Portraits of Love

Navy veteran William Morton understands the value of images of loved ones – particularly when stationed so far from them, with little connection to home. William will be photographing military families at no charge during the expo in Anaheim on the afternoon of February 20th. Images will be uploaded to SeeHere.com for the families to select prints for themselves and one to send overseas. William is honored to participate in this event, and is very much looking forward to it. If you are in the Anaheim area, please stop by and say Hi!

worth supporting!

I know there are a lot of things going on in the world that could use our support right now but here is one group who I think deserves at least a look!

http://soldiersangels.org/cooking-with-the-wounded.html

One of the goals I set for myself in January 2009 was to continue to be a better teacher. In some ways, I think I’ve accomplished that goal. As a good teacher, I think you have to be continually growing. I took my teaching experiences from last year and have been able to apply them to this year in many situations. I’ve also experienced new things that I’ve had to deal with and hope I never have to again. In the long run, I’ve not felt like a good teacher so far this year. I’ve struggled from the beginning of the year, even walking out on one of my classes in a desperate attempt to get their attention (and maybe my director’s attention, too). I feel that in the long run, these negative experiences will make me a better teacher next year.

Working with Ryan has made me a better teacher in a lot of ways, too. While I often joke with him and tell him that I’m a better teacher than him and that’s he’s “just a gym teacher,” I know it’s not true. He has a very different teaching style and classroom management than I do, and our daily conversations about how we handle certain (problem, usually) students has helped me develop different approaches that I might not have before. He sees my desperate desire to help every student, no matter how unrealistic it may be. He helps me find the strength and wisdom to let go of many of the things that I hang on to which I cannot fix, and in turn does nothing but bring me stress and pain. I doubt he even realizes he is doing it. His humor lightens my day and reminds me to leave work at work, and take home a smile. It’s been amazing to work with him. I hope he knows how much I appreciate him.

Several students remind me that I am a good teacher and do have a positive impact on the students I teach. Two students come to mind. They were formally in the expelled program. One was chosen as the first ever expelled student of the year for demonstrating the 6 Pillars of Character (which our program is based around), the other has gone from a student who just didn’t care to one who stays an extra hour after school to help regain the credits he needs to graduate on time. Both students come to me when they have issues, problems and good things and remind me that I helped turn them around. It’s the motivation I need sometimes when things are exceptionally rough.

My goals for 2010 are similiar to previous years.
1. I want to continue to remind myself on a daily basis of the Serenity Prayer that my dad has shared with me… there are things in life I cannot change, and I must accept that. I must also be willing to step up and change the things that I can.

2. I want to keep growing as a teacher and never get stuck in the rut that I see other teachers in- or the one I was stuck in during 1st trimester this year. This includes taking the necessary college classes to add to my teaching certificate and eventually renew the certificate.

3. I want to keep reminding the people in my life that I love them and that they are important to me. This includes the people who are far away (like my Denver family!)… just because I don’t see them doesn’t mean they are less important to me. It also includes people like my husband whom I see everyday but want to constantly remind what an amazing impact he has on my life.

4. I want to stay in better shape this year, learn to eat better, and eventually run in one of the races in the Crim in August. This will hopefully lead to me eventually running (maybe next year) in the 8K of the Crim, and across the Mackinac Bridge on Labor Day.

5. I want to keep supporting Soldiers’ Angels, and my own personal soldier, Drew, who is currently serving in Afghanistan. If I make a soldier quilt this year, it’s going to Drew first. If I have time to make any other ones, Soldiers’ Angels can have them. My dad always says that we take care of our own first, and Drew is practically a brother to my brother, which techincally makes him my brother, too.

I’ve always felt that goals were important, and I have my students make them several times throughout the year in Character class. I usually have them set a weekly goal, a monthly goal and maybe a yearly one. I think it’s important to write your goals down, something my old boss Annie taught me. If you write them down and keep them somewhere that you can refer to them, it’s easier to keep them.

Soldier’s Angels

Soldiers’ Angels is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and their families. Founded by the mother of two American soldiers, we are an international, volunteer-led organization supporting America’s men and women in uniform.  With over 30 different teams and projects, our nearly 200,000 volunteers assist veterans, wounded and deployed personnel and their families in a variety of unique and effective ways.

History

Recognition & Awards

Financials

Board of Trustees

Testimonials

Annual Report

Founder’s Page

Privacy Policy

"May No Soldier Go Unloved," encapsulates the motivation behind Soldiers’ Angels.   The volunteers of Soldiers’ Angels work tirelessly to demonstrate active care and concern for veterans, the wounded, deployed service members and their families.

