Christmas at the Fisher Houses
January 3, 2010 at 3:31 pm | In Fisher Houses, Veteran Support | Leave a CommentTags: Fisher House Christmas, Ft.Lewis, Puget Sound, seattle, soldiersangels, support, Veterans, Washington
Thank you Angels Maureen, (husband, Sister Nancy & husband)and Debbie (friend Sheryl and Cory)for cooking a wonderful Christmas dinner for the families of the Puget Sound Fisher House, and thank you Christine Sten and family for contributing a fabulous dinner to the Ft. Lewis Fisher House Christmas Celebration. At such a busy time of year you gave of your time for the wonderful Fisher House families. An incredible gift for those who have given so much for all of us.
Look at this Feast at the Puget Sound Fisher House! Thanks Debbie & Moe!
Digging in!
Sheryl, Cory and Gabriele
An amazing Ft. Lewis Fisher House Dinner provided by the Sten Family!
Ft. Lewis Fisher House Christmas
American Lake Holiday Event-Soldier’s Angels
December 29, 2009 at 12:43 am | In Veteran Support | 1 CommentTags: americanlake, BlanketsofGratitude, christmas, gratitude, Holidays, PugetSoundHCS, soldiersangels, Stockings, Veterans, Washington
The American Lake Holiday Event was a fabulous success! Thank you KT Layton and crew of wonderful angels who helped out to provide a special day for our Veterans from American Lake. In addition, a million thanks to the great people who were able to contribute to the donations presented on the day, the staff at Puget Sound HCS (American Lake, and of course a special thanks to our Veterans. We are Grateful!
Holiday Pampering at the Fisher House, Barbershop at the VA
December 19, 2009 at 2:34 am | In Fisher Houses, Veteran Support | Leave a CommentTags: Fisher House, MaryKay, PugetSoundVA, seattle, soldiersangels, Washington, WhatsCookinBarbershopQuartet
December 3rd was a busy night for Soldiers’ Angels in Washington! We are grateful to have had the opportunity to spend time with the incredible families at the Puget Sound Fisher House and the hospitalized Veterans at the Puget Sound VA. I know we all feel enriched by sharing time with such amazing people.
Thank you to the “What’s Cookin‘” Barbershop quartet for the enjoyable music you provided at the VA. A great group of guys and wonderful singers! Thank you to Naarah, Debbie, Deidre and all who contributed to the gifts and cards for our Veterans!
The wonderful "What's Cookin' Barbershop Quartet!
While “What’s Cookin’”, Deidre and I (julie) were enjoying sharing music and visits with the Veterans at the Puget Sound VA, there was lots of fun, fellowship and pampering happening at the Fisher House! Angels Jeannette, Erin and Megan prepared a wonderful dinner for the Fisher House guests, while Mary Kay Angel Kim Hansen organized a wonderful Spa and pampering night, assisted by angel Sammi Morelli.
Angels Jeannette, Erin and Megan. Thank you for the yummy dinner angels!!Angel Sammi and Mary Kay Angel Kim Hansen - Thanks for the Pampering Ladies!! Thank you Kim for the Mary Kay gifts and expertise for the evening!
Angel Sammi Morelli and Mary Kay Angel Kim Hansen-Beauty artists!
The Puget Sound Fisher House
Beautiful!
Thank you Angels and Mary Kay Sales Director/Angel Kim Hansen for providing this wonderful evening of Mary Kay Pampering Thank you Fisher House families for sharing this lovely night with Soliders’ Angels. Love, Support and Prayers to you all.
