Never Again

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 VFW Convention

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

Kansas City Heart of America Summer 2007 Veterans' Stand Down

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

On Volunteering

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

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

Many Veterans Of Wars In Iraq, Afghanistan Lack Access To Mental Health Treatment

Soldiers returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan "are finding it more difficult" to receive mental health treatment because therapists say reimbursement rates for care are too low, the AP/Arizona Daily Star reports. According to the AP/Daily Star, about one-third of the 9.1 million people covered under the military health care system, called Tricare, seek mental health counseling in their first year after returning from war.

Wait lists for care "now extend for months to see a military doctor, and it can take weeks to find a private therapist" willing to treat members of the military, the AP/Daily Star reports. "The challenge appears great in rural areas, where many National Guard and Reserve troops and their families live," according to the AP/Daily Star.

This is no bull. During a local Soldiers' Angels event with American Legion Post 370 Riders, I was speaking with the girlfriend of a recently returned Iraq vet (within the last year). He was in Topeka at an "in patient" treatment program. One of the major problems was that the VA only had two PTSD support programs available: one in Kansas City and one in Topeka. Leavenworth, where they lived near, did not have such a program. The waiting list for these programs was almost a year. Needless to say, this vet did not have a year to 'wait'. He wanted to get straight NOW. Unfortunately, that took a lot of work and ended with this vet going to Topeka, almost over an hour away from where he lived and his natural support group of family, friends and organizations he belonged to like the ALR.

He was a member of the Kansas National Guard. Private psychiatrists or other groups were not available to him or were too costly under his Tricare benefits which did not last past 6 months (as most would be aware is a problem when we previously talked about veterans medicine).

In related news, Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) on Friday said that he supports legislation that would provide new compensation benefits and bonus incentives for military personnel, the Lincoln Journal Star reports. Nelson, chair of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, said that the military health care system has been overwhelmed by "too many patients, too few doctors and too few facilities." In addition, he said that long waiting periods for care, fewer options and burdensome travel requirements have further complicated the system. Nelson said that he will push for more resources, incentives to recruit and retain military personnel and better coordination to assure timely care, the Journal Star reports.

He also said that his subcommittee is developing "wounded warrior" legislation that would strengthen the veterans' health system. Nelson said that he has added $3.5 billion to the Veterans Administration budget recommended by President Bush to achieve his goal of improved services.

He said, "Help is on the way," adding, "Paying more and waiting longer for less care represents a breach of faith with our veterans." Nelson on Saturday outlined his plan during speeches to the Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion (Walton, Lincoln Journal Star, 6/8).

Now that's a congressional plan I can get with.
- May no soldier go unloved

Supporting Our Troops in Kansas City

Soldiers' Angels KC doesn't have it's own events planned for June, but we are participating with and supporting other organizations and events. Take a look at what's going on in our area for supporting the troops

Wish List for VA in Kansas City, MO

A member of Soldiers’ Angels VA Support/None Forgotten team has been in touch with our local VA and has posted a wish list. If you would like to donate some of these items (new items only please) give Monique a call and let her know you are from Soldiers’ Angels and want to make a donation.

Kansas City VA Medical Center 4801 Linwood Boulevard Kansas City, MO 64128
Contact Person: Monique Pena 1-800-525-1483

Wish List: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, shaving cream, combs, denture adhesive, cotton socks, Tshirts, briefs, puzzle books, paperbacks, puzzles, phone cards, postage stamps, coffee.

Hey! If you're not from Soldiers' Angels, but you want to support our veterans, please do so. All of our veterans deserve our thanks for keeping us free!

Military Appreciation Night at the “K” Saturday June 16th

The Royals will be honoring military personnel during two special nights at Kauffman Stadium in 2007. Military Appreciation Night, which will feature a patriotic pre-game ceremony honoring local heroes, is set for Saturday, June 16 as Kansas City takes on the Florida Marlins at 6:10 pm. The first 20,000 fans in attendance will receive a free "Stars and Stripes" Royals cap. Special ticket locations and pricing for members of the military are available through the Royals Group Sales Department. Please contact Jon Weinman at (816) 504-4476 for more information. The Royals will also host a Salute to Uniformed Heroes Night on Tuesday, Sept. 11.

