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

Rally in the Alley - Video

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



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

Until They Bring You Boys Back Home

- May no soldier go unloved

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

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

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

Soldiers' Angels Supports Our Troops - Hoo-ah!



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

Next Event:

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

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

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

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

- May no soldier go unloved

Radar Love: Operation Aces High Video

UPDATED!!!! There it is. Finally, the video. I guarantee the wait was worth it.

Enjoy. (Ignore the "image coming soon"; I promise the video works)



Message from Soldiers' Angels' Patti:

Awesome just Awesome,
Thank you from my heart,
Love
patti

and

I could spend my life working night and day and still not ever be able to repay you for this magnifient event.
I think we should make copies of this and put in backpacks,
I love you
Patti

Debby Frerichs, Soldiers' Angels VP

This is fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You did a super job with this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

Debby

What are you waiting for? Watch the video!


- May no soldier go unloved

Letters From the Front - Thank You For Your Support

This video is from local KC Angels who read letters and told stories about the wonderful responses they received full of gratitude for the support they have given to our troops all around the world.



I wish that I could reach more people with our website and within our community. I wish they could see the requests that come into Soldiers' Angels. Many of them are not for the soldier writing the request. They are often writing for others that they serve with who get no support.

In Amy's Alerts, I read a message:

dear angel, my unit is assigned to a MiTT team, and we live apart from our parent unit. the augmentees that i lead are forced to only use a small room, with a broken couch to have their down time, aside from their personal computers. We love to recieve mail, but working day in and day out in such close proximity to the iraqi army, only allows us limited opportunities to go to our parent unit and recieve our mail...we just love the mail and the goodies we sometimes recieve from home. any good tidings our way is greatly recieved. i think this operation you guys have going here is also very awesome. i hope we can find a great angel and communicate with them to regain a little of that sense of home.

I am Not a soldier but A SGT in the US Army this is my third deployment here in I raq since the war started. I have a lot of soldiers who like myself on my first tour will never see mail or even a package. I just wanted them to know that there are people who care.

A lot of care packages get sent to Afghanistan and reach Bagram or Kabul but few make it downrange to the FOBs. I'm on Camp Stone and have been here over a month and have not seen one package come in for any of the soldiers here. We don't have an AAFES store here so comforts are limited. Things like Tang powder, kool aid w/sugar/ crackers, chips, ect. would be greatly appreciated.

Even with 90,000 Angels, the number of soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines that are without support is staggering. So many Angels try to support as many as they can, including "unofficial" adoptees who aren't signed up, but may have been referred by a friend or family member. The over 140k men and women in Iraq and 20k in Afghanistan are only those who are there now. Many have been deployed and returned. Some with physical and mental health issues. There are many wounded, like those we were hoping to support with Operation Aces High.

I wish people could see and hear the gratitude that these men and women return for something as little as a letter with an uplifting scripture on the envelope. That was the recent humble request of a soldier. There are so many like him.

DEAR ANGELS

I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU ARE DOING, YOU MADE A DIFFERENCE TO ME THIS WEEK AS I RECEIVED FOUR LETTERS OF SUPPORT AT A TIME WHEN I REALLY NEEDED TO KNOW THAT SOMEONE OUT THERE CARES ABOUT US...

THEN WE GET LETTERS FROM OUR ANGELS, I CANT TELL YOU HOW UPLIFTING IT IS TO GET A LETTER FROM A STRANGER WHO IS SO POSITIVE TOWARDS US SOLDIERS, THESE ARE THE KIND OF PEOPLE WHO COME UP TO US IN AIRPORTS AND JUST SAY THANK YOU, SHAKE YOUR HAND AND SMILE, IM ALWAYS LEFT IN TOTAL AWE WHEN THIS HAPPENS, IT LEAVES ME TOTALLY HUMBLED.

I got 25 letters today, and a package from Tammy C. I got some letters from a 7th grade class and a 5th grade class. I am riting them all back individually, so that could take a while LOL

I just wanted all the Angels to know how much I appreciate what they have done for me. You know what a tou[gh] time I had coming back here, but there letters really have made a difference!!! Please let them know, they really do make a difference for us over here, even if they never hear back from the person they [w]rite to, the[ir] letter that day may have been just what the soldier needed to go on for the next day. I know when I have not been able to talk to you which has hardly been at all this last month that the letters I get in the mail have lifted my spirits a lot.

There are days that I mite not get any, but I know that I have alot of angels out there thinking of me and praying for me. Please honey tell them that we need them to help keep us going. It's not easy over here and we are constantly reminded that most of these people don't want us here, but to know that we have so many people back home that support us, that care about how we are doing and want to help take care of us is
an awesome thing."