To Honor the Sacrifice of SPC Aaron Aamot
December 18, 2009 at 11:48 pm | In General Troop Support, Veteran Support | 4 CommentsTags: 5-2 1 17, 5thStrykerBrigade, American Legion #7 Bellingham, CBS, KGMI, Soldier's Angels, SPCAaronAamot, Washington
Spc Aaron Aamot
Obituary from the Bellingham Herald….. “Aaron Seth Aamot was born on April 12, 1987, in his grandmother’s house on the Guide Meridian, Bellingham, WA. He was killed in action on November 5, 2009, in Afghanistan. Aaron was raised in Whatcom County on a small farm in Custer, WA. He was active in the Critters & Co. 4-H Club and the Ferndale FFA. The Whatcom Youth Fair and the Northwest Washington Fair were favorite events for Aaron. The attacks on September 11, 2001, gave Aaron the determination to serve his country in the armed forces. After graduating from Ferndale High School in 2006, he went to Basic Training in Fort Benning, Georgia. After being stationed at Fort Lewis, Aaron enjoyed his role driving a Stryker vehicle in the newly formed 5th Stryker Brigade. The 5-2 SBCT deployed in July 2009 to the area around Kandahar. Aaron was driving his Stryker on a patrol when it hit a buried explosive. He is survived by his parents, Mark and Julie (Hinds) Aamot of Custer; siblings, Matthew (Angela), Joshua, Nellie (Ricky) Huisman, Benjamin (Catrina); Dale; Ethan; and Daniel. Grandparents are the late Arnold Aamot and Charlotte (Reeck) Aamot of Bellingham, and William and Donna (McDougle) Hinds of Sedro-Woolley. Aaron was a devoted uncle to nephews Elijah, Samuel, Oliver, and Nathaniel, and nieces, Evelyn, Janett, Ella, and Catherine. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
RIP Brave Warrior. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
When Aaron came home…..a community was there…….
In Honor of Spc Aaron Aamot
An idea to ‘do SOMETHING’ found it’s way through the crowds on the bridge and quickly became an all out effort of support for Aaron’s 5-2 1 17 Regiment and 5th Stryker Brigade. Thanks to the Aamot Family, particularly brother Matt, Captain Kim who pledged support to get any donations to Afghanistan, and a determined, not to mention well organized group of citizens a Donation Drive was launched. Soldiers’ Angels was honored to be involved and to work alongside such amazing individuals.
Thank you KGMI for spreading the word and for helping with this incredible effort, People's Bank, Local Firehalls and Businesses for hosting donation boxes.
The fabulous KGMI & People's Bank Team
The morning of the broadcast we began with this box and the donations kept pouring in! Thank you everyone!
Mother Julie Aamot working hard at sorting through donations. It was an honor and absolute joy to spend time with the Aamots. They are incredible. One can't help but love them for being such gracious, humble, loving beings. It was a privilege to get a little glimpse into Aaron through stories shared on this day, to see what a wonderful young man, son and brother he was.
Cards from School Children
More heartfelt wishes of support from our School Children
Firefighters hard at work
The sorting process begins!
CBS taking a gander for their later broadcast
Getting there!
Angel Kathy Bergman (left) was at the Legion early helping to organize,
The fabulous Chris from Ludtke Trucking (who donated a truck for transport to Ft. Lewis) and the Legion #7 Hall for the organizing.
Boxes being filled for the 5-2 Wounded
Becky Raney-Organizer Extraordinaire & helper - Soon those boxes were stacked taller than Becky!
Becky and Our Wounded Boxing Crew
Becky Raney, Ethan and Matthew Aamot
Thank you Becky Raney and the amazing group of people who spearheaded this effort and did an amazing amount of work to get the job done. Also, thanks to KGMI, People’s Bank and all of the community businesses for hosting donation boxes and spreading the word to get them filled up. Thank you to all the great folks at the American Legion #7 Hall in Bellingham for the food, the space and support. Soldiers Angel Kathy Bergman for helping to organize and direct the work at the Legion. Big hugs and thanks to Grizzly and Scooter from the Combat Vet team for zipping around the county to pick up all of the donations. You guys are awesome! Thanks to everyone else who helped pick up, sort, box and ship the donations, including Chris & Ludtke trucking who arrived at Ft. Lewis with a full load of supplies! Thank you Whatcom County and all of the listeners of KGMI (some even from Canada) who stepped up and stopped by to donate!
The donations continued to come in and those boxes behind Becky, Ethan and Matthew continued to stack higher and higher in the Legion Hall. Many thanks to all of the Volunteers who were there bright and early and who stayed till late in the evening each day and to the incredible Aamot family. We hold Aaron in our heart and prayers and your family will always have our love and support.
