Virginia Soldiers' Angels

URGENT: Love to Our Troops...

2012-02-01T13:15:00.000-05:00

♥ LAST CALL VIRGINIA!!!! ♥

♥ Please contact me (Jacqueline) at cncva06@gmail.com if you, your family, children, schools, church, friends etc... have any Hearts for Heroes or Letters of Love to send to our troops this Valentine's Day! They will be sending everything to the same Units and Companies we cared for during our big Christmas Project back in December. ♥

♥ Hope you can find it in your HEART to help out!! If you have anything by this weekend, the lastest - February 5th - that would be great. PLEASE just let me know so we can show these brave men and women how thankful we are by showering them with LOVE!! ♥

♥ Thank YOU for everything you do already! God bless! ♥

Bridging the Divide

2012-01-27T07:28:00.000-05:00

From Nick Palmisciano, member, Soldiers' Angels Board of Trustees:

To most people, the benefit of our troops’ contact with Soldiers’ Angels is obvious – our Angels provide comfort to those deployed, to those injured, and to those who have returned and need someone to hear their voice. If these three functions alone showcased the full extent of what Soldiers’ Angels brought to the table, the organization would be absolutely invaluable to our servicemen and women.

In the last few years, however, I have noticed another incredible service that our Angels bring to the table – they bridge the military/civilian divide.

To the average citizen, this divide is most likely not apparent, and that makes sense, as most people have absolutely no interaction with our Armed Forces. This is a marked change from the experience of previous generations. During World War II, a full 11.5% of all Americans served in the war, which essentially equated to almost every able-bodied man available. Everyone had multiple family members involved in the conflict and the war was very personal. People were willing to sacrifice because they had skin in the game. Limit fuel consumption? Absolutely. It might help dad. Buy war bonds? Of course. My brother needs the money for ammunition. Regardless of service status, nearly every man, woman or child had to sacrifice something, whether it was the loss of a loved one, years of separation, financial loss, or a lack of comfort items. Every American’s life was changed markedly, and when the war ended, it was truly a victory for all.

Over time, however, service numbers have dropped, our economy has become more robust, and our politicians have created a system where the average American feels no change in lifestyle due to a wartime stance.

Only 0.45% of all Americans have been involved in the Global War on Terror, and the majority of those 0.45% are the children of veterans, thus we’re seeing the possible beginning of a small “warrior caste” emerge that is even further separated from the population at large. Our taxes have not gone up to compensate for the increased spending necessary to fund the war. We have not been asked to curb our use of fuel, rubber, or steel. We have not been limited in the type of goods we can purchase. In short, while war has raged on for ten years, most of us have had to contribute well…nothing.

At the same time, we’ve seen Congress whittle away troop benefits while discussing a large reduction in force, a possible reduction in retirement benefits, and a general disregard for troop quality of life and safety (multiple deployments without rest, lack of proper equipment, insufficient training time and ammunition, challenging ROE, etc.). As there has been no outrage coming from the civilian world (because so few are directly affected), it’s easy for many troops to fall into an “us against them” thought process. This gets exacerbated when the only time any troop issue does get attention and pressure is when there is a lapse in judgment (e.g. urination on the enemy dead), leaving troops feeling that no one cares if they are killed or wounded or live in rough conditions, but God forbid something unpalatable happens in the din of battle that might be distasteful for someone sitting on their couch watching the war on CNN.

The last piece of this disconnect comes when troops return home, finally, and rejoin the civilian world. They enter a world that cannot fathom what they have gone through, that worries about insignificant challenges rather than life or death ones, and that views them as “broken” thanks to the media and Hollywood’s constant love affair with post-traumatic stress. This anger and frustration often results in an inability to connect with potential employers and has resulted in the largest veteran unemployment rate in history.

And this is where you, as a Soldiers’ Angel, make all the difference. Those letters and care packages sent to our deployed troops remind them that there are people who care for them – that appreciate their sacrifices. Those Angels visiting the wounded in the hospitals and helping to solve their problems and provide them comfort proves to our heroes that there are some Americans willing to still give their time, effort, and money for our men and women in uniform. And those Angels working to rehabilitate troops through our Heroes & Horses program, music programs, and homeless programs are helping provide that bridge back to normal life.

You see, what you may not realize is that receiving a care package isn’t a big deal because of what is in the care package, even though all the items are appreciated and needed. These packages move the troops because they show that someone out there cares. And when you’re sitting out there in a dusty post in the middle of a place you’d rather not be, having lost a friend or two and sacrificed a lot of time away from those you love, you need to know it matters every now and then.

Angels, for many people, you’re the only person letting them know it matters.

Please never forget that.

Thank you for all you do.

May no Soldier walk alone,

Nick Palmisciano

President

RangerUp.com

Nick is a former Army Ranger with post-9/11 service, and is the newest member of the Soldiers' Angels Board of Trustees.

Warehouse Needs a Restock...

2012-01-17T23:17:00.002-05:00

From the Soldiers' Angels Warehouse facebook page:

Angels it is time to RESTOCK THE SOLDIERS' ANGELS' WAREHOUSE:

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

WE CAN DO THIS ANGELS!!

Sending Love to Our Troops!

2012-01-11T22:27:00.000-05:00

Greetings All!

After our WONDERFUL & successful Christmas project, which brought smiles and holiday joy to 1,100 of our troops and which you all were amazing in helping with, we are now on to our new mission: to send TONS of LOVE to our troops for Valentine's Day :)

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Soldiers’ Angels in Virginia is working on a project called “Hearts for Heroes.” We are "selling" $1 red hearts that donors sign and we will be sending them overseas in time for Valentine’s Day.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

-I would like to work on setting up tables at various locations. Anyone with a location who would like to help, please contact me (Jacqueline) at cncva06@gmail.com

-This is also a GREAT project for our school children and young adults to do! They can make hearts, decorate and sign them and we will send them overseas to our troops currently deployed, along with the other "Donor" hearts.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Soldiers say that their favorite gifts are from the kids. They love the notes and the artwork. Nothing more precious than giving someone love expressed through the eyes of our innocent.

We will be sending the hearts over on February 1st.

If you could be finished and have them to me by Friday, January 27^th, that would be great.

Thanks everyone!! Look forward to hearing from any and all who'd like to help :)

God bless!

Career Fair & Expo for Our Veterans!

2012-01-02T09:30:00.003-05:00

Veteran Career Fair and Expo, Washington, DC, January 18, 2012 | Veteran Owned Business Employment News

Attention Veteran Owned Business Members and Visitors:

FREE Veteran Career Fair & Expo
Washington, DC

Date: January 18, 2012
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Washington, D.C. Convention Center

Join the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and your fellow Veterans on Wednesday, January 18, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., at the Veteran Career Fair and Expo, a free event brought to you by VA for Vets.

The Veteran Career Fair and Expo is an exciting event designed to provide career and education opportunities for Veterans in Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. As a Veteran, you will be able to register for the benefits and services you have earned through your military service.

Prepare for a Civilian Career

VA and other federal agencies are looking to hire qualified Veterans. Hiring managers from VA and other federal agencies will be on-site to interview and hire Veterans for a variety of positions. Career Coaches will be available to help you:

Translate your military experience into marketable skills
Build a resume in the federal job application format
Find career opportunities in the federal government that are a fit for you

Closer to the event, information about special non-competitive hiring authority positions will be posted on this website. You will then have the opportunity to submit your resume, DD214 and eligibility letter to qualify for an onsite interview.

Enroll in Veteran Benefits and Services

Join your fellow Veterans in exploring booths and attending learning sessions that will inform you about benefits, career advancement, and health and wellness services.

Gain access to programs like eBenefits or the Post 9/11 GI Bill
Receive medical and dental checks
Meet with representatives from programs for Women Veterans, Survivors and Minority Veterans
Learn how to chart a rewarding career path

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

This is a public service announcement (PSA) brought to you by Veteran Owned Business. Veteran Owned Business is in no way affiliated with the above organization(s). We do not in any way endorse the above business/organization or guarantee the above offer. VeteranOwnedBusiness.com and the Veteran Owned Business Directory are simply providing information we feel is of interest to veterans, active duty military, reservists, service disabled veterans, veteran owned businesses, service disabled veteran owned businesses, families of veterans, families of our armed forces and any other person or persons directly or indirectly involved with the United States military.

If your business is (or you know of another business) owned by a veteran (VOB), active duty military, reservist or service disabled veteran (SDVOSB) of the United States, Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard or National Guard, please be sure to visit the VeteranOwnedBusiness.com sign up page to get your free listing.

The objective of our FREE Veteran Owned Business Directory is to continue to offer a growing list of products and services that are unique in the fact that they are all owned by, sold by and/or serviced by past and present military members.

http://www.veteranownedbusiness.com/blog/va-veteran-career-fair-expo-dc/

Visit other sites at:

vaforvets.com/DC/

http://www.mca-marines.org/event/11/12/veteran-career-fair-and-expo

http://www.stripes.com/blogs/the-ruptured-duck/the-ruptured-duck-1.160117/va-career-fair-in-dc-on-jan-18-1.164668

A Very Angel Holiday

2011-12-29T15:31:00.000-05:00

What an amazing Holiday Season this has been at Soldiers’ Angels! We all worked and planned so hard for months and it has finally come together. Here are just a few snapshots of what the generous hearts and tireless spirits of Angel volunteers accomplished this Holiday Season.

Over 85,000 care packages were sent to heroes on the front lines, many containing gifts for more than one service member.
Over 1,250 struggling military families were adopted by individual Angel volunteers who gave them children’s presents and a gift card for a holiday feast.
Over $50,000 worth of toys were donated to military children in need or with deployed parents, through FRG (Family Readiness Group) holiday parties across the country.
Over 50 laptops, iPads and Kindle Fires were given to wounded warriors to aid in their recovery and reintegration. Gaming systems were given to VA hospitals, facilitating physical therapy and socialization for the patients there.
Most every VA hospital in America received a shipment of socks, coffee mugs, coffee and blankets from Soldiers’ Angels and volunteers around the country.
Each major military medical center received a delivery of Christmas gifts and handmade/written holiday cards from across the country.

