Support our Troops!

[Terri]

We've been discussing ways to that we can help in the War on Terror. One way is to support our military.

We hear the voices of the left rising against the military. Recently there was an incident of a professor writing to an USAFA cadet and calling him a "babykiller".

Let's use this topic to post ideas of things we can do that show support to those who put their lives on the line.

[Terri]

One way is to support military issues by writing to our elected officials.

The White House

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

The White House Phone Numbers

COMMENTS: 202-456-1111
SWITCHBOARD: 202-456-1414
FAX: 202-456-2461

White House E-Mail Addresses

President George W. Bush: president@whitehouse .gov
Vice President Richard Cheney: vice.president@white house.gov

Addresses for the House of Representatives (http://clerk.house.gov/members/index.php)

Find your Senators (http://www.senate.gov/)

[Terri]

The VFW is sponsoring a program to provide phone cards to military personnel so that they can call home more often.

Operation Uplink (http://www.operationuplink. org/)

[Der Alte]

Visit a VA hospital or Nursing Home and just say thanks for your service - we appreciate what you did. WWII and Korean Vets are dying at over 1000 a day.

[AngelsRWorldChamps]

Write letters and call radio shows to espress thanks, fly a U.S. and other United States flag like the Gadsin sp?

[Captain Eagle]

You could pledge your life, your fortune and your sacred honor for America and stand up and be counted. That is how it all started and Bill Clinton and his ilk are how it ends. Who is going to do that? I will! You should be outraged at what these slimy people have done to your country. You could stand firmly behind your Commander in Chief! The boss may not always be right, but he's always the boss! Maybe you could get past your public school education and find out that the Tree of Liberty has to be watered from time to time with the Blood Of Patriots!

[Terri]

Captain, you sound so gruff but I'm pretty sure I've already discovered that there is a soft heart inside that tough exterior. http://gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

I've found a group that we can join to write to members of the military. I'll get my info together and post it later tonight.

[Floridaguy]

http://gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/red_eyes.gif how much later? http://gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

http://gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/peepwallA.gif

http://gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/flag19.gif

[lpara]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Please remember to pray for our President and for our servicemen and women who are in harm's way.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>

<span style='font-family:comic sans ms'><span style='color:9900FF' >Thanks for the reminder of this too, every day, Terri! *A very important thing to DO</span></span>

[Terri]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">how much later? [/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>

http://gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tqrolleyes.gif *My ambition seems to have gotten up and walked away lately. *http://gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin2.gif

http://www.emailourmilitary .com/

http://www.emailourmilitary .com/holidaylove.htm

This is not exactly for the military but it offers ways to help on the homefront. It links to Fox news with a story about the Citizens Corps.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,71317,00.html


Thank you, Laurie. I've been posting that every morning since 911.

[pRIMrose]

A donation now and then to the many organizations who support our vets and military wouldn't hurt. Such as DAV, HV, USO and many more.

[Terri]

Stars &amp; Stripes links (http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section= 104&article=11756)

[Terri]

Here's another link I ran across this morning.

Defend America (http://www.defendamerica.mi l/)

These are good but I wonder if we can't do something more.

All ideas welcome!

This topic is pinned to the top of this forum so we can find it easily.

[lpara]

<span style='font-family:comic sans ms'>Thanks Terri, my aunt sent me this same DEFEND AMERICA today via email. GMTA http://gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin2.gif</span>

[mommy12]

The Presidential Prayer Team page(www.presidentia lprayerteam.org) has a link to &quot;Adopt our Troops&quot; where you can receive the first name and service branch of a military member to pray for on a daily basis. You won't meet your soldier/sailor/airman this side of heaven in most cases, but you will know that you supported someone personally.

[Granite River]

After seeing the Army rep. talking about the way the military takes care of survivors of the men who died in the Blackhawk, I wanted to tell what the VA is doing for me.

When I left the USAF I knew that my hearing was not all that good but I didn’t worry about it too much. My hearing got progressively worse until I had to wear hearing aids and now I need the most powerful one made. A few years ago I hurt my back and have had a lot of trouble since then, although it is much better now. But during that time I went to the VA clinic for my back. They did an MRI and scheduled surgery to fix it but I went with a civilian doctor who did a lot of cutting but didn’t make it any better.

The VA didn’t do hearing aids so I got the last ones on regular insurance and went to the VA for flu shots and annual physicals. On day while I waited to see a nurse for an ear infection I noticed that I was standing in front of the VA benefits office. I had talked to one of the years earlier about my back, which I thought I hurt loading bombs in Thailand, but he said there was little chance that I would gain anything my applying for service connected disability. But I went in and wet a guy who had just gone to work that day. I told him that I wanted to apply and see what happened. So he filled out part of a form and said that we should throw in the hearing loss while we were at it. In about a month I got a letter asking me to go to San Antonio for a hearing test and the lady that did it had a grim prediction of how the loss will progress. I went on my way thinking that I might at least get a small percent of service connected disability that would let me get one of those “Disabled Veteran” license plates. After another month I got a letter explaining that the VA didn’t think that my service hurt my back but they did think that my hearing loss is service connected and that I am 100% disabled according to the amount of loss that I have. Being so judged the VA offers education benefits to not only me but to my wife and both kids. They offer health insurance for them as well. I think that when I die they will get more than a folded flag too.

And I did get the license plate which reduces my vehicle tax to $3.00, my school tax is cut by about $300.00 and there are other things that I haven’t asked about yet.

[Terri]

GR, I'm sorry to hear about your health problems but how refreshing to hear some good comments about veterans care. All we usually hear are the complaints about concurrent receipt.

I hope that things continue to go as well as possible.

[lpara]

<span style='font-family:comic sans ms'>Really refreshing. *I too am sorry about your back and hearing loss. *Would that operation that Rush had help you too?</span>

[lpara]

<span style='font-family:comic sans ms'>Oh I forgot! *Ollie North said tonight on H&amp;E that it would really be neat to send postcards and pictures (drawn by kiddies) to line the tents, etc. that the men are using in the Gulf. *I think he said you could send them to him at FOX and he would get them there. * http://gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif *I wonder if Roger Ales was listening http://gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif * Anyway, I'm gonig to get Joseph to write and draw something to encourage the military men! *(and women)</span>

[SunnyBeaches]

Another great site for keeping morale up in our troops is:

http://www.anyservicemember .org

I have met a lot of great people there! ;)

[V.Viper]

Quote[/b] (SunnyBeaches @ Mar. 14, 2003 -- 11:17 am)]Another great site for keeping morale up in our troops is:

http://www.anyservicemember .org

I have met a lot of great people there! ;)

BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN, LOCK &amp; LOAD *

REMEMBER THE UNACCOUNTED FOR !!!!!!!!!!!!

[SunnyBeaches]

Quote[/b] (V.Viper @ Mar. 14, 2003 -- 7:43 pm)]Quote[/b] (SunnyBeaches @ Mar. 14, 2003 -- 11:17 am)]Another great site for keeping morale up in our troops is:

http://www.anyservicemember .org

I have met a lot of great people there! ;)

BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN, LOCK &amp; LOAD *

REMEMBER THE UNACCOUNTED FOR !!!!!!!!!!!!
Hello V.Viper my friend and welcome! anyservicemember.org does a GREAT job of remembering KIA, MIA etc. as does http://www.marinesdirect.co m! (It's NOT just for Marines btw!)

(\o/) Hugz!
Sunny

[V.Viper]

E-MAIL I RECEIVED &quot;Author Unknown&quot;
A Forward, Forward, &amp; A Forward ( Friend: Ft. Bragg, N.C.)

Subject: PRIDE

The average age of the Infantryman is 19 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy.
Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country. He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father's; but he has never collected unemployment either.

He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away. He listens to rock and roll or jazz or swing and 155mm Howitzers.
He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk.

He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less-in the dark. He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must. He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional. He can march until he is told to stop or stop until he is told to march. He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity.

He is self-sufficient. He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry. He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts. If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low.

He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands.

He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job.

He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay and still find ironic humor in it all. He has seen more suffering and death then he should have in his short lifetime. He has stood atop mountains of dead bodies, and helped to create them. He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed. He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking.

In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful.
Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the American Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years. He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding.

Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood.

[lovingarmywife]

thank you for sharing that. My husband is a few years older than that, but other than that, he was described perfectly by that (especially about spelling!!!!).
I am so happy to hear all of this support. It brightens my heart! I just wanted to remind ya'll to think of the military spouses left behind! http://gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[lpara]

<span style='font-family:comic sans ms'>LAW~~Please know you ALL are always in our heart and prayers! *My heart truly aches for the families left behind, because I know exactly how I would feel if it were my husband or sons.</span>http://gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/grouphug.gif

[Floridaguy]

It is why I was surprised to note that our four deceased men from the helicopter crash were 25, 29, 30, &amp; 36. Isn't that a bit older than the normal soldier age? Or is it because they were commanders?

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[lovingarmywife]

my hubby will be 26 in July. As a matter of fact, in our housing building, he is the &quot;baby&quot;. Other than him, all of the other soldiers are over 30.

[m.s.u.matt]

Great idea Terri.

My Young Republicans group has adopted a family. Its easy to do, all you do is find a family where one of the &quot;bread winners&quot; is serving. Then raise money for his or her family for groceries, clothes, toys, send cards of encouragement, drop by or call them. Another activity we are thinking of planning is a picnic for their family, get them out of the house, let their kids have some fun on the playground stuff.

This might be hard to do now that the war is fully underway but, if you happen to see a soldier in the paper and the paper mentions his or her name and hometown, you can go to www.anywho.com look up their address (if its listed) and send their loved ones a nice letter or card.

And of course...PRAY!

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[Terri]

Great thread here! http://gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/twothumbsup.gif

Here's some ideas from other Americans.

Americans Support Deployed Troops (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,81909,00.html )

[lovingarmywife]

here's a link that has a little of everything!!!! I was pretty impressed when I came across it today (completely by accident!)

http://www.opsos.org/

[OldeSalt]

Quote[/b] (Floridaguy @ Mar. 22, 2003 -- 10:01 am)]It is why I was surprised to note that our four deceased men from the helicopter crash were 25, 29, 30, &amp; 36. Isn't that a bit older than the normal soldier age? Or is it because they were commanders?

http://gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/flag19.gif http://gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/srib001.gif
OOOOoooo old guys -- eh? hehehhehheh
At 53 I got a call from the Col. of my son's ROTC unit --
who'd read my resume on my personal webpage, and
wanted to recruit liddle ole me.

I was honored and probably would have taken the offer
had I not wrecked my left knee by stupidly falling off a roof many years ago.

Made me feel good, tho.

Love the definition of a soldier from Viper. Way to go!

[NWGOPMom]

Someone around here had an another idea for the tents. As well as pictures that kids make, which is an awesome idea, one mother of a soldier stationed over there has been taking pictures of &quot;support the troops rallies&quot; everywhere she can around this state and is sending them to her son so he can share them with his group. Her son said that just hearing about the rallies has boosted morale over there quite a bit.

[stormy]

After you read this, you may want to click on the link at the bottom and sign the petition. * I hope it's okay to post this here!! * It's all for the troops!!

Message From A Marine!

I sat in a movie theatre watching &quot;Schindler's List,&quot;
and asked myself, &quot;Why didn't the Jews fight back?&quot;

I sat in a movie theatre watching &quot;Pearl Harbor,&quot; and
asked myself, &quot;Why weren't we prepared?&quot;

Now I know why.

Civilized people cannot fathom, much less predict, the
actions of evil people.

On September 11, thousands of innocent people were murdered
because too many Americans naively rejected the reality that
some nations are dedicated to the dominance of others.

Many political pundits, pacifists and media personnel want
us to forget the carnage. They say we must focus on the
bravery of the rescuers and ignore the cowardice of the
killers. They implore us to understand the motivation of
the perpetrators...

I will not be manipulated. I will not pretend to understand.
I will not forget.

I will not forget the liberal media who abused freedom of the
press to kick our country when it was vulnerable and hurting.

I will not forget that CBS news anchor Dan Rather preceded
President Bush's address to the nation with the snide remark,
&quot;No matter how you feel about him, he is still our president.&quot;

And I will not forget that ABC's Mark Halperin warned if
reporters weren't informed of every little detail of this war,
they aren't likely--nor should they be expected--to show
deference.&quot;

I will not forget the attack on the USS Cole...

I will not be appeased with pointless, quick retaliatory
strikes like those perfected by the previous administration.

I will not be comforted by &quot;feel-good, do nothing&quot; regulations
like the silly, &quot;Have your bags been under your control?&quot;
question at the airport.

I will not be influenced by so called, &quot;anti-war demonstrators&quot;
who exploit the right of expression to chant anti-American
obscenities.

I will not forget the moral victory handed the North
Vietnamese by American war protesters who reviled and
spat upon the returning soldiers, airmen, sailors
and marines.

I will not be softened by the wishful thinking of pacifists
who chose reassurance over reality.

I will embrace the wise words of Prime Minister Tony Blair
who told the Labor Party conference, &quot;They have no moral
inhibition on the slaughter of the innocent. If they could
have murdered not 7,000 but 70,000, does anyone doubt they
would have done so and rejoiced in it?

There is no compromise possible with such people, no meeting
of minds, no point of understanding with such terror. Just
a choice; defeat it or be defeated. And defeat it we must!&quot;

I will force myself to:
* * * * * * * * * * * * *hear the weeping.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *feel the helplessness.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *sense the panic.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *experience the loss.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *remember the hatred.

I sat in a movie theatre, watching &quot;Saving Private Ryan,&quot; and
asked myself, &quot;Where did they find the courage?&quot;

Now I know.