We continue to keep the 5th Stryker Brigade and Aaron’s Regiment in our thoughts and prayers as well as all of our brave men and women in uniform who serve on our behalf.
A Night for Our Heroes Bellingham Fundraiser
December 18, 2009 at 2:18 am | In Uncategorized | Leave a CommentTags: ANightForOurHeroes, bellingham, BellinghamFundraiser, BestWesternLakeway, KGMI, NorthernLightsJazzOrchestra, Washington
On November 13, Soldiers’ Angels (Washington) hosted ”A Night For Our Heroes” to raise funds for our Armed Forces, Veterans, Wounded and their families. Held at the Lakeway Inn in Bellingham Washington, the Whatcom County community came together in generous support and gratitude.
The Evening could not have happened without the incredible efforts of Bellingham Angel Kathy Bergman and the team of dedicated, hardworking individuals she gathered to help with this event. To say they were committed to making this successful would be an understatement. A million thanks Kathy & crew. Also thanks to Jerry Stewart for the gift of his taped presentation of an inspiring speech for A Night for Our Heroes. Thanks also to our Guest Speakers Chuck Whitmore and Dr. Bridget Cantrell, Dan Early and the Legion Color Guard and our Media helpers, The Bellingham Herald, KGMI, The Lynden Tribune and Northwest Entertainment News. Thanks also to Jewell Morelli for all of the Graphic Design.
Patti from Whidbey Bank (helped with SA donations boxes) Kathy Bergman and Registration crew, June and Jerry McKay
Silent Auction items set up for business!
Checking out our Soldiers' Angels table
Guests lining up to check in and Angel Sammi Morelli selling 50/50 tickets...the night begins!
Donated Desserts for our Dessert Dash. Lots of fun!!
Time to chat and peruse auction items
The Northern Lights Jazz Orchestra led by Paul Sorensen, started off the evening
The Northern Lights Jazz Orchestra led by Veteran Paul Sorensen, treated us to a fabulous night of incredible music. This band is fantastic. Thank you NLJO for donating your time and wonderful music!
We were so fortunate to have Northern Lights Jazz Orchestra and vocalist Christine Anderson delight us with great music.
An added bonus from the NLJO was a Frank Sinatra Tribute from singer Arthur Alder
Two of our favorite people arrive...Dr. Bridget Cantrell and assistant Kalli Backlund
Our awesome MC Mike Kent in action! Thank you for everything Mike, including helping to spread the word about Soldiers' Angels and "A Night for our Heroes" on your radio show.
A moving speech from our Guest Speaker Chuck Whitmore
Our fabulous auctioneer Ernie in action!
The Live Auction was entertaining!
Between our MC Mike, Ernie and his straightman working the room, not to mention our sponsors, the live auction was a great success! Thank you all for your spirit and generosity!
“A Night for Our Heroes” turned out to be a great success thanks to everyone involved under the direction of Angel Kathy Bergman. Thank you to all of our sponsors, who donated funds and auction items for this event and a million thanks to all of the participants who generously gave of their time and funds to raise money for our Heroes.
As MC Mike Kent stated during the evening…our mission is to go out and spread the word about Soldiers’ Angels and how much their suport is needed for our Armed forces, Veterans, wounded and their families. Let no soldier go unloved or Veteran be forgotten. As a community we can step up to walk the walk of gratitude everyday to make sure those who serve and sacrifice know they have our support. If everyone does a little we can do great things for all. Let us honor our Heroes every single day!
Thanks also to the VFW and the Bergman’s for helping with a second event at the VFW in Fairhaven the following night. We met some wonderful Veterans and guests who enjoyed a Spaghetti and Crab Dinner and Dance. Thank you Kathy, Clark, Mel Vaughn, Cindy, June, Jerry for all your help and support. At the end of the weekend it really did feel like the community was banding together to step up to support. Let’s keep this going for the future!
Veteran’s Day Parade..Marching with the POW/MIA Group
December 17, 2009 at 3:51 pm | In Veteran Support | Leave a CommentTags: Auburn, POW/MIA, soldiersangels, veteransday, Washington
On Veteran’s Day this year, Soldiers’ Angels in Washington had the great honor of marching with the POW/MIA Group at the 44th Annual Auburn Veteran’s Day Parade. This is the largest parade of its kind west of the Mississippi.