Dear Terri,

Thank you for the care packages. It was a very welcome suprise for my platoon and I. We had just returned from a 3 week mission and found the care packages sitting on our bunks.

I wanted to let you know that it was better than Christmas morning. One item in particular really hit home for us. It was the skittles that you sent. You see, we have been out on assignment for over three weeks and have seen nothing but dirt, sand and barren hillsides. After awhile everything seems to look the same. So, when we dug into the care packages and saw all the bright colors of the skittles candies, it really made our day and reminded us that someone at home cares about us.

Thank you for everything you are doing for me and my troops. We really, really appreciate your support.

Sincerely,

Josh

Even the smallest among us can make a difference.

My 5yr. old and I were at McDonald's with my mom today. I was talking to mom about how I was going to save my Ketchup packages for my soldier and if she wasn't going to use the rest of hers I would take them too. My 5 yr. old grabbed her happy meal bag and said I'll be right back. I thought she was taking it to the trash. I wish! I then watched her go to every table saying she needed everyone's extra ketchup for her soldier she adopted in Iraq. I could've died and burst with pride at the same time. I explained to my nearest neighbors about SA and what we had done. They said that was sweet and wanted the website addy. Rebekah proudly came back with a half a bag of ketchup. Sure hope my soldier is hungry LOL
Kim

We can help them with their mission which means they come home that much quicker:

Sara,

As always, really nice to hear from you. Thanks for the note and also the packages sent in support of these poor children. The toys and candy for the local children will be vital for our connection with them. I don't mind you sharing any of the notes that I send you. I want people to know that you and your Angle Baker friends have had such an amazing impact on my men and me.

Thanks and I hope this finds you well.

Sonny

And, they remember our support for a very long time.

I was walking around in Sunnyvale at the art and wine festival and just had to stop in on the marine booth. (no other branches were there). Well after I introduced myself tot he marine he asked me to thank ALL of you wonderful angels. His name is Ray and he received a few packages while he was in Iraq. On his behalf, thank you all!

I have sent letters and care packages. I have marched in parades. I have attended welcome home parties and I have been to the funerals. It amazes me that I have done so little to earn their service and I am humbled when the smallest thing is treated as the grandest treasure.

Daily, I see requests to Soldiers' Angels like those above. I read the letters of gratitude. I read the names on the list of missions at the PGR. They are almost all young and they come from every place in the United States. They serve and they sacrifice, their very bodies, minds and sometimes their lives.

They are ours and I hope that you will see them as ours: our families, our friends, our neighbors and ours to support.

I ask you to remember our men and women and join Soldiers' Angels in supporting them.

Until they all come home.



- May no soldier go unloved

Operation Aces High: Poker Run for the Troops

Find out more information here: Operation Aces High: Poker Run for the Troops


- May no soldier go unloved

Soldiers' Angels Talks About Why We Do What We Do

Help Soldiers' Angels support our men and women, wherever they are, as they continue to defend our nation.


- 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

Heard of MTV? Here's MMV...

...Military Music Videos

Hey Ya! The Sun Kings and Outkast



Pump it! The Sun Kings ride again.



Our Allies at Work: Bohemian Rhapsody



Don't think it's all Navy

US Army: Iraq Dance Party



MP Very Vanilla Ice



Peanut Butter Jelly Time



Lazy Ramadi




- May no soldier go unloved

If You're Reading This...

I saw Tim McGraw on the ACMs sing this song. My brother recorded it for me so I could watch it on TIVO. I was looking for the video or song to post. Finally, Shelle Michaels from Soldiers' Angels, emailed it to me.

Tim McGraw honors families of fallen heroes. If You're Reading This...




- May no soldier go unloved

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: I Was There and Got an Exclusive

Hey! Missed everyone last night at the "talking with heroes" event down in Olathe, Kansas. It was wonderful to meet all of the great heroes, families and supporters. Bob Calvert was a little under the weather, but he pulled through like the trooper he is and made it a fantastic experience.

I will post more about the event and, of course, I have video which will be available in the next day or two.

One big "exclusive" that I was able to pull off was an interview with David Chavaria who is the "behind the scenes" man at JD Johannes' Outside the Wire. David is the co-producer of Johannes' documentary "Outside the Wire" where he followed the expoits of the Marines of Silver Platoon in OIF-III. JD is over in Iraq right now doing video.

