Illinois Soldiers' Angels

Su pport Our Troops In IL

2012-02-06T17:31:00.001-08:00

Come Support Our troops in IL by donations, adopt a soldier at soldiersangels.org.

dolphin tale movie

2011-09-22T13:38:00.000-07:00

From Austin, Texas-area CNC Lisa:

This past Sunday, I had the opportunity to attend a special screening of the new movie Dolphin Tale. I had recently seen a trailer for the movie and thought I'd like to see it: a story about a wounded warrior, a boy and a dolphin...

Then, last Wednesday, Soldiers' Angels Executive Director Toby Nunn posted to his facebook about the Soldiers' Angels premiere in San Antonio. I checked the date: Sunday evening at 6pm - I could go! So, I signed up - seating was limited...

Since I had to drive from Austin, I tried to give myself a little extra time. I arrived at the theater about 20 minutes before the scheduled start time. I stood in line at the box office window, email confirmation in hand, only to be told to go inside to the red carpet. My name was on the list, so I got my ticket and my voucher for a complimentary drink and bag of popcorn. I went in, attempting to avoid the photographers (I think they got me at the table :-P). I discovered I would see the movie in 3D. Bonus! Once inside, I looked around to see where I might want to see. I knew that I would see Angels I knew, in addition to the wounded warriors and their families (including members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart). Was only able to say hello to Toby in passing - he was pretty busy with the business of the night. Ended up sitting with Angel & SA Events Coordinator Twyla. Now that I had a seat, it was time to go grab my concessions!

It was set up Hollywood-style: outside the auditorium was a big movie poster. While returning with my concessions, I saw two people being interviewed on camera, but I didn't know who they were at the time. I assumed they had some connection with the actual movie, and weren't just random people in attendance. Before the movie started, Toby spoke and let us know the director and the actor playing the role of the wounded warrior would do a Q&A session after the movie was over.

I cannot say enough good things about the movie. It is a wonderful family film. The main story, of course, is about the dolphin, Winter. From the trailer, you learn that Winter is rescued after being injured and she eventually loses her tail. How can a dolphin survive if it can't swim? What happened to Winter is true. Winter plays herself in the movie (so you already know she doesn't die...). The rest of the story in the movie - the story involving the human characters - isn't based on actual people or events. In the movie, a young boy, Sawyer helps rescue the dolphin when she is washed up on a beach, tangled in the line from a crab trap: he cuts her free of the line using the multi-tool given to him by his soldier cousin, Kyle. He is there long enough to know where the animal is taken. Later, he shows up at the marine rescue hospital to find out what happened and is eventually invited to help - he's made a connection with Winter...

You might be curious as to how a story about a dolphin has anything to do with Soldiers' Angels. Well, there is the character of Kyle, high school swim champ with Olympic dreams, but he's decided to serve his country and get help with paying for college. He leaves for a deployment, leaving Sawyer with the message "Family is forever". Well, as you can see in the trailer above, Kyle gets wounded and comes back home to heal...

I thought they did a wonderful job in handling Kyle's story line. It shows the sacrifice and horror of war without being graphic: Sawyer and his mother go to visit Kyle at the VA hospital. Real wounded warriors are extras in the movie. Sawyer, having been around a dolphin with an amputated tail takes note of the wounded warriors with prosthetics. They are being active, doing things they probably did before they got hurt.

I won't spoil any more of the story. All I can say is this: go see it. Take you kids. Take your sweetie. Go with friends. But see this movie. It is heartwarming and inspirational. As Toby said, if you see this movie and it doesn't touch you in some way.... It will make you laugh. It may make you cry. I dare you to see this movie and leave the theater unmoved by what you saw.

I wasn't going to miss the Q&A after the movie with director Charles Martin Smith and actor Austin Stowell who portrays Kyle. Mr. Smith wrote the screenplay as well. The character of Kyle is meant to represent the wounded veterans who have come to see Winter and have been inspired by her. When it was Austin's turn to answer questions, one of the things he was asked was how he researched for this role. He said he has friends that are in the service and spoke with them. He also visited a VA facility in Los Angeles. One of the most touching moments of the evening came when a wounded warrior asked him about wearing the leg brace. Austin said it was very uncomfortable: it sometimes pinched his leg, giving him blue blisters and bruises, it would also rub and irritate his leg; he looked forward to being able to take it off at the end of the day, and this gives him a greater appreciation for the real wounded warriors who don't get to take that brace off when filming is done for the day. Toby presented both Mr. Smith and Austin with Crystal Wing Awards.

There is more than just the movie premiere for Soldiers' Angels. Toby announced the My Wounded Hero promotion. If you are - or know of - a wounded veteran who would like a chance to meet Winter, tell Soldiers' Angels why in 250 to 500 words. But, you'll have to do it quickly! The deadline for submissions is midnight on September 22nd!

Warehouse Wish List

2011-09-22T13:36:00.000-07:00

The Soldiers' Angels Warehouse in San Antonio is in need of the following items:

toothbrushes
deodorant
baby wipes
non-perishable food items (especially tuna and jerky)
individual drink packets
nuts
raisins
microwaveable meals

If you can get these, wonderful, and thank you <span style="font-style: italic;">SO</span> much! Please can ship them to:

<span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Soldiers' Angels
4408 N PanAm Expressway
San Antonio, TX 78218</span>

Our soldiers don't have to be on a battlefield to save lives

2011-08-11T14:56:00.000-07:00

Face of Defense: Recruiter Saves Life on Dallas Freeway

DENTON, Texas, July 22, 2011 – When Army Staff Sgt. Marcus A. Stone saw cars suddenly braking and swerving ahead of him on Interstate 35 East in Dallas, he knew something bad had just happened on the freeway he was driving on. In the minutes that followed, Stone pulled a victim from a burning vehicle.

Those actions that December day prompted Stone’s commanding officer to nominate him for the Noncommissioned Officers Association of the United States of America Military Vanguard Award, presented annually to recognize acts of heroism.

...

Officer Susan Sharp, who was the investigating officer that day for the Farmers Branch Police Department, said Stone gave responders his recruiter business card and left the scene. Only after she compiled the statements from witnesses and drivers involved in the accident, who referred to Stone as “that Army guy,” did she realize how crucial a role Stone played, she said.

“Had Sergeant Stone not extricated [the victim], he would have burned to death within a minute or two,” Sharp said. “Stone didn't just save a life. He was the difference between a group of bystanders seeing a man rescued by one of America's heroic soldiers, versus seeing the man die a horrific death, burning right before their eyes.”

Stone, an Iraq combat veteran, said his Army training played a crucial role in his actions in saving the man that day. The Iraq experience, he explained, helped in that he was much calmer because he had already had enough pressure-packed situations in Iraq.

“It just comes down to being at the right place at the right time,” he said. “I’m just glad that somebody was able to continue their life, and I’m thankful that I was able to help someone in that capacity.”

Bus crash victims and hero soldier tell of rescue from fire, explosions:

Syracuse, NY -- William and Sandy Blair worried as they sat in row 8 of the Farr’s Coach Lines Ltd. tour bus on the side of the New York State Thruway early Friday in Junius Ponds.

....

At about 1:20 a.m., the bus pulled back onto the highway. It had just crossed the rough surface of the road’s shoulder when a Matrix Expedited Services truck carrying 14,000 pounds of ball bearing crashed into it.

...

At about the same time, Army Sgt. Jacob Perkins, 28, was driving his truck westbound. Perkins was stationed at Fort Drum in the First Squadron 89th Calvary Regiment and had served in Iraq. He was beginning a couple of weeks leave with a long drive to his home in Mountain Grove, Mo.

“It was just a big fireball of a crash. There were two vehicles burning on the side of the road and people were outside, but there weren’t any first responders there,” he said.

Perkins pulled his truck over.

“All of a sudden this guy came running. He ran right onto the bus that was fully engulfed in flames,” Michelle said.

Perkins said he didn’t hesitate. “They kept saying there were still people on the bus, so I didn’t really think about it. I ran in there.”

He helped a couple of people off the bus. “I pushed back farther into the bus to start checking the seats to make sure there was nobody in there. It was on fire. It wasn’t burning me or nothing. There was fire and smoke. When it got overwhelming, I just got off the bus,” Perkins said.

...

Michelle approached three state troopers on the side of the road. “My dad’s gone. We don’t know if he’s going to live. We need to get to where he’s going. How can we get there,” she asked.

The troopers said they didn’t know.

“Jacob (Perkins) was standing about 10 feet away. He said ‘I’ll take you anywhere you want to go. Get in my truck’.”

Perkins drove the Blairs to the hospital in Rochester. He gave them his cell phone to call family in Canada.

“I went into the hospital covered in blood, one sock, limping and a sports bra. They had no idea what was going on,” Michelle said.

The Blairs told the hospital what had happened, and said they were looking for William. The hospital told them he wasn’t there. He’d been re-routed to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse.

“We were in tears. We didn’t know what to do,” Michelle said.

Perkins told them “Get in my truck. We’re going to the other hospital. I’ll get you there.”

The sergeant drove 90 minutes back to Syracuse.

“Jacob stayed with us. He refused to leave until we had family here,” Michelle said.

Perkins stayed with the women until Sandy and William’s son arrived from Canada. Then he left.

The Blairs offered him cash in thanks. Perkins refused. Gas money? Nope. Cup of coffee. No thanks.

"He wanted nothing. He said, 'That's what people do for other people'," Michelle said.

...

Perkins, reached by cell phone at 10 this morning, was on the side of the road in Ohio where he had stopped to eat. He was still 8 hours from his Missouri home and 5-year-old daughter.

Sounding exhausted, he spoke humbly about his role in Friday’s crash.

“I just think it’s what anybody would have done in that situation. I just happened to be there.”

Major kudos to SSG Stone and SGT Perkins for taking action when they weren't required to do so, and saving lives in the process!

NASCAR & Soldiers' Angels

2011-08-11T14:54:00.000-07:00

At this weekend’s Watkins Glen NASCAR Race (Sunday, 1p.m. ET on ESPN), keep your eyes peeled for the Green Smoke Chevy, driven by T.J. Bell. Right behind each door will be the Soldiers’ Angels logo, and a decal on the bumper will read “Text Soldier to 20222,” encouraging viewers to donate. There’s a lot more to the story, including a very special American hero who has been made an honorary pit crew member with full NASCAR qualifications, so check it out!

The press release from The Hero Organization spills the beans about that honorary crew member:

In addition to representing Miami-based Green Smoke®, Bell will race for a special cause. He recently formed an alliance with the Helping Early Responders Organization (H.E.R.O.). H.E.R.O.'s primary mission is to support and assist the non-profit organizations that help the men and women who are firefighters, police officers, E.M.T.s, members of our armed services and their families in their time of greatest need. Bell and Green Smoke will host these heroes as their trackside guests. The Watkins Glen H.E.R.O. will be Captain Dennis H. Knowles and the non-profit organization that H.E.R.O. will feature is Soldiers' Angels.

"Captain Dennis Knowles will be with our Green Smoke® Chevy team this week at Watkins Glen," Bell said, of his guest that is a graduate of Buffalo State College and Canisius College. "Captain Knowles has served our country for twelve years and he’s now able to be on inactive reserve. It gives him the opportunity to be an asset and inspiration to the Addison Central School District where he teaches sixth grade. Hopefully the honors he’s earned for his years of service at the World Trade Center site, in Kuwait and Afghanistan make as much of an impression on his students as they have on me.”

Since Captain Knowles is a military veteran, the No. 50 Green Smoke® Chevy will feature a special Soldiers’ Angels “Text Soldier to 20222” decal as part of the team’s alliance with H.E.R.O. Soldiers’ Angels volunteers provide aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, veterans and their families. By texting “Soldier” to 20222, racing fans will be able to immediately donate $5 to the Soldier’s Angels non-profit organization.

Check out the Green Smoke car (without the Soldiers' Angels logo, which won't be revealed until later this week), so you know what to keep an eye out for Sunday!

Go Vote

2011-04-16T09:03:00.001-07:00

@soldiersangels is 1 of @AOL365's featured causes for @GreatNonprofits #MilitaryWeek http://t.co/CtywtMN

Head over to the Milbloggie

2011-04-16T09:02:00.001-07:00

Favor all-- Head over to the Milbloggie nominations and enter MARYANN with her MILBLOG SOLDIERS' ANGELS GERMANY Blog--- for the best of Soldier Support! Either find someone that has already nominated her or simply put " SOLDIERS' ANGELS GERMANY
" She does such great work!! I would love to see her getting recognition for her blog.... http://milblogconference.milblogging.com/403/best-u-s-military-supporter/

Save a Military Family with a Book?

2011-04-16T09:01:00.000-07:00

This unit is facing an unusually-challenging reintegration period at the end of their current
deployment, but their chaplain has a plan... and he needs some help (click pic to enlarge).

Did you know that you can have a direct role in supporting the marriages and family life of returning heroes under great strain? You can, with a simple book…

“Chaplain H” explains via email to the Chaplain Support Team (CST),

“I am starting to work on some family reintegration programming and need some help acquiring a significant amount of books in order to facilitate a quality program that would provide the greatest opportunity for families to reconnect in a healthy manner. I know this is a large request below, but I am not expecting all of it. I am though merely setting my long range goal in this department.

Our unit is in a tough spot on this issue, with the stressors of redeployment and instant reassignment. The story will go something like this. The unit gets home mid-summer at Fort _________ and is expected to PCS to Fort _________ by September 1, 2011. Moreover, the School District will start classes around 15 August, which will increase the rush to get to the new duty assignment.

The list of stressors on our families are redeployment, family reintegration, immediate moving and getting settled. The level of stress that our families will have to endure has the potential to scar and even bring about the destruction of families if the situation is not readily addressed. My solution is as follows:

An extremely large marriage retreat (which is paid for with grant money already procured), family social events, reading materials and books, and some follow up.

Chaplain Harris went on to list eight different books, with copies of 25 to 150 needed for each title. Under the guidance of the CST, over 150 books have been procured so far—including the entire set of 25 for two particular titles—but more help is needed.

CST Leader Dina explains, “If you can buy just one book on this list, it will make a gigantic difference. If you can contact your communities, churches, therapy offices, send email to bookstores requesting even a single book, we can do this to help him. It matters, Angels—every single copy matters. Scour your used bookstores, Goodwill, Salvation Army…blog the need, Facebook the need. ANYTHING will help.”

Anger: Handling a Powerful Emotion in a Healthy Way by Dr. Gary Chapman - 49 Copies still needed

Insiders' Guide to El Paso (Insiders' Guide Series) by Megan Eaves - 113 Copies still needed

Why Marriages Succeed or Fail: And How You Can Make Yours Last by John Gottman - 18 Copies still needed

The Military Marriage Manual: Tactics for Successful Relationships by Janelle Hill - 23 Copies still needed

The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country's Foremost Relationship Expert by John Gottman - 122 Copies still needed
The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts by Gary Chapman - 45 Copies still needed

Please help spread the word—just one single book can have a profound effect on a family and all who know them as they face an unusually challenging post-deployment adjustment period. Wingtip-to-wingtip, Angels can make it happen!

For more info (including shipping instructions and updates on how many copies are needed), email Dina at cst@soldiersangels.org. Project ends in May 2011.

Operation Tenshi Report

2011-04-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

From a Soldiers' Angel in Japan...

I just wanted to let you know I received all the boxes for Operation Tenshi. I got the phone call to come pick them up NOW, so off I went.

Our post office is also ran by local Japanese postal workers. When they took me in the back to get the boxes, seven of them escorted me and waited for my response when I saw them. I just smiled, then they asked me, "What are you doing with so many boxes?" I told them that Soldiers' Angels sent these to me to help the victims of the earthquake and tsunami on mainland. They just could not believe it and one of the ladies started to cry. She went to the back and workers told me she just couldn't believe the kindness of Soldiers' Angels and all the Americans that support us. She came back out and hugged me and told me to tell you that she thanks you from the bottom of her heart and will forever be grateful. It was a moment I will never forget. Thank you and the warehouse who worked long and hard. I miss you all and I am singing your praises over here!

Can you hear me....

I just wanted

Troop Testimonials

2011-04-16T08:58:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, Soldiers' Angels receives various notes, cards and letters from the troops, saying "Thank You" for the things Soldiers' Angels has been able to do for them. Some of those offers of thanks are shared on the Soldiers' Angels website. That page has recently been updated. Here are a few samples:

I work in the operations center and the coffee pot, 15 travel mugs and 30 bags

108 Hours

2011-04-16T08:56:00.000-07:00

Matt Burden, Soldiers' Angels Board of Trustees member, is putting out the word for help in sending a Gold Star Father to see where his son was lost:

Last Christmas, I received this email from a Gold Star Dad. He lost his son a few years ago in one of the war zones. He reached out to us for help getting to stand on the very ground where his son was killed in action. As a Dad, I can understand it. As a vet, I want to help this great American father find some peace - what little of it he will find, he deserves...
...I can not die in peace one day if I do not go. I will be 58 in January and... I think I can't wait any longer. But more importantly I have a gut feeling it is time.
<...>
The only gift in life I dream of for myself, strictly only for me, is to kneel and touch the ground where [he] died. To smell the air. To see what he saw his final days, final moments. I can see it at a distance of several hundred feet through out of date Google Earth Photos but that simply is not good enough for me. Even if it were to cost me my very life, I have to go there. I need your help to figure out how to make this happen. I would appreciate anything you could do to help me formulate an entry plan in country to make this happen.