We have no choice. Living without liberty is not living.

--Ed Evans, MGySgt., USMC (Ret.)

+ + + + + + + + + + +

In just weeks Grassfire.net wants to deliver 400,000 petitions of support for our President and the Troops to the White House.

http://www.grassfire.net/26/petition.asp?PID=327 7365

Stormy
http://gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/flag17.gif

[NWGOPMom]

Stormy, thank you so much for that posting. I am going to the grassfire website right now to put my name on the petition.

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[Terri]

test

[Terri]

bump to reset forum

[ALLEN L. WELLS]

TEST #1

[primate]

Support Our Troops!
And make sure that they don't fall victim to the liberal scourge of lowered self esteem and responsibility by cutting their VA benefits.
When thay return, they should feel the pride of finding their own source of income and healthcare.
Providing services to these fine people just because they fought bravely and served their country with honor is a misguided liberal plot to destroy the self reliance of the great American military veteran. They should lead by example and show that real Americans don't need commie social benefits.

[Bill Hodges]

Quote[/b] ]Support Our Troops!
And make sure that they don't fall victim to the liberal scourge of lowered self esteem and responsibility by cutting their VA benefits.
When thay return, they should feel the pride of finding their own source of income and healthcare.
Providing services to these fine people just because they fought bravely and served their country with honor is a misguided liberal plot to destroy the self reliance of the great American military veteran. They should lead by example and show that real Americans don't need commie social benefits.

Interesting. Mind explaining what you are referring to specifically? I am a veteran of three seperate conflicts and currently in the reserves. Over the last five years my pay has increased, my benefits have increased as well. Mind explaining specifically what it is that you're referring to? I would like to know what is specifically being cut and I would like to know the amounts. Please, no vague remarks either.

William (Bill) Douglas Hodges
T/O Ranch
Erick, Oklahoma



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[LiveFreeOrDie]

Recently I have been reading in the &quot;comments&quot; pages during my daily consumption of newspapers a shrill whine from those who were either against the Iraq war or sitting on the fence giving it only marginal support-- for the troops to come home becuase they have been thier too long and that we are still taking casulties on a daily basis. I wonder if we heard such complaints during WWII when men were gone for up to 4-5 years without seeing thier families? Or during the post war occupation of Germany when when NAZI diehards were picking off allied troops on a daily basis? Suck it up America and keep supporting the troops until we can rotate them out of there. The war is still going on and they need our genoeroisty and support more then ever.

I am worried that the physical support for our troops is ebbing somewhat. I say Physical support because I know the moral support is still there, but people tend to get back to the everyday grind and tend to forget that our troops are still in harms way doing the countries work. Even judging by this thread I can see that the last post was May 25th.

Together we are: An Army Of One

Operation:&quot;Air Conditioner&quot;

http://mywpages.comcast.net /frankiemayo/


Here are some of the items that to send besides air conditioners:Baby Wipes, Powder, Non-Aerosol Shaving Cream (Neutrogena makes it), Toothpaste, Shampoo, Liquid Soap (I heard the bar melts), Non-Aerosol Deodorant, Non-aerosol Bug Spray, Mosquito Coils, Tiki Torches (OFF Brand makes one that comes in a shippable box and does not use the oil - it uses a candle and some kind of repellant), Playing cards, VHS's, Beef Jerky, Nuts, Games, DVD's,


Pre-sugared Kool-Aid, Gatoraid, Gum, Foot Powder, Note pads,Pens, Pencils, Magazines, Books, Candy that doesn't melt, Tobacco items, Feminine Hygiene Items, Envelopes for letters, Disposable cameras

http://mywpages.comcast.net /frankiemayo/

[lovingarmywife]

LFoD,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I, personally, enjoyed reading them. And agree entirely. Have you read Love Stories of WWII it is compiled by Larry King. It is very touching. That along with War Letters compiled by Andrew Carroll were my &quot; comfort reading&quot; for while hubby was in Iraq.

The unit adoption lists I am on, (as well as requests from my hubby and his unit) have a few additional items on the most wanted list, so I hope you don't mind me adding to your list.

The soldiers also want/need: no water needed hand sanitizer, Oral pain reliever, ingrown toenail pain reliever, eye drops for contacts, no water needed Excederine, underwear (mens and womens), swimming goggles, glow sticks, flea collars, condoms (not for the obvious reason....they use them to keep sand out of their weapons), jerky, and canned foods.

i get teary eyed every time I read a list from a soldier or a unit. Today, 2 soldiers asked for children's art. Needless to say, Rosie has been coloring to her little heart's delight!

Thanks for your support....our guys need it!

[LiveFreeOrDie]

I feel for the guys and for you and other families I know exactly what they and you are going through. I served as a member of the 3rd ID 3rd Brigade 7th Infantry Reg in Germany. My unit spearheaded 7th Corp in the first Gulf War. I want to be over there with those guys, it's been tearing me up, but the Army won't let me back in because of my age. So I do what I can from here. http://gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/usflag22.gif

[azwhitewolf]

Quote[/b] ]I will force myself to:
hear the weeping.
feel the helplessness.
sense the panic.
experience the loss.
remember the hatred.
Thanks for posting that, Stormy.

It reminded me, just the other night, I was watching a show called &quot;7 days in September&quot; (or something under those lines). It was a movie timeline, all compiled with Sept. 11th footage as taken by various amateurs. It was shown at 1am, and was, for the most part, uncensored.

I was tempted to flip past the channel and head to something lighter, but something kept me from changing. It was remembering, and to some degree, reliving the horror of what happened.

It struck me that THIS is the reason we're fighting. Some can complain about oil, or rebuilding Iraq, or &quot;peace&quot; issues, or race issues or the Bush Administration. But we forget that none of this would have likely happened if we had not felt the effect of Sept 11th.

What was most disturbing is that even I, a conservative, pro-war-to-defend-freedom Bush-supporter.... forgot those feelings. I completely forgot the reason we are there in the first place. The media has completely washed it from our TV's... our minds... our memories. No-one talks about it, shows footage of it, pays homage to any victims or their accomplishments, or highlights the families struggling after their loss. As an American, I find this astounding that WE are quicker to forget OUR OWN reasons for being there.

I will force myself to:
hear the weeping.
feel the helplessness.
sense the panic.
experience the loss.
remember the hatred.

I did. And it was WELL worth it.

[CLAIRE]

:flag17 : Want to send our heartfelt thanks to all our veterans, past present and future. THANK GOD FOR ALL OF YOU.

We lived through 9/11 personally, and will never forget that horrible day in our country's history. We lost some dear dear friends just because of RADDICAL HATRED FOR AMERICA. How verysad that the Clinton administration did not see any reason to handle the problem before it came to 9/11. Diplomatic tact and radicalism don't work together, because those people don't understand normal value.

I've sent this strong message out, so we can all remember to HEAR THE WEEPING, FEEL THE HOPELESSNESS, SENSE THE PANIC, EXPERIENCE THE LOSS, AND REMEMBER THE HATRED. Thank you for this message to add to our prayers.

[jonessa2]

<span style='font-family:microsoft sans serif'>This post has many threads with the same info. *I just wanted to post it again.

<span style='color:navy'>Thousands of Americans are again asking what they can do to show their support for servicemembers, especially those serving overseas in this time of war. Below are Web sites for several organizations that are sponsoring programs for members of the Armed Forces overseas. While it would be inappropriate for the Department to endorse any specifically, servicemembers do value and appreciate such expressions of support:

Operation Uplink:
Donate a calling card to help keep servicemembers in touch with their families at http://www.operationuplink. org/

Operation Dear Abby:
Send a greeting via e-mail through at either
http://anyservicemember.nav y.mil/ or
http://www.OperationDearAbb y.net

Defend America:
Sign a virtual thank you card at
http://www.defendamerica.mi l/nmam.html

Military Relief Societies: Make donations to

Army Emergency Relief at
http://www.aerhq.org/
Navy/Marine Relief Society at
http://www.nmcrs.org/
Air Force Aid Society at
http://www.afas.org/
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance at
http://www.cgmahq.org/
Operation USO Care Package:
Donate at
http://www.usometrodc.org/care.htm

American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services at
http://www.redcross.org/services/afes/

Volunteer at a VA Hospital
to honor veterans who bore the lamp of freedom in past conflicts.

Reach out to military families in your community, especially those with a loved one overseas.

Please do not flood the military mail system with letters, cards, and gifts. Due to security concerns and transportation constraints, the Department cannot accept items to be mailed to &quot; Any Servicemember .&quot; Some people have tried to avoid this prohibition by sending large numbers of packages to an individual servicemember's address, which however well intentioned, clogs the mail and causes unnecessary delays.

The support and generosity of the American people has touched the lives of many servicemembers, over 300,000 of whom are deployed overseas.

[Source: U.S. Department of Defense]</span></span>

[jonessa2]

<span style='color:navy'><span style='font-family:microsoft sans serif'>Bush Asks U.S. to Help Military Personnel
2 hours, 30 minutes ago *Add White House - AP to My Yahoo!
Sat, Nov 29, 2003
By JENNIFER LOVEN, Associated Press Writer

CRAWFORD, Texas - President Bush (news - web sites), having surprised the nation with his Thanksgiving trip to Baghdad, asked Americans on Saturday to volunteer to help military personnel and their families.
More (http://story.news.yahoo.com /news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20031129/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush_12)</span></span>

[Jessica]

please contact local VFW and other veterans groups to see if they adopted a soldier or a unit to send APO boxes to overseas
if they have one make donation
or, if they give the numbers of groups that are DoD approved to send boxes

my brother is in iraq and he says those APO boxes make them feel like people care about and think about them http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/usflag22.gif

he says that they share goodies with each other

put a yellow ribbon on your car and support businesses that have yellow ribbons
and let the businesses know that you are using them because of the yellow ribbon

[jonessa2]

<span style='font-family:microsoft sans serif'>One more website to show your support for our troops...Thank you Terri.

The Home Front Cares (http://www.thehomefrontcare s.org/)
<span style='color:navy'>The Home Front Cares channels the support of our grateful community to its military families whose lives have been affected by the deployment of a loved one in harm’s way.

Cash donations are requested to ensure families of the deployed — faced with unsettling or crisis situations — receive the assistance they need. *Funds are distributed through the Southeast Family Center and Armed Services YMCA; American Red Cross, Pikes Peak Chapter; and local military family support agencies.
Click here to help support our military families. (http://www.thehomefrontcare s.org/index_files/Page524.htm)</span></span>

[jonessa2]

Quote[/b] (rfurtkamp @ Dec. 09, 2003 -- 2:30 am)]That said, I ran across this on another forum I frequent, and
I'm not normally partial to this sort of thing, but given the cause, it seems worth posting here as I have in a couple places:

Send a care package to the troops through the USO (http://www.thebigshow.com/additions/uso01.html)

The items in it won't seem much to you, but for folks stuck in dust and desert and away from home, it will.

[lpara]

<span style='font-family:comic sans ms'>Here's a link to sending a http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sholly.gif Holiday http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sholly.gif Message to our troops MERRY CHRISTMAS TO OUR TROOPS (http://www.cfif.org/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=g et_topic;f=1;t=00000 1;p=53)</span>

[Floridaguy]

Received via e-mail this morning, from a reliable source. Here are specific soldiers for whom you can brighten their holidays. *http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif *(Permission to repost received)

Quote[/b] ]Subject: In Need please pass on!

Have an extra Christmas Card, Cookies or Holiday
Specials to share with the warriors protecting our way
of life? *Pick a name, pass it on, let them know we
support them! *Also, please, pass this list to the
schools and churches! Semper Fi!

LCpl Brad Seegert (WIA Iraq)
C 1st Bn, 2nd Marines
2d MarDiv FMF
Camp Lejeune, NC 28542

Cpl. Zak Klingberg
Fox 2/5, WPNX Plt.
Camp Pendleton, CA *92055

LCPL Vincent Schuld
CSSG-3HQ CO S6
Kaneohe Bay, HI *96863

LCPL Jason Leber
157-A Lakewood Dr.
Jacksonville, NC *28546

AMN Nicole Leber - sister of above in Air Force
PSC 54 Box 95
APO AE *09601

LCPL Jonathan Ake
3/8 Weapons Company
81's Plt.
Camp LeJeune, NC *28542

LCPL N. L. Whittington
3/4 Kilo, Wpns Plt.
PO Box 788265
29 Palms, CA *92278-8265

LCPL Matthew M. McDonough
HQ CO 2nd Regt. MT
PSC Box 20093
Camp LeJeune, NC *28542

PFC M.E. Ludington - female
Loc. #314
MCCES MCAGGCC
Box 788253
29 Palms, CA *92278-8253

Sgt. Jeremy Sullivan
MWCS-18
Unit 37181
FPO AP *96603-7181

Other Services:

PFC Cancel, Jose *
4th Plt Killer Troop 3/2 ACR
Unit 92384
APO AE
09322-2384

NOTE: he has no one but his family writing to him
******************** *****************
PVT Guskov, Yuriy *
CCO 3/327 INF REG,
Unit # 96030
APO AE
09325-6030

NOTE: this young man has no one but his girlfriend
writing to him
******************** ****************
SGT Romanishan, John *
(Medic) Eagle Troop,
2/3 ACR Unit # 91464
APO AE
09320-1464

NOTE: John is a medic...was unable to save his fellow
soldier and has been really down about it
******************** ***************
SGT Steve Asche *
604 E Clark Apt 2
Champaign, IL
61820

NOTE: this soldier was sent home with 2nd degree burns
on his hands...wants nothing more than to return to
his brothers...is receiving physical therapy now
******************** ***************
SPC Wenzel, Timothy *
333rd MP CO
APO, AE
09335