To date, our volunteers have sent hundreds of thousands of care packages and letters to deployed service members; we have supplied the wounded with our First Response Packs directly at the Combat Support Hospitals in Iraq and Afghanistan and the major military hospital in Germany, as well as provided care and comfort to those in stateside military and VA facilities; we have provided emergency aid to military families in need; we have partnered with the Department of Defense to provide voice-controlled/adaptive laptops to nearly 3,000 severely-wounded servicemembers, as well as other technology that supports rehabilitation; we have provided flights to soldiers on leave or in emergency situations, and to their families wanting to be with them upon return from overseas; we have provided Level III KEVLAR armored blankets to give personnel extra protection in their vehicles when it was needed; we help to honor and uphold the families whose loved ones have paid the ultimate price for our freedom and safety. With the assistance of our generous supporters , the many volunteers of Soldiers’ Angels have accomplished this and much, much more on behalf of the grateful citizens of the United States of America.

To donate please click here.

Spc Aaron Aamot

Obituary from the Bellingham Herald….. “Aaron Seth Aamot was born on April 12, 1987, in his grandmother’s house on the Guide Meridian, Bellingham, WA. He was killed in action on November 5, 2009, in Afghanistan. Aaron was raised in Whatcom County on a small farm in Custer, WA. He was active in the Critters & Co. 4-H Club and the Ferndale FFA. The Whatcom Youth Fair and the Northwest Washington Fair were favorite events for Aaron. The attacks on September 11, 2001, gave Aaron the determination to serve his country in the armed forces. After graduating from Ferndale High School in 2006, he went to Basic Training in Fort Benning, Georgia. After being stationed at Fort Lewis, Aaron enjoyed his role driving a Stryker vehicle in the newly formed 5th Stryker Brigade. The 5-2 SBCT deployed in July 2009 to the area around Kandahar. Aaron was driving his Stryker on a patrol when it hit a buried explosive. He is survived by his parents, Mark and Julie (Hinds) Aamot of Custer; siblings, Matthew (Angela), Joshua, Nellie (Ricky) Huisman, Benjamin (Catrina); Dale; Ethan; and Daniel. Grandparents are the late Arnold Aamot and Charlotte (Reeck) Aamot of Bellingham, and William and Donna (McDougle) Hinds of Sedro-Woolley. Aaron was a devoted uncle to nephews Elijah, Samuel, Oliver, and Nathaniel, and nieces, Evelyn, Janett, Ella, and Catherine. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

RIP Brave Warrior. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.   

When Aaron came home…..a community was there…….

In Honor of Spc Aaron Aamot

An idea to ‘do SOMETHING’ found it’s way through the crowds on the bridge and quickly became an all out effort of support for Aaron’s 5-2 1 17 Regiment and 5th Stryker Brigade. Thanks to the Aamot Family, particularly brother Matt, Captain Kim who pledged support to get any donations to Afghanistan, and a determined, not to mention well organized group of citizens a Donation Drive was launched.  Soldiers’ Angels was honored to be involved and to work alongside such amazing individuals. 

Thank you KGMI for spreading the word and for helping with this incredible effort, People's Bank, Local Firehalls and Businesses for hosting donation boxes.

The fabulous KGMI & People's Bank Team

The morning of the broadcast we began with this box and the donations kept pouring in! Thank you everyone!

Mother Julie Aamot working hard at sorting through donations. It was an honor and absolute joy to spend time with the Aamots. They are incredible. One can't help but love them for being such gracious, humble, loving beings. It was a privilege to get a little glimpse into Aaron through stories shared on this day, to see what a wonderful young man, son and brother he was.

Cards from School Children

More heartfelt wishes of support from our School Children

Firefighters hard at work

The sorting process begins!

CBS taking a gander for their later broadcast

Getting there!

Angel Kathy Bergman (left) was at the Legion early helping to organize,

The fabulous Chris from Ludtke Trucking (who donated a truck for transport to Ft. Lewis) and the Legion #7 Hall for the organizing.

Boxes being filled for the 5-2 Wounded

Becky Raney-Organizer Extraordinaire & helper - Soon those boxes were stacked taller than Becky!

Becky and Our Wounded Boxing Crew

Becky Raney, Ethan and Matthew Aamot

Thank you Becky Raney and the amazing group of people who spearheaded this effort and did an amazing amount of work to get the job done. Also, thanks to KGMI, People’s Bank and all of the community businesses for hosting donation boxes and spreading the word to get them filled up.  Thank you to all the great folks at the American Legion #7 Hall in Bellingham for the food, the space and support. Soldiers Angel Kathy Bergman for helping to organize and direct the work at the Legion.  Big hugs and thanks  to Grizzly and Scooter from the Combat Vet team for zipping around the county to pick up all of the donations. You guys are awesome! Thanks to everyone else who helped pick up, sort, box and ship the donations, including Chris & Ludtke trucking who arrived at Ft. Lewis with a full load of supplies!  Thank you Whatcom County and all of the listeners of KGMI (some even from Canada) who stepped up and stopped by to donate!  

