She does it because she loves me and she believes in me and our task and purpose. I see the same resolve in other milspouse blogs and as I talk to Soldiers about their wives at home. (And occasionally husbands.)

They are not super-human. Quite the contrary. They are everyday people who decided they are going to get through this - that they and their marriages will come through this. Everyday people just deciding to make it through this. And that is far more impressive than being super-human.

Speaking of spouses and children on the home front, My Life as a Military Spouse, reports this interesting part of deployed family life: Out of the Mouths of Babes

I constantly battle with my children over their asking mommy to help with everything. Yes, daddy is gone a lot, but when he is here, he can help, just like mommy normally does. My children don't seem to understand the concept, or so I thought. I have been raging about this issue for several days now and this morning S3 came to me and we had a conversation that went like this:

S3: Mommy, I would love to have some watermelon, but it is not appropriate for me to touch the knifes.

ME: You are right honey, you are not allowed to touch the sharp knives, I will be there in just a minute to help you.

S3: Mommy, I know I can ask daddy things too, but he is not here, he is at work. Remember? He is out with the tanks and his soldiers. Remember?

ME: Yes honey, I know daddy is not here. I appreciate you remembering that you can ask daddy to help you with things too, when he is here of course.

S3: But mommy, we ask you for things because we love you. We don't want you to forget that we love you, so we have to ask you for things. You are the bestest mommy and I love you over and over again.

Read the rest of Out of the Mouths of Babes

Minnesota Red Bulls Home

After a bit of a snafu, our two buses were joined by escorts from the State Patrol, and a couple of dozen motorcycles from the Patriot Riders and the American Legion. As we crossed every county line in Minnesota, we picked up a new escort from the local sheriff. Just outside of Owatonna, our procession turned into a parade with hundreds of motorcycles leading us, and thousands of people lining our route. Our luxury coach bus included tinted windows, so I'm not sure if the folks we passed saw us waving back, or how many of us had to turn away as we were overcome with emotion.

Video of the Welcome Home Red Bulls

Most of these reports and many more can be found on the Dawn Patrol at:

- May no soldier go unloved

3000 Marines: Update

2007-07-24T11:22:00.000Z

According to our adoption committee, we still have over half of the original 3000 Marines left to adopt. The response to our calls for support has been great, but we need to keep spreading the word. Over 1500 marines are still looking for support.

Find out more about the marines and how you can help by going here: Urgent Call for Support of 3000 Marines.

- May no soldier go unloved

Over the Weekend: Soldiers' Angels Around Kansas City

2007-07-23T20:07:00.000Z

Soldiers' Angels Kansas City was busy this past week continuing to spread the word about Soldiers' Angels and show our support for our troops.

On Thursday, we were invited to a small town "Music in the Park" in Bonner Springs, KS. The City Band played old time favorites, well known pieces from musicals and famous marches. The evening started out with the National Anthem being sung by a local man who had a fantastic baritone. Everyone stood, the men removed their hats, the veterans saluted and the rest of the people placed their hands over their hearts. That's something that you just don't see at urban events. True respect and appreciation for our nation's freedoms and struggles to maintain them seem to come more easily to those who enjoy them at their simplest level. Or, maybe it is because, in small communities, everyone knows someone who has sacrificed to maintain that way of life. People know the names, the families and often the people whose names are carved in the monument in the square. They were never strangers to them. They feel the price more keenly.

People bought ice cream sundae's provided by the local Luthern Church to raise money for their local charity project. Pastor Borroughs from Emaus Luthern Church in Bonner Springs spoke to Mayor Clausie of Bonner Springs and asked him if we could have a few moments. Mayor Clausie agreed and introduced us after a rousing rendition of a medley of songs from "The Music Man". We told the audience of about 100 how much our troops needed their support and how they could help by adopting a service member and writing or sending care packages. I told them about the 3000 marines who has asked for this support. As usual, whenever I read a letter from one of our troops, the people are very quiet and then there was wild applause as hands went up all over the audience for our flyers and business cards.

The letter that always seems to inspire people the most is the one from a young man who wrote that he was excited to receive letters and care packages from home because he knew it came from great Americans. He said he did not mind the fight knowing he was defending such wonderful people. One young school teacher asked for contact information directly so that she could arrange a project with our organization. We are looking forward to hearing from her. I think it is wonderful that teachers are showing children about civic pride and honoring those who defend. There has certainly not been such efforts to honor the soldiers' since World War II.

Friday morning we got up bright and early to send off the 35 ID Kansas Army National Guard. This event was truly inspiring. The reserve band played some great music and we met many wonderful people. Soldiers' Angels and the Patriot Guard formed a flag line into the auditorium for the ceremonies. As we waited several soldiers thanked us for the efforts. Then, the ranking two star general came up and shook the hand of everyone in the line along with a captain from the unit. As he thanked everyone for being there, I heard the people on the flag line continue to tell him and the captain, "No. Thank you for your service." It was definitely mutual appreciation.

Several soldiers took pictures of the event for mementos. We were unexpectedly asked to go into the auditorium as part of the ceremony. We lined up behind the podium as the guest speakers were presented. The ride captain presented a flag signed by all of the PGR and Soldiers' Angels attendees that read "We Support Our Troops!" After a few moments of applause, the commanding officer thanked us for "standing behind the soldiers, no matter what the mission." Then the officers and dignitaries on the podium and the audience of soldiers and their families turned around and gave us a standing ovation. It was very heartening to know that your support is appreciated.

Finally, Saturday morning, we got up early once again to Welcome Home Sgt Van Ness from Iraq. Sgt Van Ness drove up from Louisiana where he landed with his unit two days before. His uncle is in the PGR down in Louisiana and asked the Kansas Guard to welcome him home. After a few moments of chatting with him in the parking lot of a local park, Sgt. Van Ness said what many have said on return: it is great to come home and see the green, green grass and trees. In fact, Sgt Van Ness was so impressed with it, the first thing he did when he got home was get out the lawnmower and cut the grass.

His family put out a tent in the front with chairs and provided water, soda and snacks. Everyone stood around for awhile and talked. Sgt Van Ness' cousin had recently returned from AIT (technical school) where he was learning to be an electrician to work on the electronics of jets. I had a few moments to talk to his grandfather who was wearing a hat indicating he was a World War II vet who had served with the 20th Army Air Corp which was now the 20th Air Force. Sgt Van Ness was carrying on the family tradition and was serving in that unit. We gave his grandfather a "Thank You for Your Service" card and an angel pin.

Sgt. Van Ness' step-mom asked for information about Soldiers' Angels. She really wanted to get involved so we gave her some information and a business card. We hope to hear from her soon.

It was a wonderful weekend showing our support for our troops. We are looking forward to continuing with these events and spreading the word about Soldiers' Angels. We want to tell everyone about these activities and the joy that it brings to the soldiers, their families and to those who support them. You can't beat it.

- May no soldier go unloved

Make That 3000 Marines

2007-07-20T07:23:00.001Z

Reading the forums, the number of marines submitted from the Fighting 13th was updated to 3000 by the end of the day. That would be the entire unit.

Please help us support these troops. Nothing is too big or impossible when the will and strength of many work together. Go to the original post here to find out how you can help support these men and women.

Update: We still have over 1500 Marines left to adopt not including our daily influx of a hundred or more soldiers, sailors, air force and marines from other units.

Please find out how you can help by going here: urgent request for assistance for 3000 marines.

- May no soldier go unloved

One Thousand Two Hundred Marines: Urgent Alert for Massive Support

2007-07-19T07:40:00.000Z

Just in to the forums on Wednesday afternoon:

One Thousand Two Hundred Marines (yes! 1200) [no! make that 3000 as of Thursday afternoon] from the Fighting 13th MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit) have been submitted to Soldiers' Angels for support.

The Marines may be looking for a few good men, but we are looking for a lot of great citizens who are willing to help support these men and women. Some of these marines are on the fifth deployment in defense of our nation.

We need Angels to adopt as many marines as possible. We need many more patriotic citizens to sign up to become Angels to adopt some fine marines. Please help us support these men and women.

To read more about these Marines, please click here: Fighting 13th MEU

Sign up to be a Soldiers' Angels and adopt a marine by clicking here: Adopt a Marine.

Or donate money or supplies by clicking here: Donate

If you have any questions about how to adopt a marine or make a donation, please email Soldiers' Angels

Or call, (615) 676-0239.

Update - Soldiers' Angels thanks the following websites for their continuing support for our mission:

The Conservative Grapevine

Rightwing News

Update: We still have over 1500 Marines left to adopt not including our daily influx of a hundred or more soldiers, sailors, air force and marines from other units.

Please keep spreading the word so we can give these Marines our full support.

- May no soldier go unloved

Why I Became an Angel: The Phone Call

2007-07-19T05:52:00.000Z

There are certain conversations that you never want to have with someone you love. One of those conversations is about the possibility of dying and what that person wants to happen with their money, property and burial. Normally, that's something that you associate with the elderly or the very ill when they are nearing the end of their life. Those conversations are hard enough. But, when you are talking to your brother who is a year younger than you and is in the prime of health, that conversation takes on a whole different context. It brings things home to you about mortality. In this case, it brings the war home to you.

About three years ago, my brother called me, out of the blue, during the work day. That was pretty unusual. Usually, we talked about every two weeks on a Saturday or Sunday. We would catch up on what the family was doing, how is kids were, his wife, what we were doing here. All the usual things that families do when they live so far apart. On this day, we did the same.

He told me about going to a military funeral with full honors for a man who had served long and unexpectedly died at home from a heart attack. He was asked to be part of the honor guard. He wore full military dress in the blazing heat of an early summer day in the desert. He talked about sweating so badly he had to have his uniform dry cleaned immediately. Then he said something odd, "If something happens to me, that's what I want." I asked, "Really?" Because I always thought my brother was pretty laid back regardless of his career. He replied, "Hell, yes! I want those SOBs to sweat like I had to. Maybe they'll remember!" I thought that was an odd statement, but I laughed a little and told him he was going to be a pain even after death.

After we had a few more laughs and harassed each other a little, as siblings are want to do, he said, "I'm deploying in three days." Just like that. It is not melodramatic to say that for a moment everything stops and your mind goes blank.

We had been at war in Afghanistan for two years and Iraq for almost exactly one. The possibility of deploying was always there, but it is not something that you dwell on. Life still goes on here, even as it does there. I wanted to know all the things that everyone wants to know, but I knew better than to ask: where? how long? why? What I really wanted to know was when he found out. It is not really usual to find out only three days before hand.

He had known for over two weeks. His response was that he was dealing with his wife, the kids, the paperwork, preparation for deployment, etc, and, well, "you know how mom will be. And, Dad, well..." My parents are both proud of my brother and his service, but having your child deploy to a war zone, no matter how old, no matter how proud, is an emotional roller coaster at best. He hadn't told either of them yet. I knew because, if he had, my mom and dad would have called me already. Not that I didn't understand why he waited. I realized that he was getting himself ready and felt that he was not ready to deal with that emotion.

To make matters more interesting, my brother's unit was not deploying. He had volunteered to go as an individual replacement for someone who had been killed several weeks earlier by a mortar attack. His wife was not enthused by his decision. She didn't understand why he would want to volunteer to go. His general response to all inquiries:

"I am no one special. There are men and women there right now who are away from their families for years at a time. Some of them are young and have not even had much of a life with their families. I have had a great life. My family is well provided for. If I go, someone else may not have to. Someone else can be at home with their family, at least for awhile longer. Maybe, they never have to go."

That was my brother? The younger brother who I had fought with as children? The brother I had competed with for grades, for friends and for the coolest car? The brother that would tell me the wild things that he and his military friends got up to while they were stationed in South Korea? Suddenly, I was no longer the mature, wiser, older sibling. Suddenly, my younger brother was my hero.

Then he said the words that no one wants to hear from their younger brother, "I want you to do something for me." I knew without his asking what it would be and, at that moment, I felt the most proud, the most honored, the most privileged and the most wretched I had ever felt in my life.

We started talking in euphemisms: "if something happens." Neither of us were actually willing to say what the final "something" might be, but it had to be discussed. He said he thought that, "if something happened", his wife, our parents, would be a mess and unable to handle it. We went through his life insurance, the property, what he wanted for his family, what he wanted for himself. I remembered our earlier conversation and that part where he said, "Maybe they'll remember."

Remember him. Remember that war is serious business. Remember that they did not join the Boy Scouts, but a dangerous occupation. Remember to do everything possible to come back alive and bring your men back alive so that your widow was not sitting there crying and your friends would not be standing there sweating in the desert heat. Remember.

When we hung up the phone, I sat there for a long time doing nothing. My mind kept going over what I would need to do. I had wanted to go down and be with his wife and kids when he deployed, but he told me to save my days off, "just in case." I knew that, soon, my mom would call and my dad would call and I would have to be strong and supportive. I would have to tell them the same thing, over and over again, that my brother had told me: he volunteered because he wanted to do it. I was going to support him every way I could while he was away so he could do his job and come home.

Before, the war had been on television. The people there were somebody else's sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers. They were not "my family". They were not people that I knew. They were the "others" with barely any connection to me. Now, I wanted to know everything. In two days, I read more books, more newspapers, watched more news than I had ever done in such a short time. I started thinking about all the others that were there. I realized that the conversation I had with my brother must go on hundreds of thousands of times as men and women were deployed to each theater of combat.

I wondered if they had a family like ours. I wondered if they had to worry about their family back home. I wondered if anyone called, or wrote or sent a little something to let them know that someone cared that they were there. I've never been the kind of person to sit back and do nothing. I didn't want to just wait until "something happened". I needed to do something now. But, what?

In an odd twist of fate, my brother was not deployed. Another man with the same rank, who had "been there", had all his shots and all his paperwork in order had put in and been accepted for the billet first. My brother was disappointed. There were no other billets open at the time for his MOS (military operations specialty). When he called on the day he was to deploy and told the family, I could feel the big sigh of relief that came out of everyone. It was like letting the air out of an over inflated balloon. When I spoke to my brother, I could tell that he was not relieved. I knew some of what he was feeling. This man, whose name I still do not know, went and my brother did not. I don't know if he had a family. I don't know what ever happened to him. What I know is, he did what my brother was going to do. He went and someone else did not have to.

I realized that, just because my brother didn't go, it didn't mean that there weren't thousands of men and women who needed support. They were no longer the "others". They were somebody to someone. They were people that we knew. They were OUR people. So, I decided I still had to do something.

I continued to look for organizations that provided support. I went on line and found the "milblogging" community. Military men and women, serving and veterans, who had websites and personal journals. One of those websites was Blackfive.net. He wrote about an organization called Soldiers' Angels. They did direct support for the troops including care packages and letters. That's what I wanted to do. I wanted to personally show our troops that they had someone here pulling for them, someone who cared.

I wrote once that I wish I could answer "no" to the inevitable question I am asked when talking about Soldiers' Angels: "do you have someone in the military". I wanted to be able to talk from the position of a civilian with no military connection in hopes that it would resonate more with the public. I was completely wrong. I will never answer "no", even if my brother retires someday. I do have "someone" in the military; a lot of "someones". Those that serve are "our" people, they are "my people" and they always will be.

Please help Soldiers' Angels support our troops. Adopt a soldier, sailor, airman or marine today. Let them know that they are somebody's someone.

- May no soldier go unloved

You're Attention Please: New Event Calendar

2007-07-18T06:44:00.000Z

Soldiers' Angels Kansas City has added a new feature to our blog. Please look at the left hand side bar under "Scheduled Events and Fund Raisers". A calendar is now available indicating upcoming events and projects. This calendar will be updated as often as information is available.

We will still place updates in our regular posts on the main page here to let you know what is happening in our area. Please check the calendar regularly for opportunities to support our troops and volunteer with Soldiers' Angels.

Next Event - Bonner Springs, KS Music in the Park, June 19, 7pm

Thursday, June 19, Bonner Springs, Kansas Music in the Park will provide an opportunity for Angels to meet and greet local dignitaries and citizens. Event begins at 7pm. Ice Cream social will be held and then music starts at 8:30pm. Event will be held at the Kelly Murphy Park 1 block west of Oak on 2nd Street, Bonner Springs, Ks.

Soldiers' Angels will be given approximately 10 minutes on the music stand during opening ceremonies to talk about Soldiers' Angels to the general public. Several local charitable and volunteer groups will be putting on an "ice cream social" at the event. We will also be allowed to walk around and talk to the general public, hand out cards and/or fliers. Any angels in the general area who would like to stand on the band stand with me and show "presence" or walk among the crowd to answer questions and hand out cards would be welcome. Angels will meet at the Thriftway 112 Oak St Bonner Springs, KS 66012 (corner of Oak and Front St, just after the Dairy Queen) between 6:30 and 7pm we will make our way to the park at 7pm.

Bring your kids, stick around for the free ice cream social provided by the local charities and enjoy the music.

- May no soldier go unloved

Wednesday's Heroes

2007-07-18T05:04:00.001Z

Every Wednesday, we highlight the bravery and heroic actions of our men and women in uniform. These are people and stories that you will not hear on your nightly news or read in your papers. These are the stories that will inform our next generation what courage and sacrifice in the face of adversity means.

Camaraderie, Patriotism, Pride Spur On Troops in Combat

WASHINGTON, July 15, 2007 – Each day, as the nation’s volunteer military men and women perform their mission in Iraq and Afghanistan, they know the enemy they’re up against employs uncommon tactics and weapons. They know that a simple misstep could cause disfigurement or death.[snip]

On behalf of these wounded and fallen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Gen. Peter Pace honored four Purple Heart recipients, one from each service, at an evening parade at the historic Marine Barracks here.

Pace said Army Cpl. Mathew Murray, Marine Sgt. Nicholas Wahle, Navy Senior Chief David L. Hall and Air Force Senior Airman Michael Fletcher also represent those who serve around the world protecting America’s way of life.

“Another 2.4 million Americans just like them serve our nation tonight so we can … live the lives we want to live, enjoy our families, pray where we want to pray – or not pray – and just live our lives as Americans,” Pace said. “To each of you and all those you represent, thank you.” [snip]

Marine Sgt. Nicholas Wahle

In November 2005, during his third deployment in Iraq, Marine Sgt. Nicholas Wahle led his squad in combat in Ramadi. During an attack on an observation post by indirect rocket-propelled-grenade and small-arms fire, he was struck in the face by shrapnel. Despite his injury, Wahle exposed himself to enemy fire as he delivered vital ammunition to all posts.

In January 2006, Wahle observed enemy activity and, anticipating an assault, assembled the reaction force and forward air controller. During the attack, he coordinated his post’s response and told the forward air controller where to lay down fire. By foreseeing the attack, he enabled the post to gain fire superiority and defeat the attack.

Wahle, who received a Bronze Star Medal for the courage he demonstrated, said he was honored to represent the Marine Corps’ warriors. (read the rest of their stories)

Airman 1st Class Charity Trueblood: Bronze Star with V Device (valor in combat)

Trueblood, 22, earned a Bronze Star with “V” for her actions during that attack during a convoy mission outside Balad, Iraq, 18 months ago.

The airman first class was driving an up-armored Humvee near the middle of the 30-vehicle convoy when the lead vehicle spotted what looked like a roadside bomb.

Her unit had encountered snipers and bombs in the area in the past and anticipated a possible ambush. When shots rang out from the darkness as they slowed to examine the bomb, they reacted instantly.

“You just go,” she said. “As soon as the attack starts, you return fire and get out of their range. I moved the [Humvee] towards the side of fire to block the unarmored ones, but we all started moving.”

Two of the contractors’ trucks she was trying to shield were riddled with bullets as they sped away. Trueblood said the first had a tire blown out, sending sparks across the asphalt as the vehicle bounced down the highway on a rim.

The second truck caught on fire after being hit, and the troops forced it to a stop as soon as they got out of the shooters’ range. When they opened the truck door they found that the shooters had also hit the driver, contractor Robert Martin.

Her crew pulled him from the burning car, threw him on the hood of the tightly packed Humvee, and crept away from the growing fireball.
“He said I had a good Humvee-side manner,” said Trueblood, who was promoted to senior airman after her efforts that day.
(read the rest of Sr. Airman Trueblood's rescue of Rob Martin)

Arizona's "Triple Deuce" truckers happy to be alive

"We were scanning our sectors and everything," Buckley said. About two hours into the drive, he was sitting on the edge of his seat, looking out the window as the truck cruised at about 55 mph.
"Everything looked perfectly fine," he said. "Without warning, boom. Everything just went silent. My door was blown off. The front of the truck was on fire. All along my door, where the frame is, that was just burning. The tires were destroyed. The front axles were gone. The truck was facing to the left. We were seeing the side of the road while the trailer was still straight. My driver here, Sgt. May, kept it upright. I've never been in a jackknife before. I thought we were going to flip it. I scooted over towards him. I'm holding on. It was a crazy ride. It was like being on an old wooden rollercoaster."
Fumes stung Buckley's eyes and sinuses. "It was miserable," he said. "I smell something burning now and it makes me nauseous."
The Soldiers say the IED may have been made from a 155 mm artillery round laced with an accelerant, buried beneath the road surface and detonated remotely.
"Somebody out in the desert, just timing, hit the jackpot," May said. "Nothing personal."
"I heard a thud, and the next thing I know everything I saw was orange," he said. Knowing they would roll if he went off the road into a drainage ditch, May fought to control the truck. (read Triple Deuce)

Army Sgt. 1st Class Raymond E. Bittinger Hometown: Chicago, IL

It’s that feeling in the pit of your stomach – when you know something is wrong. For Staff Sgt. Bittinger, that feeling came on April 9, 2004, as his troops approached the small town of Behriz, Iraq. Military intel and a recent attack suggested insurgents were planning actions against U.S. forces in the area. And now Bittinger and his team found themselves in what appeared to be a ghost town: not an Iraqi in sight and no security visible.