NOTE: Timothy is a medic...was feeling exhausted and
buddy told him to stay at base and buddy would go on
call...buddy was in ambulance that was ambushed and
driver was killed..Timothy feels guilty and says &quot;it
should have been me&quot;
******************** ***************
*SPC Buckingham, Karl *
413th QM BN/1011th QM Co.
7th CSG Unit 91700
APO AE
09372

NOTE: soldier is receiving NO mail and NO packages
******************** ****************
SPC Burnworth, Jason A *
Task Force Associator Team
Cougar Camp Monteith,
Kosovo
APO, AE
09340

NOTE: receiving mail only from his mother
******************** ****************
SPC Connely, Justin *
82 ROC/LSA ANACONDA,
IRAQ/
APO AE
09372-1846

NOTE: soldier is receiving NO mail No packages
******************** ****************
SPC DiIoli, Denise M. *
E/704th DSB 92662
APO AE
09323-2662

NOTE: soldier is really down...just found out that
they won't be home till next April or May, been there
since Feb. last name is spelled cap D i, cap i, oli.
******************** ****************
SPC Houk, Aaron *
413th QM BN/1011th QM CO.
7th CSG Unit #91700
APO, AE
09372

NOTE: mother disabled, father deceased, receiving NO
mail
******************** ****************
SPC Kyle Smith *
HSC 244th EN BN,
555 ENG GRP,
APO AE
09323

NOTE: receiving NO mail
******************** ********************
SPC McBean, Kenneth H. II *
B-1-187 IN / Unit # 96073 /
APO, AE
09325-6073

NOTE: friends and family have stopped writing to him
******************** ********************
SPC ORTEGA, ANNABEL *
82 ROC/LSA ANACONDA,
IRAQ/
APO AE
09391-1846

NOTE: having a very difficult time..only one of three
females in unit...they are not being treated very well
by the males, especially the officers
******************** *******************
SPC Zunich, Michael *
HHB 1-17FA Unit # 92627
APO AE
09323-2627
NOTE: survived a bomb attack on convoy...very
depressed
******************** ********************
Smith, Meredith *
2761 West Ivory Way Taylorsville, UT
84084

NOTE: this is a widow...her husband was killed in
Afghanistan in Feb..she and 8 year old daughter are
having a very rough time (not sure if you wanted her
name, if not, just delete)
******************** *******************
Sgt. Pierce, Bill *
4th Platoon ADA
Unit #92374
APO AE
09322-2374

NOTE: going through a divorce and has small
children...doesn't receive any mail
******************** ******************
ADDED 11/17/03

SPC Broyles Randall ACO 1st BN atk
82nd avn regt
82nd airborne division
APO AE 09 384
******************** ******************
ADDED 11/18/03

Captain Christopher A. Jackson *
RS4, RHHT, 2ACR, Unit 92401,
APO AE
09322-2401
******************** *****************
PFC Martinez Taryn *
Alpha Co. 527th MI BN
APO, AP
96271 *

*She is very home sick with the holidays coming up,
feels alone, ask for junk food and shampoo and
conditioner
******************** *******************
PFC ALVARADO, LAUREN *
Commo Plt, HHC 1/32 /
Inf 10th Mountain Division FOB Chosin
APO AE
09384 * *

Encouragement, snacks, gum, fun stuff
******************** *******************
PFC Binder, Jared M *
3-BCT/C, Battery 3/4 ADAR,
APO-AE
09368
******************** ********************

PFC Brown, Kathy *
HQ/A 562FSB Unit #96064
APO AE
09325-6064

******************** ********************
PFC Evans, Karl D *
C Company lb

[Charie]

The Hub and I sent out 20 Christmas cards to the troops on this list. It didn't even hurt. http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[jonessa2]

http://home.ripway.com/2004-2/70597/honorvet1.jpg

[jonalvy44]

I go to the VA every Sunday, it's very rewarding...

Also, a good website to put you in touch with those in need:

A Soldiers Angels (http://groups.msn.com/ASoldiersBlog)

God Bless The Troops!!

(It took Hollywood one hour to recognize them and say thanks at the Oscars)

[Peach Pit]

My husband was Air Force. All my brothers were Navy. What did youngest son do? Joined the Marines! He is a &quot;Gunny&quot;, and plans to retire from the Marine Corps. He was in Iraq for Desert Storm, but is now in Okinawa with his family.

Thanks for all the links...........got a bunch I didn't have!

My husband gets excellent care at the VA hospital, and is very grateful for it. Until a few years ago, he played upright bass with a bluegrass band. (A shoulder injury keeps him from playing any more. The band sometimes went to the VA hospital and played for the patients that were well enough to get to the rec room. They ALWAYS seemed to enjoy it immensely. He still takes a stroll and goes &quot;visiting&quot; when he has to go over there. I think it does him as much good as it does the patients.

I have signed the petition listed in a prior post.

I am saddened at the lack of patriotism from the &quot;left-wingers&quot; in this nation, especially in today's troubled world. Surely our enemies are delighted to see us divided, rather than united! It is sad! May God hold our hands and guide us to do the right things!

My son is in touch with some of his buddies from years past who are now in Iraq. He said they so much appreciate ANYTHING, from a little note to a &quot;care&quot; package. His only problem right now is feeling a little guilty that he is not there also.

I saw on the news last week (local channel) where one of the returning Nat'l Guards was totally stunned and shocked to see the national news about Iraq; depicting all the depressed troops and nothing but all things bad! He was a little angry that more of the GOOD things happening there are not often aired over here. I believe the media can make or break support for our troops and conflicts.

Thanks for all the good-sense posts, and for reading mine. I am new at this!

[jonessa2]

<span style='font-family:tahoma'>http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Mar2004/n03102004_200403103. html
Tyson Foods to Promote Reserve Component Troops, Employers (http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Mar2004/n03102004_200403103. html)
<span style='color:navy'>American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 10, 2004 -- In a show of support of deployed Guardsmen and reservists and their employers, Tyson Foods has announced plans to put the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve logo on all products the company ships to military facilities worldwide.

Along with the ESGR logo, the product labels will include the phrase, &quot;Proud Recipient of the Freedom Award.&quot; Tyson Foods received the prestigious ESGR award in 2003 for its exceptional support to its Guard and Reserve employees.

Tyson Foods is the world's largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef and pork, and the second-largest food company in the Fortune 500.

The company plans to affix the new military labels to 17 products it ships to military dining facilities and food courts within exchanges worldwide...... (http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Mar2004/n03102004_200403103. html)</span></span>

[jonalvy44]

I just love how our country is responding in a positive fashion to our troops...Lots have changed since Nam. What I think is nice, too, is the opp to thank those guys now for their service...to revisit and make ammends.

BTW, I'm trying to join the National Guard. Wish me luck.

Also, on March 20th, get out and show your patriotism and support vs those who would spit on our troops.

Click Here To Find Out If The Spitters Will Be Near Your Locale (http://www.unitedforpeace.o rg)

[USA#1]

I used to have very little faith in American youth. These brave men and women that have answered the Presidents call and put thier families on hold and thier lives on the line in order to protect my small children from the onslaught of these radical Godless Muslims. This fact has turned my opinions around. I am now ashamed of the judgements I had once placed on America's youth as being lazy, shiftless and spoiled. I have now an overwhelming pride in America's youth. Everytime I look at one of my young children I have to say a prayer of thanks for the courage and vision God has abundantly shed on our young service men &amp; women. May God bless every last one of them. With the exception of a few misguided shirkers our military has handled themselves with exemplary service and slendid behavior. I pray to God that the American electorate doesn't let them down this November and returns to them the first Commander in Chief that they have had any faith in for close to a decade. God bless George W. Bush, our military, and the GOOD-OL-USA.

[vetsfrst]

http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/flag17.gif I live next to Travis AFB in California and there is not a day that goes by that my community of Vacaville, CA doesn't find ways to send support to our troops. *Small ways such as yellow ribbons down main street, on houses and trees. *Small ways by writing to the soliders, sailors, marines, coast guardsmen and airmen whose families live locally. *We also find ways to support the Travis USO, the family support center, the military hospital and veterans clinic, we are encouraging our high school clubs to adopt military members, or to share their deployed military member with the community so we can write. *Positive letters in the news paper supporting our President and our troops, local columnist that do the same. *( and there are some). *We also have a storng veterans community here, and we band together to offer our help and assistance. *I think the greatest joy I have had it being able to greet military members everday and tell them face to face, via email or letter that what they are doing matters, and that their service matters. *Everday, we must remind all 'that freedom isn't free.&quot;

[DianaG]

Tere is also adoptaplatoon.org. This takes a little time to get accepted as they have to check out folks, but you can actually send packages and write letters. They will assign you a soldier that needs support. Its great. I've been sending packages every month. http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/flag17.gif Support our Troops

[I_hate_w]

The best way to support our troops is to get rid of the Neo-Con liars who whispered in the Idiot's ear, and get rid of the Idiot that the ear is attached to.
George W. Bush STARTED an UNNECESSARY war and NEEDLESSLY caused the deaths of 689 of our noblest Americans.
Call 2004 a loss and save your energy for Giuliani in 2008. http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/usflag22.gif http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/flag19.gif http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/star2.gif http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/flag4.gif http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/flag17.gif
Success in 2004! (http://www.johnkerry.com/)

[lpara]

<span style='font-family:comic sans ms'>Uh, welcome to http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/gopusa.gif IHW (I refuse to spell out your hateful username) So . . . I guess you'd rather live in a terrorist-ridden country, because that's what is coming if we get a nambi pambi UN president in.</span>

[vetsfrst]

http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/flag17.gif
In response to IHW-
http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/srib001.gif * *
&quot;Freedom has a flavor the protected will * * * * * * * *
* * * * never know or understand.&quot;

[righton]

Sorry I didn't see this post earlier.

If anyone wants to send a message to our military, go to -- www.anyservicemember .org --
and a message can be forwarded. I've sent several, but it's been a month or so since my last one.

Re: professor who sent &quot;babykiller&quot; message. Hate to admit it, but he was from St. Xavier University, Evergreen Park, IL. He also was my daughter's professor for her frreshman year. Heard about it on the radio and there was such an uproar from alumni (no more donations until he is history) that he was suspended for the remainder of the semester. My daughter said he was a real &quot;whack job&quot; and wasn't surprised at his e-mail to the cadet in Colorado. My borther, who is a professor at the same university, said the president's office was bombarded with e-mails, faxes and phone calls. Had forgotten all about this until I saw this post.

[jonessa2]

Some useful links posted by Thundercat505 in this here article (http://www.gopusa.com/cgi-bin/ib3/ikonboard.pl?act=ST&f=27&t=10907) found in the Rants column.

[jonessa2]

Quote[/b] ]<span style='font-family:tahoma'>Boortz.com (http://boortz.com/nuze/index.html) *<span style='color:blue'>The way to attract more men and women to military service is to establish a program of veterans benefits that greatly reward those who volunteer. *It also might be a good idea to pay some attention to veterans hospitals while we're at it.</span></span>

<span style='font-family:tahoma'><span style='color:navy'>Mr. Boortz, you have it all wrong when it comes to</span> <span style='font-size:12pt;line-height:100%'>benefits (http://www.va.gov/)</span>.
<span style='color:navy'> One of the best kept secrets is that veterans have the best benefits that you will find when compared to private sector.
Where else will someone pay you for life, for an injury.
What company gives you free healthcare and scrips for any service-connected injury.
Yup, Veteran benefits (http://www.va.gov/) are one of the biggest secret entitlement programs around;
It is part of the defense budget that doesn't come in to public purview.
Just imagine 135,000 troops coming home from Iraq. *
Most of those persons will use <span style='font-size:12pt;line-height:100%'>VA Health Benefits and Services (http://www1.va.gov/health_benefits/).</span> *
And that includes claims for <span style='font-size:12pt;line-height:100%'>PTSD</span> (http://www.ncptsd.org).

EFIF- <span style='font-size:12pt;line-height:100%'>Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom (http://www.vba.va.gov/EFIF/)</span>

Military <span style='font-size:12pt;line-height:100%'>Schedule of Disabilities ratings (http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/38cfr4_03.html)</span>

<span style='font-size:12pt;line-height:100%'>Government Benefits</span> (http://www.govbenefits.gov/index.jsp)
An interactive guide to tell you what programs you are eligible for.

<span style='font-size:12pt;line-height:100%'>Compensation rate tables</span> (http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/comp01.htm)
Important for you CIVILIANS out there, to realize that our Veterans are not forgotten...that they are taken care of; that their spouses and children are taken care of even in the event of their death. *And guess what...IT IS NOT TAXABLE.


Mr. Boortz is correct about one thing though. The veteran facilities are falling to disarray. *This is one thing that can be provided more cheaply at a VA, rather than the Vet being sent to a private sector hospital, paid for at government expense.</span>

For the record; If there are entitlement programs for welfare and 'low-income,' I see nothing wrong with providing services to Veterans who provided a Service to their Country instead of staying home and making babies for someone else to care for.</span>

[stan25]

I got this in an email this morining. I thought that I would share this with the http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/gopusa.gif http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/members.gif

Quote[/b] ]<span style='color:red'><span style='font-family:times'><span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>WIFE OF A SOLDIER IN IRAQ

By Lori Kimble

Frequent contributor to the Washington Dispatch

I was sitting alone in one of those loud, casual steak houses that you find all over the country. You know the type - a bucket of peanuts on every table, shells littering the floor, and a bunch of perky college kids racing around with longneck beers and sizzling platters.