Thank you Jessica Smith & mother Debbie for making the connection with this wonderful group on our behalf and organizing our participation. Thanks also to Sammi Morelli, Vern Van Houten, Jessica & Family for participating!
It is hard to put this day into words, except to say it was humbling and an incredible honor to attend this Veteran’s Day observance and parade with the POW/MIA Group. We had a few minor glitches to begin with, one of which was a torrential downpour, but how can one even THINK of complaining when WWII Veterans are standing at attention throughout the observance in the freezing cold and then carrying on to march stoically in the parade? I’m so thankful to have been a part of this event and to share the day with Jessica & family, Vern and Sammi. It was a shared experience that will never be forgotten. I encourage everyone to make the trek to Auburn next year because we’ve been invited back!
Angels Vern & Sammi waiting for the Observance to begin.
Angel Jessica with her trusty Camera capturing the ceremony
Time for Puddle Jumping and rehearsing in between downpours
Our wonderful Crew getting ready for the parade
A few last minute adjustments with the Rain gear. Thanks Debbie for bringing the slickers!
An Honor
A Community braved the elements to say thank you...you're not forgotten
A long day but every second was amazing.
On the drive back home that evening, everything was illuminated in more ways than one. Thank you Jessica, Debbie & Family. Thank you Vern & Sammi. Most of all, thank you to all who serve, our Veterans and their families. We are forever grateful!
Warrior Transition Battalion (WTB) Thanksgiving
November 13, 2009 at 12:55 am | In General Troop Support, Veteran Support | Leave a CommentTags: decorations, Ft.Lewis, soldiersangels, Thanksgiving, WTB
Thank you Toni, Jessica, Lizbeth, Debbie and School Children of Washington for providing the wonderful decorations for the WTB Thanksgiving celebration.
Thank you angels & Washington School Children for helping to contribute wonderful decorations for the WTB, Thanksgiving celebration for our Wounded Warriors in Ft. Lewis.
Soldiers’ Angels receives Spirit of Hope Award
October 28, 2009 at 6:36 pm | In Fisher Houses, General Troop Support, Veteran Support | 1 CommentTags: DOD, JointChiefsofstaff, spirit of hope, support
Soldiers’ Angels humbly announces the impending receipt of the prestigious Spirit of Hope Award, to be presented by the Office of the Secretary of Defense and Joint Chiefs of Staff. Trustee Richard M. John and Operations Manager Toby Nunn will be in Washington, DC on October 27 to receive the award in the form of a unique bronze medallion, which is being bestowed in recognition of the many troop support activities of Soldiers’ Angels in 2008. Past recipients include U.S. Military service members, senators and congressmen, and everyday Americans.
The Spirit of Hope Award originated with the USO, inspired by the efforts of Bob Hope to support and raise the morale of American military servicemen and women. It is now handled by The Wiegand Foundation, and each of the five military branches as well as the Office of the Secretary of Defense have the option to honor up to two people or organizations each year with a bronze or silver medallion, for a total of twelve honorees. All twelve medallions have never been bestowed in the same year, and the Secretary of Defense has bestowed only two medallions since 2003.
Receipt of the Spirit of Hope Award is a tribute to all the Angels who make Soldiers’ Angels such a powerful organization–the individuals, families, companies who work together as a team of Angels to make sure no Soldier, Sailor, Airmen, Marine or Guardsman goes unloved!
Stay tuned for more on this tremendous honor…
Candlelight Vigil in Ft. Lewis
October 28, 2009 at 2:28 pm | In General Troop Support | 1 CommentThe 1-17 held a Candlelight Vigil on Thursday, October 29 at 6:30pm at the Four Chaplains Memorial Chapel on Main Post, Ft Lewis. This vigil was not only for the 7 soldiers recently lost, but all soldiers of the 1-17 that have lost their lives since the unit deployed in July. Below are the photos from the Vigil. Keep these families in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you to Angel Lisa for sharing these pictures and Ingrid @ the Northwest Guardian for taking them and allowing us to post.
Hearts Toward Home Workshop…amazing.