Suddenly, the men spotted movement in the palm groves; insurgents unleashed a torrent of RPG and small-arms fire. During the battle, as enemies directed their fire toward specific targets, Bittinger weaved in and out of the line of fire, protecting his comrades by drawing gunfire to his own vehicle. As they fought, Bittinger’s gunner took a hit, and fell from his seat. Bittinger quickly removed his flak jacket, used it to pressure the wound, and then jumped behind the gun and kept firing. (read Bittenger)

Help Soldiers' Angels support our heroes. Donate or adopt a soldier, sailor, airman or marine and remind them that someone on the home front is thinking of them.

- May no soldier go unloved

Soldiers' Angels and Avalanche Ranch VBS

2007-07-17T07:23:00.000Z

There is something really enjoyable about going to small town America and talking to people about Soldiers' Angels and supporting our troops. It is in small towns that the military and those that serve are closer to home. Not necessarily because, as some people believe, the military is full of people from rural America looking for a way out. A large percentage of our armed forces come from urban and suburban areas. The difference is, in small town America, everybody knows that Chad or Joe or Diane joined the military and is stationed in Iraq or Afghanistan or many other places around the world. In urban and suburban America, most people don't know their neighbors very well, much less whether their son, sister, brother, or father is in the military and fighting in the war.

Because of this reality, it is small town America that is more likely to show their patriotism and support, unashamed and unbowed by politics, news or other's opinions. It is, after all, members of their community and in these communities, everyone knows somebody and everyone is important. And, in that way of small communities, no one is a stranger. Even if it is a group of soldiers they never met before. Because the town has men and women in the military and many veterans, these soldiers become a part of their family, too.

Monday, July 16, Soldiers' Angels Kansas City was invited to the Peculiar United Methodist Church in Peculiar, Missouri for their annual Avalanche Ranch Vacation Bible School. Every year, the vacation bible school performs a mission. These missions include providing for the underprivileged and the elderly. These missions teach the children the joy and satisfaction of giving back to their community. This year the church was looking for a new mission. Some soldiers newly arrived in Iraq were looking for support. Soldiers' Angels provided the perfect match.

After a brief introduction, Soldiers' Angels showed pictures and talked to the children about what it was like for deployed soldiers: how they lived, where they slept, how hard they worked and what it was like to be far away from home for a long time. The children were asked if they had been away from home and did they miss their families. Of course, they did, so they understood that the soldiers missed their families, too. Then they were asked if they had someone far away who would send them cards or letters. How did it feel to open the card and know someone was thinking about them? One little girl replied, "Happy!" That's exactly how the soldiers feel when they get mail.

At the end of the presentation, all the children got together and sent the soldiers a big "Howdy" for the video that will be included in the care packages. Then everyone went to their classes and each group, from pre-school to fifth grade, wrote a message or drew a picture to send to their adopted troops. A brief message and short list of items, including toiletries and snacks, were sent home with the children to give to their parents. These items will be collected throughout vacation bible school and over the next Sunday. The church is requesting a "love fund" on Sunday, June 22, to pay for the shipping of the care packages and to let others in the church know about the collection of items if they wish to contribute. Soldiers' Angels and Peculiar United Methodist Church will hold a packing party on June 28 to prepare the items for mailing.

Soldiers' Angels thanks the Peculiar United Methodist Church and the wonderful children of Avalanche Ranch Vacation Bible School for their fantastic support of our military men and women.

If you would like to show your patriotism and appreciation, please join Soldiers' Angels in supporting our men and women by going to our website, soldiersangels.org, and checking: adopt a soldier.

If your organization is interested in a similar program or would like more information about Soldiers' Angels, please email us at kcsoldiersangelsmo1@gmail.com.

Peculiar United Methodist Church put up this Soldiers' Angels display in their foyer giving basic information about Soldiers' Angels and shows a sample care package put together by Angel Christy.

Barbara from Peculiar United Methodist Church put together the display and provided many decorative touches throughout the church for their "Avalanche Ranch" theme.

Children writing messages of love and support to the troops during "missions and crafts" at Peculiar United Methodist Church "Avalanche Ranch" Vacation Bible School.

One of the children holds up a picture that they drew on the back of their letter for the soldiers at the Peculiar United Methodist Church "Avalanche Ranch" Vacation Bible School.

Angel Christy makes a new friend at the Peculiar United Methodist Church "Avalanche Ranch" Vacation Bible School.

- May no soldier go unloved

Soldiers' Angels 101: Getting Started

2007-07-15T10:09:00.000Z

After you've signed up and received your official adopted soldier, sailor, airman or marine, the first thing you should do is to join the forums and go to Angel Boot Camp. Angel Boot Camp isn't strenuous and there are no tests, unlike the extreme boot camps that our service men and women attend. However, it is very helpful in providing the basics to getting started supporting your adopted service member.

Other "veteran" Angels browse the forum through out the day and answer questions or post suggestions, ideas and news that is important to supporting our military. At Angel Boot Camp, a newly minted Angel asked an important question: What do I write to someone I don't even know?

For some people, that is the scariest part of all. What do you write to a complete stranger?

The first thing you want to do is to write an introduction letter to your adoptee just like you were introducing yourself to someone you want to be friends with. This letter might include basic information like your name, where you are from, what you do for a living, something about your family, local events, the weather or anything else you might exchange when first meeting someone.

There are no maximum or minimum pages that need to be filled out. The important thing is the letter itself that lets your adopted soldier, sailor, airman or marine know that somebody back home cares about them and appreciates their service. As one Angel recently said:

I try to remember that it is the little thrill of having your name called at mail time (just like summer camp) that is the biggest morale boost.

I am a brand new angel as well and I just wrote my first couple of letters, I sent my first letter just as a basic introduction of my self, a little about my family and why I joined.

Now that you've got that first letter out of the way, what do you write in your next letter and the next and the next?

I became an angel yesterday. I sent the deployment pack with snacks from SA, I wrote my first letter introducing myself and my family, and I filled out a few postcards to send in the next few weeks. I cannot wait to get to Walmart to select things for the next package. My problem is I am having trouble knowing what to write. I do not know where my soldier is stationed or where he is from. Does he care about our lives? Plus I feel bad writing too much about good stuff, for example will talking about a July 4th picnic make the soldier homesick?

Our veteran Angel replied with some very good advice:

Well I've been in this org. for a while now and 1st off, for the most part, yes most of them do care, if not all of them. Most of the time I hear it helps them "get away" for a moment from everything that is going on over there. Also, if they are pretty lonely and have no one else that writes to them, your letter will definitely make their day. Come on, we all LOVE to get mail that doesn't include junk or bills. Them knowing for a fact that someone back home cares helps them to make it through. As for making them homesick with things that you write about, to be honest, I think the same thing when I start writing a new soldier. Matter of fact, I thought it last night because I just adopted a soldier. I'm sure that they do SOMETIMES get homesick reading our letters, but that doesn't take away from how much they enjoy receiving them. So NEVER feel like it's not worth it. As for what to write about, just go on about how your day went, or something funny that happened to you or someone else. Maybe something out of the norm that happened that day or just something you saw. I usually just write about what I am doing at that very moment.

Another Angel replied:

I pretend I am writing to some one I have known all my life and I just heard back from my adopted and he said the letters were great he enjoyed hearing about my day and all the things going on in my town.

The last and best advice:

MY ADVICE IS TO ALWAYS WRITE FROM THE "HEART" AND REMEMBER HAVING SOMETHING TANGIBLE FROM "AMERICA" TO HANG ONTO ... LIKE "REAL LETTERS" ... IS PRICELESS

Your support IS priceless. Help us support our men and women in uniform. Join Soldiers' Angels and send a piece of America to our troops; send them our support.

- May no soldier go unloved

Letters From the Front: Update from LTC Turner

2007-07-13T07:38:00.000Z

LTC Patrick Turner is in charge of the Army Air Force Exchange Services (AAFES) for CentCom. This is the group that supplies the PXs on bases. This includes convoys or helo supplying remote FOBs where the AAFES shows up once a month and allows the soldiers to buy toothpaste, shampoo, batteries, deodorant, etc. Of course, if they are out on a mission that week, they are out of luck unless a buddy back at base is tasked with purchasing necessary items.

While LTC Turner and his group try hard to provide for our men and women on the front lines, the realities of distance, supply, mission and resources of those on the base can mean that some do without. One pick item that is consistently asked for are sheets and blankets for the beds. This is one reason that Angels go out of their way to send regular packages to our folks "in the sandbox". There are the "wishes" and the "realities" and the realities mean some do without while others are living well.

There is a distinct disparagement between the central, large FOBs in Baghdad and Kandahar versus some little COP (combat outpost) in Iraq or remote FOB in Kowst Afghanistan. While some might wonder why that should be in this day and age, it is important to remember that this reality has always existed between those on the "rear echelon" and those in the field. Plus, as LTC Turner later notes, there is a distinct danger driving or flying supplies to such locations.

That's where Soldiers' Angels come in. We send packages through out the month that arrive there much more frequently than the PX AAFES folks since mail is considered (and is) essential to the morale and mission of the forces. Thus, mail is delivered just like here in the US: rain, shine, sleet, snow, dead of night, etc, etc, etc. We don't just think that mail is essential to morale, we know it is by the other letters from the front we received on a regular basis thanking us for reminding them that people care.

Please read LTC Turners' Update:

TO my friends and family:

Yes I know it's been over 60 days since my last email to most of you all but duty called. A number of you sent us in the cell here some items we are grateful to receive and share so it is truly heartwarming the level of support we get from our great American citizens. Examples: DVDs and books and magazines and some candies and so forth.

Received a great book from sister Maryrose called "Team of Rivals" about Lincoln during the War. It was sooooo good as I have a new respect for Lincoln-as if we all did not need one. Working on my diet and controlling other intake as always. My master sergeant went on a 4 day pass to Qatar which turned into a 9 day pass as his plane broke down. I was able to play in a scramble golf tournament where you hit off a green pad onto a "green" (a blanket" about 130 yards away. Problem was if you
hit the dirt in between it was one tough hole but I prevailed. Good citizens have sent me (fortunately) hundreds of golf balls I hit into Victory Lake near Al Faw Palace here in Baghdad. Even Toby Keith the C&W entertainer showed up for a hour long "concert" and I got a pretty good seat. [snip]

On 25 May it got up to 117 degrees and it was the hottest so far in the
year.

On the 27th of May I was directed to go to Afghanistan and conduct assessments of various logistical processes going on there for 33 days or so. To get there, you have to fly to Kuwait first which is always a bummer, wait, then fly into Bagram, Afghanistan. Had two planes have mechanical problems in 110 degree heat at Baghdad Intl and spent 10 hours sitting there so by the time I got to KUW, was pretty well worn out but set a personal record for water consumption. With only a day wait, flew the 3.75 hours from KUW to Bagram which is the home of the 82d Airborne Division. [snip] The C17 plane was almost full and got there just before midnight. Was able to meet the next day the Command Sergeant Major of the 82nd ABN to get an idea of what they were doing there the next day.

A lot of the so called culture in AFG is different than Iraq. Bagram is at 4700 feet, on a relative plateau and is surrounded by mountains. A10 Thunderbolt planes and Prowlers seem to be continually screaming over the base and it's crowded in my opinion as they over 13,000 people there. I lived as you can see in the initial pics in what is called a "B Hut" which is all wood except for a corrugated roof but it felt like a fire trap so I made sure the fire detector worked. The weather was down to 70 degrees almost every night initially and did not get into the 90s during the day until I left on 1 July. A massive difference from Iraq, at least in the northern section unlike down south in Kandahar I later found out.

Was asked to join a "Pilferage Working Group" at Bagram, AFG since sooooo much is stolen enroute by Afghanis and Pakistanis. It is remarkable how much thieving goes on, from fuel siphoning, to door removal and seal removal, you name it. A regular cottage industry. We have lots of products coming in from the ports in Pakistan (Karachi) and their inventiveness at stealing is only seemingly exceeded by their love for Allah, I guess.

I attempted several times to get to Kandahar from Bagram but the planes always seemed to be full so instead I flew on a helo to Jallalabad as a side trip. This is a about a 45 minutes helo ride and it is very warm. The ride I must say was quite spectacular as you start out in the desert, go up and down mountains about 300 feet off the deck, go over fertile valleys and water and return to the desert. If you were on a vacation you would pay serious money for this helicopter ride, believe me. Jallalabad was 111 degrees at 1130 hours so it was mighty warm. This is the home of the 173rd ABN Bde and these guys are fighters & killers which we need more of. The son of the unit's Command Sergeant Major had been killed in action the week before so the morale was kinda sorta down. Like in Bagram, all the Soldiers live in wooden B huts but they all have box air conditioners and the food was good. Able to even attend religious services that evening. The next day, flew back to Bagram on a short takeoff 2 engine fixed wing that could get to 25,000 feet which was fine by me as the temp went to 117 degrees and waiting in that heat is soooo oppressive. And I am not getting any younger.

A week later we went on a mission to deliver some PX goods via a CH47 double rotor helo to a unit out in the middle of absolutely nowhere as far as I could tell. They are helping build a road to somewhat I gather as they are engineers. Their spirits were good and it was nice to talk to these young men and there were several young women there also. [snip].

Drove in a motor convoy to Kabul from Bagram during the 30 some days I was there. [snip] This is a about a 40 minute ride as fast as you can drive and you see everything from women from Burkas over their face up and down mountains into the crowded city of Kabul. Since I am the only guy that is armed with a weapon in the vehicle I am what is called the Shooter. Its almost like some cartoon, weaving in and out of traffic, honking like crazy and again, going as fast as you can without rolling over. Rule number 1 is NEVER STOP. Rule number 2 is read rule 1 10 times and I can assure you I did not ignore the rule. As we got into Kabul, and I have a pic or two driving down to Bagram, there is a Afghan guard there at the gate named "Rambo". Rambo is known for diving into a car at that gate when a suicide car bomber was attempting to initiate a bomb and stopped him by punching him out. So he is a legend. Now he stands guard at the gate with an American baseball bat. The same day a convoy just west of us had a suicide bomber and killed two and the next day a bus got lit up and killed some 25. So I decided to helo the next day out of Kabul back to Bagram as its faster and safer-I think.

Needed to get to Kandahar but always could not get transport so I decided with my Major to fly to there thru Kyrgyzstan (Manas) and was able to do it successfully, being only 5 people on a huge C17 plane eventually to Kandahar. "K stan" is a strong supporter of the USA in spite of the fact that everyone there is Muslim and a lot of our employees come from there. In Kandahar it was 111 degrees at 0800 and ultimately it got to 126 degrees which is probably as warm as I care to have it. Was invited to a "Fallen Comrade" service at the base wherein 3 Canadian Soldiers were KIA and their caskets were escorted onto a C130 plane on the ride home and I was able to get one pic of it all. [snip]

I met the Base Commander there and NATO is soon "taking over" Kandahar so there was a lot of business to discuss as to the equipment and so forth. In our attempt to get back thru Kyrgyzstan, suddenly with all the combat and weather issues going on, I was forced to stay at Manas for 5 full days. Could not go off the base because I was a "transient" and had to sleep in a tent which lowered my morale for sure but these tents nowadays.

Finally flew to KUW from Bagram on 1 July and tried to fly to Baghdad on 2 July. I felt the trip was successful in that no military guys had ever engaged Command on issues that were important to my "client". I know a lot about equipment (rolling stock) and was able to organize it in short order after conducting a lot of technical inspections, meeting the Command and so forth. In short I tried to be a doer and not a consumer and looking back upon it we had some success but it will always require
follow-up. Well, in attempting to get from KUW to Baghdad, I had literally four planes go down on maintenance (or so they told us) in one day. Had to get up at 0430 and not get to bed until 0200 the following day and all I did was get shuffled from one place to another with little result as it turned out. Whoever said life was fair? On the 3rd of July however able to get to Baghdad finally and am almost caught up from my mission.

Scheduled to go on a pass to Qatar XXXXXXX 4 days and that will be my first time off since I started this tour in January. Am looking forward to playing some golf as they allegedly have two courses there and just chilling out and reading a lot of the books and magazines people send us here.

Thanks again to all those support us here in Iraq and Afghanistan.

LTC Patrick Turner
AAFES Military Operations Senior LNO
Camp Liberty, Iraq

- May no soldier go unloved

Why I Became an Angel Part II: Our Community

2007-07-12T09:29:00.000Z

There are two questions I get asked routinely at Angel events or when I talked to others about being a Soldiers' Angel:

1) Do I have anyone in the military?
2) Does the military pay me to do this?

Let me answer the second question first: No. The military does not pay me or Soldiers' Angels any money to provide support to our troops. Everything is donated to Soldiers' Angels either by other individuals, companies or Angels themselves. This is a non-profit organization and everyone is a volunteer. We do it from love, pride, patriotism, respect and because it is the right thing to do.

Which brings me to the second question: Yes. My brother is in the military. For a long time now. He is not deployed. Interesting, while he was in some ways the inspiration for me to go the last distance and find a way to support our men and women currently deployed, he is not the ONLY reason I did so. As noted, he is not deployed. He is at home, living comfortably with his family. Something that sometimes bothers him because he wants to be "there" and because many of his friends and fellow service members have been or are "there". It just hasn't been his time yet. But, the knowing and the understanding that he may go at any time and be apart from our family, his wife, his little girls, makes me understand and compels me to be a Soldiers' Angel.

How many must go and sacrifice that time and love to serve our country without support or with limited support because they do not have an extended family network as our family does? How many are there who have a new, young family living off of the limited pay and trying to support a family here and a soldier, sailor, marine or airman "there"? They are many.

Because I have a brother in the military and because I know many others who have family or know someone in the military (six degrees of separation), it has made me very aware that those who serve are not some alien "other". They are people from our community, people that we know and sometimes our friends or family.

Interestingly enough, whenever I answer "Yes", I get a response like, "Ooohh" as if that answers the question of why I do what I do. That apparently explains it all. Everything I say after that sometimes falls on deaf ears because now I am part of "that" community, the military community, and not part of "this" community, the civilian community that has no relation to the military.

Sometimes, I am tempted to say, "no", just to see if anyone listens to the second part of my speech, the part that I have written about many times, the part where I say, "I do it because these are OUR people. People from OUR community. They are family, friends and neighbors. And, when they serve OUR nation, defending OUR people and sent by OUR government, I believe it is OUR responsibility, privilege and an honor to support OUR people as they serve US." That part gets lost sometimes after I say, "Yes".

But, my service as an Angel is truly about serving our community. Maybe my relationship does make me understand that more than others. Still, spend a few minutes talking to people and you will find out how true the phrase "six degrees of separation" really is when it comes to knowing someone who is in the military.

For instance, yesterday I received an email from Marcia, our Angel Advisor in the Kansas City area pointing me to a blog about Sgt Matt Lammers. Matt hails from Olathe, Kansas, just a short 45 minute drive from me, a suburb of Kansas City. Marcia's email said that Matt's dad helped her get her first teaching job. Matt was injured in an IED attack only 30 days ago. He is now making a remarkable recovery as a triple amputee who is on his way to rehabilitation at the Center for the Intrepid.

In that continuing way of "six degrees of separation", Matt was serving with the Black Lions in Baghdad. JD Johannes, from Outside the Wire, made this report about the Black Lions and their successes: Cellular Battle Space. The connection beyond JD running a blog as an independent writer and film maker, writing about the unit that Matt was from? JD's co-producer and friend David Chavarria came to film our "Talking with Heroes" event and allowed me a few minutes to tape an interview with him.

This is literally how close our community is to the military and the people who serve in it. They are everybody and everywhere. Just down the street from me, three houses occupying three corners of the entry to the road I live on have Marine flags flying and blue stars in the window. This is not a "military" town or by any means a "marine" town. But it is a town that has sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, friends and people that we meet serving in our military.

Two days ago I was standing in a parking lot waiting for our welcome home mission to start for Cpl Green. I was talking with a Jackson County Sheriff's Deputy who was forming part of the escort for the other hero arriving. He told me that he was in Iraq in 2003 and had only recently retired from the National Guard after 20 years of service. The local Hyvee? The manager was in Afghanistan in 2005. A lady from Independence just found us through this website and emailed me. Her son was recently deployed to Iraq.

Only a few months ago I was standing in line at Walmart on Barry Rd when a woman behind me said, "Oh, it's great to see you back. How long are you here for?" and the reply told me all I needed to know before I turned around, "I'm here for ten days. It's all the leave I could take. At least, that was all the leave I was told I could ask for." There he was, in uniform, on leave, returning a baby crib. And the lady that I worked with whose son was in the military and whose daughter's best friend's dad was a recruiter.

Sometime back in May I was buying things to send to my guys and girls at the same Walmart. The young clerk asked me if I was going camping based on the things that I bought and the number: six hand warmers, six travel Gold Bond Powder, six deodorant, six liquid soaps, six lotion, six chapsticks, six sun blocks, etc, etc, etc. I explained to her what I was doing and she replied that her brother-in-law was in the military. I gave her one of our cards and told her about our organization. She was very interested because she said she had been wanting to do something to support our military.

All of these people are from our community. All of these people serve. All of these people are "ours".

And that is why I became an Angel. Because I believe we should always take care of the people from our community who stand for our country and, ultimately, defend our community.

Please help us support the service men and women from our community by joining Soldiers' Angels

Part I - Why I Became an Angel: Somebody had to give a damn

Part III will be up next week: The Phone Call That Started It All or "Hell, yes! I want those SOBs to sweat like I had to!"

- May no soldier go unloved

Sad News For Our Angels

2007-07-12T08:19:00.000Z

One of the things about angeling that we never get used to is the sad news that one of our men and women that we supported is injured or killed in action. As we support thousands of men and women in the military, it does happen. As Angels often become close to those they support, like best friends or members of the family, the news can be very devastating. At those times, we rush in with wings spread, not only to support the actual family, but the angels who supported them and the men and women of their units who may be hurting as well.