Taking a sip of my iced tea, I studied the crowd over the rim of my glass. My gaze lingered on a group enjoying their meal. They wore no uniform to identify their branch of service, but they were definitely &quot;military:&quot; clean shaven, cropped haircut, and that &quot;squared away&quot; look that comes with pride.

Smiling sadly, I glanced across my table to the empty seat where my husband usually sat. It had only been a few months since we sat in this very booth, talking about his upcoming deployment to the Middle East.

That was when he made me promise to get a sitter for the kids, come back to this restaurant once a month and treat myself to a nice steak. In turn he would treasure the thought of me being here, thinking about him until he returned home to me.

I fingered the little flag pin I constantly wear and wondered where he was at this very moment. Was he safe and warm? Was his cold any better? Were my letters getting through to him? As I pondered these thoughts, high-pitched female voices from the next booth broke into my thoughts.

&quot;I don't know what Bush is thinking about. Invading Iraq. You'd think that man would learn from his old man's mistakes. Good lord. What and idiot! I can't believe he is even in office. You do know, he stole the election.&quot;

I cut into my steak and tried to ignore them, as they began an endless tirade running down our president. I thought about the last night I spent with my husband, as he prepared to deploy. He had just returned from getting his smallpox and anthrax shots. The image of him standing in our kitchen packing his gas mask still gives me chills.

Once again the women's voices invaded my thoughts. &quot;It is all about oil, you know. Our soldiers will go in and rape and steal all the oil they can in the name of 'freedom' Hmph! I wonder how many innocent people they'll kill without giving it a thought? It's pure greed, you know.&quot;

My chest tightened as I stared at my wedding ring. I could still see how handsome my husband looked in his &quot;mess dress&quot; the day he slipped it on my finger. I wondered what he was wearing now. Probably his desert uniform, affectionately dubbed &quot;coffee stains&quot; with a heavy bulletproof vest over it.

&quot;You know, we should just leave Iraq alone. I don't think they are hiding any weapons. In fact, I bet it's all a big act just to increase the president's popularity. That's all it is, padding the military budget at the expense of our social security and education. And, you know what else? We're just asking for another 9-11. I can't say when it happens again that we didn't deserve it.&quot;

Their words brought to mind the war protesters I had watched gathering outside our base. Did no one appreciate the sacrifice of brave men and women, who leave their homes and family to ensure our freedom? Do they even know what &quot;freedom&quot; is?

I glanced at the table where the young men were sitting, and saw their courageous faces change. They had stopped eating and looked at each other dejectedly, listening to the women talking.

&quot;Well, I, for one, think it's just deplorable to invade Iraq, and I am certainly sick of our tax dollars going to train professional baby killers we call a military.&quot;

Professional baby killers? I thought about what a wonderful father my husband is, and of how long it would be before he would see our children again.

That's it!... Indignation rose up inside me. Normally reserved, pride in my husband gave me a brassy boldness I never realized I had. Tonight one voice will answer on behalf of our military, and let her pride in our troops be known.

Sliding out of my booth, I walked around to the adjoining booth and placed my hands flat on their table. Lowering myself to eye level with them, I smilingly said, &quot;I couldn't help overhearing your conversation. You see, I'm sitting here trying to enjoy my dinner alone. And, do you know why? Because my husband, whom I love with all my heart, is halfway around the world defending your right to say rotten things about him.&quot;

&quot;Yes, you have the right to your opinion, and what you think is none of my business. However, what you say in public is something else, and I will not sit by and listen to you ridicule MY country, MY president, MY husband, and all the other fine American men and women who put their lives on the line, just so you can have the 'freedom' to complain. Freedom is an expensive commodity, ladies. Don't let your actions cheapen it.&quot;

I must have been louder than I meant to be, because the manager came over to inquire if everything was all right. &quot;Yes, thank you,&quot; I replied. Then turning back to the women, I said, &quot;Enjoy the rest of your meal.&quot;

As I returned to my booth applause broke out. I was embarrassed for making a scene, and went back to my half-eaten steak. The women picked up their check and scurried away.

After finishing my meal, and while waiting form my check, the manager returned with a huge apple cobbler alamode. &quot;Compliments of those soldiers,&quot; he said. He also smiled and said the ladies tried to pay for my dinner, but another couple had beaten them to it. When I asked who, the manager said they had already left, but that the gentleman was a veteran, and wanted to take care of the wife of &quot;one of our boys.&quot;

With a lump in my throat, I gratefully turned to the soldiers and thanked them for the cobbler. Grinning from ear to ear, they came over and surrounded the booth. &quot;We just wanted to thank you, ma'am. You know we can't get into confrontations with civilians, so we appreciate what you did.&quot;

As I drove home, for the first time since my husband's deployment, I didn't feel quite so alone. My heart was filled with the warmth of the other diners who stopped by my table, to relate how they, too, were proud of my husband, and would keep him in their prayers. I knew their flags would fly a little higher the next day.

Perhaps they would look for more tangible ways to show their pride in our country, and the military that protects her. And maybe, just maybe, the two women who were railing against our country, would pause for a minute to appreciate all the freedom America offers, and the price it pays to maintain it's freedom.

As for me, I have learned that one voice CAN make a difference. Maybe the next time protesters gather outside the gates of the base where I live, I will proudly stand on the opposite side with a sign of my own. It will simply say, &quot;Thank You!&quot;

(*Lori Kimble is a 31-year-old teacher and proud military wife. A California native, Mrs. Kimble currently lives in Alabama.)

To those who fought for our Nation: Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Please pray for God's protection of our troops and HIS wisdom for their commanders. Pass this on to as many as you think will respond. &quot;Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.&quot;

When you receive this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our ground, air and navy personnel in every area of the Middle East. There is nothing attached.... This can be very powerful.... Just send this to all the people in your address book.

Do not stop this prayer chain, please.... Of all the gifts you could give to anyone in the US Military, be it Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines or National Guard, Prayer is the very best one.....Amen!</span></span></span>

[soccermamamia]

thought you might find this inspirational
keep a hankie handy:

nathanadams.com (http://nathanadams.com/WeSupportU.htm)

[jonessa2]

<span style='font-size:11pt;line-height:100%'>Taking Chance (http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/takingchance)</span>
<span style='color:navy'>EDITOR'S NOTE: PFC Chance Phelps, 19, died April 9 from hostile fire in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. He was buried in Dubois, Wyoming on April 17. The below story was written by LtCol. Mike Strobl, assigned to Total Force Structure Division at Quantico, who volunteered to be the escort officer for PFC Phelps during his journey home. LtCol Strobl's mission as escort officer was to ensure PFC Phelps arrived home with dignity and honor and in a professional and timely manner.</span>

[jonessa2]

from an article stan25 *posted earlier.
Quote[/b] ]&quot;We just wanted to thank you, ma'am. You know we can't get into confrontations with civilians, so we appreciate what you did.&quot;
As small as that. *The rules Military have to follow.
You have to remember that you are a representative of your government.
Civilians do not realize what rights we give up when we choose to serve our Country.
It means to be in the military 24/7.
It means your body belongs to the government 24/7. *
Your family, your personal intersts all come second.

A civilian 'puts in their time.' *40 hour weeks culminate into a retirement.
2,080 hours a year for civilians.
2,080 x 20 years=40,800


Compare (24x7=)168 a week.
8,736 hours a year for military= 4.2 civilian years.
x2=12,477
x3=25,208
x4=34,944

And that is not counting what a service-member could count as hard-time (in theatre, front-line).

So when a servicemember's enlistment is up, remember that he does deserve his benefits, that he, in his brief time has served enough by civilan standards to be retired. *All that and he might only be 21....

[jonessa2]

<span style='font-size:12pt;line-height:100%'>Veterans Report:VA Expands Operations on Army Posts (http://www.military.com/MilitaryReport/0,12914,VR_VA2_06210 4,00.html?ESRC=vr.nl )</span>
<span style='color:navy'>From: &quot;Military.com&quot; (http://www.military.com)
Date: Mon, 21 Jun 2004 22:08:30 -0700 (PDT

The Department of Veterans Affairs has expanded its liaison offices to now support 136 military installations to assist with Soldier transition from active duty and it is working to make it easier for disabled Soldiers to get the help they need. Part of the expanded VA service on military installations is ensuring a VA counselor talks to wounded veterans in military hospitals before those veterans are discharged from the military service. Those hospitals include
<ul> Walter Reed Medical Center, Washington, D.C.;
Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Fort Gordon, Ga.;
Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas; and
Madigan Army Medical Center at Western Regional Medical Command, Tacoma, Wash. [/list]
For more information, see this article (http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,usa2_051104. 00.html). If you are interested in Veterans Resources, go to our Veterans Resources and Benefits section (http://www.military.com/NewContent/1,13190,Veteran,00.h tml). To find the latest news and special features concerning the Army, visit our Army Community Center (http://www.military.com/NewContent/1,13190,army,00.html ).</span>

[brandalizer]

Quote[/b] (primate @ May 24, 2003 -- 12:05 pm)]Support Our Troops!
And make sure that they don't fall victim to the liberal scourge of lowered self esteem and responsibility by cutting their VA benefits.
When thay return, they should feel the pride of finding their own source of income and healthcare.
Providing services to these fine people just because they fought bravely and served their country with honor is a misguided liberal plot to destroy the self reliance of the great American military veteran. They should lead by example and show that real Americans don't need commie social benefits.
http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif What planet are you from? I think you should take your pill now. If ANYONE deserves to be treated with RESPECT AND COURTESY it would be our servicemen and women. Really, WHAT IS YOUR MAJOR MALFUNCTION?

[jonessa2]

<span style='color:navy'>http://www.militaryonesourc e.com
(user ID: military * * password: onesource)


<span style='font-size:12pt;line-height:100%'>Military One Source (http://www.gopusa.com/cgi-bin/ib3/ikonboard.pl?act=ST&f=17&t=12845)</span>
'Military One Source' Solves Service Member, Family Member Problems
By Rudi Williams
American Forces Press Service </span>

[jonessa2]

Quote[/b] (brandalizer @ June 29, 2004 -- 5:55 pm)]Quote[/b] (primate @ May 24, 2003 -- 12:05 pm)]Support Our Troops!
And make sure that they don't fall victim to the liberal scourge of lowered self esteem and responsibility by cutting their VA benefits.
When thay return, they should feel the pride of finding their own source of income and healthcare.
Providing services to these fine people just because they fought bravely and served their country with honor is a misguided liberal plot to destroy the self reliance of the great American military veteran. They should lead by example and show that real Americans don't need commie social benefits.
http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif What planet are you from? I think you should take your pill now. If ANYONE deserves to be treated with RESPECT AND COURTESY it would be our servicemen and women. Really, WHAT IS YOUR MAJOR MALFUNCTION?
==================== ===============
brandalizer is right. *What planet are you on.

A lot of vets will return to jobs.
BUT a lot of vets in theatre, will not have the mental ability to adjust to life in the United States.

I think I posted previously that three years in the military is almost the same as working 20 as a civilian. *As a civilian you expect retirement benefits. *So should vets.

YOU have the choice of enlisting if you think the benefits are so great. *So you shouldn't critisize a Company(the US government) for offering them.

YOU try wearing a uniform 24 hours a day.
YOU work on ship as a skittle during those thousands of sorties from aircraft carriers and tell me they don't deserve benefits.

Have you ever been in close quarters for months at time. *
Ever slept in a torpedo room because there are no berths. *
For that matter have you ever slept in a ship's berth, or a submarines.' *
Have you had to fly, all by yourself in a cramped cockpit to drop precision bombs...or flown a helicopter a couple feet off the ground in support.
Have you stood checkpoint duty, never knowing whether the next person or vehicle has decided it was his day to blow himself up or a vehicle up.
Have you lived 24/7 in 100* heat and dust in uniform?
have you seen live action.

DO NOT tell me that vets do not deserve any benefit that is there.

Do you know that VA's and the veteran community provide the only access to a life they were familiar with while on active duty?. Veterans need to network. They need that comraderie. Hopefully, they will be able to adjust.

By the way. *I feel that reservists are finally paying for the years of free ride they have gotten from the government. *And I am sorry if it has cost them their lives. *If I had my way, there would be no 'boot' reserves. *Only seasoned soldiers.
Would you want a non-vet reservist guarding your back? Fortunately they cover each other. *And fortunately they were there to answer the call.

[titan22960]

Hello, I'm new to this board and being the mom of an Airman I thought the best place to jump in would be on the military topic. I love seeing that you all are so supportive of the Commander in Chief and especially our military men and women. I look forward to getting to know you all. My name is Becky

http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/flag17.gif

[Nancy521]

Hi Becky!

It's good to have you with us. I'm the mom of a daughter in the Army. I think it's often forgotten that George W. Bush is indeed the Commander-in-Chief of our military men and women, and has earned the respect of so many of those who serve under him in this position. I know for my own situation, my daughter has many times told me that when they're in uniform, when they're on duty and serving, politics matter not. For them, it's all about the mission at hand, and what they've been sworn to do. Bless their hearts.

Please give your son my thanks for his service, and thank you too for being there for him.

Nancy http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/flag17.gif

[titan22960]

Hi Nancy, I'm glad to find another military Mom here. I love talking with people who understand. God bless your daughter and thank her for me too.

[Original Rebel]

http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/star2.gif *http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/star2.gif *http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/star2.gif

Welcome Titan.

I am the daughter of a vet and the sister of three vets, so I have a little connection here.