My best to you in this Holiday Season as [we] celebrate Christmas, continuing to Remember [him] With Honor. Happy New Year. Thank you for your friendship, for saving my life by giving me an outlet to share my feelings and come to grips with my grief.
This mission will take a lot of financial and physical resources. You can email suggestions to blackfive - AT - Gmail - DOT - com. But be advised that we have worked this through the various government agencies at some very high levels. Soldiers' Angels has agreed to support this mission.

If you think you know who this Gold Star Father is, please do not speculate in the comments. Just as with our troops, there are very serious OPSEC considerations with this mission:

Care Packages

2011-02-07T19:45:00.000-08:00

Over on the Family Matters blog at Defense.gov, guest blogger Megan Just shares her care package experiences - both from the sending and receiving sides:

One of my most vivid memories of my deployment to Iraq is the adrenaline rush of receiving care packages. The arrival of a care package could instantly turn a bad day into a euphoric one. Receiving care packages was so important to me that I often wrote about them in my diary.

At the beginning of the deployment I wrote, "I received Eric's (my boyfriend) package today and I've been waiting all night to open it. I've been so looking forward to it that I don't want the anticipation to be over."

The next day, after opening his package, I wrote, "Eric's box was great. He sent my favorite fig sugarless cookies (which I am finishing as I write), a bunch of Cliff Bars and a variety of dried fruit. He also sent two issues of ‘National Geographic’ and ‘Climbing.’"

In that care package, Eric had also enclosed a small book he made that contained his favorite quotes, photos of us together and a long letter. My reaction to the book tugged at my heartstrings enough to nauseate you, so I'll pass on sharing that section of my diary here, but I can assure you, the book meant a lot more than the fig cookies and it is still a treasured item today.

Toward the end of deployment, even as the recipient of an estimated 50 care packages, I was still raving about them. "I love getting care packages," I wrote. "It is hands-on proof that somebody loves me. Opening them is like being a kid on Christmas morning. Each package contains a surprise and what is inside is additionally valuable because the contents are things that I can't procure myself."

While all care packages are great to receive, I did notice a difference in the emotional impact of a run-of-the-mill care package versus one where the sender put a lot of thought into selecting the contents and packaging them in a creative manner.

A run-of-the-mill care package contains generic items and things servicemembers can easily buy themselves at the Exchange on base or order online. A run-of-the-mill care package is one that might as well have been packed by one of the many web-based care package companies. See, the preparation of an exceptional care package cannot be outsourced. The preparation and thought that goes into a care package is half of its value and the servicemember can perceive this extra effort.

Read the whole thing. Some of her suggestions are better for when you know the recipient personally, but she also shares ideas you can use if you have adopted a service member who may not be able to share with you the things they would be interested in getting. It's always a good idea to be on the look-out for care package suggestions!

Drum Hike

2011-02-07T19:44:00.002-08:00

Mission Complete!

UPDATE 1/28/2011 -- It is with sincere concern for the health and continued well being of Troy Yokum, that Soldiers’ Angels must withdraw its current sponsorship and support of Hike for our Heroes.

While on his journey Troy has suffered from kidney stones as well as injuries to his feet which have demonstrated potential medical danger and that without a full medical clearance from a Medical Professional its in his best interests to not continue his mission at this time.

Soldiers’ Angels will continue the previous and ongoing mission of supporting our nation's returning heroes and veterans that Troy Yokum’s efforts contributed to in support of veterans and their families.

We at Soldiers’ Angels applaud his efforts to date, as it is truly a remarkable feat, and pledge that we will assist him as he transitions into the next phase or chapter of his life with his wife.

Any donations received by SA in support of this project will be applied directly to veterans support activities.

Drum Hike 2

Mission Complete!

Any donations received by SA in support of this project will be applied directly to veterans support activities.

2011-02-07T19:44:00.001-08:00

Soldiers' Angels recently received this note from a Staff Sergeant on a PRT (Provincial Reconstruction Team) in Afghanistan.

Dear Soldiers' Angels,

Thank you all very much for the package, especially the movies and MOOSE MUNCH (which was gone in less than a minute).

There are some times we get sad over here and think that people in the States don't really care about us, so when we get something like this it really boosts our morale. So this package, it really means a lot. On behalf of PRT Panjshir, we'd like to say thank you and God bless.

Attached is a picture of us for the greatest organization ever--Soldiers' Angels. You guys are the BEST! Thank you.

--SSgt R., US Air Force

PRTs are military teams that work with local government officials, U.S. government civilians and local military/police personnel to assist people in rebuilding or improving their neighborhoods. They spend a great deal of time away from the main bases and out in the countryside among the locals. This PRT, which is very isolated, received a large package from Soldiers' Angels while waiting to be adopted by individual Angel volunteers.

As of this writing, there are 1106 Heroes waiting to be adopted. You can help.

Give Blood

2011-01-17T17:58:00.000-08:00

During the week surrounding February 11th, 2011 Soldiers' Angels encourages Angels and friends across the entire country to honor those that have shed their BLOOD for us by heading to your local blood bank and donating a pint. You can check the eligibility requirements for donating here.

In coordination with WEAR RED Friday and Valentines' Day weekend, please take time out of your busy schedule to give a pint. If you can't give RED you can always give GREEN and donate $$ online www.soldiersangels.org.

Send your photos of your giving experience to ShelleMichaels@SoldiersAngels.org or pixt them to 218-779-7271 for automatic posting to our Facebook fan page.

Operation Patriot Care Package II on Hannity

2011-01-09T22:43:00.000-08:00

In case you missed it, Soldiers' Angels was featured on Hannity on Tuesday, December 28th:

A little background here.

Patriot Pillowcases

2011-01-09T22:42:00.000-08:00

I enjoy sewing. I started sewing as a child. My parents got me this kid's sewing machine and I was able to make very simple items. I eventually graduated to using Mom's sewing machine and making more involved pieces. Over the years, I've made all kinds of things: skirts, tops, dresses, stuffed toys, purses and I can't remember what else! Last Christmas I made each of my sisters purses in fun prints that matched their personalities. This past Christmas, I made a different purse for my two year old niece. I've got projects planned to help support the next Project Valour IT fundraiser. I just need the time!

Today, I received an email about a new project the Sewing Team has:

The Soldiers' Angels Sewing Team is extending its powerful tradition of handmade support for the troops with an exciting new project: Patriot Pillowcases, designed to bring cheer and color to what can be a very drab hospital environment in Combat Support Hospitals (CSH) overseas.

Patriot Pillow Cases began with 16-year-old Angel seamstress Katie, who discovered that cherry, happy pillow cases were often requested for the wounded at Combat Support Hospitals overseas. Katie has been an Angel for over a year, sewing blankets and participating in the Letter Writing Team. She also recently organized a school project to collect magazines and holiday cards for Soldiers’ Angels care packages.

“I think this could be a very valuable project,” says Katie, “Because it brings the same sense of love and support from home to soldiers as a blanket might. However, the simplicity of a pillowcase allows us to reach more soldiers.”

Roger Godskesen, head of Soldiers' Angels Medical Support - Deployed, agrees. “The CSH's can be rather drab, so some bright, homemade pillowcases would mean the world to the patients. We currently have over 60 medical units we're working with, so there is plenty of need!”

To get started on your Patriot Pillowcase, click for guidelines (instructions may also be found on the Sewing Team page under “Teams and Projects” on this website.

You don't really need to buy a pattern. For the simplest pillow, you need one yard of 45" wide fabric (cotton or flannel, new fabric only, please) in fun, patriotic or bright colors and/or prints per standard size (21" x 32") pillowcase. There is a request that a minimum of five pillowcases be shipped at a time. Got to your fabric store, check out what's in the remnants bin, or see what's on sale. I'm sure you can find some real bargains out there!

Instructions for a basic, one color/print pillowcase can be found here. If you are feeling a little more ambitious, you can find instructions for a pillowcase with a contrasting band at the opening here. I think I might be hitting the fabric stores this weekend!

Did you know? Gold Star Wives Day

2010-12-19T22:51:00.000-08:00

A great post from one of our newest Soldiers' Angels bloggers in honor of today, Gold Star Wives day:

http://soldiers-angels.blogspot.com/2010/12/honoring-gold-star-wives_6182.html

2010-12-19T22:50:00.000-08:00

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Wii Therapy

2010-12-05T15:45:00.000-08:00

Last month, the community of milbloggers raised $95,205 for Soldiers' Angels Project Valour-IT. While this project started out with the goal of providing laptops with voice-activated software to severely wounded troops, it has since expanded to include other technologies. Personal GPS systems help build self-confidence and independence by compensating for short-term memory loss and organizational challenges related to severe TBI and severe PTSD. Wii video game systems provided to medical facilities to assist with physical rehabilitation.

You might wonder how a video game would help with physical rehabilitation:

Using the game console's unique, motion-sensitive controller, Wii games require body movements similar to traditional therapy exercises. But patients become so engrossed mentally they are almost oblivious to the rigor, Osborn said.

"In the Wii system, because it's kind of a game format, it does create this kind of inner competitiveness. Even though you may be boxing or playing tennis against some figure on the screen, it's amazing how many of our patients want to beat their opponent," said Osborn of Southern Illinois Healthcare, which includes the hospital in Herrin. The hospital, about 100 miles southeast of St. Louis, bought a Wii system for rehab patients late last year.

"When people can refocus their attention from the tediousness of the physical task, oftentimes they do much better," Osborn said.

This kind of therapy seems ideal when working with wounded troops:

The Hines Veterans Affairs Hospital west of Chicago recently bought a Wii system for its spinal cord injury unit.

Pfc. Matthew Turpen, 22, paralyzed from the chest down in a car accident last year while stationed in Germany, plays Wii golf and bowling from his wheelchair at Hines. Turpen says the games help beat the monotony of rehab and seem to be doing his body good, too.

"A lot of guys don't have full finger function so it definitely helps being able to work on using your fingers more and figuring out different ways to use your hands" and arms, Turpen said.

At Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the therapy is well-suited to patients injured during combat in Iraq, who tend to be in the 19 to 25 age range — a group that's "very into" playing video games, said Lt. Col. Stephanie Daugherty, Walter Reed's chief of occupational therapy.

"They think it's for entertainment, but we know it's for therapy," she said.

While the big annual fundraiser by the milblogs may be over, the need for our wounded troops is always ongoing. If you can, please consider donating to Project Valour-IT.

Cooking with the Troops got to ring the NASDAQ opening bell this week.

2010-11-26T16:17:00.000-08:00

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100,000 Blankets of Belief

2010-10-20T02:42:00.000-07:00

For the last two winter holiday seasons, our deployed heroes have loved receiving their homemade Blankets of Belief from Soldiers' Angels, so we?re doing it again this year! The blankets are a wonderful reminder to the troops that we believe in them as they face the challenges of deployment to a war zone during the Holidays.

Anyone can help make a blanket for a hero. If you sew, knit, crochet, or just hold a pen, you can wrap a hero in love from home.

Full post at Soldiers' Angels here.

VERY easy directions for the fleece no-sew blanket here.

What do you get the person who has everything?

2010-10-20T02:41:00.000-07:00

It's just a little over two months until Christmas. What can you get for the person on your holiday gift-giving list who has everything and is really hard to shop for? Send a care package to a deployed service member in their name.

The HugoSalutes program

2010-10-20T02:37:00.000-07:00

The HugoSalutes program provides free Hugo® folding canes to 36,000 military veterans at Sam's Club® locations across the country from Wednesday, November 10th through Friday, November 12th.

More information:

http://www.hugosalutes.com/About-the-Free-Cane.asp
http://www.hugosalutes.com/FAQ.asp

Troops in Touch

2010-10-10T20:25:00.000-07:00

Troops in Touch. They're on facebook here.

From the facebook page:

Website:
http://www.troopsintouch.com

Company Overview:
Beth Allen developed Troops in Touch specifically to serve military families.
Mission:
Our mission is to help deployed parents keep ongoing communication with their young children through coloring/art activities.
Products:
- Sets of interactive activity postcards
- Free downloadable coloring pages supplied to websites that support military families
- Art activity Coloring book
- Flat Brat - the "color-adorable" military kid
- Brat color-dorable kid's clothing & other products

Flat Brat & Color-dorable are tradmarks of Beth Allen

Something to consider sharing on your blogs.

Georgia Troops Represent All States

2010-10-09T23:19:00.000-07:00

Georgia Troops Represent All States

Robert Stokely, “Gold Star” Father and longtime friend of Soldiers’ Angels, is working with soldiers who served with his fallen son and has a special request of support for them…

Dear Angels,

Bravo 2/121 is a part of the Georgia 48th Brigade Army National Guard, with two deployments under their belt - 2005 / 2006 Iraq and 2009 - 2010 Afghanistan (just recently returned). The unit is comprised of the original Bravo 2/121 which was light infantry and a large number of the soldiers who served with my son in Iraq, E 108 CAV which was stood down upon return in 2006 as the GAARNG shifted to being solely a light infantry brigade as part of mission change for the future, including Afghanistan.

Today, I had a request from the guys there when I stopped by the Armory. They asked me if I knew how to get them a State Flag from each of the 50 States. I told them give me some time to think on it and I'd get back to them. They want to hang the flags in their Armory. Their reason? They said they serve America and they have a Georgia Flag, but felt they ought to have a flag for each of the other 49 States they represent when they deploy. I'd like to go another step and add the U.S. Territories if possible and Germany, since they have had wounded come through Landstuhl that MaryAnn took care of.....

Sure could use some folks who might have contacts in their state to get a state flag and if they could, send it to:
SGT Charles Lancaster Supply
Bravo 2/121
12 Armory Road
Newnan, GA 30263

SGT Lancaster and the guys of Bravo have no idea I am doing this, so it would be neat surprise for them.
Robert Stokely
proud dad SGT Mike Stokely
KIA 16 AUG 05 near Yusufiyah Iraq
USA E 108 CAV 48th BCT GAARNG

To ensure no duplicates, if you can get a flag for 2/121 please contact Robert and let him know which state flag you can provide: rrmwastokely@aol.com or 678-4161-387.

Walking through Fire

2010-10-09T23:17:00.000-07:00

Walking through Fire

From Patsy Swendson, friend of Soldiers' Angels and founder of Penny's From Heaven...

What have you done for freedom today? We all have things to do, people to see. We are busy. We work, we travel, we take a rest. But how often do we think of our warriors who will, and have, and are walking through fire for us and this great country. Some of our greatest citizens routinely make the ultimate sacrifice for America and its people. For us they go into the worse conditions, at the worse time, and make the biggest difference. Throughout history our young men and women have gone and done the unpopular, the impossible and the unachievable. Only to return home and ready themselves to do it again.

Our Marines, Sailors, Airmen and Soldiers are there for us. They come home and many need help. One honorary Penny's From Heaven Foundation Therapy and PTSD Support Dog and her "dad," Iraq war veteran Troy Yocum in conjunction with Soldiers' Angels, are spending sixteen months hiking seven thousand miles across this great country to bring awareness and financial assistance to the plight of many of our warriors returning home. With Emmie by his side, Troy took the first step of his sixteen month Drum Hike for Our Heroes on April 17, 2010.

Families fighting the homefront are not fighting alone. They have Emmie - a warrior's best friend. Emerson Elaine Eskridge, the 'Superdog,' was born in Louisville, KY on June 19th, 2007. She is the smallest of the six original and distinct breeds of dog from Japan called Shiba Inu (柴犬).

She is a small, agile dog, with an abundance of energy, who copes very well with mountainous terrain and trails. Her safety is a main concern of the crew during very hot days. If temperatures rise, then Emmie takes it nice and easy by riding in the RV that follows SPC Yocum. Of course she can't stand this; she always wants to be out front to lead the hike. Some think that she was born for the purpose of hiking across America. Just perhaps she was also born to bring awareness to and promote the benefits of PTSD Support Dogs for our returning warriors with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Our soldiers are ready at a moments notice. They don't pick their battles, but when called to service they respond. Keeping our enemies at bay, our heroes are champions of freedom, not eager for war, but willing to sacrifice. One for the need of many. Many veterans live by this military code and have done so when our country needed it the most.

While one soldier may miss holidays, a birthday, or a birth of a child, others may suffer mentally and develop anxiety, depression or PTSD. Some also sacrifice by being injured by road side bombs, being shot or taking shrapnel. Some pay the ultimate price.

We ask a lot of our men and women in uniform. Who can they call on in their time of strife? Our American Heroes are fighting just as hard at home as they do overseas. Troy and Emmie are literally putting one foot in front of the other, crossing America to reach people and help spread the importance of helping our military families, one step at a time.

Nonpoint Rocks for the Troops

2010-10-09T23:16:00.002-07:00

Nonpoint Rocks for the Troops
Soldiers' Angels extends its deepest appreciation to musicians of Nonpoint for their generous donation. All profits from their new single, "Frontlines" will be split 50-50 between Soldiers' Angels and the USO. Thank you, Nonpoint, for being such great supporters of the troops!

