Give That Soldier a Hot Steaming Cup of Joe

Help this soldier win coffee for his unit:

I'm a American Soldier who has done 3 tours to IRAQ, and back, and the most valuable thing that, made us stay up and make it thru the day was good old FLOGERS as we did missions it was the coffee in us that made us make it thru the day and stay awake to fight for OUR COUNTRY, Thank the Lord for FOLGERS you are a LIFE SAVER for me and many other American SOLDIERS, HOOAH 2 FOLGERS.

Go vote for him - Hooah 2 Folgers

- May no soldier go unloved

From the Forums: Angel Power

Anonymous Angel:

My name is SPC Austin . I am in the U.S. Army, and currently stationed in Baghdad Iraq. Four days ago I was on my way home for R&R, and this lady came up to me and handed me a card with $10 for lunch. I think you guys are doing a great thing for us soldiers. Knowing that people still care for us and what we do for a living. That we volunteer to go over and know in the back of our minds that some of us may have to pay the ultimate sacrifice. I know that God will bless each and every one of you for doing the outstanding job you do. I want you all to know how appreciative I am to have you by our side in combat.

Thank you,
Your Soldier
Austin B.

My Son Got a Package

I just got to speak to my son online from Baghdad. He mentioned that he got a wonderful package from what we believe to be the Soldier's Angels organization. It was a box full of goodies and an ipod! He said there were SA stickers on everything but no note.

Patti, did you send that? If it did come from you, we can't thank you enough for your generousity. I am so proud to belong to such a great organization.

He told me that all of his friends are jealous and want to know how to sign up. lol I have been telling Rick all along to send his friends your way and he is sure doing it now!!

Thanks so much for looking out for my son,
Darcie

- May no soldier go unloved

From the Forums: Angel Power

A young man and his family need our support and prayers.

A friend of mine just messaged me saying her son sustained serious head and face injuries yesterday by an IED in Iraq. I don't want to give out her email without her permission so can I get some emails of support sent to my email and I will forward them to her. I know it would help her alot. Please email me and put Karen in the subject line and I will make sure she gets them all. Thank you all, you are all truly Angels.

Lydia

I have been asked recently if I had learned anything from this war. I have learned many things: the kindness of strangers; true charity; absolute appreciation and a clearer concept of the word "sacrifice", the belief in good and the power of like minded people.

But, most of all, I have learned to pray again.

- May no soldier go unloved

From the Forums: Angel Power

The little things we do can mean the difference between life and death:

Our buddy Jason the medic at Camp Ramadi tells me it's been raining like hell there. They've had lots of mud and their aid station got some flooding yesterday, which knocked out their electric lights.

Luckily, we sent him some rechargeable battery-powered Coleman lanterns last month, and they put 'em to good use last night.

He said the docs had to perform some procedures by lantern light, and these $29 wonders saved the day.

You can see what a difference even the little things we do makes!

- May no soldier go unloved

From the Forums: Serving our Troops Past and Present

A Message from Captain Jason in Iraq

My unofficial, Captain Jason (proud roommate of YN#2), sent me a stack of magazines that are produced by their group at COB Speicher and distributed amongst the soldiers and, I believe, sent to families.

They are fascinating reading (though my head is spinning from some of the military terms), especially if you really don't understand what daily life is like over there for a soldier.

Anyway, I sent Jason a note last night to let him know I received them. I told him we watched the President's speech and that at this point, I don't know what to think.

Here is his reply:

We all had to watch the speech today. While it may help those folks in Baghdad and then eventually the rest of Iraq I think we will be the bill payers for the limited DoD assets available in the theater of operations.

I do hope the magazines I sent help paint a better picture of what it is like over here. Please understand. Sometimes unpleasant things happen.
That's life. But we are doing so much for so many and sometimes it feels no one but us knows. We are not looking for accolades or recognition just ....I don't know what. Maybe some self-assurance that the county we proudly represent is even remotely aware.

Please share the below address with any and all you think might make use of it. The From the Troops For the Troops tabs are worthwhile.

www.mnf-iraq.com/

Thank you to a great organization

dear kimberly, i would like to say thanks so much for ur letter of support, it meant allot more than one would know. i think u r a part of a great organization that does wonderful things for soldiers out here. let me be the one to say thank u for showing soldiers that the country they fight for has people who care for them. i wish u the best and once more thank u for ur support.