When we become angels, it is a risk that we have to accept. Sometimes it feels just like your own son, daughter, brother or sister has gone to war and you feel those twisted emotions that all families must feel knowing their loved one is going into danger. On the one hand, you wish, hope and pray that they do not have to go or do not ever have to suffer a moment's pain. On the other, you feel very proud of them. They work hard. They do hard jobs. They sacrifice time, love and comfort to serve our nation. They have made a commitment and that is why, as an Angel, you feel just as compelled to commit to supporting them.

Still, you dread hearing the casualty reports from certain areas. You wait for the confirmation. You are not the family so you may not know right away or until the official names are released. Then, there is that moment of disbelief and prayer that it is wrong.

Three days ago, we heard the news that one of our K-9 teams had given their lives in an IED attack. In the news, it was simply reported as "one soldier killed" in a general area: western of Baghdad. Pending notification of family and next of kin. Due to operational security and a commitment to allowing the military to do their job first in notifying the family and making the final, official release, we wait. We wait while our hearts are breaking and we prepare to support all those who ask or need.

On July 6, 2007 Cpl Kory Wiens and his MWD partner Cooper were killed by an IED while performing their primary function of detecting explosives and insuring that no one in their squad is injured or killed by these most deadly devices. They gave the highest measure of devotion; not only to their country, but to those they served with as their last act was protecting them.

Kory and Cooper posing with some goodies that their Soldiers' Angel had sent them

This message was received from one of our other K-9 Teams from Camp Victory where Kory and Cooper were stationed:

SSD team was doing a search in a villiage. MWD did respond only thing the team and the security element was to deep in the villiage. The whole area was wired and Cooper triggerd a pressure plate when handler called him back.[snip]

Please take a small moment to remember those who have fallen and those who are to replace them.

Sometimes, a place is so ridden with explosive residue from the many bombs and caches or because there is a "bomb factory" in the vicinity, the dog is unable to do his job. That's when the handler will call the dog back and other methods must be used to determine and clear the danger.

Our team reminded us that the threat is very real and that these teams are in the front every day, protecting others in their squad. Even more, the dogs that form the MWD part of the team continue to work for hundreds and sometimes thousands of days, even after their original handler has gone home. They save hundreds, if not thousands of lives by finding explosives, fire arms and ammunition that can be used to kill or injure many of our own men and women and many innocent civilians.

Our prayers go out to Kory's Family, friends, loved ones and all those he served with. Please help us support these wonderful teams who defend our nation with everything they have, even sometimes their lives. Join us at Soldiers' Angels and find out how you can support a K-9 Team today!

You can see more pictures of Kory and Cooper at Gazing at the Flag: Farewell

An original story about Kory and Cooper from March 2007: Man's Best Friend

Personal message: I thought that Kory would never want to be parted from Cooper. He raised him from a puppy, trained him in all things and loved him like a child. Now they will always be together. Now they have new angels to watch over them.

- May no soldier go unloved

Wednesday's Heroes

2007-07-11T06:29:00.000Z

This Weeks Hero Was Suggested By Sunni Kay

Ryan Rahe has been active in the Special Olympics since he was in Middle School. The now 25-year-old has won quite a few medals over the years, but not all of his medals are at his Tennessee home. Some of them have been sent, by Ryan, to soldiers fighting the War On Terror for "good luck".

Jayne Rahe, Ryan's mother, said the idea of sending support to the soldiers in harm's way came about when she and Ryan were talking about news coverage of the war in Iraq. Jayne visited www.anysoldier.com and discovered how she and Ryan could let the men and women in Iraq know their efforts are appreciated.

Ryan, named 2006 Special Olympics Athlete of the Year for the Blount County Sports Hall of Fame, said he felt good when he received the box from the soldiers. He said if he could talk with them face to face, he would say, "Thank you."

The Rahes plan to continue sending care packages to soldiers, including the medals.

"Ryan is a pretty generous fellow," Jayne said. "He doesn't mind giving things to people."

In a letter that Ryan received, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Anthony W. Grillett wrote:
"I and the Battalion can never thank you enough for sending us your medals. They have brought us luck and good fortune, and now as we prepare to deploy home we send them back to you with our eternal gratitude.

That you would send us something so precious is a reflection of your character. As you called us heroes; to me you are the hero. For I believe it is not who you are, or what you are that makes you a hero, it is the ability to give all especially when it is never asked.

Your courage to face the challenges required earning those medals and then so freely send them to us here in Iraq will forever make you a hero to me. I will never be able to truly express in words how honored I was when I read the letter from your Mother. It truly humbles me and shows me that what I fight for in our country will always be worth the small sacrifices asked of me. Thank you again."

Sometimes a hero is one who sacrifices everything in their life to help others. And sometimes a hero is one who sacrifices nothing more than their time.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. To find out more about Wednesday Hero, you can go here.

Enemy sniper’s aim foiled by friendship

A friend will share the good times with you, but a great friend will share the good times and the bad.

Lance Cpl. Juan A. Valdez, a Boston native and mortarman with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, had what may be the greatest friend of his life at his side during one of his greatest times of need.

A Purple Heart Medal ceremony was held here June 8, to decorate Valdez for wounds he suffered during actions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

While on a security patrol through the streets of Al Karmah, Iraq, in 2006, Valdez was struck by a sniper round.

The incident took place close to the halfway point of the patrol 2,000 meters from an Iraqi police station the unit was based out of that day.

Sgt. Jesse E. Leach, the section leader for Mobile Assault Platoon 4, Weapons Co., was positioned near the rear of the patrol 10-15 meters from Valdez when the sniper shot rang out into the street. It came from a canal located across the street and hit his close friend, Lance Cpl. Valdez.

As soon as the shot was fired, the Marines reacted by securing the area while searching for lower ground to reduce the risk of being hit by any potential threats.

At first, Valdez didn’t realize what happened. He thought someone else had been shot.
“I didn’t even know I got hit,” Valdez said. “I thought that somebody else just got messed up, and then I realize I’m on the ground and my arm is (debilitated).”

Valdez rolled over to let others know he was hit, then tried to move before he was shot again.

Leach looked at Valdez and rushed over to his side. He pulled him across the street to cover. The unit did not have a corpsman readily available, so Leach started tending to his wounds.

“I was probably the closest thing he had to a corpsman or medical personnel,” Leach said.

Leach began ripping the gear and uniform off Valdez in search of an entry and exit wound. Valdez had been struck in the arm. The bullet passed all the way through the top of his shoulder into his ribcage. It punctured a lung and exited through his back.

It was getting hard for Valdez to breathe, and he couldn’t feel his hand. (continue reading story)

Marine Corporal Jason S. Clairday - Fallen But Never Forgotten

Bullets from insurgents’ AK47 rifles tore into his legs, but Cpl. Jason S. Clairday wasn’t about to be stopped.

Clairday, 21, had just leaped across a four-foot gap between rooftops three stories above the Fallujah street to reach a mortally wounded member of another platoon felled in an intense firefight that Dec. 12, 2004, morning. He reorganized first squad and pushed into the house again, throwing grenades and firing his rifle to lead his men against the insurgent fighters inside.

Enemy fire again struck him, and he was evacuated to a field surgical unit, where he died.

Through that battle, Marines say, Clairday never gave up. On Monday, the Marine Corps awarded the Navy Cross medal — the second-highest for valor in combat — to his widow during a Camp Pendleton ceremony as members of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, looked on.

Clairday is the 17th Marine to receive the Navy Cross for his individual actions in combat in Iraq or Afghanistan, and he is the sixth member of 3/5 awarded the medal for Iraq — the most service crosses of any unit so far... (continue reading story/see video)

Army Amputee Pushes for Policy Change

FORT JACKSON, S.C. - The man who has become the public face of Soldiers injured in Iraq and Afghanistan has a message for the Army leadership: Change the policy to make it easier for amputees to remain on active duty and return to combat.

"I'm really focused on long-term policy changes, not short-term fixes, not amendments and exceptions to policy, but to fix the policy," said Maj. David Rozelle.

In June 2003, Maj. Rozelle was a cavalry troop commander with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. He lost part of his right leg when a mine exploded under his High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle in Hit, Iraq.

"As I tried to free myself from the vehicle I pressed very hard on my right foot," he recalled. "As I pressed on what was left of it, it felt like it was in mud. It was really that my foot was gone, so I was shoving those raw bones into the dirt to free myself from the vehicle.

"As I fell into the arms of a very brave sergeant first class, and the first sergeant ran out to clear me of the minefield, I gave my last command in Iraq. That was, 'secure the area and evacuate the casualties.' It was probably the most difficult command I had given in my life because I was giving the order to evacuate myself out of the country. It was my last command."

One year later, after months of painful rehabilitation, and fitted with an artificial limb, Maj. Rozelle was once again a troop commander with 3rd Armd. Cav. Regt. Six months after that he was leading troops back into combat, in the same town where he lost part of his leg, making him the first amputee to return to combat in the same battlefield since the Civil War.[snip]

As the guest speaker for Saturday's Army Birthday Ball at the Fort Jackson NCO Club, the 35-year-old said competing in those competitions as an amputee wasn't just for him.

"I was able to prepare to return for war by doing marathons, triathlons, ironman competitions to prove to my scouts I could be just like them," Maj. Rozelle said. "I had to prove it to them again on the battlefield."

As he met with Basic Combat Training Soldiers throughout the day Saturday, Maj. Rozelle stressed the importance of the skills they are learning during their first few months in the Army.

"It's important for you to see a guy like me," he told Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Regiment. "One of the things I found out when I got injured in war was that it doesn't stop there. Everything you are learning here is what allowed me to return to the battlefield."

Just as Maj. Rozelle has focused on resuming his life, his wife had the same advice for the spouses of those injured on the battlefield.

"Persevere and support your Soldier. Fight for everything you need," she said. "Get back to a normal life and you'll find your groove again once you discover what your new life is. Just take care of them and don't let them whine too much."(continue reading Rozelle's story)

Soldiers, Marines pour their hearts into helping local Iraqi boys

AL TAQADDUM, Iraq (July 1, 2007) -- In the United States things can be relatively simple. If someone is ill, he goes to the doctor. If a person is very ill, then they go to the hospital.

In Iraq, on the other hand, it is not always that simple. Medical care is very expensive and many times the wait to be treated can be weeks long.

While on patrol, soldiers from Company A, 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), stumbled upon two boys who were truly sick, took a stand,
and decided to help them.

One of them has a serious heart condition. (continue reading Iraqi Children)

Navy SEAL Honored with Hometown Statue Dedication

LITTLETON, Colo. (NNS) -- Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class (SEAL) Danny P. Dietz was honored July 4, by his hometown of Littleton, Colo., with the dedication of a larger-than-life bronze statue in a park near his childhood family home. Dietz was killed by enemy forces during a combat mission in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005, as part of Operation Red Wing.[snip]

"(Danny)…leaves behind a legacy that inspires us today and serves as a shining example of heroism and courage for future generations," said Secretary Winter during his remarks. "Years from now, people will look upon this statue and be reminded of the heroism of a son of Colorado whose country he was proud to serve."

"Petty Officer Dietz gave his life selflessly serving our Nation. On behalf of the United States Navy SEALs, we are proud to call him brother and will forever honor his warrior spirit and sacrifice." said Kernan. "This statue is more than a tribute to one man, it is a lasting reminder of the honor, courage and commitment Danny and all of his teammates embody."

Dietz was born on Jan 26 1980 in Aurora, Colo. He enlisted in the Navy in 1999, earned his SEAL trident in 2001 and was subsequently assigned to SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team Two. In April 2005, Dietz deployed with his Special Reconnaissance element to Afghanistan to support Naval Special Warfare Squadron TEN and the prosecution of the Global War on Terrorism.

In June 2005, deep behind enemy lines east of Asadabad in the Hindu Kush of Afghanistan, his four-man Navy SEAL team was conducting a reconnaissance mission at the unforgiving altitude of approximately 10,000 feet. These SEALs, LT Michael Murphy, Petty Officer Matthew Axelson, Petty Officer Marcus Luttrell and Dietz, had a vital task. Their mission objective was to capture or kill a key militia leader. The mission was compromised when they were spotted by anti-coalition sympathizers, who reported their presence and location to the Taliban. (continue reading Danny Dietz; Blackfive full story)

Maj. Megan M. McClung, USMC: First Woman Marine Officer Killed in Iraq

In her job, McClung "was an advocate of media coverage of military operations," and managed the embed program in which reporters hook up with military units, developing public affairs plans for operations, Salas wrote by e-mail from Iraq.

Her death also numbed a community of marathoners. McClung, Salas said, also found time to organize the Marine Corps Marathon in Al Asad Airbase in October. She finished second among women.

The Defense Department in disclosing McClung's death Monday said she was killed in Al Anbar province supporting combat operations. Media and other military sources say she was killed in downtown Ramadi by a roadside bomb while doing her job -- escorting reporters.

She was in her last month in her Iraq deployment.

McClung's family declined to be interviewed, directing inquiries to Marine Corps officials. Funeral arrangements are incomplete but are planned for Arlington National Cemetery, Salas said from Iraq.

McClung's name has filled Google pages on the Web since her death, including notes from numerous journalists who appreciated her work.

Many cited her energy and professionalism -- and remembered a personality as bright as her red hair.

The Washington Post on October 27, 2006, reported that McClung in May came up with the idea for a marathon race in Iraq to parallel the popular Marine Corps Marathon held in Washington, D.C., each fall.

The Iraq "shadow race" was dubbed the Marine Corps Marathon Forward. Participants were considered part of the U.S. marathon, their finishes added to the list of those who completed the race in the U.S. (read more about Maj. Megan McClung)

This report indicates that, as of December 2006, 60 women in the United States military have given their lives in defense of their country. It may be that we will see the highest ever rate of women warriors killed during war in United States History. I placed her here as a reminder that women also serve and that the term "front line" is really nothing more than a general area where the enemy and our armed forces meet. And, that can be on a street corner in a quiet country village.

Soldier Uses His Head in Fight Against Terrorist

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq — “I’m one of those guys who believe in leading from the front.”

His face is boyish and unassuming, and bears not a trace of the bullet that could’ve cost him his life. Staff Sgt. Kyle Keenan, a native of Newark, Ohio, and a scout section leader with the 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) from Fort Drum, N.Y., is a lucky man. An Iraqi terrorist shot him at point-blank range with a pistol, and he shrugged it off and fired back. (continue reading "Kyle Keenan")

Airmen Bring Hospital to Wounded

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, June 8, 2007 — Some might say doctors don't make house calls anymore, but that's exactly what the airmen of the 455th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, do on a daily basis. They bring the hospital to the wounded.

A typical aeromedical evacuation, or AE, crew turns whatever aircraft they are on into a flying hospital. A typical AE crew consists of a medical crew director and two highly trained in-flight medical technicians.
"Taking care of the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines is the most important thing we do. Giving these guys the comfort of knowing we'll get them home is the greatest feeling."
Capt. Jenna Jamison, critical-care air transport care nurse

When a severely injured or gravely ill servicemember must be moved, the AE crews often are augmented with a critical-care air transport team. When augmented with a CCAT team, the aircraft is turned from a flying hospital to a flying intensive care unit. (continue reading Airmen Bring Hospital to Wounded)

- May no soldier go unloved

Soldiers' Angels Kansas City 4th of July: You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet

2007-07-09T10:35:00.001Z

Well, I wanted to put up the video for the fourth of July as soon as possible with a little story and pictures, but when I realized that Cpl Green was going to be leaving in a week for Camp Pendleton and then off to Iraq in August, I knew that video had to get done first so I could send it to them as soon as possible.

So, here we are, five days later, and I still don't have the video done from our two 4th of July events. That's right. You read that correctly. Soldiers' Angels know that our troops do not get a holiday, so we didn't take one either. On 4th of July we hit the Parkville, MO annual 4th of July parade and then ended up at Community America Stadium where the Kansas City Royals Minor League team, the T-Bones, asked us to carry on the flags of the United States.

I really can't say enough about our great Angels here in Kansas City who are stepping forward to participate in these events. There are so many men and women in our military who need our support, but only so many Angels to go around. Thus, the best way to help these men and women is to go out and tell more people about Soldiers' Angels and how to participate in actually providing our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines with tangible support.

Both experiences were wonderful and our Angels were, too!

This is Abby and her husband Brian. Abby is a new Soldiers' Angel and Brian is in the National Guard. This is her first event and we appreciate both of them coming out and supporting Soldiers' Angels at the 4th of July Parade

Robyn and her husband also joined us for the parade. This is Robyn's second event. She was with us for Operations Aces High. She found Soldiers' Angels through our local website talking about our events. We are very happy that she found us! They were great during the parade and, thankfully, they had a big car so that we could ride back "up the hill" to our cars at the end of the parade. Otherwise, it would have been a long, hard climb in the heat.

Robyn brought her friend Ruth, wearing one of our Operation Aces High t-shirts. Robyn and Ruth did yeoman's work handing out cards to the crowd and telling them about Soldiers' Angels. All while trying to keep up with the parade which was moving down hill (literally) very rapidly. We gave out approximately 200 cards to the audience.

Why are you seeing a picture of the American Legion Color Guard? Because these folks have become some great supporters of Soldiers' Angels in the Parkville area. First, they invited us to the Rally in the Alley that was a rip roaring success. Then they provided us with this great spot in the parade. We were second in line behind the American Legion.

The audience was wonderful. We had great responses as we walked through the parade route. Usually, the big applause is for the military that marches with us. We didn't have any this time, just Angels and our banner. We could hear people reading the banner. Once they figured out what we did, they were applauding very nicely.

Of course, I have video of the crowd sending well wishes to our troops. That will be coming shortly and sent out to our men and women serving in various locations.

Here are a few other pictures of the parade entries:

Well, as that old song goes: You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet! They don't call us the BBQ capitol of the world for nothing! Kansas City Soldiers' Angels was cookin' on the 4th of July.

On the evening of the 4th, we were invited to walk on the field for the KC T-Bones v. Winnepeg Goldeneyes along with the Patriot Guard Riders for the T-Bones Military Appreciation Night. Once again, we were announced to an audience of the thousands as we carried out the flags of our states. What a super event!

The KC T-Bones are the minor league team for the KC Royals. The Royals are just a great organization and we love these activities because it really lets people know that there is an organization where they can translate their support meaningful actions.

I have to say, before we went into the stadium, I got a big surprise when one of the Patriot Guard Riders I hadn't met yet tapped me on my shoulder and asked, "You're Soldiers' Angels?" and before I could answer he gave me a big hug and said, "Thank you all for what you are doing!" I could barely focus the camera after that!

Here's our very own Julie O. handing out cards and information to American Legion Riders, Patriot Guard and anyone else who hadn't heard of our organization. Everyone took the cards, but it was the Angel pins that were the most requested. Patriot Guard and American Legion Riders all want to wear a Soldiers' Angel pin. I think we can start auctioning those off! They're like gold!

Here is Julie giving a Soldiers' Angels pocket Angel to the oldest surviving member of the last unit of Buffalo Soldiers. He threw out the first pitch at the KC Royals on June 16 and at the KC T-Bones on the 4th.

Here are some Angels and Riders with the Marine Color Guard before the game began. The Marines looked very spiffy in their uniforms and didn't even crack a smile. They trained them well! Right up until Julie handed them some thank you cards. Then they cracked a small smile. Only Angels can crack a United States Marine!

Here's the view from center field as we stood during the American Anthem and the US Marine Corp presented the colors. Tom "Wingman" from the PGR played the National Anthem on his trumpet from somewhere up in the boxes. He did a great job. Of course, the Angels and the PGR were announced to the audience of over 5000. Not bad for a game that started out rainy.

Then the KC T-bones mascot came up into the stands with a camouflage uniform on and many hugs and photos with the kids. Sadly, I was too busy taking photos to get a hug from the best piece of beef steak north of the Mason Dixon.

The evening ended with a bang to some great American Music.

I hope your Independence day was as great as ours! If you missed these events and really want to participate, we have some really wonderful activities coming up. Make sure you watch this site and our left side bar under Scheduled Events and Fund Raisers to find out what and when.

I guarantee: YOU AIN'T SEEN NOTHIN' YET!

- May no soldier go unloved

Welcome Home USMC Cpl Green

2007-07-09T10:11:00.000Z

Soldiers' Angels Kansas City has been very busy these last few weeks. On July 7, 2007, we participated in the welcome home mission with the Patriot Guard and American Legion Riders for Cpl John Green of the United States Marine Corps.

John's mother belongs to the American Legion and so do her two boys, Cpl John Green and LCpl Stephen Green. She asked for this special welcome home for a good reason. This is a part of her letter to all of the riders and Soldiers' Angels:

7 July 2007, Saturday 5:45pm

Dear American Legion Riders:

Thanks for everyone, including Soldier’s Angels and all who welcomed our son, U.S. Marine Corporal John A. Green home from a 2-year overseas deployment.

Cpl. Green is now on his pre-Iraq leave for about a week, then deploys to Iraq in August 2007.[snip]

Thanks for everything that made the day memorable and will encourage him as he soon deploys for Iraq. He was been overseas on a 2-years, and sent to Camp Pendleton is turning around and going immediately on a deployment to Iraq with no dwell time. Your welcome gave him motivation and encouragement as he deploys to Iraq in the searing summer heat.

And we were glad to supply that motivation.

Now, here is a little motivation for you to start your Monday off and reminding you that there is a lot of great fun, joy and pride to be had when you are a Soldiers' Angel.

His mother wrote a little more:

Cpl. Green thought the escort from KCI Airport was awesome and was so impressed that as we were driving home with the escort in front and back, he said, to us, “Are you sure they don’t think I earned the Medal of Honor with this welcome?” We told him, no, they were not mistaken; they were doing this for him![snip]

Cpl. Green’s brother, Lance Corporal Stephen Green is also a Marine, now deployed to Okinawa, Japan, and he is taking a week’s leave and returns home to KC Mon. 7-9-07 to
see his brother before Cpl. John Green leaves for Iraq.[snip]

Thanks again, our troops really need the support. Keep all the troops in your prayers, and pray for Cpl. Green as he deploys to Iraq. He left for recruit training right after he graduated from Bishop Miege in 2004 and has been overseas ever since on deployments, so it is special that he is able to return home, but bittersweet in that in a short time he will be on combat patrols in Iraq. We were very glad you got to see him in between deployments. It is special to him and all of his family. We wish his brother Stephen could have seen it, but his leave does not start until Monday July 9^th . We will show him the DVD when the lady from Soldier’s Angels sends it.