NONPOINT RELEASE OFFICIAL ‘FRONTLINES’ VIDEO
BAND DONATES PORTION OF DIGITAL SINGLE SALES TO MILITARY CHARITIES

LOS ANGELES - Ft Lauderdale hard rockers NONPOINT have unveiled the official video to their new single, “Frontlines.” Inspired by the bravery of our military, lead vocalist Elias Soriano explains, “When I wrote the concept for Frontlines, I wanted to make sure the focus was on the commitment of what our soldiers do for us. The weight they carry, and the intensity they hold steadfast to protect people they don’t even know.”

NONPOINT will be donating proceeds of the digital single sales of “Frontlines” to the USO and Soldier’s Angels foundations. Jeff Bader of Soldier’s Angels says, “We are honored NONPOINT is donating proceeds from their new single to support Soldier’s Angels. The circumstances surrounding this generous gift from the band seems to be a natural fit. Many of our returning veterans tell us that the warriors on the frontlines regularly listen to Nonpoint!”

“I say this with as much meaning as I could possibly have,” says Soriano. “God bless the men and women of our military, and thank you for allowing me to be what I am, and do what I do. Every single one of you are the reason I’m free to do so.”

Cooperating to Support the Troops

2010-10-09T23:16:00.001-07:00

Thanks to two other organizations teaming up with Soldiers' Angels, troops are going to get some delicious snacks while the money saved is being applied to other military support projects!

It began when Dan Leon, founder of the Hero Organization, approached Herr Foods. Soldiers’ Angels has been spending a great deal of money to buy snack-size packages of food to include in care packages shipped from San Antonio to troops around the world, so Leon asked if Herr’s might like to raise its visibility with a regular donation through Soldiers’ Angels.

Community Marketing Specialist for Herr’s, Hans Thomas is responsible for sampling for marketing purposes and recognized the opportunity Leon presented. A Marine Corps combat veteran himself, he realized he could help support his fellow warriors while also meeting his employer’s goals. “As a company, we’ve had employees who have served in the military and Herr’s is a big supporter of the community,” Thomas says. “It ties right in with what we like to do to support the troops and thank them for their service while also introducing them to a product they will see on the shelves at the store. “

Herr’s is now sending one shipment per month of pretzels and various flavors of potato chips that will be included in care packages to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, about 600 bags of snacks. “It’s wonderful when a corporation like Herr’s that can provide products desperately wanted and needed overseas,” says Soldiers’ Angels Warehouse Manager Sean Thomas (not related to Hans). “It also helps lighten the financial load on Soldiers’ Angels and demonstrates that not only do individual citizens care, but corporations do, too.”

Soldiers' Angels salutes Herr Foods and the HERO Organization, and looks forward to continuing to work with them both in support of the troops.

1512

2010-10-09T23:15:00.000-07:00

As this is published, 1512 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines are waiting for an Angel to adopt them. These American heroes need to know they haven’t been forgotten. Even if they are in a relatively comfortable living situation, it is vital that they know we are thinking of them here at home.

A young Airmen recently wrote from a base in Iraq known for good living conditions. He asked simply for American snacks and “brain teasers,” and explained that he is based in England when he’s not deployed:

I wanna say thank you for not forgetting us. I've been back to America many times and can’t tell you how many times I hear bad things about the troops. I’m glad to know someone still cares.

And like so many of his brothers and sisters, Adam is more concerned about others than himself. He finished his note with this comment:

BTW, if you have a choice in picking me or a Soldier/Marine in Afganistan, or one at what we call an FOB, then please pick them.

This Airman knows he has it good, but he also knows he needs the reassurance that he still has the support of patriotic Americans back home. Whether they’re lining in tent on an outpost in Afghanistan, or in one of Saddam’s old palaces in Iraq, our military men and women need to know that they are remembered and appreciated.

1500+ people waiting for adoption is among the highest numbers Soldiers’ Angels has ever seen. If you can’t adopt someone yourself, please tell a friend about this great way to make sure America’s heroes know that during these hard time, their sacrifices are not forgotten.

Lucky Us

2010-10-09T23:13:00.000-07:00

Singer-songwriter Helene Cronin has written a beautiful song in support of America’s military men and women, Lucky Me. It has touched the hearts of thousands and thousands of troops, and now Helene is spreading the joy even further by donating to Soldiers’ Angels.

Lucky Me describes the gratitude of Americans who realize they are fortunate to be safe at home, protected by the men and women who are deployed in war zones and uncomfortable situations far from home. It is available by digital download on on CDbaby.com and iTunes.com, and 25% of Helene’s proceeds from each digital sale will be donated to Soldiers’ Angels.

The song is a true story based on Helene’s trip back from a seemingly unsuccessful networking visit to Nashville with her songs. Standing at the counter at the airport, she happened to strike up a conversation with the soldier standing near her. He mentioned he was headed back to Iraq and asked where she was going. “I'm going home,” she said, discouragement in her voice. “Lucky you,” he replied.

His response hit her hard. “How lucky AM I,” she thought, comparing her destination to his. “I had just been handed a gift in what he said to me.” The conversation stayed in her head as a song idea for two years before she sat down to write. “Then it just poured out,” she says. This summer, after some rewriting, she recorded a simple guitar/vocal demo of the song in Nashville.

Helene's sister, who is a videographer, created a video version of Lucky Me that is making a big splash on Facebook and YouTube. The version of the video seen here includes photos from a soldier currently serving in Afghanistan and a former Marine who served in Iraq. Both men contacted Helene after hearing the song and allowed their photos to be used to make a new video because they appreciated the song so much.

“It has been an amazing experience to see how this song has connected with people,” says Helene. "I’ve heard from every military branch and vets from the Korean War, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and their family members about how much this song means to them. It’s beyond politics. It has united people around our soldiers and our military, and I feel honored to be a part of that."

Soldiers’ Angels is honored to stand with Helene in her appreciation of those who sacrifice for all of us, and grateful for her generosity.

Help Op Homefront Play Santa!

2010-10-09T23:12:00.000-07:00

Soldiers' Angels has been proud to work with Operation Homefront over the years. Now they have a fantastic project that brings a little extra joy to the upcoming Holidays for thousands of military families across the country and they're counting on Angels to help to make it happen.

OP Homefront needs hundreds of people to pick up donations from local Dollar Tree Stores and deliver them to a distribution point for the families. Please read below for all the info.

Operation Homefront and Dollar Tree have teamed up to help military families provide toys for their children at Christmas.

Over 3,900 Dollar Tree and Deals stores around the country will be collecting toys from November 1st through December 6th, 2010. We have a goal to collect 6+ million toys. This is why we need your help!

Here’s how the program works:

You can register to be a volunteer for the Dollar Tree and Deals stores in your area, by clicking here.

You will then be required to enter your name, military affiliation, and contact information. Once you have created a username and password, and entered the necessary contact information, you will be able to access a listing of Dollar Tree and Deals stores within a 100 mile radius of where you live. You will then be able to select up to 15 stores you would like to serve as the pickup point of contact.*
Beginning November 1, 2010, store customers will be given the opportunity to purchase toys for military families. Once the items are purchased, they are placed into a drop box located near the checkout counters.

In order to streamline the process, it is recommended that the volunteer contact the Dollar Tree store manager before the kick off of the campaign to work out a pick up schedule. It is possible to have a pickup schedule of once or twice a week depending on the volume of toys the store collects.

Once you have picked up the toys, you can distribute them to the Operation Homefront chapter that services your particular state.

*Operation Homefront Chapter staff and volunteers have priority in selecting stores. Operation Homefront reserves the right to make adjustments to registered volunteers, i.e. limit the number of stores picked up by one person or make any other necessary alteration if in the best interest of the program.

Thank you for your help with this program!

For questions, contact Brad Claus at Brad.Claus@operationhomefront.net or 210-659-7756.

Books for My Father

2010-10-09T23:11:00.002-07:00

Author Richard Jackson is making a special donation to Soldiers’ Angels in celebration of his father, a tailgunner in WWII who passed away on Easter Sunday this year. Richard’s two newest thrillers are now available on Kindle, and he will be donating $2 from each download to Soldiers’ Angels in tribute to his father’s service.

Power & Deceit tells the story of equipment failures and successive explosions in a West Virginia mine that lead to more questions than answers. As business executive Rick Henderson digs into the issues, he uncovers an international web of greed and corruption that could bring down the giants of the industry—if he lives long enough to tell about it.

In The Reckoning, former CIA operatives go up against terrorists who have killed the Vice President and are planning a more deadly attack on Washington, DC. Things get even more difficult when they discover that the man behind the terrorists is the Iraqi President.

Both books are available for Kindle on Amazon.com, with $2 from each download going to Soldiers’ Angels.

Richard found Soldiers’ Angels while looking online for information on how to donate hardcover copies of his books for deployed soldiers. After talking to the father of a service member in Afghanistan who had reported “There’s never anything to read,” Richard decided to donate 1700 copies of his books to be sent in Soldiers’ Angels care packages for the troops.

In addition to the military connection through his father, Richard has a brother-in-law who was a Cobra helicopter pilot in Vietnam and a niece and nephew who attend the Air Force Academy. "We can never forget the service of our military and the safety and comfort they provide people here and abroad," he says.

Double Your $10 at JustGive!

2010-10-09T23:11:00.001-07:00

Since Soldiers’ Angels has teamed up with JustGive.org, it has received over $2300 through JustGive and its many partners. As they celebrate 10 years of online charitable giving, they are offering a very special bonus for all who donate to Soldiers' Angels through their free donation system.

JustGive will add an extra $10 to each donation of $10 or more made from October 10 through October 20 at this link. Donations must be made through that link, after searching under the name "Soldiers Angels," and each person can donate only once.

This is a great way to spread the word about Soldiers’ Angels and double your $10 donation! Just imagine how much money Soldiers’ Angels could raise if each person donated just $10! Please post this special link on Facebook or send it by email, Tweet about it, and share it at work. Encourage everyone to forward the link and inspire friends to join the cause. Celebrating the joy of giving, while doubling your giving power!

How to make 352 Blankets in 8 Hours

2010-10-09T23:10:00.000-07:00

How to make 352 Blankets in 8 Hours

The 5th Annual Blankets of Hope marathon at the Ascension Catholic Church in Bowie, MD was held on September 25th, 2010.

Each year has been bigger than the last, and this year was no exception. Patriotic Americans of all varieties showed up to make blankets for wounded heroes—men, women, young, old, couples and a variety of races all spent a Saturday making over 300 blankets to send to Soldiers’ Angels Germany. “The first year they made 43 blankets and were so excited and proud of themselves,” says Lisa Dodson, who coordinated the event. “This year it was 352 made in eight hours! Every year the event grows and grows.”

The 150 volunteers in attendance, most of whom had participated in previous blanket-making marathons , drove up to 90 miles to be there. They were very enthusiastic and especially motivated by a story shared at the event. During a fundraising effort outside a local grocery store earlier in the year, a man had rolled by in his car to say, “I received one of those blankets earlier this year. Thank you, thank you.” He then reached out the window to press something into an Angel’s hand and drove away instantly. It was a $100 bill.

“I start getting questions within a month afterwards about when the next one will be,” says Lisa. They get so excited! It really brings people together, and everyone leaves feeling so good about what they’ve done.”

Lisa and her husband spent the last year soliciting donations from friends and family that own businesses or have good relationships with businesses they use regularly. Companies, schools, a restaurant, individuals, local Lions Clubs and the local American Legion all pitched in with fundraising support that resulted in fabric for 180 blankets. In addition, each attendee at the event was asked to bring enough fleece to make at least one hand-tied blanket if at all possible.

Despite the economy, Lisa was able to raise more money than last year, with individual donations showing the greatest increase. Pico Textiles of California also stepped up, shipping hundreds of yards of fabric at no cost. Thanks to those donations they were able to make about 20 more blankets than last year, even though slightly fewer people participated. Lisa also points out two fellow Angels who were particularly helpful in planning and preparations: Maureen Barber and Valerie Potter, who acted as Lisa’s assistants, getting out the word in the local Bowie newspaper, churches, bulletin boards, etc.

Congrats to the Angels and their patriotic friends in Bowie! Great Angeling!

Sew & Craft Some Money!

2010-10-09T23:09:00.000-07:00

Sew & Craft Some Money!

The busy Angels on the Sewing Team include makers of helmet liners, scarves and blankets, as the knitters and crocheters of the Crochet and Craft team. Now it turns out that what they've been doing all along can make thousands of dollars for Soldiers' Angels!

Jo-Ann Fabrics has a special program that is a perfect fit for all those amazing Angels--just make your scarf, blanket, helmet liner or veterans' item as usual, and submit your photos of it for you and Soldiers' Angels to win thousands of dollars!
Jo-Ann will donate $90,000 to three charities
and five crafters will be awarded $1,500 Jo-Ann gift cards

If you're an artist, crafter or sewing enthusiast, you probably already know what research shows—that crafting offers a variety of emotional, mental and physical health benefits. Slowing down and making something with your own hands and imagination can relieve stress and lift a heavy mood. Repetitive motions, such as those used for knitting, crochet or sewing, can be therapeutic and even cathartic. Giving to others has been found to offer similar emotional benefits, so pairing giving with crafting is a winning combination!

Now, Jo-Ann offers another reason to feel twice as good about crafting by inviting you to Craft for a Cause. By donating a handmade item to charity and completing an online entry, you could win a $1,500 Jo-Ann gift card for yourself while helping your selected charity win a donation of up to $50,000.

How to Craft for a Cause

MAKE — Using materials purchased from Jo-Ann stores or Joann.com, craft a handmade item and donate it to your favorite charitable organization. Save your receipt(s) and take photos of your handmade item BEFORE donating it!

ENTER — Visit Joann.com/CraftforaCause to fill in the entry form and upload a digital copy of your receipt along with three (3) photos of your donation by 11:59 p.m. ET on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010.

WIN — Five participants will be selected to receive a $1,500 Jo-Ann gift card. A panel of sewing and crafting experts will judge all eligible entries, selecting five (5) winners based on the quality/workmanship, creativity and functionality of the item for the participant's charity of choice. Their evaluation will be based on the provided photographs and the descriptions that accompany the submission — so take good pictures and be clear in explaining how your gift benefits the charity and those the organization serves.

How Your Favorite Charity Can Win

Each handcrafted item donated to a charity and submitted as part of the contest will be counted for that organization. Submissions are limited to one per person, so to support your favorite charity, you'll want to rally all your friends and family to sew or craft and donate handmade items. You might even host an event or party with your local sewing guild or craft group, inviting everyone to work on their charitable contribution.

The three charitable causes receiving the most donated items will become Craft for a Cause finalists. Jo-Ann will donate a total of $90,000 to the three finalists, with the question becoming "how much will each charity receive?"

Beginning on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010, the public—including you, your family and all of your friends—are invited to vote for their favorite finalist by visiting Joann.com/CraftforaCause. The top vote-getter will receive a $50,000 cash donation from Jo-Ann. Second place will receive $25,000, with $15,000 going to the charity in third place.

"Craft for a Cause will bring together the crafting community for the benefit of the charities that mean the most to our customers," said Brent Beebe, vice president of crafts merchandising for Jo-Ann. "We are very excited about the impact that our combined efforts can make."

For official rules and/or to submit your entry in the Craft for a Cause, visit Joann.com/CraftforaCause.

Sign Day of the Deployed!

2010-10-09T23:08:00.000-07:00

On October 26, 2010, Americans are encouraged to reaffirm their patriotism and allegiance to our flag and country, and to honor our brave men and women in uniform who are selflessly putting their lives on the line to protect and preserve our way of life. How? Think big, think small, but just…think and then do.

The first step is simply to sign the Day of the Deployed proclamation here. Then, put those thinking muscles in motion and do something on October 26 in honor of America's service members. Join us in celebrating our deployed heroes and their families. You can download a Soldiers' Angels Day of the Deployed logo, proclamation to print (pdf), a poem has to read at a special event, and a list of ideas.

Major Bryan Carroll, currently deployed to Afghanistan, explains why this is so important. "Our brave young Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guard are in harm's way, every day, around the world. I can not even begin to tell you how much of a difference it makes when they know that they are loved and supported by their fellow citizens back at home. It could have been the worst day in the world, for any number of reasons, but that knowledge that comes from a letter, a care package, or a day like Day of the Deployed is what can make a critical difference in their spirits and morale. Thank you to all of you that particpate in events like Day of the Deployed and sending care packages and letters to our brave troops."

Shelle Michaels, who led development of of this special day adds, "This is the 5th Annual Day of the Deployed that Soldiers' Angels has honored. We encourage Americans to join with and other organizations across America to make this a day that our country stands in unison to support our deployed warriors and their families, a day to renew our commitment to support the troops all year long."

The 5th Annual Day of the Deployed is recognized on October 26, 2010 by Soldiers’ Angels and many local and national politicians across the nation declaring the day of honor with the following proclamation:

Proclamation Day of the Deployed October 26

WHEREAS, this nation is kept strong and free by the loyal citizens who preserve our precious heritage through their positives declaration and actions; and

WHEREAS, our deployed service members have courageously answered their nation’s call to service by defending our freedoms on foreign lands; and

WHEREAS, Americans are encouraged to reaffirm their patriotism and allegiance to our flag and country, and honor the brave men and women currently deployed to protect and preserve our way of life; and

WHEREAS, since 2006 Soldiers' Angels has honored our deployed heroes with a day set aside in recognition of their hard work, dedication and commitment to the United States of America; and

NOW, THEREFORE, Soldiers’ Angels hereby proclaim October 26 as DAY OF THE DEPLOYED throughout the United States of America and where ever our service members are serving.