Serving Our Veterans in Waco, TX

Soldiers' Angels Texas: Just wanted to share some of the wonderful experiences we had on Easter Sunday at the Waco VA. We did not have as large a turnout as planned due to the unexpected snow on Saturday & it was too cold for the nursing home residents to attend. But we had so much fun meeting the VA recreation therapy staff. They made us feel so welcome. My co-worker Joey & her husband attended, along with my husband Phil. Joey owns a bakery & donated a large Easter sheet cake, a chocolate cake, decorated Easter cupcakes, and an Angel Food cake for the diabetics. Angel Louella generously donated 2 flat rate boxes full of indivually wrapped Easter candy which also included sugar free candy for the diabetics. Thank you Louella - the vets LOVED the candy!! It was one of their favorite things![snip]

We had 5 vets from the Blind Rehab unit attend the Bingo party. I fell in love with those guys! There was a young man in their group who had served in Iraq. You could see some scars on his head & on his temple. He was so nice and loved to smile at the WWII veterans's antics during the Bingo game. They seem to have taken the young vet under their wings. Two of them kept asking the time because they did not want to be late for mass.[snip]

One of the blind WWII vets I was helping started getting excited when he was getting closer to winning the blackout. He kept telling the other vets in his group that he sure wanted to win that Easter basket so he could share the candy and snacks with them. He said it over and over to them. He was so disappointed when he didn't win either of the Easter baskets. So I told him, "I really was hoping you were going to win one of those Easter baskets. It was so exciting that you were so close to winning. But you know what? I have combined the snacks that were left in the 2 baskets on your table into one basket - it is filled to the brim with goodies - and I would love for you to have it to share with your friends." He said, "You mean I can take it with me? Thank you lady. You really have been an angel to me." I was glad he and the others couldn't see the tears in my eyes.

I was surprised at the number of young vets who attended our Bingo party. They are some of the guys suffering from PTSD. As a group of 3 of them were leaving, one of them came up to me and very quietly said thank you for Soldiers' Angels giving them the party. I told him it was our honor and we want to thank him and the others for their service to our country. He just smiled.

Soldiers' Angels supports our serving men and women, past and present.


- May no soldier go unloved

From the Forums: Urgent Need!

In the forums we have an Angel Challenge. An OIF veteran and family are in need of direct, cash assistance to sustain. We are calling for assistance from the greater Angel and military blog community. The challenge is $10.00 (or more) donation from 100 (or more). We have appx 30 in the forum as of this posting.

Part of the story:

SGT O. (age 41) is an E-5 who has a blended family of five children (ages 17, 11, 9, 6, and 2) and his sixth child is due in early August. His wife doesn’t work due to the large family and a high-risk pregnancy (she is 41). SGT O. has been deployed to combat zones four different times (first time was in 1991 for Persian Gulf War, and the last two have been to Iraq). He is being treated for PTSD, Chronic Type,[snip]

He was in situations where he was fired at and had to fire back. He often had to clean blood and human matter out of damaged vehicles, and subsequently developed more serious symptoms

As you might understand, the family is in serious financial straits. We are looking to provide them with enough cash to sustain for at least two months and put a down payment on a vehicle that will carry the entire family.

We need your help.

Please donate to Soldiers' Angels via Pay Pal. Put "Sgt. O" in the note section for your donation.

Or, you can mail a check or money order to Soldiers' Angels at:

Soldiers Angels
1792 E. Washington Blvd
Pasadena, Ca 91104

Note in the memo section: Sgt. O

Soldiers' Angels thanks you for your support.


- May no soldier go unloved

Thank You! From Afghanistan

From a deployed service-member, heartfelt thanks to Soldiers’ Angels

In the waning days of my year-long deployment to Afghanistan, I have begun to reflect on the things that have made a huge difference to me during my tour.

When I started this journey to Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, I had no idea what to expect. All I knew was that I would be wearing body armor and carrying around an M-16. As a Sailor, I was nervous about what I had gotten myself into. As a service member, I knew that it was my time to answer my nations call. Whatever was needed of me, I would do it.

After getting over the initial shock of being over here, I discovered the America Supports You campaign. I was amazed by how much love and heartfelt gratitude my fellow Americans had for all of us deployed personnel.

After a little web-surfing, I happened on the Soldiers’ Angels network. Little did I know at the time when I put my name in for it what a profound impact SA would have on me and my troops serving “over there”.