It really means a lot that you all care and took time out of your Saturday to show up and greet this returning Marine. He did not know you were coming, and it was planned with true efficiency by your group on short notice, and in our opinion went flawlessly.[snip]

Sincerely, and with kindest regards.

Mr. and Mrs. Green

Yes, I am the lady with the camera and the two copies of the video are being delivered tomorrow so that Cpl Green can take one with him when he heads to Camp Pendleton and then Iraq.

Of course, we wish him the best of luck and our prayers will be with both Cpl Green and his family.

Semper Fi!

- May no soldier go unloved

Soldiers' Angels and Soldiers Around the Net

2007-07-07T07:13:00.000Z

Besides the main website for Soldiers' Angels , several Angels around the country keep "blogs" or Myspace accounts where the post stories of interest about our military or about Angel activities. These links appear on the right hand side bar below "Military Blogs".

Here are some of the things that Angels have been up to.

Reporting from Afghanistan, Dustoff Salerno reports on action from the front as he is called into take care of a casualty:

&*^%%$ almost got shot today.

We got called for a 5-patient mission. I grabbed a Special Forces medic to come with me. We get put into the LZ [Landing Zone] as the infantry guys are bombing the sh*t out of the mountain.

After putting us down my dustoff bird takes off and goes into a holding pattern. I link with a commo guy and he tells me someone from the fire team is coming down the hill a little to meet up with me to take me up to the causalities.

We start moving with the other flight medic, the SF medic, 4 infantry guys, our photographer and me. We have moved 75 meters up hill and we start hearing a whizzing sound and then bullets ripping through leaves. We all hit the deck and find cover.

I start calling to my dustoff bird on the radio telling them we are pinned down so it might be a while for us to get to the patients. Out of nowhere the Apache hovers above us and starts firing about 10 rockets and some bullets.

Well, 10 minutes and some bullets later we are moving again. We link up with the first set of causalities. Nothing too bad... but not good.

Soldiers' Angels New York was at the Ft Drum Salmon Run Mall

Sunday, July 1st, Soldiers' Angels was invited to participate in a special Fort Drum Appreciation Day at the Salmon Run Mall in Watertown, NY. We had two 4' x 8' banners for people to sign, along with an info table and cards for the deck of cards project.

We met many soldiers and their families. One soldier was home on R&R and came over to speak with us. He said he had received one of our mugs in Iraq. He didn't really know what Soldiers' Angels was, but he liked the mug and thought the logo was cool. He told us he carries it everywhere and he can't wait to tell the other guys when he goes back that he met real life Soldiers' Angels.

Soldiers' Angels Meet and Greet at DFW

The Dallas Group of Soldiers Angels did their monthly meet & greet the troops at DFW yesterday. They handed out 250 bags of goodies to those soldiers returning home for R & R. The plane arrived yesterday morning about 7 a.m. There were 6 angels there.

Melissa Kelly one of our Angels got to meet a soldier that she had been writing to on the Letter Writing Team. All the angels got to shake his hand and say thanks. Melissa found out he wasn't assigned to an angel and she adopted him right there on the spot. Next meet and greet for the Dallas area is July 22, 2007. The dog in the picture is Boomer and proudly wears a Soldiers' Angels pin on his collar.

12th Flight

Had my 12th flight this morning, a Marine with injuries from and IED. Flight was smooth, rode in a CH-46, which was unusual since most night flights are done in the Blackhawks. Nice to have the extra room.

This was an interesting night (Saturday). Started late, with a TCN (third country national- not Iraqi or American) female who realized she was pregnant as the 1st of 2 children arrived. Regretfully, they were way too premature, and neither were able to survive. At the same time, 2 Marines that were injured by an IED arrived, one with severe (as severe as you can get) leg injuries, and the other with general shrapnel wounds. Both made it through surgery and will make it. Then another patient arrived (I'm going to be purposefully even more vague on this one), who received surgery and joined the 2 Marines and the mother in being flown out in multiple aircraft. Just like that, 3 nurse flights, and one really long night.

I wonder if we will look back as this night being the beginning of our summer surge in business?

Desert Flier's Independence Day

Big voice booms "Clear all roads from Trooper Gate to Charlie Medical. I say again clear all roads from Trooper Gate to Charlie Medical."
Iraqi civilians were struck by a VBIED that was gunning for an Iraqi Police checkpoint. Two families in a big minivan, including seven children! All survived and were treated by Charlie Medical for minor and deep lacerations. It looked like a mess when they came in, but after getting wounds washed out, sutured, and clean sets of clothes for everyone, things shaped up to be a lot better than it could have. One little girl had a severed wrist tendon, and she was taken to the OR for repair. The whole family was released late in the afternoon with a few big bags of toys and extra blankets for the kids. Before they left, we gave the toddlers some Fourth of July cake. From how much ended up on their face and in their hair, I think they really like it! We all knew they were back to normal when they started chucking cake around patient hold...

Tim, D squared, and I had just enough time after the case to walk to the Alamo (3rd Infantry Division Headquarters) for a Battalion cookout and Fourth of July talent show. I'll say this much: entertaining.

Our day culminated in Eric, D squared, and I climbing up for a better view of the Ar Ramadi Fireworks Show. Evoking images similar to what Francis Scott Key witnessed at Fort Henry when he penned the Star Spangled Banner, Palladin artillery sent up volley after volley of illumination and signal shells for about fifteen minutes. The Star Spangled Banner, originally written as a poem, and later adopted as the United States National Anthem, was inspired by Key as Fort Henry was being pummeled by the British in the War of 1812.

Our Independence Day display of bombs bursting in air was reminiscent to the display our forefathers and young Nation saw 195 years ago. I couldn't have asked for a more authentic celebration of National pride, tradition, and freedom.

Doc In the Box, Navy Medic is home from Iraq and notes: I don't enjoy fireworks anymore

I missed the 4th last year being in the middle of an Iraqi vacation and I didn’t notice any problems the year before watching the fireworks with my soon to be wife and son. But this year, I noticed that part of my brain was looking for hard objects to hide behind and another part was subconsciously doing measurements of size, direction and how much ground shake there was. I guess I did carry some baggage back with me from Iraq.

- May no soldier go unloved

Friday Letters from the Front: Friends for Life

2007-07-06T06:31:00.000Z

Every Friday, we high-light some of the great letters and emails that we receive from the many men and women Soldiers' Angels have adopted and are caring for as they serve our nation far away from home. Angels always get excited when they receive messages from their troops and love to share them with others to let them know how much their support means to these fine citizens on the front lines.

We hope they inspire you, too.

Most of the Soldiers have made friends for life

The LTC (Lieutenant Colonel) of 618CT (combat team) recently wrote his wife about the great support his soldiers received before and throughout their ongoing deployment. His wife is a member of Soldiers' Angels in Landstuhl, Germany and works extensively with our members there, not only in supporting this unit, but in greeting and caring for the wounded of every branch of service (and civilians, too) when they arrive from the front at Landstuhl Military Medical Center.

He wrote:

Please let MaryAnn know how much we all appreciate everything she does for us as well as Soldiers' Angels. We get support from a number of different sources, but none are as generous, and most importantly, as consistent as Soldiers' Angels.

Most of the Soldiers have made friends for life and receive priceless correspondence and support from patriots all over the US. I have been a slug in not thanking her from day one. Her support began before we ever deployed and I am truly grateful. I need to do something for her and Soldiers' Angels to thank them.

Soldiers' Angels need no other thanks than this wonderful letter and knowing that we made a difference. MaryAnn is our Soldiers' Angel who was the first to take our Blankets of Hope and First Response Backpacks to our wounded at Landstuhl. CBS recently covered the importance of the Blankets of Hope in this piece about a similar organization dedicated to sending these wonderful blankets: Quilted Care Packages.

Kimberly Dozier received one of these wonderful blankets and said, "Let me tell you, from anyone who's gotten one of your quilts, it means a lot," Dozier said. As one who has been through it, Dozier said, "it's something you never forget."

Find out more about our Blankets of Hope.

We Will Sacrifice Everything

"Angel Bakers" are Soldiers' Angels that bake cookies and other goodies to send over to our troops. Angels will bake hundreds of cookies to send to any of our adopted service members. A soldier who received some of these goodies and a message of support from the team wrote a heartfelt letter to the Angels:

"It is Americans like you that make us proud to stand against the overwhelming odds and atrocities here because we will sacrifice everything to ensure that hearts like yours continue to beat strong and support our troops i just want to say personally , Thanks"

Find out more about Angel Bakers.

Why We Do What We Do

One of our great strengths is the number of Angels and their great sense of community. If an Angel needs assistance with providing a special care package or other support to an adopted military member, they can put the call out and Angels around the country (and even across the oceans) answer. In this case, a sailor on the USS "IKE" Eisenhower, received a bunch of cards for his birthday:

"And thank you again for taking the time to send me all of those cards. I'm still sorting through them to write back and say thank you to all of them. It was a big shocker because I had no idea so many people really cared. From what we see on the news all the time it sometimes seems that nobody really cares but I know deep down that a lot of people do and that's why we keep doing what we do."

The USS Eisenhower was deployed for six months in the Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) from October 2006 to May 23, 2006. "Eddie" wrote this follow up message upon his return.

Other Angels participate in the "Cards Plus" Team that specifically tracks and sends Birthday, Anniversary and other cards.

An Answer to a Prayer

Angels also provide support to our service members when they get back from their deployments through programs and individual acts of kindness. This requested support comes through special "alerts" that let local members know that a service member is in need.

In this case, a returned veteran was trying to get a home for he and his son. He needed help and Angels answered the call:

There is a great story about Francisco, when I sent the email out to the Florida Angels for furniture and/or household goodies and gift cards. I got a email that Francisco had written saying if he didn't get any money to pay his rent by that night he couldn't move in and he would have to sleep on someones floor, and the very next email I got was from a woman in FL that said she was on her way over to Francisco's Apt. with $300.00 and a queen size bed. Now if that isn't an answer to prayer I don't know what is.

Click on the image below to see a larger version of the letter from Francisco.

These requests come through a variety of official and unofficial channels. A local Angel Community Leader is usually contacted and tasked with talking to anyone from Social Services, Family Readiness Groups, etc and directly with the service member to verify and ascertain the situation. Then the Angels get to work.

Welcome Home Vietnam Vet

Soldiers' Angels are dedicated to serving all of our Veterans, past and present. We believe that service to our nation, our ideas and our people is one of the highest callings that a citizen can answer. We understand that our military consists of OUR people. People from our communities: friends, family and neighbors. When our nation sends our people to war, we believe it is an honor and a privilege to insure that all are cared for and all receive our gratitude.

When Angels meet an active duty member or veteran, we are sure to thank them for their service, no matter the war, no matter the service:

I went to Lowe's to buy a weed whacker. I asked this nice older man, a store employee, for some help getting the correct whacker. We picked one out and he was getting it down for me and made some joke about a pretty woman like me having a big, strong boyfriend/husband he didn't want to mess with, so he would lift it down for me. I joked right back that I didn't have either, but I was an angel to a Marine and a Mom to some of the 82nd. He turned and looked at me oddly (can't imagine why), so I told him about Soldiers Angels and what we do, how we work, the basics. I told him we send care packages, cookies, letters of support, all sorts of things. He asked if we were paid by the military and I told him no, all volunteer and explained who Patti was and how/why she started us.

The next thing I knew the man was in tears and then he threw his arms around me and picked me up (I am not the biggest woman you will ever meet). He put his head on my shoulder and cried. When he had composed himself a moment later, he explained that when he had come home from Vietnam, all he had ever gotten was spit on and called Baby Killer, that we would never understand what we were doing for those deployed service members and how they would never be able to really tell us. I hugged him again and told him Welcome Home.

When you meet a veteran, make sure you thank them for their service. They are the reason that we are living free today.

Next time you think you're having a busy day at the office...

There are many members of Soldiers' Angels who have family and friends in the military, though, not all Angels do. Many Angels simply support our Military because they believe it is the right thing to do. One lady who runs a blog (web based journal) calls herself "Some Soldiers' Mom" and has actively blogged since her son had deployed to Iraq. He was severely injured in August of 2005 and is now being medically discharged. His mother is a great advocate of the wounded and those suffering from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). She sends us this letter from the front:

A Day in the Life of an Air Ambulance Team

This article is a brief synopsis of a day in the life of a US Army Forward Support Medical-Evacuation Team (FSMT) in Iraq. The team has sixteen soldiers and three helicopters. The soldiers are eight pilots, four mechanics, and four medics. The pilots are all commissioned officers or warrant officers. The mechanics and medics are enlisted personnel; mostly sergeants. The flying machines are Sikorsky UH-60A Blackhawks. Each can carry up to six litter patients, or four litter patients plus four ambulatory patients. In the summer heat of Iraq, where 110F is the mid-day norm, the Hawks fly at about 130 knots (twice as fast as your family car on the highway).

The duty cycle for our team is 1st Up, 2nd Up, Chase, Off. Each of these is a 24-hour period, so we are on duty for 72 hours then off for 24 hours. Off is not really off as we have housekeeping chores and home improvement projects going all the time. Currently, we're filling and stacking sand bags around our housing trailers to protect us from near-miss indirect fire attacks such as incoming mortars and rockets. The Anti-Iraqi forces lob a few of these missiles at the base every week.

Read the rest here: A Day In the Life

A little letter or card makes a difference out here

It doesn't take much to bring a smile or comfort to a deployed soldier's life. Even the simplest and least expensive thing can make a difference:

"I have grown so much as a person and your letter of inspiration really helped make it that much easier this week. You don't understand how much a little letter or card makes a difference out here! Well, I can't thank you enough for supporting me and my fellow soldiers in this journey and mission that God has chosen for us. Words can't express the warmth you have placed in my heart. I will keep this feeling with me as I go out everyday on my missions!"

Silky Dirt

Sometimes, great local companies and national corporations help us support our members with generous donations and discounts. A Soldiers' Angel recounts her recent experience with Jonathan Antin hair products.

Jonathan Antin is a Beverly hills hairdresser that had a reality show on the Bravo Channel & he sells a line of hair care products on QVC, at Sephora & Ulta.

I put a free sample of his hair cream: Silky Dirt in a care package to my unoffical soldier Katja. (I love to save up samples and send them to the gals in the sandbox)

Kat got the package & she loves the samples. She uses a sample a week as a treat. A few weeks ago she used the Silky Dirt. She loved the smell of it so much!! And so did all the other girls. To quote her, "they all took turns smelling my head!"

So I started thinking wouldn't it be great to send samples for all of them? I emailed Jonathan's PR dept and today I received 6 boxes full of silky dirt samples!!! It's about 300 samples.

I can't wait to sent them to her. I know they will be a big hit!!

Thanks for reading and if you are in the market for some hair care products, I ask that you remember Jonathan supports our troops!!

Have a great day!

Amy's Alerts

"Amy's Alerts" come straight to the Angel Forum to let us know about the immediate needs and requests of deployed individuals or entire units. Even up to "Company" level (100-200 soldiers, airmen or marines). One marine was a recipient of support from a recent company of marines that was supported through an "alert". This is what he wrote:

Wright,

Hi. My name is Jonathan and I am one of Lt. ---- Marines. I just wanted to thank you guys and everybody else back in the States. Your support helps us so much over here. I wish you all well and I hope for the best for this world.

Deeply Honored To Have You As A Friend

HI KATHY, YOU SURE TO KNOW HOW TO MAKE SOMEONE FEEL SPECIAL. WHILE I MAY BE JUST A PART OF THE WHOLE FORMULA FOR BRINGING FREEDOM NOT JUST TO YOU BUT THE COUNTRY AS A WHOLE, I AM THE ONE THAT IS DEEPLY HONORED TO HAVE YOU FOR A FRIEND. SO ILL MAKE SURE THAT I DO KEEP IN TOUCH. SO HAVE YOU DONE ANYTHING OVER THE SUMMER. WELL I WILL GET BACK TO YOU THIS EVENING. YOU TAKE CARE,

What are you doing this summer? Do you want to make "a friend for life"? Feel the joy and soul uplifting Angel power of supporting our troops by joining Soldiers' Angels and adopting a hero today.

- May no soldier go unloved

Soldiers' Angels: Adopting A Hero

2007-07-05T07:03:00.000Z

Soldiers' Angels is a diverse organization with many projects and programs to support our deployed service men and women, their families and veterans of all wars. This support comes in many forms, but the main goal of Soldiers' Angels is to insure that our deployed service members know that someone here on the home front cares for them, believes in them and supports them during their missions around the world to defend our nation.

It is exemplified in our motto: "May no soldier go unloved."

If you read the story about the founding of Soldiers' Angels, it tells how a young soldier wrote home to his mother that he really appreciated the care packages and letters, but many men in his unit did not receive anything from home. He was sharing his care packages with these men. He asked his mother if she would send more care packages and letters for those in his unit. She recruited family and friends to help her send more over to the troops in her son's unit. It grew rapidly from. Many organizations and corporations began to send donated items and money to the group. It was shortly thereafter that Soldiers' Angels became a non-profit organization. All donations then became tax deductible. All donations are used to purchase or ship products to our service members.

The mother was Patti Patton-Bader, Grand Niece of General George Patton and her son Sgt Brandon Varn who was deployed to Iraq in 2003.

How It Works

Signing Up For Support

A deployed member of our military can "self-submit" or be submitted by family, friends and, sometimes someone from their unit by completing a simple form on the Soldiers' Angels website. The form asks for basic information such as Name, Rank and APO or mailing address. "Deployed" means someone who is stationed on a base or ship that is not currently on or harbored in the United States and who is serving near or in a theater of war, in support of the Global War on Terror or other National defense. This includes such places as Djibouti, Africa, South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Iraq and many other places around the world. Ships at sea or in foreign ports also qualify.

The service member's name, rank and mailing address are verified against deployed units to insure appropriate support. Soldiers' Angels never makes this information public in order to insure OPSEC (operational security). Once the service member has been accepted, they are sent a welcome letter from Soldiers' Angels and a starting "care package". The service member is then assigned to a volunteer, called an "Angel", who will write letters and send care packages to that individual or unit directly.

Becoming An Angel, Supporting Our Troops

People who are interested in providing this support to our troops complete an online form at Soldiers' Angels providing basic information like name, address, phone number and email. This information is never shared with or sold to any other organization. A local team leader in the area will call the potential Angel and verify their information. This is also for OPSEc since it is important to insure the safety of both the deployed service member and their family.

Once the new angel is "confirmed", they are sent the name and address of a service member needing support. "To adopt a soldier you must commit to sending a card or letter a week and AT LEAST 1 or 2 care packages a month. This is important to help bring home a healthy hero."

Some Angels choose to support more than one service member or an entire squad or platoon.

On any given day, hundreds of thousands of service men and women are deployed in defense of our nation. On any given day, hundreds of thousands of our service men and women go without mail or even the simplest care package letting them know that they are cared for from home. On any given day, Soldiers' Angels receives hundreds of requests for support for individual service members and, sometimes, entire units. Current deployments continue to increase and be extended. This means that the number of military personnel needing or wanting support increases exponentially.

This is one reason that Soldiers' Angels in Kansas City has become very active in our local communities. We want to get the word out about Soldiers' Angels and invite Kansas Citians and all those from surrounding communities to join the organization to help support these wonderful defenders of our nation. Our support is not only necessary, but greatly appreciated.

Here is one of the hundreds, if not thousands, of messages that Angels receive from those that they support:

Soldier's Angels,

My unit and I want to thank you for all your support. Your thoughts and prayers have kept us safe for the last 10 months and are going to see us home safely very shortly.

Keep up the good work. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines as well as all other service members' morale may be uplifted by a single letter. Imagine the power of a care package with special items just for him/her! You guys are helping people cope with the separation by creating a link with our world. God bless all of you for what you are doing. Your support means the world to us and has helped us understand that our time away from home hasn't been for nothing.

SSG Michelle

Please join Soldiers' Angels in supporting these fine men and women by going to our main website: Soldiers' Angels and click on the left hand side bar titled, "Adopt a Soldier".

- May no soldier go unloved

WE THE PEOPLE...

2007-07-04T07:53:00.000Z

In 1776, the founders of this nation signed into being a document that was so powerful it made kings tremble, empires fall and changed the world forever. It was simple and straightforward, outlining the beliefs of a nation in a paragraph:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed..."

In a few sentences, they destroyed the illusion that kings ruled through "divine right" as they had done through centuries, anointed by priests and popes. They stated that the "divine right" belonged to all men. They said that the poorest, least educated man could understand that the natural condition of man was to live free and succeed or fail by the fruits of his own labor. They said that these rights could not be taken away by any man because they were not given by man, but by a higher power, unassailable in His position above man.

In two short sentences.

For these two sentences, for over two centuries, men and women have fought, sacrificed and sometimes died to insure that it remains the creed of our nation. It remains ours to defend and ours to manifest among people and nations.

Thirteen years later, in 1789, a second document re-enforced these rights and established a form of government unknown to the world. It began with the most powerful words ever written in large, bold letters:

WE THE PEOPLE...

The power of these words is realized in the great efforts of our people throughout history. These words created a nation. These words held a nation together in times when other nations would have disintegrated. These words fueled the fastest technological and industrial development of any nation. These words mobilized a nation to defense in the face of great peril. It is these words which continue to inspire men and women to volunteer to defend and sacrifice for these words: WE THE PEOPLE.

It is the power and defense of these words that allows "WE THE PEOPLE" to enjoy a way of life, a kind of freedom and monumental prosperity that is still unprecedented among nations. The value that we place on this freedom and prosperity, the value that we place on "WE THE PEOPLE", is directly reflected by the value that we place on those who always "provide for the common defense" of our nation. Because they have always been "of the people", it has always been the responsibility, the honor and the privilege of "WE THE PEOPLE" to care for and provide for those who serve and defend "WE THE PEOPLE" so well and faithfully.

