Missouri Soldiers' Angels

January Soldiers' Angels Newsletter now available

2012-01-18T16:47:00.001-06:00

http://soldiersangels.org/newsletters/112.pdf
soldiersangels.org

Keep up to date Now !!!

2012-01-18T12:15:00.000-06:00

From the Soldiers' Angels Warehouse facebook page:

Angels it is time to RESTOCK THE SA WAREHOUSE:

BEEF JERKY
TUNA POUCHES
PEANUTS
PEANUT BUTTER AND CRACKER SNACKS
RAMEN NOODLES
TOOTHBRUSHES
TOOTH PASTE
RAZOR
SHAVE CREAM
TRIAL SIZE SHAMPOO
TRIAL SIZE CONDITIONER
TRIAL SIZE DEODORANT
TRAIL SIZE BODY WASH

WE CAN DO THIS ANGELS!!

Help a Wounded Hero....Give Blood

2012-01-09T10:25:00.003-06:00

http://www.redcross.org/ > to find location in Missouri

Give Love, Give Blood! During the days surrounding February 11 (Valentine's Day weekend), we're encouraging Angels and friends across the United States to honor those that have shed their blood for us by heading to their local blood bank and donating a pint. For Wear RED Friday and Valentines' Day weekend, please take time out of your busy schedule to Donate blood from the heart. If you can't give red, you can always give green and donate online in honor of our heroes. We ♥ the American Red Cross. :)

Happy New Years Angels

2012-01-03T12:48:00.003-06:00

Hello Missouri Angels,

We are starting a New Year full of new promise and opportunities to make Missouri Shine! It is time to start planning our Fundraisers and Information events to support our troops, Veterans and their families. These are just some ideas of things we may try to do... Pennies for Heroes, An Easter Eggstravaganza, Meet and Greets, a booth at Walmart and other establishments, A HUGE Day of Deployed event, a flea market, something for veterans day and a Christmas Party for families. If you have any other ideas or things you would like to do ...please let us know...Have a great Day and bless you

Help our Veteran Hospitals in St. Louis,MO

2012-01-02T16:38:00.001-06:00

Here are some items that John Cochran and Jefferson Barracks VA hospitals are in need of....

1) Winter Coats - XL and bigger

2) Shower shoes/flip flops - 10 and above

3) Women’s underwear – A to Z

4) Sports bras – A to DD

5) Sport shoes/tennis shoes – 8 to 13

Please help if you can and have a great day

Share the love with premade care packages

2011-12-19T08:51:00.002-06:00

Great Care Packages available at www.angelsstore.org! Don't forget to use your Angels Discount! Coupon Code: Angels10

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T07:43:00.001-06:00

I am thankful for each and every one of you Angels and may you all have a blessed holiday and enjoy our beautiful weather here in Missouri !!!

Yay...Day of Deployed Passes in Senate !!

2011-10-19T14:53:00.000-05:00

Soldiers' Angels is proud to announce... Day of the Deployed, October 26, 2011 was passed with 100% yes votes by the US Senate to become a NATIONAL DAY OF HONOR!

"Day of the Deployed is a day to honor the many selfless actions demanded of military members and their loved ones across the globe serves as a tangible reminder of the sacrifice being made in homes across America every day. Every deployment reflects the deep commitment of not only the deploying member, but of the many friends and loved ones who are left behind to aid in answering our nations call. Selfless men, women and children who are called upon to set aside their personal comfort and convenience to support the heroes they call mom, dad, father, mother, brother, sister or friend." --Patti Patton Bader, Soldiers' Angels Founder
HOEVEN’S NATIONAL DAY OF THE DEPLOYED RESOLUTION PASSES IN THE SENATE

WASHINGTON, October 18, 2011 – Senator John Hoeven announced today that a resolution he introduced to continue honoring the nation’s deployed service men and women with a Day of the Deployed has unanimously passed in the Senate. Hoeven launched the first Day of the Deployed in 2006 while serving as Governor of North Dakota and spearheaded the effort to bring the initiative to the national level this year. The resolution, passed last night, calls on all Americans to reflect on the service of the nation’s deployed service members and to offer support to their loved ones.

“Our U.S. service men and women currently deployed, along with their loved ones, make untold sacrifices as they serve our nation,” said Hoeven. “A national Day of the Deployed pays tribute to their commitment to our country and their work to protect our freedoms. We want to ensure that our military members and their loved ones know of our appreciation and support before, during and after their service.”

On Oct. 26, 2006, then-Governor Hoeven launched the first Day of the Deployed in support of Soldiers’ Angels, a nonprofit organization that aids deployed American military personnel and their families. The effort spread, and in 2010, 40 states had proclaimed a Day of the Deployed.

“Working with John Hoeven on Day of the Deployed since 2006 in North Dakota has been an honorable way to extend appreciation to the deployed service members and their families. Day of the Deployed is recognition for their hard work, dedication and commitment to the United States of America. This day is all about them,” said Shelle Michaels, Soldiers’ Angels Deputy Director of Development.

“More than 2 million Americans currently serve in the Unites States Armed Forces. These men and women are making great scarifies to ensure the safety and security of our great nation.

Next Wednesday, October 26, is the Day of the Deployed. I encourage people in North Dakota and across our nation to take a moment to recognize and celebrate America’s heroes — our men and women in uniform. They deserve our support and the thanks of a grateful nation,” said Senator Kent Conrad, a cosponsor of the resolution.

Currently, more than 2.27 million people serve as members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including those in the active guard and reserve components, with thousands of members deployed each year to 150 countries around the world. The resolution calls on Americans to reflect on the service of the nation’s soldiers and encourages ceremonies and activities on Oct. 26 to mark the Day of the

2011-09-29T08:22:00.002-05:00

WOULD you all please post something similar on your facebook status? we NEED all to help get our warriors adopted.

A few more days and October is here. Ideally, we would LOVE to have all our warriors adopted. We don't mean to sound like a broken record, but we have 950 warriors waiting for someone to give them some TLC from home--- will you be that person? We sure could use YOUR help! Adopt a warrior today please. www.soldiersangels.org --- it is a simple commitment. One letter a week and one package a month for the duration of the warrior's deployment. You can adopt up to three at one time.
Soldiers' Angels - May No Soldier Go Unloved
www.soldiersangels.org
Soldiers' Angels is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit 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.

Please help our fire department and thank them for their protection

2011-09-28T10:56:00.002-05:00

Lincoln County Fire Protection District #1
Please help our fire department and thank them for their protection

Lincoln County Fire Protection District #1
Help us win a $10,000 grant...all you have to do is take the free fire safety quiz!!! The top 10 fire departments with the most completed, win. SPREAD THE WORD...REPOST OR SHARE....and be sure to credit Lincoln County Fire Protection District #1

Here is the Link : Fire Safety Pledge
www.befiresmart.com

VA Medical Center is offering free flu shots

2011-09-27T13:05:00.001-05:00

St. Louis VA Medical Center
Give your nose a break! By washing hands regularly and getting a yearly Flu Shot avoid the cough and runny nose associated with the Flu. Get your yearly Flu Shot during your next VA visit!

JC Ambassador’s Suite 7:45 – 3:30 pm
JB Bldg 1 Rm 2C05/2C07 7:45 – 3:30 pm
All CBOCs 1:00 – 3:00 pm

No appointment needed.

Please share this with all of the Veterans that you know...thank you and bless you

Children make a difference with Soldiers' Angels

2011-09-27T09:15:00.001-05:00

A child can and does make a big difference in the lives of our active duty troops, veterans and their families. When children volunteer in supporting our heroes, they learn to understand and value our freedom more.

Some of the ways younger children can help Soldiers’ Angels is by coloring, painting, and drawing pictures and making cards. An adult can hold their hands and walk with them in parades and help them hand out candy and flags to the parade goers. At nursing homes and other functions, they can hand out gifts and goodies. Children have the voices of angels and can sing or read stories to our troops while an adult video tapes it or puts it on cd. Kids can make and decorate Christmas ornaments and other homemade gifts to hand out or mail to our troops. We can purchase Soldiers’ Angels t-shirts, necklaces and bracelets and let them wear them, along with putting them in red on Friday’s. Many of our troops have children at home that they are missing and sending them a touch of home and the insight of a child will bring them lots of joy.

As well as the things the younger children can do, older children have a lot of options. Older children can pick out items to put in care packages and help to pack them. Troops love getting letters from teenagers that tell them about the things they are doing. Older children can do item collections, bake cookies and other treats, hold penny collections, put up a lemonade stand, and have a garage sale. When there is an event, they can help decorate information tables, talk about what Soldiers’ Angels does and hand out brochures and flyers. My teen angel volunteers have gone with me to Standdowns and helped hand out the Vet Packs to homeless veterans. Older children can also collect stuffed animals, toys, and school supplies and donate books they have outgrown. Teenagers can get with their peers and organize car washes, basketball hoop contests, bike rallies, troop runs or jump rope contests. They may also find it rewarding to volunteer at VA hospitals. One of the most important things they can do for our troops and veterans is to hold the door open for them, help them with their groceries, and say Thank You for their Service.

So, encourage your children and teenagers to get involved with Soldiers’ Angels and show their pride and respect for America. There are so many ways a child can share their smiles and wisdom.

Third Annual Sale-abration for the Troops

2011-09-27T07:36:00.001-05:00

Soldiers’ Angels proudly announces the Third Annual Sale-abration, a nationwide garage/yard sale, to be held October 21-23! For the last two years, this special event has drawn together people in 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!

Behavioral Health Says Thanks!

2011-09-26T10:36:00.001-05:00

09/21/11

A Note from Afghanistan...

I received your gifts and it was a Christmas for us to open the box!

I am a Behavioral Health Specialist. I am currently working in the Combat Stress Control office. Helping soldiers to deal with their stresses and difficulties during combat and operations is our mission. I usually work with a social worker or a psychologist in the mental health clinic. We are helping soldiers here to deal with PTSD and TBI. We do counseling, suicide prevention, coping therapy and stress control classes.

We have lost 4 soldiers since we got here in July. Our job is to go out and give debriefings to the soldiers who lost their battle buddies. Some of the soldiers are having really bad living conditions, so we give out the care packages we received to them. You have helped a lot by changing their living environment and making them feel loved and not forgotten. We also set up a table in our office to put all the donations on it for the soldiers to take when they come in for help.

I can't thank you enough for what you have done and I am really happy that caring people like you are there supporting us like family!!

God bless you and your family!

Very Respectfully,

Fanni

An Air Force Thank You

2011-09-21T14:19:00.003-05:00

Jonathan and his fellow Airmen deployed with the Air Mobility Division in Kuwait recently took some time to thank Soldiers' Angels for a shipment of cards and snacks they had requested.

The Troops here have Just received your package. Thank you for all the time and, effort that it took to put this together for us. The personnel over here at the ________ Team, Kuwait salute you!

It’s nice to know we have people back home that appreciate and, support what we are doing overseas. The cards made everyone’s day. It is a constant reminder of why we all chose to raise our right hand, and make that sacred pledge to our great country! It is why us service members and our families choose to keep on making the sacrifices we make! Please know you are our heroes!

Even in the relative safety of Kuwait, America's deployed military men and women need to know that they are loved and appreciated. To join the team of Angels supporting a hero, click here!

Dancing with the Stars...Jr Martinez...our Wounded Warrior

2011-09-21T13:58:00.001-05:00

Dancing on Angel Wings
09/21/11

Angels and Stars are what heaven is made of... and Soldiers' Angels is proud to stand in support of J.R. Martinez in his dance to the top with Dancing with the Stars!

J.R. Martinez was deployed to Iraq as an Army Infantryman in February 2003. That April he was a driver of a Humvee when his left front tire hit a landmine; he suffered severe burns to more than 40 percent of his body, as well as smoke inhalation. He was evacuated to Landstuhl, Germany for immediate care and then eventually transferred to Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio, TX to begin his road to recovery. He spent 34 months at BAMC and has undergone 33 cosmetic and skin graft surgeries.

During his time in recovery, a nurse asked him to speak to a burn patient who had just seen his body for the first time and had become withdrawn. After an approximately 45-minute visit, the patient opened the curtain, letting light into his room. J.R. then understood the impact he had on that patient and decided to use his experience to help others, visiting with several of the patients in the hospital, sharing his story and listening to theirs.

Since then, J.R. has become a highly sought-after motivational speaker, traveling the country to spread his message of resilience and optimism. He is called on by a wide-range of groups, including large corporations, veterans groups, nonprofits and schools.

"The Army taught me a lot, but there's one thing it didn't teach me....
the Viennese Waltz. " - J.R. Martinez

Now it is time for J.R. Martinez to inspire a new audience, to dance to the top and share with the world the day-to-day struggles of the wounded warriors of America and how one can overcome hurdles with due diligence.

Soldiers’ Angels volunteers across the nation are encouraged to watch Dancing with the Stars every Monday night and vote for J.R. after the show by calling 1-800-868-3410 (800-VOTE4-10), or AT&T customers can Text code: 3410. Lines open at the beginning of each show for viewers to phone and text vote for their favorite couples, and will stay open for 30 minutes after the end of the show in each time zone. Online voting ends at 11AM ET/8AM PT the day following the performances. If you have a twitter account you can also help J.R. by tweeting: @DancingABC GO TEAM #MARTINOFF all the way @soldiersangels LOVES JR! #military #SOT #milblog 1800-868-3410 #vote #monday #DWTH

Stop by to see the updates of the show here for the twelve weeks of the show...

Team Martinoff – J.R. Martinez & Karina Smirnoff

September 19, 2011 with the Viennese Waltz – Song Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson (video here); 8-7-7 for a total of 22 puts them in a tie with Chynna and Tony for the highest score of the night.

Dolphin Tale movie

2011-09-21T12:12:00.002-05:00

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!

Suicide Prevention Week

2011-09-21T12:02:00.000-05:00

You can make a difference and help save lives during Suicide Prevention Week. Help spread the word about the confidential Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255 and Press 1) and online chat (www.VeteransCrisisLine.net). Give the Veterans Crisis Line a call today if you or a Veteran you know is experiencing any of the suicide warning signs listed here: www.VeteransCrisisLine.net/SignsofCrisis

Here are the warning signs:

Sometimes a crisis may involve thoughts of suicide. Learn to recognize these warning signs:

Hopelessness, feeling like there’s no way out
Anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness, or mood swings
Feeling like there is no reason to live
Rage or anger
Engaging in risky activities without thinking
Increasing alcohol or drug abuse
Withdrawing from family and friends

The following signs require immediate attention:

Thinking about hurting or killing yourself
Looking for ways to kill yourself
Talking about death, dying, or suicide
Self-destructive behavior such as drug abuse, weapons, etc.

Gold Star Mothers Day

2011-09-20T19:28:00.003-05:00

Gold Star Mother's Day

When: Sunday, September 25, 2011

What: Gold Star Mother’s Day is observed on the last Sunday of September each year. It is a day for people to recognize and honor those who have lost a son or daughter while serving the United States Armed Forces. The Gold Star pin is awarded by the US Department of Defense.

How: A joint congressional resolution designated the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother's Day, a holiday that has been observed each year by a presidential proclamation. Gold Star Mother’s Day is not a designated US public holiday .

Holiday Drive for Troops .... for Missouri

2011-09-16T09:47:00.001-05:00

Holiday Collection Drive for our Troops, Veterans and their Families

We are having a item collections drive to help with the Christmas Party for the Troops and their families, The Units that are deployed and the Veterans that are Wounded and in the hospitals in St. Louis.