Patti Patton-Bader, Founder
Shelle Michaels, National Comm. Officer

Businesses are encouraged to display the proclamation honoring America’s deployed service members and their families. Other ways for individuals in local communities to honor a deployed service member are: holding a special thank you event, assisting with daily chores, raking leaves, watching their children, or adopting a hero, among many other ways to say “thank you!”

As Troy has been conducting his Drum Hike across the country, he has been collecting the signatures of governors, mayors and other politicians who are joining Soldiers' Angels in bringing this special Day of the Deployed to life. Join us by signing the proclamation and planning how you can show your appreciation in person!

Drum Hike

2010-10-09T23:07:00.001-07:00

Go Check Out Troy's Website and see what he is doing for our veterans and troops.

http://www.drumhike.com/

Soldiers' Angels needs your help for the 2010 Holiday Season!

2010-10-09T23:03:00.000-07:00

his winter, an estimated 190,000 U.S. military personnel will be serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, in combat environments or in support of combat operations. Some will be on their 4th or 5th deployments--spending yet another Holiday away from the loving arms of family and friends. We want them to know that they are remembered, that we are thinking of them during the winter Holiday Season, and that we are grateful for their service. Since we can't all wrap our arms around them in person to show how much we love and appreciate them, Soldiers' Angels needs your help to make sure each one of America's heroes is Wrapped in Holiday Spirit.
Wrapped in Holiday Spirit & Blankets of Belief

lease help us make sure that our deployed Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines this Holiday Season know: "We haven't forgotten you, we support you, and we believe in you!"

Handmade "Blankets of Belief" form the heart of the Soldiers’ Angels Wrapped in Holiday Spirit care packages for the 2010 Holiday Season. These special Blankets are designed to tell America's service men and women, "We believe in you." When deployed service members receive a Blanket of Belief, they know that somebody back home remembers them, that somebody labored over a handmade blanket with love and belief in them. Along with the handmade Blanket, each Wrapped in Holiday Spirit care package includes a collection of yummy snacks, socks, and a holiday card with a personal note of thanks and support.

*
Help cover the cost of shipping 190,000 care packages

Soldiers' Angels
Wrapped in Holiday Spirit
1792 E. Washington Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91104

* Spread the word with a general info flyer, or a flyer about sending holiday greeting cards [pdf files].
* Make a Blanket of Belief (we have a no-sew-option!)
* Donate a complete care package or contribute hot chocolate packets toward care packages - select "Any Hero" for shipping address
* Donate other care package items: gum, candy/health bars, Tootsie Rolls, and white or khaki athletic/boot socks (detailed list here). Please include a note inside each box that contains your name, address, phone number, and an itemized list of contents with estimated value. Click here to purchase bulk items at a discount rate and ship directly to Soldiers' Angels.

Soldiers' Angels
Wrapped in Holiday Spirit
4408 N PanAm Expwy
San Antonio, TX 78218

Soldiers' Angels
Wrapped in Holiday Spirit
112 Greenhill Road
Ramseur NC 27316

Soldiers' Angels
Wrapped in Holiday Spirit
1792 E Washington Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91104

Soldiers' Angels is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and donations are tax deductible. Please consult your tax adviser for details.

190,000 Care Packages!

Please help Soldiers' Angels place a gift and personal message of support into the hands of each deployed military man and woman this December. Help us tell them, "We believe in you!"

We are committed to providing Wrapped in Holiday Spirit care packages to every Soldier, Sailor, Airman and Marine deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. That's around 190,000 gifts to purchase, assemble, and ship halfway around the world! This is a big challenge but with your support and our wonderful group of hard-working volunteers, it can be done!

...I am part of [an] Air Control Squadron deployed to Iraq. I would like to thank your organization for the care package I received on Thanksgiving Day here in Iraq. The contents were very thoughtful and useful, and I greatly appreciated it. I would also like to thank the young ladies of Brownie Troop 547 in Buxton, Maine for their Christmas card.

Being away from our families and loved ones at this time of year is a definite hardship and this package has helped deal with the stresses of deployed life. Thank you again and God Bless you. - Captain A.B.

"To those that have taken their time to prepare the packages for soldier's here in Iraq: Thank you so much for the kind Christmas thoughts. Please see the attached. Happy holidays!! - MSG Hyer

Feel-good Soldier Stories

2010-09-24T05:40:00.000-07:00

Face of Defense: Couple Gives Soldier New Family

Soldier Turns Brush With Death Into Message of Hope

LOTS of Heroes Awaiting Adoption!!!

2010-09-24T05:39:00.000-07:00

At this moment, there are 1501 Heroes waiting to be adopted. Please if you can take care of another hero please go and adopt one today www.soldiersangels.org

Soldiers? Angels is CFC #25131 in the Combined Federal Campaign

2010-09-24T05:38:00.000-07:00

If you aren't familiar with the Combined Federal Campaign:

The mission of the CFC is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee focused, cost-efficient, and effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all.

CFC is the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign, with more than 300 CFC campaigns throughout the country and internationally to help to raise millions of dollars each year. Pledges made by Federal civilian, postal and military donors during the campaign season (September 1st to December 15th) support eligible non-profit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world. The Director of OPM has designated to the Office of CFC Operations responsibility for day-to-day management of the CFC.

Soldiers' Angels is part of the Combined Federal Campaign. If you are a federal employee, you can contribute directly to Soldiers' Angels with the CFC # 25131.

Sew & Craft Some Money!

2010-09-12T01:48:00.000-07:00

The busy Angels on the Sewing Team include makers of helmet liners, scarves and blankets, as the knitters and crocheters of the Crochet and Craft team. Now it turns out that what they've been doing all along can make thousands of dollars for Soldiers' Angels!

Jo-Ann Fabrics has a special program that is a perfect fit for all those amazing Angels--just make your scarf, blanket, helmet liner or veterans' item as usual, and submit your photos of it for you and Soldiers' Angels to win thousands of dollars!
Jo-Ann will donate $90,000 to three charities
and five crafters will be awarded $1,500 Jo-Ann gift cards

If you're an artist, crafter or sewing enthusiast, you probably already know what research shows—that crafting offers a variety of emotional, mental and physical health benefits. Slowing down and making something with your own hands and imagination can relieve stress and lift a heavy mood. Repetitive motions, such as those used for knitting, crochet or sewing, can be therapeutic and even cathartic. Giving to others has been found to offer similar emotional benefits, so pairing giving with crafting is a winning combination!

Now, Jo-Ann offers another reason to feel twice as good about crafting by inviting you to Craft for a Cause. By donating a handmade item to charity and completing an online entry, you could win a $1,500 Jo-Ann gift card for yourself while helping your selected charity win a donation of up to $50,000.

How to Craft for a Cause

MAKE — Using materials purchased from Jo-Ann stores or Joann.com, craft a handmade item and donate it to your favorite charitable organization. Save your receipt(s) and take photos of your handmade item BEFORE donating it!

ENTER — Visit Joann.com/CraftforaCause to fill in the entry form and upload a digital copy of your receipt along with three (3) photos of your donation by 11:59 p.m. ET on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010.

WIN — Five participants will be selected to receive a $1,500 Jo-Ann gift card. A panel of sewing and crafting experts will judge all eligible entries, selecting five (5) winners based on the quality/workmanship, creativity and functionality of the item for the participant's charity of choice. Their evaluation will be based on the provided photographs and the descriptions that accompany the submission — so take good pictures and be clear in explaining how your gift benefits the charity and those the organization serves.

How Your Favorite Charity Can Win

Each handcrafted item donated to a charity and submitted as part of the contest will be counted for that organization. Submissions are limited to one per person, so to support your favorite charity, you'll want to rally all your friends and family to sew or craft and donate handmade items. You might even host an event or party with your local sewing guild or craft group, inviting everyone to work on their charitable contribution.

The three charitable causes receiving the most donated items will become Craft for a Cause finalists. Jo-Ann will donate a total of $90,000 to the three finalists, with the question becoming "how much will each charity receive?"

Beginning on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010, the public—including you, your family and all of your friends—are invited to vote for their favorite finalist by visiting Joann.com/CraftforaCause. The top vote-getter will receive a $50,000 cash donation from Jo-Ann. Second place will receive $25,000, with $15,000 going to the charity in third place.

"Craft for a Cause will bring together the crafting community for the benefit of the charities that mean the most to our customers," said Brent Beebe, vice president of crafts merchandising for Jo-Ann. "We are very excited about the impact that our combined efforts can make."

For official rules and/or to submit your entry in the Craft for a Cause, visit Joann.com/CraftforaCause.

2nd Annual Sale-abration!

2010-09-12T01:47:00.001-07:00

Soldiers’ Angels proudly announces the Second Annual Sale-abration, a nationwide garage/yard sale, to be held October 1-3! Last year, this special event drew together people from over 30 events across the country as they cleared out their homes, supported the troops by raising money, and spread the word about Soldiers’ Angels.

If you would like to hold a sale, please sign up here and start spreading the news to your friends and neighbors. This could be a great event for a school or church, or a Scout/youth group. Get your whole neighborhood involved in one big yard sale!

If you would like to assist someone else who is holding a sale, click here to find a location near you.

Sellers who register will receive information packets, including flyers and suggestions for improving the sale and its impact. Help with press releases and local media will also be available.

Please sign up now if you’re planning on a garage/yard sale for Sale-abration!

MEET EMMIE: A SOLDIERS BEST FRIEND

2010-09-12T01:46:00.000-07:00

Emerson Elaine Eskridge the Superdog was born in Louisville, KY on June 19th, 2007. She is the smallest of the six original and distinct breeds of dog from Japan called Shiba Inu (柴犬).
She is a small, agile dog that copes very well with mountainous terrain and trails. Emmie has an abundance of energy. She loves to run, play catch, and hunt small animals. There is never a dull moment when she is around!

Emmie has a thick coat, especially during the winter. Her safety is a main concern from the crew during very hots days. If temperatures rise then Emmie will take it nice and easy by riding in the RV that follows SPC Yocum. Of course she can't stand this. She always wants to be out front to lead the hike. We sometimes think that she was born for the purpose of hiking across America!

Emmie is proud to announce that she is certified as an
Honorary Penny's From Heaven
Soldiers' Angel Support Dog!

PENNY'S FROM HEAVEN FOUNDATION is an elite group of well-trained, exceptional working therapy dogs, leaving paw prints in healthcare facilities and lives. Their therapy dogs provide services to our returning wounded servicemen and women, children testifying to sexual and physical abuse, hospice patients, children's hospitals, adult hospitals, the court house, retirement homes, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation hospitals, bone marrow transplant clinics, and these therapy dogs are present at our soldier’s deployments and Yellow Ribbon ceremonies. They are often the silver lining in hostile places and faces.

Emmie has a special role as she walks across America: to help spread joy to many soldiers and their familes and she is ready for the challenge!
http://www.drumhike.com/emmie.html

Coffee for Troops Means Donations for Angels

2010-09-12T01:45:00.000-07:00

This weekend, you can support the troops two ways at once! Read on to see how a cup of coffee for a hero can also mean donations to help Soldiers' Angels continue to support that hero long past the last drop of delicious coffee...

“Cup of Joe” Supports Troops and the Angels Who Serve Them

Pasadena, CA September 10, 2010 -- In honor of 9/11 and those who fight to keep something like that from happening again, Green Beans Coffee is running a matching effort on its “Cup of Joe for a Joe” project. For each dollar spent purchasing a “Cup of Joe” for the troops from midnight September 10, 2010 to midnight September 12, Green Beans Coffee will donate $1 to Soldiers’ Angels.

The Cup of Joe project allows anyone, anywhere in the world, to say thanks to the troops through the simple act of buying a cup of coffee online and having it delivered along with their own personal note of encouragement into the hands of a deployed Soldier. Cups of Joe can be purchased at the Green Beans Cup of Joe site.

Soldiers’ Angels and Green Beans Coffee have been partners for several years, with Green Beans donating thousands of tons of coffee for Soldiers’ Angels to send to deployed troops, and Soldiers’ Angels gladly spreading the word about the Cup of Joe program.

“A cup of coffee that says, ‘I’m thinking of you’ is such a wonderful way to honor our heroes on a day that reminds us of so many heroes who have sacrificed for all of us for the last nine years. We are so proud to stand with Green Beans Coffee and accept their generous offer to not only send the troops a cup of coffee, but help our organization support the troops as well,” said Patti Patton-Bader, founder of Soldiers’ Angels.

Soldiers' Angels is an award-winning 501(c)(3) with hundreds of thousands of volunteers providing aid and comfort to members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans and military families through a wide variety of hands-on projects and volunteerism. For more information, visit www.soldiersangels.org or call 615-676-0239.

An Angelic Memorial

2010-09-12T01:44:00.002-07:00

A Soldiers' Angels press release...

Soldiers’ Angels Spearheads Unique Memorial for Smalltown Fallen Heroes

September 7, 2010 Bastrop, TX --Working closely with Smithville Mayor Mark Bunte, Soldiers’ Angels is developing a unique project to honor America’s fallen heroes: a memorial that will combine a children’s water recreation area and a monument honoring service members who have given their all.

It began when Patti Patton-Bader, founder of Soldiers’ Angels, stood on the sidewalk in Smithville as friends and neighbors honored Sgt. Mario Rodriguez, who was killed in Afghanistan. “Watching people of all ages, boy scouts, fire trucks and flags waving as the procession passed filled my heart,” she recalled.

When Patton-Bader went home, she discovered four other fallen heroes from little Bastrop County and decided then to reach out and help the families of the fallen by doing something for children. “It’s just such a large number of soldiers to lose, per capita, from such a small area,” she said.

Patton-Bader reached out to the mayor of Smithville and found a common cause. “Mark and I agreed that doing something for the children was a wonderful way to show our appreciation and that’s when he mentioned the splash park.”

Though a splash park and memorial are an unusual combination, meetings with planners and families of the fallen have shown there is strong support for doing something for local children as a legacy of those who have sacrificed for America’s future.

The Bastrop memorial project will focus on the last 10 years and its fallen native sons, attention and honor will be paid to veterans all the way back to World War I. “This will be a community initiative but it will take efforts from people across the county,” Bunte said. “The memorial also will encompass Bastrop, Elgin and areas across the county that have lost a soldier.”

“We reach out to people who have an interest in the military, people who may have known our local fallen soldiers or their families and those who want to make a difference in their home community,” said Jana Hellbusch, chairman of the Red, White and Blue Veterans of Bastrop County and an early supporter of the project. “We’ll tell people across the country who feel compassionate about fallen heroes and invite them to make a difference in Bastrop County while giving the children a cool place to play on hot days.”

Soldiers’ Angels is contributing the first $5,000 toward the project and is challenging Americans across the country to join the effort to provide a place that will bring both joy and education to the children for whom America’s fallen heroes have sacrificed so much.

Smithville has set up a special account to receive donations through PayPal at the city website at www.ci.smithville.tx.us/Home/ City-of-Smithville-News/ Memorial-Park-Project.aspx.

Soldiers' Angels is an award-winning 501(c)(3) with hundreds of thousands of volunteers providing aid and comfort to members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans and military families through a wide variety of hands-on projects and volunteerism. For more information, visit www.soldiersangels.org or call 615-676-0239.

Sign Day of the Deployed!

2010-09-12T01:44:00.001-07:00

Rockin' for the Troops

2010-09-12T01:43:00.003-07:00

Hard-rocking band Atom Smash of Miami, Florida has donated 100 copies of their hot new CD, Love is in the Missile, for Soldiers’ Angels to share with the troops.

Jive Records artists Atom Smash is Miami based 5 peice rock band comprised of singer Sergio Sanchez, guitarist Cowboy, guitarist Z, drummer Taco, and bassist Arnold Nese. The bands debut album "Love is in the Missile" is explosive, emotional, romantic and fun. Atom Smash's imagery is smothered in classic weaponry, planes and pinup models.

The members have an eclectic racial backgrounds. Sergio is a proud Cuban American. Z has recently moved to the U.S. from Austria to persue his Rock 'n' Roll dream. Arnold is of Ecuadorian and Italian descent. "We have a great respect for our protectors and brilliant minds in the armed forces. We understand what its like to have sacrificed time with family, comforts for a cause. This country is truly the land of opportunity. The price of freedom is paid by our protectors in the sky, ground and sea".

The band continues to tour the U.S. with hopes of performing over seas for our the men and women of the armed forces. The bands has donated 100 copies of "Love is in the missile" to our troops and will continue to support in any way they can.

Vermont Angels at Work

2010-09-12T01:43:00.001-07:00

Vermont Angels Terri and Sandy have teamed up to support military families and gotten others involved, too!

It’s a Tuesday at the Baird Patient Placement Services office at Fletcher Allen Health Care’s main campus in Vermont and Terri Agnelli , manager Sandy Pucillo, Pam Brouyard, Christine Barnes, Jean Freeman, and Ann DuBois have been busy cooperating on a project that helps families of deployed soldiers with baby needs. Lucky new parents will be receiving a handmade blanket from this team of "angels" hard at work.

Sandy Pucillo put out a call about a month ago asking for ideas for community service projects. Terri suggested baby quilts and they have set up a production line with one person washing and ironing fabric, one cutting strips, one sewing and one finishing the quilts. Terri has provided her office with instruction sheets that hang from the bulletin boards and are easily accessible to all who are interested. They even set deadlines for the work and number blankets expected to be completed. There is a lot of energy here and big hearts as well.