Within weeks, I was flooded by countless postcards, letters, care packages, and emails from ordinary, extraordinary Americans who were genuinely concerned about how I was doing. Was I getting enough to eat? Am I cool or warm enough? Do I have a special treat that would make life a little easier? Where was I from?

I was taken aback by so many new friends who were honestly concerned for my well-being and of the troops around me. I was shocked and awed to say the least.

We all get homesick and depressed being on the other side of the planet, not knowing if today was going to be our last day. Whenever I felt a little down in the dumps, I always had an Angel to turn to who lifted my spirits. My Angels were there when I needed them the most, when I felt like there was no one in the world understood what I was going through.

When I was first adopted by what seemed to be every Angel in the network, I endeavored to respond to ever person who wrote to me. I did my best, but there were so many people that cared that I quickly began losing massive amounts of sleep because I was “just trying to get in one last card before turning in”.

I just couldn’t respond to everyone. As hard as I tried, I just couldn’t do my job and be a one-man letter writing campaign also.

I sent out over 230 Christmas cards last year, and I know that I missed a whole bunch of Angels who had corresponded with me. I hate it that I missed some Angels, but I did everything I could to write to everyone who had supported me.

If you didn’t get a card or letter from me, I sincerely apologize. I do hope that each and every one of you understands that there are sometimes not enough hours in the day to do anything but your job and sleep when you can find the time.

With only about thirty days to go until I start heading home, I’m now training the young men and women to do the job that I’ve done for the past 11 months. I hope that they listen to my tips and tricks to keep them safe. Most of all, I hope they take a little time out of their day to understand how much love their fellow Americans have for them.

From the deepest recesses of my heart, I want to personally thank each and every Angel. We couldn’t do what we have to do without having you there beside us, each and every step of the way.

You are all your heroes, heroes.

With warm regards,
Petty Officer First Class Matthew
Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Afghanistan

- May no soldier go unloved
Soldiers' Angels

From the Forums: Angel Power

A message thanking Soldiers' Angels for supporting military families:

Thank you to so many
for all the love and support you have shown me and my family while I have been deployed, all the time spent mowing the grass, removing snow, fixing things around the house...the gifts, cards, meals, kind words..or simply checking in on my family to see if they need anything....thanks falls way short but it is the best I can do for now. Collectively, you have made the deployment better for Laura, Blake, Sydney and me....I can never repay all you have done, please know how much it means to all who are deployed, again I challenge any of you to make the effort to support a military family, the little things really do add up.

A thank you from Afghanistan:

Thank you very much for the package you sent. Just knowing we're not forgotten is all we really need. It means alot that caring people, such as yourself, are there for us.

Looking for Volunteers for a new team

I have been contacted by a Master Sgt. at 29 palms who is asking for assistance from Soldiers' Angels. They run a mock FOB to train Marines and Sailors who are preparing to deploy. The heroes spend an average of 30-45 days at this facility preparing for what life will be like in the sandbox. The Master Sgt. wants us to provide packages and such just like the guys/gals will get when they actually deploy. This will also give some great word for SA to heroes who are preparing to head overseas.

Check the forum for details.

Don't forget Angel Alerts for emergency requests.


- May no soldier go unloved
Soldiers' Angels

From the Forums: Angel Power

It's time to take a look at some of the Forum items we may have missed because it scrolls by so fast with so many requests.

First, request (actually begging) for "Welcome Home" emails or snail mail for a soldier coming home in March. His Angel is taking a banner and wanted to bring him a bunch of support letters as soon as he got off the plain. At time of posting, she only had 6 letters with approximately 6 more angels volunteering.

I think we can do better than that. It's a simple email. Only a few words needed to welcome him back. Can we get another matching six from the Kansas City area? More? Check out the forum for mailing info.

Second, request for Birthday cards for soldier who is missing his family. It's $0.99 at the dollar store and another $0.39 for a stamp. Please help out this angel and get this young hero some cards.

We interrupt the serious requests for a little Angel Humor: You Know An Angel is Commited When...

Got a NEW Mailman. TODAY. He's definately male, I don't know where SHE's gone to. Maybe ANGER MANAGEMENT?????? Anyway, I really made a great first impression. I was running down my driveway, trying to catch the mailman, (in nightgown and robe, slippers and all) wanted to get out my latest letters to heroes. When slipped on the last remaining ICE BERG in my driveway, and Guess what??? Slid almost 10 feet to the end of my driveway, just to where he was,

That is only the beginning of that story. Go here to catch the rest.