We will be collecting items for Families….needed are toys for all ages, handmade items, gifts for both male and female adults or gift certificates for clothing, food and gift items. Also, non-perishable food and Christmas stockings ..wrapping paper and tape are also needed

For the troops that are deployed…needed are toiletries, handmade items, holiday cards (blank and signed), warm hats and gloves, very small Christmas trees, stockings, non-perishable snacks, ornaments, baggies of all sizes(so toiletries don’t leak),pajama pants and warm socks

For the Veterans at the hospitals...we have approximately 350 that we are hoping to collect small (dollar store work well) gifts, sugar free candy canes, small stockings and Christmas cards

Items can be mailed or dropped off to : Jodi George
30 Forest Ridge Lane
Troy, MO 63379

Or if you need pickup, please call me at 314-330-7259

1792 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena,CA 91104 626-398-4224 www.soldiersangels.org
Soldiers’ Angels is a volunteer-run, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization
Tax ID # 20-0583415

Items collecting for 6 months of Christmas

2011-09-16T09:40:00.002-05:00

Just because the Month has passed or has not gotten here yet, doesn't mean you can't send what you have for the Christmas Shipments... Here is the list of items ...

June – Socks (cotton, boot-style or athletic, or tactical)
July – Instant hot chocolate and apple cider (click for details)
August – Blankets of Belief
September – Gift cards from Walmart to purchase needed items
October – Christmas cards/letters
November – Postage

Don't forget 6 months of Christmas ..item of the month

2011-09-16T09:38:00.002-05:00

Simon Says It’s Gift Cards Month!

Each month from June to December of 2011, Soldiers’ Angels is focusing on collecting one component of our Wrapped in Holiday Spirit care packages to help 130,000 deployed heroes have a great Holiday Season this winter!

This month we are encouraging people to help Soldiers' Angels "fill in the blanks" of care packages to make sure we can send a complete package to every deployed hero. In recent months, generous donors have been sending socks, hot chocolate, apple cider and Blankets of Belief to wrap America's heroes in holiday spirit, but more is needed.

To help stuff Holiday Spirit packages full of goodies, Soldiers' Angels is counting on donations and gift cards in addition to items donated so far. Walmart gift cards enable staff and volunteers to purchase large quantities of these needed items at a good price near the warehouse, while donors can avoid the expense of shipping.

Please help Soldiers' Angels send great care packages to all 130,000 deployed heroes by sending a Walmart gift card!

Six Months of Christmas is a great project of the month for a youth group, classroom, community organizations or church, etc, with members bringing one item per month or per meeting. Energetic volunteers are also invited to coordinate an event/drive to raise a particular month’s item (for help and support in planning a local Six Months of Christmas event, please email events@soldiersangels.org).

Please ship your Walmart gift cards for the troops to any address below:

Soldiers' Angels
Six Months of Christmas
4408 N PanAm Exprwy
San Antonio, TX 78218

Soldiers' Angels
Six Months of Christmas
1792 E Washington Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91104
Soldiers' Angels
Six Months of Christmas
112 Greenhill Rd
Ramseur, NC 27316

Halloween is around the corner...treat our troops

2011-09-16T09:36:00.000-05:00

Halloween Treats for the Troops
09/14/11

Halloween is right around the corner! BOO!

America's military men and women deployed around the world always enjoy candy in their care packages, and this is the perfect time of year for shipping chocolate--the cooler weather means it's less likely to melt!

Patriotic kids and parents can send Halloween candy to Soldiers' Angels, who will make sure it gets into a care package to brighten the day of a service member far from home (be sure to send "the good stuff,"--no crushed/melted candy or broken/torn wrappers, etc).

Please spread the word and get and get your community involved in getting a taste of Halloween. Buy an extra bag or two and mail it to:
Soldiers' Angels
HALLOWEEN CARE
4408 N PanAm Exprwy
San Antonio, TX 78218

Of course, after the holidays, troops love your leftover Halloween candy as well--but they also need candy in time to celebrate Halloween and the holiday season!

Taking Aim at Project Valour It

2011-09-16T09:32:00.003-05:00

Taking Aim at Project Valour-IT
09/14/11

A strong supporter of Soldiers' Angels Project Valour-IT , the annual Gun Blogger Rendezvous continues to grow. One of this year’s sponsors, Sig Sauer, has stepped up in a big way by donating a brand new pistol to be auctioned for Valour-IT.

This is no “ordinary” Sig Sauer 1911, though. A reverse, two-tone version of the pistol, it has been engraved with the Soldiers’ Angels logo on the slide and the words “Soldiers’ Angels” on the barrel, making it a unique piece for 1911 fans and supporters of Soldiers' Angels / Project Valour-IT. A non-engraved version of this pistol could be expected to retail for up to about $1,000.

The Soldiers' Angels 1911 will be sold to the highest bidder at on online auction held by GunBroker.com* and 100% of the sale will be donated to support Valour-IT. The auction closes at 9 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, October 23, 2011.

Thank you to gun blogger Allen, The Gun Blogger Rendezvous, Sig Sauer and GunBroker.com for this tremendous fundraising opportunity!
*Be sure to read all the information on the acution page and ensure that laws in your state would allow you to take possession of the pistol if you are the auction winner.

Who can join Soldiers' Angels? YOU !!!!

2011-09-14T14:16:00.002-05:00

Who Can Become A Soldiers' Angel ? YOU CAN !!!

All you have to have to start with is a huge heart that supports our Troops, Veterans, and their Families. If you are looking for a way to show your appreciation, Soldiers' Angels offers you many opportunities. There are so many different things that need to be done and so many different programs to join. One of the best ways to help Soldiers' Angels accomplish their missions is by word of mouth. People need to know what Soldier' Angels has to offer and the best way to get that out is by talking about it, thanking our troops, and showing our appreciation for our Veterans.

If you like to write and have a few minutes a day, you can join any one or all of these teams and spread your words of encouragement and appreciation. They are the Adopt a Soldier (letters and care packages for individual troops) The Letter Writing Team(personal letters to troops), Ladies of Liberty (letters to female troops), Living Legends Team(cards to families of those who have given their lives), Wounded TLC team(cards and letters to those who are ill or wounded) and if you don't like to write much, our Cards Plus Team( extra TLC for troops and families), where all you have to do is sign a card. It may seem hard to know what to write, but our troops appreciate hearing about anything from home. You can tell them about you, your family, your pets, the weather, events you have attended, your likes, dislikes, and your favorites, such as music,movies, colors, ecetera. And make sure to tell them thank you and you appreciate them. I start all my letters out with Hello from Missouri ! Thank you for your service and dedication to our Country and go on from there. Sometimes the best part of a Soldiers day is getting their name called at mail time and knowing someone cares about them.

If you can sew, crochet,loom or knit, there are several teams you can join. The Blankets of Belief team send blankets to deployed heroes. Blankets of Gratitude provide blankets for hospitalized Veterans. Blankets of hope make blankets for the wounded. Outside of blankets, there is the Patriot Pillowcases team that sends handsewn pillow cases to troops hospitalized in war zones. The Scarves team that protects and cools our deployed troops. The VA crochet and crafts team supports the Va hospitals by furnishing items they need. Operation Top Knot proviedes infants of deployed troops with blankets, booties, hats, booties and more. Even if you do not sew, but want to be involved, the Blankets of Hope team offers a no-sew option for their blankets.

Other ways you can help is to send supplies to support some of Soldiers' Angels other projects, such as the Chaplain Support Team, First response Backpacks and Hero Packages. Treats and toys for the K-9 dogs and their handlers through the K-9 support team. Funds for postage to help with the Eagle Cane Project who supplies canes for wounded soldiers. Some of the other ways to help financially is the Valour-It team who provides voice activated laptops for our wounded, Operation Phone Home who supplies calling cards for our troops, and Operation Outreach to help families at home. You can also work with the VA Support Team to visit patients, provide items needed and sponsoring special events for the VA hospitals.

If you just want to help but are limited on time, there are several items in our Store that can be purchased and sent straight to the Troops for you. Or if you have just $5.00 a month to spare, you can text "soldiers" to 20222 to donate.

There are several more rewarding programs available to join through Soldiers' Angels who is a non-profit, volunteer led, 501 (c)(3) organization and donations are tax deductible, so go to www.soldiersangels.org to see what all they have to offer.

Thank you Volunteering and helping me with Welcome Home Celebration

2011-09-12T18:31:00.005-05:00

Thank you to all of you who came out and helped with this event ....I couldn't have done it without you... Bobbie, Lori, Anthony, and Brandon

Alone we can accomplish some..together we can accomplish much

Help for Veterans in the Texas Fires

2011-09-08T18:44:00.000-05:00

Please donate to help our veterans who need supplies because they lost so much during the Texas fires!

Multiple fires have been raging across Texas, burning over 1,000 homes and 100,000 acres in the last few days alone. With the state's huge military population, that means many active duty personnel and veterans and their families have been displaced right along with everyone else, and many have lost everything they have. Even some of those whose homes have survived probably will not be able to return for several weeks.

Donations of funds for Soldiers' Angels to purchase items for these heroes and their families are desperately needed, as well as gift cards, and materials such as clothing and hygiene items or other things that a displaced person would need. Gift cards are needed as well.

Please donate below, or send items to the addresses indicated. Thank you for helping us help them!:

Gift cards (Walmart & Target):

Soldiers' Angels
Texas Fires
1792 E Washington Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91104

Other Items:

Soldiers' Angels
Texas Fires
4408 N PanAm Expressway
San Antonio, TX 78218

Thank you for helping us help America's heroes! On Wednesday, September 7, Toby, Jarrod and Patti stocked up at Walmart and delivered needed items to evacuees. "The place like a war zone," Patti said. More will be needed.

Above, a view of the fires from Austin.

2011-09-03T12:15:00.003-05:00

Give a Special Gift to those who give to our Country everyday. Christmas is a very special time of year that is meant for families and friends to come together and celebrate but, for those overseas they will be away from everyone they love and unable to let their guard down long enough to enjoy the peace of the holidays.

As we are holding one another and spending time with those we love, they will be missing their families and friends. While we are enjoying the sounds of Christmas tunes, they will be listening for bombs to erupt. As we are in awe of the beautiful decorations and twinkling lights, the only lights they will see is the blast from enemy fire. As we are relishing the smells of cookies baking, they will be smelling the sweat and dirt from a long days work. As we are sitting around the table and enjoying the hot, tasty turkey and cranberry sauce, they are sitting alone eating food out of a package. As we are sleeping and dreaming in our soft, warm beds, they will be laying in the cold dirt manmade holes in the ground listening for insurgents to attack.

Why not take some time and show these Heroes that we care and they are in our thoughts and prayers for the holidays? We can bring a twinkle to their eyes and put hope in their hearts. We can each do a little to show them we support them and that they are not alone for the holidays or any day.

Sometimes, the only relief and joy these Men and Women get is at mail time and they get a letter, a postcard or a package. It lifts there morale and helps keep them safe to know someone cares.

Some of the things that will make them feel special are Baked goods from home ( our Angel Bakers team), Warm blankets (our Blankets of Belief team), Cards (from our Cards plus team), Handmade gifts, Cards to send to their loved ones, Warm hats and gloves, non-perishable treats, toiletries, pajama pants and warm socks.

To help them enjoy a little taste of the holidays, we can send them very small christmas trees, ornaments, lights, stockings, garland and small gifts.

To adopt a Hero to send to...join Soldiers' Angels at www.soldiersangels.org and ask to adopt a soldier or to join any of their teams. All donations are tax deductible since Soldiers' Angels is a volunteer-run, non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations.

A Hero's Thank you

2011-09-02T16:09:00.000-05:00

A Hero's Thanks
08/29/11

Patti, I don't know if you remember me as I'm sure you look after thousands of Soldiers. My name is Kimberly and I was MEDEVACD out of country and sent to BAMC in Texas during February 2009. I received tons of letters from Soldier's Angels, however due to unfortunate circumstances was unable to answer any of them. This truly breaks my heart as when I was deployed I made it a priority to answer all the letters I received, even with just a signed card. I was wondering if there was a way you could post a letter from me to thank everyone, and apologize for not writing. - Kim

To everyone who so kindly wrote to me while deployed and hospitalized:

First I want to apologize for not writing back to most of you. Shortly after arriving at BAMC, I was moved to an apartment and my foot locker with all my cards and addresses were lost. They didn't forward my mail either. I just received them back this week and had had every intention of answering every of them personally and sadly realized I would not be able do so.

While I have been at BAMC, I have had 12 surgeries and am waiting on at least three more. I have been hospitalized four times for PTSD, I have developed a seizure disorder from my head injuries, and have had two minor strokes. This has severely affected my cognitive functioning and some days writing my name is impossible. However I wanted all of you to know how much I appreciate and love each and every one of you.

I retired medically last week. It has been very rough on me, as all I know is the Army and taking care of "my guys." The worst part is that once you reach the "retired" status you are no longer eligible for group trips (some you can sign up for but are put at the bottom of the list) and other activities Wounded Warriors can go to. It makes you feel as though you have been forgotten and fallen through the cracks.

God will get me through this trying time. Please don't take this as a poor me because every day I am at BAMC and see a 20-year-old double amputee I know God has held me close during all my deployments. I say this hoping the world will understand that those that have been retired due to Combat Injures still fight with both physical and mental issues every day.

I am now married--May 2011 was our first year anniversary. Once again, God held me close and sent me a husband who knew of my problems and loved me both because of and in spite of them. His 18-year-old daughter also lives with us and she is the best. I don't know how they put up with me some days. I guess God issued them a triple dose of patience.

I will start college in October. I am nervous but yet excited. I will attend [a Catholic college], as the sisters there have quite a good reputation for taking the extra time to work with wounded Soldiers, especially those with severe head injuries. The State of New York donated a PTSD service dog to me; he has made a huge difference in my life. Because of him I can actually leave the house some days.

Once again, thank you to everyone who has written. It has made such a difference in my life. You will never know how much. I love everyone at Soldier's Angels. I have included my new address if anyone cares to write.

With love,

Kimberly

If you are an Angel who wrote to Kimberly and would like to get back in touch with her, email beths@soldiersangels.org with her last name or last rank you knew or to have, in order to receive Kimberley's current address.

Marine veteran Mac McQuown walks in honor of the heroes of 9/11

2011-09-02T16:06:00.001-05:00

Marine Makes Ready - Join Him on 9/11
08/31/11

Soldiers’ Angels is calling all Angel friends and volunteers near Stafford, Virginia to stand with Marine veteran Mac McQuown in honor of the heroes of 9/11 and those who have served America heroically across the years since her birth.

On Sunday, September 11, Mac will take his first steps on a four-year-long walk across the country in honor of America’s veterans, including visiting every state capitol building in the Lower 48. In each state he will receive the dog tags or replica tags of a fallen hero, thanks to a partnership with Gold Star Mothers.

Mac’s monumental trip begins on September 11, 2011 at Globe & Laurel Restaurant in Stafford, VA, a facility owed by a fellow retired Marine Major Spooner. Media, veterans and especially Angels are invited to join Mac for a noon BBQ (free for veterans and first responders) at Globe & Laurel to celebrate the beginning of his journey. “Arrive with your Angel regalia,” Mac says. “Make yourself heard!”

At 4 p.m. Mac will begin walking toward Ground Zero in New York City and expects to arrive in about 30 days. From that point he will head south along the eastern seaboard to Florida. He will continue a north-to-south (and vice-versa) pattern, moving westward. He hope is to spend summers in the Northern states and winters in the South.

Mac’s finish line will be Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC to honor the fallen of American military men and women throughout history. The dogtags he has gathered will be incorporated into a monument symbolizing the passing of veterans in every conflict from every state in America.

To see Mac’s route in 30-day increments visit www.operationwalkusa.webs.com. While prepared to camp out, Mac is still looking for people willing to give him a roof over his head for the night at locations across the country. Email him at mac@baldmanwalking.com or call 571-208-7735 to help.

God luck, Mac! Soldiers’ Angels is rooting for you!

Dollar Days troop support

2011-09-02T16:02:00.000-05:00

Dollar's for Heroes
09/02/11

Big retailer Dollar Days has long supported Soldiers' Angels with a special Wish List that allows donors to easily identify the most-needed items for care packages and backpacks and have them shipped directly to Soldiers' Angels. Now Dollar Days is stepping up with another big opportunity!