This amazing list does not include the thousands of adopting Angels who made sure their deployed received a box from home, the countless patriotic Americans who flooded the warehouses with holiday greeting cards to be placed in care packages, and the local bands of Angels who worked to support military families and deployed units in their areas.
Truly we accomplish amazing things when we lift those Angels wings and work together!

Blankets of Hope, Angels of Love

2011-12-21T09:00:00.002-05:00

And the Angels of Virginia do it again! This time it had nothing to do with store front fundraisers, making/signing cards or collecting snacks, but these Angels branched out to do something brand new! Northern Virginia Angel Cindy held an amazing No-Sew Blanket event at the Sugarland Run Community Center in Sterling, VA for our wounded troops. On December 5^th, 7 kind hearted ladies (from left to right in picture: Jan, Donna, Baljeet, Tina, Sunny, Cindy, Sandy and Amanda) all came together for a fun evening full of pizza, snacks, and some fine wine but most importantly, with the mindset and hands to make beautiful Blankets of Hope. With the spirit of community, everyone helped each other until every blanket was complete. All in all, 11 blankets were made: one by each of the ladies who came and 3 by Cindy’s 2 daughters Amanda and Cerrana (the daughters not pictured). Angel Cindy had planned on paying for the shipping of all the blankets to our Soldiers’ Angels Germany contact, Maryann, but since the event was advertised and opened up to the public, blanket maker Donna polled the board of the Sugarland Run Home Owners Association (SRHOA) for shipping funds. The SRHOA were extremely generous and agreed to pay for all the blankets to be shipped over to Germany on Saturday, December 10^th. Thank you SRHOA for your kind donation & support!! Angel Cindy commented saying, “This was my first time hosting an event for Soldiers’ Angels. I loved doing it and everyone there had a great time. I would love to host an event again in the future.” Thank you Angels for all your hard work and for giving warmth, comfort and hope to our Wounded!

Quotes from Event:

Sandy: “This event was a win-win! Good friends getting together for a greater cause! Our son returned home recently from Iraq but I'm committed until they all come home! So why not join us next time?”

Tina: "The no-sew blanket event was a great experience. What an awesome opportunity to give back to our soldiers. Thanks, Cindy!”

Nijjar: “It is an honor to be a part of no-sew blanket, to thank our soldiers for their service. May God bless them and their families.”

Donna: “Fun times by friends made even better by knowing we are creating something special for someone else.”

Time's Top Photos of 2011 Honors Soldier

2011-12-20T15:12:00.002-05:00

So good, it must be re-posted for all to see from Florida Soldiers' Angels: Palm Bay Solider Honored in Time's Top Photos of 2011:

His wife is quoted as saying “He carries his weapon and goes to sleep with it and wakes up with it,” she said. “This is more than just a picture of my husband; it stands for what those soldiers go through all the time."

http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20111215/NEWS01/312150034/Palm-Bay-soldier-top-Time-photos?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CLocal

Christmas for Our Troops...

2011-12-12T22:57:00.000-05:00

The totals are in, everyone! What a Christmas project it has been: so many people, companies and organizations, all from 5 different states (VA, WV, MD, NC & PA). This massive undertaking consisted of caring for over 1,100 troops from 6 different Units/Companies!

Lrg. APO boxes Shipped: 63
Christmas Cards/Pictures & Thank Yous Sent: Over 1,430

Estimated Value of Items Collected: Approx. $3,125.00
Monetary Donations Collected for Shipping Cost: Approx. $1,000.00
Gift Cards Donated by Stores: $175.00 worth

From sending Welcome Home Christmas Cards to Ft. Hood, Texas to the shipping 63 boxes overseas, it took an Army/Fleet/Unit of people and groups to pull this Christmas surprise off for all these Heroes and Heroines. Most of the head contacts from each of the 6 Companies/Units were told they were either just receiving cards or were not expecting anything. Boy, will they all be in for a surprise this Christmas, as each will receive at least 5 boxes filled with cards and goodies.

MANY thanks go out to:

- All Angels/Volunteers & Friends involved from Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania & North Carolina

- Helpers with the 3 Bake Sale Fundraisers (VA, WV & MD)

- Giant Food stores in Ashburn & Leesburg, VA

- Targets, Wegmans and Rite Aide in Sterling & Leesburg, VA

- The Bavarian Inn (WV)

- Loudoun Do Something Now Club from Woodgrove HS & Loudoun Valley HS (VA)

- St. Mary of Sorrows Families (VA)

- Appletree School (VA)

- Westfields HS (VA)

- First Energy (PA)

- Ashburn Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department (VA)

Thank you to EVERYBODY involved in this great and amazing project which started in October and lasted through the beginning of December. Because of you, our troops will have a smile on their face as we hopefully were able to bring them all a little bit of Christmas joy this Holiday Season of 2011. May that happiness carry them into the New Year of 2012 until they all come home!

May God bless you all for your kindness and may the Christ Child keep all our men and women safe overseas this Blessed Christmas and throughout their remaining deployments.

December's Newsletter

2011-12-11T18:46:00.000-05:00

Viginia Angels mentioned in Soldiers' Angel's December Newsletter!

http://soldiersangels.org/newsletters/1211.pdf

Congratulations to everyone for all your hard work and thank you for supporting our troops is various ways. Great pictures and articles on p. 5 ("Virginia is for Veterans"), p. 7 ("Interview with a Hero" - The Hero was the Adoptee of VA's Community Network Coordinator, Jacqueline) and p. 13 ("Pics Page").

My Sunday Evening...

2011-12-04T22:47:00.002-05:00

This afternoon/evening I was watching the Giants vs the Packers while talking (typing) to one of my soldiers on Skype. It was a big game which we had talked about for weeks since our teams were going head to head. He was a little disappointed that he couldn't get the feed where he was overseas so I decided to Video Call him on Skype, set up a snack table in front of my TV and position it perfectly SO..... he could watch the "BIG GAME" :) He LOVED it and I was so excited that I could bring it to him. He was so kind and thanked me and my parents for "allowing him" to watch the game haha...

The smallest little things make our Heroes so happy and makes me often look back at all the things I have daily and may take for granted. Anyway, was an awesome experience. After the game he was exhausted and went to bed to get some shut eye before he had to get up for another day of hard work. Now I, too, can go to bed - feeling safe because of HIS sacrifices and also, with a smile on my face because apparently I was able to make his day.

♥ God bless all our troops, especially this dear soldier. Sweet dreams all, and sleep well while being so thankful to all our brave men and women who give up everything on a daily basis to protect each and everyone of us ♥

What Goes Around Comes Around...

2011-11-30T12:31:00.000-05:00

This Christmas season, the club "Loudoun Do Something Now" (LDSN) of our local high schools, has supported Soldiers' Angels and our troops many times over. The students have made Welcome Home cards for the Black Knights at Ft. Hood; held Christmas card signings for our troops overseas during their precious lunch breaks; have made a No-Sew Blacket for one of our Marines in Afghanistan; are scheduled to help package all our Christmas care boxes for our 600+ troops overseas this weekend who we've put our Angel Wings around; and plan to continue to support Soldiers' Angels in various ways throughout their school year and the months to come.

I cannot thank these young men and women enough for their dedication and time. Being our future, it is such a comfort to know these adolences have such beautiful souls and kind giving hearts. With that being said and all they are doing to help our service men & women and their families and in addition, helping to spread the word about Soldiers' Angels, I'd like to return the favor. LDSN has just recently kicked off it's national campaign of Teens for Jeans to help those not as privilegded or as fortunate as some of us. If you have an extra pair of jeans and looking for a place to donate them, please consider giving back to a group who has helped us, Soldiers' Angels, during our projects. Click on any of the links above and they will lead you to where you need to go to help out. Thank you ALL!

“The kindness you do for somebody today will come back to you tomorrow.”

Welcome Home....

2011-11-29T01:08:00.001-05:00

Woodgrove High School writing Welcome Home Christmas cards

Would like to thank the Ashburn Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department of Ashburn, VA and Woodgrove High School's "Loudoun Do Something Now" Club of Purcellville, VA for writing Welcome Home Christmas cards to SSG Wangsness and the 1-5 CAV "Black Knights" at Ft. Hood, Texas. It has truly been an honor for us volunteers and Angels to care for these men and women during their deployment this past year and now even MORE of an honor to be a part of the Welcome Home celebration of these Heroes and Heroines. Many prayers have been answered this holiday season as the Black Knights are safely returning home just in time to be with their families for Christmas and to start a beautiful New Year with them. Thank you brave soldiers for your hard work and sacrifices.

WELCOME HOME!!

Veterans' Weekend Bake Sale/Fundraiser

2011-11-13T17:30:00.001-05:00

Yet again but without surprise, our Virginia, West Virginia & Maryland Angels are soaring high for our troops!! The Veterans' Weekend Bake Sale at Giant in Ashburn, Va this Saturday was extremely successful & full of fun. More items & stocking stuffers were donated & collected for our men and women overseas for Christmas and a great deal of shipping money was raised to help with sending all the care packages out in just a few short weeks.

As successful as it was, our Angels baked SOOO many goodies that another Bake Sale is an order. There will be one held tomorrow, Monday, November 14th, at Giant Food from 3pm-7pm in Leesburg, VA:

635 Potomac Station Dr.

Potomac Station

Leesburg, VA 20176

As always, if you can stop by, please do and if you cannot, please pray it goes well. Once everything is done and accounted for, totals will be posted for all to see. Thanks to everyone for your help and may God bless you all!

Thank you, Heroes, for giving us our freedom!