Another "Angel Humor" story: You look good for just having a baby.

This is just tooooo funny....we have been having bad weather here and didn't get any mail on Monday...Tuesday the mailman saw me in the tractor (feeding cows) and drove over...I got out and he says "boy you look good after your baby" I of course say WHAT?? My youngest is 8 and my oldest is 19 and I am toooo old LOL....He said I figured you had a baby named Angela with all these cards...he takes SIXTEEN cards out of his bag for me and my birthday Marine Angela...we are both laughing hysterically.

Then today he brought a card for Angela too from him and his wife !!
SO I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL (ALL 16 OF YOU) for the cards!!! Keep them coming...this is great!

Back to requests...

VA Hospital in Texas needs help in the Alert Section. It's mostly hygiene basics, just like we send our deployed guys and gals, so if you got a little extra, send it that way.

Patti makes March our "check on the VA" month). Local angel Jenna said:

Kansas City VA Medical Center checked.... It has an affiliation with the University of Kansas School of Medicine and I work at the University of Kansas Medical Center. I would call it decent although it lacks alot of creature comforts and activities for the patients. I have not spoken with anyone regarding a wish list yet, but I will see what I can do. I know we get alot of their "sicker" patients at my hospital and what we hear is that the VA isn't very comfortable for patients or families because of the lack of creature comforts....

Been to the VA many times with family. Paperwork is ugly. Some floors are better than others. Last trip there over a year ago, plenty of vets with limited resources and limited family support. I actually have a veteran in my medical facility that has no family. I also have contact with the VA as well and will work to coordinate with Jenna and anyone else.

Plenty of good feedback already on other VA responses.

A second VA request, closer to home for Nebraska. Same needs.

Until we know what the VA in KC needs, please work with one of these requests.

Don't forget Amy's Alerts. Many large units in need of support.

Letters from the not so "Silent Soldiers"

Thank you from Afghanistan.

I just wanted to write you a short note and thank you for your letter.
I am a Reserve Officer from Virginia. I have been in the United States Air Force 26 years with my Active Duty and Reserve time. I am now on my third activation of my career. I have two boys and a daughter. My older son (22 y/o) is now serving in the National Guard.

I was deployed to Kabul Afghanistan to help support the Afghan Army and Police Medical system. The Taliban was in control of most of Afghanistan until 2001 when the United States came in to rid this country of the terrorist. Our goal is to plan, program, and implement reform of the Afghan Police and Defense sector to develop a stable Afghanistan. We are not occupying Afghanistan like Iraq. We are trying to build a strong infrastructure so that when we leave the Taliban, insurgents and drug lords will not be able to take over this country again.

Our job is to travel down range to forward operating bases in Herat, Mazare Sharif, Gardez and Kandahar to open 50 bed hospitals for the Afghan National Army. The United States is building and outfitting the entire hospital to include training. They currently have a 3rd world country medical system.

I am proud to be an American and serve my country by helping others. I feel we have made an incredible difference in the lives of the Afghanistan people. This will translate into their country being able to stand on their own and not let terrorism breed here that will later affect our great country.

I and my fellow warriors have made many sacrifices. We have missed birthdays, anniversaries, Holidays and our homes. Yet I have not found one soldier that regrets being here and doing their duty. Please thank your husband for his service to our great country. Thank you for your support and wishes.

Finally, an update from the MasCal alert we placed on the blog two weeks ago: Mission Accomplished.

2/28/2007- Here is an update from Jason, looks we are done with this request. good work everyone!
-rog

DEAR ANGELS, THAK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT. I GOT A HUGE SHIPMENT OF BOXES IN TODAY. WE ARE GOOD TO GO BY A LONG SHOT ON BABY ITEMS. WE EVEN GAVE SOME TO THE CIVIL AFFAIRS TEAMS TO HELP THE POOR RURAL IRAQ PEOPLE. I CAN THANK YOU ALL ENOUGH I AM SO BLESSED WITH THE ANGELS THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH.

ONCE AGAIN THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT FROM ALL THE MEDICS AT RAMADI AID STATION. GOD BLESS SSG Y

- May no soldier go unloved

From the Forum: Angel Power

If you haven't caught the news the last two days, Baghdad CSH is getting hit hard and could need some support.