This Fourth of July, as we celebrate our freedom, let us enjoy this day more fully. Let us be proud of our great heritage. Let us honor the patriotism and continuing sacrifice of our men and women as they serve "WE THE PEOPLE".

God bless you and your families, God bless our troops and God bless the United States of America.

- May no soldier go unloved

Rally in the Alley - Video

2007-07-04T07:42:00.000Z

Here it is! Soldiers' Angels at the Rally in the Alley, supporting our troops with the American Legion, the Blue Grass Society and many people from near and wide.

Original story about the event can be found here. More great photos by Fran Mattox at the KC Star
- May no soldier go unloved

Wednesday Heroes

2007-07-04T05:22:00.000Z

Usually, this post is strictly to high-light our current military heroes, which we will continue to do below. But, since today is the 4th of July, I wanted to include a little history lesson and a hero from our founding as a nation.

Did you know that John Hancock was the first man of the 56 to sign the Declaration of Independence? Did you know that he was the only signer to put his name to the document actually ON the 4th of July? When he signed the Declaration, he wrote his name in large, grandiose script. He is alleged to have said that he did it so that King George III could read it without his spectacles. According to US History.Org, the actual quote evolved from this:

A decree had been delivered from England in early 1776 offering a large reward for the capture of several leading figures. Hancock was one of them. On signing the Declaration he commented, "The British ministry can read that name without spectacles; let them double their reward."

Hancock was then President of the Continental Congress and commissioned Gen. George Washington to have the Declaration read to the Continental Army. During the Revolutionary War, he personally financed or raised funds, both legitimate and through smuggling, to support the resistance in and around Boston.

Remember John Hancock: the first man to sign the Declaration of Independence ON the 4th of July.

Let us continue to commemorate those who continue to fight on the side of freedom.

Spc Clinton Warrick

MURPHYSBORO, Ill. - Even after having been thrown several meters, knocked unconscious, set aflame and buried under rubble all as a result of a suicide-vehicle-borne improvised explosive device, one deployed Fort Riley medic braved small-arms fire to save the lives of fellow Soldiers and Iraqi policemen alike last year. Cpl. Clinton Warrick, who was a medic with 2nd Platoon, 300th Military Police Company, received the Army's third highest award for valor [silver star] during a ceremony June 18 at Riverside Park for his actions during an insurgent attack Sept. 18, 2006, at the Al Huryia Iraqi Police Station. [snip]

The explosion came from what turned out to be a 200-pound aircraft bomb with an accelerant, according to reports from the unit. Warrick received third degree burns on his face, hand and legs from the blast. When he landed he was unconscious, his legs were on fire, and the roof
and an exterior wall had collapsed on him. When Jones found Warrick, he put out the fire, dragged him 20 meters to a vacant room and helped him fully regain consciousness.

One foot behind the other

Warrick said he talked himself through continuing with his mission and helping as many people as he could by telling himself to "put one foot behind the other," and pacing himself. Though Warrick's medical bag was still buried under the rubble, he made his way outside amidst small-arms fire to triage patients in the casualty-collection point Jones and his Soldiers had established moments earlier.

"All I remember is I had a job to do and I still needed to do it," Warrick said. "I was there for rendering medical aid. That's what needed to happen right then and there so I started in that frame of mind, and I continued until I was medevac'ed out." According to the unit's official report and award narrative, though he was injured severely, Warrick refused to sit down as he knew he would have immediately slipped into shock. He triaged several wounded Iraqi policemen, assessed others and conveyed the situation to the medical station at Forward Operating Base Ramadi to prepare them for the incoming patients.

Army Medic Saves Baby

KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – A U.S. Soldier potentially saved the life of an Afghan newborn June 24 in Kunar province.

Army Pfc. Theodore Batdorf, a platoon medic assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment (Airborne), was credited with saving the baby’s life after performing CPR on the child.

At about 10:30 a.m. near Tsunel, a small village in Ghaziabad District, the U.S. patrol came upon an ambulance stopped in the road. A woman in the ambulance had just given birth to a boy while en route to the hospital. The baby was not breathing, so the patrol leader on the scene ordered Batdorf to assist.

Batdorf quickly examined the child and realized the newborn was in critical condition. He assessed the child’s breathing was restricted due to fluid in his respiratory tract and that the child’s circulation was poor.

Batdorf informed the platoon leader the baby needed to be evacuated to Forward Operating Base Naray for medical treatment.

During the more than 40 minute drive over extremely rough roads, Batdorf stabilized the baby by administering CPR, maintaining an open airway, and stimulating circulation.

Cpl Jason D Soley

A Marine from L Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, with combat distinguishing device in a ceremony here June 20.

For Cpl. Jason D. Soley, the squad leader for 2nd squad, 3rd platoon, March 13 was just another day of combat operations during Operation Northern Forge. His squad was part of a company-level operation in the Albu Bali area to disrupt insurgent use of the region as a safe haven. They had been operating continuously since the operation began on March 8, patrolling all day and sleeping in a new house every night. This day promised to be no different.

“We were doing a local security patrol,” said Soley, 21, from , “We exited one house and were walking through the field going to our objective, which was another house. As we were walking through the field we came upon a five- or six-foot-deep canal.”

The squad’s point man, Lance Cpl. Angel Rosa, 21, from , walked into the canal searching for a safe crossing point. As he disappeared from view, a massive explosion shook the ground, turning the squad’s world upside down.

“I looked up and I didn’t see come out of the ditch,” said Soley.

That's when Cpl Soley went to work.

Soley instinctively assessed the situation and began directing his squad. He quickly sent his team leaders to a nearby house to provide suppressive fire against the enemy machine gun position. After his squad began suppressing the enemy threat, Soley turned his attention to the evacuation of his severely wounded point man. Ignoring the rounds snapping over his head, Soley ran to the canal to check on Rosa.[snip]

After calling in the report Soley, without hesitation and still under fire, sprinted across a 75 meter open field to his Marines that were providing suppression. He continued to direct the fires of those two teams until they achieved fire superiority and neutralized the enemy threat.

“I think I heard maybe two rounds go over my head,” added Soley. “I was so much in the zone that I (didn’t hear any). The squad kept saying that there was rounds going everywhere, the insurgents had to have shot at least 300 or 400 rounds at us. I just zoned all that out and did what I had to do.”

You will definitely want to read the rest of the story: Cpl Soley

Apache Pilots Rescue Wounded Soldier

Two attack weapons teams (with two AH-64 helicopters making up a team) flew to Ramadi in support of Coalition Forces in search of insurgents and weapons caches.

The teams reached Ramadi and received notice that Coalition Forces were taking heavy small arms fire. To maximize the helicopters’ time over a potential target, one team immediately went to the Ramadi forward arming and refueling point and the other attack weapons team flew into the fight.

They engaged extremists with 30 millimeter cannon fire neutralizing them. The team then supported other Coalition Forces engaging extremists using two tractor trailers as cover. The crew took small arms fire and multiple enemy rounds to their aircraft.

Despite the small arms fire, the attack weapons team destroyed the tractor trailers, causing secondary explosions, indicating to the crew that the trailers were possibly used as vehicle-born improvised explosive devices.[snip]

As the team returned to the FARP to rearm and refuel, the ground forces commander informed the crews that he was coordinating a medical evacuation of wounded Soldiers including one critically-wounded.

Approximately 40 minutes later, after rearming and refueling, the team went back to the area and learned that the MEDEVAC aircraft had not arrived. Due to the critically-wounded Soldier and despite continued enemy activity, the Company B aviators landed and extracted the critically-wounded casualty with the Apache helicopter. While the Company A crew provided overhead security, the Company B crew landed within two kilometers of the enemy position.

Upon landing, the co-pilot/gunner helped load the injured Soldier into the front seat without further injury. Despite the heavy small arms fire and surface-to-air fire events in the area, the co-pilot/gunner strapped himself onto the left side of the aircraft and hunkered down on the wing. The pilot flew to Camp Ar Ramadi medical pad, where emergency medical personnel provided treatment. The team went back to the fight and continued to provide support for Coalition Forces. Upon neutralizing the extremists, the crew returned to LSA Anaconda.

Due to the extent of the battle damage, one extremists was confirmed killed in action, but multiple extremists were killed in conjunction with ground forces. The wounded Soldier has been transferred to LSA Anaconda and is in stable condition.

More to the story here and a video of the dramatic rescue here

Our Canadian Allies in Afghanistan: Highest Awards Presented to Special Forces

OTTAWA – During a private ceremony today at Rideau Hall, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, presented some of Canada’s highest honours to members of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM). The decorations included two Medals of Military Valour, two Meritorious Service Crosses and seven Meritorious Service Medals, presented in recognition of bravery and commitment to service by personnel serving within CANSOFCOM during recent deployments. For security and operational reasons, recipients' names and citations are not released.

The Medal of Military Valour is awarded for an act of valour or devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy. The Meritorious Service Decorations—in two levels, a Cross and a Medal— recognize military deeds or activities performed in a professional manner and according to a high standard that bring benefit or honour to the Canadian Forces.

“These are among the highest awards that Canada can bestow on our soldiers,” said General Rick Hillier, Chief of the Defence Staff. “The medals presented today reflect not only the brave and selfless actions of members of our special operations task forces but also represent the gratitude and recognition of our nation.”

One of those honored and not mentioned was a woman from Canada's Special Forces.

US Soldiers Aid Afghan Orphanage

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan— Backpacks jammed full with school supplies, soccer balls, teddy bears, toys, hygiene kits, sandals and shoes were delivered to an Afghan orphanage in Mahmud Raqi district by members of the Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team June 27.

National Guard Soldiers with the 351st Civil Affairs Command from Mountain View, Calif., along with the 1175th Military Police Company, 205th MP Battalion from Mississippi geared up and armed themselves with humanitarian supplies.

Marine Leads with Experience

RUTBAH, Iraq (June 28, 2007) -- The rank of corporal has great meaning for a Marine. They proudly brandish the traditional blood stripe, and must take on the great responsibility that comes with the stripe to lead junior Marines.

For Marines from Company B, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Task Force Tarawa, one corporal is making quite an impression and showing what the true value of leadership is.

“I don’t see myself as a leader, but for some reason others seem to,” said Cpl. Travis J. Lambert, a designated marksman with the company. “I just do what I am told; no questions asked.”

Lambert provides a vital resource for the battalion by acting as a designated marksman.

“My job is similar to a sniper, but with less strenuous training,” says the Ocula, Fla., native. “I am there to provide over watch for the safety of the area, as well as acquire accurate targets, so there is less collateral damage.”

Lambert also goes beyond the call of duty, assisting on operations taking place, and often lending his experienced hand by leading patrols and missions in the area.

“It isn’t hard to lead Marines for patrols, you just have to make a mental checklist before you leave,” he said. “Checking for protective equipment, plenty of water and making sure they are in the mindset is a few of the things I remind myself to do.”

Lambert’s proactive attitude has caught the eye of many of his superiors, to which they praise highly.

That's what keeps men alive.

Our Heroes of the Marine 24th, Belton, MO, continue to impact the lives of Peruvians

ANCON, Peru (July 2, 2007) -- The realities of life in today's fast-paced Marine Corps often leave deployed Marines feeling cynical or world-weary, with little time or opportunity to enjoy the smaller joys in life, like doing something special for someone else or standing up to make an impact on the younger generation.

But when Marines of Special Purpose Marine Air- Ground Task Force 24 teamed up with Peruvian Marines of Batallon Infanteria de Marina 1 for a community relations project at the Almirante Miguel Grau public school here on the outskirts of Lima, there was all of that and more. The project turned out to be an event unlike any that has taken place throughout Partnership of the Americas 2007, an annual training exercise that aims to enhance regional stability and cooperation among nations of North and South America.

Two dozen Marines of SPMAGTF 24 headed to the school with great anticipation, but little knowledge of what exactly to expect. They knew that they would be painting the school, donating supplies and hopefully spending time with the students. But when they arrived, it became clear that the kids were more excited to see them than the Americans could have possibly imagined, surrounding the desert-patterned uniforms as soon as they could.

Mass Re-enlistment, Citizenship Ceremony Scheduled for July 4 in Iraq

WASHINGTON, July 3, 2007 – More than 600 troops are expected to re-enlist tomorrow, and more than 100 others will become U.S. citizens in an Independence Day ceremony at Camp Victory, Iraq.

Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, made the announcement during an interview today on Bill Bennett’s nationally syndicated radio program.

Petraeus and his senior enlisted leader, Army Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin Hill, decided to hold this year’s ceremony after the success of a previous ceremony in 2003 for the 101st Airborne Division.

“On the Fourth of July back in 2003, we had a re-enlistment ceremony. The idea was we would try to get 101, given the unit designation, to raise their right hand. And I think we had something like 150 that did,” Petraeus said. “I think it’s going to be somewhere close to 600 soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who are going to raise their right hand on the Fourth of July here and sign up for another tour in the armed forces.”

On this day, let us remember those who have fought and continue to fight in defense of our nation and the ideas of freedom.

- May no soldier go unloved

Soldiers' Angels: K-9 Team Supports Man and Dog

2007-07-03T00:52:00.000Z

One of the many things that Soldiers' Angels does is to match up people to service members that often share a passion. One of these special "teams" of Angel supporters is the "K-9 Team" that supports our military "K-9 Teams" in the field.

A service "K-9 Team" consists of a service member and his/her dog. These dogs are highly trained to search out and identify explosives. IEDs (improvised explosive devices), VBIEDs (vehicle bound improvised explosive devices) and Suicide bombs are the most deadly weapons against our troops in the field and on their bases. Over 65% of all troops wounded or killed in Iraq are the result of IEDs or VBIEDs.

That is one reason that these K-9 Teams are so important to our deployed troops. These teams also go on patrol, assist in taking down suspected insurgents/terrorists, and guard the gates to bases. They are an extremely important part of the defense system.

Soldiers' Angels supports these teams through a variety of methods, both conventional and unconventional including letter writing and care packages. Of course, the Angel "K-9 Team" provides care packages and support for the K-9s, too. An Angel will likely send treats, toys, flea colors and treatments, as well as other grooming and care needs that the dog may have and is not readily available on a FOB (Forward Operating Base) or from the PX (military base store) if the base has one at all.

There are special restrictions on what can be sent. Because Iraq and Afghanistan are Muslim nations, no pork products can be sent. Pork is not allowed to be eaten, touched or otherwise used in the Islamic faith. Because both Afghanistan and Iraq are considered Sovereign states and the US is there by invitation, our military honors the tenets and laws of the nation and people.

Thus, Angels go out of their way to make sure that the K-9s and their handlers get the kind of support they need.

One of the K-9 Teams Angels support was mentioned in the above article. "Chuck and Gabe" send us updates and messages of thanks for sending love and support to both members of the team.

One such team, Maurice and Sam, had a big find of fire arms and other weapons. Maurice sent Soldiers' Angels a picture titled, "SAM SAVES THE DAY".

The K-9s are referred to as "MWDs" or Modern Warfare Dogs. The types of treats they may get include rawhide bones, beef, tuna or chicken jerky, chew toys and anything else a dog might enjoy. The K-9s are not only important as war fighters or tools in this dangerous battlefield, but they become room mates and best friends with their handlers. As one recent K-9 team blogger wrote, "he listens to me when I'm down, never complains, is always there through every danger and never lets me down."

Some of the other wonderful K-9 Teams that Soldiers' Angels supports:

Rob and MWD Jecky

"Red" and MWD Caro

Rich and MWD Arko

The K-9s of Camp Victory

If you love dogs and would like to support a K-9 Team, please join us at Soldiers' Angels where our motto is, "May NO SOLDIER go unloved". That includes the dog faced ones ;)

- May no soldier go unloved

Rally in the Alley - First Report

2007-07-01T07:56:00.000Z

On a quick note, Soldiers' Angels was at the Parkville American Legion Post 318 for the Rally in the Alley! to support our troops!

All I can say as a brief report is that it was a really fantastic experience. We had a number of Angels show up to support our cause. We had a great fun, heard some great bands, met some great people, ran into people that we knew and generally had a good time.

We raised a little money for shipping and had many conversations with folks who wanted to learn how to support our troops. We had a ton of messages written to our troops. Several times throughout the night we were allowed to get up on stage and talk to people about Soldiers' Angels. We received the best responses from people when we told them our "message hat" was empty and started passing out post cards and red, white and blue note pads and also when I read some of the letters and emails from our guys on the front.

During most of the bands and the DJ/announcer talking, people pretty much carried on their conversations at something only slightly less than the sound of a sonic boom. In fact, my ears are still ringing. But, when I started reading the letters, the room got real quiet and people were shushing others so they could hear. I told them about the soldier who wore his Angel pin on his bullet proof vest the day they hit an IED, no one was injured and how he felt an Angel had been watching over him that day. I read them a letter from a young man who said that, when he and the soldiers received such great support from back home, that it made him proud to be fighting for America and our Freedoms.

I told them that this morning, as I do every morning, I checked the temperatures in Baghdad and Kandahar. It was 107* in Baghdad this morning. Our men and women are hot, going on long missions, carrying heavy loads. We received a message thanking us for the Super Soaker Water Guns. They were fun and helped keep them cool.

When I was done, the place erupted into cheers and applause. Then the rush began as people came back to check out our table, send messages and find out about Soldiers' Angels. I know that we recruited several new Angels right on the spot and may have many more coming on board. I hope and pray for that, because our men and women need all the support they can get.

One thing that proved to me: people are hungry for information from the front. More importantly, they are hungry for information from our soldiers. It is the soldier who they believe in the most and it is these letters that helped people understand why we were there to support our troops.

The crowd was one of the best I have had contact with.

I say it every time we do an event, but it is true, so I'll say it again: it just keeps getting better and better. I have video and pictures of course, but I wish that I could bottle up Saturday Night at the Rally and send it to our troops so they could experience, first hand, the kind of love and support that they have here in the states, particularly, here in our community.

Keep an eye out in our local Kansas City Star Faces of the Community for possible pictures of the event and Soldiers' Angels doing our thing.

I have other great news, but I need to confirm it before I spill any beans here.

Stand by for pictures and some video.

A very warm and heartfelt "Thank You!" to the Parkville American Legion Post 318 for having us at their Rally and doing such a wonderful job.

God bless our troops and God bless all of the fine people who made tonight one of the best!

- May no soldier go unloved

Soldiers' Angels Events and Fundraisers: Rally in the Alley!

2007-06-30T11:17:00.000Z

What are you doing tonight? Are you going to go stand in the rain and the milling crowds of strangers at the River Fest? Or, would you rather come to our big time, small town gathering, listen to six bands, inside, out of the rain? Eat some great food? Put your money towards a great cause?

That's where we're going to be!

June 30, 2007

Rally in the Alley!

Soldiers' Angels Kansas City will be joining American Legion Post 318 in Parkville, MO for the Ralley in the Alley! to support our troops. There will be six bands, food, drinks and fun! Soldiers' Angels will be there telling everyone about supporting our troops and veterans. Proceeds from the $3 entry fee will go to the American Legion Support the Troops Fund that is used to provide assistance to local troops, funds for mass mailing care packages and other needs.

Soldiers' Angels will be at the front providing information about how to support the troops and presenting opportunities for people to send messages to our troops!

Join us at

Map of American Legion:816-584-0044 11 Main St Parkville, MO 64152, US

Saturday, June 30, 2007

3pm until Midnight

- May no soldier go unloved

Letters From the Front: You Kept Us Going

2007-06-30T10:15:00.000Z

This is a picture of Army Rangers, "Tough Guys", still holding their Easter Baskets Soldiers' Angels sent to them in Afghanistan.

Soldier's Angels,

My unit and I want to thank you for all your support. Your thoughts and prayers have kept us safe for the last 10 months and are going to see us home safely very shortly.

Keep up the good work. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines as well as all other service members' morale may be uplifted by a single letter. Imagine the power of a care package with special items just for him/her! You guys are helping people cope with the separation by creating a link with our world. God bless all of you for what you are doing. Your support means the world to us and has helped us understand that our time away from home hasn't been for nothing.

SSG Michelle

People often ask deploying Airmen, "What can I do to help?"

Most Airmen say, "Nothing. We're fine."

Asking for things is hard, and we can get almost everything we need at the base exchange.

It's not until I get a package from a loved one that I realize how much these little pieces of home really mean to me. Often I don't know that I'm missing Gummi Bears until they come in the mail, looking battle hardened from traveling halfway around the world.

Sometimes just a short, quick card can brighten my outlook. And every once in a while, you hit the jackpot. After a long, tough day, there's nothing like returning to your workspace and realizing you have a package waiting for you on your desk. It's almost like Christmas.

Packages are great. Gifts and candy are always shared with others. In fact, co-workers and hut mates often get excited for each other when we get mail and many times we'll be on the lookout for our friends' names while we're at the post office.

Regardless of how odd the gift may be, it's important because it tells me people are thinking of me while life continues to go on at our home station. My favorite package to date was the one I received from my office back in the states. They sent me a couple of our base's newspapers, and it was really fun catching up on the goings on at F. E. Warren Air Force Base.

I don't mean to knock e-mails. They have their positive points: They are instantaneous, easy and free. But in my opinion they don't make up for being able to hold a letter in your hand. Knowing someone took the time out of their busy day to write down their thoughts and let you know they were thinking about you. It's just a good feeling.

Now I know this is a two-way street, and I'm a bit of a hypocrite because I don't normally write many letters, but since I've been here I've written 15 letters. Most of the time I just tell people what my day is like. It may not seem that exciting to me, but for people back home it gives them a window into our lives. My goal is to write a letter to everyone in my address book before I leave Bagram Air Base. It's a lofty goal for a writing-challenged person, but one that is completely possible.

Recently I saw a quote from an unknown author and it really hit home. It said, "What a wonderful thing is the mail, capable of conveying across continents a warm human handclasp." When you think about it that way, how can you not write a letter?