The link can be used by Soldiers' Angels, military families, schools, businesses, or anybody who would like to purchase items from the over 145,000 quality products available on the website.

Please share this great link with friends, families and coworkers. It's an effortless way to raise needed money to help Soldiers' Angels continue to support the troops!

Christmas Angels...AMVETS style

2011-08-30T18:59:00.004-05:00

I wanted to tell you about a wonderful group of Veterans. Amvets Post 1 and Amvet Riders of Post 1 put together a very special Christmas for some of Soldiers' Angels Troops that are having a hard time getting gifts for their families.

I was volunteering at the VA Hospital and donating items to them, and the Amvets asked about someone that could hook them up with families to support for Christmas. They gave them my name and phone number. I called and told them I was with Soldiers' Angels and we started a relationship from there.

They have gotten together for the last two years and brightened many families lives. I was speaking to one of the families and they said they don't think they could ever thank them enough.

Here is there story, I will call them the W. family. In 2009, the Amvets paid their power bill (which was days from being shut off) and helped them with clothing for each of them. Here is a quote from the Mom.... " There was a real nice dinner of roast beef sandwiches, salads and desserts. Even though the boys are older, there was a Santa and it was so fun to watch the smaller kids stare at Santa in Amazement..We did not have anything to offer our boys, except love,but the Veterans helped make it a wonderful holiday".

This family again fell on hard times in 2010, when the Mom (who is now a Soldiers' Angel) was in the hospital and having complications from surgery.The family needed clothing, shoes, dishes and a coffee pot. They received them along with a gift certificate that allowed them to buy dinner for Christmas Day. Here is a quote from the family.. " All in all it was a wonderful Christmas and If I had been there to recieve these items, I would have hugged them for making Christmas nice for us".

The Amvets so graciously and generously put this party together and bring joy to so many families. They have a beautiful tree set up, A wonderful buffet dinner, Santa comes and sees the children and gives them a gift, the Veterans interact and play with the kids and they have so much fun. We (Soldiers' Angels) attend this party and give the families Christmas cards, brochures and small gifts. It is very heart lifting to see the smiles on the faces of the whole family. It is definitely a wonderful time for our much deserving Troops and their families. Thank you Amvets... The families and I appreciate all the hard work and love that goes into planning and having this party.

It All Adds Up: Angel, Motorcycle, 18 and 911

2011-08-29T14:11:00.001-05:00

As we near the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001, there is renewed awareness of what happened that day, but one young man has never forgotten. 18-year-old Dillon Atkins is an American Motorcycle Association (AMA) professional road racer, riding motorcross and flat track with a very special number on his bike. Poised and articulate, he turned pro just a few months ago and is about to compete in his second race while carrying the Soldiers’ Angels banner to hundreds of thousands of fans.

Dillon’s racing number is 911, chosen in honor of both the troops and first responders who serve so heroically, and in remembrance of those who died that day. He experienced September 11th as a 2nd-grader, old enough to understand the significance of what was happening . “It’s been there most of my life,” he says. “All the people that died because of that and are still dying hits me real deep.” Wearing 911 also honors “all the people who are serving or have joined military because of what happened on 911.”

Given his understanding and appreciation, it’s not surprising that Dillon would want to support the troops by telling his fans about Soldiers’ Angels and doing anything he can to support the organization. “He’s always been a real patriotic kid, since he was old enough to understand,” Dillon’s father says. He enjoys studying American history and when the troops come to the races and want a picture with Dillon, he asks them to autograph his own stuff as well.”

Dillon isn’t stopping at just spreading the word about Soldiers’ Angels, though. He’s already reaching out to local Angels and wants to start a care package project. “The recognition that comes from being involved with Soldiers’ Angels is good, he says,” “but I just want to help. I want to be part of it as much as I can.”

The racing bug bit Dillon very young. His father took him on trails at age three and within months he had the first motorcycle of his own. Before his first race at age four, he cried because he was nervous, but his father pushed him out there. When it was over, the first thing Dillon said was, “Dad, I want to do this for the rest of my life.”

After an amateur career that included nine regional and two national championships, ending up in the E Superstops class, Dillon is looking forward to a full season as a pro next year. He hopes to develop sponsorship deals for the East Coast races and a few national races. Whether it’s a corporate sponsor or working with a nonprofit to support the troops, Dillon’s philosophy remains the same. “I try to give back to them the same or more than they’ve given me,” he says. “That’s the right thing to do.”

For more about Dillon and his racing career, see www.Dillonatkins911.com. Keep your eyes out for him at East Coast racing events and thank him for all he's doing for the troops and Soldiers’ Angels!

2011-08-28T10:41:00.000-05:00

Entrepreneur Mia Styles is helping Soldiers’ Angels stuff care packages with her one-of-a-kind, delicious beef jerky. Starting today, Styles is offering Mama Mia jerky for $4.50 per bag (reg. $6.99) when customers donate that purchase to Soldiers’ Angels. Her goal is to send 5,000 bags to deployed troops through the Soldiers’ Angels warehouse in nearby Pasadena, CA.

Though Styles has been in business only since January, she already has an extensive history of charitable activities. She has conducted fundraisers for cystic fibrosis and breast cancer, and even turned down a potential major investor who wanted her to spend less time and money on her fundraisers.

Created with her father’s personal recipe that marinates the meat for three days before smoking it, Mia’s jerky is a big hit with everyone who tries it, including her Marine Corps friends in Afghanistan who inspired her to start this donation drive for Soldiers’ Angels. Since jerky is small and lightweight while offering concentrated nutrition, it's the perfect care package stuffer and easy for troops to carry when on patrols.

Click to donate jerky for the troops (only this link will send jerky to the troops).

To get some yummy Mama Mia’s jerky for yourself or a friend, visit MamaMiasBeefJerky.com (do NOT use this link to donate for the troops).

Planning a fundraiser

2011-08-28T10:37:00.000-05:00

Your first step to planning a fundraiser is Knowing what Charity (Soldiers' Angels) you are planning the fundraiser for and the reason the funds or items are needed.
A good way to get ideas on what kind of fundraiser you would like to do is to sit down with other volunteers or friends and brainstorm. Make sure you take good notes so you don't miss an opportunity to have ideas for later fundraisers.

You will need to gather a team of volunteers to help you to organize the itinerary. Give yourself plenty of time to plan and organize event.

You have to decide if you are having an event or product drive, what your goal is (also called mission statement). Your mission statement must be positive, people-oriented, and have a sense of urgency.

Select a Date and time. Make sure to check community calendars to make sure you are not running competition with other large events.

Find and secure a location..insure you have all permits or anything else needed for location of event. If event will be outside, have alternate location or date pre planned. Know if there is a cost or deposit to use location, is it handicap acccessible, are there restrooms, are trash and cleanup services provided, will sound system be needed, and will security be necessary.

You and your volunteers will also need to collect and maintain the donations and budget, spread the word about event, gather people to attend, find speakers and special guests, establish a timeline, prepare and decide on decorations and arrangements, organize and gather volunteers,engage photographer or videographer, organize supplies,make follow up calls and help with troubleshooting.

If selling tickets for event..you can sell discounted tickets ahead of time as well as selling at the door. Make sure you have rain date posted on tickets. Many will buy tickets, to help the cause, even if not able to attend the event.

To help get the word out you may think of what businesses might have a shared interest in the type of fundraiser you are having and give them a few months notice to decide if they want to help. Also you can advertise with posters, brochures, fliers,t-shirts, buttons, newspaper ads, television ads, spots on news, press releases,a letter campaign, and ask local radio and tv stations to attend.

After the event, the most important things to remember are to make sure you send out thank you notes to donators and volunteers and send pictures or a newsletters to those who attended or sponsored your event.

Two of our Littlest Soldiers' Angels

2011-08-24T18:11:00.004-05:00

Brayden Writing letters to our troops

Welcome Nick to Soldiers' Angels ..We are honored to have you on our Board of Trustees !

2011-08-23T08:57:00.001-05:00

Nick Palmisciano, founder and CEO of Ranger Up, a longtime and strong supporter of Soldiers' Angels, is stepping up to even greater involvement as a member of the Soldiers' Angels Board of Trustees. Welcome and congratulations to Nick!

Veteran & Entrepreneur Palmisciano Appointed to Soldiers’ Angels
New Trustee Brings Marketing Skills to Military Support Nonprofit

PASADENA, CA August 22, 2011 Soldiers’ Angels announces the appointment of veteran and entrepreneur Nick Palmisciano to its volunteer Board of Trustees. Palmisciano will apply his proven skills in branding and marketing to improve fundraising and help the organization better tell the story of the powerful impact its hundreds of thousands of volunteers have on military personnel, veterans and their families.

A graduate of West Point, Palmisciano is a former U.S. Army officer, Fortune 100 employee and successful entrepreneur. He is the Founder-CEO of online-based Ranger Up Military and MMA Apparel, associated military content site The Rhino Den, and social media/guerilla marketing management company Wombat Vengeance, LLC. He also founded nonprofit Train the Troops MMA, which brings world-class Mixed Martial Arts athletes to deploying military personnel for extra hand-to-hand combat training.

Soldiers’ Angels appreciates Palmisciano’s years of active support and welcomes his increased involvement as a new Trustee. “We are excited and thrilled to have Nick on board, and look forward to the new dimension he brings to Soldiers’ Angels,” says Founder and CEO Patti Patton-Bader. “His strong record of entrepreneurial and online development will help us continue to meet the needs of military personnel, wounded heroes, veterans and their families.”

Palmisciano was impressed with Soldiers’ Angels from the moment he heard about the organization while visiting wounded warriors at Walter Reed. In the three years since, his admiration and association have grown and he is excited to be directly helping an organization he believes is unique in the military support field. “This is an organization asking individuals to help these troops personally: by writing a letter, visiting a hospital, making a quilt, or donating to very specific causes,” he says. “This is an organization telling Americans that one person can make a difference and asking them very clearly to be that person.”

After serving in the U.S. Army from 1998-2003 and leaving as a Ranger-qualified infantry captain, Palmisciano completed his MBA and spent five years in development/acquisitions, sales and branding for John Deere before entering the entrepreneurial world fulltime. He holds an MBA from Duke University Fuqua School of Business and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Heroes for Heroes...send a laugh and smile to our troops

2011-08-22T23:00:00.001-05:00

Soldiers’ Angels needs YOU to help collect
new comic books to send to our military heroes
overseas for Christmas. Give our troops the gift of
laughs and adventure this holiday season!
Once collected, please ship the comic books to:

Soldiers' Angels
112 Greenhill Road
Ramseur NC 27316

or

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

NASCAR and Soldiers' Angels

2011-08-19T14:28:00.004-05:00

In the first event of what will be a continuing partnership, Soldiers’ Angels was featured on a NASCAR racing vehicle at the Watkins Glen race last weekend. Led by Dan Leon of The HERO Organization, Green Smoke, LTD Powersports and NASCAR driver T.J. Bell, Soldiers’ Angels gave an American hero an amazing weekend while bringing in donations in support of his brothers and sisters.

New York National Guard Captain Dennis Knowles has been a longtime NASCAR fan, but he never thought he’d meet a driver, much less a whole race’s worth of them. To his surprise, Knowles spent last weekend as an honorary member of Bell’s pit crew at Watkins Glen in New York while armed with a “hot pass” that gave him total access to the event. He sat in on the drivers’ meeting prior to the race, hung out in the garage during pre-race events where he met up with other pit crews and drivers, and even helped push the car out onto the racetrack.

Sponsored by Green Smoke, Bell’s car (#50) was decked out with the Soldiers’ Angels logo on the panel behind each door and an invitation to text 20222 to donate covering the rear bumper and quarter panels. The car was both an advertisement for Soldiers’ Angels and a point of interest for fans and pit crews. Knowles reported that many people came up to him to not only thank him for his service, but to have their picture taken with him in front of the car, right next to the Angel logo. He also gave interviews to a number of radio and TV outlets, including ESPN, Sirius and local stations, constantly noting the activities of Soldiers’ Angels.

When he’s not soldiering with the National Guard, Knowles teaches 6th Grade English and coaches boys’ soccer in Addison School District in New York. On Saturday, Bell also joined Knowles, his parents and girlfriend in Addison to meet a bunch of his students, family and friends at a picnic fundraiser for the soccer team. Bell signed autographs and played with the kids, while Knowles received a trophy recognizing his service to the country and community, and a year’s worth of snack foods from Herr’s (another partner of the HERO Organization).

Surprisingly, Knowles found Sunday’s rain delay the weekend’s highlight. While it rained, the pit crew took him into their hauler where he hung out with the driver, sponsor and entire crew, “shooting the bull.” Seeing the passion, skill and activities of all involved was gratifying and encouraging for Knowles. “They are keeping the American dream alive by doing something productive,” he says. “I don’t mind being deployed as long as people back home are doing something productive with their lives and the freedoms they have because of what we do.”

“It was a great honor,” Knowles says, reflecting on the entire weekend with marked humility. “Everyone was really friendly. They bent over backwards, treated us like rock stars. I’m still pumped.” He adds that people at Watkins Glen were very grateful for his service, but also excited and grateful to see how Soldiers’ Angels gave them an avenue to support the troops. “With this award and the opportunity to assist Soldier's Angels, I feel deeply honored,” he later told Leon. “As a combat veteran who saw the destruction of 9/11 and patrolled the mountains along the Afghan-Pakistan border, I always appreciated the Americans back home who took a few moments to send care packages to unknown service members. Soldier's Angels is one of those groups and I feel like I'm now able to give them a thank you.”

As a Guardsman for 12 years, Knowles has deployed three times, including to Kuwait in 2009-2010 for logistics work, and a stateside homeland protection deployment in 2002-2003. He spent May 2006-2007 in a small outpost on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border where fighting was common and he encountered Soldiers’ Angels. “Every day something was going down,” he recalls. “A lot of times we would be cut off from our own supply chain due to winter weather, but we could receive mail birds [small helicopters].” Those mail birds contained packages from Soldiers’ Angels, full of greatly-needed items such as food and hygiene supplies. Regarding his close calls, Knowles adds, “I appreciate every day I have. There’s a purpose why I’m here. I’m not gonna waste that opportunity.”

Leon gives great credit for the success of Captain Knowles and Soldiers’ Angels at the Watkins Glen event to the strong partnership between T.J. Bell and LTD Powersports, Green Smoke, Soldiers’ Angels and The HERO Organization, which works to honor and support both military personnel and first responders (Bell is the Organization’s spokesman). The group has planned four more races with an honorary hero who will be selected through an online voting process. If that hero is military, Soldiers’ Angels will be featured on Bell’s car once again. “Just a wonderful opportunity for Soldiers’ Angels,” Leon says.

Additionally, Bell has offered to carry the Soldiers’ Angels logo and bumper wrap on the vehicle he is racing at the Michigan International Speedway this weekend. Bell is trying to find full sponsorship so he can stay on the track for an entire season “He will be sure to plug Soldiers’ Angels during any and all the chances that he gets,” Leon says. GreenSmoke.com is stepping up with a special offer: proceeds from all sales using HERO as a discount coupon will go to The Hero Organization to support nonprofits like Soldiers' Angels.

Thank you to The Hero Organization, LTD Powersports, Green Smoke and Herr’s for helping Soldiers’ Angels spread the word and give a hero an amazing weekend!

2011-08-19T14:25:00.002-05:00

Flying Flags Raises Funds
08/18/11

Last year’s Soldiers’ Angels Gold Star Family Event in Florida has spawned a patriotic fundraiser that is now set to go year-round.

The Gold Star Family Event gathers parents and siblings of fallen soldiers to Northwest Florida (NWF) for a weekend of fellowship with those who understand, under the guidance of a top grief counselor supplied by NWF Soldiers’ Angels. Angel Deb singlehandedly raised the money to fund the event last year, but this year she reached out to fellow NWF Angels for assistance in supporting 90 grieving family members.