Some of our Angels Working Hard but Having Fun!
(Click on picture to enlarge)

"Man of Action!" A true supporter who didn't have cash on him, so he left to find an ATM and came back! Two Thumbs up for Kindness!

(Click to enlarge)

Auction is Now LIVE!!

2011-11-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

The eBay auction with items donated to Soldiers' Angels in support of Project Valour-IT is now LIVE! There are 23 items up for bid, with auctions ending anywhere between early Sunday morning and mid-day Monday. Auction items handcrafted jewelry, a handmade camo-print purse and consumer electronics. Go check it out!

Project Valour-IT Auction for Our Veterans

2011-11-10T23:52:00.000-05:00

11/01/11

To honor America�s veterans and support Project Valour-IT, Soldiers� Angels is holding an eBay auction on Veterans Day Weekend and your donations are needed to make it happen!

From patriotic to practical and beyond, your gift will help a severely-wounded hero receive an adaptive laptop from Soldiers' Angels. We need to move quickly, but Angels have an amazing way of coming through under pressure!

To submit your item for auction or ask any questions, emailmailto:beths@soldiersangels.org?subject=Auction with subject line �Auction.� Be sure to include ALL of the following in your email:

Quality photos of the item you are donating for auction
Full description of the item, appropriate for posting on eBay
The minimum amount for which you want your item to sell

Items must be mailed to Soldiers� Angels as soon as possible (in most cases, before the auction is complete�shipping details will be provided when you email).

We did it!!

2011-11-10T18:48:00.002-05:00

FOR ADOPTION?? ZERO HEROES!!! hehehe ♥
Great Job Everyone!!!

We got it down to ZERO for the day!!!

(More to come but great to see for once!)

Adopt a Hero!

2011-11-09T18:02:00.000-05:00

ONLY 44 HEROES LEFT - JUST WAITING TO BE ADOPTED!!!!

Let's make it happen and have them ALL adpoted by this Holiday season, especially in honor of Veterans' Day this week: 11.11.11. We can do it!!

Go to

http://soldiersangels.org/

Thank you, ALL, and may God bless you for everything you do!

May We Never Forget Them...

2011-11-04T09:56:00.000-04:00

Fr. Charles Joseph Watters
by: Lawrence P. Grayson

In the early morning hours of November 9, 1967, as American artillery and aircraft pounded an 875-meter-high hill near Dak To, Vietnam, Fr. Charles Watters offered Mass at its base. Many Protestants joined the Catholics for the well-attended service. Soon, the chaplain would accompany these paratroopers of the 173rd Airborne Brigade as they moved against a North Vietnam Army (NVA) unit occupying the hill. The commanding general of the 173rd thought the objective was held by a depleted enemy force that suffered heavy casualties in recent fighting. The occupiers, however, were a fresh NVA regiment of 2,000 soldiers.

At 9:43 am, 330 men in three companies moved out. Companies C and D advanced abreast, while CompVany A was behind to protect the rear. The weather was clear and warm. The advance was slow through the thick, tangled foliage of scrub brush, bamboo and tall trees. Unknown to the Americans, the enemy had been preparing the site for several months, constructing camouflaged bunkers interconnected with trenches and tunnels and storing extensive quantities of supplies. At 10:30 am, with the first troopers a few hundred meters from the crest of the hill, a well-concealed NVA force opened fire with recoilless rifles, automatic weapons, small arms, rockets and hand grenades.

Father Watters moved to the line of contact. When a wounded trooper was standing in shock in front of the assaulting forces, Father raced forward, picked the man up and carried him to safety. Soon after, he ran through intense enemy fire to aid a fallen soldier. The chaplain moved wherever he was needed.

When the fighting began, Company A, which was to the rear, began constructing a landing zone that could be used for resupply and evacuation of the wounded. The work was slow as the company was under occasional fire. Then, at 2:30 pm, enemy troops launched a massive assault from lower on the hill, driving the company upwards toward the other American units. The paratroopers had walked into a carefully prepared ambush, with enemy units above and below them.

With their advance halted, the Americans formed a defensive perimeter, bringing in their injured. As the men pulled back, the chaplain went into “no man’s land,” between the two forces, exposing himself to friendly as well as enemy fire to recover two wounded soldiers.

Celebrating Mass during the war in Vietnam. Father Watters believed his place was always with the fighting men — in the combat zone.

The NVA were now striking from all sides in a well-coordinated attack. The paratroopers were firing intensely, but the NVA continued to come. When the American defensive zone was forced to contract, Father Watters saw several wounded men lying outside of it. Ignoring attempts to restrain him, he left the perimeter three times in the face of automatic weapons and mortar fire to carry and assist injured troopers to safety. Then he moved about, aiding the medics, distributing food and water, speaking words of encouragement, and giving last rites to the dying.

With the three companies now in a common defensive area, the several command posts and the wounded were placed in the middle. For several hours, the Americans fought off the enemy. The high expenditure of ammunition and lack of water made resupply essential, but heavy enemy fire made it difficult. Six helicopters were hit and driven away before one finally dropped needed supplies at 5:50 pm.

As the enemy assault intensified, U.S. air strikes and artillery were called in, but they had little effect because of the dense foliage. Then, just after dark, at 6:58 pm, a Marine Corps fighter-bomber released two 500-pound bombs destined for the edge of the American perimeter. One of them struck the upper part of a tree located near the center of the American position and exploded. Fragments of the bomb were showered over the area which contained the combined command group, the wounded, and the medics. It killed 42 men, including the chaplain, and wounded 45 others. This was one of the worst friendly-fire incidents of the Vietnam War.

Charles Joseph Watters was born in Jersey City, N.J., on January 17, 1927. After attending Seton Hall University, he went to Immaculate Conception Seminary, and was ordained a priest in 1953. While serving in several parishes in New Jersey, he earned a commercial pilot’s license, and then in 1962 joined the Air Force National Guard. Three years later, Father enlisted in the Army as a chaplain, successfully completed airborne training and was assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, nicknamed the Sky Soldiers.

In June 1966, Father Watters, now a major, began a twelve-month tour of duty in Vietnam. He believed his place was with the fighting men, and so when a unit he was attached to rotated to the rear, he would join another unit in combat. He was constantly in motion, saying Mass, tending the wounded, joking with the men and giving spiritual guidance. Fr. Charles Joseph Watters celebrating Mass in the combat zone during the Vietnam War, shortly before his death. Father Watters with his chaplain’s assistant saying Mass shortly before his death.

In February 1967, he took part in Operation Junction City, which included the only combat jump of the Vietnam War. This helped endear him to the men, who knew he would risk his life with them. During this tour of duty, he was awarded an Air Medal and a Bronze Star with a V for valor.

When his tour ended, he extended for another six months. After the friendly-fire incident in which Father Watters was killed, the Americans took Hill 875, and significantly crippled the fighting effectiveness of the North Vietnam units they fought. Fr. Charles Joseph Watters was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, and has had schools, a bridge, a Knights of Columbus council, and the Army Chaplain’s School named after him.

About the Author: Lawrence P. Grayson is a Visiting Scholar in the School of Philosophy at The Catholic University of America. He also serves as State Director for Pro-Life Activities, Knights of Columbus, Maryland.
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Angel/CNC of the Year - Nomination Form

2011-11-02T22:58:00.000-04:00

Do you know a Soldiers' Angels volunteer or Team Leader/Community Network Coordinator who goes above and beyond for the troops and their families? Have they made a big splash, or quietly been the force behind something wonderful? Or maybe they do great things in troop support in spite of challenges in their daily lives?
If you know an extra-special Angel, help him or her get well-deserved attention with a nomination for Angel or CNC of the Year for 2011!

Nominations will be accepted through November 30 and must be based on what that Angel/CNC has accomplished in 2011. Two winners will be selected by a committee that does not include Angels (no Soldiers' Angels volunteers/staff on the committee).
Winners will be announced on January 6, 2012, which has been designated Angel Appreciation Day. Each of the two winners will receive a trip for two to the Soldiers' Angels Support Center for a special event early in 2012. Winners' names will also be placed on a plaque at the Center. For questions or additional information, email cncoftheyear@soldiersangels.org.

So, dust off your keyboards, flex those fingers, and tell us about an amazing Angel you've seen in action...

Heart Warming Story...

2011-11-02T12:47:00.000-04:00

"I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap,' I thought. Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation. 'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me.

'Petawawa. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Afghanistan.'

After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached the east, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time. As I reached for my wallet, I overheard a soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch.

'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to base.' His friend agreed.

I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. 'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me.

'My son was a soldier in Iraq ; it's almost like you are doing it for him.' Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which do you like best - beef or chicken?'

'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class. 'This is your thanks.'

After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars. Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand and said, 'I want to shake your hand' Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.' I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.

Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.

When we landed I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars! Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'

Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals. It seemed so little..."

**A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America" for an amount of "up to and including my life." THAT is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.**

God bless our troops, their families and ALL their sacrifices!!

Mailing Deadline/Info for Shipping to Iraq

2011-10-29T12:22:00.000-04:00

By Cheryl PellerinAmerican Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2011 – Because U.S. forces are coming home from Iraq by the end of the year, the U.S. Postal Service will stop accepting mail addressed to military post offices in Iraq starting Nov. 17, Defense Department officials said today.

Military post offices in Iraq also will stop processing mail Nov. 17, and service members there should begin now to advise those who send them mail about the Nov. 17 deadline.

Mail still in the postal system through Nov. 17 will be processed and delivered to service members in Iraq, officials said.

In November, U.S. military postal service responsibilities in Iraq will transition to State Department embassy or consulate post offices for service members assigned to Office of Security Cooperation or the Chief of Mission in Iraq.

These sites will provide letter and parcel mail services to service members assigned to the Office of Security Cooperation or the Chief of Mission in Iraq.

The transition will be closely coordinated with the U.S. Postal Service Agency, which will delete ZIP codes for Iraq military post offices from the USPS database to prevent undeliverable mail from entering the postal system after Nov. 17, according to defense officials.