Bobo's Big Adventure

That's right! Another Poker Run! This time to get calling cards for our troops! There's nothing like being able to call home for a few minutes, learn that everything is alright or tell the family that their loved one is still alive and well to decompress the stress of continuous missions. When our soldiers, sailors, air force and marines are stressed out, they are not focused on the mission. When they are not focused on the mission, people can be seriously injured or worse. These cards are real morale boosters.

You can make a difference.

Just what is a Bobo?...click here to find out

The American Legion Riders Post 370 is hosting a Poker Run with all proceeds going to buy phone cards to send to our troops that are serving in harms way for their country.

Sunday June 10, 2007

The poker run will start and finish at American Legion post 370 at 7500 W 75st, Overland Park Ks
Registration to begin at 9:00 am with the last bike out at 11:00am
Returning bikes need to be in by 4:30pm with the prizes announced at 5:00pm
American Legion Post 370, 7500 W. 75th St., Overland Park, KS
Pre- Registration $10.00 minimum donation must be mailed by May 19th, 2007 (Rain or Shine, cagers welcome) $15.00 minimum donation at the door/ Extra hand $5.00 each.


Click here to Pre-Register now !!!

- May no soldier go unloved

Remember Them - Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day. Today we remember all those who have served our nation and made the final sacrifice on behalf of our nation, in defense of freedom.

Today, we will eat barbecue and watermelon, drink soda, and enjoy a fantastic day with our families and friends. This unique freedom was purchased for us with the blood, sweat and tears of millions of men and women in uniform for over 230 years. In another place, our men and women are still at war. In places around the country, families, friends and loved ones will be grieving for our fallen.

While we enjoy this day, please give a moment of thought to those who never made it home and those whose names you will never know, but purchased this day for you with the utmost love and devotion.

The following is an original song, written and performed by me. I don't claim to be a professional singer (or one at all) and Jimi Hendrix may be turning over in his grave from my guitar playing, but it comes straight from the heart in hopes that you will remember to "Thank a Vet".



We remember Sgt. Ian Anderson, Prairie Village, Kansas who died in Iraq

We remember Cpl. Lucas Frantz, Tongonoxie, Kansas who died in Iraq, whose parents were friends of my family

We remember Sgt. Donald Walters, Lee's Summit, Missouri who died during the invasion of Iraq and fought until he ran out of ammunition. First Kansas City area death.

We remember Spc. Benjamin Ashley of Independence, Missouri who died in Iraq

Family and Friends

I remember Pvt Babe Howard, US Army, WWI, great, great uncle

I remember S1C Leroy Henry, USN World War II, grandfather and the best history teacher I ever had

I remember AA Leon Henry, USN Korean War, great uncle, great friend

I remember S2C Lonnie Howard, USN, great uncle

I remember PFC Fred Bratcher, US Army, WWII, great uncle

I remember Pvt Floyd Bratcher, US Marines, WWII, great uncle

I remember Sgt Fred Waters, US Army, WWII friend of family

I remember TC1 Donald Kuehl, US Army and Air Force, Army of Occupation Germany and Korean War, uncle and beloved brother to my mom

I remember Sgt. Lewis Henry, US Army, Vietnam, favorite uncle who taught me to love history and ride motorcycles

I remember them.

Castle Arrggh Remembers


- May no soldier go unloved

All the Way Home

Shelle, our great PR manager at Soldiers' Angels sent this piece from a Chaplain in the Minnesota National Guard.

It Takes Communities To Bring Soldiers All The Way Home

I am watching the growing furor over the shortcomings in the Veterans Administration system and the fallout from Walter Reed Army Hospital with growing alarm. I am concerned that we are going to fix the crisis and forget the problem.

The problem is how to help warriors, and their families, successfully reintegrate back into our communities, and their homes, after combat. A portion of that problem is health care related. For a majority of combat vets, however, only a small part of their reintegration challenge has to do with health care for physical injuries. Behavioral and mental health are bigger issues. And for most, the biggest challenge is relational: rebuilding marriages, reconnecting with children, rejoining friends,
rejoining the global economy, getting back to the communities of faith we left, etc.