David was scheduled to do an interview on Hannity and Colmes at 8:40pm CST Friday night, but I scooped them by two hours. And, they don't have their video up yet for the internet so, while they may beaten me "on air" by six hours, I am going to get out there ahead of the internet curve.

Even before the interview, David and I spent some time talking about blogging, JD Johansens' committment to the Marines and telling their story, and quite a bit about the disparity of reporting in the media (we both agreed it "sucked"; my words, he was much more diplamatic).

I hope you enjoy this video, check out their site and start understanding why military blogging (milblogging) and independent films like Outside the Wire are an important part of the story, filling in the gaps left by professional journalism.



Watch JD's blog for updates directly from Iraq and hit his home page to see an excerpt of the original documentary, "Outside the Wire". I've seen the full version and I highly recommend it.

Check out these stories about the marines in Bad Karmah.

Troops on Patrol
Iraq town returns to normal after raid

These men are a big part of the reason that the Al Anbar province is beginning to turn. It took persistance. It took patience. It took extreme prejudice when it was called on and plenty of improvising, adapting and overcoming. The Marines are some of the best, when it comes to those necessities.

Karmah, where the marines in outside the wire were serving, is a town between Ramadi and Fallujah, two of the hottest (in terms of war) cities in Iraq for the last three years. It is only recently that Ramadi began to turn. Karmah continued to be a tough town full of insurgents and generally unenthused about the marines presence. JD showed what it took to make al Anbar a success story, long before anyone ever thought it would be.

Outside the Wire was fortunate enough to be there to record part of that history.

- May no soldier go unloved

Soldiers' Angels: In the News

Shelle Michaels, Public Relations for Soldiers' Angels was recently interviewed by Studio One, University of North Dakota news and media station. She wanted to bring Soldiers' Angels to the campus.

Watch her interview here.

- May no soldier go unloved
Soldiers' Angels

If I Die Before You Wake...

You may have seen this before, but I thought it was worth seeing a few times:



Join Soldiers' Angels today and help us support our men and women in uniform.


- May no soldier go unloved

Things to Read, Watch or Listen to: What's going on "Over there"

A unique book I haven't read yet, but, from the review, seems like a very witty and emotional composite of what it's like to live and work in Afghanistan. Deb Rodriquez writing about her experience in micro-economics and (non-existent) women's liberation in a country she calls, "Manistan".

“Kabul Beauty School” is the rollicking story of one of the strangest foreign-aid projects ever conceived, the creation of an academy to train Afghan beauticians. A surprisingly successful venture, it gives Afghan women practical training convertible into cold cash and personal power, a radical idea in a country where women have the approximate status of dirt.

“I knew from my own experience as a hairdresser back home that a salon is a good business for a woman— especially if she has a bad husband,” Ms. Rodriguez writes.[snip]

Teaching beauty techniques turns out to be tough sledding. For some reason, the students cannot understand the concept of the color wheel, essential for doing a professional dye job and correcting the contributing pigment that underlies a person’s primary hair color. At the end of her tether, Ms. Rodriguez reaches for a religious analogy: Think of contributing pigment as Satan. “It’s this evil thing in the hair that you have to fight,” she says. “You have to use the opposite color to keep it from taking over.” The light goes on.

When a woman from a government ministry comes in for a haircut, Ms. Rodriguez pulls out a hand-held blow-dryer to finish the job. The woman gasps. “She had never seen a blow-dryer before and had no idea why I was pointing it at her head,” Ms. Rodriguez writes. “When I turned it on, and hot air blasted out, she screamed and jumped out of the chair.”

If you want to know what's going on in al Anbar, ask the marines.

Plenty to read AND watch in videos straight from the horses' mouths. I recommend these:

2 Marines, 1 Corpsman and 40 Iraqis (movie)

Changing Ramadi: Trash Pickup keeps things safe (reading)

To understand the real importance to this trash pickup, besides taking away the places that IEDs (improvised explosive devices) hide, read this little snippet on Broken Windows Theory, Crime and Small Wars

Broken Windows Theory says that, in order to insure security in a neighborhood, not only must "major crime" (in this case, terrorist attacks, murders, etc) be combatted, but you knock major crime down by prosecuting every small crime, by cleaning up the graffiti, by fixing the "broken windows" (figuratively and literally) that it gives the impression that the neighborhood is "good", has eyes on it (thus criminals or terrorists don't want to hang around where they are watched) AND by getting the neighborhood involved, not just in pointing out the bad guys, but in cleaning up and maintaining the neighborhood, it makes them invested in its prosperity and security.

Suggested reading Tipping Points by Malcolm Gladwell. Then you will understand the strategy of "surge" beyond "more troops".