The donations continued to come in and those boxes behind Becky, Ethan and Matthew continued to stack higher and higher in the Legion Hall.  Many thanks to  all of the Volunteers who were there bright and early and who stayed till late in the evening each day and to the incredible Aamot family.  We hold Aaron in our heart and prayers and your family will always have our love and support.  

We continue to  keep the 5th Stryker Brigade and Aaron’s Regiment in our thoughts and prayers as well as all of our brave men and women in uniform who serve on our behalf.

“Christmas in the Trenches” – song by John McCutcheon  http://www.worldwar1.com/sfcitt.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJi41RWaTCs&feature=PlayList&p=58152508C84AFB73&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=34

"My name is Francis Tolliver, in Liverpool I dwell
Each Christmas come since World War I, I've learned its lessons well
That the ones who call the shots won't be among the dead and lame
And on each end of the rifle we're the same"

—-SUPPORT—

//

tr.v. sup·port·ed, sup·port·ing, sup·ports

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light, I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight. My wife was asleep, her head on my chest, My daughter beside me, angelic in rest. Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white, Transforming the yard to a winter delight. The sparkling lights in the tree I believe, Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve. My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep, Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep. In perfect contentment, or so it would seem, So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream. The sound wasn’t loud, and it wasn’t too near, But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.. Perhaps just a cough, I didn’t quite know, Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow. My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear, And I crept to the door just to see who was near. Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night, A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight. A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old, Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold. Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled, Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child. “What are you doing?” I asked without fear, “Come in this moment, it’s freezing out here! Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve, You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!” For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift, Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.. To the window that danced with a warm fire’s light Then he sighed and he said “Its really all right, I’m out here by choice. I’m here every night.” “It’s my duty to stand at the front of the line, That separates you from the darkest of times. No one had to ask or beg or implore me, I’m proud to stand here like my fathers before me. My Gramps died at ‘ Pearl on a day in December,” Then he sighed, “That’s a Christmas ‘Gram always remembers.” My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ‘ Nam ‘, And now it is my turn and so, here I am. I’ve not seen my own son in more than a while, But my wife sends me pictures, he’s sure got her smile. Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag, The red, white, and blue… an American flag. I can live through the cold and the being alone, Away from my family, my house and my home. I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet, I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat. I can carry the weight of killing another, Or lay down my life with my sister and brother.. Who stand at the front against any and all, To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall..” “  So go back inside,” he said, “harbor no fright, Your family is waiting and I’ll be all right.” “But isn’t there something I can do, at the least, “Give you money,” I asked, “or prepare you a feast? It seems all too little for all that you’ve done, For being away from your wife and your son.” Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret, “Just tell us you love us, and never forget. To fight for our rights back at home while we’re gone, To stand your own watch, no matter how long. For when we come home, either standing or dead, To know you remember we fought and we bled. Is payment enough, and with that we will trust, That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.” PLEASE, would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let’s try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us. LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN 30th Naval Construction Regiment OIC, Logistics Cell One Al Taqqadum, Iraq

“A Cold Christmas Day”

for thoughts unforgotten
on this cold chilly night
my thoughts overseas
my brothers who fight,

so sad and unsure of how this might feel
soon i’ll be over there carrying my steel
their boots filled with sand
their head in a spin
why fight a war where no one wins?

they cry in their sleep on this cold winter night
missing their families to put up a fight
a soldier’s in pain because of this war
it only makes us stronger, more and more

a friend is away in a distant land
fighting for freedom in nothing but sand
knowing we might die is always a thought
but the people we love cannot be bought

so i say to my brothers away and far
please come back safely and end this war
we’ll drink for our battles but never for fame
this life as we know it is only a game

i sit here with tear not to be moved
war is a game you dont want to play
my prayers be with you on this cold christmas day

Justin B

4-73rd CAV, 82nd Airborne US Army

The Sands of Christmas

I had no Christmas spirit when I breathed a weary sigh,
and looked across the table where the bills were piled too high.
The laundry wasn’t finished and the car I had to fix,
My stocks were down another point, the Chargers lost by six.

And so with only minutes till my son got home from school
I gave up on the drudgery and grabbed a wooden stool.
The burdens that I carried were about all I could take,
and so I flipped the TV on to catch a little break.

I came upon a desert scene in shades of tan and rust,
No snowflakes hung upon the wind, just clouds of swirling dust.
And where the reindeer should have stood before a laden sleigh,
eight Humvees ran a column right behind an M1A.

A group of boys walked past the tank, not one was past his teens,
Their eyes were hard as polished flint, their faces drawn and lean.
They walked the street in armor with their rifles shouldered tight,
their dearest wish for Christmas, just to have a silent night.

Other soldiers gathered, hunkered down against the wind,
To share a scrap of mail and dreams of going home again.
There wasn’t much at all to put their lonely hearts at ease,
They had no Christmas turkey, just a pack of MREs.