The problem with focusing on the VA is we may well fix the VA only to convince ourselves that the reintegration of our combat veterans is a government program, not a community process. If we expect the government to take care of everything, we will have failed our combat veterans and their families as well as ourselves.

We have sent our precious men and women to war. The VA can't bring them home. Only we can. We have a moral obligation to insure that all of our combat veterans come all the way home to their families, their jobs, their schools and their communities.

A government program can't do that. A community can.

That means each of us needs to roll up our sleeves and do more than castigate the VA. It means the following:

If you are a health care provider in Minnesota, do the right thing: Become a Tricare provider. Tricare is the insurance the government issues to mobilized reservists and guardsmen.

Two-thirds of Minnesota health care providers are not Tricare providers. The result: We do not have an in-patient chemical dependency treatment center in Minnesota that is a Tricare provider. We have a dire shortage of behavioral mental health providers who are Tricare providers. The VA can't fix this … we can.

If you are an educator, sign up for an Operation Military Kids workshop and learn about the daunting challenges our 7,000 Minnesota military kids face when their parent marches off to war, and when they return. Help our children while we are at war. Parent educators, we need you to offer classes in every school district in Minnesota, for military families. We need your help in learning how to parent our children again.

If you are a member of the clergy, learn all you can about the toll combat takes on marriages, families, mothers and fathers of military personnel. You don't have to support the foreign policy to pray for us while we are in harm's way and to visit our parents, our spouses and our children while we are gone. When we come home, we need your help in putting our marriages, families and lives back together.

If you are an employer, please give my spouse some grace. She or he is juggling a job, a family, a home and a huge heartache. There are no laws to protect them while we are at war, as there are to protect my job when I come back. They struggle mightily and may need some special attention and some extra time off. Do the right thing — help them.

If you are a social service provider, learn all you can about combat operational stress, the challenges of reintegration for combat veterans and the impact of war on the family system. You are our "first call for help;" don't fail us because you choose not to invest in your professional development.

If you are a politician, don't politicize the shortfalls in the VA or the military medical system. We aren't pawns in an election cycle; we are your constituents, and we are counting on you to fix the problems. Energize the community on our behalf to do right by us. We're not asking for showy programs. We are asking for tangible signs of support in terms of services offered.

If you are our neighbors, and you are, don't "victimize" us. Most combat veterans come home without PTSD, mental disorders, physical wounds or destroyed lives. We generally readjust well and go on to live productive lives. Expect great contributions to society from us. We won't disappoint you. Challenge us to greatness; we know how to serve.

Watch over our families while we are gone. Extend a warm welcome home when we return. Walk with us through the months of readjustment, and make a place for us in the community.

If we are among the tragic few who come home physically or mentally wounded, help us by connecting us to local, county, state and federal resources.

Certainly, address the problems with the VA, the military medical system and other systemic issues that face us.

But, above all … bring us all the way home.

A program can't do that. You can.

Major John Morris is a chaplain in the Minnesota Army National Guard. For more information about his and others' ground-breaking work on reintegrating returning soldiers, go to http://www.dma.state.mn.us/ and look for the "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon" link.


- May no soldier go unloved

Soldiers' Angels Texas and the Grill Instructors

- May no soldier go unlovedHELLO ALL!!!

Last weekend, May 19th - Soldiers' Angels of central Texas joined forces with Grill Instructors to serve 1000 people at the VA hospital in Waco, Texas. We invited all in-patients, out-patients, families and employees. We also invited people from the local VFW's, PGR and some local contacts.

It was a HUGE success Thanks to all who donated and helped to get donations! Thanks to all who helped out with this!!! The Grill Instructors were also KEY in making this happen. We couldn't have done it without you guys!!! THANK YOU!!!! PGR showed up with a huge amount of donations,and a local contact from the American Legion Auxiliary - Bryant Oliver Post, came and brought a large donation of items. The Grill Instructors showed up with 2 big screen tv's they had donated to give to the VA facility! We had all the Pepsi products we could drink and all the chips we could eat from Frito Lay - Thanks Stephanie! We also had 1100 sm cups of Blue Bell Ice Cream donated by Blue Bell - Thanks to the Grill Instructors for that also! We had 2 very generous grants, one from Salute America's Heroes, and another from Impact Player Partners, BIG THANK YOU on those!