Under the leadership of Angel John Adkins, the Pier Park flags project was born. In its first weekend, the project raised $1600. Year-round American flag events are now planned and the team expects to far exceed the funding needs of the Gold Star Family Event itself. The additional funds raised will go to local and national Soldiers’ Angels activities in support of troops and their families.

Here’s how it works: a person or business anywhere in the country donates $100 to have a 3’ X 5’ dedication flag set up five times per year at Pier Park in Panama City, Florida or at their Panama Cirty home or business (Piers Park is a beautifull shopping plaza directly adjacent to a veterans’ memorial). The flag will have a dedication tag attached to it, honoring a person, business, idea or group chosen by the donor. Other 501(c)(3) organizations, especially groups associated with public school music/arts/sports activity programs, can also use this as a fundraising method by receiving 25% of funds for their own event raised with Soldiers’ Angels.

“We hope to cover Pier Park in dedicated flags,” says Adkins. Beyond Northwest Florida, he envisions Angels across the country ultimately creating similar programs to raise money for local or national Soldiers’ Angels activities.

The first batch of flag materials (flags, poles and stands) were purchased by an anonymous donor. Now, two local building supply companies are donating supplies and flags. All labor is also donated.

For more information or to sponsor a flag, email Adkins at koolness@knology.net.

Warehouse needs your help

2011-08-16T22:01:00.000-05:00

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 much! Please can ship them to:
Soldiers' Angels
4408 N PanAm Expressway
San Antonio, TX 78218

Collection drive

2011-08-16T20:58:00.001-05:00

Holiday Collection Drive for our Troops, Veterans and their Families

We are having a item collections drive and monetary ( to help with
Shipping) to help with the Christmas Party for the Troops and their families, The Units that are deployed and the Veterans that are Wounded and in the hospitals in St. Louis.

We will be collecting items for Families….needed are toys for all ages, handmade items, gifts for both male and female adults or gift certificates for clothing, food and gift items. Also, non-perishable food and Christmas stockings ..wrapping paper and tape are also needed

For the troops that are deployed…needed are toiletries, handmade items, holiday cards (blank and signed), warm hats and gloves, very small Christmas trees, stockings, non-perishable snacks, ornaments, baggies of all sizes(so toiletries don’t leak),pajama pants and warm socks

For the Veterans at the hospitals...we have approximately 350 that we are hoping to collect small (dollar store work well) gifts, sugar free candy canes, small stockings and Christmas cards

Items can be mailed or dropped off to : Jodi George
30 Forest Ridge Lane
Troy, MO 63379

Or if you need pickup, please call me at 314-330-7259

1792 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena,CA 91104 626-398-4224 www.soldiersangels.org
Soldiers’ Angels is a volunteer-run, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization
Tax ID # 20-0583415

Welcome to the New Military Order of the Purple Heart Commander

2011-08-16T14:45:00.001-05:00

Soldiers' Angels sends its warmest congratulations to William R. Hutton, longtime friend of Soldiers' Angels and new National Commander of Military Order of the Purple Heart...

Military Order of the Purple Heart Elects
William R. Hutton as National Commander

ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On August 13, 2011, William R. Hutton of Thousand Oaks, California was elected as National Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, a national veteran service organization with more than 44,000 members.

Bill Hutton enlisted and served in the United States Marine Corps from 1965-1969 and was assigned to the Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, Third Marine Division during his tour of duty in Vietnam (1966). While serving in Vietnam, he was wounded three times with the last occurring on September 28, 1966 while leading his company up Hill 400, which was well fortified with North Vietnamese machine gun bunkers and had held off the Marine Company for two days. For his actions, Bill was awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart medal with second star and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

After returning to the states, Bill was assigned to the Military Police in Santa Ana, California. While serving in that capacity, he was sent on temporary orders to attend the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Academy for an intense 16 week course in law enforcement procedures. After graduation, Bill returned to the Marine Air Facility in Santa Ana and was assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID). Hutton was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps as a Staff Sergeant (E-6) in 1969.

In April, 1969, Bill joined the ranks of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department where he served in every major division including narcotics for over thirty five years. In 1993, Bill was awarded the Medal for Bravery and the Distinguished Service Award for saving the life of a fellow deputy whose weapon had been taken in a struggle with a "Hell's Angel" motorcycle club member who was under the influence of heroin.

Bill has been a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart since 1997 and has held every leadership position in the Order up to and now including, National Commander. Bill is most proud of his work as a Department Service Officer and his close relationship with the hard working National Service Officers who provide services to our veterans and their families through the National Service Program of the Military Order of the Purple Heart..

Hutton’s goals during his tenure as Commander include improving all aspects of service to veterans and their families, expanding and improving the National Service Program of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, improving communications at all levels within the organization, and expanding the active involvement of local chapters and state departments in veteran support activities.

The organization now known as the "Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc.," (MOPH) was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all combat wounded veterans and active duty men and women who have received the decoration. Chartered by the Congress, The MOPH is unique among Veteran Service Organizations in that all its members were wounded in combat. For this sacrifice, they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal. With grants from the MOPH Service Foundation, the MOPH and its Ladies Auxiliary promote Patriotism, Fraternalism, and the Preservation of America's military history. Most importantly, through veteran service, they provide comfort and assistance to all Veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless, and those requiring employment assistance. Through the VAVS program, MOPH volunteers selflessly provide assistance to hospitalized veterans at VA medical facilities and State Veterans Homes.

Third Annual Sale-abration for the Troops

2011-08-15T20:56:00.000-05:00

Third Annual Sale-abration for the Troops
08/15/11

Soldiers’ Angels proudly announces the Third Annual Sale-abration, a nationwide garage/yard sale, to be held October 21-23! For the last two years, this special event has drawn together people in 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!

Steppin' for Heroes

2011-08-15T20:54:00.000-05:00

Steppin' for Heroes
08/15/11

Soldiers’ Angel volunteer Amy Krome doesn’t let a lifelong physical disability slow down her support for the troops. Running Amy's QRF, adopting soldiers, editing the Soldiers' Angels Newsletter and dozens of other things she does for America's heroes aren't enough for her--she's always on the lookout for new and creative ways to support the troops.

Amy's latest idea occurred to her while using a NuStep, a step machine that can be used in a seated position. As she has pressed herself to reach a higher and number of steps during each workout, Amy realized she could be within reach of 3000 steps a day, honoring the 31 Special Operations heroes who died in the helicopter shot down on August 6, 2011. In a creative twist, Amy has turned this into an ongoing fundraiser for Soldiers’ Angels: Steppin' for Heroes.

Steppin' for Heroes will be conducted in week-long increments, with donors stepping up to pledge based on how many steps Amy can complete each day for that week. One Steppin' for the Heroes week is scheduled for each month. The first week will be August 30 to September 3.

Here's how you can be part of Steppin' for Heroes with Amy:

Pledge that you will donate a specific amount to Soldiers’ Angels every time Amy reaches at least 2,000 steps each day in a given week
Challenge Amy by promising to double your pledge if she reaches 2500 steps or above on any day in the designated week

To get involved, print a pledge form or share a flyer to get others on board this inspiring effort! For more information, email Amy at amyqrf@soldiersangels.org with "Steppin' for Heroes" in the subject line.

Missouri VA hospitals need our help

2011-08-15T20:39:00.002-05:00

Here is a list of some of the items we are collecting for John Cochran and Jefferson Barracks VA Medical Centers in St. Louis...

Toiletries...both small and medium sizes, reading glasses, new velcro tennis shoes, new boxers, new socks, individually wrapped snack items, new white t-shirts, back packs, duffle bags, suitcases, coffee, jeans (mens), combs

And December 17 is the VA holiday party for in-patients and we are needing small (dollar tree works great) gifts, cards, wrapping paper and tape.

Please contact me if you can help with our collection for them..thank you

my email is cncmo4@gmail.com

Go Ahead and Mail a Package..just follow these rules

2011-08-15T18:55:00.001-05:00

Get the Address Right

Use the service member’s full name
All mail must be addressed to someone specific; addressing mail to “Any Service Member” is no longer permitted.

Include the unit and APO/FPO/DPO (Air/Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office) address with the nine-digit ZIP Code™ (if one is assigned).

e you send a letter or package to one of our troops overseas, make sure you’re aware of certain restrictions. Every country has customs regulations regarding incoming mail.

Although there are specific restrictions for each five-digit Military Post Office ZIP Code™ (APO/FPO/DPO), generally, the following are prohibited in the region of Operation Iraqi Freedom:

Obscene articles (prints, paintings, cards, films, videotapes, etc).
Any matter depicting nude or seminude persons, pornographic or sexual items, or non-authorized political materials.
Bulk quantities of religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith. Items for the personal use of the addressee are permissible.
Pork or pork by-products
Alcoholic Products
Dried Apricots

To make sure package contents arrive in good shape, take into consideration:

Extreme Temperatures: Desert temperatures typically exceed 100 degrees, this can damage delicate goods e.g. electronics.

OPSEC rules..Critical for our Military's protection

2011-08-15T18:17:00.002-05:00

Here are some of the rules of OPSEC....each of us should read this and know these rules

1. Do not post exact deployment dates or redeployment dates
2. Do not reveal camp locations, including nearby cities. After the deployment is officially announced by Military officials, you may discuss locations that have been released, normally on the Country level.
3. Do not discuss convoy routes (“we travelled through Takrit on our way to X”)
4. Detailed information on the mission, capabilities or morale of a unit
5. Specific names or actual nicknames
6. Personnel transactions that occur in large numbers (Example: pay information, powers of attorney, wills, etc)
7. Details concerning security procedures, response times, tactics
8. Don’t discuss equipment or lack thereof, to include training equipment
9. Don’t speculate about future operations
10. If posting pictures, don’t post anything that could be misconstrued or used for propaganda purposes. A good rule of thumb is to look at your picture without your caption or explanation and consider if it could be re-captioned to reflect poorly on coalition forces. For example, your image might show your Soldier rescuing a child from a blast site, but could be re-captioned to insinuate that the child being captured or harmed. (it’s happened!)
11. Avoid the use of count-up or count-down tickers for the same reason as rule #1
12. be very careful if posting pictures of your loved one. Avoid images that show significant landmarks near their base of operations, and black out last names and unit affiliations
13. Do not, ever, post information about casualties (coalition or enemy) before the official release of the information.
14. Do not pass on rumors (“I heard they’re coming home early”, etc)

We have 1915 Troops that need support..Can you help?

2011-08-15T15:26:00.001-05:00

We Currently have 1915 troops that need adopted...lets send them some support

Signing up to adopt a Soldier, Sailor, Airmen or Marine or Coast Guardsman (they deploy, too!) is simple and takes only a few minutes. It is a commitment to send at least a letter each week and a care package each month throughout the service member's deployment.

If You are Already a Soldiers' Angel: Just visit ApprovedAngels.com, sign in, and click on "Adopt a Soldier."

If You Are Not Yet an Official Member of Soldiers' Angels:

Join Soldiers' Angels, select the "Verified Angel" option and the option to adopt.

Once your membership has been approved (automatically through auto-verification, or manually up to a week later), you will receive an email titled "Welcome to Soldiers' Angels" and filled with FAQs and all sorts of good information to help you get started. To see the information on your assigned soldier, just login to ApprovedAngels.com and click on "My Adopted Soldier." If your email account blocks the welcome letter, you can still login to ApprovedAngels.com or use the Live Help Online there if you need assistance.

What Next?: The next step is writing your first letter and preparing your first care package for your soldier. Each Angel who adopts a soldier commits to sending at least one letter a week and at least one care package a month (if you have any questions, you can find out who your mentor is on ApprovedAngels.com). You may or may not hear back from your soldier, so do not be disappointed if your soldier does not reply. Our troops are very busy (they are in a war zone!) and sometimes they might be a little shy, but you can be sure that your letters and care packages are treasured by your soldier! Some Angels have experienced writing to a soldier an entire deployment without getting a reply until the soldier returns home and tells the Angel how much the letters and packages meant during deployment.

After you've had a chance to learn a little more about Soldiers' Angels, you might want to join a team. There are over twenty wonderful teams at Soldiers' Angels dedicated to meeting the needs of military personnel and their families far beyond care packages and letters. You can learn more about joining one of our teams here.

We appreciate your desire to support our troops! Consider adopting a soldier today!

Why i love Missouri Volunteers

2011-08-15T15:14:00.000-05:00

Why I love my Missouri Volunteers

First, I will tell you what makes a Volunteer Special. A volunteer freely gives of their time, effort, kindness, finances and knowledge. I am so proud of our Volunteers. The community and I depend upon our Volunteers to help support our Troops, Veterans, and their Families.
These wonderful people spend hours upon hours helping to organize, work and make our events possible and help spread the word that our troops need our help. Each of our helpers are very special and make a big difference in the efforts of Soldiers' Angels. They each have special abilities and resources that they bring to the table.
I hope that they get as much personal satisfaction out of volunteering as I get out of them being in my life and making such a worthwhile difference in the lives of others.
I feel that I have the best volunteers I could ever ask for. Some of them work endlessly brainstorming and going to meetings, some of them help to organize and set up events, some of them spread the word to anyone who will listen, some of them purchase items to make sure that I can do the work I do, some of the effortlessly make items, some of them help collect items and donations, writing letters and the list goes on and on.
Volunteers have to have compassion, kindness, empathy, devotion, positive attitudes, confidence, and wish to assist in other's lives and these make them of very high quality and honor.

I want to take this time to tell my volunteers that I appreciate all the hard work and loyalty they have given me. It means the world to me that I have such wonderful friends and family that have my back. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART.

A special thank you to all of you (in no specific order) for all your help and devotion... Anna T., Rodney G, jr., Tayler G.,Bobbie G., Brayden G., Carol H., Louise B., Charles B., Sarah B., Joan H., Greg H., Lori W., Brian W., Brandon T., Thomas M., Andrea S., Dakota S., Jacob S., Lisa T., Michael T., Girlscouts troop 4456 , Troy Daisy Troop and Girl Scouts, Amvets and Amvet riders post 1, VFW posts 3944,5327,and 2866, Nancy C., Anthony G., Paul D., Leta W., AJ, Brandi G.,CJ L., and many others, including many businesses that have gone above and beyond...If I am missing anyone, I apologize...Please know that you mean the world to me.

Make a Video for Veterans !!

2011-08-14T15:27:00.000-05:00

Soldiers’ Angels has a new way to honor veterans AND raise some funds for the troops! Keep reading for all the details from The Jon Collins Band…

The Jon Collins Band and Soldiers’ Angels are teaming up to honor veterans and to bring awareness about veterans issues into the world of mainstream entertainment. And the best part is that you can be directly involved in helping this happen.

The Jon Collins Band from LA with label distribution through Universal Records has recently released their new album Hero. They are currently making a music video for the song “Hero” that will be played on VH1, MTV and across the internet to millions and millions of listeners. And they have decided to do the video as a tribute to veterans and wounded veterans.

“This is a chance to do something that has never been done before. We are going to make a video that is exciting and entertaining yet tells a very powerful message and raises awareness in a way that mainstream entertainment can raise awareness but is normally too afraid to do so.”

In addition, the Jon Collins Band plans to donate a portion of each digital download of “Hero” to the Soldiers’ Angels. And with their plans for a national tour in 2012, the Jon Collins Band sees a platform for raising awareness about veterans issues at concerts and events throughout their tour.

So how can you be involved? Well, while their label wanted to do a more traditional video, Jon Collins and his band were adamant that the song was written for and should be dedicated to veterans. So they decided to fund the “Hero” video through Kickstarter.com.

Kickstarter is a website that allows the public to pledge donations to a particular project goal. If the project funds within a particular allotted time frame, then the donations are activated and the project funds. If the pledges do not meet the goal by the due date, the project does not fund and donations are not charged.

The Jon Collins Band has less than 2 weeks to raise 30k in pledges to fund this project. We are asking you to help them reach their goal for this important project.

To read more about the project or to support the project please visit Kickstarter.com.

Once you go to Kickstarter.com, you can view a video description of the project, hear the song, and read a written description of the project. You can also pledge donations.