British Forces at War: by Michael Yon (embedded in Basra with British Army) (hat tip: Mudville Gazette)

Dutch and Afghan soldiers duke it out with the Taliban

Humanitarian Mission in Afghanistan (pictures)

Tech. Sgt. John Asselin carries bags of supplies for flood victims in front of the Afghan Olympic Stadium April 10 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Kabul was ravaged by the first flood in 15 years. The Training Assistance Group from Camp Alamo coordinated food distribution efforts to supply flood victims in Kabul. They provided 100 pounds of rice, beans, wheat, flour ,tea, cooking oil, shovels, sand bags, tarps and more to approximately 100 families. Hundreds of families lost their homes, belongings and supplies to the flood.

- May no soldier go unloved
Soldiers' Angels

Drowning Pool Supports the Troops: This is for the Soldiers

- May no soldier go unloved

Operation Aces High: Poker Run for the Troops

Soldiers' Angels in Kansas City and American Legion Riders Post 370 are joining wings and wheels for the first Annual Operation Aces High: Poker Run for the Troops, Sunday, June 3, 2007.

The funds raised will be used to provide First Response Backpacks for our wounded men and women in uniform.

From Soldiers' Angels:

On today's battlefield wounded American soldiers are no longer hospitalized in the combat area of operations. Rather they are transported to a Combat Support Hospital for initial treatment and, if further medical treatment is warranted, the soldiers are transported to an American hospital in Germany. The medical treatment and transportation occur with such speed that the soldiers often arrive in Germany wearing the same uniform that they were wearing when they were wounded. The soldiers' gear and personal items rarely catch up with them.

In an effort to provide comfort to these wounded heros, the First Response Backpack was developed by a nonprofit organization named Soldiers' Angels. The First Response Backpack is a backpack stuffed with personal items which are necessary and vital to the physical comfort of the soldiers. A typical First Response Backpack contains a toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, shampoo, soap and other hygiene products. It also contains articles of clothing and undergarments to provide the soldier some relief from the airy hospital gowns. A phone card is included so that the soldiers can call their family members while they recover. Each pack also contains a blanket. The blanket, dubbed a "Blanket of Hope" is handmade by Soldiers' Angels volunteers and is accompanied by a note of well wishes for each soldier.

Soldiers' Angels wants to invite you to join us in supporting our troops. The Poker Run will begin registration at 9:00 AM, Sunday, June 3, 2007 at the American Legion Post 370 7500 W. 75th St., Overland Park, KS, 3 blocks west of Metcalfe (rain or shine). Registration at the door is $25.00 for the first hand and $10.00 per each additional hand. Pre-registration is available. The pre-registration fee is $20.00 for the first hand and $10.00 for each additional hand.

You can pre-register by downloading this form: Soldiers' Angels Operation Aces High: Poker Run for the Troops (pdf). All pre-registration forms should be completed and mailed by May 12th, 2007.

Ride t-shirts can be pre-ordered on the above registration form for $15.00 each.

The bikes will leave the American Legion at 11:00 AM. All bikes should return by 4:30pm. Prizes will be announced at 5:00pm. Cars (cages) are welcome. Water, soda and food will be available for purchase. UPDATE: A BBQ will be held at the close of the ride at the final post, American Legion Post 370. 50/50 raffles will be held at specified destinations. Destinations and a map will be made available at this site, stay tuned.

One of the great prizes that we were able to obtain for our "winning hand" is an American Flag flown in our honor at a forward operating base in theater and will come with a certificate and other verification of authenticity. A second flag, seen below, will be auctioned in a "silent auction" at the American Legion Post 370. Bids can be placed before and after the run. This flag was flown on a river patrol boat on the Tigris River in Iraq and comes complete with a certificate and pictures for verification.



A second flag flown over a land base or FOB (forward operating base) in Iraq or Afghanistan, along with photos and certificate, will be placed for "silent bidding" to help raise direct cash funds.

Please bookmark this site so you can get all of the latest information.

If you have any questions, please email Kansas City Soldiers' Angels.

Soldiers' Angels and the American Legion Riders Post 370 thank you for supporting our troops. We look forward to seeing you there.



What is a Poker Run?

A Poker Run is an organized motorcycle event where riders travel over a prescribed course and at designated stopping points, select a card. At the end of the run, the person with the best poker hand wins a prize. Poker Runs usually require a fee to enter with a part of the proceeds going to charity. The rules for Poker Runs vary depending on the event.