The patients and employees at the VA Hospital were overwhelmed by the out pouring of love and support they were receiving. It was such an honor to be able to serve our veterans a meal they will never forget! The food was superb!

I put some of the pictures that I have on a slide show for everyone to enjoy, and I expect more pictures later.

Link to slide show:

I just wanted to share with everyone and tell everyone that made this happen THANK YOU!!!! From the Depths of my HEART!!!!!

BIG BIG ANGEL HUGS TO ALL!!!!! =-)

Toni Laird
Soldiers' Angels
VA National Team Leader

Our Soldiers on the front lines today, will be our veterans tomorrow!!! Thank a Vet Today!!

Talking With Heroes in Kansas City: Wonderful People

I attended the Talking with Heroes event in Olathe, Kansas Friday night. We had some mixed results in terms of attendance and video/audio, but we did have a reporter show up. Sadly, I think the low attendance was the worst thing that could happen with media there, but, we are undaunted.

As usual, I had my trusty ambush video cam ready and I got to talk to a bunch of great troops and support people. I hope you enjoy the video below. I certainly enjoyed talking to all of these fantastic folks.

I was extremely impressed.



Join Soldiers' Angels and work with our heroes everyday.

Cross posted at the Castle

- May no soldier go unloved

Talking With Heroes in Kansas City

This is a reminder that May 4th, 2007 Bob Calvert from Talking with Heroes will be in the Kansas City Area recording his show for Dishnetwork's Altitude Sports.

He'll be featuring live interviews from soldiers currently deployed, people who support our troops locally and many others.

Complete tour information is here.

TALKING WITH HEROES

ON THE ROAD 2007

From Olathe, Kansas

May 4, 2007

6:00pm (CST)

Troop Support Fair

Military Support and Veterans Groups from the Olathe/Kansas City Area
will have Information Tables so that military personnel, their families
and people in the area can see how they help our military and families
in the community. This would be a good opportunity for those attending
this event to get involved with these local groups.

7:00 pm (CST)

Talking with Heroes Talk Show

8:00pm (CST)

Calls begin coming in LIVE from Iraq!

The First Hour of This Talk Show will air on our Regular Sunday Night Time On the Internet

May 6, 2007 at 5pm PST

The Second Hour will air on

May 13, 2007 at 5pm PST

On the May 13th program we will have a link to the Call Ins from Iraq so everybody can see them.

Venue Provided By: Indian Creek Community Church



Guests will include:


Teri Louthain whose son is deployed to Baghdad and has been extremely helpful in supporting Soldiers' Angels in Kansas City. We saw Teri recently at the welcome home for 24 Marine and she was instrumental in helping us do the wonderful float for the Snake Saturday Parade.




Gwen Mendenhall
www.TheHugsProject.com

I started participating in The Hugs Project when my brother was deployed a second time to the Middle East. I have always supported our troops and started a program, “Troops for Troops”, that functioned through the Girl Scouts mainly to send cookies and care packages to those deployed.

I helped organize a group in Kansas City for The Hugs Project in May of 2006. From there, the group has made over 1000 cool ties and many care packages, just under a year. The support from other families, and the great support we give to others in need, makes this group one in a million. I am proud to help serve those that serve our country day in and day out.

My name is Berniece Stutzman grandmother to Cpl Joshua A. Mendenhall, Unites States Marine Corp. I found out about KC Hugs through my daughter Gwen Mendenhall. I became involved to help our troops and to show my support.

Marcia Conley, Regional Manager for Kansas and
the Greater Kansas City Area for Soldiers’ Angels.
www.soldiersangels.org

Marcia and her husband John live in Lenexa, Kansas with their two children Elizabeth and John Patrick.