October 15, 2009 at 2:34 pm | In Uncategorized | 1 CommentTags: bridgetcantrell, families, Heartstowardhomeworkshop, ptsd, support, Tacoma, Veterans, warrior, Washington
Dr. Bridget C Cantrell, Phd. has been aptly named a “Warrior’s Angel” as she travels the globe to counsel military and their families, with the various issues presenting challenges to healthy transitioning, and quality of life.
She calls it “Rolling up our sleeves to help the Troops” and so it was a perfect partnership that this “Warrior’s Angel” teamed up with the 501(c)(3) non profit Soldiers’ Angels Organization to present the “Hearts toward Home Workshop”in tacoma on Oct 10, 2009.
Recently bestowed The prestigious Spirit of Hope Award from the offices of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of Defense, it is with this spirit of hope that Soldiers’ Angels wanted to bring our military, families, professionals and the community together for this learning opportunity.
Soldiers Angels representative, Toby Nunn, who has experienced multiple deployments himself, had this to say on his blog at tobynunn.com:
”Most would think this would be right up my sleeve but I try my best not to expose what’s on my sleeve when it comes to this topic and I was nervous about facing some of the demons I have been able to manage. It was made easier by looking around the room and seeing other young and some not so young people finding a special fellowship and being provided a positive and secure platform to share and assist each other. I will confess that I held back on writing about it because it has taken me several days to process some of which I had to face.”
Soldiers’ Angels was honored to stand in support and sponsor this wonderful workshop given by Dr. Cantrell. We are so grateful to all of the participants for their courage and willingness to share experiences, learning, hope and resources.
How does one put into words the enormity of such a day? Shifts from within were definitely the order for the day as we all set aside the diverse backgrounds we arrived with and set our focus on connecting with each other in support of our Warriors and their families. I just want to thank Soldiers’ Angels for sponsoring this event and everyone who attended, for their very vulnerable and candid sharing. Julie
The three books provided to the recipients through Soldiers Angel’s sponsorship can be found at:
http://www.heartstowardhome.com Further informations or questions about future Soldiers Angels sponsored events/workshops in Washington, contact soldiersangelswashington@gmail.com or visit our website at soldiersangels.org
SA Table at Workshop. Thanks Melissa, Sammi & Jessica for making it look great!
Washington Facebook, Twitter, and Blog help strengthen our Team!
April 12, 2009 at 4:25 pm | In General Troop Support | 1 CommentTags: blog, Facebook, soldiersangels, Twitter, Washington
Hello Washington! In our efforts to build a strong Washington team and increase our support efforts, Soldiers’ Angels Washington has created a Patti/Soldiers’Angels approved, Washington Facebook Page, Facebook Group and Twitter page. We encourage you to join all of these groups. These social networking sites are great ways to ‘meet’ other angels, discuss projects and events you may be working on, brainstorm ideas or simply see what’s coming up next in the state without having to dig for information or wait for an email. By being a part of these Washington State sites you not only can connect on a local level, but you will be directly connected (with a click) on the national level to the directors and official group. It’s a fast way to receive information! I love it! Here are the links:
Washington Facebook Group (For discussion, event listing/inviting and larger postings)
Subscribe to our Blog too (by clicking on the subscribe button on the rt.menu) These are all great ways to build a strong Washington team by keeping us connected and informed! The more connected we are, the more our support efforts can grow and benefit those who have served and continue to serve. Thanks Angels!
For those of you in the Vancouver WA/Portland area, you may want to also add our Oregon State sites. There are many events that come up for that area and joining will help you keep informed! The links are listed on the Oregon Blog here > SOLDIERS’ ANGELS OREGON
Wings of Freedom Tour In Washington!
June 18, 2009 at 6:39 pm | In General Troop Support | Leave a CommentTags: bremerton, freedom, heroes, liberator, soldiersangels, Veterans, Washington, wingsoffreedomtour, WWII
Thanks Angel Jessica for letting us know about The Wings of Freedom Tour.