They didn’t have a garland or a stocking I could see,
They didn’t need an ornament–they lacked a Christmas tree.
They didn’t have a present even though it was tradition,
the only boxes I could see were labeled “ammunition.”

I felt a little tug and found my son now by my side,
He asked me what it was I feared, and why it was I cried.
I swept him up into my arms and held him oh so near
and kissed him on the forehead as I whispered in his ear.

There’s nothing wrong my little son, for safe we sleep tonight,
our heroes stand on foreign land to give us all the right,
to worry on the things in life that mean nothing at all,
instead of wondering if we will be the very next to fall.

He looked at me as children do and said it’s always right,
to thank the ones who help us and perhaps that we should write.
And so we pushed aside the bills and sat to draft a note,
to thank the many far from home, and this is what we wrote:

God bless you all and keep you safe, and speed your way
back home.
Remember that we love you so, and that you’re not alone.
The gift you give you share with all, a present every day,
You give the gift of liberty and that we can’t repay.

Author: Michael Marks
Copyright © 2003

He won’t be home for Christmas

He won’t be home for Christmas,
‘Cause he’s far across the sea.
He won’t be home for Christmas,
For he’s there to keep us free.

He didn’t ask to fight this war,
His country made the call.
He answered and not questioned why
For he saw the Towers fall.

He won’t be home for New Years,
‘Cause he has a job to do.
He won’t be home for New Years,
‘Cause he gives his all for you.

He proudly wears the uniform,
Like his father had before.
And he heard of how his grandpa,
Went marching off to war.

He may not be here for Easter,
Who knows how long he’ll be.
This battle will go on and on,
We’ll have to wait and see.

You can’t put a price on freedom,
The cost you pay is high.
Some men pay with only scars,
While others have to die.

But those who fight to keep us free,
Are heroes, one and all.
They’ll proudly serve and not complain,
Till all the terrorists fall.

When you see that uniform,
Worn by men and women too.
Step up and show how proud you are,
For what they’ve done for you.
They won’t be home for Christmas,
And we’ll miss them ’round the hearth.
Pray that they return, home soon.
And PEACE returns to earth.

Dear GOD I never ask for much,
But now I come to YOU.
Please bless all those who love their flag,
Blood RED, Pure WHITE, True BLUE!

Copyright © Joe Pielmeier Sr. 12 / 12 /01
Joe Went To Heaven On 12/05/02

A Different Christmas Poem

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,

I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.

My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,

My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,

Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,

Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,

Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.

In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,

So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn’t loud, and it wasn’t too near,

But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.

Perhaps just a cough, I didn’t quite know, Then the

sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,

And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,

A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,

Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.

Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,

Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

“What are you doing?” I asked without fear,

“Come in this moment, it’s freezing out here!

Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,

You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!”

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,

Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..

To the window that danced with a warm fire’s light

Then he sighed and he said “Its really all right,

I’m out here by choice. I’m here every night.”

“It’s my duty to stand at the front of the line,

That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,

I’m proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at ‘Pearl on a day in December,”

Then he sighed, “That’s a Christmas ‘Gram always remembers.”

My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ‘Nam’,

And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I’ve not seen my own son in more than a while,

But my wife sends me pictures, he’s sure got her smile.

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,

The red, white, and blue… an American flag.

I can live through the cold and the being alone,

Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and

the sleet,I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.

I can carry the weight of killing another,

Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..

Who stand at the front against any and all,

To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.”

“So go back inside,” he said, “harbor no fright,

Your family is waiting and I’ll be all right.”

“But isn’t there something I can do, at the least,

“Give you money,” I asked, “or prepare you a feast?

It seems all too little for all that you’ve done,

For being away from your wife and your son.”

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,

“Just tell us you love us, and never forget.

To fight for our rights back at home while we’re gone,

To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead,

To know you remember we fought and we bled.

Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,

That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.”

The Sailor’s Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, the ship was out steaming,
Sailors stood watch while others were dreaming.

They lived in a crowd with racks tight and small,
In a 80-man berthing, cramped one and all.

I had come down the stack with presents to give,
And to see inside just who might perhaps live.

I looked all about, a strange sight did I see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.

No stockings were hung, shined boots close at hand,
On the bulkhead hung pictures of a far distant land.

They had medals and badges and awards of all kind,
And a sober thought came into my mind.

For this place was different, so dark and so dreary,
I had found the house of a Sailor, at once I saw clearly.

A Sailor lay sleeping, silent and alone,
Curled up in a rack and dreaming of home.

The face was so gentle, the room squared away,
This was the United States Sailor today.

This was the hero I saw on TV,
Defending our country so we could be free.

I realized the families that I would visit this night,
Owed their lives to these Sailors lay willing to fight.

Soon round the world, the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate on Christmas Day.