Marcia has been a member of Soldiers’ Angels since 2004, getting involved after a family friend was deployed to Iraq in 2004-2005. Marcia is a member of the Soldiers’ Angels Adoptions’ Team, the Letter Writing Team, and is a mentor to other angels. Her Regional Manager responsibilities involve assisting local Kansas City Angels with getting more involved on the local level and coordinating activities to promote Soldiers’ Angels and its mission

Barbara and George Nunemacher from VFW 7397

Our organization does much for veterans service, community service, youth development and legislative action. The thing I am most proud of is the adoption by our Post and Auxiliary of three units that were deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo. Meeting and getting to know these soldiers and their families is an experience I will never forget. These men and women became friends and I thank God that they all came home safely.

Linda Relitz

US Troop Support Foundation

www.ustroopsupport.org

US Troop Support Foundation was started in Jan 2003 by Jeff and Linda Relitz. Their son, a 20 year old Marine, was leaving for Kuwait, and not knowing what would happen. They needed to do something to keep their minds occupied and help their son at the same time. They came up with the idea of adopting their son's unit and sending them all care packages. Starting back then with 187 Marines to send to, and a few friends to help, US Troop Support Foundation began.

Cheyne Worley, Kansas City Chapter President of the Veterans' Information Network

Cheyne Worley is a Gulf War veteran and served as the unit supply sergeant with C Company 5th Battalion 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Cheyne has served as the National Secretary of the NGWRC since April 2004.

Cheyne is the Kansas City Chapter President of the Veterans' Information Network, a veterans' advocacy organization located in Kansas.

Sgt Christopher Surber
US Marines

In March of 2005, I deployed with a great group of gentlemen warriors to the Iraqi town of Fallujah where I began the tour as a vehicle commander. Shortly thereafter I was moved to become a four-vehicle team leader where I spent the majority of our tour until ultimately becoming an eight-vehicle section leader.

During the seven months we spent in country we endured a variety of casualties from shrapnel wounds and unconscious Marines to a broken neck and severed appendages. Luckily for all of us, everyone in our platoon returned home. I lost a friend in another unit and regret not being there but had to realize everyone has their place in war and mine was in Fallujah with our mission.

CPL Joshua Jones, US Marines

CPL Jones very recently returned from Iraq. We will have more information on this returning Marine later this week or possibly even after the talk show itself. We have been told that he has agreed to be one of our guests on this talk show program.

Join Soldies' Angels in telling Kansas City about our great heroes.


- May no soldier go unloved

Soldiers Angels Texas: "Wild Child" Kebin Kinsley Supports Soldiers' Angels

"Wild Child" driver Kebin Kinsley offered to display Soldiers Angels web address and logo on his car for the 2007 season. This has so far been a wonderful partnership for Soldiers Angels. Kebin and his team feature two charities on their car; along with Soldiers Angels they also feature Childrens Miracle Network.





We arrived at the race track in Ennis around 10:30 a.m. and met the veterans from Waco VA Hospital in the stands. They were already enjoying the races and waiting for Kebin "Wild Child" to run his first qualifying race. Soldiers Angels and the Veterans from Waco VA were announced over the PA system and I saw smiles on each and every Veterans face when they heard that announcement! Needless to say when Kebin won the first race everyone around me stood to cheer and clap for Kebin and the team!

Read the rest here

- May no soldier go unloved
Soldiers' Angels

Local Military News: Kansas and Missouri

Missouri honored it's veterans on Tuesday, April 10th. A rally supporting the troops was held after the event to honor 50 veterans and 77 Missourians who have died since 2003.

“Supporting Troops - Past, Present and Future” echoed throughout Tuesday's events at the Missouri State Capitol.

The ninth Support Your Troops event wrapped up the day with a somber show of appreciation, including the Boone County Pipes and Drums echoing through the Capitol Rotunda, for the 77 Missouri soldiers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the War on Terror. [snip]

A ceremony in the House Chambers presented more than 50 servicemen from all eras, military branches and components with House Resolution 768 recognizing their service.

And the Missouri Veterans Stories Project was unveiled in the Rotunda.

Past commission leadership, Patriot Guard riders, veterans of all backgrounds, state elected officials and friends and family of lost service members gathered for the various recognition events.

More on the Rally

Fifty-seven veterans, whose service stretched from World War II to the Iraq war, were individually announced and presented with a state proclamation detailing their service during a ceremony in the House chamber. Several House members, including Speaker Rod Jetton, are veterans, and two lawmakers who have served in Iraq received official recognition.