6/15 – 6/17 Bremerton, WA (B-17, B-24 & P-51)
Airport: Bremerton National Airport Location: General Aviation Ramp
- 6/17 – 6/19 Port Angeles, WA (B-17, B-24 & P-51)
Airport: William R Fairchild Intl. Airport
Location: East General Aviation Ramp -
6/19 – 6/22 Seattle, WA (B-17, B-24 & P-51)
Airport: Boeing Field
Location: Seattle Museum of Flight
- 6/22 – 6/24 Pasco, WA (B-17, B-24 & P-51)
Airport: Tri-Cities Airport
Location: Bergstrom Aircraft
Flag Day at the VA
June 20, 2009 at 7:24 pm | In Fisher Houses | Leave a CommentTags: flagday, freedom, seattle, soldiersangels, support, Veterans, Washington, westseattlebigband
Thanks to the wonderful music of the WEST SEATTLE BIG BAND ,the amazing help from so many Angels (KT,Dawn,Jennifer,Judy,Jessica,Vern,Connie,Andrea,Susan,Sammi,Jewell), Boy scouts, and the VA Puget Sound, our Flag Day at the VA was an enjoyable event for the Veterans and Fisher House Families. Thank you all for your generosity of time, care and passion for supporting our Veterans…and most of all thank you Veterans. We are forever Grateful!
Scouts in Action
Soldiers Angel Sammi singing the National Anthem/West Seattle Big Band
Scouts/West Seattle Big Band
West Seattle Band & Angels
Busy with the decorations!
The Scouts were on the job! Such great work guys! We really appreciated you helping with EVERYTHING!
Thank you to all who contributed to our Refreshment table
Flag Day Refreshments - Soldiers Angels Dawn - A great hostess!
Waiting for the last minute tune ups for the band.
Veterans, Angels-KT,Jennifer,Jewell,Sammi,Andrea
They listened, enjoyed and some danced. All in all a wonderful day!
And they danced!
I have more pictures to post and wish I could post some of the wonderful pictures of the Veterans and families who enjoyed the day. Many were seen cuddled up listening to the great Music of the West Seattle Big band. The pictures were priceless. Stay tuned and thanks for a great day Veterans. It was an honor to share this moment in time with you.
WTB Soldiers Enjoy the View
July 25, 2009 at 4:57 pm | In Uncategorized | 3 CommentsTags: soldiersangels, spaceneedle, woundedwarriors, WTB
SPC James Crutchfield, SGT Jon Colburn, and SPC Andrew Atkinson enjoyed a lovely dinner and view of Seattle thanks to Soldiers’ Angels.
“Once again – thank you for providing the means for us to have a
spectacular evening!” SPC James Crutchfield
“This is Awesome! Soldiers looking out and sharing with and for each other!!!!” SFC Toby Nunn
We’re glad you had a great time guys!
Day of the Deployed October 26
August 16, 2009 at 9:01 am | In Fisher Houses, General Troop Support | Leave a CommentTags: dayofthedeployed, october26, soldiersangels, support
Christmas in July at the Ft. Lewis Fisher House
August 18, 2009 at 3:40 pm | In Fisher Houses, General Troop Support | 2 CommentsTags: christmasinjuly, ftlewis, ftlewisfisherhouse, soldiersangels, support
What an absolute honor to be asked to help out with the Christmas in July event at the Ft. Lewis Fisher House. Thank you to the incredible staff and families of the Fisher House, for allowing us to share in this special day.
I’m always amazed and appreciative of the ingenuity and dedication of our network of angels! Bravo to you all!
Tony starts bringing in the goodies!
A few of the Christmas baskets our Angels provided
Present time
Thank you Megan at Ride the Ducks for the quackers and the Gift Certificates!
Another quacker in the house!
Two little beauties!
Sammi Morelli talking cheesecake with Mr Berry. Tough choices!
Jessica and Amy hard at work with the clean up!
Some of the beautiful flowers donated by Jello Mold Farms in Mt. Vernon Washington.
Thank you also to Otion soapmaking in Bellingham Washington for donating all the soapmaking activities that the families will be sure to enjoy in the future!
Sammi,Amy,Wanda,Julie, & Jewell say a Thank you to those who serve
Amy, Jodi, & Nikki of the Fisher House & Angel Tracy say thank you to those who serve.