They all enjoyed freedom each day of the year,
Because of the Sailor, like the one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas Eve on a sea, far from home.

The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.

The Sailor awakened and I heard a calm voice,
“Santa, don’t cry, this life is my choice.”

“Defending the seas all days of the year,
So others may live and be free with no fear.”

I thought for a moment, what a difficult road,
To live a life guided by honor and code.

After all it’s Christmas Eve and the ship’s underway!
But freedom isn’t free and it’s sailors who pay.

The Sailor say’s to our country “be free and sleep tight,
No harm will come, not on my watch and not on this night.

The Sailor rolled over and drifted to sleep,
I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours, so silent, so still,
I watched as the Sailor shivered from the night’s cold chill.

I didn’t want to leave on that cold dark night,
This guardian of honor so willing to fight.

The Sailor rolled over and with a voice strong and sure,
Commanded, “Carry on Santa, It’s Christmas, and All is Secure!”

HONOR, COURAGE AND COMMITMENT

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, if profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties, and sing the choir’s cantata, but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn’t envy another’s home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust.

But giving the gift of love will endure.

Based on 1 Corinthians 13

Author unknown

via email

RUDY’S “COUNTRY STORE” AND BAR-B-Q® REMEMBERS ONE-MONTH ANNIVERSARY OF FORT HOOD TRAGEDY BY GIVING AWAY PORTION OF REVENUES OF THE DAY TO SOLDIERS’ ANGELS

Rudy’s to also donate 50 cents for every new Twitter follower or Facebook fan from November 30th to December 7th

WACO, TX, December 1, 2009 – As the one-month anniversary of the Fort Hood shootings approaches, Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q today announced that it will donate a portion of its revenues from online and participating store locations on December 5th, the one-month anniversary of the Fort Hood tragedy, to Soldiers’ Angels, a non profit organization that helps veterans and their families. Soldiers’ Angels plans to give each of the 46 families affected by the shootings gift packages that consists of toys, Christmas cards and pre-paid VISA/Mastercard cards that they can use to purchase essential items and for holiday shopping.

In addition, Rudy’s will donate $1 for every new verifiable Twitter follower and Facebook fan from November 30th to December 7th. Rudy’s can be followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/rudysbbq and ‘friend’ requested on Facebook at http://facebook.com/rudysbbq. More information can be found at http://rudys.com. Also follow www.twitter.com/soldiersangels and join us on www.facebook.com/soldiersangelsofficial.

“Soldiers’ Angels is calling on companies and organizations in Texas and around the country to follow Rudy’s example in showing support for the Fort Hood victims by giving generously,” said Patti Patton-Bader, founder of Soldiers’ Angels. “We can all make a difference in the lives of those who have been hurt by this senseless act of violence especially during the holidays.”

There were 13 killed and 33 wounded in the Fort Hood shootings. Many families with children have been left without a parent and/or grandparent.

“Speaking for myself and the Rudy’s organization, we can’t even begin to imagine the suffering and pain that the families of the Fort Hood victims are going through right now,” said Pete Bassett, VP of Operations at Rudy’s. “We hope that our contribution will help make their holidays and New Year a little brighter.”

ABOUT RUDY’S “COUNTRY STORE” AND BAR-B-Q

Since 1989, Rudy´s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q has been serving up genuine Texas Bar-B-Q to folks in the Southwest USA. Its roots can be traced back to the original Rudy’s store in Leon Springs, Texas, built in the 1800’s. Rudy’s Bar-B-Q pits are 100% wood fired with oak. Along with time and oak, Rudy’s cooks with a dry spice that ensures perfectly smoked bar-b-q every visit. It is best served with Rudy’s famous “Sause.” Rudy’s also sells Meats, “Sause”, Rubs and Merchandise online at http://www.rudys.com. You can follow Rudy’s Bar-B-Q on Twitter at http://twitter.com/rudysbbq and on Facebook at http://facebook/rudysbbq.

ABOUT SOLDIERS’ ANGELS

Established in 2003, Soldiers’ Angels is a volunteer-based 501(c)(3) non-profit providing aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, as well as veterans and military families. For more information, please visit www.soldiersangels.org or call 626-529-5114.

Shelle Michaels
Soldiers’ Angels National Communication Officer
www.twitter.com/publicrelations

I am happy to report that the blogging fundraiser ValourIT (Voice Activated Lap Tops for Our Injured Troops) that I had the privilege of participating this year raised $113,124.90 for our wounded troops. The above picture shows caseworkers from last year distributing laptops throughout a particular hospital and this year more lap tops will reach those in need. I wanted to thank everyone that participated in this fundraiser and that generously donated and helped lift our total over $100,000. This year the Marine team raised the most money but as the ValourIT organizers like to say, our wounded troops are the real winners. Thank you to all that donated. You have made a significant impact for our wounded troops and your contribution made a big difference. I predict, team Air Force (my team) will make a big comeback next year and raise the most!