If APO mail arrives in Iraq after a service member departs, mail will be redirected to the new mailing address provided or, if no mailing address was provided, returned to sender.

Any mail mistakenly accepted by a USPS post office after Nov. 17 will be returned to sender once it reaches the International Gateway in New Jersey.

Service members in Iraq or returning from Iraq who do not receive a requested absentee ballot from their state can complete a back-up federal write-In absentee ballot at the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s Web portal. The form wizard will provide a PDF document for printing, including the completed ballot and instructions for returning it to their local election official. Contact installation and unit level voting assistance officers for additional assistance.

Service members who are remaining in Iraq after Nov. 17 and who are there on behalf of or are assigned to the Office of Security Cooperation or the Chief of Mission in Iraq should coordinate with their chain of command and the servicing State Department mail location to receive a new mailing address.

According to defense officials, conditions and situations in the Iraq transition change often. Officials recommend that service members check the Military Postal Service Agency website and USPS Postal Bulletins frequently for updates.

**Please don't worry, none of this applies to the Companies/Units we are sending things to this Christmas**
Thanks,
Jacqueline

Upcoming Events... ...

2011-10-27T22:44:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to give you an update/notice on some events we have coming up on the schedule...

November 12th, Saturday from 12pm-4pm, we will be having a bake sale at the Giant in Ashburn, VA. It is Veteran's Day weekend, so a perfect time for people to come out and support out troops. The funds/donations collected from this event will be for shipping costs for all our Christmas packages being sent out this season. If you would like to help out by baking or manning the stand, please contact me and let me know. Also, this could be a great time for you to drop off anything that YOU have collected over the weeks in regards to cards, donations, items for stockings and packages, etc. The address for this location is:

43670 Greenway Corp. Drive

Ryan Park

Ashburn, VA 20147

December 4th, Sunday at 5pm, a No-Sew Blankets of Hope event will be held at the Sugarland Run Community Center in Sterling, VA. These blankets which are made will be for our wounded troops returning home. For more info about the supplies you will need to bring, please contact the hostess/our fellow Angel, Cynthia at cmcnanley@msn.com Also, this will be a Christmas Card Signing Event, as a table of cards will be set up for you to sign so we can ship over some words of love and a Blessed Christmas to our Companies/Units we are caring for this hoiday season. There will also be a box for shipping donations available as well. For any other questions regarding the last two parts of this event, please contact me cncva06@gmail.com The addess for this location is:

Sugarland Run Community Center

200 Greenfield Ct.

Sterling, VA 20164

If you would like to hold any events during this coming month of November, please just let me know and I will be happy to help out and spread the word. The more the merrier!! Our troops appreciate all your hard work. Thank you so much for everything.

Take care and may God bless you and your family always!

Thanks,

Jacqueline

Finally A Special Day to Honor Them...

2011-10-25T09:16:00.000-04:00

10/18/11

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

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

HOEVEN’S NATIONAL DAY OF THE DEPLOYED RESOLUTION PASSES IN THE SENATE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

S.RES.295 -- Designating October 26, 2011, as `Day of the Deployed'. (Agreed to Senate - ATS)

SRES 295 ATS
112th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. RES. 295

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
October 17, 2011

Mr. HOEVEN (for himself, Mr. CONRAD, Mr. ROBERTS, Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. ISAKSON, Mr. BLUNT, and Mr. BOOZMAN) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

________________________________________
RESOLUTION

Designating October 26, 2011, as `Day of the Deployed'.

Whereas more than 2,270,000 people serve as members of the United States Armed Forces;

Whereas several hundred thousand members of the Armed Forces rotate each year through deployments to 150 countries in every region of the world;

Whereas more than 2,300,000 members of the Armed Forces have deployed to the area of operations of the United States Central Command since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks;

Whereas the United States is kept strong and free by the loyal military personnel who protect our precious heritage through their positive declaration and actions;

Whereas members of the Armed Forces serving at home and abroad have courageously answered the call to duty to defend the ideals of the United States and to preserve peace and freedom around the world;

Whereas members of the Armed Forces personify the virtues of patriotism, service, duty, courage, and sacrifice;

Whereas the families of members of the Armed Forces make important and significant sacrifices for the United States;

Whereas North Dakota began honoring the members of the Armed Forces and their families by designating October 26 as `Day of the Deployed' in 2006 ; and

Whereas 40 States designated October 26, 2010, as `Day of the Deployed': Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate--

(1) honors the members of the United States Armed Forces who are deployed;
(2) calls on the people of the United States to reflect on the service of those members of the United States Armed Forces, wherever they serve, past, present, and future;
(3) designates October 26, 2011, as `Day of the Deployed'; and
(4) encourages the people of the United States to observe `Day of the Deployed' with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

Great Article

2011-10-22T01:23:00.000-04:00

Amazing story, history and an account of a wonderful and honoring event from the "Modern American Heroes" Blog. Great read! Enjoy!

http://www.modernamericanheroes.com/2011/10/20/men-of-honor-2/trackback/

CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!

2011-10-16T15:20:00.000-04:00

Greetings All!!!

As you know, the holiday season is approaching & Christmas is by far the busiest time of the year for us with Soldiers' Angels (SA), for as an organization, we send cards & packages to OVER 100,000 of our troops overseas!! I already have a few projects set up for this year which includes us continuing to care for our Company of women in Afghanistan; our Company of 200 Army strong also in Afghanistan & a new Unit of Marines we have excitedly taken under our wings this Christmas season. Also, depending on the where abouts of SSG W & his men, we will be helping his Company out as well. We have a lot to do but if we work together I believe we can get it all done & make this Christmas one these Soldiers and Marines will forever remember.

For our Women and Marines, I plan on doing stockings for all of them. That would be a max of about 23-25 stockings. I already HAVE the stockings & will need help getting stocking-stuffers & signed Christmas cards (for all Units and Companies, especially the one with 200 men), and shipping donations/money, as always. Below is an outline of ideas for each of the things mentioned above but I WANT/NEED your input, help & more ideas!! Please, please email me (cncva06@gmail.com).

STOCKINGS: As mentioned already, I have bought enough for the Company of Women and Unit of Marines. Unless we want to make more for any others you have in mind, like some Adopted Soldiers & those they are with, then we will need to buy some more which is fine. Found all the stockings for just $0.50 at a local Ben Franklin. Greal deal!

Stocking-Stuffers: I'm thinking each stocking should have a "main gift" for each Soldier/Marine to unwrap. IDEAS?? For other things, I'm thinking candy, hot cocoa/hot apple cider packets &/or coffee since it's getting cold; chap sticks; and maybe if we can somehow find Army &/or Marine Corps special ornaments & anything else you can think of. My mind is drawing a MAJOR blank for the stuffers so ideas are much much appreciated! Please share!!

FUNDING for the Stocking-Stuffers: I recently was given a $25 gift card from the donations' manager at the Super Target in Leesburg, VA. I'm working on writing stores to hopefully sponsor/donate items &/or gift cards to help us out. Any ideas of stores that you know of who would be willing to donate gift cards or items? Please let me know & work your magic, Angels!! :)

Christmas/Holiday Cards: Now cards will be for ALL, especially the Company of 200. Also, every stocking will have at least 2 cards in it because when you think about it, nobody receives just one card for Christmas. The most effective ways to get Christmas cards/Thank Yous for our troops is through:

1. Card Signing Events - any/all of you are MORE than welcomed & ENCOURAGED to hold one at your church, schools, public places, stores fronts etc...
2. Schools - have your children & their fellow students work with their teachers & classes to made cards; our troops enjoy the ones from the kids so very much!
3. Taking some boxes of cards to your office or places of work and have people there sign cards
4. Church/Groups you belong to - have them become involved in signing a boxes of cards
5. Family - every one makes/signs a card each day or night for the next couple of weeks & just watch as the # of cards sky rocket!
6. If YOU have more ideas, PLEASE let me know & please SHARE!!

***Shipping Funds***: From our fundraiser back in July, we currently have only $25.00 left in our "petty cash fund" for shipping out packages/boxes to our Companies/Units who we take care of. As you all know, that will only send out approximately 2 Lrg. APO boxes & most certainly Will NOT get us through this Christmas season. As far as raising money, I have a few proposals - most of which we CAN/SHOULD do:

1. If we all chip in as little as $5 or even just $1 each for shipping, we could raise so much with such little work! Just imagine how wonderful & easy that would be if we all participated!?!
2. Bake Sales at various locations/store fronts (Giant stores will ALWAYS give you 4hrs of times outside their stores, as long as you just call ahead of time & they have a slot open). Also, DON'T put prices on baked goods; just "sell" them for a donation. A person is more than happy to give SAs a $5 bill for a cupcake, than just $0.25 since they know it's for a great cause. I've done it many a times. It is extremely successful & easy!
3. Any Ideas?? Please let me know!! If you'd like to do a $ collection drive of any sort for shipping costs, PLEASE run it by me. If you need help, I'll be happy to get it approved and help you out with whatever you need as well.

I know this is A LOT of information to process, but I also know we CAN do this!! We have about 6 weeks to get this done & with the great team of Angels & Volunteers that we have, I know it can happen. Look forward to hearing from you all; what YOUR IDEAS and PLANS are; and how you can help. At the very least, please pray it all goes well & that the Lord provides us with all the necessary resources we need to help our service men & women who give us everything & will be away from home during the most special/family oriented time of the year. LET US BRING CHRISTMAS TO THEM!!!

Thank you for your support & help. Also, spread the word!! Cannot wait to hear from you & all about your plans & ideas! May God bless you all!

Your CNC & Friend,

Jacqueline

"Soldiers' Angels is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit with hundreds of thousands of volunteers providing aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, veterans and their families (Tax ID# 20-058-3415)."