The Jon Collins Band is giving away gifts at each donation level including copies of the video, album, “Hero” t-shirts, and “Special Thanks” in the credits. You also have the opportunity to get a Producer Credit in the video and even a trip to Los Angeles to see the shooting of the video!

We look forward to the partnership between the Soldiers’ Angels and the Jon Collins Band. Please show your support to make this project happen!

Volunteering at a VA Hospital

2011-08-10T23:30:00.002-05:00

I wanted to give you insight into what it is like being involved with the Veteran Hospitals here in Missouri. I have have volunteered at and worked with Volunteer offices at the two VA Medical Centers In St. Louis, Missouri.

It is such an honor to be surrounded by these brave men and women. When you walk down the hallways, you are greeted and told thank you for supporting them and I explain to them that they are the ones that we thank for their service and dedication to our country. We know that many of them are ill and yet every corner you turn..there is a smile waiting for you. They are so gracious and endearing.

My daughter volunteered for their teen volunteer program and it was a very valuable lesson for her. She learned that there are people out there that deserve our respect and have given so much to us. After her time, they suprised her with a volunteer bowling day and she met many new friends.

The staff is so commited to helping their fellow Veterans. Many of the employees are military themselves. They are so unselfish and it is heart softening to see how they interact with and respect their patients. From helping them into the hospital, helping them get transportation, helping them with therapy, to helping them with clothing and toiletries. Many patients come in there and are hungry, they have a cart that has treats on it and they also have books that they take to the in patients.

I have also helped with Welcome Home Events that provide information and guidance to the Patrons of the hospital. The Standdowns are for homeless Veterans in the St.Louis and surrounding areas. When we hand a Veteran a Vet Pack, their eyes light up and they are so thankful. It brings a smile to their face. It is very rewarding to see our Veterans walk down the street with the Vet Packs and know they are using them and sometimes that may be all they own.

If you ever get a chance to volunteer at a VA Hospital, take it. It is such an awarding experience and so uplifting when they recognize you and thank you long after the events.

Warning: Magazine Scam

2011-08-10T16:22:00.001-05:00

Soldiers' Angels is not involved with anyone selling magazines door-to-door, nor have we been in contact with a door-to-door magazine seller who has said they are donating a percentage of their sales to Soldiers' Angels. Individual companies may plan to donate to Soldiers' Angels, but unless they have made formal arrangements with us to do so, we cannot endorse their fundraising activities.

In general, if a company is working with Soldiers' Angels, information on their project will be found on this site. Just click "Search" on the left side of the page here and enter the name of the company or project to see if they are legit. If you ever have questions about a company, you can ask them for the name of their Soldiers' Angels contact or email angels@soldiersangels.org (sometimes local or small companies will make arrangements that don't appear on the website).

The statement above is posted in response to the following email Soldiers' Angels recently received:

I am writing to you to see if a door-to-door mail scam that promised to donate 1/2 their proceeds to the Soldier's Angels organization is really doing that.

Here's what happened: a young girl said she was going to college and works for the Fit for Life, Inc. She said for $48 a magazine, they would donate $24 to purchasing and sending a magazine to a troop through Soldiers' Angels. She then said the remainder would go to her college tuition and books, etc, directly through the school. She could not verify a 501(c)(3) standing, and when pushed said their costs were covered by a $15.00 processing fee.

We turned her away and said come back with a 501(c)(3) letter...When I did an Internet search, the only relevant item I noted about Fit for Fife, Inc. was that it was listed in door-to-door scams and magazine scams notices.

Thanks for your time,

Laura

Thank you for alerting us to this scam, Laura!

[This was originally posted in August 2009 and bumped up to a current date when we were notified that this scam was continuing. In its current form, some sellers are saying that the magazines are going to the troops and are distributed through Soldiers' Angels. This is not true.]

Needed: Volunteers to help with Veterans festival in Forest Park

2011-08-10T14:53:00.002-05:00

The Veteran's Festival is September 3,4 and 5. We are needing volunteers to help spread the word about Soldiers' Angels. If you can help or for more information, please email me at cncmo4@gmail.com

Why I support our troops, veterans, and their families

2011-08-10T14:44:00.000-05:00

Why Do I Support Our Troops, Veterans, and their Families

I support our troops because they unselfishly put their lives on the line everyday to protect our rights given to us by the U.S. Constitution. These men and women are not only Soldiers, they are Parents, Siblings, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and Friends. Often times, the Armed Forces spend long periods away from their families, miss the holidays and many don't get to meet their new babies until they are older. They volunteer to work long, hard days carrying heavy gear, in all kinds of weather and conditions, for minimal pay. These Troops know that they may be sent to war at anytime and they also realize they may not come back home to live their lives in the same way. I feel it is the least we can do to send them care packages and letters so when mail time comes around, they are not discouraged and they know that we appreciate what they do for us and our Country.

Our Veterans are an important part of history and they have helped to mold our Military into what it is today. They fought long and hard battles and were shown no respect. They work diligently to help train and support our Active Military.

We share our patriotism by supporting the families and loved ones of our Heroes. These troops have people waiting at home for them and praying they get home safely to be with their mates, parents, siblings and children. It is very hard for the other parent to have all the responsibilities placed on them, yet they stand strong and brave as their loved one is protecting our freedoms. They are praying for them to return to them safely and unwounded. The families are at war also, just not on the battlefield, but at home.

I feel that we need to support the wounded, the families, and the families of those who have sacraficed everything,including their lives to protect the freedoms some people take for granted. They need to know that they are not alone and that their commitment and their sacrafices are appreciated.

So, open your hearts and your prayers to our troops, veterans, and families and let them know that they make a big difference in our world. Tuck love, blessing and gratitude in a card, letter or package today.

NASCAR and Soldiers' Angels

2011-08-09T22:25:00.000-05:00

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!

Help Support our Troops through the SA Store

2011-08-05T15:03:00.002-05:00

Angels Store

Use promo code angels10 to receive a 10% discount off your store purchases!

There are a Very Wide Variety of items you can purchase to keep for yourself, send to the troops, and give to your special angels !!!

Check out ...Soldiers' Angels New Bumper Sticker

2011-08-05T14:54:00.000-05:00

Soldiers Angels Bumper Sticker

Our Price: $7.80

Soldiers ' Angels Bumper Sticker is now available. Beautiful in Red White and Blue also tells patriots how they can help and shows all our Military they are cared for and appreciated.

For quantity orders please email lvarn@soldiersangels.org

Our bumper stickers are 3" by 10" in size, made from the finest synthetic (polypropylene or polyester - similar to vinyl, but thinner and stronger) materials. Automotive-grade color pigments that are heat-fused onto the material, so the image is resistant to weather, carwashes, etc. Bumper stickers are flexible and easy to apply. Most stickers will last a year or two under normal weather conditions.

Needed..Donations to help ship Care Packages

2011-08-04T13:17:00.001-05:00

Special Angel Alert

How You Can Help? We need monetary donations to ship our care packages. This usually or most challenging expense.

Donate by mail or online. 100% of monetary donations to Soldiers' Angels through this page go toward the overall shipping expenses required to send the care packages through the U.S. Postal Service. Our cost for each package averages $10. Soldiers' Angels sends approximately 110,000 care packages each year, creating a budget of over $1.2 Million per year in packages alone!

A donation of:
$50.00 will pay for 5 packages
$100 will cover 10 packages
$1000 will send 100 packages
$5000.00 will enable 500 soldiers to receive your heartfelt thank you for their service!

Your donation of any amount will be greatly appreciated.

Soldiers' Angels is a 501(c)(3) volunteer-based organization; all donations are tax deductible as provided by law.

Please make checks payable and send to:

Soldiers' Angels

1792 E. Washington Blvd

Pasadena, CA 91104

or you can donate on the left side of this page...thank you

SA 6 months of christmas .... August is Blankets of Belief Montth

2011-08-04T13:13:00.002-05:00

ach month from June to December of 2011, Soldiers’ Angels is focusing on collecting one component of our Wrapped in Holiday Spirit care packages to help 130,000 deployed heroes have a great Holiday Season this winter!

This month we are encouraging people to make at least one Blanket of Belief for a deployed hero who will be wrapped in the love and support of grateful Americans. From the mountains of Afghanistan, to cool nights in the deserts of Iraq, a handmade blanket can mean so much...

You don't even have to sew! From no-sew fleece to elaborate quilts, each blanket will carry the message that America believes in her military men and women. Over the years, children and grandparents and all kinds of folks in-between have made beautiful blankets that mean so much to our troops. From one person to 100, making a blanket is a great way to show support for the troops! For full details on making a Blanket of Belief, click here.

Six Months of Christmas is a great project of the month for a youth group, classroom, community organizations or church, etc, with members bringing one item per month or per meeting. Ambitious volunteers are also invited to coordinate an event/drive to raise a particular month’s item (for help and support in planning a local Six Months of Christmas event, please email events@soldiersangels.org).

Please ship your handmade Blankets of Belief for the troops to any address below:

Soldiers' Angels
Six Months of Christmas
4408 N PanAm Exprwy
San Antonio, TX 78218

Soldiers' Angels
Six Months of Christmas
1792 E Washington Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91104

Soldiers' Angels
Six Months of Christmas
112 Greenhill Rd
Ramseur, NC 27316

Senator Calls for Day of the Deployed

2011-08-04T12:59:00.001-05:00

Senator Calls for Day of the Deployed

08/03/11

In 2006, Soldiers’ Angels asked then-Governor John Hoeven to sign the first ever Day of the Deployed proclamation in honor of deployed warriors from North Dakota. The proclamation grew over the years, with over 40 governors across the nation signing their own state proclamations honoring the service members in the states they governed.

While this declaration of troop support has been honored state by state, it is time to make Day of the Deployed a national day of honor. Once again Soldiers’ Angels requested the help of John Hoeven, and once again he has responded with strong support…

HOEVEN CALLS FOR NATIONAL “DAY OF THE DEPLOYED
TO RECOGNIZE SOLDIERS’ SACRIFICES

AUGUST 2, 2011 WASHINGTON – Building on his resolution as North Dakota’s governor, Senator John Hoeven introduced S. Res. 253, a resolution in the U.S. Senate to designate Oct. 26, 2011, as “Day of the Deployed” in recognition of the sacrifices of U.S. servicemen and women currently deployed around the world.

“Our men and women in uniform work tirelessly to serve our country and protect our freedoms, and we cannot do enough to thank them and their families for the sacrifices they willingly make. A national ‘Day of the Deployed’ would be a meaningful recognition of our soldiers’ dedication and the American people’s appreciation,” Hoeven said.

In North Dakota, Hoeven launched Oct. 26 as “Day of the Deployed” in 2006, in support of Soldiers’ Angels, a nonprofit organization that aids deployed American military personnel and their families. In 2010, 40 states had joined the effort, proclaiming a “Day of the Deployed.”

Hoeven is engaging other senators to support the resolution so it can pass the Senate.

###

Day of the Deployed has been celebrated every October 26 since 2006 at locations across the country with events, parties, governors’ proclamations and pomp and circumstance in honor of our nation’s deployed troops and their families. 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.

Soldiers’ Angels is asking you to support S. Res. 253 by communicating the importance of this national day of honor to your state's senators by sending them a letter, email or phone call requesting they co-sponsor S. Res. 253 with Senator John Hoeven.

If you are planning a Day of the Deployed event (see here for ideas), please register it on the Soldiers' Angels Events Calendar.

If you have Facebook ..you can help a wounded hero

2011-08-01T17:05:00.002-05:00

4:48pm Aug 1

Angels..can you share this on your wall? This young mans family told the news they were seeking 4000 people on FB to hold this young man's hand. He lost both legs and one arm..The page had 153 likes when we started, can you help us share it please? https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hold-My-Hand-A-Hometown-Hero-Tribute/209128305769226?sk=wall

T-Shirt Design Runner Up Congrats

2011-07-30T18:24:00.001-05:00

Runner up for Design T-Shirt Contest

T-Shirt Design Winner...Congrats

2011-07-30T18:18:00.005-05:00

Winner of the Design a T-shirt Contest

Amazing Deals for Angels

2011-07-30T00:04:00.000-05:00

Dear Angels,

Thanks to a partnership with Sale.com, Soldiers’ Angels has an amazing new way you can support the troops simply by saving money.

Modeled on the highly-successful social sales site Groupon, Sale.com has created a special page for Soldiers’ Angels with steep discounts on products and services, and 25% of net revenue donated to Soldiers’ Angels. Sale.com was founded by the same person who created GI Bracelet, which raised $140,000 for various military charities (including $70,000 for Soldiers’ Angels).

To get access to amazing deals while helping Soldiers’ Angels support America’s heroes, just visit and sign up for the daily deal email here:

SoldiersAngels.Sale.com

When you use this link to sign up, an additional five percent of revenue from your purchases will automatically go to Soldiers’ Angels. Be sure to continue go to SoldiersAngels.Sale.com when making future purchases from Sale.com.

Please sign up and spread the word about this exciting opportunity by email, blog, forum, Facebook, etc. It’s a great way to support the troops and save a bunch of money at the same time!

Wingtip-to-wingtip,

Soldiers’ Angels
www.soldiersangels.org
www.facebook.com/SoldiersAngelsOfficial

Run with the Angels on 9-11

2011-07-29T11:57:00.000-05:00

Run with the Angels on 9-11
07/19/11

To honor those who lost their lives on 9/11, those who have died fighting since then, and those who continue to fight for our freedom, Soldiers’ Angels is hosting a Memorial Relay and Ultra Marathon on September 10-11, 2011. All funds raised from the event will go to the work of Soldiers’ Angels in support of military personnel, veterans and military families.

A nighttime run at Olmos Basin Park in San Antonio lasting 9 hours and 11 minutes, the event includes moments to honor important events in that terrible day for America. Activities will conclude with the singing of America the Beautiful and a San Antonio-style breakfast.

Runners and teams are eligible for awards in a variety of categories, and water stop refreshments will be provided. Camping spots are available and hotel discounts will be announced soon.

For full details, including registration and contact information, see SignMeUp.com.

Heroes are always Heroes

2011-07-27T23:16:00.000-05:00

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!

Day of the Deployed in Missouri

2011-07-26T17:37:00.002-05:00

For the DAY OF THE DEPLOYED... I will be asking our Governor to once again, sign our proclamation.
Our goals for that day include, but are not limited to...
We have a MO National Guard Unit being deployed at the end of the year. We would like to have a item donation drive and postage drive so that we can send them care packages. We also would like to do a penny drive to send to corporate to help them with their Holiday packages.

On the day of October 26... We are wanting to take baked good packages to the local recruiting offices and our armory in Warrenton,MO.

We are in the process of making Deployment bags of snacks and toiletries to hand out to the unit that is being deployed and are trying to meet with them the 26 to give them the bags, baked items and appreciation cards.

We will be asking the local schools, churches and businesses to help us make this a success.

If you would like more information, please email me at cncmo4@gmail.com

Day of the Deployed ..what it means

2011-07-26T17:31:00.000-05:00

Our brave men and women in uniform have stood for our freedoms and we wish to honor them with an annual Day of the Deployed!

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.

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

Proclamation Day of the Deployed October 26
Petition:
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 Communication Officer

SA 6 months of christmas

2011-07-26T17:09:00.001-05:00

This month we are collecting hot chocolate and cider packets for the troops. It gets cold in the mountains of Afghanistan, and nights in the deserts of Iraq are chilly, too. For our deployed heores, a cup of warm chocolatey goodness or savory cider is a reminder of home that warms both body and spirit.

From special gourmet flavors to your favorites as a kid, from 1 packet to 100, all kinds of hot chocolate or cider packets are welcome. Just make sure they are individually-marked and the just-add-water style.

Six Months of Christmas is a great project of the month for a youth group, classroom, community organizations or church, etc, with members bringing one item per month or per meeting. Ambitious volunteers are also invited to coordinate an event/drive to raise a particular month’s item (for help and support in planning a local Six Months of Christmas event, please email events@soldiersangels.org).