Later Tuesday, the ceremonies continued with a drill performance and an evening rally with speeches by several military and political leaders.

Bercina Garstang, who was standing with a small American flag outside the Capitol on Tuesday, said she had come, in part, to honor her son who is on his third deployment in Iraq.

Garstang said her 21-year-old son enlisted in the Marines out of high school and has been injured several times and has not been home in more than two years.

Veterans "have done so much for our country - we owe them a lot for us having our peace of mind here," she said. "We need to stand behind them."

Garstang, from Chamois, said that since her son went to war, ceremonies to thank veterans have a new meaning.[snip]

Retired Lt. Col. Les Spangler said the recognition in the morning ceremony was a long time in coming for many of the state's veterans, whose service in Korea and Vietnam has only been recognized in recent years.

"It grabs you right by the heart to think the state would stop and give recognition and appreciation," he said.

Spangler, enlisted in 1952 and graduated from officer candidate school in 1954. He served in Europe, Korea and Vietnam with the 82nd Airborne division.

He said that the current environment and controversy surrounding the Iraq war makes it especially important to thank military forces to ensure troops do not think their efforts are being ignored.

"I know what happened to me in Vietnam. When I saw that the government didn't want the war, the media wasn't all that supportive of Vietnam, it trickled down to the people, and I don't want to see that happen," Spangler said.

Wounded soldier among Tuesday's honored veterans

Robert “Weston” Schubert clutched an engagement ring in his right hand as Erica entered his room at Walter Reed Medical Center.

He held it out to slide on her ring finger.

No words needed to be spoken in that solidifying moment between the 23 year olds who have been best friends since age 9 - they couldn't have been spoken.

U.S. Army Spc. Schubert was recovering from an Iraqi sniper's fire, which went through his neck and out his mouth. But he was relieved that Erica and his family were still by his side.[snip]

On convalescence leave, Schubert was able to accept a proclamation at the Capitol on Tuesday as part of the celebration of the Missouri Veterans Commission's 75th anniversary.

Noticeably thin - he has lost 40 pounds since December - and with apparent facial injuries, Schubert's peers of the past and present gave him a round of applause as a record of his service was read aloud.

Yet, Schubert - a recipient of two Purple Hearts - noted it was the older veterans, those who were applauding him, that he admired.

“When they read that a World War II veteran was in the infantry in the German theater, that tells me he's gone through a lot,” Schubert said.

“People look at me like a hero, that's fine. But I look to them as my heroes.”

Generations of Missourians Serve

Families like the Dayringers have shared a military heritage that spans generations and branches.

Joe, Paula, their two sons, his father and his uncle all were honored Tuesday as part of the “A Grateful Nation Remembers” veterans recognition ceremony in the Missouri House Chambers.

The Dayringers were among more than 50 veterans from across the state honored as part of the 75th anniversary celebration of the Missouri Veterans Commission.

Listen to the Lessons of World War I

Ninety years ago this month, another generation of young Americans answered the call to war.

They went willingly, infused with a sense of purpose in a just cause. But they were naïve and enthusiastic and unmindful of the nature of war. Grand adventure awaited them.

The grinding horrors they experienced on the battlefields of France would soon disabuse them of those notions.

But the hard lessons learned by the generation that fought “The war to end all wars” have faded away along with the lives of those who experienced it.

Now, as another April dawns, comes news that of an army of millions mustered in 1917 and 1918 to make the world safe for democracy, only three old men remain.

Who will be left to remember what they did when the last of them passes on?

Well, we in Kansas City have that opportunity thanks to the Liberty Memorial and our National World War I Museum. It’s a chance that we should embrace.

The museum is now being considered to host a commemoration ceremony when the last of the veterans is gone. And starting later this month, the museum is helping to host a series of forums and lectures by noted historians to discuss “The Legacy of the Great War: 90 Years On.”[snip]

Although it seems so long ago, so remote from our own time, we can’t afford to forget the World War I generation.

Jay Winter, one of the participants in the Kansas City presentations, has said you can’t understand our world today without knowing that its roots are firmly planted in the Great War.