Hampton Roads Angels

2011-10-15T12:02:00.000-04:00

Hello Virginia Angels,
How are you all doing? I hope all is well with you all and you all are having a great weekend so far.
I need All Hampton Roads Angels to contact me please. You can contact me at cncva10@gmail.com. We have so mission we need to help out with. So if you would like to help please get in contact with me so we can get this mission all on the road.
Thank you for all your help and for all you do to make our soldier’s Happy at mail call.
Thank you,
Wanda
CNC Leader here in Virginia

A Special Thanks... ...

2011-10-07T12:43:00.003-04:00

A letter from SGT. Alisa Jackson thanking Soldiers' Angels - particuarly the Angels from VA & WV and the kids from Overtime Athletic Camp - for the boxes of items and all the Thank Cards & pictures. All the names listed at the bottom are the names of all the children from camp who made SGT. Jackson and her Company of women special cards. Thought it was so sweet of her to thank all the children by name.

May we continue to support & help out this wonderful Company, especially with Christmas coming up. For more information about how you can help, please email me at cncva06@gmail.com

Thank you all for everything you do! May God bless your kind souls and may He keep our troops safe & bring them home soon to their loved ones.

The Fundraiser that Keeps on Giving... ...

2011-08-28T15:07:00.007-04:00

Just wanted to update you all on some additional things we were able to accomplished by the successful fundraiser we held back on July 4th. With specifically female items that were collected, some goodies and treats, and with remaining shipping donations, this past week we were able to send out two boxes filled with essentials and snacks to female soldiers in Afghanistan. The SGT. and her 10 female soldiers are a new group we have taken on to support throughout their deployment - with its duration lasting until March of 2012. Also sent in those boxes were priceless pictures and thank yous from the campers at Overtime Athletics Inc. It was so nice to have some young girls color girly pictures/thank yous for our famale troops. I am positive these 11 women will love them all.

Thank you again to all our Angels, volunteers, kind hearted supporters and Overtime Athletics Inc. for your generosity and care for all our troops. May God bless YOU for all you do and also, may He bless our brave men and women for their sacrifices.

Until Next Time...

From Wing Tip to Wing Tip,

Jacqueline

"May no soldier go unloved.

May no soldier walk alone.

May no soldier be forgotten,

Until they all come home."

Big Thanks to Overtime Athletics Inc.

2011-08-20T14:15:00.007-04:00

Would like to thank Overtime Athletics Inc., it's Staff & all it's Campers (ages 6-15) for making over 100 cards/pictures, letters & Thank Yous for our Troops overseas! This past week I was able to divide them all up & send out the thoughtful & appreciative notes to 3 different Companies & 3 Adopted Soldiers & their Companies/Units. So many hearts will be touched & the children were so excited that their pictures would be sent to "real Soldiers!!" Nothing more beautiful than the innocence of children & for that, we can thank all our honorable men & women for giving us this great country called America in which we can all grow & live our lives freely.

With the shipping money left over from our Soldiers' Angels July 4th fundraiser held by our VA & WV Angel volunteers, and the kind, patriotic spirits of Overtime Athletics & it's Campers, our Troops will be able to receive a little piece of home this summer. Hopefully it will put a smile on their faces & a song in their hearts.
May God bless America & bring all our brave men & women home safely.

Thank you!

Soldiers' Angels in the Big Race!!

2011-08-09T22:09:00.000-04:00

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

In addition to representing Miami-based Green Smoke®, Bell will race for a special cause. He recently formed an alliance with the Helping Early Responders Organization (H.E.R.O.). H.E.R.O.'s primary mission is to support and assist the non-profit organizations that help the men and women who are firefighters, police officers, E.M.T.s, members of our armed services and their families in their time of greatest need. Bell and Green Smoke will host these heroes as their trackside guests. The Watkins Glen H.E.R.O. will be Captain Dennis H. Knowles and the non-profit organization that H.E.R.O. will feature is Soldiers' Angels. "Captain Dennis Knowles will be with our Green Smoke® Chevy team this week at Watkins Glen," Bell said, of his guest that is a graduate of Buffalo State College and Canisius College. "Captain Knowles has served our country for twelve years and he’s now able to be on inactive reserve. It gives him the opportunity to be an asset and inspiration to the Addison Central School District where he teaches sixth grade. Hopefully the honors he’s earned for his years of service at the World Trade Center site, in Kuwait and Afghanistan make as much of an impression on his students as they have on me.”Since Captain Knowles is a military veteran, the No. 50 Green Smoke® Chevy will feature a special Soldiers’ Angels “Text Soldier to 20222” decal as part of the team’s alliance with H.E.R.O. Soldiers’ Angels volunteers provide aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, veterans and their families. By texting “Soldier” to 20222, racing fans will be able to immediately donate $5 to the Soldier’s Angels non-profit organization.

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

Successful Fundraiser for SSG W

2011-08-07T20:19:00.003-04:00

The totals are in, everybody! Thanks for making the 4th of July's Fundraiser for SSG W and his Company so successful.

EST. Value of Items Collected: $2,128.25
Monetary Donations Collected: $533.37
Boxes Shipped: 40 Lrg. APO boxes & a letter

For being a spur of the moment fundraiser or not, it was an awesome accomplishment and I thank every single one of you for your dedication and help.

SSG W received all 40boxes about 2 weeks ago and thanks all of you Angels and Soldiers' Angels as a whole, for your generosity and kindness. He and his Company are so grateful and appreciative of all your support, prayers and thoughts.

May God bless you all and may we continue to do good for our troops in need.

Until next time...
From Wingtip - Wingtip,
Your Extremely Grateful CNC,
Jacqueline

***An extra special thanks to WV Angel, Jeannette, VA Angel, Pam, the Stokes Family & the entire Stein Family for going above and beyond the call of duty during this fundraiser. ***

Soldiers Don't Have to be on a Battlefield to Save Lives...

2011-07-30T09:25:00.000-04:00

Face of Defense: Recruiter Saves Life on Dallas Freeway

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

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

...

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

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

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

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

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

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

....

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

...

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

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

Perkins pulled his truck over.

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

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

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

...

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

The troopers said they didn’t know.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The sergeant drove 90 minutes back to Syracuse.

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

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

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

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

...

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

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

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

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

PLEASE HELP with the Valour-IT Fundraiser!!

2011-07-07T17:08:00.003-04:00

To learn more about the Valour-IT fundraiser and how much it benefits our Wounded Warriors and gives them back a piece of their Independence, please visit www.valour-it.blogspot.com/ and consider donating to help this much needed cause for ALL our service members.
Thanks for your generosity!
Semper Fi

URGENT! SUPPLIES NEEDED NOW, PLEASE!

2011-07-03T12:44:00.003-04:00

Collecting hygiene items this week for the Army Company in need which I posted about a few weekends ago on the 18th of June. If you can help out, PLEASE let me know and I'll be happy to collect the items from you and ship them out. I'll be sending everything out no later than the 11th of July, so this week is crucial to get things to me. You can email me, Jacqueline, at cncva06@gmail.com so we can set up a time/place to drop off donations.

Thank you all for your help and generosity. It is greatly appreciated and in the spirit of this 4th of July weekend, what better time than now to help those who sacrifice all they have to give us our Independence and Freedom which certainly is NOT Free...

May God bless you all!

General Info on Valour-IT Fundraiser!!

2011-06-30T22:16:00.002-04:00

As the number of American Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines suffering battlefield wounds continues to grow, today’s economic challenges continue to squeeze military support nonprofits. Project Valour-IT—which has supplied over 6,000 severely wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines with adaptive laptops and other devices to aid their recovery and reintegration—is addressing that squeeze with a fundraising technique it pioneered: online competition.

Held July 1-14, the Valour-IT fundraising competition will draw on blogging, Facebook, Twitter and other social media to raise money and awareness for the needs of wounded troops. Divided among four “virtual teams” named in honor of U.S. military service branches, participants will also use flyers, word-of-mouth and traditional media outlets to spread the word. The goal is to raise at least $100,000, which will meet increased demand for Valour-IT services through October 2011.

“Project Valour-IT changes lives,” says Soldiers’ Angels founder Patti Patton-Bader. “Wounded heroes report that being able to use a laptop helps them feel whole again. Physical therapists are actually designing therapy sessions around Wii Sports! And something as normal as a handheld GPS reduces stress and helps a hero cope. It’s just amazing what this project does!”

Each of the devices Valour-IT supplies helps restore confidence and independence for a wounded hero. Voice-activated laptops reconnect the wounded with the world and develop self-confidence by showing soldiers they can continue to be engaged and productive despite their injuries. Servicemembers also use the laptops to research their medical care or prepare for a post-military career. Physical therapists report Wii Sports is extremely motivational and beneficial when used in physical therapy settings, and wounded personnel with short-term memory loss due to TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and severe PTSD use GPS systems to keep from getting lost or disoriented when they move on to more independent living.

For more information about the fundraising competition, email campaign@soldiersangels.org or click here. All funds raised go directly to wounded troops with no overhead costs removed, and requests for support are vetted through case managers.

To join a fundraising team as a blogger or webmaster, email one of the team leaders below or click here on July 1st:

Air Force: greyhawk@mudvillegazette.com
Army: spear_sniper at yahoo.com
Marines: howlsatmoon@gmail.com
Navy: cdrsalamander at hotmail.com

Check out Soldiers Angels - Soldiers Angels VALOUR-IT fundraiser July 2011 - Team USMC

2011-06-25T23:21:00.001-04:00

I want you to take a look at: Soldiers Angels - Soldiers Angels VALOUR-IT fundraiser July 2011 - Team USMC

2011-06-23T09:00:00.005-04:00

Who Are They?

They may be young, they may be old, doesn’t matter their ages;
For they stand there fearless, acting as our earthly patronages.

Some may do it for the pay, school, their dream, or to get away,
But down inside, all do it out of love for country, no matter what they say.

Who are they?