Terri had to deal with a family member who was deployed from Vermont. Understanding how difficult it was to be away from family, Terri adopted a soldier through Soldiers’ Angels. She received the name of a paratrooper and they exchanged numerous letters back and forth. She sent letters once a week and a box each month to him as part of the Soldiers’ Angels adoption program. "Terry's soldier," who was the lucky recipient of frequent packages, finally told her that he was away from his base for months at a time and when he returned he had a mountain of boxes from her to go through.

“I would go shopping and see things in the store and would just have to pick them up for him” she said. “He received healthy snacks, grooming supplies, water pistols, toys, food and whatever was suggested by the organization.” Sometimes she sent more than one box a month. “The whole family got involved at one point and my sister would always inquire about his safety. It becomes a family event especially when you get a letter!”
In addition to Baird’s office of angels, Terri enlisted the help of Vermont PASS (Provider Access Service) employees, Gail Mongeon and Cammy Thibault, who go shopping for items needed by Soldiers’ Angels warehouse. “There is always a constant demand for certain items,” said Sate Capt. Barbara Greck who visited Terri at the hospital and collected the items and blankets. “When Terri called me and told me what she was doing, I was so excited. Our Vermont FRGs (Family Readiness Groups) have been requesting baby blankets from Soldiers’ Angels and we can finally help them out. We’re lucky to have these angels supporting the men and women of the military in Vermont and nationally. They are truly the angels among us” said Greck, Vermont Soldiers’Angels Sate Captain.

Terri operates a cottage industry business called White Thread Sewing, and started by making Barbie doll dresses for her daughters. She now puts her labels on quilts for babies and other projects.

My Life in War

2010-09-12T01:42:00.001-07:00

Another hero and author steps up to support his fellow soldiers...

Staff Sergeant Joshua Apel is currently an army drill sergeant at Fort Benning. During his 11 years of military service, he has twice deployed to Iraq, including one tour with Soldiers’ Angels’ own Toby Nunn as his squad leader. From his experiences, Apel knows how important the kind of support Soldiers’ Angels provides can be, and so he is donating $2 from the sale of each copy of his new book, My Life in War: Did We Ever Really Leave? to Soldiers' Angels.

My Life in War is based on the detailed journal Apel kept during his second deployment. Covering everything from combat experiences to life on the FOB and the return home, he hopes his book can “help educate America about what it's like for a soldier in today's battlefields.”

But more than the educational benefit for those who haven’t “been there,” Apel wants his book to benefit his brothers and sisters in arms as well. “I also want to use this opportunity to give back,” he says. “I really believe in what Soldiers’ Angels is doing. That's why I’m choosing this organization.”

The donation special of $2 per book purchased only lasts through November, but it’s a great way to get an early start on your holiday shopping list!

A big thanks from Soldiers’ Angels to SSG Apel for his service and his generosity!

Operation Cupcake Birthday in a Box

2010-09-12T01:41:00.002-07:00

Yellow Bowl Bakery has been a partner with Soldiers’ Angels in helping ensure “May No Soldier Go Unloved” by providing yummy deserts for special dinners and celebrations for the wounded both stateside and with Soldiers’ Angels Germany. Now, Owner and Executive Chef Katy Gunderson has found a new way to show the troops America’s love and appreciation with what she calls a “birthday in a box,” Operation Cupcake.

It all started with Katy’s last visit to help Soldiers’ Angels Germany in Landstuhl. As she and a soldier packed up before he would fly home, he told her he had turned 21 in Iraq, but there had been nothing to mark the occasion. “No birthday cake, no cards, no anything,” she says. She shared the story with Tommy of Ranger Up, who was also on the trip, and he said he had the same experience when he turned 21 while on his first deployment to Afghanistan.

Thinking of how special a 21st birthday is and how disappointing it must be to “celebrate” it in a war zone, Katy came up with a way she and her fellow bakers could show their appreciation. “It sparked the idea to send them two cupcakes and a card after they return,” says Katy, “Two cupcakes, a candle, and a Soldiers’ Angels coin/pin with a card from The Yellow Bowl and the person that ordered the cupcakes… now it's a small birthday in a box! We have our first recipient this week! It’s a great way to say thank you when they get home.”

Since Katy will be sending the same fresh, delicious cupcakes she sells daily from her Indiana bakery, Operation Cupcake is only for recently-returned service members who are stateside.

Nominees for a Operation Cupcake must meet the following criteria:

1. Recently-returned from a war zone
2. Had their 21st birthday while deployed
3. Can receive packages shipped overnight (no P.O. boxes) at a U.S. address

To nominate a hero for an Operation Cupcake birthday in a box, email kat at katyguns33@gmail.com or call 765-427-6278. Any two cupcakes—from regular vanilla or chocolate to Yellow Bowl’s great gourmet cupcakes—can be selected for the Box.

This project is just beginning, but Katy hopes that it can continue to grow. Her next plan is to find people to help sponsor the project by paying the postage, but for now this is a gift from the heart from Yellow Bowl Bakery.

News from Iraq

2010-09-12T01:41:00.001-07:00

Internet talk show host Bob Calvert of Talking with Heroes just completed his 4th trip to Iraq and is now on his way to Afghanistan again. His first videos from Iraq are beginning to be posted on YouTube now. Despite the draw down and change of roles for Americans in Iraq, it is still a dangerous place and America civilians and military personnel are very active in supporting the Iraqis as they continue moving toward greater and greater independence.

Bob starts out his series of interviews with State Department personnel who oversee all the Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) in Iraq. PRTs are small teams of American military and cvilians who work alongside Iraqis to rebuild communities, as well as government services and capacities. In this first set of videos, Bob and his guests discuss overall progress, "what we have to show" for seven years in Iraq, and programs improving the lives of women and children there.

In announcing the newest videos, Bob wrote to Soldiers' Angels:

I am emailing you this from Kuwait as I just left Iraq and am now heading back over to Afghanistan for 10 days with the Panjshir PRT. Three years ago I had my 61st birthday in Iraq. Today it is in Kuwait and if I get on this next flight also in Afghanistan:)

Our trip to Iraq could not have been more appropriate timing, as when I arrived in FOB Kalsu with Ft Bennings 3BCT 3ID they were being inundated with messages from home asking them when they were coming home, as families had just seen the announcement on the news about the end to combat operations.

I did not change what I was going to do as far as covering the progress and changes and positive stories in Iraq, but for the troops it took on a new meaning as they talked about how over the past 10 months they have been working with the Iraqis on what is now called New Dawn and the progress that was made. We got to go out on missions with them and the Iraqis watching and filming as Iraqis train Iraqis with our troops watching and assisting. They also talk about the troops who will replace them and how important it is for people back home to support them.

...My focus, as in the past, is on the progress and positive stories most people in our country are not hearing much about...Some of the places I went, Soldiers' Angels was thanked by the troops as well. I wore two of my SA t-shirts as well.

Thank you to Bob, for continuing to bring the stories of American heroes to the rest of us. Stay safe!

"Tripp"-ing for the Troops

2010-09-12T01:40:00.001-07:00

Hiphop recording artist Tripp Marxx recently wrote and recorded a song that he’s using to not only show his support for the troops in word, but in actions as well.

“When You Come Home is dedicated to troops both here at home and overseas,” says Tripp. This track has been released online and Tripp is donating 30% of the proceeds from individual song sales to Soldiers’ Angels!

After researching organizations to support Tripp says he “decided your organization is the one that I want to work with more than anything. So, I figured this would be a unique way for me to donate money to help soldiers and their families, plus share a great song/video with those soldiers and their families to give them hope in times like these.”

When You Come Home is available online at iTunes.

Soldiers’ Angels salutes Tripp and wishes him the best in his growing career!

Letters for Lyrics

2010-08-26T17:29:00.001-07:00

The Letters for Lyrics campaign is on-going. We've now got this great widget so you can write your letter directly from your computer!

Read what others have written, watch the great video of Zac Brown Band in Iraq, share this widget with others. You can even select to send your free CD (that you get for writing a letter) to a service member. Our goal is one million letters. As of this writing, we have just over 328,000. Spread the word to help us reach that goal!

Tripp Marxx's "When You Come Home"

2010-08-25T20:21:00.001-07:00

Independent hip hop artist Tripp Marxx has a new song out just today dedicated to our troops. He will be donating 30% of the proceeds of the sale of this song on iTunes and other digital retailers to Soldiers' Angels.

Watch the video and consider spending that $.99 on the download to help support Tripp Marxx's effort to support Soldiers' Angels. Thank you, Tripp, for choosing Soldiers' Angels!

TAPS Mentors Support Families of Fallen

2010-08-22T17:23:00.001-07:00

http://www.defense.gov//news/newsarticle.aspx?id=60504

TAPS MENTORS SUPPORT FAMILIES OF FALLEN

By Elaine Wilson
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 2010 ? The day Scott Warner saw Marines standing at his front door, his world came to a crashing halt.

The servicemembers told Warner that his son, Marine Pvt. Heath Warner, had been killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq?s Anbar province.

Warner and his family, including his two younger sons, tried to come to terms with the tremendous loss while also attempting to navigate a huge and vastly unfamiliar military system.

?We were thrust into this military world that we didn?t know how to interact with and didn?t know how to connect with,? Warner said. ?At the same time, we had to deal with the death of our son.?

Warner eventually found the support he needed through the military and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, a nonprofit organization devoted to helping families of the military fallen. And nearly four years later, he?s now dedicated himself to ensuring other families don?t experience that same sense of overwhelming confusion after such a profound loss.

Warner is a volunteer with the TAPS Peer Mentor Program, a peer-to-peer program for people who have lost military loved ones. The program pairs survivors who are further along in their journey of recovery with those who are experiencing a more recent loss.

?It?s someone saying, ?My story is quieter now, and I want to help others along with the process,?? Debbie Dey, the mentor program manager, said.

Mentors offer everything from a shoulder to cry on to connections to helping resources, Dey explained. Mentors aren?t counselors or advisors, she added -- they?re new friends who will commit to being there for others.

Mentors ideally are paired with survivors within 48 hours of their request for a mentor, Dey said, and the goal is to match people based on relationship first, followed by circumstances of death and branch of service. So, a mother of a soldier who was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan will be paired, if possible, with another mother whose soldier son died in similar circumstances, she explained.

The similarities help to create common bonds, Dey said. ?Survivors are so grateful to have an ear from someone who understands their loss,? she added.

In turn, the mentors often gain as much from the relationship as the person being mentored. ?It?s very therapeutic on both sides,? Dey said. ?And it can offer a stepping stone for both relationships. Their circumstances may be different, their relationship with a loved one may be different, but they?re offering each other hope for the future.?

Meagan Staats said she has found healing by serving as a peer mentor. But just four years earlier, she never imagined being able to undertake the task. On Dec. 16, 2006, two soldiers came to her home to notify her of her husband?s death. Her husband, Army Staff Sgt. David Staats, had been killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq. The devastation was immediate and life-altering, she said.

?My stomach still hurts when I see soldiers in Class A?s,? she said, referring to the dress uniforms the notification team members were wearing.

Staats sat with the soldiers for several hours, showing them pictures and sharing stories about her husband. But her thoughts were on her daughter, whom she had dropped off at a birthday party a few hours earlier, and how she was going to tell the 7-year-old that her father was now dead.

When her daughter arrived home, Staats said, she didn?t sugarcoat the news; she told her daughter that her father had died in Iraq. Her daughter went into her room and screamed into a pillow. ?I felt so hopeless,? she said. ?It was traumatic.?

Staats avoided counseling, and she and her daughter struggled with the weight of the loss. Having heard about TAPS, Staats and her daughter went to their first TAPS regional meeting eight months out from their loss, marking ?the start of our healing,? she said.

Two years later, Staats was asked to become a mentor. After extensive online and in-person training, she was assigned to be a mentor for a woman in Colorado Springs, Colo.

?I was scared to take that on, because I felt responsible and didn?t know if I could help her,? she said. ?I weighed the decision for a few days.?

Staats decided to make the call and ?just listened and listened,? she said. ?Hopefully, that was helpful for her.?

She since has mentored nearly a dozen other widows through TAPS. She?s now mentoring two women, one of whom she has never met. But they exchange text messages and e-mails frequently, she said.

Staats has benefited so much from her volunteer work she refers to it as self-serving. ?We really help each other on our journey,? she said. ?It?s healing to me to feel like I?m serving a purpose.?

Warner describes being a mentor as ?paying it forward.?

?The only people that can understand and really help other people are the people who have walked in the steps that they?re walking,? he said.

But like Staats, Warner has had his moments of self-doubt. He recently was called on to mentor a father from California whose son had died while home on leave from a deployment. The servicemember died in his father?s arms. The father took a leave of absence from work, but due to a procedural glitch, he was terminated from his job. The family dipped into most of their financial assets and was heading toward foreclosure.

?It was the worst-case scenario in trying to provide some type of encouragement,? Warner said. ?Not only did they lose their son and their life turned upside-down, their whole life was coming unglued. It was really hard.?

Warner talked the family into attending a TAPS national conference, where he and other TAPS members offered as much emotional support as they could. This was a tough situation, Warner noted, but still rewarding to him to help.

?Being a peer mentor has been a very positive thing,? he said. ?Having relationships with people who don?t judge, who offer encouragement, those are positive things. There?s no wrong way to grieve. It?s the journey you?re on. You have to walk it.?

Mentor relationships can become lasting ones, Dey noted. She?s heard of families staying in close contact or taking vacations together. But whether they stay in touch for a month or for years, ?the bond is very genuine,? she said. ?It?s a beautiful and unique relationship.?

Staats said she?s just grateful for the opportunity to help others, and herself along the way.

?The loss is profound, but what we?ve gained is immeasurable,? she said. ?I?ve never known friendships like this.?

Related Sites:
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors

Family Matters Blog: Website Helps Families 'Know Before You Go'

2010-08-16T17:36:00.001-07:00

Found the following article here: http://www.defense.gov//news/newsarticle.aspx?id=60391

Thought it would be something good to share on the Soldiers' Angels blogs

NEWS

AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE

FAMILY MATTERS BLOG: WEBSITE HELPS FAMILIES 'KNOW BEFORE YOU GO'

By Elaine Wilson
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2010 ? A new American Forces Press Service Web special, "Focus on Family: Know Before You Go"

is highlighting how military families prepare for and deal with deployments.

The special features a variety of stories, from single dads preparing to deploy to dual-military couples who will be deploying together. It also includes links to helpful information, including service-specific deployment resources.

The goal of the special is to help people "know before you go," and we hope you find it useful.

We'd also love to hear from you. If you have some tips that have helped your family prepare for or handle a deployment, don't hesitate to write in.

Family Matters Blog: National Guard Offers Support to All Families

2010-08-16T17:34:00.000-07:00

http://www.defense.gov//news/newsarticle.aspx?id=60440

News
American Forces Press Service

News Article
Family Matters Blog: National Guard Offers Support to All Families

By Heather Forsgren Weaver
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 13, 2010 ? You don?t have to be in the National Guard for the National Guard to help you. If you or a family member is in the military, in any branch, the Guard will be there, said Alex Baird, chief of family programs for the National Guard Bureau.

?The Guard is willing to help any family member,? Baird told participants in a recent ?DoD Live? bloggers roundtable. (http://www.dodlive.mil/index.php/2010/07/dodlive-bloggers-roundtable-national-guard-family-issues/

) ?We?re all in the same service together, so we?re willing to help anybody.?

Baird suggested that family members check out the Guard?s portal page at www.jointservicessupport.org

.

The URL begins with the word ?Joint,? a new key word that Air Force Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith of the National Guard Bureau wrote about for the National Guard?s website (NG.mil) in the article ?Joint: The New 'Buzz Word' in Family Support.?
http://www.ng.mil/news/archives/2010/08/080410-Joint.aspx

The Web portal helps family members access state-specific information.

The portal is a ?one-stop shop where you can go to and find out what the state resources are,? Baird said.

National Guardmembers and their families are everywhere, Baird said. Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau ?likes to say we have a Guardmember and family in every zip code in the United States.?

But even with the challenge of so many members so spread out, the National Guard works with members from other reserve components and their families, Baird said.

With more than 3,000 armories and 92 locations with servicemembers from the Air National Guard, the National Guard has interacted with members from the Army Reserve, the Navy Reserve and the Marine Corps Reserve, he said.

?We don?t ever turn anyone away, and we know our other Reserve counterparts never turn any of our families away,? he said.

The National Guard doesn?t ?try to replace the Reserve components,? Baird said, but sometimes being local has advantages.

?When you?ve got somebody, let?s say in Kentucky that you?re trying to get help from, they don?t really know what the services are in Minnesota,? he said.

Having access to National Guard resources nationwide is also helpful in areas without a large military presence. Baird recalled that when he grew up in Burley, Idaho, ?they don?t even think about [the] military because there?s no installation anywhere around there.?

To comment on this blog, visit the Family Matters website

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Angel Wins Presidential Medal!

2010-08-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

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Paws for Support

2010-08-04T18:14:00.001-07:00

Paws for a Cause is an annual event that began last year when electric fireplace manufacturer Twin-Star International held a supply drive for their local Human Society in an effort to bring awareness to the importance of animal adoption.