I got an email from Reed today titled "WOW". I wanted to share this with all of you because without YOU this wouldn't have been possible.

"That is the coolest thing that I have received period.
The thought and time put into it is amazing. I really
don't know what to say. Thank you so much. That is a
keeper."

Thanks to all the Angels that made this possible!
Kim&Reed

Soldiers' Angels Europe: A Letter From Around the World

When I picked up the mail at the office I was surprised. As always many letters and postcards from the US. And as always many of the same die hard Angels like Angel Louella from Texas, or Angel Toni from Belleville, Mi or Angel Carol from Riverside, IA. All these Angels send a lot of letters and postcards. But this time there also was a letter from Hong Kong for the British Troops. That really was a surprise because that means that the Troops truly have support from all over the world.

Who ever wrote that letter, thank you, thank you from heart.

I am sure one of the soldiers is happy to receive it. Your letter goes out with one of the next care packages.

Think of the way this letter made. First it went from Hong Kong to Germany and then it’ll go from Germany to Iraq. Isn’t it amazing?

As I write this, UK security forces, intelligence and police are searching for two or more possible bombers who parked two car bombs in busy London areas. These men must be worried about their families while they continue to fight in Afghanistan and Iraq against the very same people who might one day succeed in harming their families. As allies, they deserve as much support as our own forces who are working hard to defend us. Please support our Coalition Allies. Help a British Soldier have tea time.

A Phone Call Away

Tonight as I was coming home from celebrating my birthday I got a surprise call from a soldier that I wrote to a couple weeks ago. We talked for about 20 minutes and he could not thank me enough for being a part of "The Angels". He said that the soldiers don't always see the good of what they are doing there and it means to world to get a letter from the states telling them that they are important and that we care about them and support them. It was a tear jerker conversation at times and I could tell he didn't really want to hang up but his phone time was up.

It never ceases to amaze me that soldiers feel the need to thank us when they are the ones putting themselves on the line each second of the day. I am so proud to be a part of Soldier's Angels and so proud of our men and women serving our country. This truly was a wonderful birthday

Spiritual Warfare

Our Mission is really over accomplished! What fun! There is no doubt Chaplain Theresa will have enough Rosaries for quite a while. With the numbers still promised to be shipped along with those we've all shipped already, she should have about 1,200!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Whoohoo!

Sincerest Thank You's to all the Angels who helped with this Mission, it was quite wonderful and heartwarming (and fun as well). We couldn't have done it with out all of you and your incredible contacts!

Huge Hugs,
Tigs Mom (Karen)

I am writing to express my appreciation to all of those who have received my information from this site and sent me letters, packages, and cards in support. I want to let you know that those are what meant the most to me during my time here and I cannot express my gratitude enough for you taking your time out to send those things to me.

Also, I am writing to let you at the site know that I will be leaving in the next month to month and a half, and would like you to remove my information from your site as soon as possible. I say this, because I want everyone to get the notice in time, so that things will still not be arriving here after my departure.

Thank you so much and continue to do the wonderful job of spreading love and encouragement to others who are have taken the oath to protect and defend our wonderful country of the USA.

Respectfully,
1stLt Tabitha

Our Medic from Dustoff Salerno In Afghanistan joins us for a quick update in the forums

I just wanted to say whatup to everyone on here. I know that I have been slackin big time on the forum. Its been a busy couple of months thats for sure. The East Khowst Salerno Krew is now operating out of two locations so we have to rotate back and forth weekly so that is partly why I have not been posting on the forum. I will try to do better. Other than that we are all doing great and are still receiving mail left and right from Soldiers Angels all across the states...even Germany! I got a box full of goodies from Germany a couple weeks ago so that was pretty cool.

I have been trying my best to send thanks to everyone as the packages and mail arrives. I know that there are some out there who I havent been able to thank. Here are a few names that I cannot match email addresses that very recently sent me a package. So if anyone can help or if you see your name please let me know.

Bill & Laura from PA
and
Stewart(last name) from GA

I really want to send them my thanks.

On another note, everyone out here is staying very busy. I flew over 100 hours these past two months. Probably the busiest I have ever been. Our amazing flight medics are doing great work at saving lives and treating the sick and wounded. We even flew an enemy prisoner yesterday who needed medical care. Our crew cheifs have been doing great work as well keeping our aircraft in top condition for flight and not grounded. As for us Pilots, we always like our aircraft flyable instead of grounded because what good are we if we cant fly! But seriously though, everyone has been working hard and as a team.

Many have started to take their much deserved R&R. Brian and Sean are both on leave right now. I get to take mine in August and luckily I will be able to be there for my sons 1st birthday so I am pretty excited about that!

Well, I just want to say thanks once again to everyone who has continued to support the DUSTOFF crew out here in Afghanland. We appreciate it very much. Talk to you all soon.
Adam

Soldiers' Angels Flag Flies From Mt. Shasta

Hello Angels,
Here are several pictures from my climb of Mt Shasta on June 8-10, 2007. I told
myself that my motivation would be to endure all pain like our soldiers are doing overseas right now. However, the conditions were not optimal and it was an extremely difficult feat. We didnot make it to the summit, but made it high enough to feel the accomplishment of climbing a mountain.

As you can see by the photo, the view was spectacular. Thanks to SA for providing the
hat and to the person who coordinated the making of the flag, it turned out great.
As always, keep up the good work. ~ Mike Keegan

Your Support Is Appreciated More Than You Can Ever Know

Hello Angels Angel ,

My name is Dylan XXXXX, I'm in the Army and am currently deployed to Baghdad, Iraq. I've been here for 10 months and have 6 or 7 to go. Throughout my tour I have received various letters and packages from various angels all over the 50 states. Although I haven't had time thus far to contact many of them I'd like to say thank you personally to each and everyone of them, and will do when possible. I have kept everyones letters so I may reply one day when the time presents itself.

In a few days here I will finally be going on leave, so things have slowed down for us to prepare for that, giving me time to join your forum and give my thanks. I would like to thank my current angel who has stayed with me throughout my entire tour thus far. Rachel thank you very much . I am very lucky to have your kind and caring support backing me. (she told me not to, but I'm doing it anyways, ha ha Top Banana )

**Although you might be getting all kinds of crazy ideas running through your heads, I urge you not to try and send me anything because I have thanked you or joined the forum. I would much rather you used them to tend to soldiers in greater need then I.**

Again thank you very much to all the angels for your support and caring. it is appreciated more then you can know .

- SPC Dylan (INFANTRY!)

Hello
I wanted to send a thank you to “Solder’ Angels” for a steel coffee cup.
I guess I should start over and explain this note [Sorry been deployed to long].
In 05 I was in Bagdad and then to Afghanistan in 06 and I am still going here in Afghanistan till the spring of next year.

A couple weeks ago our truck got a blast from a bomb, by GOD GRACE NO ONE WAS KILLED. But me and one of my other Sergeant had to go to the Med station to be check out. Nothing significant wrong with either of us, so back to work but some gave me a cup from your outfit with some coffee – I swear that “Angel” on the side of the cup was the greatest thing after a “bad day at the office”. I am back at my FOB and I can’t find the cup but the thought some one cares enough to send those cups sure made this old Sergeant Day. Thank You from one Infantry Sergeant here in Afghanistan.
SSG Charles

Your service is extraordinarily valuable

On a recent visit to one of our battle positions, I was intrigued by the number of fans inside the berthing area. I was quickly informed of the origin of the fans from several of the Marines. When I relayed this story of kindness I kept hearing more and more things that had been done by you and the Soldier’s Angels. It seems you have quite the following of people you have touched within the battalion, especially in the Communications Platoon.

I am proud to be from a country that has caring and compassionate people like you. Your service is extraordinarily valuable and as I’m sure you have heard, it is greatly appreciated by everyone you touch through your gifts.
Thanks again and God Bless each and every one of the fine folks in your organization.

Semper Fi,
Jay

Where Did You Sleep Last Night?

Help Soldiers' Angels make a difference in our service members' lives.

Join us today!

- May no soldier go unloved

Tiger Woods Supports Our Troops!

2007-06-28T07:04:00.000Z

Tiger Woods Supports Our Troops

El Tiger will honor soldiers and military families on the Fourth of July at the inaugural Earl Woods Memorial Pro-Am Tournament, scheduled for July 3 - 8 at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland.

“It’s very important to me that this tournament honor the men and women who serve in our armed forces,” Woods said. “They put their lives on the line so that we are able to enjoy our freedom, and we’d love for them to come out and enjoy a few days of relaxation. Our intent is to honor and really thank the people that protect us.”

Tiger is donating 30,000 free tickets for the tournament to military personnel, who will be treated to special seating behind the greens and hospitality tents. And Tiger's foursome will have a military presence:

Woods even extended a playing date to a soldier: Sgt. Maj. Mia Kelly of the 1st Information Operations Command at Fort Belvoir, Va. She will tee off with Tiger at 6:30 a.m. on the No. 1 hole on Congressional CC’s blue course. Air Force Master Sgt. Andy Amor of Andrews Air Force Base, Md., and AT&T Chairman Randall Stephenson will complete the foursome.

“I think this is one of the most exciting things ever – it’s almost like winning the Powerball of golf,” Kelly said.

- May no soldier go unloved

Until They Bring You Boys Back Home

2007-06-28T06:56:00.000Z

- May no soldier go unloved

'Because I Love Freedom'

2007-06-28T06:52:00.000Z

Please watch this video about Kaziah Hancock: Painting the Faces of the Fallen

- May no soldier go unloved

Wednesday's Heroes

2007-06-27T05:19:00.000Z

This Weeks Soldier Was Suggested By Jenn

Staff Sgt. Darrell R. Griffin Jr.
36 years old from Alhambra, California
2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division
March 21, 2007

"He was a really patriotic young man", said Darrell Griffin Sr. "He said that the people there really needed us and he felt it was the right place to be. He wished we didnâ€™t have to have wars, but since thatâ€™s the way mankind is, he felt he was contributing an important part to his country".

SSgt. Griffin lost his life in Balad, Iraq when his unit came under fire as it was returning to base after conducting security operations in the Iraqi capital.

The eldest son of six children, SSgt. Griffin worked as an EMT before joining the California Army National Guard in 1999. He enlisted in the Army two years later, and in July 2001, was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, in Ft. Lewis, Washington. He served with that unit in Iraq from October 2004 to September 2005.

On his second tour of duty, SSgt. Griffin had been awarded the Bronze Star for valor in 2005 when he was credited with saving the lives of three U.S. and two Iraqi Army soldiers injured during battle in Tal Afar. He had also received the Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Parachute Badge, and the Meritorious Unit Citation.

"Griff was the type of man you want to have by your side in a fight," Maj. Brent Clemmer, his former company commander, wrote from Iraq. "He was the type of squad leader every young soldier wants to have".

"Darrell was my husband, my Soldier, my gift from God who was also the love of my life and always will be." Said his wife, Diana. "He was also 'a Soldier's Soldier of Strength and Honor' whose commitment to duty, honor and loyalty will be forever remembered by all who know and love him. The news of his death saddens us deeply and we ask for your prayers in our time of grief. Please also continue to keep our Soldiers in your prayers.

Anyway, Terri wrote "the young soldiers/ marines get a kick and a laugh when they see how much we like to pamper them, they can't believe it. I tell our US patients that there is one really good thing about a Reserve Hospital and one bad thing. We have thousands of years of experience and we like to GO MOM on them. When i tell them that, they say they really appreciate it. "

Two Compassionate Soldiers Give Iraqi Child Hope

KIRKUK, Iraq — The nine-year old boy would most certainly lose his leg. Given the prohibitive cost of medical care and his family’s lack of resources, amputation and a life of pain and dependence seemed inevitable. The Iraqi boy’s father was resigned to that conclusion.

Then two soldiers got involved and hope arrived along with them.

Sgt. Donald R. Campbell and Capt. Geoffrey Dutton, both Georgia natives, brought coalition and Iraqi resources together to give an Iraqi boy hope after a chance encounter during a routine patrol in Kirkuk, Iraq.[snip]

“During the search of a house I noticed a little boy,” said Campbell. “His leg was all bent up and it looked like he had a pipe wrapped to it,” he continued. “My immediate instinct was to rewrap it and change the splint for him because it looked uncomfortable. When I removed the wrap, I noticed that the pipe was actually a metal bar that was screwed into the lower part of the boy’s leg below the knee. What concerned me most though was the obvious infection.”

Campbell learned that the family was at a wedding some months ago when at least two bullets from celebratory gunfire impacted the young boy’s leg below the knee and exited the bottom of his foot. For a variety of reasons, local doctors simply screwed an exterior metal brace into the young boy’s bone at four locations.

“I cleaned the leg the best I could, gave the family extra field dressings, iodine, alcohol and instructions on how to take care of the infection,” said Campbell who would meet with the family on more than two dozen future occasions to check on the boy’s status.

“The family appeared to be doing everything correctly, but the leg seemed more infected each time I saw him. I knew we had assets in the brigade that could provide more help,” he said.

Campbell went to brigade civil affairs.

Gotta click the link to read the rest.

American Indian Marine represents family, heritage in Corps

AL ASAD, Iraq (June 26, 2007) -- It is estimated that more than 12,000 Native Americans served in the United States military in World War I. There are more than 190,000 Native American military veterans; as the years continue to compile, so do the numbers of Native Americans in the military.

One of those Native Americans is Lance Cpl. Molly Sixkiller, an EA-6B Prowler electrician for Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 1.

“I’m proud to be who I am, I’m proud to be a Sixkiller,” said the Phoenix, Ariz., native. “My mother is from Arizona and is all Navaho. My father is from Chicago, (Ill.) and is Pima, Papka and Cherokee, so I am all mixed up.”

Sixkiller began her journey with the Marine Corps when she enrolled in the delayed entry program Sept. 29, 2005.

“I wanted to be one of the first in my immediate family to join one of the services,” said Sixkiller. “I picked the Marine Corps because I had to join the best.”

On a special note, Marines from Richard Gabauer 24th Marine are now in Peru. We welcomed one of the units back in April and another just departed a few weeks ago with the PGR giving them a send off.

Peru’s Marine Headquarters welcomes 24th Marines

ANCON, Peru (June 26, 2007) -- Standing in formation on a parade deck, Marines of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force 24 received a warm welcome from their hosts in Peru’s Infanteria de Marina, or Marine Corps, as they began training here this week.

A large formation of troops, vehicles and weapons across from the Comandancia, or Headquarters, marked the official start of training in Peru. Words of welcome were given by Rear Adm. Oscar Anderson, Contralmirante (Commandant) of the Infanteria de Marina, and Capitan de Navio (Col.) Carlos Tallo, Chief of Staff. Both Anderson and Tallo spoke to the Marines after the ceremonial formation as well, personally thanking them for making the trip to Peru to train with their Marines.

Wounded Soldier Heals, Rejoins Unit

The platoon sergeant with 1st Cavalry Division’s Troop B, 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, volunteered to rejoin his unit in Iraq after recovering from multiple gunshot wounds suffered in Buhriz, Iraq, March 6.

Salkanovic, 27, was leading a dismounted, eight-man reconnaissance team when 15 to 20 insurgents wielding grenades, sniper rifles and AK-47s started attacking from three different directions.

Pinned down on the roof of a building, Salkanovic and his squad returned fire. In a span of 15 minutes, Salkanovic was struck by three enemy bullets: one to his left index finger and shoulder and one apiece to his right shoulder and bicep. Two more enemy rounds nearly struck Salkanovic, but were stopped by his body armor – “the two that would have killed me,” he called them.

Salkanovic’s team managed to fend off the attack, eventually killing two insurgents. If not for the actions of one of his soldiers, Cpl. Cory Walter, Salkanovic is sure he would have died that day, he said.

“Corporal Walter is pretty much responsible for me being alive right now.”

Salkanovic, whose wounds caused him to lose two liters of blood, was evacuated to Germany and later moved to Fort Hood, Texas, to recover. After two months of healing and rehabilitation, he was ready to head back to Iraq. He rejoined his unit, which is based at Forward Operating Base Normandy, May 15.

The hardest fight

WASHINGTON -- Marine Sgt. David "D.J." Emery Jr.'s life snapped into focus one morning in April, two days after the birth of his daughter, when he studied the lower half of his hospital bed, turned to his mother and, still unable to speak, mouthed these words:

"What the f happened to my legs?"

For weeks, the young warrior's battle for survival had been waged by his mother, his young wife and the doctors who kept him clinging to this side of death.

Then Emery noticed the emptiness that day in the intensive care unit, and the fight became his.[snip]

Emery remembers little from that day in Iraq's Anbar province.

A checkpoint. Stopping to chat with other Marines, while Iraqi soldiers nearby searched anyone who didn't seem right.

He never saw the suspicious-looking man or the torso wrapped in explosives. The man spread his arms wide, like an eagle taking flight, to trigger the blast.

Emery doesn't recall much -- not the flight home, not the countless surgeries, not the amputations of first one leg, then another -- until April 23.

That's when Emery took up his own fight. He began to heal. Through good days and bad, he moved from the intensive care unit at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., to a regular hospital room, then two weeks ago to Ward 57, the amputees' home at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Over time, he's been visited by the Washington Redskins football team, by his local congressman, and by President Bush, who gave Emery his Purple Heart.

"I dunno; he's just another person, you know?" Emery recalled from his bed. "He invited me to the White House. Hopefully I can get some running legs and go running with him and smoke his ass."

The encounters that really matter are the ones with other veterans, such as the old man in the hallway who gets around better on two fake legs than most senior citizens do on real ones.

"When a doctor tells you that you'll walk one day, and he has two real legs, you're like, 'whatever,' " Emery said. "But when a guy comes in on two prosthetic legs, and they're standing there, it makes everything possible." hat tip: Soldiers Angels Germany

4 Hill Airmen receive Bronze Stars

6/25/2007 - HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFPN) -- Four NCOs from the 775th Civil Engineer Squadron received Bronze Stars during a mid-June ceremony at Hill Air Force Base for their actions while deployed in support of the war on terrorism.

The four explosive ordnance disposal Airmen are Staff Sergeants Evan Knight, Bradley Kline, Steven Overstreet and William White.

Sergeant Knight's team was responsible for responding to the busiest area for improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, in Iraq. The team covered 500 square miles including Baghdad and the surrounding area. He and his team responded and safely cleared 68 EOD incidents.

Sergeant Kline led his team on a 120-hour mission to clear 45 kilometers of Iraqi roadways, during which they cleared seven IEDs. Also, while on a mission, his team and security element came under sniper fire. Sergeant Kline positioned his vehicle into a blocking position, giving the security unit time to position themselves to engage and subdue the threat.

Sergeant Overstreet participated in more than 134 combat missions under constant threat of insurgent attacks. During his time in Iraq, he and his team safely dealt with 30 IED incidents along critical supply routes. He also led missions that collected more than 3,000 pieces of ordnance.

Sergeant White's team was responsible for one-third of the multinational division north's workload, which ensured the safety of more than 41,000 individuals. On one instance a member of Sergeant White's team was knocked unconscious by an IED. Sergeant White quickly took control of the vehicle and then made sure his team member wasn't critically wounded.

Coast Guard Coordinates Rescue 345 Miles off Virginia Coast

PORTSMOUTH, Va. - Coast Guard watch standers at the Rescue Coordination Center Portsmouth coordinated the rescue of a sailor 345 miles east of Cape Henry, Va., today.

Douglas W. Eaton, captain of the 20-foot sailing vessel Tyche homeported in Key West, Fla., was rescued by the crew of the cruise ship Crown Princess after the Coast Guard received an Electronic Locater Transmitter (ELT) signal from Eaton this afternoon.

The Crown Princess, a 947-foot Bahamian-flagged cruise ship, is designated as an Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue (AMVER) vessel.

"We got a great response from the AMVER vessels in the area," said Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Scott Murphy, who said several AMVER vessels in the area also answered the Coast Guard's call for assistance.

Eaton will stay on board the Crown Princess until its next port of call in New York City.

Don't Mess With the Marines!

Bill Barnes says he was scratching off a losing $2 lottery ticket inside a gas station when he felt a hand slip into his front-left pants pocket, where he had $300 in cash.

He immediately grabbed the person's wrist with his left hand and started throwing punches with his right, landing six or seven blows before a store manager intervened.

"I guess he thought I was an easy mark," Barnes, 72, told The Grand Rapids Press for a story Tuesday.

He's anything but an easy mark: Barnes served in the Marines, was an accomplished Golden Gloves boxer and retired after 20 years as an iron worker.

Team closer to finding Iwo Jima Marine

IWO JIMA, Japan - The U.S. search team looking for the remains of a Marine killed after filming the iconic flag-raising on Iwo Jima has found two possible sites and will recommend a larger team excavate them, officials said Wednesday.[snip]

The U.S. officially took the tiny volcanic island on March 26, 1945, after 31-day battle that pitted some 100,000 U.S. troops against 21,200 Japanese. Some 6,821 Americans were killed; only 1,033 Japanese survived. Of 82 U.S. Medals of Honor won by Marines in World War II, 26 were won on Iwo Jima.

Genaust paid the ultimate price.

On March 4, 1945, Marines were securing the cave, and are believed to have asked Genaust to use his movie camera to light their way. He volunteered to shine the light in the cave and was killed by enemy fire. The cave was secured after a gunfight, and its entrance sealed.

As a combat photographer, Genaust was trained to use a firearm, and he and another Marine protected the AP photographer as they climbed 546-foot Mount Suribachi. Genaust did not need to use his weapon; under heavy attack, the Japanese did not fire on the three men.

Genaust's footage also helped prove that the raising — the second one that day — was not staged, as some later claimed. He got no credit for his footage, however, in accordance with Marine Corps policy.

In 1995, a bronze plaque was put atop Suribachi to honor Genaust, who before coming ashore on Iwo Jima fought and was wounded in the battle on the Pacific island of Saipan. An actor portraying him appears in the Clint Eastwood movie "Flags of Our Fathers," and the annual Sgt. William Genaust Award has been established to honor the best videotape of a Marine Corps related news event.