A yummy masterpiece made by angel Tracy Patterson. Thanks Tracy!
Thanks Tony and the Cheesecake factory for this little gem!
Wanda Motonaga...you make good cookies!! Thanks Wanda!
Nothing like a little B-Ball after a big Christmas Dinner!
A special thank you from a grateful Fisher House Family
A special thank you from a grateful Fisher House Family
We are so grateful for YOU Fisher House families. Thank you for your service . Thank you for allowing us to spend the day with you. We hope you enjoyed all of the “Uniquely Washington” gifts in the baskets and the Christmas Dinner! All the best to each of you as you journey through to the brighter days ahead.
Soldiers’ Angels & Dr. Bridget Cantrell PTS/PTSD workshop
August 21, 2009 at 7:05 pm | In Fisher Houses, General Troop Support, Veteran Support | 2 CommentsTags: combatstress, families, military, pts, ptsd, soldiersangels, support, troops, Veterans, Washington
Please see our Soldiers’ Angels Washington Event page for Registration details and please spread the word about this free workshop, to all of your friends and families in the Armed Forces, Veterans and people you know who work in support. This is an amazing opportunity that is important for all. Dr. Cantrell is an engaging and knowledgeable speaker with a hearfelt passion for our Military and Veterans. I highly recommend this opportunity.
Living Legends Team – Angels of Comfort
August 26, 2009 at 2:13 pm | In Fisher Houses, General Troop Support, Veteran Support | Leave a CommentTags: livinglegendsteam, soldiersangels, thefallen
Soldiers’ Angel Cynthia is a part of theLiving Legends team, which provides condolences and comfort to families of the fallen through letters, cards, and very special gifts of comfort and remembrance. Cynthia is personally responsible for contacting families and offering them a tree or wreath in memory of their loved one. She also makes sure any young children involved receive a Patches teddy bear, which is specially crafted to help them express their emotions amid the tragedy of losing a parent.
Angels of Comfort
The last two months have seen a high rate of casualties, especially in Afghanistan, and the Living Legends team has been very busy. Cynthia recently shared with the rest of the team:
…After talking with family after family the last few days, I thought it was time to make sure each and every one of you understands how very important you are and what a special thing it is you are doing. Mother after mother, wife after wife, father after father, and husband after husband have told me how much those cards mean to them.
Not once in the two years I have been doing this have I ever had to explain Soldiers Angels to any of our families–each and every person knew, and the appreciation is so enormous. One Grandfather told me this weekend that we have done so much for them that they hated to impose anymore by taking a tree. I’m told over and over how amazed they are that people all over the country–people they don’t know–would be so kind, go to such trouble for them.
Each of you, when you send a card, is a wonderful ambassador for Soldiers Angels and you make my job at little easier. Some families have told me that at especially rough times, they go back to their box of Angel cards and read them again for comfort. It doesn’t matter that none of us have the perfect words–when I call, I certainly don’t because there simply are none–but the fact that you reach out to them means so much, they are so grateful that people care; you just can’t imagine.
So, if ever you feel that your one card doesn’t matter, that you can’t possibly say anything that will make a difference, don’t you dare stop! You are a lifeline to so many, and those cards and letters will carry into the future. Sadly, many of our heroes have children they never met or who are too young to remember who Mom or Dad was. Your cards are being kept to give to those children and hopefully your words will help these children fill that empty place with the understanding that Mom or Dad was very special–so special, so appreciated, that people from all over the States wrote to say so.
So, thank you again. I, too, appreciate the caring and thoughtful way you pave the road for me. The bios [on each fallen hero, researched and assembled by Living Legend team members] are so helpful to me because I can read each one, and when I talk to one of our families I know something about them, which makes me a little more like a long-lost friend that a stranger. Plus, I see the photos and sometimes it helps me know what to say. I know putting those bios together is not an easy job, reading them isn’t easy either and you know what?–It really shouldn’t be.
Soldiers’ Angels proudly gives its most respectful salute to the amazing Angels of the Living Legends team. They willingly step into the most painful of situations, honoring America’s heroes and comforting their grieving families during the most difficult time. They are truly Angels of a most special breed.