Don't forget Amy's Alerts every Sunday that have large group requests. There are several requests still open. Large groups and CSH units looking for special care.

If you're not a Soldiers' Angel and want to help out, click on the icon at the bottom of this post to join. If you're an Angel, but haven't made it to the forums yet to keep up on the requests or would like to contact Amy to help with an alert, click here to register and then go here for alerts and contact information.

Also, a Wish List From Afghanistan

A little reminder of why we do it-

A heartwarming message from the field for the Angels who sent items to Sgt Corey to be used as prizes for his morale program:

Hello Janet - we have received some packages with prizes. We all want to tell you how thankful we are and we will use these prizes to help with the morale here. I will try to send pics of the troops receiving the prizes. I know my boss was really uplifted when he watched me open up the packages. We really want to send out a truly felt thank you from our hearts and continue to keep us soldiers in your thought and prayers. I will be sending pics real soon. Thank you and God bless.

It's the simple things.

Feb 13, 2007 - I do have something I could use help on, it actually made me kinda sad today to see this. My NCO, has like no bedding at all except for a sheet set that Therese sent me and I passed it on to him, He is a really great guy but can't afford to purchase decent bedding, for family reasons. But I mean that guys face lite right up when I gave him a set of sheets something so simple made his day.

If I could make every soldier around me lite up like that man that would be great, because then I know that for at least a little bit they arent stressing about things they cant control right now. We all need to keep our heads in the game, and the little things that occur back home make it hard at times. But the little items that remind us from home, or even a tiny thing like sharing my Red Bull with someone who was dying for one....Makes a Soldiers Day
I've seen some of the things you all have done, and wanted to tell you how much of a impact you make on peoples lives. I know we are in a bad place, and its only going to get worse, but you cant smile on the outside without feeling good on the inside.

Feb 17, 2007 - Well our mail person just dropped off our mail, and WoW I cant believe there is stuff already coming. We got stack of Thank You cards from Ann Marie...everyone says thank you. I'm going to be passing them out tonight at our meeting but alot of people already got a couple they all want to write back to everyone that left a address. Patti and Roger we got the stuffed animals and they couldnt of come at a more perfect time, we just had a child come in yesterday, he looked a little nervous when I walked up to him with a few stuff animals but he was very happy. I'm going to see him again tomorrow and just hang out with him for a bit. Everything is going pretty well here, all the medics are excited now since I've talked to them to let them know that we have a group of awesome people helping us out. Monday is my day off so Roger I'll be sure to send you some pictures from this past week. Well going to get chow, Everyone have a great day. And THANK YOU SO MUCH ! !

~Bobby (Happiest Medic in the world)

Remember, if you're not a Soldiers' Angel and want to help out, click on the icon at the bottom of this post to join. If you're an Angel, but haven't made it to the forums yet to keep up on the requests or would like to contact Amy to help with an alert, click here to register and then go here for alerts and contact information.

- May no soldier go unloved

MASCAL Alert In Forum: Children Involved

If you don't frequent the forums often, you might miss some special emergent requests.

CSH Unit Ramadi needs children's clothes, diapers, formula, etc.

MASCAL = Mass Casualty. A "MASCAL" is a mass casualty alert, and means that all medics, volunteers and anyone who can help should rush to the CSH to help with the inflow of injured.

Message from Sgt Yurek:

THX YOU ALL FOR EVERYTHING YOUVE SENT!

JUST TO LET YOU KNOW WITHOUT GOING TO GRAPHIC DETAIL WE HAD A MASCAL WITH LOTS OF CHILDREN. I HATE TO ASK FOR MORE STUFF BUT I NEED SOME DIAPERS(all sizes infant through 5 year old), CHILDERN CLOTHES ALL SIZES(can be used), BABY BLANKETS, BOTTLES, baby food AND EVEN FORMULA. IT WAS A ROUGH ONE TODAY. WE ARE ALSO LOOKING FOR CHILDREN'S PJS FROM EX SM TO XXXX SIZES

.

Nothing on AP or Centcom yet on any attack. I'll keep everyone posted.

You can go to the forum to get the address to send the needed items. If you aren't an angel yet or haven't registered, get to it so we can help these guys out. Or, email KC Soldiers Angels for details.

The Senate and House debate, but the war is still on.

- May no soldier go unloved

And may God have mercy on the children