You must be proud of your son. *I, for one, am grateful to you for raising one that is a true American. Please convey a great big &quot;thank you&quot; to him for his service.

http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/bird16.gif

[brandalizer]

Quote[/b] (I_hate_w @ April 16, 2004 -- 3:02 pm)]The best way to support our troops is to get rid of the Neo-Con liars who whispered in the Idiot's ear, and get rid of the Idiot that the ear is attached to.
George W. Bush STARTED an UNNECESSARY war and NEEDLESSLY caused the deaths of 689 of our noblest Americans.
Call 2004 a loss and save your energy for Giuliani in 2008. http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/usflag22.gif *http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/flag19.gif *http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/star2.gif *http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/flag4.gif *http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/flag17.gif
Success in 2004! (http://www.johnkerry.com/)
Hey there IHW,
Count me as one of the idiots. And while we are on the subject of hate, let me tell you that i am full of hate for leftists and islamofascist gangbanger thugs. There was and is plenty of justification for this action we are taking in Iraq as far as i am concerned. There is no way in hell you or anyone else will ever convince me that Hussein and his assortment of yes men did not harbor terrorists, or that they do not have wmds. It is in my humble opinion that Afghanistan and Iraq should only be the start. I can think of at least 5 other countries that we should take to task for their support of terrorists of the Muslim stripe. I sat through 8 years of indecision and mindless drivel from Mr. MISSISSIPPI WITH SHOES CLINTON while the ENEMY slaughtered us with impunity. NO MORE!!! You are on the wrong site. Please go away, and take your EL TORO CACA with you. Do you get my drift? Or am i being too subtle? http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/flag19.gif

[mtnwoods]

Just saw this thread for the first time. I wanted to remind you all to not forget the Guard and Reserve. My husband is in the Guard, he also did 10 yrs active. He was called up active last year to serve as a part Operation Enduring Freedom. There are guys in his company that just went to Afghanistan. Anyway, what I am trying to say is, a lot of these guys take pay cuts when they get called up in the Guard and Reserves. Their families have a really hard time dealing with it because they didn't ever think their spouse would get called up. Sept 11 changed a lot in this country and the Guard and Reserves are answering a lot of calls.

The VFW guys are great and they can tell you people to help. They gave all the guys free international phone cards to call home before they left. They also supported us here.

When you see a military member, thank them. If they are with their family, thank them. My husband is shocked a lot of times when people thank him for his service. I have to say, it has happend more since 9/11 than ever.

Lastly, VOTE FOR BUSH/CHENEY. That is the best thing you can do to support our troops! http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Original Rebel]

http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/star2.gif http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/star2.gif http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/star2.gif

Thank you for that reminder, Mtnwoods. When I pray for the troops, I pray for ALL of them. I know that they are ALL in harm's way and that they are ALL subject to call up. And, I know that the Lord also includes every last one of them in His blessings.

http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/bird16.gif

[titan22960]

Yes Mtnwoods I totally agree and pass my thanks on to your husband and thank you too. It takes all our military, they are all the prime example of dedication and I appreciate them all so much. Your post is dead on.

[jonessa2]

<span style='font-size:12pt;line-height:100%'>Operation Support (http://pages.prodigy.net/parris2002/)</span>
<span style='color:navy'>This site is devoted to the support of our US Military, their families, friends, and those who seek information of support and assistance . *I feel the sacrifices of our Military need to be commended, honoured, and supported.</span>

PLEASE check This site out. *It is a very thorough, and took a lot of effort.
Quote[/b] ]<span style='color:navy'>Date: Wed, 7 Jul 2004 13:54:01 -0400
From: &quot;Press Service&quot; &lt;afisnews_sender@DTI C.MIL&gt; *View Contact Details *
Subject:Operation Support Sisters Create Web Site to Help Families of Deployed Troops (http://pages.prodigy.net/parris2002/)
To: DEFENSE-PRESS-SERVICE-HTML-L@DTIC.MIL

Sisters Create Web Site to Help Families of Deployed Troops
By K.L. Vantran
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 7, 2004 -- Twin sisters Jackie and Janice know the challenges military families face. Their father served 31 years in the Navy, and as self- described &quot;military brats,&quot; they called several places home.

After the tragic events of Sept. 11 and the ensuing war on terror, Jackie Parris said she felt the need to create a Web site that would help spouses and families of deployed troops. She enlisted the help of her sister, Janice Sydnor-Evans, Army Community Service officer for the Beckley Recruiting Battalion in West Virginia.

&quot;I felt the soldiers needed to know there was a site that could assist them and their families in an expeditious manner,&quot; said Parris. &quot;I wanted them to know how much we are supporting their efforts.&quot;

Parris said that between her research and her sister's knowledge of what families of deployed troops need, they created Operation Support.

Operation Support is full of links to organizations designed to assist troops and their families. It includes listings for Veterans Affairs hospitals as well as for Tricare, the American Red Cross, and service aid societies.

It also contains a list of suggested items to send to deployed troops, such as cereal bars, fruit rolls, dried fruit, toothpaste, sun block and cough drops.

Parris said she has received many letters from troops and their families. &quot;The feedback has been totally positive and supportive,&quot; she said. &quot;The many letters I have received have been gratitude for having a one-stop reference.&quot;

Many spouses and friends have asked Parris about certain topics. &quot;If their topic is not addressed on the site, I research it and forward the information to the individual who requested it,&quot; she added.

Parris said she works on the page often and will keep the site going &quot;as long as we fight terrorism.&quot;</span>

[titan22960]

thank you i've never heard of this site, would you mind if i copy the link and give to some of my military mom friends? this is awesome. http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/flag17.gif

[mtnwoods]

Thanks jonessa2, that is a great resource for military and civilian alike. I have a friend who will be getting married to a Marine soon. I think I will send her that link.

Also, I forgot to also put a link to the Freedom Alliance. Hannity just had a concert for their scholarship fund. They are also raising money for wounded soldiers who are hospitalized. The info is on their site: Freedom Alliance (http://www.freedomalliance. org/)

[jonessa2]

<span style='color:navy'>Date: Wed, 28 Jul 2004 14:45:03 -0400
From: &quot;Press Service&quot; &lt;afisnews_sender@DTI C.MIL&gt; *View Contact Details *
Subject: DoD Hotline Offers Chance to Report Outside Command Chain
To: DEFENSE-PRESS-SERVICE-HTML-L@DTIC.MIL

DoD Hotline Offers Chance to Report Outside Command Chain
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 28, 2004 -- DoD Inspector General Joseph Schmitz wants to remind service members there are any number of ways outside their chains of command to report suspected incidents of wrongdoing.

His office runs the DoD Hotline Program. Service members and civilians who wish to report incidents without going through their chains of command can take full advantage of this program.

Those with suspicions can call toll free (800) 424-9098, commercial (703) 604- 8569, or DSN 664-8569 to report misdeeds.

Service members and civilians can also mail their concerns to The Defense Hotline, The Pentagon, Washington, D.C., 20301-1900. The e-mail address is hotline@didig.osd.mi l.


The push to inform service members of this option grew out of the recent series of Senate hearings about prisoner abuse in Iraq. Senators believed there was no way for service members to report wrongdoing outside their chains of command.

For more information, go to the inspector general's Web site.

Related Site:
DoD Inspector General (http://www.dodig.osd.mil/)</span>

[jonessa2]

Quote[/b] ]<span style='color:navy'>Date: Fri, 30 Jul 2004 17:46:02 -0400
From: &quot;Press Service&quot; &lt;afisnews_sender@DTI C.MIL&gt; *View Contact Details *
Subject: Mobilized Soldiers Set Guard Re-up Pace
To: DEFENSE-PRESS-SERVICE-HTML-L@DTIC.MIL

Mobilized Soldiers Set Guard Re-up Pace
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 30, 2004 –Army National Guardsmen who have seen the worst of war are re-enlisting in the military at a higher rate than those who haven't been mobilized, officials said July 29.

&quot;Retention is higher in the units that have been mobilized than across the force, and across the force it is high,&quot; said Brig. Gen. Frank Grass, deputy director of the Army National Guard, during a July 29 interview with American Forces Press Service.

In an average year, the Army Guard sees about 18 percent of the force retire or separate. For fiscal 2004, officials estimate that only about 14 percent of mobilized units will leave, and 16.9 percent of the overall force will depart.

Grass said exit interviews from soldiers demobilizing indicate the guardsmen really do consider themselves a &quot;Band of Brothers.&quot; &quot;Part of what's happening here is this team that used to see each other one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer, have just come together,&quot; Grass said. &quot;Many of them have fought in combat side by side, and they come back and that relationship that they've built is key to them staying in.&quot;

Grass said the reception the soldiers get from the people of their states is also very important. He used as an example the 168th MP Company of the Tennessee National Guard that is returning home after more than a year &quot;boots on the ground&quot; in Iraq.

&quot;Every county that they cross from the time they land until they get to their armory there is a welcoming committee,&quot; Grass said. The unit will receive state police and local police escorts.

&quot;All this make the soldiers feel welcome and the families feel as if their sacrifices are appreciated,&quot; he said.

Grass said the two-year limit on mobilizations is also important. Units can plan on deployments, and the Army National Guard is aiming for units having one deployment every six years.

Grass said there are other policy changes in the works that will aid in reserve component retention. One such is the continuum of service policy. This will allow a soldier to change status more easily. A soldier could be in the National Guard and move to active duty.

Upon return from deployment, he or she could go back into the Guard or move to the Individual Ready Reserve. Grass said this type of set-up would help break down barriers among the components and erase remnants of the Cold-War-era thinking.

Related Site:
Army National Guard

Related Article:</span>

[titan22960]

Thanks Jonessa for posting this i had not read this.

[TXN4EVER]

http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/flag17.gif http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/flag4.gif http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/star2.gif http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/flag19.gif http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/usflag22.gif I'm not and ex-marine or even an ex-serviceman,but I haven't yet seen any situation that coudn't be resolved by a few Marines backed by political and military leaders with backbone. http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/usflag22.gif http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/flag19.gif http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/star2.gif http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/flag4.gif http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/flag17.gif GO MARINES!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!

[SFEngr]

Thanks Jonesa for posting this article about the troops and the Welcoming Committee set up to get them back into the &quot;World&quot;.

As a Vietnam Veteran, I appauld all of those that are making sure that we do NOT repeat the travesty of the Vietnam War.

Coming &quot;home&quot; to cat calls and boos along with cries of baby killer everywhere you went in uniform, was unsettling and left a long-lasting bad taste in our mouths. *While it has been over 25 years since last I put the uniform on, it's like yesterday that I remember the good and bad parts of being in the service.

Duty, Honor, Country *- you hear thsi phrase in the latest &quot;Army of One&quot; Ads, but until you've been in the service, and away from this great Country, the impact of these words is not the same.

Whenever you see a &quot;person&quot; in uniform and they reply that they just returned from some faraway place - just tell them &quot;Welcome Home&quot;. *It is a long standing phrase used between us Vietnam Vets and is still a heartfelt way of greeting the returning service men and women from this latest conflict. *

Congressmen may say that they are in service to this Country, but those of us that have put on the uniform know the difference. *It ain't the same folks.

For the 58,000 on the Wall, remember their sacrifice and never forget.

De Oppresso Liber,

[karoden]

I am a Korean War Vet. and want to say that I am so thankful that Georeg Bush was our president on 9/11 and not an appeasor like Al Gore, or John Kerry.

My post today is in support of the Swift Boat Veterans Group. They served, and paid the price of freedom. For nearly 30 years John Kerry, and his ilk in the Veterans against the war in Vietnam have spouted off giving comfort to our enemies. Now let the Swift Boat Veterans tell their story. They have earned the right. The constitution that they fought for, and defended gives them the right. John Kerry and his army of discontents with their Army &amp; Navy Surplus uniforms have had the spot light, and the media attention unopposed for 30 years, so now let's hear the other side.
Senator Mc Cain has had his opportunities to tell his story. In the media, and with books so he should keep his opinions and comments regarding the Swift Boat Vets to himself.
Since Bill O'reilly, and Dick Morriss were never there why don't they set back, shut up and maybe learn something they didn't know?

[XiN]

I read all ten pages of this thread and it put a smile on my face.

It's a great morale boost to know that there are people at home that support what we do and understand the sacrifices we've given up.

I thank you all.

[Original Rebel]

http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/star2.gif http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/star2.gif http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/star2.gif

No, XiN, thank YOU. Our job is nothing compared to yours. You and others like you deserve all the praise and support we can give you.

http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/bird16.gif

[Trish]

Supporting our troops

I have come across a site on the internet that may help the soldiers, familys and loved ones...The site is done by Tony Diana a former Army Officer that has dedicated a song with positive photos to support the troops. The site is
www.tonydiana.com *supporting our troops through music.. The song name is Picture Of You...Click on it on the left hand side after entering the site.. also click on messages,, you can leave a message to Tony about the song and slide show..Green writing is done by service people and loved ones who are in the service, others are in black... Why not pass the site around...Vote Republican http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/usflag22.gif *http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/flag17.gif *http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/flag17.gif thanks for reading
Trish http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/star2.gif

[JustAllRight]

Hi Trish, and welcome! I'm new here myself, but I see the membership is still growing and that's great, the word is getting out.

Thank you for posting that web site. I think the song is great. I am a veteran myself, and I am so glad to see people supporting the troops and President Bush. The pictures from over there choke me up, our soldiers are so brave, and have such good hearts. God bless them all.

-------------------------------------

&quot;It is customary in democratic countries to deplore expenditures on armaments as conflicting with the requirements of the social services. There is a tendency to forget that the most important social service a government can do for its people is to keep them alive and free.&quot; --British Air Marshall Sir John C. Slessor (1897-1979)


http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/flag17.gif http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/usflag22.gif http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/flag17.gif http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/usflag22.gif http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/flag17.gif http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/usflag22.gif

[Froufrou]

I am just a city girl civilian surrounded all my life by vets. *My dad, father-in-law and my dear husband, who will not discuss his Navy fueler experience picking up boat people in Vietnam.