They’re decked out in their fatigues, or red, white and blues;
Dressing everyday like this, just for me and you.

On the ground, fighting wars, sailing the waters or flying above,
Capturing freedom for all those they love.

They made the decision to leave one day,
And serve their country, rather than stay.

Who are they?

They are fathers and mothers, sons and daughters,
Risking their lives so the enemy won’t bother.

They are brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews,
Showing us that they are the elite few.

They’re spouses, fiancés, boyfriends and girlfriends,
Promising all that they’ll fight till the end.

Now will you again dare to say...
Who are they?

For they are indeed our freedom bearers,
Our true and honorable American Soldiers.

Poems or Writings Anyone??

2011-06-22T22:46:00.006-04:00

Calling ALL poets and/or those who just like to write anything patriotic in honor of our men and women!! Send me an email (cncva06@gmail.com) with your poem or written work so I can post it on our blog for all to see. It will be a fun and lovely tribute to our heroes.

April's Fundraiser Keeps on Giving... ...

2011-06-21T10:00:00.003-04:00

Magazines Galore!

Thanks to some Northern Virginia doctors' offices and shipping money our Angels collected from the April Fundraiser, 3 Lrg APO Boxes full of over 100 magazines were sent over to the Company of 200 Army Strong for whom we originally collected items and did the fundraiser. This Company is one of our (Soldiers' Angels) groups who we are so honored to help and support. They all still have a long deployment in front of them but hopefully some good magazines will help the time pass.
Thanks again for all the volunteers who helped out in April. On our end, a month and half later it's still all helping and on the our soldiers' end, we know that it will continue to help them for months to come. Always remember what an honor it is to help our men and women, for without them and all their daily sacrifices, we have no freedom and peace.
God bless our military and their families!

Urgent! An Army Company in Need...

2011-06-18T18:47:00.001-04:00

A deployed Army staff sergeant has reached out for help for his entire company. Due to their isolated location in Iraq and the base PX closing as the military draws down, they cannot purchase their own supplies. They are in a terrible situation and desperately need hygiene items ASAP. The few things they have left are being stretched for the entire company.

They need:

Soap
Shampoo
Razors
Shaving cream
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Lotion
Baby wipes
Foot powder
Body powder
Nail clipper kits
Aloe
Breath mints
Floss
…other basic hygiene items
Sheets (twin size)
Pillow & Pillow cases

If you are a VERIFIED Angel, you can email amyqrf -at- soldiersangels -dot- org with subject line "SSG W" for the shipping address to send things directly to this struggling unit. Please help!

An Inspiring Story

2011-06-16T07:56:00.008-04:00

From the Armed Forces Press Service:

By Vince Little
The Bayonet

FORT BENNING, Ga., May 19, 2011 – Army Sgt. 1st Class Ray Castillo is again flourishing as a senior noncommissioned officer at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., but that almost didn't seem possible two years ago after he was wounded on the battlefield.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Ray Castillo, who re-enlisted after he lost both legs after an ambush in Iraq two years ago while on his 10th combat deployment is set to graduate next week from the seven-week Maneuver Senior Leaders Course on Fort Benning, Ga. U.S. Army photo by Vince Little

(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Castillo was on his 10th combat deployment with the 75th Ranger Regiment in northern Iraq when he was severely injured by an improvised explosive device, injuries so serious that both his legs had to be amputated above the knee. Today, he's still a dedicated soldier and is set to graduate next week from the seven-week Maneuver Senior Leaders Course offered here.

"Just because I lost my limbs doesn't mean I can't give my experience and my knowledge to other guys, (but) I understood eventually I was going to be behind a desk," said Castillo, now an operations sergeant with 2nd Battalion. "There's nothing I could've done about that. I still wanted to be in the military, I still wanted to contribute."

The incident occurred Feb. 9, 2009, near Mosul. Castillo was a platoon sergeant with the regiment's 2nd Battalion with the unit in pursuit of a high-value target. The soldiers had dismounted and were approaching the objective on foot when they got ambushed.

A command-detonated improvised explosive device hit Castillo.

"It was real quick," he recalled. "(The enemy) hid it really well in the ground. I got to that location, and it just went off. I blacked out for a short period of time, but I remember the explosion going off and flying through the air."

Covered in blood, Castillo went into shock. A platoon medic treated him at the scene and he got evacuated within 30 minutes. On the ride to the hospital, he slipped in and out of consciousness.

"I was in so much pain," he said. "I told my medic, 'Hey, you need to give me something. I don't care if you punch me in the face or whatever, but I'm in so much pain.'"

Castillo had multiple lacerations, including to his liver, spleen, intestines and right kidney. A lung was punctured in three different areas.

After the blast, when he was dragged to a stretcher, Castillo said he remembers looking down and seeing his right leg severed at the ankle. He figured he might lose part of one leg, but woke up from an induced coma about a month later at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., to find both gone. The infections had spread too quickly, doctors told him.

"I wasn't expecting to see 70 percent of my legs gone," he said. "Because of the infection, they had to keep cutting off more and more and more, because of all that bad stuff they have in the dirt over in Iraq."

He's undergone dozens of procedures, and not just to the legs. Doctors also removed shrapnel from his abdomen area.

"I lost count (of the surgeries). I had so many, I was sick of surgery," he said. "I still have a lot of shrapnel in me. Every once in a while, I'll get a scratch here or there 'cause it's trying to come out. It's all over the place."

There's a little ball of metal floating around a finger in his left hand. Castillo said X-rays at the dentist reveal more pieces in his head.

Castillo spent almost two months at Walter Reed and actually re-enlisted there in March 2009 from a hospital bed, surrounded by most of his family. He'd planned to re-enlist in Iraq before getting wounded.

"I would say it's more frustrating than difficult," he said of his lengthy recovery. "There's a lot of frustration that goes with having some type of new life. Everyone has a goal in life, and then when something happens, it can change."

"You can still stay on certain career paths and other paths you want to do in your life," he explained. "It can be difficult doing those things, but it's more frustrating. There are simple things that you have to try to overcome and adapt to."

After being transferred to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, for rehabilitation, Castillo said he encountered other soldiers in worse predicaments.

"Looking at them being able to do certain things, it gives you strength," he said. "I remember seeing a woman in San Antonio - she had both arms gone. She was an (explosive ordnance disposal) soldier missing both arms up high. The wounds were so high up her shoulders that she couldn't have a prosthetic arm."

"Seeing someone like that reminds you, 'Hey, you shouldn't be complaining about certain things.' You don't want to have someone always helping you out, because they're not always gonna (sic) be there," he said. "In Texas, they taught (me) how to do stuff on (my) own. I had to figure a lot of things out and learn how to overcome those little obstacles and hurdles."

Castillo was fitted with prosthetics in May 2009. That November, his formal therapy ended and he left Fort Sam Houston the following January. He returned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord but had to clear a medical evaluation board just to stay in the Army - his paperwork was approved four months later.

"My focus was just to get back to my unit," he said. "I worked really hard every day as much as I could because that was my main focus - recovery and getting better so I could get back to my unit and continue working."

Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning Command Sgt. Maj. Chris Hardy was the 75th Ranger Regiment's command sergeant major when Castillo got wounded in Iraq.

"His personal courage and commitment is truly an inspiration to us all," Hardy said. "He epitomizes the warrior ethos - I will never quit, I will never accept defeat. He symbolizes the strength of the American soldier and I feel privileged to know him."

Castillo said he's driven to stay in the Army and wants to reach the 20-year mark in his Army career. He said he would like to become an instructor after his time with the Ranger Regiment ends.

He did a tandem jump at the Ranger Rendezvous in August 2009, only months after the ambush, and plans to return again this year. Calling the regiment a "brotherhood," Castillo said he knows some of the other Rangers better than his own family, and vice versa, after all they've experienced together in war.

The learning process also hasn't ended in his own recovery. Just walking downstairs, along a sidewalk or grass, and downhill can be challenging.

"Even when it snowed in Washington state, just going through the snow and it being slippery, I don't feel where I step until I put my weight on it," he said. "I drive, too, and that's a learning curve. My endurance and balance are getting much better. Being able to do random chores around the house or just doing stuff at work is getting better. It's gotten easier, with time."

A Day of Remembrance

2011-05-30T13:28:00.007-04:00

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY, TO ALL!!!

As we enjoy this beautiful weather, a day off from work, time at the pool and/or fun barbecues with our family and friends today, let us not foget the true meaning and reasoning for such a day. I hope you all take time to think, thank and remember those who from the beginning of our days as a country of freedom, have fought and given the ultimate sacrifice by laying down their lives for us. May their souls rest in peace and ALWAYS and FOREVER be remembered.

Let us also thank those who serve today and keep on fighting the good fight in the boots of their fellow brothers and sisters. Without any of them, our fun filled weekend would not be possible. We all have so much to be thankful and grateful for and today is a day we should all realize that and thank those who deserve the gratitude and utmost respect: fallen servicemen and women, those serving now in anyway and ALL their loving families!

Thank you, thank you, thank you: from the bottom of our hearts!

May God bless America and each and everyone of us. Have a wonderful and special day.

The Success from Our Fundraiser (4/30/11)

2011-05-25T10:00:00.004-04:00

Just wanted to update everybody on the "Giant" Fundraiser we held on April 30th in Leesburg, VA outside of Giant Food.

It was a GREAT success & with the help of about dozen Angels from Virginia & West Virginia, we were able to help out a deployed Company of 200 Army strong in Afghanistan. The Memorial Day themed fundraiser was held in honor & memory of one of our local Virginia Angel’s USMC husband who was KIA in Iraq on April 30th, 2009. His 2yr Anniversary was actually the day of the fundraiser, April 30th, 2011. It was a very special & touching day, as our Angel who lost her husband, surprisingly showed up with her two younger children after spending the morning with her husband’s Unit in Arlington, Virginia. They came to kindly donate items & see & take pictures with the poster made in honor of their husband/father. They couldn’t stay long, as they were on their way to honor & celebrate the life of their/our great Marine who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

With all that being said, here are the totals from the day & all just in a 4hr span...