I’ve been waiting for years, months, days to write this post.

The results are in. The final numbers are here. This is the hour… the moment we’ve all been waiting for. I could say the hour for which we’ve all been waiting, but I like ending my sentences with prepositions. It’s a walk on the grammatical wild side.

Yes! It’s the final totals for the Project Valour-IT Campaign Fundraiser of 2009.

Total — $113,124.90
Air Force — $15,662.17
Army — $32,758.80
Marines — $43,060.89
Navy — $19,108.04
General — $2,535.00

That’s 188 voice-activated laptops for wounded warriors. Of course, we’re talking laptops, Wii video game systems and personal GPS.

From our Soldiers’ Angels representative at Walter Reed…

Last night, during my weekly visits, I was greeted by SGM S, our latest laptop recipient, with a quick little dance.  I think he even clicked his heels!  He is so terribly happy to have received a laptop and is really looking forward to having Joe show him all the ins and outs.  You made this SGM, who has served faithfully for 40 years and is as crusty as they come, do a happy dance in the lobby – PRICELESS!

So I’m saying Thank You. Thank you to everyone who came over and clicked that Donate Here button for TEAM AIR FORCE. The button that sat at the top of the sidebar from the 26th of October through November 11th. Thank you to all who donated by mail or supported the Army, the Navy, those sauce of awesome Marines — dammit! That was hard to say.

All monies raised will go to support the wounded across all the military branches.

A huge, gigantic, enormous THANK YOU to my regular readers for letting me commandeer this blog for a project close to my heart. I’m not a Milblogger, though they are fierce. That’s not what this blog is about. What I am is a Soldiers’ Angel, and this is just one of many projects they support.

I support Adopt-a-Soldier, which gives individualized support to our own throughout deployment. Currently, there are 1,363 soldiers waiting for adoption. Check it out.

And now, back to your regularly scheduled blog.

Elen

The day job is kicking my ass right now, meaning I’m pulled away from what I’d rather be doing; namely, analyzing reports of Obama’s combat troop level decision in light of Amb. Eikenberry’s reservations. But since I don’t have the time nor the brainspace to do that, I’ll follow up on the Valour-IT project.

We’ve collectively raised over $100,000, which is just fantastic. Navy came in with a respectable third, bringing in $18,000. I’m so proud of our team! Thanks to everyone for participating, donating, and making this such a worthwhile event.

As Valour-IT nears its close, I thought I’d share this, which combines two topics I’m particularly interested in: women, and women in the military. This story of Cpl. Jennifer Marie Parcell, Lioness, is well worth your time to watch. (I uploaded it to DailyMotion because I couldn’t get it to embed from the main website.)

And…go Navy! Even if the Marines are whupping our collective asses.

Video behind the cut.

Congratulations to No Sheeples Here!, winner of the first annual Valour-IT video contest. This lst place winner receives a voice-activated laptop donated in his name to Project Valour-IT and a $75 gift certificate to the Soldiers’ Angels store.

To learn about the other winners and find links to their videos, please click here.

While I’m yammering, I’ll just mention that you have only three days left to make a donation to this worthwhile campaign. Zoom on up and click that Donate Here button in the sidebar. It is waiting for you!

Good Valour-IT Monday Morning!

Elen

We on Team Navy are still plugging along, getting by with a little help from our friends.

The Valour-IT fundraiser is having a video competition, and Steeljaw Scribe took it on for Team Navy:

And the loverly Jeff Bacon of Broadsides fame has jumped in again this week with another cartoon in support of Valour-IT:

The fundraiser ends on Veteran’s Day, so Team Navy has five more days to muster up support for this important cause. If you can spare a couple bucks, please donate! It’s great work to support.

That’s right, folks. Project Valour-IT campaign is twelve days in. Thanks to supporters everywhere, we’ve raised $62,672. Here you can see Team Marines is still in the lead, with Team Army hot on their tail. It is my sad duty to report that Team Air Force is currently getting their butt kicked by Team Navy. I suspect it may have something to do with today’s Valour-IT Post of the Day. Just sayin’!

While we are enjoying the friendly competition between military branches, I remind you that monies raised go to support wounded warriors across all the branches. We’d just like you to donate to my team — Team Air Force –  here. You can do that by clicking on the donate here button in the sidebar at the very top of this blog.

The overall goal is $140,000 by Veterans Day. This is what your hard-earned dollars are going for (via Soldiers’ Angels):

Voice-controlled Laptops – Operated by speaking into a microphone or using other adaptive technologies, they allow the wounded to maintain connections with the rest of the world during recovery.

Wii Video Game Systems – Whole-body game systems increase motivation and speed recovery when used under the guidance of physical therapists in therapy sessions (donated only to medical facilities).