This year, Twin-Star wanted to focus on supporting deployed military personnel, since the drive was scheduled for just after the 4th of July. For two weeks leading up to the Paws for the Cause day, employees brought care package supplies to work, such as batteries, soap, Ziploc bags, entertainment items and candy.

On the designated day, Twin-star employees brought their four-legged friends to to work to encourage pet adoption while everyone assembled a total of four very large boxes of items for the troops. The boxes were shipped to the Angel warehouse in North Carolina, where they will be included in care packages for heroes in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“The results were truly amazing,” reports Lindsey Spencer, Marketing & PR Assistant at Twin-Star. “I have never seen a small office donate so many items!” The enthusiasm came from the top, as Twin-Star’s President and Vice President donated what Lindsey described as “a good portion of their personal money towards the charity drive, which encouraged everyone in the office to take part in this wonderful event.”

Lindsey adds that Twin-Star employees enjoyed the day very much and the company looks forward to working with Soldiers’ Angels in the future.

Coffee for Heroes & Helpers

2010-08-04T18:13:00.001-07:00

For years, individual and corporate donors have done a fantastic job of supplying Soldiers’ Angels with coffee in support of our heroes. Recently, the North Carolina warehouse had so much coffee on hand that SA decided to send it to Fisher Houses and VA facilities nationwide as a morale boost to patients and staff, as well as for the families of patients staying in Fisher Houses.

At least two large boxes of gourmet coffee each were sent to 75 Fisher House and VA locations in July. “Most of the recipients were very responsive and very appreciative,” reports Vice President Caren Vink, who sent letters offering the coffee…

YES, YES, YES! We would love to receive this shipment, and any more you care to send. Being primarily a long-term care and mental health facility, with several outpatient mental health programs, our residents DRINK that coffee. – Randy, at a VA Medical facility in Alabama

Yes, please! We are a smaller hospital here in the Midwest, one of the oldest, and I am so grateful for your offer. We provide 41 inpatient beds, 32 nursing home beds and now 8 hospice beds. I will take good care of your donation and ensure that it’s properly used here at our hospital. – Charlene, at a VA Medical facility in Kansas

And from a Fisher House facility…

Thank you very much. We are fortunate to be the recipient of Soldiers Angels thoughtfulness on the local and national level and look forward to that continuing with this shipment and beyond.

Angel Store on Facebook

2010-08-04T18:12:00.002-07:00

Angels and troop supporters can now join the Soldiers' Angels Store Facebook page to keep up with the latest on items to support the troops and show their Angel pride!

The online Angels Store offers a variety of pre-made care packages, clothing for soldiers and their supporters, books, greeting cards, videos, phone cards and other items useful for deployed heroes, as well as collectibles. On the store website, supporters can also donate funds, send backpacks for veterans or the wounded, and designate care packages to be sent to their adopted hero or "any soldier."

All Angels Store sales and promotions--as well as special offers exclusively for the store's Facebook Group members--will be announced on this new Facebook page. It will also serve as a contact point for questions or concerns about orders/products and a place to discover exciting new items and offers.

If you're on Facebook, check it out! If you're not, how about joining us?

All proceeds from the Angel Store (beyond the cost of supplying and shipping the products), go to fund the many military support projects of Soldiers' Angels.

Wounded Hero is "Still Standing"

2010-08-04T18:12:00.001-07:00

A new book chronicles a hero’s story of recovery, including the ways that Soldiers’ Angels stood by his side...

When Staff Sergeant John Kriesel lost his legs and two buddies to a roadside bomb near Fallujah, Iraq Dec. 2, 2006, no one expected him to survive—he died three times on the operating table. Three years later the Minnesota Army National Guard soldier from Cottage Grove, working with writer Jim Kosmo, has put his amazing story into a book, Still Standing.

As the book title implies, the real story is not Kriesel’s amazing survival or that he left his legs and half his blood in the Iraq desert, but it is the confluence of angels at every step along the way who breathed life into his shattered body. It is the story of an ordinary young man who overcame extraordinary challenges with the help of friends, family and total strangers to emerge stronger and more in love with his country, his wife, his children and ultimately, his own life.

Still Standing follows a boots-on-the-ground soldier as he becomes aware that “someone I don’t even know is trying to kill me,” engages in battle, and endures a long recovery. Kosmo created the book in the first person, present tense using Kriesel’s voice so that readers “can walk with John on his amazing journey.”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty wrote the foreword describing his visit with Kriesel at Walter Reed Army Medical Center not long after the explosion. “As I walked into his room, I was hoping that I could provide some encouragement and comfort to a wounded warrior. Instead, I left the hospital being encouraged and comforted by John and his incredibly strong wife, Katie.”

The book is filled with countless acts of kindness for the young Minnesota National Guard soldier, but no one was more important in his recovery than his wife Katie who managed to obtain a passport in less than 24 hours, with plenty of help from friends and strangers, and to fly to his bedside in Germany. Returning to the U.S., she literally lived in a chair next to him for eight months and became a very involved NMA, non-medical attendant.

Today, John inspires students, veterans and church groups at frequent public speaking engagements where he shares a vision of hope for anyone who encounters any form of personal crisis. “Obviously, there are times when it really sucks not being able to melt into the crowd, but I’m just happy to be alive. I realize I’m not normal any longer and I have a mission – I have learned many lessons that I must pass on.”

Still Standing will be released August 1 by Beavers’ Pond Press. To read a free chapter and to purchase books go to www.StillStandingStory.com. More information is available on Amazon.com and Facebook.

Young Entrepreneur Supports the Troops

2010-08-04T18:10:00.000-07:00

Angel Nick is only 12 years old, but he isn’t letting that get in the way of using his business skills to raise money to support the troops…

Nick’s mother and father make a direct effort to ensure Nick and his siblings know that America’s military men and women are our true heroes, and so Nick wanted to give back. He asked if he could sell lemonade, set up a stand, and in just four hours sold $75.00 of fresh-squeezed lemonade for Soldiers’ Angels!

Currently 7th-grader, Nick wants to join the Air Force when he’s old enough. As the descendant of American veterans, he comes by that interest naturally: his paternal uncle was in the Korean War and his paternal grandfather served in the Philippines during WWII. On his mother’s side of the family, his relatives are all Marines.

Nicks’ family moved to Iowa from California just a couple years ago. His father says, “It has been a great change for all of us,” and they are so grateful for the U.S. military that helps keep them safe and secure no matter where in the country they live. “Our family think and pray for every one of these men and women…and we hope that they all come home soon to their families soon,” he says.

Congratulations to Nick and his family for their continuing service and the wonderful example they set for all Americans!

Just Listen to Support the Troops!

2010-08-01T02:30:00.000-07:00

Jesse Dayton is one of the artists involved with Soldiers' Angels partner Voices of a Grateful Nation. This organization's CD, which includes Jesse's song, I'm Comin' Home helps fund activities that use music to help returning and wounded soldiers re-acclimate and recover.

I’m Comin’ Home tells the story of going to Iraq and coming home safely to live happily ever after. It has received rave reviews from soldiers and military families, and now has the attention of CMT.com (Country Music Television). The video is playing on the station’s website and is linked to a PSA about the efforts of Soldiers’ Angels and Voices of a Grateful Nation to use music to support the troops.

Now, Jesse needs a little help from you in order to help Soldiers' Angels and Voices of a Grateful Nation. All you have to do is watch his video for I'm Comin' Home.

Jesse Dayton

If CMT.com records at least 1000 hits a day, Jesse's video and his PSA for Soldiers' Angels and Voices of a Grateful Nation will be put into regular rotation of music videos on CMT. Getting Jesse's PSA on CMT will be a wonderful way to help spread the word about what Soldiers' Angels does.

Jesse Dayton

Soldiers' Angels and Voices of a Grateful Nation working together helps the troops:

One result of the partnership between Voices of a Grateful Nation and Soldiers’ Angels is the new music lesson/therapy program at the warehouse, part of Operation Soft Landing. Along with Charlie Gallagher and musicologist and guitar teacher Craig Hillis, Soldiers’ Angels co-founder Jeff Bader has been developing and stocking a room to provide music lessons and performance opportunities for wounded veterans and those in transition to civilian life. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) issues such as hand/eye coordination or motor problems, and short-term memory challenges can all be improved through playing an instrument and listening to music.

The call went out for instruments in the last month, but so much more is needed and the hope is to expand Operation Soft Landing to locations around the country. All revenue Jesse receives from “I’m Coming Home” will go to support this project. Simply watching these great videos is a powerful way to help!

You can also learn more about Jesse Dayton and watch both videos on CMT's site.

A Blue Star Mom - who has gone through 2 deployments

2010-07-30T03:04:00.001-07:00

A Blue Star Mom - who has gone through 2 deployments - offers suggestions for parents about their child's deployment (whether the child is still single or already married).

http://www.defense.gov//news/newsarticle.aspx?id=60190

96 Days..Till We Need to Ship Our Holiday Packages

2010-07-30T03:02:00.000-07:00

The holidays will be here before we know it! Soldiers' Angels has lots to do to get ready: we need to help collect enough to ship out 180 thousand Holiday Care Packages. Caren Vink shares the following. It would be great if you could share on your blogs. Thanks!

We have 96 days to collect items for our soldiers Christmas packages and
ship overseas to our soldiers. We have much to do to get ready to meet our holiday goals. Get the word out you are collecting holiday items for Soldiers' Angels holiday care packages. Contact your local Walmart, grocery store, schools, churches, workplace, service group, ask to put out a donation collection box. Monetary donations are always accepted. We need postage money to ship our holiday packages.

Every item collected is that much closer to filling a care package with holiday cheer~

We need 180,000 of Everything:

Hot Cocoa Packets
Hot Cider Packets
Men's White Socks (sizes 9-15)
Candy Bars (any size)
Hard Candy - 90,000 pounds
Candy Canes
Beef Jerky
Gum
Sunflower Seeds
Halloween Candy
Power Bars
Nuts
Any yummy prepackaged yummy goodies!
Christmas Cards- signed with encouraging messages
Stainless Steel Thermal Mug
Handmade Blanket of Belief - directions on our website
www.soldiersangels.org

Ship your holiday donations, with your contact information plus an estimated
value to:

Soldiers' Angels - Christmas
4408 N Pan Am Expressway
San Antonio, TX 78218

Wingtip to Wingtip~

The Chaplains & An Angelic Birthday

2010-07-27T20:23:00.001-07:00

Angels come in all ages, from preschoolers to great-grandparents. Angel Rosemarie DiRienzo is one of the busiest, as she doesn’t let age slow down her activities with the Chaplain Support Team. On a very special day not long ago, “her soldiers” showed their appreciation.

Rosemarie writes:

I recently celebrated my 80th birthday. It was a surprise attended by 75 people.

My daughter had contacted several of "my soldiers" [with] whom I weekly correspond with letters and packages. One of the six did not respond (I know he does not have an e mail), but the others all sent pictures with notes of thanks to me!! They were all on PowerPoint that my daughter made for the party. It was such a great day and these heroes’ birthday greetings to me were certainly one of the highlights for me.

…I really wanted you to know how these brave men and women took the time for ME. Thanking me. It was a humbling experience for me, and I made sure that all those present were well aware of Soldiers’ Angels."

Gratefully for those who do so much for us (my dad was an army man),

Rosemarie

Rosemarie’s daughter Mia adds some background, including how she integrated her mother’s adopted soldiers into Mass at the church she and her mother attend:

This was a labor of love and I was so glad that some of the Chaplains were able to participate. When she was watching the PowerPoint after Mass, as each chaplain's slide came on she jumped up and down and was crying while saying "That's my chaplain, that's my chaplain!" I told them that and Captain Hall told me he has "a master's degree in making people cry." I wrote the Petitions with her in mind and mentioned these four special men and their flocks overseas. I was glad to be wearing my reading glasses [when I read during Mass] because I could not see her and I would have broken down if I did.

Mia

Soldiers' Angels salutes both RoseMarie and Mia for their loving support of the troops!

Operation AC Goes Angel

2010-07-27T20:21:00.002-07:00

Founded by Soldiers’ Mom Frankie Mayo, nonprofit Operation AC began with one mission—to help American soldiers cope with the brutal heat of Iraq by shipping them small air conditioners to cool spaces where the military had not provided cooling units. Since then they have sent thousands of AC units, boots, medical supplies and other equipment to Iraq and Afghanistan to make the lives of America’s heroes a little easier. They also began a program to help supporters “adopt” deployed soldiers.

Soldiers’ Angels has been proud to stand alongside Operation AC, working wingtip-to-wingtip to complete the same mission: troop support. Now Operation AC is closing their doors and encouraging their volunteers to join the team at Soldiers’ Angels (www.operationac.com now redirects to Soldiers' Angels). Frankie recently wrote to her volunteers:

It has been a long time our family has supported the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and now it is time for us to shut our doors. We have done all we can and it is from good folks who have supported the troops over the years that we have been able to do so much good for so many.

...I urge you to support the troops via Soldier's Angels. I have known Patti [the founder] of Soldier's Angels for many years and I know that organization is top notch.

Personally, my mother had her 5th stroke on 1 June and this is the reason for my quick departure. When I am able to work with support of troops again, it will be with Soldier's Angels.

Soldiers’ Angels sends its best wishes to Frankie’s mother and her entire family, and extends its warmest welcome to Operation AC volunteers.

Note to Operation AC Volunteers: To begin to volunteer with Soldiers’ Angels, please read here, then click the graphic and follow the instructions to sign up sign up as "unverified" or Associate Angels (in other words, do NOT click the "Become a verified Angel" option). Then email donnasoldiersangels@gmail.com to be set up as full "Verified" Angels. Welcome!

From Coffee to Books

2010-07-27T20:21:00.001-07:00

For years, the Borders store in Riverhead, New York has been collecting bags of delicious coffee to ship to American soldiers overseas. Now they’ve stepped it up another notch… with books!

This summer Borders Books & Music stores across the country are reaching out to partner with local community nonprofit organizations in an effort to help them donate books to children and adults. The Riverhead store is conducting a book drive for adults, gathering books to send to the troops. Nationally, Borders books stores have conducted children’s book drives, but Riverhead is believed to be the first Borders store to collect books for the troops along with their traditional children’s collection.

The book drive began on Tuesday, July 20 and will continue through Monday, August 30. The staff and cashiers invite customers to purchase a book to be donated and sent to the soldiers. Books will be chosen from the store’s paperback section and will cover a wide range of genres and authors. The store will pack up the donated books and send them to the Soldiers’ Angels warehouse in North Carolina for distribution to the troops.

Riverhead’s Community Events Coordinator Carolyn Hogan-Levy says that the idea of coordinating with Soldiers’ Angels for this book drive was a natural outgrowth of the store’s experience of gathering and shipping coffee. “What can’t we do the same thing with books?” employees and managers asked during a brainstorming session.

Hogan-Levy and the staff at are proud to be working with Soldiers’ Angels, “On behalf of the staff at Borders Books & Music Riverhead,” she wrote, “thank you for the work you do for our military troops. We are all excited to assist you in your efforts.”

Soldiers’ Angels is excited to have Riverhead aboard. Good luck with the book drive!

To Touch the American Flag

2010-07-27T20:19:00.002-07:00

There are an estimated three million blind Americans, many of whom are veterans of past and present wars. These men and women will likely never see the American flag again as long as they live: The very flag for which they may have sacrificed their sight.

The Kansas Braille Transcription Institute (KBTI) offers a very special flag for blind veterans—the Tactile Braille American Flag. Created by the son of an immigrant who was a proud WWII veteran, this special flag makes it possible for persons who are blind to be able to "see," through touch, our nations' flag.

In February 2008, the U.S. Congress unanimously authorized placement of the Braille flag at Arlington National Cemetery as a tribute to blind veterans and other blind Americans. In April of 2008 the Braille flag was officially installed at the cemetery. Today the American Braille flag is mass produced in Wichita, Kansas, and literally thousands have found their way into blind veteran's homes and hospitals, offices of elected officials, schools for the blind, and many different businesses.

Earlier this year the Kansas American Legion endorsed the Tactile Braille American Flag, and next month the American Legion will decide if they are interested in endorsing the it as part of a national project that would allow their 2.5 million members to carry the flag into classrooms, veteran’s hospitals, nursing homes, and other places they typically visit to perform educational presentations about the American Flag.

Soldiers’ Angels salutes KBTI for its unique creation that is a comfort to blinded veterans, and encourages the American legion to adopt the Tactile Braille Flag for national distribution.

Proceeds generated from the American Braille flag benefit blind and low-vision veterans and other blind and low-vision Americans. To learn more about the KBTI and the wonderful Tactile Braille American Flag, visit kbti.org.

Soldiers' Angels Welcomes New Trustee

2010-07-27T20:19:00.001-07:00

Soldiers’ Angels announces the appointment of military veteran, new media expert and lobbyist Mark Seavey to the Board of Trustees. Drawing on thirteen years’ experience advocating for veterans, Seavey will work closely with COL (ret) Henry Cook on legislative liaison efforts.

A strong advocate for veterans, Seavey began his career with The American Legion in 1997 as an Appeals Representative and later served with the National Legislative Commission as an Assistant Director and Grassroots Coordinator. Recently promoted to New Media Manager, Seavey serves as steward of The Burn Pit and also runs a highly-respected personal milblog which specializes in debunking fraudulent military service claims.