Monetary Donations: $457.48 (For shipping costs)

Items Collected: 715+

Estimated Value of Items Collected: $2,121.00

Memorial Day Cards Made: 210+ (We received about 20 cards at the actual fundraiser but when realized we had 200 Heroic Soldiers who were going to receive all these wonderful donations, the desire to make a card for each and every one of them was so strong & with that intention, we completed our goal!)

Boxes Shipped to an Army Company of 200 Strong: 27 Large

Hopefully these 200 servicemen & women will enjoy everything & have a nice Memorial Day: touching their hearts & making their deployment a little better. As for the Marine who we did the fundraiser in honor and memory of, we all know he would have wanted nothing more than for us to celebrate his life by helping his own overseas: protecting OUR country & continuing HIS fight.

Soldiers' Angels Makes the News

2011-05-24T23:50:00.004-04:00

Back on May 13th, Soldiers' Angels Executive Director Toby Nunn and Co-founder Jeff Bader made an appearance on Fox News Channel. You can go here to watch it.

"May no soldier go unloved.
May no soldier walk alone.
May no soldier be forgotten,
Until they all come home."

Another Tasty Way to Support Our Troops!

2011-05-21T02:15:00.001-04:00

Gourmet treats retailer Harry & David is once again teaming up with Soldiers’ Angels to supply delicious Moose Munch® Bars to deployed troops. The 3rd Annual “Support Our Troops with Moose Munch®” allows families, friends and supporters of the U.S. military to purchase the popular Harry & David Moose Munch® treats and ship them to war zones for sweet enjoyment by our men and women in service.

From now through July 4, Harry & David stores nationwide are offering customers the opportunity to purchase Moose Munch® Bars and gift them to soldiers with a personalized greeting. Each bar and note is packaged with a plastic spoon and boxed for pickup via Soldiers’ Angels to be included in care packages for deployed troops.

Last year over 38,000 Moose Munch® bars were shipped to soldiers in Afghanistan and other regions through the “Support Our Troops with Moose Munch®” Bars event. Soldiers’ particularly enjoy the Bars because they find this portable treat to be a delicious energy source that’s easy to carry on patrols.

Moose Munch® Bars retail for $2.50 each or $4.00 for two, a discount that encourages customers to purchase a bar for themselves while donating the other for the troops.

As part of the event, Harry & David is also donating a Moose Munch® Bar for each new “Like” on Facebook, up to 1,000 additional Bars.

"Treat Our Troops"

2011-05-20T10:12:00.002-04:00

Soldiers’ Angels announces a new partnership with Shirley J, a “just-add-water” cooking company with 30 years of commercial history and chef loyalty working to “rain sweets and salts” on our troops. Through their “Treat Our Troops” campaign, Shirley J is encouraging customers to purchase select gourmet foods to be shipped to Soldiers’ Angels for inclusion in care packages for the deployed.

All four “Treat Our Troops” products are shipped in powder form and then reconstituted with water to create a delicious sauce or topping for a variety of savory and sweet foods. They’re a great fit for soldiers in very remote areas who make use of care package contents to come up with new and interesting food combinations to supplement their MREs.

“We’re very happy to add Shirley J to the family of companies who make it possible for us to send thousands of delicious care packages to America’s deployed servicemen and women every month,” says Soldiers’ Angels Executive Director Toby Nunn. “Troops in remote locations often rely on military MREs for meals, so the change of pace these soups and sauces will provide can be a real morale boost.”

Shirley J products are available online at ShirleyJ.com (Shirley J Sendables) or at their store in Orem, Utah. In addition to the special choices recommended for the “Treats Our Troops” campaign, Shirley J offers a number of their other products—such as just-add-water cookie, muffin and cake mixes—that are suggested for customers who can ship directly to soldiers with access to cooking facilities.

Soldiers’ Angels welcomes Shirley J to the team of Angels helping to ensure “No Soldier Go Unloved.”

Mixed Martial Arts to Help Our Military??

2011-05-19T10:06:00.002-04:00

From Mixed Martial Arts fighter Chad Robineaux-- For each person who signs up for a Tapout Magazine subscription and uses the promo code below, $9 goes to Soldiers’ Angels.

Chad is sponsored by SA supporter Ranger Up. He’s flying the SA flag high wherever he goes and he is 100% responsible for this fundraiser. Please encourage people to share this with anyone they know who might be interested in MMA.

*************

Wanted to share with you great news about support from Tapout Magazine and Editor-In-Chief, Chris Staab.
TapouT is doing a Special Tribute to the Military with several fighters from the military featured to include myself in an upcoming issue. I spoke with him about Soldiers Angels and not only is he going to support and promote it, but is creating a promo code for $9 donations!

Outstanding to see everyone so willing to work hand and hand for such a great effort!

The Promotion code is "ROBO" Link: http://mmaworldwide.com/subscribe-options.html?ref=ROBO

The military issue will hit stands around June 1st. That will be the first issue people who subscribe now will receive (well, the first PRINT issue... they will have access to the digital right away).

Thanks all,
Robo

Memorial Day T-Shirt for Our Troops

2011-05-18T10:54:00.002-04:00

Orphan, a lifestyle brand for those who ride, is partnering with Soldiers’ Angels to raise money to send care packages to deployed men and women in honor of the upcoming Memorial Day.

To raise this money, Orphan has designed a special memorial t-shirt honoring those who have paid the ultimate price. Throughout the month of May, 50% of proceeds from sale of the shirt will go to Soldiers’ Angels for postage and supplies to send much-needed items to our heroes overseas. "Orphan is excited to raise funds for this important organization, and to give back to the troops," says Robyn Byrd, Social Media Manager for Orphan. "Many of our customers are military or retired military (as are many riders), so we are thrilled to be able to honor them in this way!"

The special memorial t-shirt for sale is themed for the rider and features Orphan's motorcycle frame shop "The Wrench" over original artwork of an eagle in red, white and blue. The eagle bears a ribbon reading, “NEVER FORGET those who have fallen in the name of Freedom.” The shirt is available in men’s and women’s styles.

As a Thank You to those who purchase the Memorial t-shirt, Orphan will give customers $10 off their order if they add any additional items to the T-shirt purchase. In addition, all shirts at this link result in donations to Soldiers' Angels.

Honor Those Who Gave the Ultimate Sacrifice

2011-05-14T10:57:00.002-04:00

Soldiers’ Angels calls on all Americans to actively observe Memorial Day this May 30 by participating in an official Moment of Remembrance or undertaking other acts in honor of the over 1.3 million service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Established by Congress, National Moment of Remembrance asks Americans to pause in an act of remembrance for one minute on Memorial Day at 3 p.m. local time. The Moment can be as informal as ringing a bell, a moment of silence, a prayer or singing at a concert, etc.

Additional acts of Memorial Day remembrance can include the following:

Visit a local VA hospital to learn the stories of patients’ fellow soldiers who never came home

Use blogs, Facebook or other online resources tell the stories of family members who died in service to the country

Read the names of fallen heroes on websites such as Honor the Fallen.

Throw a care package party or write letters of encouragement for a hard-hit unit or the Mortuary Affairs units that care for America’s fallen heroes (for info, email events@soldiersangels.org)

Visit a local military cemetery or memorial to stand in quiet solidarity with those who have lost their brothers and sisters in arms on the battlefield

With conscious awareness of those who have made our safety possible, enjoy a weekend vacation or celebration in “the land of the free because of the brave”

Attend a local parade

Fly the American flag (at half-staff until noon and then full height until dusk, if possible)

Use Angels Mail to tell your story of a fallen hero (send it to angels@soldiersangels.org and we will post it for you)

Please make a commitment to promote the National Moment of Remembrance and other Memorial Day activities to local leaders and businesses. This is a time to come together in honor of those who have given their lives so that we may continue to live free. In this shared remembrance and shared activities, we connect in gratitude as one America.

"Giant" Fundraiser in Leesburg, VA ~ Come Out & Support!

2011-04-07T22:59:00.031-04:00

“Giant” Fundraiser:

Supporting Our Troops for the Hot Summer Season

When: Saturday, April 30th, 2011 from 12pm – 8pm

Where: Giant Food in Leesburg, VA @ 61 Catoctin Circle NW (Click Giant Food for directions)

What: Collecting Summer Items, Traditional Care Package Items, Donations, Memorial Day Thank Yous & Selling Baked Goods

Why: To Support and Honor those who deserve it most: Our Troops, Our American Heroes

**Items being collected: Please See Attached Lists

Travel Size Hygiene Products:

Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Wet Wipes
Mouthwash
Visine Eyedrops
Lip Balm
SPF 45+
Gel Boot Insoles
Razors
Shaving Cream
Feminine Sanitary Items
Shampoo
Conditioner
Lotion
Body Wash

Desert Hot Weather Season Items:

Popsicles (preferably in boxes)
Cooling Lotions
SPF 45+Lip Balm
White Socks
Cooling Scarf Material
Solar Showers

Miscellaneous Items:

Snacks, Gum & Mints
CDs & DVDs
Playing Cards & Books
Video Games
Footballs
Squirt Guns

*** Can drop off/shop at Giant on Saturyday, April 30th, or contact me, Jacqueline, if you'd like to contribute beforehand if the day of the fundraiser does not fit your schedule. Thanks!

Email: cncva06@gmail.com

Help Save Military Families through a Book

2011-04-05T16:34:00.001-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more info (including shipping instructions and updates on how many copies are needed), email Dina at mailto:cst@soldiersangels.org?subject=Books%20for%20Chaplain%20H. Project ends in May 2011.

Adoption Options...Choose Yours Now!