Angels & Warriors – A great day!
September 23, 2009 at 5:28 pm | In Fisher Houses, General Troop Support, Veteran Support | 1 CommentTags: americanlake, ftlewis, northfort, soldiersangels, warriors, WarriorTransitionBattalion, Washington, WTB
” The soldiers who are placed in the Warrior Transition Battalion need six months or more of complex medical care. They come from different Army units, and some will remain in the Army after their time in the battalion, while others will eventually return to civilian life.” The goal of this organizational day was to create a fun, morale boosting event for the entire battalion of warriors and their families. Soldiers’ Angels was honored to donate all the prizes for this event and to help with the volunteering on the day. If you didn’t help out this time, I highly recommend rolling up your sleeves and being a part of future events for the WTB. They are an inspiring and wonderful group of people to spend time with.
Angels Cindi and Meagan were making the rounds!
Amazing athletics from the wounded warriors
This would be so hard! Amazing demonstration of the Wounded warrior adaptive sports program.
Our roving angels met lots of great people and dogs!
Lots of hungry people!
Happy recipients of the fabulous cotton candy made by our wonderful Cotton Candy Angel Jewell
Good to the last drop!
A gorgeous setting for the WTB's Organizational Day
Warriors and families were out fishing and boating. Soldiers' Angels just recently donated Electric Fishing Reels to ensure that more wounded warriors could be included and enjoy fishing excursions. Also Check out all the wonderful things happening with Project Healing Waters. http://www.projecthealingwaters.org
Great sports and lots of fun!
THE GAMES WERE A GREAT HIT! Thank you to SOLDIERS’ ANGELS for donating ALL the games for this event, including that huge monkey you see that many were trying so hard to win!
Volunteers hard at work Before ........
......and after!
Volunteers were awesome!
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff318/threehourtourbam/5891_1203357091921_1468411896_30572.jpg
Angels connecting!
Possibly the biggest bouncy castle EVER!
Angels Jewell & Julie - Rocked the snow cones & Cotton candy all day. Jewell looked like cotton candy at the end of the day!! Thank you to all the angels who were able to roam through the festivities and get pictures. (Jessica,Cindi,Meagan)
A very long line of hungry and yet patient people. I never heard one complaint which should be a lesson to us all.
HELP COP KEATING
October 8, 2009 at 5:11 am | In General Troop Support | Leave a CommentTags: afghanistan, copkeating, soldiersangels
In the last 36 hours, bloggers from “left” to “right” have teamed up with the American Legion and other military support organizations to support the survivors of the battle at COP Keating. And Soldiers’ Angels has jumped in to help!
Not only did the soldiers of COP Keating fight a ferocious battle that included a breach of the base at one point, they lost eight of their brothers (while they donated blood as the battle raged) and watched their living quarters go up in smoke. A participant in the battle who got out later wrote via email, “Most people back home don’t even know, no one gives a s***.”
Well, he’s already being proven wrong!
Blogger and troop supporter extraordinaire “Tanker Babe” was the first to sound the alarm pointing out that while the very-most basics would be replaced by the US Army, these heroes needed more. Bloggers across the political spectrum answered the call as Tanker Babe began to coordinate specific item donations of extra clothing and toiletries. Soldiers’ Angels pitched in with 54 pairs of socks and a stack of cards and letters written by kids, and within 36 hours Tanker Babe was proud to report, “Mission accomplished.”
The American Legion also stepped up to lead in lifting the morale of these brave warriors another way:
In the battle for Combat Outpost Keating, the men of Bravo Troop 361 Cavalry lost every possession they had, save for the clothes on their backs. These men have lost friends, their outpost, and all their belongings. One soldier who made it out wrote that “most people back home dont even know, no one gives a s***.” Well, many of us do. And you can prove it by giving whatever you can. These guys need things like running shoes, and other essentials, as well as some comfort items like iPods and DVD players. The American Legion has kicked in $1000 to start the fund, and your humble blogger will be the first to donate $100. I intend to get these items out by the end of next week. ANY amount you can give, no matter how small will help us prove that we care.
Congratulations to all involved in this great effort, a wonderful example of the amazing things Americans can do when we all pull together!
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