Please ship your gift of instant hot chocolate or cider for the troops to any address below:

Soldiers' Angels
Six Months of Christmas
4408 N PanAm Exprwy
San Antonio, TX 78218

Soldiers' Angels
Six Months of Christmas
1792 E Washington Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91104
Soldiers' Angels
Six Months of Christmas
112 Greenhill Rd
Ramseur, NC 27316

Here is a list if you want to collect for more than one month at a time:

June – Socks (cotton, boot-style or athletic, or tactical)
July – Instant hot chocolate and apple cider (click for details)
August – Blankets of Belief
September – Gift cards from Walmart to purchase needed items
October – Christmas cards/letters
November – Postage

Take a look at all the programs Soldiers' Angels offers

2011-07-26T17:05:00.001-05:00

If you haven't looked in awhile and you are looking to do more to support our very deserving troops...here is an update on programs

Adopt a Soldier - Individualized support throughout deployment
Angel Bakers - Homemade treats for the deployed
Blankets - Handmade support for deployed, veterans & wounded
Cards Plus Team - Extra TLC for soldiers & families
Chaplain Support Team - Help chaplains support the troops
Community Network Coordinators (CNCs) - Representing SA at home
Eagle Cane Project - Handmade canes for the wounded
First Response Backpacks - Supplies for wounded in-country
Hero Packs - Care packages
Heroes and Horses - A week on a working horse ranch for returning veterans
K-9 Support Team - Caring for military working dogs & their handlers
Ladies of Liberty - Extra TLC for deployed females
Letter Writing Team - Personal letters for the deployed
Living Legends - Remembering the fallen and their families
Memorial Portraits - Drawings for families of the fallen
OperationBirthday Cake - Shipping gourmet birthday cakes to deployed troops
Operation Outreach - Supporting families waiting at home
Operation It's Me - Drawings of deployed heroes for homefront parents
Operation Phone Home - Calling cards
Operation Top Knot - Handmade gifts & virtual baby showers
Patriot Pillowcases - Handmade pillowcases for patients in combat hospitals
Scarves - Handmade heat and sand protection
SA Germany - Supporting medevac'd wounded/ill and medical staff at Landstuhl
S.A.V.E. - Supporting the employment of veterans through the Angel warehouse
Tank Support - Helping veterans travel to medical appointments
Valour-IT - Adaptive laptops for the wounded
VA Crochet and Craft - Handmade comfort & dignity for hospitalized Vets
Veterans Support - Assisting veterans facilities
Wounded TLC - Letters and care packages for the wounded

1786 Troops still needing adopted

2011-07-23T17:47:00.001-05:00

Sent a smile to a Hero !!

Signing up to adopt a Soldier, Sailor, Airmen or Marine or Coast Guardsman (they deploy, too!) is simple and takes only a few minutes. It is a commitment to send at least a letter each week and a care package each month throughout the service member's deployment.

If You are Already a Soldiers' Angel: Just visit ApprovedAngels.com, sign in, and click on "Adopt a Soldier."

If You Are Not Yet an Official Member of Soldiers' Angels:

Join Soldiers' Angels, select the "Verified Angel" option and the option to adopt.

Veterans Festival at St.Louis Forest Park

2011-07-23T17:26:00.002-05:00

The goal of this event is to bring together and honor all Missouri Veterans

Date is September 3, 4, and 5, 2011
Booth will be open from 9 am to 8 Pm

We have been invited to put a booth up in Veteran's Village. They are expecting around 100,000 or more attendees. This event will be supporting the fund-raising efforts of the Veterans Foundation and MO. Department of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

There will be a combination of sporting competitions, amusement rides, game booths, concerts, arts and crafts, car show, a variety of foods and tributes.

A parade will welcome visitors and My son in laws race car which depicts Soldiers' Angels will be in this parade.

If you would like more information...please email me at cncmo4@gmail.com

Wounded Vet Fights for Brothers

2011-07-14T20:25:00.001-05:00

Mel "Buddy Lee" Dobberteen is paying it forward:

“My life was saved by Soldiers' Angels and Voices of a Grateful Nation.” So begins the story of musician and wounded warrior Mel "Buddy Lee" Dobberteen, who is now giving back to Soldiers’ Angels some of what he has received. “They helped me find a better way,” he says, “they turned me on to songwriting.”

From a benefit concert next week, to a brand new Soldiers’ Angels project for musical wounded warriors beginning today, Buddy is now passionate about helping his fellow veterans.

Buddy will be appearing at Sam's Burger Joint in San Antonio at 8:00 on Wednesday, July 20. Entry is $5 and funds raised will support Soldiers’ Angel Operation Harmony, musical projects for veterans in conjunction with Voices of a Grateful Nation (VoGN) and Yamaha Music and Wellness Institute. “I want you to hear my story, how Soldiers' Angels has affected me,” Buddy says, “so that you can go out and affect others.” In addition, 50% of the profits through the month of August from sales of his new CD, Second Chances will be donated to Soldiers’ Angels.

Even bigger, today kicks off the new songwriting program Buddy has created with Soldiers’ Angels to help wounded veterans. Working with songwriter Dustin Welch (Texas Country/Americana) and Yamaha, Buddy will be providing songwriting and recording opportunities to wounded veterans as both music therapy and career development. Yamaha is also building a recording studio in his house that will be used by program participants to record their newly-written songs.

Read the whole thing.

UNCC veterans fill backpacks for soldiers

2010-11-14T13:05:00.001-06:00

UNC Charlotte Veterans and Soldiers' Angels

Photo: Logan Cason of UNC Charlotte

Many soldiers wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq arrive at combat theatre hospitals with nothing. When the uniform and protective equipment are cut off, the soldier is left in a hospital gown or underwear. Depending upon wound intensity, they are routed to the Lundstul, Germany military hospital - with nothing.

Meeting this need for our soldiers is the First Response Backpack. Created by the Soldiers' Angels and the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the backpack contains sweats, t-shirt, underclothes, blanket, toiletries and letters or cards from home.

UNC Charlotte Veterans Club and Solders' Angels sponsored a daylong packathon in the Student Union Lobby this week. Nearly 200 First Response Backpacks were assembled, while a generous public outpouring wrote the letters and Christmas cards. "Amazing - I could not believe all the people that came out," says Soldiers' Angels Regional Captain Marianne Walters. A Daisy Troop, teachers, UNCC students and employees and business owners turned out to make this happen. "A fourth-grade teacher took 250 cards for her school to fill out and adopted a soldier for her class," added Walters. A Charlotte Super Target took 2,000 to 3,000 cards for a storewide card-signing day.

This event was part of a week-long Veterans Day Showcase held at UNC Charlotte. For club information, go to: http://www.studentveterans.org/unc-charlotte. Check out http://www.facebook.com/UNCCharlotte to see pictures and events.

Soldiers' Angels is a national non-profit with 180,000 volunteers. Regional Captain Marianne Walters says we have many ways to support our troops: write letters, adopt-a-soldier, donate reading materials, vet packs and more. Walters participated in a North Carolina project in delivering lap tops to soldiers in the Fort Bragg Wounded Transition Battalion.

Soldier's Angels is in the midst of a Christmas Care Package drive. Contents include socks, packages of hot chocolate and apple cider, candy and a thermal mug. Donations are accepted through 30 November. For more information, e-mail Walters at http://mwalters@soldiersangels.org. The national site is: http://www.soldiersangels.org.

Valour-IT - Thank you

2010-11-14T12:59:00.001-06:00

Since 2004, Soldiers' Angels has been on site supporting wounded and ill service members aeromedically evacuated to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center for evaluation and stabilization before being transferred for continued care at military medical facilities in the US (or, in some cases, returned to duty downrange).

During that time, tens of thousands of patients have transitioned through Landstuhl after a short stay of just a few days. Many arrive able to walk, but others arrive on life support and leave the same way. And sometimes, families are flown here to say goodbye to their Hero who subsequently makes his final journey home in a flag-draped transfer case.

We never know what happens to most of our patients after they leave Germany and cannot afford to dwell on it - because new ones immediately arrive to take their places. They, too, deserve the undivided attention of our caregivers.

Our comfort is found in the faith we have that our fellow Americans back home will care for them as we have here.

The annual Valour-IT online fundraiser began in 2005, taking the form of a "competition" between blogging teams representing the 4 service branches - Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. All donations go into one fund which is of course used for members of all services. Here are the unofficial results of the 2010 online fundraiser.

Team MARINE: $38,470
Team ARMY: $26,505
Team NAVY: $12,127
Team AIR FORCE: $9,224
Unassigned: $7,546

2010 (unofficial) TOTAL: $93,872

Know A Great Nat'l Guard Employer?

2010-11-14T12:56:00.001-06:00

NOMINATION SEASON OPENS FOR
2011 SECRETARY OF DEFENSE EMPLOYER SUPPORT FREEDOM AWARD
National Guard and Reserve Members and Families Encouraged
to Nominate Supportive Employers

ARLINGTON, Va. – Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency, today announced the opening of the nomination season for the 2011 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. Guard and Reserve service members and their families are encouraged to nominate employers who have provided exceptional support of military employees above federal law requirements. Nominations are being accepted at www.FreedomAward.mil through January 17, 2011. The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for the outstanding support of their employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.

The 2011 recipients will be announced in the spring and honored in Washington, D.C. at the 16th annual Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award ceremony on September 22, 2011. Recipients of the 2010 Freedom Award met privately with Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates while in Washington, D.C. Under Secretary of Defense, Chief Financial Officer Robert Hale and Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs Dennis McCarthy presented the awards at a ceremony attended by members of Congress, senior military officials, business leaders and the Guard and Reserve service members who nominated the award recipients.

Almost one-half of the U.S. military is comprised of the Guard and Reserve. The Department of Defense shares these citizen warriors with their civilian employers, many of whom provide significant support to their employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. The 2010 recipients included CEOs from seven large American corporations, a governor, a mayor, a state police director, the chancellor of a university, and four small business owners. These and past recipients of the Freedom Award provide an outstanding range of support to these shared employees ,including maintaining their full salary, continuation of benefits, providing care packages and family assistance to employees fulfilling their military obligation.

The Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 under the auspices of ESGR to recognize exceptional support from the employer community. “Every day we hear of employers providing outstanding support to the men and women serving in our Guard and Reserve and to their families,” noted ESGR National Chairman Mr. Jim Rebholz. “Now, more than ever, we encourage these service members to show their appreciation by formally nominating their employers for this most prestigious award.”

ESGR is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972 whose mission is to develop and promote employer support for Guard and Reserve service by advocating relevant initiatives, recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of applicable laws, and resolving conflict between employers and service members.

For questions regarding the Freedom Award nomination process [or to nominate an employer], please visit www.FreedomAward.mil or contact Beth Sherman, ESGR Public Affairs, at 703-696-1171, ext. 539 or by email at ESGR-PA@osd.mil.

Jokers Wild for the Troops

2010-11-14T12:54:00.001-06:00

Here's a great way for patriotic San Antonio-area supporter of the troops to celebrate Veterans Day...

Jokers Wild Band ("Country Music with Attitude") is headlining a Freedom Fest Concert and silent auction for Soldiers’ Angels and Homes for Our Troops in San Antonio Texas to celebrate Veterans Day. In addition, 16-year-old country music singing sensation Natalie Rose will make an appearance to sing the national anthem.

This free concert is open to all who would like to attend, and the event will include wounded warriors, active and retired military personnel, and national dignitaries. All funds raised through donations and auctions will go to the work of Soldiers’ Angels and Homes for Our Troops in support of wounded veterans.

The event will be held at the Texas Road House at 2893 Cinema Ridge in San Antonio. Thousands are expected to attend, so get there early! For more details, contact Mary LoPinto at mlopinto@soldiersangels.org.

100 Laptops for 100 Warriors

2010-11-14T12:53:00.001-06:00

On Veterans Day (November 11), Soldiers' Angels is honored to host a celebration of thanks for America’s veterans at the Soldiers’ Angels Support Center, our warehouse and support complex in San Antonio across from Brooke Army Medical Center.

In recognition of America’s wounded heroes and to give them a “hand up” as they adjust to life as a wounded veteran, Soldiers’ Angels will hand out 100 new laptops to severely-wounded military personnel at the event. The laptop distribution is funded by the third TRIAD grant Soldiers’ Angels has received for Project Valour-IT, which provides technology to support the recovery and reintegration of wounded veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, including nearly 6,000 adaptive laptops in the last five and a half years.

Local members of the public are invited to the event, where they will be encouraged to pack care packages for deployed troops, fold small American flags, and write personal notes of gratitude that will be distributed to veterans and active duty personnel.

The sponsor for this event is Bank of America. Organizations partnering with Soldiers’ Angels for this event are Operation Homefront, Mission Serve, Grainger, Best Buy, Herr Foods, eFusjon Energy Club, members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Miss San Antonio 2011 Dominique Ramirez, and local military and political leaders. Food will be served and attendees will have the opportunity to peruse the mementos and thank yous from the heroes Soldiers’ Angels has supported.

Soldiers’ Angels invites all San Antonio residents to this celebration of true American heroes, honoring those who have served and sacrificed in the defense of all Americans! For more information about this event, Soldiers’ Angels, or how to donate to help our troops, contact Soldiers’ Angels at mlopinto@soldiersangels.org.

About Operation Homefront: Operation Homefront provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded warriors. A national nonprofit, Operation Homefront leads more than 4,500 volunteers across 23 chapters and has met more than 267,000 needs since 2002. A four-star rated charity by watchdog Charity Navigator, nationally, $.95 of total revenue donated to Operation Homefront goes to programs. For more information about Operation Homefront, please visit OperationHomefront.net.

About TRIAD: Funding for the Soldiers’ Angels Project Valor-IT project was provided in part by the Texas Resources for Iraq-Afghanistan Deployment (TRIAD) Fund of the San Antonio Area Foundation. For more than 40 years, the San Antonio Area Foundation, a publicly supported philanthropic institution, has been administering donors’ funds and granting gifts from those funds to worthy charitable causes that significantly enhance the quality of life in the communities they serve.

Drum Hike Stamps

2010-11-14T12:51:00.001-06:00

Former Soldier Troy Yocum is almost halfway through his 7,000-mile Drum Hike to raise funds for struggling military families.

Now you can help spread the word about this amazing veteran just by sending a letter--Troy now has commemorative stamps that are official U.S. Postage, perfect for sharing the Drum Hike story with friends, family and business associates... and even the mail handlers!

To see and purchase this great stamp featuring Troy and his dog Emmie, click here.

Christmas and Holiday decorations needed for the combat medical clinics!!!

2010-11-14T12:49:00.001-06:00

The only bright spot in this room are the Blankets of Hope sent by Soldiers' Angels.

Here are a couple of pictures of a typical clinic. Just think what some inexpensive garlands, a couple strings of lights, stockings, red bows, a small tree would do to cheer up the patients in this Combat Stress Clinic.

We are talking like $10-20 at Walmart to make a real difference!

if you can help, email me for addresses:

rgodskesen@soldiersangels.org

-Thanks!

Knitting, Crocheting & Crafting for Veterans

2010-11-08T18:15:00.001-06:00

It’s amazing how something so soft and cuddly can be so powerful…

“I am sitting here all toasty and warm because someone cared enough to make these booties. I love the lap blanket and booties I was given in the VA hospital. The idea that someone sat and made those items means the world to me.” - Hospitalized veteran Charlotte

Members of the Soldiers’ Angels VA Crochet & Craft team put their busy fingers to work showering love on patients at VA Hospitals and Health Centers across the country. By making “lapghans” (lap blankets), wheelchair/bedside/walker tote bags, hats, socks and other comfort items for hospitalized veterans, these Angels provide comfort and dignity while showing veterans of all eras that they are loved and remembered.