2011-03-25T23:15:00.002-04:00

As of this writing, there are 1310 service members awaiting adoption through Soldiers' Angels. If you are able, please consider adopting one of these Heroes. Remember, you can have up to three adoptees at one time. Our troops continue to be stretched thin with operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and now Libya, as well as other places around the globe. Please do what you can to help.

If you think you can't afford the commitment of a minimum of one letter each week and one care package each month, there are adoption options:

I cannot reinforce to you how much your support means
to every one of us. Please know that you are
truly making a difference. - LT "J"

Regardless of the challenge, there is no doubt that when patriotic Americans pull together, we can make miracles happen. Would you like to adopt a deployed hero but don't think you can take on the financial responsibility in these challenging times? The need for adopting Angels is huge, and there are options no matter your situation. In some cases, all you need is a single care package item, or even just your packing skills!

Team Up with a Friend -- Whether it's your office mate, best friend, the family next door or a retiree from church, tell someone about Soldiers' Angels and adopting a hero. Together you can split the costs of sending just one care package a month and take turns writing that one letter a week.

Bring a Group Onboard -- Talk to your company about supporting an individual or a unit. Participants can donate a single item for a care package or a couple dollars of postage each month. All you have to do is pack it up! This is a great option for community organizations like sports teams/clubs, churches, youth groups (scouts), schools and Chambers of Commerce. By working through a group, everyone helps as they can and another soldier knows he or she is not forgotten. When you've assembled a group that would like to support an individual hero or a whole unit, email groups@soldiersangels.org for tips and assistance.

Be a Substitute Angel -- Do you know someone who says they're just too busy to adopt a soldier? Offer to do it for them! You can take on the responsibility of writing a weekly letter to your adopted hero while your co-adopter takes just five minutes per month to order pre-made care packages for your hero from the Angels Store.

Short-term Adoption -- Sometimes service members sign up for support just a couple of months before they are scheduled to return. By the time they get to the top of the waiting list, they only need an Angel for about two months before mailstop begins. To adopt one of these heroes for three months or less when available, email special@soldiersangels.org to be placed on the short-timers alert list.

One-time Care Package -- This is a great option if you can't take on the responsibility of long-term support right now. You can have the fun and satisfaction of assembling a great care package whenever you have the opportunity, and all the cooperative suggestions above can apply. To get a hero's address for a one-time care package, email sacorporate@soldiersangels.org.

With each person doing what they can, we will all ensure that "No Soldier Go Unloved." Let's pull together and get these 1300 waiting heroes adopted!

You have no idea what effect you have on a soldier
who receives something in the mail from a complete stranger
who is willing to give. - SPC James

Wedding Bells are Ringing!!

2011-03-23T06:33:00.001-04:00

Due to a donation from a lovely bridal boutique, Soldiers’ Angels has on hand sixteen gorgeous wedding dresses that will be awarded to sixteen lucky military brides! Dresses will be awarded by contest, with the brides who write the best essay about their own love story receiving their choice of dress.

Dress sizes range from 6 to 14, with a size 24 and a size 42 as well. Some are brand new, others have been rented, but all are clean and in superb condition. Most are very detailed, with additions of lace, cutouts or sequins, and styles vary greatly.

Originally offered to a high school drama department who refused them for lack of room, the dresses came to Soldiers' Angels thanks to Patreece, whose husband heard about them through his civilian job on a military base and alerted her. She took home all 16 dresses, cataloged and photographed them, and shipped them to San Antonio for dry cleaning and distribution.

For contest eligibility, procedures and more information, click here. Contest ends April 21, 2011.

CNC Leader

2010-12-19T01:34:00.000-05:00

To All the CNC here in Virginia,

Can you all please e-mail me so that I know who all is a Virginia CNC. Also, When you e-mail me please let me know what area you cover so that if I fine some of the Angels in your area I know where to send them to. Also, if you have any event or mission you would like to do please let me know so that I can post it on here and we can get Angels to help out.

Thank you,
Wanda

Mission

2010-12-19T01:26:00.001-05:00

Virginia Angels,
How are you all doing? I hope you are all staying nice and warm. Since it has been really cold here in Virginia. How are you all like all this snow? I think we might be in for a bad wither what do you guys think? I hope you guys stay all nice and warm.
Now on to business I would like you all to know we some mission we need all the help we can get. So please let’s come together and help with this mission.
1.) First mission is I’m collecting candy that is individual wrap. There is a group of us that are putting together little biggies of candy together for all the sailor on the USS Enterprise. There are 6,000 sailors on there. We want them to know that we care about them and we support them while they get on the way with their deployment. We are going to get it to them before they leave. I will need all the cane to be sent to me by the 8th of Jan. So if you can help please e-mail me and I will give you my address for you to send them too. Thank you for all the help.
2.) Second one is there is a sailor here in Norfolk that lose everything. His house caught about a week ago and they lose everything they had. It is him and his wife and his son. They can use anything anyone can give to help them out. From household stuff to clothes. The can even use gifts cards to help them out. So if you can help with this please let me know.
3.) 3rd mission is to collect Valentine’s Day cards so we can send them over sea to our troops. So if you can help with this one please let me know as well.

You can e-mail me at cnc10@gmail.com thank you for all your help.
Wanda

Welcome All Virginia Angels

2010-12-19T00:39:00.001-05:00

Welcome to All Virginia Angels. I’m the new Blog person for the Virginia Angels. I will keep you posted on what all is going on and events that we have going on here in Virginia. We would love to see you come out and joining us. If at any time you have any question please contact me at cnc10@gmail.com. I will be here to help you out. Virginia Community Team Leader if you would let me know what when you have a event or a fundraiser that would be great so that I can put it up here so that we all know and we can all help each other out. I would really like to see us get the word out around Virginia and all of us coming together as a team and help each other out the best way we can. I know we can get this going if we all pull together and be a great team.
Here is little information on me. My name is Wanda. I’m married to Rob who is in the Navy. We have 5 kids. They love to help out where they can. I live here in Hampton Virginia I love to drive so I will drive to help anyone out. I’m on a lot of teams because I support the troops all the way. Whatever I can do I will do it. I’m a Community Team leader for Hampton Roads Virginia. I’m also a Letter Writing Team Leader; also there is VA Vets Community Team Leaders. So as you can see I’m a leader of a lot of teams. I’m also just a member on a lot of teams too. So if you have any question about a team’s let me know and I will help you the best way I can. If I don’t know the answer I will find out for you. I also help my good friend Amy out. So if I don’t get back to you right way. I will get back to you within 24 hours. If I’m out of town I do put up a message and let you know that I will get back to you as soon as I can. I do have a laptop so that go anywhere I go as long as it is going to be more than 24 hours.
So with all that being said let’s get the word out and start coming together as a team.
Thank you for all you guys do.
Wanda
cnc10@mail.com

Welcome

2008-09-17T09:54:00.000-04:00

Welcome to another great extension of the Soldiers' Angels family. This blog has been approved by Soldiers' Angels for the state of Virginia. If you would like to help contribute on this blog, please e-mail the owner Casey at ctlva07@gmail.com

Remember, Christmas starts early for Angels! We need you to jump in now. Click here to find out anything you possible wanted to know about Soldiers' Angels.

Virginia Soldiers' Angels

URGENT: Love to Our Troops...

♥ LAST CALL VIRGINIA!!!! ♥

Bridging the Divide

Warehouse Needs a Restock...

Sending Love to Our Troops!

Career Fair & Expo for Our Veterans!

Veteran Career Fair and Expo, Washington, DC, January 18, 2012 | Veteran Owned Business Employment News

FREE Veteran Career Fair & ExpoWashington, DC

Date: January 18, 2012Time: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.Location: Washington, D.C. Convention Center

Prepare for a Civilian Career

Enroll in Veteran Benefits and Services

A Very Angel Holiday

Blankets of Hope, Angels of Love

Time's Top Photos of 2011 Honors Soldier

Christmas for Our Troops...

December's Newsletter

My Sunday Evening...

What Goes Around Comes Around...

Welcome Home....

Veterans' Weekend Bake Sale/Fundraiser

Auction is Now LIVE!!

Project Valour-IT Auction for Our Veterans

11/01/11

We did it!!

Adopt a Hero!

May We Never Forget Them...

Angel/CNC of the Year - Nomination Form

Heart Warming Story...

Mailing Deadline/Info for Shipping to Iraq

Upcoming Events... ...

Finally A Special Day to Honor Them...

10/18/11

Great Article

CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!

Hampton Roads Angels

A Special Thanks... ...

The Fundraiser that Keeps on Giving... ...

Big Thanks to Overtime Athletics Inc.

Soldiers' Angels in the Big Race!!

Successful Fundraiser for SSG W

Soldiers Don't Have to be on a Battlefield to Save Lives...

PLEASE HELP with the Valour-IT Fundraiser!!

URGENT! SUPPLIES NEEDED NOW, PLEASE!

General Info on Valour-IT Fundraiser!!

Check out Soldiers Angels - Soldiers Angels VALOUR-IT fundraiser July 2011 - Team USMC

Poems or Writings Anyone??

April's Fundraiser Keeps on Giving... ...

Urgent! An Army Company in Need...

An Inspiring Story

A Day of Remembrance

The Success from Our Fundraiser (4/30/11)

Soldiers' Angels Makes the News

Another Tasty Way to Support Our Troops!

"Treat Our Troops"

Mixed Martial Arts to Help Our Military??

Memorial Day T-Shirt for Our Troops

Honor Those Who Gave the Ultimate Sacrifice

"Giant" Fundraiser in Leesburg, VA ~ Come Out & Support!

Help Save Military Families through a Book

Adoption Options...Choose Yours Now!

Wedding Bells are Ringing!!

CNC Leader

Mission

Welcome All Virginia Angels

Welcome

FREE Veteran Career Fair & Expo
Washington, DC

Date: January 18, 2012
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Washington, D.C. Convention Center