We have friends on the Texas coast whose GA grandson spent his 19th and 20th birthdays in Iraq. *We had the opp'y to buy him dinner last month before he re-enlisted. *I begged him to let us set him up in a landscape business so he could stay home safe with us. *Thank you, no, ma'am.

My SIL is in Kabul. *She sends emails regularly and I know she means it when she says she loves it there. *This reflects the depth of purpose that I hope all our troops and our coalition feel. *My heart bursts with pride. *I love you all because thanks is not enough. *You are the blessed and the beautiful and I wish I could http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/grouphug.gif every one of you!!!

Froufrou

[JustAllRight]

The Combined Federal Campaign (http://www.opm.gov/cfc/04lists/Index.asp) is under way, many worthy organizations that support veterans could use donations:

Military, Veterans &amp; Patriotic Service Organizations of America (http://www.mvpsoa.org)
82nd Airborne Division Association Education Fund 910-822-4534
AAAA Scholarship Foundation, Inc. (http://www.quad-a.org)
Aerospace Education Fund (http://www.aef.org)
Air Force Memorial Foundation (http://www.airforcememorial .org)
Air Warrior Courage Foundation (http://www.airwarriorcourag e.org)
Airmen Memorial Foundation (http://www.amf.org)
Airmen Memorial Museum (http://www.afsahq.org/AMM/amm-htm/mwelcome.htm)
American Defense Institute (http://www.ojc.org/ADI)
AMVETS Charities (http://www.amvets.org)
Angel Flight for Veterans (http://www.angelflightveter ans.org)
Armed Forces Family Survivors Fund, Intrepid Museum Foundation (http://www.intrepidmuseum.o rg)
Armed Forces Foundation 212-957-7020
Armed Forces Veterans Homes Foundation (http://www.VetHomesFoundati on.org)
Armed Services YMCA of the USA (http://www.asymca.org)
Army Historical Foundation (http://www.armyhistoryfnd.o rg)
Blinded American Veterans Foundation (http://www.bavf.org)
Blinded Veterans Association (http://www.bva.org)
Council On Americas Military Past (CAMP) (http://www.campjamp.org)
Coast Guard Foundation (http://www.cgfdn.org)
Congressional Medal of Honor Society (http://www.cmohs.org)
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Charitable Service Trust (http://www.dav.org)
Fisher House Foundation (http://www.fisherhouse.org)
Hospitalized Veterans Writing Project 913-432-1214
Marine Corps - Law Enforcement Foundation (http://www.mc-lef.org)
Marine Corps Heritage Foundation (http://www.marineheritage.o rg)
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (http://www.marine-scholars.org)
Military Chaplains Association of the USA (http://www.mca-usa.org)
Military Officers Association of America Scholarship Fund (http://www.moaa.org)
Ministry to the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Chaplaincy (http://www.ncmaf.org)
National Flag Foundation (http://www.americanflags.or g)
National Military Family Association (http://www.nmfa.org)
Naval Historical Foundation (http://www.navyhistory.org)
Paralyzed Veterans Of America Spinal Cord Injury Education And Training Foundation (http://www.pvaresearch.org)
Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association (http://www.river-rats.org)
Seabee Memorial Scholarship Association (http://www.seabee.org)
SEAL - Naval Special Warfare Foundation (http://www.nswfoundation.or g)
Special Operations Warrior Foundation (http://www.specialops.org)
Veterans Of Foreign Wars Foundation (http://www.vfw.org/foundation)
Vietnam Veterans Assistance Fund (http://www.wafund.org)
Young Marines (http://www.TheYoungMarines. org)

---------------------------------

&quot;It is customary in democratic countries to deplore expenditures on armaments as conflicting with the requirements of the social services. There is a tendency to forget that the most important social service a government can do for its people is to keep them alive and free.&quot; --British Air Marshall Sir John C. Slessor (1897-1979)

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[Bud Marten]

http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/flag17.gif


The Spiritual Ideals of Those Who Serve and Have Served
* * * * * * * * *Their Country In War and Peace

* * * * * * * * * * *FOUR BRAVE CHAPLAINS
It was the evening of February 2, 1943, and the U.S.A.T.
Dorchester was crouded to capacity, carrying 902 servicemen,
merchant seamen and civilians workers.

Once a luxury coastal liner, the 5649-ton vessel had been converted into an Army transport ship. *The Dorchester, one of three ships in the SG-19 convoy, was moving steadily across the icy waters from Newfoundland toward an American base in Greenland. *SG-19 was escorted by Coast Guard Cutters, Tampa, Escanaba and Comamche.

Hans J. Danielson, the ship's captain was concerned and cautious. *Earlier the Tampa had detected a submarine with its sonar. *Danielson knew he was in dangerous waters even before he got the alarming information. *German U boats were constantly prowling these vital sea lanes, and several ships had already been blasted and sunk.

The Dorchester was now only 15 miles from its destination, but the captain ordered the men to sleep in their clothing and keep life jackets on. * Many soldiers sleeping deep in the ship's hold disregarded the order because of the engines heat. *Others ignared it because the life jackets were uncomfortable.

On February 3rd, at 12:55 a.m., a periscope broke the chilly Atlantic waters. *Through the cross hairs, an officer aboard the German U-2 spotted the Dorchester. *After identifying and targeting the ship, he gave orders to fire the torpedoes. *The hit was decisive--and deadly--striking the starboard side, amid ship, far below the water line.

Danielson, alerted that the Dorchester was taking on water rapidly and sinking. In less than 27 minutes, the Dorchester would slip beneath the Atlantic's icy waters. *Tragically, the hit had knocked out power and radio contact with the three escort ships. *The CGC Tampa, however, saw the flash of the explostion. *It responded and then recued 97 survivors. *

The CGC Esconaba circled the Dochester rescuing an additioanl 132 survivors. *The third cutter, CGC Comanch continued on, escorting the two remaining ships.

Aboard the Dorchester, panic and chaos had set in. *The blast had killed scores of men and many more were seriously wounded. *Others, stunned by the explosion, were grouping in darkness. *Those sleeping without clothing rushed topside where they were confronted first by a blast of Artic air and then by the knowledge that death awaited.

Men jumped from the ship into lifeboats, over crowding them to the point of capsizing, according to eyewitnesses. *Other rafts, tossed into the Atlantic, drifted away before soldiers could get to them.

Through the pandemonium, according to those present, four Army chaplains brought hope in despair and light in the darkness. *These chaplains were: Lt. George L. Fox, Methodist; *Lt. Alexander D. Goode, Jewish; *Lt. John P. Washington. Roman Catholic; *and Lt. Clark V. Poling, Reformed.

Quickly and quietly the four chaplains spread out among the soldiers. *There they tried to calm the friegtened, tend the wounded, and guide the disoriented towards safety.

&quot;Witnesses of that terrible night remember hearing the four men offer prayers for the dying and encouragement for those who would live,&quot; says Wyatt R. Fox, son of Reverand Fox.

One witness, Private Wiliam B. Bednar, found himself floating in oil-smeared water surrounded by dead bodies and debris. *&quot;I could hear men crying, pleading, praying,&quot; Bednar recalls. *&quot;I could also hear the chaplains preaching courage. Their voices were the only thing that kept me going.&quot;

An other sailor, Petty Officer John J. Mahoney, tried to re-enter his cabin but was stopped by Rabbi Goode. *Mahoney, concerned about the cold artic air, explained that he had forgotten his gloves.

&quot;Never mind,&quot; Goode said, I have twp pairs. * The Rabbi then gave the Petty Officer his own gloves. *In retrospect, Mahoney realized the Rabbi Goode was not conveniently carrying two pairs of gloves, and that the Rabbi had desided not to leave the Dorchester.

By the time, most of the men were topside, the chaplians opened a storage locker and began distributing life jackets. *It was then that Engineer Grady Clark witnessed ab astonishing sight.

When there were no more life jackets in the starage room, the chaplains removed theirs and gave them to four frightened young men.

&quot;It was the finest thing I have ever seen or hope to see this side of heaven,&quot; said John Ladd, another survivor who saw the chaplains selfless act.

Ladd's response is understandable. The altruistic action of the four chaplains constitutes one of the purest spiritual and ethial acts a person can make. *When giving up the life jackets, Rabbi Goode did did not call out for a Jew; *Father Washington did not call out for a Catholic; nor did Reverands Fox and Poling call out for a Protestant. *They simply gave their life jackets to the next in line.

As the ship went down, survivors in nearby rafts could see the four chaplains--arms linked and braced against the slanting deck. *Their voices could also be heard offering prayers.

Of the 902 men aboard the U.S.A.T. Dorshester, 672 died, leaving 230 survivors. *WEhen news reached the American shores, the Nation was stunned by magnitude of the tragedy and the heroic conduct of the four chaplains.

The Distinguished Service Cross and Purple Heart were award posthumously December 19, 1944, to the next of kin by Lt. General BrehonB. Somervell, Commanding General of the Army Services Forces, in *a ceremony at the post chapel at Fort Meyer, Virgina.

A posthumous Special Medal for Heroism, never before given and never to be given again, was authorized by Congress and awarded by the President, January 18, 1996.

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[karoden]

I think one of the most positive ways to support our troops, and say thanks to our Veteran's is to donate to groups assisting the wives and children of military personnel that are killed in action. One that I am familiar with, and which has been endorsed by Gen'l Tommy Franks, is &quot; The Eduring Freedom &quot; KIA Fund. I don't have an address but I am sure you may find it by using Google. Word gets around and the men and women in Iraq will hear about it and know that the folks back home are with them, and thinking about them and their sacrifice.

I watched a portion of the Dennis Miller Show this evening and he made mention of the action taking place in Falluja, and he asked if possibly the Insurgent's, and Terrorist understand the message from the U.S &quot;The Campaign is over, and Bush has been reelected&quot;, and his agenda is 1. Kill Terrorist, 2 Kill More Terrorist, 3. Kill some more Terrorist.

[Charie]

Our county GOP is collecting items to send to a unit in Samarra. We're collecting all the usual things. We found two sponsors who will pay the postage. We even had one person who donated money from Minnesota. We'll be packing the boxes up next Tuesday.

Just heard on the radio that there was fighting in Samarra so if you can send an extra prayer in that direction I thank you .

[Vicky]

Terri! This was a brilliant idea for a thread. Thank you for getting it started. Thanks also for all the inspiring posts and great site info. I love our military for they not only keep us safe, they do it with honor, valiance, courage and a chilvary that most of the world can not understand. AND they are the meanest, toughest, deadliest, force known to man, as they have the blessings of our Lord and Savior implored by the millions of righteous prayers sent up in a constant stream. May God bless our troops and encamp angels round about them. May he make their aim steady and the unseen hedges around them tall. May he comfort those who suffer loses that only He understands. May He be with the loved ones back home who ache to be reunited.






T

[Old Sea Dog]

Phone cards for wounded vets.

For those of you who want to send phone cards to help our military, you

might consider sending the cards to Landstuhl Regional Medical Clinic,

in Germany. This is the first location most of the wounded, sick, and

injured from all over that part of the world come to prior to being sent

back to the states. This is probably the first location that they have a

chance to call home. Info is at the following:



Landstuhl Regional Medical Center

NAVMED DT Landstuhl Ge

LRMC CMR 402 Box 4

APO AE 09180-3460

Lisa.Phillips@lnd.am edd.army.mil



or



Landstuhl Regional Medical Center

Department Of Pastoral Services

CMR 402

APO AE 09180



E-mail Phillip McDonald

Phillip.McDonald@LND .AMEDD.ARMY.MIL



Phone cards should be purchased here and mailed to either of the addresses. They will be distributed there.

If contacting these people for anything else, please use discretion, as their time is very limited.

There are other sources for sending other articles.

Thank you for your consideration.

The link below will give you info about the facility.



http://www.landstuhl.health care.hqusareur.army. mil/Patient....-25.pdf (http://www.landstuhl.health care.hqusareur.army. mil/Patient%20Handbook_L RMC%20Pam%2040-25.pdf)

[Old Sea Dog]

I hope people still look into this thread,as I just now
got a good piece of information on Pre-Paid phone cards
for our troops.
Quote[/b] ]200-unit Military Exchange Phone Cards now available
(Source: )
The Army and Air Force Exchange Service's &quot;Help Our Troops Call Home&quot; initiative is expanding with the unveiling of a 200-unit Military Exchange Global Prepaid Phone card that makes giving the gift of communication to deployed troops more affordable. AAFES unveiled the 200-Unit card in late November.
On the day they were issued, KLBJ-AM in Austin, Texas placed an order for 4,675 200-Unit Military Exchange Global Prepaid Phone cards. &quot;After raising $70,075 through the station's 'Operation Call Home' program, we were looking for a way to ! maximize every dollar,&quot; said KLBJ-AM promotions director Macon Schoonm aker. &quot;After talking with AT&amp;T it became clear that AAFES' 'Help Our Troops Call Home' program was the most affordable way for KLBJ to provide the greatest number of cards and call minutes to deployed troops.&quot; AAFES has offered the 550-Unit phone card since the 'Help Our Troops Call Home' program began in April. While the $39 550-Unit card offers the bulk buying power to drive the cost per minute to as low as 19 cents a minute during the holidays, it limits the number of troops that can benefit from the distribution of phone cards purchased by civilian organizations, individuals and businesses.The $14.99 200-Unit Military Exchange Global Prepaid Phone card can be used at any of the 63 AAFES call centers throughout Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom including 47 locations in Iraq and Afghanistan. With a rate of only 30 cents a minute, each card provides 50 minutes of talk time to the United States from the AAFES phone centers throughout Iraq and Afghanistan.Before a servic! emember even picks up a phone in a deployed location, servicemembers should read the fine print on the card. All phone cards are not created equal. Troops as well as friends and family should be aware that price per minute charges can be much higher when placing an overseas call using a credit card, calling card or other pre-paid phone cards. Most commercial calling cards purchased in the United States are designed only for domestic use and rates are as high as 50 cents a minute when calling from Iraq or Afghanistan. So troops on the front line really get a lot more bang for the buck when provided an AAFES Military Exchange Global Prepaid Phone card, regardless of the denomination.Many pre-paid phone cards sold in the United States are designed for use within the 48 contiguous states. AAFES' Military Exchange Global Prepaid phone cards are designed for use on a &quot;global platform.&quot; This platform is tailored to the unique needs of mobile servicemembers.The &quot;Help Our Troops Cal! l Home&quot; initiative allows any American to make a direct contribution t o the morale of troops who find themselves far from home. Individuals, organizations and businesses can log on to AAFES's Web site and click the &quot;Help Our Troops Call Home&quot; link, or call 1-800-527-2345 for more information on 200-Unit and 550-Unit Military Exchange Global Prepaid Phone cards.


http://www.aafes.com/

[JustAllRight]

Hey, if you have a phone card from Sams Club, you can donate minutes to the military any time. It is one of the options when you use it. I assume they add the minutes to existing calling cards.