“I couldn’t be happier about being selected for the Board of Soldier’s Angels,” says Seavey, who first encountered Soldiers’ Angels through his work with military blogs. “When one looks at who is pre-eminent in the field of working on behalf of not just wounded warriors, but of all warriors, in the upper tier of such organizations one finds Soldier’s Angels. There are so many great people on the Board that I am honored and humbled to be accepted into their ranks.”

In addition to advising on legislative matters related to veterans, Seavey hopes to serve the Board with his experience and knowledge in new media and his “enthusiasm for helping my brothers and sisters in arms.” Soldiers’ Angels Founder Patti-Patton-Bader adds, “We are thrilled to be able to combine talents with Seavey to help support our deployed troops and to improve their quality of life at home.”

Seavey deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina with the National Guard in 1997, then led an infantry squad in Afghanistan from 2004-2005. Following his return from Afghanistan, he was one of the founders of Vets for Freedom, a nonpartisan organization focused on educating Americans about the importance of achieving success in the Global War on Terrorism.

Born and raised in New England, Seavey is a graduate of The Citadel and has a Juris Doctorate from George Mason University School of Law. He will be taking the Indiana Bar Exam in July and will be married in September to Caroline, who joins him as a military blogger and strong supporter of Soldiers’ Angels herself.

Happy Birthday to the VA!

2010-07-27T20:16:00.000-07:00

On the occasion of its 80th birthday, Soldiers’ Angels is proud to stand with the Department of Veterans Affairs, assisting it in its mission to care for America’s veterans.

The VA was created on July 21, 1930 through an executive order by President Herbert Hoover, consolidating the activities of three different government agencies to better coordinate services to war veterans. What began as 54 hospitals in 1930 now includes over 1250 medical and treatment facilities, 57 regional benefits offices, and 128 cemeteries currently led by Secretary Eric K. Shinseki, a retired Army general. Secretary of the VA has been a cabinet-level position since 1989 and the VA is now second only to the Department of Defense in terms of agency size.

The hundreds of thousands of Department of Veterans Affairs employees are tasked with caring for over 23 million veterans, from elderly WWII veterans to the youngsters returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Through delivery of health care and other benefits, the medical personnel, managers, executives and service providers of the VA are the core of America’s commitment to care for those who have sacrificed on her behalf.

Since 2007, Soldiers’ Angels has held a position on the VA’s Volunteer Service Board and has an entire team dedicated to supporting veterans and their caregivers. From providing laptops and Wii systems for recovery support to assisting with fundraising and providing special events for patients, Soldiers’ Angels is honored to work hand-in-hand with the men and women of the Department of Veterans affairs.

Congratulations on 80 years! Here’s to continuing growth, development and improvement as the department of Veterans Affairs copes with shifting veteran demographics and the new wave of Iraq/Afghanistan veterans seeking services!

To Touch the American Flag

2010-07-27T20:15:00.000-07:00

Help Op Homefront Help Military Kids!

2010-07-27T20:14:00.000-07:00

Operation Homefront is a great military support organization, and they have created a fantastic project that will bring school supplies to thousands of military families across the country. Now they need your help to make it happen.

OP Homefront needs at least 500 more people to pick up donations from local Dollar Tree Stores and deliver them to a distribution point for the families. Read below for all the info.

Dear Friends,

We would like to invite you to participate in our annual Back to School Brigade in conjunction with Dollar Tree Stores nationwide this summer. We hope you will join us in our back to school collection and distribution assisting military families in your area.
Each year Operation Homefront helps military families get their children ready to go back to school by collecting new school supplies for children of all ages. This program helps save military families a huge expense as they prepare their children for a new school year. In 2009, Operation Homefront served nearly 20,000 children with a full backpack and countless other military children with supplies preparing them for a successful school year. Help us make 2010 a bigger and better school year for our military families. Your support is crucial to our success and we could not assist as many service members and their families without your help!

From July 11-August 2, 2010 Dollar Tree stores Nationwide will be collecting back to school supplies for military children.

Register to collect items at a store in your area through our online system.
As you register in our system, you will see a list of all Dollar Tree stores in your area. The system will allow you to select up to 10 stores. Some stores in your area may no longer be available. Each store will be provided with the OH point of contact’s information – that’s you!

After you have selected the stores you’d like to cover, you’ll be responsible for:

* Contacting your store to introduce yourself and make arrangements for a convenient weekly pick up time.
* Picking up the donations within 24-48 hours when the store advises you items are available.
* Counting the number of items you collect and keeping track of where and how they are distributed.
* Being courteous to store staff as they represent our very important donor.
* Distributing all items collected to military children for back to school purposes.

SPECIAL NOTICE: IF YOU ARE NOT AN ORGANIZATION SERVING MILITARY CHILDREN, PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REPLACE YOU AS THE POINT OF CONTACT IF A MILITARY ORGANIZATION/GROUP COMES FORWARD TO ACCEPT THE ITEMS. WE WILL CONTACT YOU IF THIS OCCURS.

Thank you for helping us put smiles on the faces of many military children nationwide. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Operation Homefront national or your local Operation Homefront chapter.

Click on our website and your state to find your local contact: www.operationhomefront.net

Brad Claus, In-Kind Donations Coordinator 1-800-722-6098 or brad.claus@operationhomefront.net

Beth Steinke
Director of Program Services
Operation Homefront
***Please note new office number 210-764-9260***
Toll Free: 866-457-2093
F: 866-294-2968

Veterans' Hope: Building a Bridge

2010-07-27T20:13:00.000-07:00

Now, more than ever, our servicemen and women and their families need the support of the American people. Although there is a tremendous support network already in place in this country, delivering it into the hands of those who need it is a huge task. Veterans’ Hope, a new, grassroots, mobile outreach program has made it their mission to deliver that hope...from the small towns to the large cities…all across the country.

From outstanding financial obligations to lack of access to health care services and benefits, many of the challenges faced by veterans are overwhelming. Today, for many veterans and their families, intervention can mean the difference between homelessness and shelter; foreclosure or security; conflict or family reconciliation; poverty or benefits and a living wage.

The task is huge, but the concept is simple: "Veterans’ Hope” will reach out to veterans and their families at the grass-roots level and connect them to the support services they need…when they need it! Through special charitable and corporate partnerships…they will deliver hope! From Veteran Service Organization conventions, to large community events and small town festivals, the Veterans’ Hope Motorcoach will use its comprehensive database to match needs with organizations that can provide the right kind of support.

The model for Veterans’ Hope came to Founder and CEO Rick Ecker after spending more than 22-years as a Marine and working for the Department of Defense as a civilian employee for nearly five years. “While at the Pentagon I learned about all the various official and unofficial attempts to organize the thousands of troop support entities out there,” said Ecker. “It simply made sense to try and organize the massive volume of support into a program that reached out to our veterans on their turf,” he added. “We are not trying to step on anyone’s toes, we just want to harness all the good that is being offered and deliver it in one portable package,” he concluded.

Armed with a strong background in marketing and public affairs, Ecker recognized that the cacophony of voices offering assistance can sometimes be overwhelming to veterans in need. His goal with Veterans’ Hope is to provide a bridge between those in need and the organizations that can best address each need...the real difference is that the support is being delivered to servicemen and women and their families--n their hometowns!

Getting Veterans’ Hope off the ground has been no easy task. With thousands of organizations vying for limited funding, the people behind Veterans’ Hope decided to take things in their own hands. “Rick and I came up with this idea for a t-shirt campaign to help raise the funding needed to launch the Veterans’ Hope program,” said David Rao, Vice President of Communications for Armed Forces Racing, the company raising money for Veterans’ Hope. Working with Sam Bass of Sam Bass Galleries, Armed Forces Racing developed the One Shirt Campaign as a way to self fund the Veterans’ Home project. The message behind the “One Shirt” campaign is simple: One Shirt Can Change a Veteran’s Life…Two Shirts Can Change a Nation. “If everyone in this country bought a “One Shirt” Sam Bass original t-shirt, the money raised can help change a veteran’s life,” said Ecker, who also runs Armed Forces Racing. “If families bought two shirts, then we would be well on our way to changing the way a nation cares for our veterans and their families.”

The “One Shirt” campaign in full swing and will conclude on Veterans Day in November. To order a “One Shirt” t-shirt, visit www.armedforcesracing.com. For more information about Veterans’ Hope, see www.veteranshope.net.

Vietnam Vet Supports Today's Troops

2010-07-27T20:12:00.000-07:00

Author Dean Sault has donated 506 copies of his science fiction book, Space Chronicles: The Last Human War to Soldiers’ Angels for shipment to deployed troops! The books will be included in care packages sent to Afghanistan.

As a veteran of the Vietnam War, Sault knows what a good story can mean to a soldier far from home in the middle of a war zone. “Science fiction gave me a mental break from the war as I read about fantastic worlds or amazing creatures in some make-believe world,” he wrote in a note placed inside each donated book. “I hope my novel brings you the same relief as Andre Norton or Isaac Asimov or Robert Heinlein brought to me.”

A former tournament fisherman and full-time insurance broker, Sault got his start as a author by writing online articles for new fisherman, which led to a paid gig with fishing magazine Line. With his editor’s and others’ encouragement, he then tackled The Last Human War, which had been conceived in 1977 and simply gathered dust in a file cabinet for thirty years.

Sault already has a second novel about to be published (Jihad: The Breath of God, an action-adventure story about a terrorist attack) and is working on two more books, including a sequel to The Last Human War and a cookbook called Kids, Pancakes & Sunday Mornings. He plans on continuing his donations to the troops as the new books are issued.

After returning from Vietnam only to be spit upon at the San Francisco airport and turned away by older veterans who said his war was “just a police action,” Sault made a promise to himself that he “would always support our troops no matter how I felt about our country's political decisions,” he says. “These books are simply me keeping my promise in some little way.” Sault was surprised and gratified to be joined in that support as he dropped off the hand-packed books for shipment: when the shipping company discovered the books were for deployed troops, they waived the shipping costs for all eleven cases.

The Last Human War is available at Barnes & Noble Booksellers and on LastHumanWar.com, which includes graphics, back-story and factoids about the alien races depicted in the book.

Make a Hero Smile!

2010-07-27T20:11:00.001-07:00

A letter from our founder, Patti Patton-Bader...

Dear Angels and Friends,

The spirit of support for our troops that we are seeing here at Soldiers’ Angels is wonderful, but the need is so great and people are donating so many items that we don’t have enough postage to send everything!

Right now over 2,000 pounds of supplies—ready to go to our heroes in Afghanistan—are sitting in the warehouse because there isn’t enough money for the postage.

If each person reading this email gave $10, we could get those supplies out the door and keep things running as we go forward!

But how much is $10? It’s about the cost of a discount movie ticket and a small soda. It’s the cost of a couple of beers, a 6-pack of socks, or two gallons of ice cream for a party.

But how much is $10 to a deployed hero? I’ll let them tell you themselves…
"I just want to say that this is an amazing program and I have seen it provide
so much joy for everyone. It’s priceless."
– Jeff

"I sleep better just knowing there is someone out there who cares about me
and what I do out here."
– Blaise

"It makes all the difference in the world."
– Nathan

Please continue to make a difference for America’s heroes. It has been a very, very difficult month for our troops. We cannot change the pain and danger they face, but we can strengthen their spirits to meet the challenge. Private “B” adds:

"Without you all making it happen, we would have
a hard, troubled time making it here."

Please help make it happen. Just $10 per person—consider skipping that one visit to the movies, toasting a hero in your heart instead of sipping two beers, or passing up the ice cream… and making a Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine or Coast Guardsman smile, instead.

Officials Commit to Disabled Veterans’ Businesses

2010-07-23T12:02:00.000-07:00

http://www.defense.gov//news/newsarticle.aspx?id=60041

Army Spouse Shares Deployment Tips

2010-07-23T11:59:00.000-07:00

http://www.defense.gov//news/newsarticle.aspx?id=60042

Vets help at Soldiers' Angels Warehouse

2010-07-23T11:57:00.000-07:00

http://www.ourmilitary.mil/Content.aspx?ID=45042283

Stinky Hot, Thirty, and Hungry Soldiers Are Desperate For Your Help!

2010-07-04T03:08:00.001-07:00

Please help Soldiers' Angels critical mission in providing any of the following products for our urgent needs for our hometown HEROES. Your donations will go a long way in keeping the morale high and helping to ensure a safe return home for our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Coast Guard, and Marines.

Travel sizes no larger than 4 ounces – Hand/Baby Wipes – LOTS NEEDED. Foot powder, Body Wash, Dental Care, Eye Drops, Lip Balm, Anti-Bacterial Wipes, Nasal Spray, Deodorant, Insect Repellent, Sun Block, Feminine Hygiene Products, Disposable Razors, Shampoo, Conditioner, Instant Soup, Pop Top Foods, Ramen Noodles, Trail Mix, Beef Jerky, Dried Fruit, Nuts, Hard Candy, Chicken and Tuna in Pouches, Single Packaged Powdered Drink Mixes

Please ship your donated products along with an itemized list of contents, your contact information, plus an estimated value to:

Soldiers’ Angels, 4408 N Pan Am Expressway, San Antonio, TX 78218

If you would like to make a monetary donation for urgent need supplies, use our secure link at www.soldiersangels.org

or mail your donation to: Soldiers' Angels, 1792 E. Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104

Soldiers' Angels is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Your donations are tax deductible. Tax ID # 20-0583415. Please take a moment of your day and visualize yourself in the boots of our troops. These are our HEROES who are fighting to preserve the many freedoms that we, as Americans, can cherish.

How We Helped Soldiers' Angels Measure Their Social Media Impact

2010-07-04T03:00:00.001-07:00

http://communicause.com/press-room/article/measuring-effectiveness-of-social-media-efforts/

spread the word

2010-07-04T02:58:00.000-07:00

If anyone wants to help spread the word on this, that would be great: http://bostonmaggie.blogspot.com/2010/06/listen-up-i-want-something.html

I know it's not specifically Soldiers' Angels, but the goal is to help out service men and women.

Maggie says: "So, what's the problem? Well, for one thing, the Marines have none of their own gear. Except for seeing the docs, they are sitting around bored silly. So, my BMCS has rounded up some stuff for them (cumshaw, anyone?); a TV, a DVD player and an X-Box. But he needs more stuff."

She's got a list of things they could use and you can contact her if you have any questions.

Text to Donate for the Troops!

2010-07-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

Soldiers’ Angels proudly announces a new way to support the troops just by using a cell phone! Patriotic Americans can now text “Soldiers” to 20222 to donate $5 toward care packages, assistance for wounded warriors, and support for veterans and their families.

Soldiers’ Angels has a long history of using high tech and social media platforms to motivate volunteers and donations. From raising hundreds of thousands of dollars through military and political blogs to winning a Twitter-based “Social Media Makeover” competition last summer, Soldiers’ Angels has demonstrated a continuing commitment to using all available technological resources in its mission to support the troops.

“We are so excited to give Americans this great, cutting-edge way to help make sure our heroes receive the support they need in this time of war,” says founder Patti Patton-Bader. “Five dollars really is a modest amount of money, but it adds up so quickly and means so much to our efforts. With text-to-donate we are continuing to use the latest technology to draw more Americans into this important work.”

Along with text-to-donate, Soldiers’ Angels is rolling out its new Mobile Support Club. Members of the Club will receive up to four monthly alerts and updates on events, projects, soldier stories, support needs and much more, right on their mobile phones. Supporters can sign up automatically by texting “Soldiers” to 20222 to donate $5, or by clicking on "Mobile Club" on the "Stay Connected" widget on the right sidebar of the Soldiers' Angels homepage.

Where's Jeff? - Co-founder at Work

2010-07-03T13:23:00.000-07:00

Soldiers' Angels co-founder Jeff Bader will be experiencing a very busy July, 2010. He focus will be helping to coordinate Angel activity at the Zac Brown Concerts and other music events across the country where volunteers will be assisting concertgoers who want to support Soldiers' Angels activities or participate in Letters for Lyrics.

Jeff already attended several Zac Brown Band events in June, including Tennessee and Alabama. In addition to celebrating Independence Day at the "Red, White and Tune” concert and the Parrot Head Festival from July 3-4 in Naples, FL, Jeff and Soldiers' Angels will be at the following events:
July 6, Toledo OH – Toledo Zoo Ampitheater
July 7, Ft Wayne IN – Parview Field
July 18 & 19, Gilford, NH – Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavillion
July 22, Danville VA – Carrington Pavillion
July 24, Kingsport TN – Kingsport Fun Festival

As an amateur musician himself, Jeff has made some great contacts with the band, resulting in specific mention and praise for Soldiers' Angels from the stage during concerts. If you would like to help out with Letters for Lyrics events at Zac Brown Band concerts, please email development@soldiersangels.org.

T Shirt Support

2010-07-03T13:15:00.000-07:00

Defiance Fight Gear continues to raise money from the sale of special t-shirts in honor of the brave men and women that have given their lives in the service of the United States of America. The ultimate goal is to raise one million dollars, which will be distributed among several different military support organizations, including Soldiers' Angels. So far, Soldiers' Angels has received $500 in donations... and counting!