Personal GPS – Handheld GPS devices build self-confidence and independence by compensating for short-term memory loss and organizational challenges related to severe TBI and severe PTSD.

Make this the best TGIF ever. Please consider donating to Project Valour-IT. Won’t you?

Elen

The images in this post are copyrighted and used, with permission, for the Valour-IT campaign.

Soldiers’ Angels (OFFICIAL) Bulletin
Posted by: Shelle Michaels

SOLDIERS’ ANGELS STANDING BY FOR FT. HOOD

We are collecting cards and NEW stuffed animals for the families and children of the fallen/wounded heroes.

Please send cards and stuffed animals/blankets/anything NEW that may brighten the life of a child to:

Soldiers’ Angels Warehouse
4408 PanAm Expressway
San Antonio, TX 78218

WE WILL FOCUS on the HOLIDAY OUTREACH as a major push.

For more details -
email: ShelleMichaels at SoldiersAngels.org
web: http://www.SoldiersAngels.org/
Twitter:
www.twitter.com/publicrelations
www.twitter.com/soldiersangels

Seems it is all the rage to have an armed force Soldiers’ Angels Valour-IT thermometer widget on a blog or website right now! It is not too late to join in, the fundraiser does not end until November 11th.

1.There are a variety of items up for Valour-IT auction. Go bid on one of them!

2. Go register your blog or website to join one of the 4 teams and get your own thermometer widget.

3. Make a donation – no matter how small. Remember 100% of proceeds go directly to purchase & delivery of technology to our wounded heroes.

4. Tell everyone you know about Project Valour-IT! Create a viral email or put on you Facebook wall.

5. Buy a fabulous gift for yourself or for someone for the holidays from one of the businesses supporting Valour-IT. Or buy register for the opportunity to win a beautiful Christmas quilt.

Though either Army, Air Force, Navy/Coast Guard, or Marines will be declared the winner of the competition and will gain bragging rights until next year, our wounded heroes are the winners! Go Project Valour-IT!

The Valour-IT fundraiser is still plugging along, and I entreat you to come out in support of Team Navy! There’s also about fifty items up for auction, the proceeds of which will go to support Valour-IT as well.

Also, even though this doesn’t go to support Team Navy, it does support Valour-IT; this brilliant shirt by Vision Strike Wear:

Seriously, I have to own this. It’s ridiculous, I love it.

Also, Jeff Bacon of Broadside generously threw his hat in the ring to support Team Navy by producing one of his awesome comics just for SA and our Team. Check out his post here.

We have another week to go! Help us out, blogosphere.

A little over a week in and the Project Valour-IT campaign has raised $44,857, as of the writing of this post. Team Marines is out in front at $16,291, followed closely by Team Army at $15,305. Team Air Force — ahem, my team — is zooming along at $7,495 with Team Navy on their tail at $5,766. At $600 a pop, that’s 74 laptops for wounded vets. But it’s not just laptops. It’s Wii Video Game Systems and Personal GPS, too.

How do these pieces of technological wonder help? Here’s what Soldiers’ Angels has to say:

Each of the devices Valour-IT supplies helps restore confidence and independence. Voice-activated laptops reconnect the wounded with the world and develop self-confidence by showing soldiers they can continue to be engaged and productive despite their injuries. Wounded service members also use the laptops for education about their medical care or preparation for post-military career. Physical therapists report Wii Sports and similar programs are extremely motivational and beneficial when used in physical therapy settings, though they are not standard equipment in military hospitals. And wounded personnel with short-term memory loss due to TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and severe PTSD use GPS systems to keep from getting lost or disoriented when they move on to more independent living.

I can’t think of a better way to give back to those who have given so much. Each and every dollar donated to Valour-IT goes towards the purchase of these technologies.

To donate simply scroll to the top of this blog and click on the donate button in the sidebar. You may also send checks or money orders to: Soldiers’ Angels, Valour-IT Fund, 1792 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91104.

Whatever team you’re playing for, whether it be the Air Force, Army, Marines or Navy, donations go to support wounded warriors across all branches of the military.

Image courtesy of Cox and Forkum and Soldiers’ Angels.

Please consider a donation today.

Tomorrow — Let’s just say Golden Pup made a lasting first impression at the meet and greet with her away sitter. Oh yes, she did.

Elen

Sometimes, I like to pretend that I’m just the same as everybody else. Being the spouse of a military service member does not completely define me, and I think that this space reflects that. Then again, every once in a while I’m reminded that my life is definitely not the status quo for a civilian (oh yeah, that deployments and PCS business, ha.)

Today I have a couple of things to share. Both actually fall into the “better late than never” category. First of is the wonderful organization of Soldier’s Angels. Honestly, I don’t do enough for this fantastic group of people who support our troops. Through November 11, they are raising money for Project Valour-IT:

In their own words: “Project Valour-IT helps provide voice-controlled/adaptive laptop computers and other technology to support Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines recovering from hand wounds and other severe injuries.”