Under the leadership of Deb Delcorio, what started as a small team has continued to expand. “This team has grown in leaps and bounds in the last two years,” she says. “I am very proud of this team and I feel with time we can continue to grow. We have even been featured in Guideposts and some religious magazines!”

For the winter holiday season, these special knitters, crocheters and crafters really kick it into high gear, showering their local VA facilities with special gifts for Christmas, especially Blankets of Gratitude. The knitted and crocheted blankets express appreciation for each recipient’s military service. Now the team is calling for new members to help make this year and next year even bigger!

If you can help these “crafty” Angels with their plans to make sure our hospitalized veterans know they’re remembered and appreciated year-round, please join the team! Visit the VA Crochet & Craft team page for more info, as well as suggested patterns.

With the Living Legends Angels...

2010-11-08T18:14:00.001-06:00

The Soldiers’ Angels Living Legends team has the powerful and challenging task of ministering to military families who have lost a loved one on the battlefield. Members of this special team send sympathy cards/letters to grieving families to convey the compassion, sorrow and respect of all Angels to the families of each fallen hero. The team also extends the offer of several kinds of memorial and comfort items to the families.

This quilt, created by Living Legends Angel Sharon Wakefield to honor a fallen Marine
includes themes and patterns reflecting his Lakota heritage (click to enlarge).

Angel Fay, one of the over 300 volunteers who write personal letters to the family of each fallen hero, describes her experience as a Living Legends Angel. She says she is full of memories of each and every fallen hero and family she has encountered, and is so honored to be part of a team of amazing Angels that remembers them and supports their families…

In 2005, shortly after Cathy Woodruff asked for volunteers to join a new team called Living Legends who would write cards with messages of condolence and sympathy to families of our fallen heroes, seven people joined the new team. I was one of them. We began in May of that year. We would get a terse message from Cathy listing the name and age of our hero and the address of the family, surviving family members, and the name and address of the Soldiers’ Angel who had adopted the soldier (if any). There were no pictures submitted with the information we received, and most of us sent a card with a written, personal expression of sincere sympathy.

In a short time, Cathy added the planting of a tree or bush to the Living Legend team duties. Sometimes she would ask some of her team members to call families that were severely traumatized and on occasion I would call suffering family members. The early messages about KIA service members had come with so little information, but I would try to imagine Private John Doe of Alabama dying at age 19 and the ripple effect it had on his family. This wondering and the close contact with family members led me to ask Cathy if we could have pictures of our fallen heroes, and it made a great impact on the writers.

Probably the most touching and powerful addition to our team was that of our quilter Sharon Wakefield. Sharon has been our only quilter all these years. She single-handedly has sewn hundreds of quilts, each one different and specially-designed to honor each fallen hero. She has integrated trucks, helicopters, bears, planes, eagles, kneeling soldiers, Sunbonnet Sues, Suspender Sams, and beautiful blocks into her works of art. All of her quilts are posted on our team's memorial website by Angel Terri Rager.

Today, the information about our lost men and women sent to a Living Legends Angel is compete with their lifetime accomplishments, as well as service records. Unlike other American wars where personal records of fallen heroes didn't surface for decades, no one will ever have to write a book about the uncovered information of the fallen heroes of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars; Living Legends has written it all and posted mini biographies and quilts (where applicable) of every hero.

Through her quilting, our unbelievable Sharon Wakefield has gifted many families with a tribute to their lost family member. In cases where the family members of our lost soldier live within driving distance of her home, Sharon has often hand-delivered her gift to the grieving family! She is our unsung heroine!

Being a part of the Living Legends team has changed my life. Serving on this team has been a profound and moving honor.

Fay reports that her years as a Living Legends email have included a number of deeply personal and meaningful connections with grieving military families, an experience that is not uncommon among Living Legends Angels. One family sent to Fay a copy of their soldier’s “farewell letter” that began, “If you receive this letter, I have passed away…” In 2006 when she suffered a serious illness, one of the families Fay had written to sent her a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Since then, that family has sent her a Christmas card every year. “This sort of thing is not an anomaly,” she says. Some families even join the team because they want to pass the comfort they have received to other heartbroken families.

The Living Legends Angels obviously have a powerful impact on the grieving families they attempt to comfort. It’s an invaluable role, and one they fill with grace and strength. To learn more about this special group of Angels, visit the Living Legends team page.

Musical Wellness in a Warehouse

2010-11-08T18:13:00.001-06:00

Sponsored by the Yamaha Music and Wellness Institute, World-renowned music and wellness expert Dr. Barry Bittman will hold an exclusive lecture and seminar on how recreational music making can reverse the impact of stress on people’s life, hosted by Soldiers' Angels. The event will be held at the Soldiers’ Angels Support Center (warehouse) in San Antonio on November 15 at 6 p.m.

Entitled, “Stress Reduction Through Therapeutic Music Making,” Dr. Bittman’s seminar will showcase how recreational music-making experiences serve as enjoyable and accessible group music-based activities that unite people of all ages regardless of their challenges, backgrounds, ability or prior music experience. These benefits can be particular useful for America's wounded warriors and their families, which is why Soldiers' Angels recently kicked of a special music therapy project, thanks in part to a gift of seven Clavinova keyboards from Yamaha. The keyboards are used for musical events, recreation and music lessons for wounded soldiers at the Soldiers’ Angels Support Center.

As CEO and Medical Director of the Mind-Body Wellness Center, a comprehensive, interdisciplinary outpatient medical facility in Meadville, PA. Dr. Bittman’s interdisciplinary treatment strategies integrate the power of mind, body and spirit with conventional medical care.

For more information on Dr. Barry Bittman and his research, please visit the Yamaha Music and Wellness Institute website at www.yamahainstitutue.org.

DarkTime Tales for Military Kids

2010-11-08T18:11:00.001-06:00

Darktime Tales, a leading publisher of Children’s Books, is teaming with Soldiers’ Angels to bring its children’s stories to the families of American servicemen and women stationed around the World.

“We know how hard it can be for families, especially children during the holidays, to adjust to who are living the military lifestyle,” said Richard Horwitz, President, Darktime Tales Publishing, Inc. “Stories seem to bring families together. The effect is long-lasting as they can be told and then talked about with the family who is stateside. Teaming up with Soldiers' Angels allows us to bring the children of active service members and veterans our stories and audio books.”

Darktime Tales is donating $20 off coupons to 5,000 Soldiers' Angels families. The stories are full of magic, monsters and adventure, and are appropriate for children of all backgrounds, ages 8 and up. No additional purchase is required to use these coupons.

“We are honored to help facilitate this generous donation from DarkTime Tales,” says Patti Patton-Bader, founder of Soldiers’ Angels and a military child herself. “Children sacrifice right along with their military parents and this is such a beautiful way to not only recognize that sacrifice, but reinforce the bonds between deployed parent and stateside child

What makes Darktime Tales so different from other children’s stories is that the main character of the series, the Salesman, is never given a name, nor is he described physically. In fact, none of the characters in the stories are given names. The Salesman could be any shape or size (tall, short, etc.) or of any background...whatever the child imagines! This distinctive style of writing allows children to imagine the characters as anyone they want -- family members, people in their own communities, or even classmates. Swift developed this style to give children a voice as he conveys that stories are for sharing.

“I came up with this concept so kids would see who they wanted in the characters, not who I wanted,” said Author, Scott Swift. “If I had named a character, say, ‘Brittney’, you would immediately get a picture in your head of who I was talking about. Even if I went on to describe how she looked, you would still have that initial picture in the back of your mind. This way kids get to imagine the characters as anyone they want. Uncle Paul, cousin Malik, or grandpa Chan - the Salesman is whoever the child wants him to be.”

Based on stories the author made up out of thin air each night at bedtime for his own children, the Traveling Salesman is a mystical, magical wizard of sorts who uses his wits and wizardry to escape tight spots and help those in need. Traveling from town to town, he sells everyday items enchanted with magical properties. But beware! If the items are misused, the consequences can be dire!

Each tale is a standalone story in its own right, but taken together they weave a rich and vibrant world inhabited by werewolves, witches, and magical creatures of every kind!

There are currently five audio books and fifteen stories in The Traveling Salesman series. Stories are available individually in PDF format and MP3 audio from www.darktimetales.com. Several stories are also available on the Kindle, iPad and Nook eBook readers. A paperback containing eight stories (The Traveling Salesman’s Darktime Tales Anthology) is also available from Amazon.com.

If you are a service member who would like to receive $20 worth of DarkTime Tales, or you would like to give them as a gift to military families, you can purchase them through www.darktimetales.com and use the coupon code ANGEL20 at checkout.

Don't Worry 'Bout Me, Mama

2010-11-08T18:08:00.001-06:00

Singer-songwriter Julie Kaylin has released a riveting new song to help support troops and their families. All profits from the sales of Kaylin’s powerful tune, “Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me Mama”, will be donated to Soldiers’ Angels. The “Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me Mama” mp3 can be streamed and downloaded at JulieKaylin.com.

“This song is inspired by the bravery of our troops, the love between a mother and her son, the emotions family experiences when someone close to them goes to war, and the important role military family members and troops play in giving each other strength,” Kaylin said.

“As the lyrics of ‘Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me Mama’ closely parallel the ‘May no soldier go unloved’ motto of Soldiers’ Angels,” Kaylin continued, “I feel that donating to the Soldiers’ Angels is a great way for my music to help support the men and women who serve our country and honor their valor, as well as their family members’ courage.”

Blending country and soft rock rhythms, heartfelt lyrics, and polished vocals, Julie Kaylin's singing and songwriting skills have garnered awards and praise from industry veterans. “Julie has worked tirelessly on this new single and her ability for the craft truly shows with this release,” said Scott Winterroth, editor of CountryMusicChicago.com, an independent country music resource. “She truly has captured an emotional, heartfelt situation in a song, which is something that I believe will resonate with fellow country music fans.”

Julie Kaylin lives in the Chicago area and has performed throughout the Midwest, including at venues such as Six Flags Great America and Standard Bank Stadium. Her debut full length album is scheduled for release in the summer of 2011.

Soldiers' Angels salutes Julie for her support of the troops and her generous support of the mission of Soldiers' Angels!

Real Warriors Campaign

2010-11-08T18:06:00.001-06:00

The Real Warriors Campaign is currently highlighting veteran resources and events to honor those who have served. Their website shares resources for active duty, National Guard and Reserves, veterans, military families, and health professionals. In this month of Veterans' Day, they wish to bring particular attention to a three-part series about transitioning to the VA: Veterans Affairs Health Benefits Overview, Compensation, Pension and Other VA Benefits and Veterans Affairs in the Digital Age.

As Veterans' Day, November 11th, approaches, please take the opportunity to thank a veteran for the sacrifices they have made on our behalf.

Help for Halloween Overload - Contest

2010-11-04T21:37:00.001-05:00

Drowning in delicious Halloween delights? Worrying about all that candy's tendency to attach itself to stomach, hips and thighs while trying to keep the kids from a diet of 100% sweets?

Soldiers' Angels has the solution! Send your sweets to the troops! Just ship your extra Halloween candy (individually-sealed or in original bags) to Soldiers' Angels to share some sweet love with the troops (this is also a great time of year to pick up stores' extra candy at bargain rates).

Our military men and women deployed around the world always enjoy candy in their care packages, and this is the perfect time of year for shipping chocolate--the cooler weather means it's less likely to melt! Patriotic kids and parents can send extra Halloween candy to Soldiers' Angels, who will make sure it brightens the day of a service member far from home (please be sure to send "the good stuff,"--no crushed/melted candy or broken/torn wrappers, etc).

Soldiers' Angels asks all Angels to spread the word and get their community involved in sharing their Halloween candy to give our troops a taste of home. Watch for an exciting contest on Facebook, starting Friday: Every 30 minutes, a trivia question about Soldiers' Angels will be posted--people who are the first to answer a question correctly will receive a prize ranging from Angels Store gift certificates to care packages or donations to in the winners' names. Watch Soldiers' Angels Facebook Page for all the details!

If you live east of the Mississippi, please ship your Halloween candy to:

Soldiers' Angels

112 Greenhill Road

Ramseur NC 27316

If you live west of the Mississippi, please ship your halloween candy to:

Soldiers' Angels

8804 N PanAm Expry

San Antonio, TX 78218

Monday Night Football with Angels

2010-11-04T21:35:00.001-05:00

One of the many activities at the Soldiers’ Angels Support Center (San Antonio Warehouse) is a special gathering on Monday nights for wounded warriors and their families recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center across the street. Not every supporter of the troops can join them as they enjoy a Monday Night Football party each week, but now everyone can help them have a fun time.

Donations needed to fund these Monday Night Football (MNF) “tailgate parties” where wounded heroes and their families can kick back, get out of the cramped hospital environment for a bit and have a little fun. Up to 20 people have joined these events so far to enjoy the pizza, drinks, snacks and camaraderie. It's a great opportunity to relax and enjoy a bit of "normal life" amid a challenging time.

Wounded warriors who visit for MNF get the chance to win a prize through tickets funded by donations—each quarter of the game, two tickets are picked to win gift certificates and gift cards. Five dollars will fund one ticket for a wounded warrior and help the cover cost of these great events.

Joe Gonzales, SA Support Center staff member reports that the new Monday Night Football parties have been not only a superb diversion for recovering soldiers, but have helped the heroes recognize not only all the opportunities for support they have now, but how many people have been supporting them all along.

As part of each MNF party, attendees are given a tour of the warehouse to see the support that is available to them and their fellow soldiers. When they see the care package area they often say, “Oh yeah, I remember having an SA care package while I was deployed!” Attendees have also shown great interested in the new music center and often come back for music lessons and events or say, “I want to come over here and help out!”

Joe says, “They didn’t realize how close it was to the hospital and how cool it was. They love it. They say they wished they’d know about this before. One soldier said recently, ‘My wife hogs the TV on Monday nights. I would love to come down here on Monday nights and watch football instead!’”

To support this great project that means so much to the wounded heroes and their families receiving treatment at Brooke Army Medical, please use the donate button below or send a check or money order to the address—every $5 donation helps a wounded hero smile and relax with something “normal” like a football game amid the challenges of recovery…

Moose Munch for the Troops

2010-11-04T20:44:00.001-05:00

Thanks to the generosity of gourmet gifts retailer Harry & David, troops far from home this holiday season will have an extra special treat in their Soldiers’ Angels care packages—Harry & David’s delicious and hugely-popular Moose Munch^® Bars.

The “Support Our Troops Moose Moose Munch^® Drive” previously resulted in over 115,000 bars sent to soldiers overseas and is returning just in time for the winter holidays. Harry & David stores nationwide are offering customers the opportunity to purchase two Moose Munch^® bars for $4 (one bar is usually $2.50) and donate one of the two bars for the Moose Munch^® Bar Drive along with a personal message to a soldier. Soldiers’ Angels will distribute this new round of bars in its Wrapped in Holiday Spirit care packages and Harry & David is assisting with shipping.

"We're delighted to support our troops on the front lines," said Steve Heyer, CEO of Harry & David. "The program gives our customers the opportunity to give back to soldiers who have already given so much of themselves for our country."

“This is a fantastic gift for deployed service members who will be so far from home during the Holidays and we are thrilled to be able to include the in our care packages,” says Soldiers’ Angels Founder Patti Patton-Bader. “Moose Munch^® Bars will be sure to bring a smile to the faces of these heroes.”

Soldiers’ Angels is aiming to send a Wrapped in Holiday Spirit care package to every deployed service member this holiday season. Care packages will include snacks, candy, hot chocolate, socks, a handmade blanket, a travel mug and a personal note.

To participate in the Support Our Troops Moose Munch^® Bar Drive, visit your local Harry & David store.

Portraits of Love for the Troops

2010-11-04T20:42:00.001-05:00

Underwritten by Fujifilm, Soldiers' Angels and professional photographers of the PhotoImaging Manufacturers and Distributors Association (PMDA) have teamed up once again to send a piece of home to our deployed troops--just in time for the winter holidays--through an effort dubbed Portraits of Love.