Help us honor all of our veterans, past, present and future. Join Soldiers' Angels today!

- May no soldier go unloved

Soldiers' Angels Receives Military Order of the Purple Heart Award

2007-06-26T03:27:00.000Z

Attention! This post has been updated with the correct award!

Dear Angels,
We have HUGE news to share with you! Soldiers’ Angels received the Military Order of the Purple Heart Award for Public Service on Saturday, June 17th, 2007 in Sacramento, CA. at the Military Order of the Purple Heart National meeting.

We would like to share a story with you on what a difference we all make. A woman was walking along a beach filled with starfish. As she walked, she would stoop down, pick one up at random, and throw it back into the ocean. A man came upon her and asked why she was bothering with throwing some back when there were so many - how could it possibly make a difference?

She picked up another starfish, threw it back into the ocean, and said, "It made a difference to that one."

“How wonderful that no one need wait a single moment to improve the world.” ~ Anne Frank

Everyday, each Angel makes a difference in the lives of our service members! Thank you all!

Angel Hugs-
Patti Patton-Bader, Founder and Don MacKay, Executive CEO

Soldiers' Angels has previously received the Department of Army Civilian Award for Humanitarian Service and the Military Order of the Purple Heart, George Washington Spirit Award

Interview with Patti Patton-Bader, Founder of Soldiers' Angels, in The National Guard Online

Join our award winning organization in supporting our troops, their families and our veterans.

Soldiers' Angels

- May no soldier go unloved

Belton Community Days: Soldiers' Angels - Hoo-ah!

2007-06-25T05:14:00.000Z

I know, you are waiting patiently for the story and video of our Belton Community Days Parade. It was hot. It was muggy. We walked our legs off and handed out a lot of information to the audience about Soldiers' Angels.

No, that is not all of the story. I'll have more on Tuesday, but here's a taste of our experience with the Army Recruiters:

Soldiers' Angels Supports Our Troops - Hoo-ah!

Join Soldiers' Angels in supporting our past, present and future troops.

Next Event:

June 30, 2007 3pm to Midnight. Here is a great opportunity for Soldiers' Angels and others who are interested in showing their support for the troops. Parkville, Missouri American Legion Post 318 is hosting the "Rally in the Alley". This rally will raise money for the Legion's "Support the Troops" fund that the Legion regularly uses to donate to organizations supporting the troops including things like paying for postage of large shipments of care packages to the troops, calling cards, veterans needs and many other great support projects.

Soldiers' Angels has been invited to set up a table and take part in the event that will include at least six blue grass bands, lots of food, drinks and fun. We look forward to supporting the Parkville American Legion as they have pledged to support the Angels and our efforts.

We're looking for Angels to help man the booth and tell people about our organization. With a troop surge on and battles raging, we have many troops that need our support. That means we need to let people know how they can provide that support. I'll be there from 2pm (set up) until 8pm (longer if the crowd is good). For more information on volunteering for our event, please email me at: kehenry1@hotmail.com.

If you're not a member of Soldiers' Angels, come on down, enjoy the music and show your support for our troops!

- May no soldier go unloved

Kansas City Heart of America Summer 2007 Veterans' Stand Down

2007-06-25T00:31:00.001Z

I went to my first "Veterans' Stand Down" sponsored by KC Veterans Affairs Administration. I learned many things about the care and services provided to our indigent and homeless veterans.

First, let say that I had incorrect/incomplete information regarding the place of the "stand down". I originally had information indicating it was at the Kansas City VA Medical Center. When I had called the VA volunteer services, I did not verify the location. They might have assumed I knew where it was. I was told to go to the volunteer tent at the front to sign in. So, naturally, I drove to the VA hospital and looked for the tent. I drove around several times and in the general area to find the tent and the other tents I assumed would be there. No dice.

I suppose I could have assumed that I had the wrong day or simply went home, but angels are never daunted by things like missing information or directions. So, I went to the hospital to "information" and told the young lady, "I think I'm in the wrong place". She helpfully directed me to the location at Truman and Troost in downtown Kansas City.

As I was leaving the hospital, I noticed a trike in the handicapped parking lot.

Since I am a motorcycle afficianado, I walked around looking at the skull motif and general design of the trike. That's when I noticed the license plate.

I whipped out a Soldiers' Angels card and wrote, "Thank you for serving" and placed it on the handle bars.

I finally arrived at the location and had to drive around a bit to find a parking space. The young lady at the VA hospital who gave me directions told me that I would know I was at the right place by the "long line of cars". She was right. If you are unfamiliar with the area, it is best described as "urban". I recalled an earlier conversation with the VA volunteer coordinator when I asked about the beginning and ending times for the event. She told me and then volunteered, without prompting, "Don't worry. We'll have most of our volunteers out before dark." At the time, I didn't make much of it.

Angels walk where others fear to tread.

I found the "Volunteer Registration Tent" and signed in. At this event, they did not ask for our Soldiers' Angels volunteer code though they did ask for the name of the organization I was with. As I was waiting, one of the veteran volunteers asked me if I rode a motorcycle. When I told him that I did, he laughed and said, "You can always tell. Soldiers and bikers stand the same way: at parade rest". I had to laugh at that one. I think someone has told me that before. Another volunteer asked what was on my shirt. I told her it was "Soldiers' Angels" and explained our mission. She said she was with the Patriot Guard Riders and we exchanged a few stories about missions we had participated in. The world is a small place.

I gave them each a card and thanked the veterans for serving our country.

I was given a name tag and directed to the clothing distribution area that was about to open up. Other services were being provided in the gym including assistance with taxes, legal issues and health screening. The Vietnam Veterans of America were one of the lead organizations for the stand down. One of the gentlemen explained to the news services there that they attempted to find placement for veterans with addiction, mental and physical health issues as well as the homeless through their screening.

The volunteer services coordinator at the VA had described the event as "organized chaos". That is the best description I would give it as well. As I walked through the area, I snapped a few pictures. Parks and recreation provided a stage and someone had organized a few singers with recorded back up. There were several more tents set up around the area for food and general protection from the sun. A veteran came by with a golf cart and offered me a ride up to my area. These golf carts ran all day picking up vets and volunteers to carry to the different areas.

Our area was in an enclosed basketball court. It had a control point and veterans were called by their registration group numbers to come in to the enclosure. This was to ensure that each veteran was able to receive some of each of the items being offered and to keep it safe overnight since it was going to be held again the next morning. There were long lines of veterans outside the enclosure and some were sitting under a canopy with chairs to keep out of the sun and heat.

When I walked into the enclosure and asked to be directed to someone who would assign me to a station, the gentleman at the front pointed me towards the "civilian clothes" section and said to ask "the lady in the hat". The "lady" was not actually "in charge" (organized chaos), but she did "take charge". Her name was Mary and she was from the AUSA (Association of the United States Army). I think she was an officer in her previous life. She gave me a basic rundown of the operations and what was needed in the civilian clothes section. I say "civilian clothes" section because I learned many things about a stand down.

The area was set up to walk each veteran around the perimeter to different areas providing clothing, shoes and toiletries. The first area was manned by approximately 30 volunteers from Price Waters Cooper (financial investors) wearing t-shirts saying "30,000 strong" (sound familiar? Army Strong). These volunteers were largely young people between the ages of 22 and 30 something.

The items at the front of the perimeter line were "government issue". Until this stand down, I had thought that veterans I saw on the street simply wore their own uniforms that they had retained after service. I was wrong. The reason you see veterans, who seem to have been long out of service, walking around with pieces of uniform on is because that is what the government/VA provides free at these events. Each veteran was given a "sea bag" (army issue, green ruck sack). One of the PCW volunteers would carry the bag for the veteran. They were allowed to select two pants and two shirts from the "uniform" section. These are outdated, left over uniforms from different eras including simple army green, dark green camouflage and desert BDUs (desert storm "chocolate chip").

A volunteer then carried the bag for them to the booth providing boots. Some of them were the black combat boots, but most of the boots provided were the older model "desert suede" boots. Don't be fooled by the lack of veterans being served in these pictures. I couldn't snap them until there was a "lull" in the waves of people that included, not only veterans, but veterans' dependents. For the most part, it was veterans from the Korean and Vietnam era with a few from the last two decades.

The day was extremely hot and muggy. I came prepared with a 1/2 gallon of water in a thermos. That was not enough. As they say in Iraq and Afghanistan, "drink lots of water boys and girls". Fortunately, some other folks had brought big cannisters of water and were willing to share. The VA had provided water as well, but it was quite a distance from my post and I did not want to leave because we were very busy. We provided clothes of different style, size and condition. We sorted out the clothes that had holes or stains as best as possible and tossed them in the "grab bag". Some winter coats and jackets were hung on the fence.

As the veterans were assisted to our area, I asked for their sizes and directed them to the appropriate tables. Some didn't know or were wearing clothes that were too big. These I did a best estimate and helped them search through the clothing. A few asked for specific items like jeans, khakis or, in the case of one lady veteran, asked for some shirts in blue. She had brown and green, but no blue to go with her jeans. I would guess she was a Vietnam era veteran from her hat. She was wearing camouflage pants and black combat boots with a tank top which I perceived she received at a previous stand down (Yes, women Veterans can be homeless or indigent, too).

The veterans were all friendly and some were talkative. I saw an older gentleman with a prosthetic arm who also walked with a cane. He kept telling the young man carrying his bag he could set down at the beginning of our tables and he would walk back with the things since the bag was fairly packed. The young man said he would be happy to carry the bag for him, it was the least he could do. I heard this line of conversation over and over again. I have to say, I was very impressed by these volunteers. It made me proud to be there with them.

We served over 500 veterans that day. Those young volunteers took turns manning the clothing booths and lugging ruck sacks in the heat and sun. After the vets left our section, they were directed to the final area where they were given toiletries and new underwear, t-shirts and socks.

During a lull in traffic, I spoke with Mary from the AUSA. She told me about her organization and I told her about Soldiers' Angels. Her sons principal was wounded last year in Iraq. He lost both his legs and had severe damage to his arm. I told her that we provide First Response Back Packs for the wounded at CSH (cash) units in theater, at Landstuhl and Military Medical Centers in the United States, explaining their purpose. The Stand Down was a first for both of us, although, you would never have guessed it by her organization and direction of our section. We shook hands when she left as the event wound down and she thanked our organization for supporting our troops. She said she was very glad to have worked with me that day and I reciprocated. I gave her one of our cards, thanked her for her service and said we would be happy to work with their organization to provide services.

The Stand Down Provided breakfast, lunch and dinner for the veterans and volunteers. Due to my being lost, I missed lunch and didn't want to waste anymore time looking for a fast food restaurant, so I held out until dinner. I'm not complaining. It was the least I could do considering the condition of most of the veterans we served. We had burgers, hot dogs, chips, fruit cocktail and water. I stood in line with a number of vets and volunteers who chatted amiably while we waited. I wasn't the only one who learned something new. A couple of volunteers in line were talking about their conversations with vets. One of the ladies offered that the Vet she was talking to said he was the part of the "first in". She asked him if he was a "Green Beret". I guess he told her, "No ma'am. I was a Marine."

The entire experience was a mix of sad and impressive. The event ran for three days. I would estimate about 1500 veterans would be seen. According to one of the VVA leads, that was barely a tenth of all homeless and indigent vets in the area. Kansas City has over 600,000 veterans. The area we were in was obviously chosen based on the demographics and most need.

From my observations (limited to the clothing area), the things most needed were good quality civilian clothing and shoes. Largely mens pants between the sizes of 30 and 38. Womens pants between sizes 4 and 12. Most popular were jeans for their durability. Pajamas and robes went like hot cakes. We had one robe left only half way through the day. Women's underwear were also scarce between the sizes of 4 and 6. There were plenty of women's shirts and mens, though, "medium" in mens was also scarce or were too badly worn to be handed out. Men's and women's shoes between the sizes of 6 and 12.

Those are the basics. I am going to collect more information on how and when these items are collected including where to send them. I am thinking that people would be better served to drop their used items at a VA collection point then simply dumping them at the nearest Salvation Army or Goodwill Store. While those are worthy causes, I have been told that these items are often disposed of because the store cannot store the amount they collect or they become ruined in storage before they can be put out for sale.

Stand by for information on collection and distribution.

If you are an angel, I encourage you to get involved. Find out where your local VA is and volunteer. Find out when they have an upcoming Stand Down. I am assuming at this point that every area has a stand down at some time of the year. Some may have more than one through out the year. I think, in order to understand the true needs of veterans, it is important to become involved. Beyond that, I only spent six hours out of my life at this event. Excuse me if I sound melodramatic, but it did change my attitude considerably regarding veterans affairs, if not "life altering". There are people that do this every day, all day long. Still, we have a much pressing need.

Angels should not be daunted by the task at hand. We have several huge advantages if we are able organize and take advantage of them. We are between 50,000 and 90,000 "strong" depending on active members. We have connectivity through forums and associated organizations. We already know how to collect, buy at discount and find ways to deliver massive amounts of goods and services.

The only thing we need to do is to decide that we will do it.

Angels know how to light the way.

- May no soldier go unloved

6,000 And Counting

2007-06-24T16:27:00.000Z

Earlier this week we put out a call for people to email the Marines of RCT-6 in Iraq with 6,000 emails to let them know people supported them. I just wanted to give you an update:

I learned about six minutes ago that the 6,000th email has just come in. The winner of the first flag was a lady who sent a short but loving email to our Marines.

Sgt. Deboard had originally joked that 'we won the Gulf war' in less time than it was taking to get all these emails, but of course that only counts the ground operations. If you count the whole Desert Storm phase, from the 17 Jan 91 air raids to the end of ground operations, we've come in well ahead of the clock.

I knew you could make six thousand happen if you put your minds to it. You did. However many more come in in future days, we can all be proud of the support you've shown to our Marines.

Thank you all.

If you still haven't sent your email, there are still two flags to win, for the 10,000th and 20,000th emails. Write to:

RCT-6lettersfromh@gcemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil

Watch their blog, also. I expect some celebrations, as soon as they have time to put one together. Perhaps they'll give us a photo of the stack at six thousand.

The Marines are flying a flag in honor of the 6,000 person to email them and have offered to fly a flag in honor of the 10,000 email they receive. This flag will be forwarded to the lucky email owner with a certificate and picture.

Let's keep those emails going!

- May no soldier go unloved

The Face of An Angel

2007-06-24T16:14:00.000Z

This is Regina (left):

Regina is sitting with Soldiers' Angel Willie who is a regular at Landstuhl delivering First Response Backpacks to our wounded. Regina and Willie are enjoying some time together at a bowling tournament in Germany organized by "KONTAKT", the American/German Friendship Club.

Regina is 81 years old. She is a member of Soldiers' Angels. She is an Angel since 2004. She came to Landstuhl along with other Angels to deliver the first Backpack to our wounded.

From left: Regina, Kathy Gregory Manager Fisher House: Landstuhl, Irene and Willie

- May no soldier go unloved

Kansas City Angel Events and Fund Raisers

2007-06-22T05:54:00.000Z

We have a lot of things going on and we are looking for Angels and other supporters of the troops in the Kansas City Area to come out and show their love for our troops and veterans.

First up, as noted in our side bar to the left, Kansas City Soldiers' Angels will be participating in the Belton Community Days Parade in Belton, Missouri. We will be carrying a banner and marching with a larger group of troop supporters and military folks, carrying our banner and signs. We are looking forward to showing Belton how much we support the troops. We are also looking forward to meeting fellow supporters of our fine military folks and sharing in the great fun and camaraderie we always experience at these events.

If you are an Angel or just want to come out and show your support, we will be meeting at Teri Louthain's at 7:30 AM Saturday, June 23. For more information, you can contact Julie O'Neil, Community Team Leader in the Overland Park, Kansas region at: joneil@cwbkc.com. She will have maps and other information available.

We will car pool from Teri's to reduce our parking exposure.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Find out other local events and fund raisers by going to Kansas City Angel Events and Fund Raisers.

- May no soldier go unloved

Friday's Letters From the Front: Thank You for Your Support

2007-06-22T03:59:00.000Z

Greetings From Baghdad

Hello, greetings from Baghdad, Iraq. I just want to thank those angels assigned to me, who have wrote me a letter or sent me a card, I appreciate your love and support, and it's an honour and privilage to serve this great nation we live in, and fight for our freedoms. I also appreciate your prayers too. I know I have seen your mail going out to many of our troops, thank you so much, we love all of that love and support we're getting from you angels, it really boosts our morale, when we receive some love from people back home, and it makes our jobs easier knowing we are being supported by our people back home in America, people like you, I've said it before and I say it again, Thank You Soldiers Angels, we the soldier love and appreciate you too.
I just finished writing and addressing Iraqi post cards, and I wanted to let you know that I'm well and staying safe.
Sincerely, SSG Marvin

Hello from Iraq,

First I would like to thank you for all that you do, we apreciate it greatly. The soakers were a great ideal we had a couple of soldiers who couldnt wait to have a water fight. Thanks for all the small packages they worked out really well. Everyone got what they need and then some. I hope you all know how much you are appreciated by us for taking care of our troops. Once again thank you and God bless.

Jason

An Angel To Watch Over Me

Mr Bader,
My name is SGT Shamar I'm a friend of Mr Olivas. Thank you so much for everything you have sent me. All your prayers and support are greatly appreciated. Last week I started wearing my Soldiers Angel pin on my bullet proof vest and trust me it protected me. I was out on a routine convoy that was hit by an IED. I think my Angels has something to do with no one sustaining any injuries during the blast. Well I have to go because there are other soldiers waiting for this computer but in closing THANK YOU!
SGT Shamar

First Response Back Packs

Hello and thank you for your support.

I recently received some backpacks full of goodies for our soldiers. As the nurse in charge of the intensive care unit, my nurses and I see quite a few patients come through our unit. You should feel great about the support that you give. The back packs are great for the injured soldiers, and they are great for the nurses to have something to give. The back packs are a big hit with everyone.

Your note mentioned that we could email a wish list. This request is for the hospital staff so if you have other priorities, please take care of those first. These are all "nice to have" things. -Snack foods that are "healthy". We receive lots of cookies, but I have quite a few health conscious people that prefer to eat healthier snacks.
Anything from tuna snack packs to trail mix and anything in between. -Room deodorizers. Anything that makes it smell better except for aerosolized cans, plug-ins or things you need to light (i.e. candles). The gel containers work well. We use them in the bathrooms, hospital units and sleeping quarters. -Drink mixes. Any of the sugar-free mixes to make the water taste better would be great. It's so hot that we drink LOTS of water.

From all of us here at the hospital in Baghdad....THANK YOU! We all appreciate your support!

Angela
MAJ
Head Nurse ICU1
28th Combat Support Hospital
Baghdad, Iraq

Soldiers' Angels Kansas City raised money to send over 70 backpacks to our wounded!

British Troops Love Our Support

(British Sailor) Hope you don't mind me emailing you, we received your letter and I was quite touched as it's true we don't receive much mail like that from our fellow britains!!

David
XXXXX
XXXXX
Comments/Question:: Hello,
I am a british solder currentlly serving in Iraq along side U.S. troops. A group of us recived a letter from a Sharon XXXX email address: XXXXXX. On behalf of all of us and others that will recive this letter at some point in the future Id like to say thank you so, so much for your support from the U.S. public and Sharon. I did try and submit my self as a solder on your site but I see you only deal with US Military. I think its an amazing thing you all do and it keeps us all going through the hard times and reminds us that people like you are supporting us from back home. Once again thank you very much from the bottom of out hearts. Dave. XXX

Don't worry! There is a way to support our allies through Soldiers' Angels Europe

These guys are hungry for mail and support.

Birthday Greetings from Angels

Thanks to all the angels who sent a birthday to Stephen, he just email me a message of thanks

"Anyways, it really did mean a lot to me and it made me feel like I was home again. I was shocked as well with the amount of letters that were in the box. I think it will take me the rest of the deployment to write back to all those people, but if they were kind enough to write me I am going to try and write them back."

To all of the angels who sent my un official Doug a Birthday card Thank You. Here is part of his email...

Thank you very much for the Bday packages. You have spectacular timing. I was floored with the generosity ... The cards from all the folks from Soldiers angels were very nice and very uplifting. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the support ...

Thank YOU very, very much!

Hello again Stephanie. My guys wanted to make sure that I told you thank you very much.

On behalf of the the guys THANK YOU VERY, VERY, VERY MUCH!!!

Well everything over here is getting kind of hectic again but like always we'll pull through. Hope you and your family are fine. Oh and I don't usually have too much time on the computer but if you could, would you tell whoever you can at the soldier's angels thank you as well. We really appreciate everything you guys are doing for us, I know I say this every time I write but it's just that we are all so grateful out
here that some times we have nothing else to say but thank you.

Roger

"Please Help My Soldiers"

Hello,I am wanting to submit members of my platoon. This is my third deployment over here. I am with the 3rd Infantry Division based out of, GA. Most of the members in my platoon are on their second tour here. Some do not receive any mail besides bills. No matter where you go bills end up following you. I would like to have them receive something other than bills. A little encouragement from home goes a long way. Some are very shy or dont know what to write back. I would like to thank you for all of your support. It goes a long way to know that we have people at home that support us.

Someone submitted my name to soldier's angels. I've been very impressed by the letters and support that I've received. Now I am requesting the assistance of soldiers angels for my company. I am the Executive officer of an Ordinance Company. We have a platoon of medics, cooks, staff, and mechanics. We are currently at 273 soldiers in our company. They work grueling days and are exhausted afterwords and are always looking for something to do. My request is simple. Please help our soldiers by providing something fun and uplifting for them to do. It doesn't necessarily mean purchasing them expensive gifts or videogames. They enjoy other things too like puzzles, crosswords, chess and checkers, card games, ect. Many people will even send over the weekly newspaper crossword puzzle to help keep them occupied. Doing this helps them releave stress and keep their minds off of being homesick. It also effectively helps pass the time.Thanks for all your support! LT V

Dear Angel, I am a transportation platoon leader for 27 outstanding men and women who are from the South Carolina. We just recently deployed to Afghanistan and will be here for 1 year running all transportation missions through most of Afghanistan. The platoon before us recommended this site as they had wonderful support from their angels. We hope to feel the same support! Thank you unconditionally for your support! Anything you can do for us is greatly appreciated.