More about First Response Back Packs:

On May 10, 2006 Soldiers Angels shipped the 5,000th First Response Backpack The packs have been shipped to Combat Support Hospitals in Iraq and to all of the United States Military hospitals worldwide. The work of Soldiers' Angels has been recognized by the Department of Defense and Patti Patton-Bader, the group's founder and the niece of General George S. Patton, has been awarded the Civilian Award for Humanitarian Service by the Department of the Army.

However, the greatest recognition has come from the wounded hero's themselves:

"I want to thank your organization personally for the back packs that you have provided for the wounded and sick soldiers here ... As the 1SG of this company, I want you to know that these back packs put smiles on the soldiers' faces and that's priceless."


A hospital worker recounted her experience with a soldier who had received a First Response Backpack. She stated, " When his parents arrived the first thing he showed them was his Purple Heart, the second was his Blanket of Hope from Soldiers Angels! I cannot tell you the emotional thank you we received from this young soldier's mother!"



Hi, I was recently wounded in combat in Iraq..It was a pretty good hit and when I was medevac'd obviously I didnt get to grab some important items:) I woke up the next day and had nothing to wear or any hygiene stuff..my uniform I had on was bloodsoaked and unwearable..This very sweet nurse (in the pic) brought me a backpack full of goodies from you folks and there was even pajamas:) the hospital robes didnt fit me and I just managed to squeeze your clothes on:) I felt alot better with a shower and some pants on...all with your gift. I ended up having to go to a few more hospitals by helocoptor to get some specialist work done as some of the wounds were deep..I took the bag with me everywhere it was all I had..It was the best thing that could have happened at that time..I just wanted to say thank you for all you nice people do...Here is a pic when I was released...my nurse, my friend on the left and thats me with the new "facejob"..thanks again, Sgt. Cary


About Soldiers' Angels

The Soldiers' Angels was started by a self-described ordinary mother of an ordinary young man turned hero, Sgt. Brandon Varn. Brandon was deployed in Iraq and has since honorably completed his mission and has returned back to his proud and loving family.

In the summer of 2003, he wrote home expressing his concern that some soldiers did not receive any mail or support from home. Being a caring and loving mother, she decided not to allow a situation like that to continue. She contacted a few friends and extended family to ask if they would write to a soldier or two. Within a few short months, Soldiers' Angels went from a mother writing a few extra letters to an Internet Community with thousands of angels worldwide.

With more and more merchants donating services, money and items for packages, the Angels reorganized as a 501 c 3 non-profit so all donations would be tax deductible. Soldiers' Angels currently supports thousands of American Service Members stationed wherever we raise our Country's Flag and the number is growing daily. Soldiers' Angels are dedicated in supporting our military during and after their deployment.

In December of 2004 a worldwide support forum was created. In hopes of providing a place where needs of our heroes can be fulfilled


A special thanks to John Donovan from Castle Argghh for hosting our registration sheet and for all the things he does for Kansas City Soldiers' Angels.

- May no soldier go unloved
May no soldier walk alone
May no soldier be forgotten
Until they all come home

Shawn Hlookoff and "Soldier"

A message received by Soldiers' Angels from John Graham, manager of Shawn Hlookoff who partnered with Soldiers' Angels to distribute the song "Soldier".

Dear Angels,

My name is John Graham and I manage Shawn Hlookoff. We are working together with all of you to present the song and video "Soldier" to every soldier, school and student in the country for use for Memorial Day (www.soldiersangels.org) To date the work that Shelle and Patti have done along with my group has resulted in e-mails to over 200,000 teachers and on average 30000 downloads of the free DVD a day (and growing).

The purpose is to help student understand the meaning of Memorial Day through contemporary images and song.

We could not imagine being any luckier than we are to have been able to join together with the nations premier soldier support group.....I can't imagine a better group of people to work with. I applaud you.

We also want to thank you for the work you do (outside of our joint effort) it is truly needed in this day and age. If you have not seen the video please take a moment to view it. If you like what you see, feel free to use it or pass it along via e-mail to any local school, overseas and home-based soldier or any friend (we need as much help as there is). We have done this for you and your cause.

If there is anything I can do for you please do not hesitate to ask...

.......I thank you all.

John Graham

You can find the video here
- May no soldier go unloved

Message to the Troops: Best Of

Messages to the Troops

Shout Out to the Troops: You Rock!
North Kansas City Snake Saturday Parade: Shout Out to the Troops
Shout Out to the Troops: Operation Aces High
Shout Out to the Troops: Why I Became an Angel


Cross referenced at the Castle

- May no soldier go unloved

To find out how you can support the troops, go to Soldiers' Angels and find out how you can make a difference