The Remember the Fallen t-shirt, created in honor of those who have sacrificed everything, features a clenched fist tightly holding a handful of dog tags over the somber text, “All gave some, some gave all.” In line with Defiance's corporate identity, the back of the shirt bears the inscription, “Remembering those who stood defiant in the face of death, for their country, for our freedom. Defiance Fight Gear is donating $10 from the sale of each Remember the Fallen t-shirt to military support organizations who assist active duty personnel, combat wounded or disabled, and families of the fallen.

As part of the million-dollar challenge, Defiance has created the Wall of Fame to spotlight companies that go above and beyond in support of the troops by making a bulk purchase of the Remember the Fallen t-shirts, and asks all Angels to help spread the word about the Wall of Fame.

For more information on this fundraiser, the causes that will benefit from it, or to purchase a shirt and support this worthy project, please visit the Defiance website.

Author and Publisher Team Up for Troops

2010-07-03T13:11:00.000-07:00

Author and Soldiers’ Angel Denise Patty-Brennan and Publish America are offering a special deal to benefit the troops and men and women of any age who like a good story.

Through at least Jul 31, 2010, Brennan will donate 20% of her royalty payment on her dramatic novels purchased through PublishAmerica’s online bookstore to Soldiers’ Angels when the buyer uses the promotional code “soldier30.” In addition, Publish America is cutting the price of her books by 30% and will match Brennan’s donation dollar-for-dollar! The more books sold, the higher Brennan’s royalty percentage and the more money she and Publish America will donate to Soldiers’ Angels!

Giving is a natural part of Brennan’s life. “I’ve always done local or national charitable work,” she says. “Growing up, I always said if I ever had any kind of money, I wanted to be able to do something with it.” Among other activities, she donates to a homeless shelter in her hometown of Philadelphia and fosters a Guatemalan child.

Just over a year ago Brennan’s sister discovered Soldiers’ Angels through an ad she saw in a magazine. Brennan is now on her fourth adopted soldier, has participated in the Chaplain Support Team and helped create back-to-school backpacks for military kids last Fall. “I especially like the one-on-one with adopting a soldier,” she says.

Brennan has worked in her father’s garage door business for 23 years, but writing has always been a part of her life. “I always loved to write,” she says. “but I never thought about writing a book until three years ago.” Inspiration hit, and she carried a copy book with her wherever she went, taking advantage of every spare minute to jot down a little more of the story. It took her a year and a half to complete and much to her surprise, it was accepted by the first publisher she approached.

So far, Brennan has three published books (Quest of Hope: 153 A.G.C., O'Brien's Chance, Carver's Chance and Malone's Chance in production for this summer), with a fifth one in the writing stage. Regardless of setting, her books are ultimately dramas about people and relationships. She has developed a strong following online in the US and Europe.

To take advantage of this offer to support the troops and Soldiers’ Angels through Brennan’s book sales, be sure to click here and use the code “soldier30” upon checkout (purchases through other sites will not be counted). Brennan and PublishAmerica encourage everyone to share this link and the soldier30 code with their friends and family!

Author's "Miraculous" Gift for the Troops

2010-07-03T13:10:00.002-07:00

After hearing about Soldiers Angels on a Memorial Day news segment and discovering how many soldiers do not receive mail from back home, Songwriter and author Faye Aldridge donated over 800 books to Soldiers’ Angels for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I cannot imagine how discouraged they feel when they don’t get mail from home,” Aldridge says. “At first, I thought I would commit to writing letters and supporting two or three soldiers,” but she soon had an even bigger thought. When Aldridge visited the Soldiers’ Angels website in early June, she discovered there were 826 names remaining on the list of soldiers waiting to be adopted so that they would receive mail. Touched by seeing such a large number of heroes waiting, she contacted Soldiers Angels and made a commitment: each soldier waiting would receive a copy of her book, A Fax from Heaven.

Aldridge didn’t stop there. She contacted Joni Cochran, owner of The UPS Store in Mt. Juliet, TN and Cochran soon secured free shipping for the books from the Middle Tennessee UPS Stores to the nearest Soldiers’ Angels warehouse in Ramseur, NC. The books, valued at over $12,000, will be distributed as gifts for hundreds of soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Author Faye Aldridge (left) and Joni Cochran, owner of a UPS retail outlet in Juliet, TN, combined forces to ship 800 of copies of Aldridge's inspirational book to troops to Soldiers' Angels for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

A Fax from Heaven documents what the author calls acts of divine intervention and miraculous occurrences, including a special story about the death of her husband and the miraculous and comforting messages she subsequently received. Ultimately, Aldridge hopes her generosity will help the troops know they are remembered, and that the book will comfort and encourage those of faith as they face the life-changing challenges of service in wartime. “I believe the book will help the soldiers have stronger faith and clearly see how God reveals His love to us, in life-changing events and in the smallest details of every day life,” she says.

For more information about Faye Aldridge and her book, visit www.afaxfromheaven.com.

Marine Stands for Angels & Heroes

2010-07-03T13:10:00.001-07:00

Former Marine Mark Dolfini won't be celebrating Independence Day with a parade, picnic, BBQ or fireworks. Instead, he'll be standing at attention for 24 hours straight.

From midnight on July 3 to midnight on July 4, Doflini will stand in his dress blue uniform between an American and a Marine Corps flag in Lafayette, IN, encouraging people to donate funds and comfort items to Soldiers' Angels for wounded veterans. He calls it "Standing for the Fallen." With the support of his local Marine Corps League, Dolfini has been raising funds and items this way every Sunday since Memorial Day, resulting in several thousand dollars already. This will be his first and only 24-hour "stand."

Supporters across the country can participate in Dolfini's "Stand for the Fallen" by emailing mark@junepalms.com for info on item donations or how to give financially through the Marine Corps League. The League has promised to cover the postage for all items Dolfini collects.

Soldiers' Angels salutes Mark Dolfini for his continued service and his creative dedication!

Calling All Instruments!

2010-07-03T13:09:00.001-07:00

Remember that clarinet, flute, guitar, drum kit, miscellaneous percussion, etc., that you played for a year and then put away, never to see again? Now that instrument can have new life as a special gift for a returning veteran!

As promised when the San Antonio warehouse first opened, Soldiers' Angels is developing a music lesson and music therapy site as part of the warehouse facility. The music room is being prepared this week, and help is needed to fill it with instruments that wounded and transitioning veterans can use.

When fully functional, the room will allow combat veterans to take music lessons, play instruments for fun, and make music with their brothers and sisters who understand their experiences. Warehouse hours will be expanded and veterans will be invited to come relax, play and have some time to fill their minds with musical thoughts instead of wartime memories. Opportunities to play an instrument can also be highly-motivational physical therapy for wounded warriors, so interested patients at nearby Brooke Army Medical Center will also be included.

Music accessories and instruments are needed to kickoff the program. Used or new fully-functioning instruments, as well as accessories, parts, stands and books are needed. Special accessories designed for people with disabilities or injuries would also be useful. If you can help, please send items to the following address (along with your name, mailing address, email address and the estimated value of your gift):

Soldiers' Angels - Music
4408 N PanAm Exprwy
San Antonio, TX 78218

If you know a music store or instrument maker who would like to help, please email placement6@aol.com.

Angelic Clynch

2010-07-03T13:08:00.000-07:00

Here's a chance to get some cool gear and support the troops at the same time! Online store Clynch House is having a big sale for the 4th of July Weekend with 10% of all revenue going to Soldiers' Angels!

ClynchHouse.com is a new store by Ranger Up partner Garrett Schemmel. The site partners with MMA official brands to meet the growing interest in MMA as a mainstream sport, and carries Ranger Up items as well.

The sale, which runs from noon (eastern time) on July 2 to midnight on July 5, will include up to 60% off on official MMA gear, as well as discounts on classic Ranger Up t-shirts and other items. 10% of all revenue will be donated to Soldiers' Angels. "Through Ranger Up and now The Clynch House, I've been a fan and supporter of Soldiers' Angels and everything they do for a while now," says Garrett. "This is just one way that I realized I could continue to give them my support."

Go check out this exciting new company where you can grab some great gear and support the troops at the same time!

Trike for the Troops on the Fourth!

2010-07-03T13:07:00.001-07:00

Rick White, Colorado software developer, will complete a four-mile tricycle ride on Independence Day, July 4, 2010 to help raise money for Soldiers' Angels Project Valour-IT, and you can help! This is the third year Rick will be riding his trike for the troops.

White plans to ride four miles on his low-rider chopper tricycle, which has been transformed into a strange looking vehicle complete with propeller on the back. To generate even more attention, White will wear a suit, leather aviator hat and goggles. While he is hoping that the extra attention will turn into more donations, he says, "If I can make people laugh and at the same time help our troops, it's a no-brainer for me."

The initial idea for his crazy getup came simply from Rick's desire to play the contrarian and have some fun. “I just wanted to be in a ridiculous-looking tricycle next to guys who were on the real nice $2000 bikes, looking really fit. I wanted to be the goofball on the tricycle next to them," he says with obvious humor. But it quickly became something more. “The perfect thing is if I can be goofy and make people laugh, but also really be able to make a material difference in some soldiers’ lives."

Rick is inviting people to pledge online in support of his efforts--pledgers will make their donations directly to Soldiers' Angels if Rick completes his ride. To donate, follow along with with his practice rides, or check out Rick's latest news, visit trikeforthetroops.com.

Soldiers Angels Mobile Phone

2010-06-24T09:24:00.000-07:00

Get up to 4 monthly alerts & updates on events, projects, soldier stories, support needs & much more, right on your mobile phone! We’re also in the process of being approved for Mobile Giving. When officially approved, you will be notified on how you can donate easily & discreetly via your cell phone. Standard text rates may apply.

http://www.adz2mobile.com/acp/soldiers_angels/soldiermobileclub.html

Founder Notes For June 6 2010

2010-06-16T01:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Angels,

This is another week where we are looking at bare cupboards. For example, as of today we have absolutely no female hygiene items to include in care packages from the San Antonio warehouse. I worry about that, but at the same time I look around and see people who are giving everything they can. For some people, it’s money, for other’s it’s time, and those who have neither are making sure they let everyone who CAN help know about the need… we call can find a way to give more!

Hearts in Hand

Giving Everything You Can

Last week my husband and I humbly received the Our Heart in Hand Humanitarian Award from the Unity Center in Pasadena, CA. Soldiers’ Angels began in Pasadena and the main office is still there. Jeff stood in for both of us at the event and I was so proud to think of all he does for our troops every day, while still running a business and being a wonderful family man.

Bicycling Heroes

For Their Brothers & Sisters

World T.E.A.M Sports is an amazing organization. Soldiers’ Angels proudly participates in their Face of America bike ride, along with the wounded heroes who ride. Now they’re working on the Sea to Shining Sea Ride. It is so inspiring to see severely-wounded heroes without out there bicycling across the country to raise awareness and money for their fellow warriors. They are proof that where there’s a will, there’s a way. [more*]

Band of Angels

Christina Morales, Angel Giving Her All

To honor both her father and Grandfather who served in the Air Force, Christina Morales of Aurora, Colorado decided to become a member of Soldiers’ Angels in January, 2004. Becoming an Angel is her way of serving her country, keeping the military tradition in her family alive. Christina has great respect for the sacrifices members of America’s Armed Forces make in defending our safety and our way of life, and believes that every service member should receive recognition from the United States for the big and small sacrifices made.

Christina is a member of the Soldiers’ Angels Wounded, Angel Bakers, and Cards Plus teams. She also helps out with the TLC team. And on top of her work with those four teams, Christina still has time to take care of her two adopted soldiers. She writes about 50 letters a week! For Christina, motivation doesn’t come from what she gets back from “her soldiers.” She does love to get responses to her letters and gifts, but just knowing she helped someone is all that matters to her.

Every single day Soldiers’ Angels and Angel volunteers put a steady stream of supplies and support into hands of our heroes, their families, and our wonderful veterans.

This massive undertaking requires massive support and people giving until it hurts. When I see my husband throw himself into supporting the troops despite all his responsibilities, or I watch a wounded warrior with no legs use his hands to bicycle across the country, or read about an Angel who pinches every penny so that she can afford to send a care package to her soldier, I know that we can all do more—we can give more, we can spend more time, we can wear our hearts for our troops on our sleeves more.

If you can donate even $5, please do--it makes a difference! If you are in dire financial straits, tell the people who CAN help that there’s a need, or organize an “item drive” in your community (the link is on www.soldiersangels.org). We all have to give every bit of what we are capable of giving. The wars have fallen off the front pages, but the needs are continuing. Please help! It is Angels like you who make sure “No Soldier Goes Unloved.”

Donate

Wingtip to Wingtip,

Patti Patton-Bader
Soldiers' Angels Founder and CEO

Facebook - Soldiers' Angels (official)
Twitter - @soldiersangels
Monthly Newsletter - www.soldiersangels.org/index.php?page=newsletters

Soldiers' Angels, 1792 E. Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104 (626) 529-5114

Items Needed

2010-06-10T20:42:00.001-07:00

If you guys could help get out the word?.

(As of yesterday, we have no female-focused supplies in the warehouse, and are low on so many other things):

http://soldiersangels.org/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=577&cntnt01returnid=15

Founder Notes For June 03 2010

2010-06-03T01:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Angels,

We’re heading into the busy time of the year and there are so many exciting things happening! The best part is that right now there are three big actions you can take they require just a small bit of effort! They’re free, and all the need is a tiny bit of your time…

Vote Pepsi
$50,000 in Troop Support!
With a few seconds a day in June, you can raise $50,000 to help Soldiers’ Angels employ veterans, sponsor music therapy events, and more! Just go to www.refresheverything.com/hireahero and click on “Vote for this Idea.” You can vote once every day, and if Soldiers’ Angels finishes in the top 10 of the competing groups in June, we’ll win $50,000! Please share this with your friends and family! [more*]

Go to Your Dodge Ram Dealer
1,000,000 Letters for Lyrics
If you visit your nearest Dodge Ram dealer and take the time to write a note to the troops, you can receive a free CD of Zac Brown Band and other musical stars! Chrysler, Zac Brown Band and Soldiers’ Angels have teamed up to send 1,000,000 letters of support and appreciation to America’s deployed troops around the world. Come do your part to let our heroes know we love them! [more*]

Download Zac Brown Band
Free Song for Angels and Others
As part of their great work in support of the troops (they just got back from a USO tour!), Zac Brown Band and Ram Trucks will make a donation to Soldiers’ Angels with every download of an exclusive live track from Zac Brown Band on the Letters for Lyrics website. Visit www.ramtrucks.com/en/letters_for_lyrics and scroll down the page!

Here’s your Angel Participation Checklist:

Vote for Soldiers’ Angels
Visit Dodge Ram & Write Your Letter
Download Zac Brown Band

Now, here’s the best part—my special surprise for you! Once you’ve completed your checklist, you can receive a special Angel Participation Gift as a thank you for me for getting out there actively support our heroes and support the Angel mission—it’s my thank you and it’s on your honor. You can choose the Soldiers’ Angels book that tells the story of the beginning of the organization, or a beautiful soldiers’ Angels lapel pin. Just pay shipping and handling…

For the PIN, use coupon code PINPRIZE here: http://www.angelsstore.org/category_s/41.htm

For the BOOK, use coupon code BOOKPRIZE here: http://www.angelsstore.org/product_p/baderbook.htm

Thank you so much for all that each one of you does to support the troops and ensure “No Soldier Go Unloved.” It is your powerful hearts and warm wings of care and concern that show our troops and their families that America remembers them and appreciates them. Let’s get out there and take advantage of these three great things we can do to support the troops without spending a dime!

Wingtip to Wingtip,

Patti Patton-Bader
Soldiers' Angels Founder and CEO

Facebook - Soldiers' Angels (official)
Twitter - @soldiersangels
Monthly Newsletter - www.soldiersangels.org/index.php?page=newsletters

Soldiers' Angels, 1792 E. Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104 (626) 529-5114

2010-06-01T15:01:00.001-07:00

Soldiers' Angels SAVE (Support a Vet's Employment) and Pepsi Refresh

2010-06-01T15:00:00.000-07:00

Soldiers' Angels is calling on fellow Americans to spend a few moments every day between June 1 to June 30, 2010 to help our nation's veterans secure employment through Hire a Hero- Soldiers' Angels S.A.V.E. (Support a Veteran's Employment). www.refresheverything.com/hireahero

Soldiers' Angels is competing for a $50,000 grant to be awarded by Pepsi Cola, Inc, as part of its Refresh Everything project. Winners of this competition are determined by the number of votes received at Pepsi’s Refresh Everything Web site. Vote today and everyday for Hire a Hero- Soldiers' Angels S.A.V.E.

Vote now--- vote daily--- vote wingtip-to-wingtip.

Start spreading the news to your friends & family and tell them to vote. There's no time to lose, voting ends June 30th, 2010.

Soldiers' Angels is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) non-profit with hundreds of thousands of volunteers providing aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, veterans and their families. In difficult economic times such as these, hiring employees is an act of faith and determination. It is this type of tenacity and dedication that defines Soldiers' Angels and its Angel volunteers. SAVE helps make sure Soldiers' Angels is able to continue to employ veterans and increase the number of positions available for additional veterans.

Please note that as of June 1, 2010 rules for the Pepsi Refresh Project have been updated to expressly prohibit proxy voting. To ensure a fair, accurate count of votes, the site is monitored by an outside company. Any idea that uses proxy voting, which includes but is not limited to creating multiple or dummy accounts and voting on behalf of other users, may be disqualified.