From its ashes rose the Nazi movement, the greatest evil to ever blot human history. The Russian revolution and eventually the Cold War were its progeny. And so much of the strife in the Middle East today can be traced to decisions made during the war.

It has become a cliché to say that those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it, but in so many ways that’s true.

Since 1918, humankind has proved that again and again and again

Missouri Mystery from World War II is Cleared

More than 60 years after his disappearance, Staff Sgt. Norman L. Nell finally will be memorialized.

Nell, of Tarkio, Mo., was only 21 when he disappeared in April 1944 during a World War II mission over New Guinea. He was a U.S. Army crewman on a B-24 Liberator, and his plane was altering course in bad weather and disappeared without a trace — until the wreckage was found in 2001.

Remains of the 10 crewmen had never been identified.

Until now.

The U.S. Department of Defense recently announced that remains of the 10 crew members have finally been identified.[snip]

According to the Department of Defense, Nell’s crew had just bombed enemy targets near Hollandia (now called Jayapura) and was returning to the aerodrome at Nadzab, New Guinea. Bad weather forced the aircraft to alter its course, and the crew never returned to friendly lines.

In late 2001, the U.S. Embassy in Papua New Guinea notified the Department of Defense that wreckage of a World War II bomber had been found in Morobe province. That set in motion a chain of events that, over several years, led to this week’s formal identification.

Officials even found Nell’s high school class ring, which will be sent to Schreiner.

Man Posing as a Marine gets 2 Years Probation

A St. Louis man who posed as a Marine and wore military medals not awarded to him was sentenced Tuesday to two years of probation on a federal charge.

Michael Gerald Weilbacher, 48, will also serve 120 hours of community service at a military organization and pay a $3,000 fine. He pleaded guilty Feb. 1.

Weilbacher appeared at the U.S. Marine Corps Ball on Nov. 11 wearing several medals and decorations.

Please help us support our troops. Join Soldiers' Angels and make a difference, be part of history.

- May no soldier go unloved

This Just In: Support the Troops Rally in Jefferson, MO

Announcement from Pat Rowe Kerr, State Veterans Ombudsman, Operation Outreach, Missouri Veterans Commission: The next Missouri "Support the Troops" event is scheduled for April 10th at 12:00 p.m. on the south lawn of the Capitol. Spread the word. That is also a celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Missouri Veterans Commission (www.mvc.dps.mo.gov) and we will be recognizing veterans from across the state inside the House Chambers earlier in the day as well.

Come and show your support!

That's in Jeff City. A little ways for some of us, but not too far for the troops!

- May no soldier go unloved

Soldiers' Angels: In the News

Soldiers' Angels have been very busy all over the United States providing care for our serving AND veteran men and women in uniform.

Soldiers' Angels in North Dakota welcomed home the North Dakota Army National Guard on Friday which I covered here with pictures. KFYR News was on the scene and filed this video report.

The best part? When the young soldier they were interviewing said what she really wanted "right now" was a chocolate shake. I hope somebody got it for her.

Soldiers' Angels Texas recently provided money and care items to veterans at the Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center in Bonham, Texas:

Everyone’s talking about who does or does not support U.S. troops at home and abroad. One relatively new organization leaves no room for doubt.

“We’ve really got a mixed up world today,” said Otto A. Schroeder, a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army 32nd Division, who was stationed in the South Pacific. Nowadays he lives at the Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center in Bonham, where Martha Newman and Twyla Choate of Soldiers’ Angels recently donated $1,000 in comfort items and phone cards for elderly veterans.[snip]

Schroeder, at 90, said the items he’s received included writing tablets, envelopes, phone cards and more.

“Being remembered for our service to our country means so much to each of us here,” he said. “We deeply appreciate the respect they have shown to us who have served in past wars. We wish our soldiers didn’t have to go to war now. But if I were younger, I’d be over there, too.”

- May no soldier go unloved

Soldiers' Angels Texas: In the News

Soldiers’ Angels recently donated $1,000.00 as well as many comfort items and phone cards to the Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center in Bonham. Martha S. Neyman from Sherman and Twyla Choate from Plano, representing Soldiers’ Angels, presented two $500 donations to Daniel K. Heers, Operations Manager.

- May no soldier go unloved