******************** ******************** ****
&quot;It is customary in democratic countries to deplore expenditures on armaments as conflicting with the requirements of the social services. There is a tendency to forget that the most important social service a government can do for its people is to keep them alive and free.&quot; --British Air Marshall Sir John C. Slessor (1897-1979)
******************** ******************** ****


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[homiebrah]

Just say thank you to someone in uniform the next time you see him/her. It means a lot to us.

[Terri]

Homiebrah! Welcome to the forum and thank you for your service to our country!

[Ben_Colder]

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr class="standard"><td>Quote </td></tr><tr class="standard"><td class="QUOTE">One way is to support military issues by writing to our elected officials.
[/QUOTE]

I and thousands of military retirees have been writing our elected officials for years now.

World War 2 and Korean War retirees are trying to get our benefits restored as promised for our twenty or more years active duty. This fight is for todays military also. Some of our current active duty soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines are there for a career. Support HR-602. http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/usflag22.gif

[dkc1944]

I have been reverting to my own youthfull experiences. Whenever I see a uniformed military person I go out of my way to personally thank them. No big show - just walk over and thank them for their service. Haven't got a frown yet! As my meager military retirement allows, I often pay for drinks, meals or the like when I notice a uniformed service person in an establishment I'm in. Just a mention to the waiter or cashier to pass along the &quot;thank you for your service&quot; makes me feel good and I'm sure the service person hold their shoulders a little higher. This was done for me all over the country after 'Nam and I did appreciate it!

[KJVFKSMITH]

We've been discussing ways to that we can help in the War on Terror. One way is to support our military.

We hear the voices of the left rising against the military. Recently there was an incident of a professor writing to an USAFA cadet and calling him a babykiller.

Tommorrow that professor will be saying that he supports the Troops. The left loves that stuff. They Love to needle President Bush and his admin.

We need to support our Troops at all times. One way we can do that, is by continuing to support them even through the bad times. We have had some Troops break the law in Iraq. Whether it be those at the prison or the Lady that lifted her top. There are, and will be others. We cannot be Fair Weather Supporters. We must continue to love and support them after their errors. The left seems to pounch on them time and time again, and sadly, so do we at times. I am not saying we should support them in crime, and become a part of it. But, we should not leave their side because of the crime. There is more to them than the crime.
1 John 3:18
18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

[EdieJ]

Here is a link that someone sent me:

Thank our troops (http://www.defendamerica.mi l/nmam.html)

I sent it to several people, including some of my co-workers. *One of them found a picture of her son on the website. *How *http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif *is that?!

[Ilman]

This is my first post on this site, been reading some of the responses to this topic. Great.

I'm a Korean vet, Navy. They didn't call it the forgotten war for nothing. At least we didn't get spit upon like the Vietnam vet's did. But in the many years since, it's only recently where I've had people, mostly the young, come up and tell me thanks for my service. It kind of shocks you, it's an unfamiliar situation, but after all these years, it means a lot to see that others see value in your small contribution. *

It is with pride I see what South Korea has made of it's economy, and quality of life.

I can't imagine what the WW-2 vet's must feel in looking back on their contribution. They're still heroes in my book.

So what I am saying, is the Men and Women over there now, or those who have returned , would - I am sure welcome any encouragement you might offer them.

[Terri]

Welcome to the forum, Ilman.

I'm honored to be the first one here to thank you for your service to America. http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/salute1.gif

You will find that all our military, veterans, national guard and active duty are highly respected at http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/gopusa.gif

[Charis North]

Hello Terri and all Forum contributors!

Please accept my apology for responding so late. My computer suffered a near-fatal attack from a really wicked virus and was down for two weeks. Just as I was about to bite the bullet and buy a new model, I was able to get back on line. I think the virus might have been spawned by some liberalist left-winger because of the heat they are receiving.

To Terri: This old soldier, Korean and Vietnam Wars veteran and ever-loyal supporter of our troops offers you his deepest thanks and sincere appreciation for posting this topic. May God bless you, Terri.

Today - this hour - as I write this, the do-gooders, war-protestors, liberalists, anti-military, left-wingers are protesting in the streets of Fayetteville, North Carolina a bare two miles from my house and only three miles from Fort Bragg, the home base of so many of our gallant fighting forces.

That they are able to do this because of the efforts of our brave men and women who daily put their lives on the line, for the freedoms we take so much for granted, seems to not matter to the protestors. The fact that the protests are tantamount to giving aid and comfort to the enemy, encourages the terrorists to continue their killing of innocent people and is demoralizing to our troops seems to cause no concern to the protestors.

When the troop ship bringing some 3,000 of us home from the Korean War in 1951 cruised into the harbor at Seattle Washington, we were met by fire boats, spouting, horns blowing, flags waving, people cheering and bands playing. After returning to my home state, I was welcomed in a friendly fashion and the war - still going on - seemed to be put back on the second burner - but support for the troops was still there.

How different it was when I arived in California at LAX in 1967 coming home from Vietnam. I had to deck an anti-war protestor in ersatz camouflage trousers and dirty T-shirt with a flower behind his ear and then also a member of some orange-robed fanatical religious sect member in order to get through the door of the terminal to my cab. I was about to do further damage to the two when I was grabbed by the biggest cop I have ever seen. I think he was a Samoan. He firmly but gently pushed me to the cab saying &quot;Go home Sergeant. I'll take care of these guys.&quot;

Now, once again, my fellow Korean and Vietnam Wars veterns have to see the traitors parading in the streets of our hometown as they blindly, some mistakenly and some intentionally, tear at the very fabric of our defense that makes it possible for the back-stabbers to do what they do.

Worse; The soldiers deploying and returning from Iraq and Afghanistan through and into Fort Bragg are being subjected to this disgrace. They are being put upon by the same scum who spawned John Kerry, Jane Fonda and their ilk. Haven't they learned anything from the Vietnam era? I guess that's too much to hope for.

My point is: I believe in the right to protest. I fought in two wars for that right for all of our citizens. All I can say is Henry David Thoreau must be spinning in his grave as he sees the way the liberals, left wingers and poor, duped fellow traveler protestors have twisted and bastardized his wonderful essay on &quot;Civil Disobedience.&quot;

From reading the postings in this topic, I am encouraged that there may be light at the end of the tunnel. I extend to all of you my thanks and deep appreciation for the support given our troops.

Thank you all for listening to me. May God bless this wonderful, free country in which we live. May God also bless and speed our gallant fighting forces who maintain our freedoms.

C.N.

[Revalamb]

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<span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>Welcome home all you brother and sister patriots from all wars and services. I thank you for your service to our country, our Constitution and our Flag. Long may she wave.
God Bless You, God Bless America and God Bless our Troops.</span>
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[Hooskadoo]

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!!

During the discussions on the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005, Amendment 16 (http://http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/F?r109:1:./temp/~r109euP129:e27861:) was proposed, with the objective &quot;To protect servicemembers and veterans from means testing in bankruptcy, to disallow certain claims by lenders charging usurious interest rates to servicemembers, and to allow servicemembers to exempt property based on the law of the State of their premilitary residence.&quot;

This amendment was proposed particularly in view of the fact that so many reservists and National Guards are now in active service, and many of them end up filing for banruptcy due to hardships directly related to their service. Senator Durbin: &quot;They are the people we are talking about in this bankruptcy bill. We are not talking about someone in a distant State in a circumstance we can't understand. We are talking about an activated member of the Guard and Reserve deployed for a year or 2 years who loses his business and has to file for bankruptcy. The law we are going to pass is going to make it more difficult for that person to file for bankruptcy.&quot;

As expected by anyone who's been paying attention, the amendment was rejected along party lines: 58 nays (mostly, though not all, Republicans), and 38 yeas (mostly Democrats). Basically, those who'd pushed their way to the front of the parade, waving the flag hardest, are the same ones who rejected this proposal to support the troops.

I certainly wanted to support the troops by keeping them safe at home while the UN continued it's search for WMDs in Iraq (http://www.un.org/apps/news/infocusnewsiraq.asp? NewsID=382&sID=6), just as I had supported their operations in Afghanistan. I certainly support our troops by holding accountable those who sent them in harm's way based on 'faulty information'. * *
In the words of a serviceman who served in Iraq: (http://www.optruth.org/main.cfm?actionId=gl obalShowStaticConten t&screenKey=hear&htmlId=1560)

&quot;I'm left with pride in my own service and the men I served with, but the sickening feeling that it was avoidable. I would gladly lay down my life for our country. Like every other man who wears this uniform, our commitment is not at issue. Call it naivety, but it never occurred to me that my country was less committed to us than we are to it. Sending us in harm's way for a lie amounts to a betrayal that may prove to be criminal. It's unfortunate that on November 2nd 59,000,000 Americans failed to do their duty and hold the administration accountable for this betrayal of the troops. A dishonorable discharge was never more warranted.&quot;

I certainly supported my troops by not supporting those who sent them to an avoidable war without proper equipment, without the right numbers to do the job, and with no idea of when they'll come home.

Does anyone what to support our troops now? *Don't you find it sickening that CEOs for companies such as Halliburton,
Exxon-Mobil, Bechtel, Raytheon, et al, who are sitting in their nice cushy offices are going to benefit so much more from this war than those men and women who giving their blood, sweat, and limbs in Iraq?

Why not find a way to make sure that our military people get as rich off of this operation as will Mr. Bush and his friends? How? Who the heck knows? Perhaps a free fuel card for every service member, so they never, ever have to pay for gas again? I heartily thank and respect all of our armed forces. Your lives and safety are very precious to us.

As propos of nothing important: 3.5 years, billions of dollars and thousands of lives later, Osama bin Laden is STILL free.

[Bishop]

We need to do everything we can to support our troops.

[Original Rebel]

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You're absolutely right Bishop.

Welcome to GOPUSA. Why don't you join us in the daily Forum and introduce yourselves.

I am wondering if anybody has an updated list of servicemen/women who need letters, packages, etc.

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[GroovyLady]

i heard about a big pro-troop rally that's suppose to happen in D.C. and is being partly sponsored by the folks at Free Republic. i'll see if i can find out more about that...

[melreid41]

This is the first time I have visited this particular forum and I would like to say thanks bunches for all the links and information that you have posted to help support our troops and veterans.

I would also like to say THANKS to all who are serving and who have served our country. Thanks for all that you have done and are doing to protect us and the freedoms that we have today. I'm humbled at the great risks that you all have taken or will take to protect a great nation such as ours. May God bless you and your family forver.

God bless you all, God Bless our President and God Bless our military!!!! http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/usflag22.gif

[Im4atbrka]

The country music radio station who I listen to supports our military 365 days a year. At 7:00a.m., they play the Pledge and sing a patriotic song by a country artist. They have sent banners to soldiers in Afghanstan, Iraq and other places.

Now, they are asking listeners to create homemade valentine's to send to our troops overseas.

[Fubared]

While supporting the active duty troops, let us not forget the warriors who served in the hot and cold wars of the past. Support them through insuring that their earned and promised healthcare is funded and provided.

&quot;The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any
war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how
they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated
by their nation.&quot;
-- George Washington

[qrayjack]

The flag is on display at home and on my pickup, along with yellow ribbons and a big &quot;W&quot; magnet. Two bumper stickers proclaim &quot;I 'heart' Gitmo&quot;, another says &quot;I'd rather be hunting with Dick Cheney than driving with Ted Kennedy&quot; and yet another says &quot;Tyrants don't listen to reason - that's why we have cruise missiles.&quot; The bumper stickers are admittedly a little crass, but they hack the libs off and that's good enough for me. But more substantively, when the State or local newspaper prints a letter from some left-wing Bush-hater, lecturing us ignorant conservatives on how the president got us into this awful illegal Iraq war for no legitimate reason, I immediately submit a letter that verbally rips the arrogant sob's spurrious argument to shreads. Most of them are printed. And I wear one of those little rubber &quot;support America's fallen heros&quot; wrist bracelets. It ain't much dear hearts, but it's somethin'.

[l1m89]

<table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr class="standard"><td>Quote </td></tr><tr class="standard"><td class="QUOTE"> What We Owe Our Troops
By Alex Epstein
FrontPageMagazine.co m | May 29, 2006

Every Memorial Day, we pay tribute to the American men and women who have died in combat. With speeches and solemn ceremonies, we recognize their courage and valor. But one fact goes unacknowledged in our Memorial Day tributes: all too many of our soldiers have died unnecessarily--because they were sent to fight for a purpose other than America's freedom.