Veterans Are Grateful for Our Help TOO!

Rec'd this today from the VA in Albuquerque, NM

Hi Twyla, we received some back packs and comfort items and are very grateful. I spoke with one of our social workers yesterday and he is very interested in the back packs and we will use the comfort items for our lodger program. Again, thanks you so much and an official thank you letter will be sent shortly.

Sonja Brown
Chief, Voluntary Service &
Public Affairs Operations
New Mexico VA Health Care System

On Memorial Day I joined the Patriot Guard Riders escorting the bus with the patients from Walter Reed on it to the parade in Gettysburg, Pa.

I got to talk to some of our Fallen Hero's that day. I noticed one had a Soldiers' Angels sweat shirt on. I asked him if he would like a Soldiers' Angels pin to go along with it and he said he already had one.

He told me how the wonderful [and] caring members of Soldiers' Angels have been showing him their support + to honor them he had quite a large tattoo of the Soldiers' Angels logo on his right arm.

John

Angel Work On the Home Front

I arranged to take pizza, breadsticks, hotwings, and drinks to the Army and Marine Corps recrutiers' offices tonight. So I go pick up all the munchies and load it into my car. I drive up the recruiting station and park. I grab everything and start walking into the office and out comes a Marine recruiter to help. We set everything down and start talking and I tell them about SA. I divided up the food and run over to the Army recruiters. When I walked in, they all just smiled and said hello. I arrange the food on the table for everyone to help themselves and introduce myself and tell them about SA. During the two hours that I was there, i walk back and forth between the offices and talk to all of the recruiters and hand them pins and coins and shake their hands and tell them thank you for your service. I have to take fliers and business cards up there at a later date, because my printer went on the fritz! I had a really nice time talking to these soldiers and Marines and learned some things about each of them. One shared with me his experiences in Iraq. I walked out of there with a grin from ear to ear because I was able to spread the word about SA and feed some troops!!! It was a very rewarding time.

The Happy Dance

My grandsons are still here staying since their mom is still recovering from her episode back the tail end of May. One of their "duties" as they call it is running down the driveway to "rescue" the mail. My son is glad to turn that "duty" over to them for a few days. LOL After all the birthday cards & PC's he brought home.

Today I hear them both SCREAMING at the top of their lungs..."GRAMMAA, GRAAAMMAAAAA we got MORE free mail!! They delivered 4 free mail envelopes to me. All are from the LWT & all of us are doing the HAPPY DANCE Top Banana Top Banana Top Banana Top Banana all over the house. Sure hope the neighbors aren't watching they will think we have lost our minds.

Keep sending those letters we do make a difference.

Hugs
Tammy W

Help us support our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines. Join Soldiers' Angels and you'll discover that feeling of satisfaction that makes Angels do the "happy dance".

- May no soldier go unloved

On Volunteering

2007-06-21T06:45:00.000Z

One reason that I joined Soldiers' Angels is because it allowed me to become personally involved in supporting our military. I've been a member for two years (appx) and, at first, it was enough to quietly do what I wanted and needed to do, support our military. It was not about recognition for efforts made. For the most part, it was enough to get the replies from those I have served and the general feeling of satisfaction for having done my part in supporting our nation in a time of war.

The reason I started participating more fully in fund raisers and the public events was because I wanted to do more for our troops, but was not financially capable of personally doing more. Yet, I would read in the forums the alerts and the stories of those who had no support and my heart would ache because I could only read and wonder if they were being cared for or receiving anything from home, letting them know that there was someone who believed in and supported them. Then there are the Vets in the VA that I have known for a long time were not getting the kind of assistance they need. As a nation, we often feel like we make a law, create a branch of the government to take care of our people and then we go on, largely forgetting, imagining that we have done what it takes to provide for those who have served us in the past. Then we are shocked to find that it is not so and we wonder why.

What then is our responsibility? What is my responsibility?

Then I recalled the many days sitting around my grandmother's kitchen table, drinking iced tea and listening to her and my grandfather tell stories about their youth during World War II. My grandfather had joined the Navy at the age of 17 and a year later was at the battle for Okinawa. He wanted to join at 16, but his parents wouldn't let him. When he turned 17, he told them he was going to go one way or the other, so they signed the papers for him to enter service. My grandmother talked about volunteering as a candy striper at a local hospital, wrapping bandages, the civil defense efforts, victory gardens and many other events: volunteering.

It struck me that I had been overlooking the most important part of volunteering and support. It isn't about the money, or more specifically, my money. It was about my time and what I was willing to do. The inspiration had been with me all along. I remembered that the reason my grandparents' generation was the "greatest generation" was because they harnessed the power of our nation. Not just the industrial power, but the power of the people when they are inspired to work towards a greater goal.

In my previous efforts in fund raising and collecting donations to provide for our troops, I met many people who wanted to help, but they didn't know how or where to begin. Most were very happy to have an opportunity to do so. What they lacked was inspiration and information. People are excited to find out that there is a way in their community to give back to those who give everything. I realized that, while our men and women in the military need to hear from us that we support them, our communities needed to know that there was a way to do it. Right here in their own backyard.

Right now, as I write this, our troops are in a big fight in both Afghanistan and Iraq. They volunteer, not because it is compulsory as many nations still require, but because they believe in something greater than themselves. They want to be part of something greater and they believe that they share a duty, a responsibility and even an honor to defend and protect their country, its beliefs and, most importantly, the people.

They come from our community. They are people that we know. Sometimes, until they leave us, we don't know that they are serving our nation. Mainly because it is simply what they do and they are not ones to publicize that anymore than we announce to the world in general what we do.

For me, and I hope for you, what they do is important, inspiring and honorable. It is unbelievable the sacrifices that these men and women make for our country, for you and for me. I know that there are far flung bases in many places that are nothing but a few huts, some tents, some sand and a flag pole. They aren't all living it up in Saddam's palaces or downtown Kandahar. I know there are places where our men and women are washing out of a bucket and brushing their teeth with bottled water because there is no running water. Toilets are "latrines" like we've seen in many a movie: a hut with a hole. They get mail and supplies once a month. There is no store or PX around the corner to run and get deodorant or toilet paper or something to eat when the dining facility has closed down for the day before they could return from an eight hour mission that turned into sixteen.

They are living and sometimes dying just as it has always been in war, just as our parents and grandparents did in the wars we all know from history: in conditions most of us could never relate to even on our worst camping trip. Add to that the long separation from family and friends and the very real possibility of being wounded or dying and you find that there is something more to it than people looking for a job or college tuition. It becomes the very thing that our founders believed in and fought for so long ago. It is "WE THE PEOPLE", our people, "providing for the common defense" of our nation. It becomes the noble act of sacrifice that not every generation has been called to. It becomes the very spirit of our nation from its inception: the struggle of Man against the elements, against all odds, to remain free.

I am living here free because of the generations that have come before and paid the price for me. I am living here without fear because I know that men and women stand watch somewhere for me. I am living here without want because they protect our borders, our seas and all the places from whence the very food, clothing, fuel and technology I use every day is purchased and delivered. I have witnessed the birth of democracy, the freedom of nations and people around the world. It is free nations and the spread of freedom that insures a future, maybe somewhere distant, where the best of Man is celebrated and brings the full potential of man to the fore. Even the potential someday to explore the very depths of the ocean and the heights of heaven.

I have all of these things, the freedom from want and fear, the freedom to worship. the freedom to dream and the freedom to live because I was born in a place and time where others still believe it is their duty, responsibility and even honor to insure it continues.

I had to ask myself recently if I was doing enough to "earn it". Not just for me, but, as my grandparents and parents had done: earn it for my family and future generations of my family and Americans. Because, that is why we exist in such prosperity and freedom today. That is why the United States continues on for generations. Because some one paid for it in advance.

The answer for me was, "Not yet." Maybe never, but the important thing is that I am going to do my best to honor that sacrifice and pay it forward.

It is not just about "duty" or "responsibility". There is a great feeling of satisfaction and honor in serving those that defend us. In essence, it is serving our nation. There is a great joy in knowing that I have made a difference. There is a great feeling of humility, knowing that I have done so little and enjoy so much including and often the gratitude of those that I serve.

I now know why my grandparents volunteered and served our nation in whatever capacity they were able. THEY didn't do it just because it was a duty or responsibility. They did it because they were part of something bigger. They did it because there was joy in the giving. It made them better people. It made them the people that I remember who always helped others and gave to their community in small ways and large. It was the reason that they were the "greatest generation".

I want to share that with others. I want people to know that there is something beyond the mundane, something bigger that we can be a part of. I want to share the joy and the honor of serving our troops with my community. I want to share it with you. I want you to be part of my community. I want you to share it with others in your community.

Go out and talk to your local Commerce association, to your stores, to your local fire departments, your police stations, your city councils, your church organizations and every place that you can think of to tell them about the need to support our troops. Tell them about Soldiers' Angels. Volunteer at the local VA hospital. Go to or organize meetings with community Angels to plan projects in your community or just share the joy of serving others. After you make that first, small effort, I guarantee that, not only will the next be easier, but the sheer soul uplifting experience will make you want to do it again.

Today, in places near and far, someone is standing in harms way earning it for you. Don't have to ask yourself tomorrow, "Did I earn it?"

In memory of Leroy and Mary Henry, members of the Greatest Generation.

Join me at the Kansas City Veterans Hospital on Friday, June 22, 8 AM to Dusk for Stand Down. We will be handing out clothing, food and necessities as well as tending to the medical and general financial needs of our indigent veterans. You can get more details by emailing me at: kehenry1@hotmail.com

Let's live up to our mission statement:

- May no soldier go unloved

Kansas City Angel Events and Fund Raisers

2007-06-20T06:37:00.000Z

As our Regional Manager, Marcia, said in a recent email to area Angels, our summer calendar went from zero to 60 in less than a week.

We have a lot of things going on and we are looking for Angels and other supporters of the troops in the Kansas City Area to come out and show their love for our troops and veterans.

First up, as noted in our side bar to the left, Kansas City Soldiers' Angels will be participating in the Belton Community Days Parade in Belton, Missouri. We will be carrying a banner and marching with a larger group of troop supporters and military folks, carrying our banner and signs. We are looking forward to showing Belton how much we support the troops. We are also looking forward to meeting fellow supporters of our fine military folks and sharing in the great fun and camaraderie we always experience at these events.

If you are an Angel or just want to come out and show your support, we will be meeting at Teri Louthain's at 7:30 AM Saturday, June 23. For more information, you can contact Julie O'Neil, Community Team Leader in the Overland Park, Kansas region at: joneil@cwbkc.com. She will have maps and other information available.

We will car pool from Teri's to reduce our parking exposure.

We look forward to seeing you there.

If you can't make it to the Parade, there is another event taking place.

Kansas City Veterans' Hospital is holding an R&R for veterans Friday and Saturday, June 22 and 23. They will be providing food, special items and assistance with legal, tax and other issues for our local veterans. Kansas City Soldiers' Angels is invited to attend. For times and details, please watch this blog or email me at: kehenry1@hotmail.com.

We want to tell our veterans that we appreciate their service. Join me in honoring those who helped insure that we remain the land of the free.

I can assure you, every time I meet with and speak to veterans, I find great inspiration in continuing to volunteer.

Parkville American Legion Post 318: Rally in the Alley

June 30, 2007 3pm to Midnight. Here is a great opportunity for Soldiers' Angels and others who are interested in showing their support for the troops. Parkville, Missouri American Legion Post 318 is hosting the "Rally in the Alley". This rally will raise money for the Legion's "Support the Troops" fund that the Legion regularly uses to donate to organizations supporting the troops including things like paying for postage of large shipments of care packages to the troops, calling cards, veterans needs and many other great support projects.

Soldiers' Angels has been invited to set up a table and take part in the event that will include at least six blue grass bands, lots of food, drinks and fun. We look forward to supporting the Parkville American Legion as they have pledged to support the Angels and our efforts.

We're looking for Angels to help man the booth and tell people about our organization. With a troop surge on and battles raging, we have many troops that need our support. That means we need to let people know how they can provide that support. I'll be there from 2pm (set up) until 8pm (longer if the crowd is good). For more information on volunteering for our event, please email me at: kehenry1@hotmail.com.

If you're not a member of Soldiers' Angels, come on down, enjoy the music and show your support for our troops!

Fourth of July Parade in Parkville

If you've never been to Parkville's Fourth of July celebration, you have missed one of the biggest "small town" events in our area. Every year the fireworks over the river is bigger and better. Even this year, after the flood that put a lot of mud into English Landing Park, Parkville is raring to go. Everything has been cleaned up and the event promises to be as great as the previous years'.

Again, the Parkville American Legion has come through and offered to let us march with them in their slot on the parade. The parade begins at 10:00 AM. We will be meeting before hand at the Parkville American Legion to arrange staging for the parade. We will be carrying the Soldiers' Angels Banner and any signs we can get our hands on.

Most important, we need people who are willing to march in the parade and show what a great organization Soldiers' Angels is for supporting our troops. We want people to know that there is a way for them to get involved. Most importantly, we want to support our troops by bringing more people and resources to our organization. Our troops deserve our support.

If you want to come on down and assist the Angels march in the parade, Angel or civilian, please contact me at kehenry1@hotmail.com for details, times and directions.

I will be at the events after the parade as well as the American Legion has also offered to let us put out brochures and fliers at their food stand during the post parade carnival. I will be manning the post and walking around the carnival handing out information. This is a really big event in the Northland and we have an opportunity to spread the word.

If you're not Angel or you can't make it to the Parade, come on down to see the fireworks, enjoy the food and the rides at the carnival. Make sure you stop by the American Legion food booth to support this great organization.

We look forward to seeing you there!

As you can see, we're going to be very busy the next few weeks and we like it like that. The more we can spread the word, the more our troops get the support they need. We encourage all Angels and those who just want to support the troops to join us for the fun and satisfaction of supporting our military men and women!

- May no soldier go unloved

Wednesday Heroes

2007-06-20T04:09:00.000Z

Lance Cpl. Hatak Yuka Keyu M. Yearby
21 years old from Overbrook, Oklahoma
3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force
May 14, 2006

Hatak Yuka Keyu Martin Yearby was remembered in funeral services as a small town boy who balanced his Choctaw tribal heritage and his military life.

He did traditional American Indian dances with grace, compassion, discipline and free spirit — "the way he lived his life," the Rev. Timm Emmons said Monday.

"He had a desire to be in the military since he was a young boy. And he believed in what he was doing. He was a warrior, and he was a hero and he finished the course."

Yearby was killed by a roadside bomb, along with fellow Lance Cpl. Jose S. MarinDominguez Jr., in the Al Anbar province of Iraq, two months after he arrived in that country.

Friends and family, fellow American Indians, teachers and classmates filed past his open casket for an hour after the funeral while a U.S. Marine Corps honor guard stood at attention.

About 1,000 people attended a funeral service meant to celebrate the life of the 21-year-old newlywed from Overbrook in southern Oklahoma’s Love County.

Those who spoke in the packed Marietta High School auditorium talked of how he loved to hunt, but never came back with anything. He played tricks, won dancing awards at powwows and appeared on a recruiting magazine for Upward Bound because of a headdress he made from a T-shirt.

Nine of his friends stood on stage to remember Yearby. Jake Barber spoke for them, pausing several times to regain his composure.

"Many great words describe Hatak. The only real word you need to say is 'brother'. He will always be known to us as the ace of spades, the most important card in the deck. He touched us so dearly that words cannot explain,".

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. To find out more about Wednesday Hero, you can go here.

I think I mentioned these gentlemen before, but I wanted to point out that three of the four men who received Distinguished Flying Crosses for their actions in Iraq are from MISSOURI!

Honoring Marine Cpl Valdez

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (June 1, 2007) – (June 18, 2007) -- A 15-minute drive through Fallujah, Iraq, on June 23, 2005, turned into one of the worst days in history for female U.S. Marines. A suicide bomber drove his car into a convoy, causing a massive explosion that killed three women and three men and severely burnt seven other women.

Valdez was part of a group of women who had volunteered to man entry points to Fallujah in 2005 to search women and children in order to comply with Iraqi customs regarding the protection of women from unknown men. While there are often commentary that derides such attention to local customs during a war, their efforts were part of the program that allowed the marines to win over the people of Fallujah. These efforts have made Fallujah much more calm compared to the past and other areas around Baghdad. This even contributed to the larger efforts that eventually led to the Anbar Awakening that has largely pacified western Iraq.

Still, Cpl Valdez was much more personally responsible for the success of the marines in battling IEDs, the weapon most responsible for deaths and injuries of our troops in Iraq:

Valdez, a Purple Heart Medal recipient, was an invaluable member of the 2nd Marine Division Communication Operations Section during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Valdez’s most significant work was with Division’s Counter Improvised Explosive Device Working Group. The success of the tests conducted by CIEDWG was in a large part attributed to Valdez’s knowledge of single-channel radios.

The impact Valdez made in her field was a driving force behind the dedication of a top communications training facility.

The communication facility was dedicated with her mother Elida Valdez present. A plaque with her picture graces the wall.

“We have not traveled these long distances to honor a building,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Keith A. Sylvain, the communications information systems chief for Marine Forces Reserve. “We pay tribute to not only Corporal Valdez but what she represents. She’s a perfect selection to not only represent the communications community but the (noncommissioned officer) corps.”

Before the ceremony concluded, the crowd witnessed the first Radio Operators Course class graduation from the newly-named Valdez Training Facility.

Reflections on service and sacrifice

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (June 18, 2007) -- Friends, families, fellow Marines and sailors gathered to honor the service, commitment and friendship of fallen brothers of 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, May 25, who were killed in action while conducting combat operations in Iraq.

The battalion suffered a loss of 11 Marines and one Navy corpsman while fighting the violent insurgency throughout Ramadi, Iraq, on an extended nine-month tour from 2006-2007.

“They are brothers in a way few can truly understand,” Jurney said. “The nature of our shared hardships creates a special bond between our Marines and sailors like no other. I know each of these men shared that special bond and brotherhood with all these men here today.”

The young men of the battalion entered the extremely dangerous city of Ramadi where there were 70-80 firefights a week, according to Jurney.

“Their courage, bravery, commitment and selfless acts were simply amazing,” Jurney said.

By the time they were leaving Ramadi, there was barely one firefight a month to account for. Families and businesses felt safer and were returning to the city because these service members were leaving it in a better state.

“These young men and all those that stand before you made a difference,” Jurney said. “What they did mattered.”

One of these Marines was Lance Cpl Michael Sanchez:

Lance Cpl. Michael A. Schwarz was remembered as a Marine that was not afraid to take the lead. “With all due respect Corporal, you’re married and you’re not going anywhere first,” was what Schwarz told another Marine in a time of danger. That’s the kind of Marine he was, a friend said.

"Fallen Angel!" - Pilot and Crew protect downed aircraft

Video included - US Army Blackhawk pilot, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jerry Sartin, and his flight crew engaged a hostile enemy after another aircraft was shot down. Chief Sartin received the Silver Star Award for his action on the battlefield. The video was produced by Sgt. Kelly Longbine.

Again, Where Do We Find These Guys...?

Matt Sanchez in Iraq says: There are no whiners here.

Michael Yon makes his final report from the British Area of Operations: Death Or Glory Part IV

Task Force Grizzly Year in Review

Operation Medusa

Without hesitation Williams declares his favorite mission was Operation Medusa, a 22-day operation for which his Soldiers had six hours notice to prepare – a mission to take an objective their coalition counterparts found they weren’t able to accomplish alone.

“NATO had just taken over operations in RC-South,” Williams recalled. “It was the first NATO fight as an operation force in theater. The Canadians tried to do it without U.S. support because they wanted to be able to say, ‘We can do this on our own.’” But they couldn’t, he said.

“They couldn’t cross the river; there were just too many Taliban in the area. So they came to us to develop our task force and to deploy out there and have a Canadian company, an Afghan battalion and our guys, and it was to fence the enemy in,” Williams said.

“With six hours notice we produced the order, rolled our task force out there. We had a convoy that was about 50 vehicles and we moved in there, secured Panjwayi and one side of the ridge, and were able to keep the Taliban fixed for a few days. Then we called in and said ‘Hey, we see a hole, we think we can cross.’ and they let us,” said Williams.

What came next was like a scene taken from any heroic wartime movie. “We crossed under fire, used smoke, CAS (Close Air Support), engaged in direct enemy fire, but we got the guys across, seized the area and the next day took an objective that nobody else could take. All summer, they couldn’t take it, so we did. We took it, under fire, fighting through trench lines and compounds,” Williams said. The success of Operation Medusa helped secure Panjway and Pashmul.

Speaking of heroes, our men are in a huge fight in both Afghanistan and Iraq, battling Al Qaida elements on both fronts.

Let us pray for them and keep them in our thoughts.

Finally, I there are some heroes who are in uniform here, who work hard to save lives and sometimes give them:

The Nine: They rescued two warehouse workers from the roof and then they gave their lives to finish putting out the fire.

- May no soldier go unloved

Kansas Casualties

2007-06-19T14:59:00.000Z

The Donovan has been keeping track of our local casualties and posting their stories.

Please keep an eye out at Castle Arrggh for the stories of our local heroes.

Current report: Sgt Roy P. Lewsader, Jr

- May no soldier go unloved

Mudville Gazette: Dawn Patrol

2007-06-19T14:57:00.000Z

Get your red hot Dawn Patrol right here!

Mudville Gazette puts together a list of blogs and news reports that cover the war and the military.

Great reads and video from around the internet.

Read it here: Mudville Gazette - Dawn Patrol

- May no soldier go unloved