It is also good natured competition between the services. And I’m totally behind the power curve in talking about it, so I apologize for that. I don’t like to ask for money on my blog, but you know, I can’t think of a better cause. And if you decide to do so you had better choose Team Army, just sayin’. I promise you the ability to go around saying “Hooah” all day, which is more fun than you might imagine (why else would all of those grown, tough men go around saying it for everything?)

And besides we have to beat those Marines, they’re entirely too smug, if you ask me.

In other news today, the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act has passed! (h/t to Left Face) Finally, I don’t have to change my driver’s license and residency in every state. I won’t have to worry about voter registration. Hallelujah. My thanks to everyone who put in their time and energy to make that happen.

Now I’ve gotta get to school. Have a Happy Tuesday!

This Friday’s Food For Thought is geared towards Halloween.

I saw this Tweet by @veteransairlift:

Are you wondering what to do with all that LEFTOVER Halloween candy? ANSWER! Soldiers’ Angels will ship it to the… http://bit.ly/1pDYyd

Soldiers’ Angels is shipping donated, unused Halloween candy to troops overseas. There are two address which to mail your unused Halloween candy to and they are:

If you live eastof the Mississippi, please ship your halloween candy to:
Soldiers’ Angels 112 Greenhill Road
Ramseur NC 27316
(Dropoff avail. M-F, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

If you live west of the Mississippi, please ship your halloween candy to:
Soldiers’ Angels
914 Tourmaline Dr
Newbury Park, CA 91320

In Baltimore there is a dentist buying Halloween candy from kids, and mailing it to troops overseas as party of a national program called Halloween Candy Buy Back. I saw that story on BaltimoreSun.com, and I am proud of this story because I am a Baltimore-native and proud of my city.

What do you call think of mailing your unused Halloween candy to the troops?

It’s something to think about if you have a child with allergies who cannot eat half their Halloween loot.

Ever feel passionate about an issue or cause and you just feel motivated to go ahead and do something? I believe many of us feel that way, but often times we never get around to the doing part. I came across an organization called Do Something that gives teens an opportunity to engage and get involved with various causes and campaigns that benefit their communities. In this blog I talk a lot about the lack of teen activism, especially in the government/military arenas, so coming across this organization was very exciting.

Do Something utilizes messaging and influencers from the entertainment world to help get teens motivated to become involved. Utilizing tactics that appeal to teens, Do Something is helping teens find an outlet that allows them to grown and be exposed to issues they may have never heard of.
In one of my earlier entries I ask the question if mass media can increase interest in public service. http://majastevanovich.wordpress.com/2009/08/10/can-mass-media-increase-interest-in-public-service/Do Something has found a unique blend of using media influencers while appealing to a generation already predestined for public service to create successful campaigns for teens where they are making a real difference.

To learn more about Do Something and their unique way of motivating teens visit their website www.dosomething.org

If you are reading this and thinking about causes that need support—think about fighting for our troops as they are always fighting for our freedoms. The easiest way to immediately make an impact is by letting as many people know as possible about the Soldiers’ Angels ValourIT (Voice Activated Lap Tops for Our Injured Troops) campaign going on right now. Providing technology to those severely wounded gives them an opportunity to speed up their recovery and shows them that the American public does recognize and honor their service. By clicking on the computer icon on the right side of this page, you will be taken to a secure page where you can make a donation. Let others know, or donate what you are comfortable with, but never stop fighting for causes you believe in, because each and everyone one of us can make a big difference.

Hanging Out With The Boys by Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter James Hooker, and Valour-IT supporter.

It began on October 26th — the campaign fundraiser for Project Valour-IT. Today is the final day to reach our goal. As of the writing of this post, we have raised $88,975 for voice-controlled laptops and other assistive technologies to support Airmen, Marines, Soldiers and Sailors recovering from severe injuries. Just $11,025 would see us reach $100,000. You can help us by clicking the Donate Here button in the sidebar. Let’s finish strong.

Note: At 4:09:08 pm EST, we have raised $95,976. $4,024 would see us reach $100k. But why stop there? I can’t think of a better way to thank a veteran this Veterans Day than by making a donation to a project that can put some extra tools into a wounded soldier’s recovery tool box.

Now, as you have noticed, Team Air Force has been the underdog most recently in this campaign. Let’s change that. Click Donate Here. Do it now. Right in this post.

Go Zoomies!

Note: At 11:21:39 pm EST, we have raised $102,251. The Marines have kicked campaign butt, with the Army in hot pursuit. The Navy is working to catch the Army, and my team — Team Air Force — is the mighty underdog. Zoom. Zoom.  Let’s rock it to the end!

(Note: This is a sticky post to remain until the end of the Valour-IT fundraiser on Veterans Day, November 11th. Scroll down for the daily.)