The proper purpose of a government is to protect its citizens' lives and freedom against the initiation of force by criminals at home and aggressors abroad. [/QUOTE]Source (http://www.frontpagemag.com /Articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=2 2634)

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[newsupdate]

http://www.gopusa.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif In regard to the conversation about the VA....
I never really had much of a good opinion of the VA due to various issues that arose when my father (a retired CSM, veteran of two wars) had when he became ill. However, in 2003, they restored my confidence in them, as well as restored my confidence in human compassion. My brother, an Army veteran, was diagnosed with service connected stage 4 cancer and given about 6 months to live (he died after three). After much research it was determined that he contracted cancer from his exposure to Agent Orange while stationed overseas in the early 70s. After it became apparent that he was not going to survive, someone in the VA's office decided to change the determination (apparently thinking they would save the VA money by not having to care for him) and said he (my brother) would not be eligible for VA benefits, which at that time he was a patient in a VA hospital. That meant he would have been discharged and sent home to die. However, by the grace of God, there was a doctor in that VA hospital that had a heart. Please bear in mind that my sister and I do not have concrete proof of what I am going to say, but all evidence leads to it being the truth. When my brother got to the point of already approaching the final gasps of life, his attending VA doctor gave him a bit too much morphin and helped stop his misery. Now some would say, &quot;don't you want to take this doctor to task for killing your brother?&quot;, all we have to say is God bless him and the nurses that helped him help my brother in his final hours. My point behind all of this is just to show that though there have been a lot of complaints against the VA, there are still some doctors with heart and compassion that work for them.

[Fubared]

Several on line military oriented groups (VVB-Forum@yahoo.com is one) lobby legislatures to insure that the VA Health Care System is fully funded. The last budget for them was woefully inadequate until congress was bombarded with mail to increase funding.
Lets not forget that backing the troops includes those that have come home with serious physical and mental health problems.

[lraynes]

:)


Check out BOOTMURTHA.com and join Operation Street Corner. Create your placards using the downloads on the web site and, then, show up on OCTOBER 1st in Johnstown for the RALLY!! Support Diana Irey for Congress and see www.vetsforirey.com. DO SOMETHING FOR OUR MILITARY (and have fun too!!)

[john47]

I think the best way to support our troops is to "Pray for them" daily. Plus we need to understand that it is disingenuous to say (I support the troops but not the War) If we support the troops we also have to support THEIR MISSION!!.

[bostonmarxist]

ha like talking to ourselves would help imperialist lackeys halfway around the earth iraq was imperialism and you know it we only went in there to get some oil and kill some 'brown' folks(no offence)

[RINOs Gotta Go]

ha like talking to ourselves would help imperialist lackeys halfway around the earth iraq was imperialism and you know it we only went in there to get some oil and kill some 'brown' folks(no offence)
BostonMarxist! Oh...My...Goodness! :eek: You sounded like you're the one that has just escaped from a mental hospital. The mental hospital must be looking for that escapee. They certainly don't want this escapee talking incoherently:crazy: all over people's front yards. Are you the one:taunt:that got away?

[bostonmarxist]

of all my experiance on the internet that has to be the MOST MENTALLY DEFICIENT REPLY EVER:CONGRATULATIONS YOUVE won the prize is instant death... god doesnt exist we are the highest forms of life and after we die we all rot and cease to exist a scientiffically proven fact too

[Der Alte]

we are the highest forms of lifeYour ramblings in this and other threads really make me wonder how high our life form really is.

[Ohiowoman]

god doesnt exist we are the highest forms of life and after we die we all rot and cease to exist a scientiffically proven fact too
I'll be looking for your proof. Why not put it in the "off topic" thread you created?

[lorichil]

My husband and I both support the military. We both have had parents serve in the military and other relatives and some have lost their lives for us. Today we have 3 nephews serving, though none are in Iraq at the moment.
Has anybody checked out the Treats for Troops[I] site? That is an exceptional site for sending personal products and snack-type packages to the troops. You can send to a group, which, if you wish, they will select for you, or to an individual, and you can select one from your own state. They do everything for you and all you do is pay. The only drawback is you rarely hear from the recipients.
Also, we connected with a chaplain about 3 years ago through SOS America, which is no longer doing what it was doing, though it is still listed in [I]America Supports You. Each time a chaplain leaves. he/she gives us the name of the new chaplain and the address. I correspond by e-mail with the chaplain and see what is needed or requested by the troops and send one big package a month now. We were sending one a week but it started to be too expensive. They let us know when it is received.
We sent CARE packages last year to a grandchild of a person with whom we both worked. Right now we are also sending to a man in our church who is in Iraq. Names of local people who are serving in the Middle East are often in the newspaper. I've thought about checking out one of those sometime if we run out of people to whom we can send our support.
Try to send through an organization, if you can, for then you can take a tax deduction. If you send by yourself, you will not be able to deduct anything. We would send whether we had the deduction or not, but it helps to be able to send more by having that deduction.

[Luckyme]

bostonmarxist
of all my experiance on the internet that has to be the MOST MENTALLY DEFICIENT REPLY EVER:CONGRATULATIONS YOUVE won the prize is instant death... god doesnt exist we are the highest forms of life and after we die we all rot and cease to exist a scientiffically proven fact too
This is not a religious site and it is requested we not debate religion here, or be disrespectful to those we disagree with. I'll just say I feel sorry for you. You sound cynical, bitter, and seem to have no happiness in your life so you come here to deliberate bait us, looking for a fight.

Your mind seems to be completely closed to any ideas you disagree with. Perhaps if you opened your mind and read news gathered from all over the world and as many sources as we can find, you might just learn something.

Just try to keep in mind, it is our military that keeps us free and allows you to have the freedom to do this. There are many who would take our freedoms from us and it is only the military that prevents it from happening. So if nothing else, how about supporting our troops who are in harms way. Whether you believe or not, I will still pray for your salvation.

[Granite River]

Check this link.

www.operationamerica rising.com

[Last straw]

The following is the hottest thing on the internet and on Fox News today.
Lizzie Palmer who put this YouTube program together is 15 years old.

url:
http://www.youtube.com/p.swf?video_id=ervaM Pt4Ha0&eurl=&iurl=http%3A//img.youtube.com/vi/ervaMPt4Ha0/2.jpg&t=OEgsToPDskLo1pVEsJ aG6lkRx1j3IL5W&autoplay=1

[KJVFKSMITH]

John47 said;
I think the best way to support our troops is to "Pray for them" daily. Plus we need to understand that it is disingenuous to say (I support the troops but not the War) If we support the troops we also have to support THEIR MISSION!!.

Preach it!!!

[schillerbjr]

If We Support The Troops. We Also Have
To Support The Mission!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Absolutely!!

Right On!!!!

The Troops Need Our Support Now More
Than Ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!

God Bless Each And Every One Of Them!!!

They Are The "greatest"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!

[concretebob]

My two cents since I'm neck-deep in getting winter gear to a unit in Afghanistan. Go to tankerbabelc985.vox. com or concretebob.vox.com and check out what she and I are doing for the 173rd Airborne Infantry 2nd Battalion 503rd Infantry Regiment and the 1st Squadron 91st Airborne Cavalry.
As a member of Soldiers Angels and Gathering of Eagles, I can not and will not provide APO's for deployed troops; however, we have shipping addresses available if you want to help. We need to get these guys set for winter in the Afghan mountains. You can contact either of us through our blogs or here.
Leta and I are not some faceless anonymous entities pleading for help. We're well known in the DC conservative and milblog community.

I can provide a Tax ID number if you wish to take a charitable deduction, provided you include contact info with your shipment. I can also almost garuntee if you provide a mailing address, you WILL hear back from the guys in Afghanistan, especially if you send disposable cameras.
TankerBabe is the POC for this, I have a link to USCavalry on my site, which sells military gear. These guys need some love, friends. They need warm gear and attention. We're doing all we can, but we need help.

concretebob
DCProtestWarrior
Soldiers Angels
Gathering of Eagles

[VEL]

This Veteran's Day began as usual. We drove to the American Legion to get the weapons (they are not guns! :D ) for the celebration in town. The very light mist grew heavier as the day wore on.

The Honor Guard - some in their mid 70's - stood at attention at the appropriate time, then gave the "21 gun salute." As usual, my weapon misfired on the second round, so what else is new. Somehow we ignored what was now a light drizzle. Not to worry, it would soon be over.

As I retired into the comfort of our home, I remembered...

Times such luxury was not available...

Those who had served under very difficult circumstances...

Those far from home now, their remembering and wanting to be with family and friends..

In a very simply way may I just say "Thank you" for the sacrifices made. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[lpara]

SEND CHRISTMAS CARDS TO OUR WOUNDED

With the support of the U.S. Department of Defense and Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and with help from Pitney Bowes Government Solutions, the American Red Cross will collect, review and distribute holiday greeting cards to wounded military personnel. For security reasons, the Red Cross will be able to accept only holiday cards but not packages. Red Cross volunteers will receive and bundle the cards, which will be shipped by Pitney Bowes Government Solutions. Then, Red Cross volunteers at the medical facilities will distribute the cards throughout the holiday season.

Please address your holiday cards to:

We Support You During Your Recovery!
c/o American Red Cross
P.O. Box 419
Savage, MD 20763-0419

Be sure to affix adequate postage. Cards must be received no later than December 27. Cards received after this date will be returned to the sender. Again, senders are reminded that "care packages" are not part of the program--send only cards and notes. Also, please refrain from using glitter or any other inserts that would not be appropriate in a hospital environment.

Website for more info (http://www.wramc.amedd.army .mil/Lists/WRNews/DispForm.aspx?Id=30&)

[Charie]

Thanks for the post, Laurie. I hope all at :gopusa: will send at least one :c_nav: card.

[CherokeeJim]

Remembering this time of year the true meaning of Christmas, we should remember our Military every day, far as Jesus Christ made the sacrafice for all mankind, These military men and women are defending, sacraficing and enduring hardships to protect you and I and America. Merry Christmas to each of them and May our GOD in heaven protect them daily and comfort and bring love and understanding to the sorrowed hearts of their families. May we as Americans come together and stand proudly of their sacrafices, honor and bravery they show in what they do everydayfor us at home.
GOD bless our military men and women and protect them every day.
GOD bless their families, as they suffer through these days of hardship and sorrow, and GOD bless our president so that he will follow the right path to freedom and victory and bring our military troops home in VICTORY, safe and home soon.
GOD bless America and a very Merry Christmas to all.

[CherokeeJim]

Ilman, GOD bless for your service and a HELL-of-a-war it was.
I my self also served, but in Vietnam..69/70.
I despise the word "Conflicts"
"May we never forget"
GOD bless America and the military past, present and future.

[carmela620]

to all vets out there--first, THANK YOU! but, if u are having trouble with a claim, or lose benefits, get in touch with a NATIONAL service officer!!! (nso)---and NOT a VETERAN service officer (vso) --the vsos work for the va, the nationals do not.... my husband has been a dav since 1965, and was on a pension-for no reason, they took it away. i did enuf griping, to finally get it back after 10 months..but they are at it again. an NSO will do more fighting for you.... i write to soldiers, and i have sent close to 3200 christmas cards since 2005, i always tell the kids to save all of their papers! ANYSOLDIER is a good website, if you would like to send a card, or package to troops.

[carmela620]

wow, i am surprised to hear you have that much of a percentage for a hearing disability---ever go onto the ''myhealthyvet'' site? most veterans complain, because they tell them that ''hearing loss is something that happens anyway!'' yeah, so does diabetes, and lots of soldiers are getting comp for that. i had an argument with the moderator over that one..my brother worked on the deck of 2 aircraft carriers, and at 24, he came home with a severe hearing loss. no, it wasn't normal. i'm glad u got what u did from them!

[Fubared]

To actively support the troops, both active, veteran and military retiree go to the legislative alerts of various military support oriented groups and submit letters through the prepared correspondence program. The letters get results and response from Congress and the White House. Here are some sites that can get you actively started.

http://capwiz.com/usdr/home/
http://www.capwiz.com/trea/home/
http://capwiz.com/military/issues/alert/?alertid=9711991&type=CO
http://capwiz.com/naus/home/

You can also join the discussions at various groups such as
VVB-Forum-subscribe@yahoogroup s.com
or search for a group thru google or
http://groups.yahoo.com/

[ronboy]

As far as Berkley is concerned; all we have to do is reinstate the draft in Berkley problem solved; won't need recruit centers.
ronboy

[martinf]

By all means, find opportunities to support our troops whenever and wherever you can. It was my lot to serve in the unpopular war in Vietnam (two tours). Both times, when I returned to the US it was prudent and necessary to visit the men's room and get out of uniform to avoid incidents in the terminal. Thank you's were few and far between, but since I was a careerist it did not matter at the time. Now retired, it is now my pleasure to wear a US Army Retired hat with pins to denote serving in Vietnam and with which units. I am the frequent recepient of Thank You's and former members of my units always stop to converse over where and when. I now know how uplifting and proud it makes one to have served when I was needed and I'm sure all those in uniform over there or not would enjoy a thank you in whatever form you can make it, and you will feel better for having done it. So take it from this old soldier, yes Support our Troops anyway and as often as possible.

[Dr.John]

"that the Tree of Liberty has to be watered from time to time with the Blood Of Patriots!"

-Captain Eagle



Please Google "Cellphones for Soldiers", and you can help our G.I.'s with your old cellphones.

Quote:[There are only two defining forces that have offered to die for you-one was Jesus Christ and the other was The American Soldier.
One died for your soul and the other died for your freedom] _ Ronald Reagan