Volunteer photographers across the country, as well as JCPenny Portrait Studies, are opening their studios this September through November to offer free portraits to military families who have a loved one deployed overseas. The portraits will be uploaded to FujiFilm's website, and a free print will be sent to the family member in Iraq, Afghanistan or wherever they are deployed around the world. The ultimate goal is to send 10,000 free family portraits.

“This project is the photo industry’s way of giving back to our soldiers, and thanking them for the sacrifices they have made for our country,” said Jerry Grossman, the president of the PMDA who has spearheaded the effort. “Our industry is uniquely qualified to bring an important piece of home to our soldiers, and we’re pleased to be able to organize this effort.”

“It’s incredible how motivating a simple family photograph can be to a soldier who is far from home,” said Soldiers' Angel Toby Nunn, who has served two tours in Iraq. “This volunteer effort is one more way that we can help our soldiers cope with their situation,” he said.

This is the second time Soldiers' Angels has joined forces with Portraits of Love. Last year the project was so successful that it was extended from its expected end date all the way into December. Military family members can find participating photographers in their areas by visiting the Portraits of Love website (in order to attend the portrait session, families will need military IDs). Photographers interested in volunteering their time can also sign up on the site.

From the Mouths of Babes

2010-11-04T20:41:00.001-05:00

One of the most favorite things for a deployed Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine to receive is a letter from a kid. Parents with children who enthusiastically support the troops are very proud of their kids and often share those troop support experiences with Soldiers' Angels. Here are just a few...

Sarah H wrote to a soldier about her son:

My son Lucas is four years old and ALL boy, but he has a sensitive heart toward Soldiers, since his daddy was a Soldier before he was born. Recently there have been a lot of commercials on TV with Soldiers' greetings to home. Every time he sees them, he says "Merry Christmas to you, too!" There's also a commercial for a CD, All I Want for Christmas is a Soldier Coming Home. He asked me yesterday to help him write a letter to a soldier...it truly comes from his little heart.

...Just to let you know that even the littlest child is thinking of you and proud of what you're doing.

This is what Lucas wrote:

Tex adopted a soldier, which piqued the interest of his 12-year-old son, Trevor. After reading the soldier's letter to Tex, Trevor wrote his own letter.

Trevor sympathized with how hot it must be for the soldier and said, "I appreciate and admire your choice to protect our country. You put your life on the line for our freedom. The least I can do is write a note of thanks." He added that he didn't think he could ever do what the soldier does, and that he was praying for him. "May God's peace be with you. Thanks and good luck!"

Tex included a picture of Trevor and his friends.

Kids also support their troops through fundraising activities. Ashley P. helped a group of neighborhood children run a lemonade stand to raise money for Soldiers' Angels, complete with a very cute sign they attached to the back end of a vehicle in their driveway. The children also marched up and down the sidewalks with banners directing people to their lemonade stand.

Soldiers' Angels salutes all the kid Angels out there whose kindness, enthusiasm and tenderheartedness raise the morale of America's heroes! If you have a kid who would like to send support to a soldier, you can adopt a soldier yourself and supervise the child in sending letters and cards. Or if you have an entire group of children such as a church group, classroom or scout troop, email groups@soldiersangels.org for ideas and guidance on how to get them involved in troop support activities.

If you have a kid who just wants to send a card or letter to a soldier, this upcoming Holiday Season is the perfect time to jump in and a deployed hero grin! You can send unsealed cards and letters inside larger envelopes (we need to be able to read it before placing it in a care package) to:

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

Angels and the 10th Mtn Division

2010-11-04T20:39:00.001-05:00

Soldiers’ Angels has once-again stepped in to help veterans, spouses and dependents who may have fallen through the cracks of support available for veterans and families. Mike Plummer, President of National Association of the 10th Mountain Division explains:

An Unintended Inequity

The 10th Mountain Division was reactivated in Feb 1985 and since that time has been the most deployed division in the United States Army. By design and by hard won reputation, the division will remain extremely active in the years ahead in the Global War on Terrorism.

Here is the problem … the bi-laws of the 10th Mountain Division Foundation Scholarship Fund do not allow for current members of the 10th Mountain Division to be eligible for scholarship monies that have been collected and invested over the last 65 years. Rightfully, the original World War II Veterans who donated the money want it to go to their descendants. Since there are no Korean, Vietnam, Granada, Panama or Desert Storm 10th Mountain Veterans, we don’t have that funding source to help us make up the shortfall.

This leaves the 10th Mountain Division (Light) without a self perpetuating scholarship fund like the rest of the Army's active duty divisions have. This is an unfortunate situation that has created an unintended inequity for those who serve America in the 10th Mountain Division.

In order to correct this inequity, the National Association of the 10th Mountain Division, Inc. a 501(c)(19) organization formed a fund raising committee in 2006 to raise $5 Million for a self perpetuating scholarship fund. To date over $500,000 has been raised and the Association has been able to award five $5,000 scholarships in 2007, six in 2008, seven in 2009 and eight this year. The plan is to add one each following year.

Officials from the National Association of the 10th Mountain Division stand with three recipients (center) of $5,000 scholarships for post-WWI 10th Mtn. veterans and families.

Unfortunately at the rate the fund is currently growing it will take ten more years to achieve the $5 million required to provide a self perpetuating fund. With over 3,500 Soldiers currently deployed to Afghanistan and another 7,500 deploying this fall, the need for a self perpetuating fund scholarship fund is now.

The purpose of this article is to ask members and friends of the Soldiers Angels to assist us in shortening the time it takes to achieve our fund raising goal. We need your donations and your help in identifying and contacting potential donors whom may be willing to make a donation or bequeath.

Donations should be made out to the Northern New York Community Foundation and on the “For” line, write 10th Mountain Division Scholarship Fund. Please mail checks to:

Northern New York Community Foundation
HSBC Building, Suite 400
120 Washington Street
Watertown, NY 13601

Or, if you want to use a credit card click here.

Once your check has been processed you will receive a confirmation of receipt and the income tax information you need to deduct your tax-deductible gift. If you wish to donate stocks or property, please call Mr. Rande Richardson 315-782-7110 and he will advise you on how to maximize the tax benefits of your gift.

If you want more information on the: National Association of the 10th Mountain Division, Inc., please visit our web site or the Northern New York Community Foundation. If you have any other questions, please contact me Mike Plummer at: plummike@aol.com.

Soldiers’ Angels has been proud to stand with Mike and his organization. With the support of SA (and other donors), they recently awarded eight $5,000 scholarships to 10th Mountain veterans, spouses and children to assist them in attending community colleges and universities.

100,000 Blankets of Belief

2010-11-04T20:36:00.001-05:00

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.

A chief warrant officer wrote from Iraq when he received his blankets:

Christmas came early this year and I just wanted to say thank you. If only you could have seen the looks on my troops' faces when all those boxes came in. I have never seen such a giddy group of grown men. The blankets were snatched up first.

A soldier wrote from Afghanistan after receiving blankets from Soldiers' Angels for his unit:

It can be very cold at night and we don't have heat in our tent. We have cold weather sleeping bags but they are not comfortable to sleep in because they are so narrow. They are too short for some of our tall guys. We can finally get out of the sleeping bag and stretch out while still keeping warm because we now have blankets.

In Iraq, winter nights are quite cool, and temperatures in Afghanistan can reach -20 degrees Fahrenheit! Conditions at many bases in Afghanistan are very austere, and so as more troops are deployed there, the appreciation for blankets from home grows.

Working together, we can make sure each deployed hero knows "We believe in you!" If every Angel made just one blanket, we'd have enough to send a blanket to every single deployed Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine and Coast Guardsman. It's a great project to share with family, friends, scout troops, sewing guilds, and church teams.

Blankets can be either sewn or quilted, and we even have instructions for no-sew blankets--check out the Blankets of Belief page for all the details! Knitter and crocheters, please email crochet@soldiersangels.org to learn how you can get involved.

Together, let's ensure all of our heroes deployed this upcoming holiday season know we remember them and believe in them!

Easy Holiday Shopping

2010-11-04T20:34:00.001-05:00

Soldiers’ Angels has a great way to support the troops while reducing your stress and cutting that holiday shopping list down to size. Once again, SA is offering the opportunity to sponsor a holiday care package for the troops as a gift.

Don't we all know at least one person who has everything, one who is really hard to shop for this time of year? Think how great it would be to honor them by sending some warmth and support to one of our heroes...

You can donate a Wrapped in Holiday Spirit (WiHS) care package in the name of a friend or loved one, and Soldiers' Angels will send you a beautiful certificate to present to them in commemoration of your gift in their honor.

Just head over to the Angel Store and place your order. With just one purchase of $25 (including shipping and handling), you can support America's heroes and cross another name off your Holiday shopping list. How many people would you like to cross off your shopping list for just $25 without even changing out of your pajamas?

When you order your WiHS package(s) in someones honor, be sure to select the "honorary donation" option, and SA will immediately send your certificate of honor.

To support a hero this Holiday Season, visit the Angel Store and start crossing off that list of presents for your friends and family!

Pilot Shows Double Wings

2010-11-04T19:14:00.001-05:00

Retired Captain Gary Barnhill of the U.S. Air Force is continuing to serve, acquiring a “second set of wings” as a Soldiers’ Angel.

CAPT Barnhill discovered Soldiers’ Angels through the Soldiers’ Angels Germany blog and was "deeply touched by the service that Soldier's Angels provides to our guys and gals in their hour of need." He maintains a tight bond with his fellow pilots from their time in service, and feels a connection to those still serving today. It is that connection that has motivated an incredible string of gifts for Soldiers’ Angels Germany.

His new mission in retirement is finding high quality clothing at great prices for wounded warriors transitioning through Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. CAPT Barnhill's brother Jim served 32 years in the National Guard and Reserves, and has supported Gary’s mission.

How has the mission gone so far? CAPT Barnhill is measuring his cashier's receipts by the foot!

For the full story of the Barnhill brothers’ amazing resourcefulness and generosity, see the Soldiers’ Angels Germany blog.

Angel of Valor

2010-11-04T19:13:00.001-05:00

Sometimes Angels are valorous, too...

In 2006 Angel Amy, whose physical challenges confine her to a wheelchair, helped another Angel support her adopted Marine by asking the owners of the New England Patriots to send him Patriots gear to raise his morale. Amy kept in touch with the Marine over the years, and earlier this year he reported he was having difficulty coping with a previous deployment but was in therapy. “I told him I was glad he was getting help and that I would be here to support him in any way I could,” Amy recalls.

“You know, you inspire so many, even us Marines,” he said in reply. Amy expressed surprise, assuming that meant he had told other Marines about her. “Just a few,” he replied to her statement. How can a Marine even think about giving up when you set so many things straight...there are no disabilities.”

Amy assured him that if it inspired Marines, he was welcome to “tell all the Devil Dogs you want about me.”

The Marine mentioned a combat event he’d experienced and said, “If it weren’t for the strength you have given me through your life, I would have stopped way before I did in my little tiff in Afghanistan.”

Of course Amy thanked him for the compliment, and added that she was honored to have inspired him.

“Wish I could give you the honors I received from [that combat action],” he mused before pausing to think. “Perhaps I can, come to think of it. I may send you something.... I don't know if any other of your adopted troops have ever given you the thanks you deserve—the things you and so many of the Angels give is ever endless.”

What this heroic Marine sent was his Navy and Marine Corps Commendation with Combat Distinguishing Device, the medal he had received for the combat action he mentioned.

According to the citation, Marine X (he has asked that he remain anonymous) received the medal “for heroic achievement while serving…in support of operations in Afghanistan…X’s convoy was attacked by an improvised explosive device destroying two vehicles and injuring several Marines. X’s quick thinking and reaction assisted in identifying insurgents that triggered the device and attempting to trigger another. Despite being wounded from the blast, X directed fire and eliminated the threat. At the completion of the engagement he did refuse medical treatment until all other injured Marines were taken care of and coordinated logistical efforts to medically evacuate personnel and equipment in order to accomplish the mission at hand. X’s outstanding initiative courageous actions and loyal devotion to duty reflected credit upon him and were keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.”

The Commendation Medal with Combat Device is a “mid-level” award authorized for valor. It is awarded to a person who distinguishes himself/herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service in the military. The acts or services must be accomplished or performed in a manner above that normally expected and sufficient to distinguish the individual above those performing similar services.

Amy says she has received thank yous over the years , but nothing like a medal for valor!

Marine X says that giving his medal to Amy seemed appropriate, considering the valor she displays in fighting past her physical challenges. “I will always have the honors from the Corps,” he says. “But I always think those behind the scenes really deserve the respect and honor.”

Guns of Valour-IT

2010-11-04T19:05:00.001-05:00

For the fourth straight year, gun enthusiasts and bloggers have turned their love of firearms into laptop computers for wounded warriors. Patriotic Americans gathered in Reno Nevada for the Gunblogger Rendezvous from September 9-12 and once again made Soldiers' Angels Project Valour-IT their fundraising focus.

This year the Rendezvous raised nearly $5,100 for Valour-IT through registration fees, donations, and raffles (in addition to direct donations that attendees and blog readers were encouraged to make online). The National Sports Shooting Foundation set the bar with a donation of $1,000 for Valour-IT.

Participants in the Rendezvous enjoyed range visits and shooting competitions, “show and tell” opportunities with their favorite firearms and accessories, and a tour of a local outfitting company in addition to lively fellowship at meals and latenight gab sessions. Soldiers’ Angels co-founder Jeff Bader was on hand for one of the days to thank donors, meet the attendees, and talk about the importance of Valour-IT for wounded warriors.

The Gunblogger Rendezvous is an annual "real life" meeting of an online community of about 125 bloggers who discuss firearms and 2nd Amendment issues. Each year they include a charitable aspect to the festivities, and for the last four years that has been Valour-IT.

Blogger “Mr. Completely,” who coordinated the event, reported it was the “best ever” Gunbloggers Rendezvous. “Thanks again to everyone who made it possible,” he wrote on his blog, “and thanks to Soldier's Angels and Project Valour-IT for all the great things they do for our troops.”

Soldiers' Angels is proud and honored to receive such consistent and generous support from patriotic Americans who have found a way to celebrate their rights and favorite pastimes while supporting the troops!

Photos from True Blue Sam the Travelin' Man blog, one of the Rendezvous attendees.

Drum Hike Headed to Southern California

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Calling all Angels and other patriots in California... You're invited to help a hero and veterans' families!

Former soldier Troy Yocum is currently in Utah, headed to California on his 7,000-mile "Drum Hike for Heroes"--he has already completed over 2500 miles! He will cut across the bottom tip of Las Vegas and be in California by early November, where several big events are planned to celebrate his hike and raise funds for the military families who are his mission.

On November 3, Troy will be in Twentynine Palms, home of the word's largest Marine Corps base. There he will be joined in his march by supporters and veterans, including the mayor, law enforcement and first responders, local high schools, the Patriot Guard Riders and community organizations such as Rotary and Kiwanis. There will also be a $20 dinner with various VIP guests to help Troy raise money for military veteran families in need. For more information or to RSVP for the dinner, email Kimberly brown at kapb55@live.com (more info here; Facebook here).

On Veterans Day, November 11, Troy will be marching in the San Diego Veterans Day parade and appearing at the Veterans Museum & Memorial Open House. There will be live entertainment and fundraising activities to support military families, including two special families who will be honored at the event. They are looking for as many Angels as possible who would like to march in the parade or assist with entertainment, food and activities at the open house. For more information click here or contact Susan Lawson at ctlca26@gmail.com.

Troy will be stopping at cities and towns all along the way from Twentynine Palms to Los Angeles and down to San Diego. To see his route and current location, click here. To plan an event anywhere from Los Angeles to San Diego, contact Susan Lawson at ctlca26@gmail.com. As Susan says, "He has a list of cities walking and he needs fundraising events--at minimum, people meeting him along the way to support him and stick $5 in the donation box. Let's get busy - he's out there counting on help!"

Double Your $10 at JustGive!

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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!