Soldiers’ Angels receives Spirit of Hope Award

October 28, 2009 at 6:36 pm | In Fisher Houses, General Troop Support, Veteran Support | 1 Comment
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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 Comment

The 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 Comment
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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!

 

 

 

HELP COP KEATING

October 8, 2009 at 5:11 am | In General Troop Support | Leave a Comment
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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!

Angels & Warriors – A great day!

September 23, 2009 at 5:28 pm | In Fisher Houses, General Troop Support, Veteran Support | 1 Comment
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 ” 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!

Angels Cindi and Meagan were making the rounds!

 

Amazing athletics from the wounded warriors

Amazing athletics from the wounded warriors

 

This would be so hard! Amazing demonstration of the Wounded warrior adaptive sports program.

This would be so hard! Amazing demonstration of the Wounded warrior adaptive sports program.


Our roving angels met lots of great people and dogs!

Our roving angels met lots of great people and dogs!

Lots of hungry people!

Lots of hungry people!

The fabulous cotton candy made by our wonderful Cotton Candy Angel Jewell

Happy recipients of the fabulous cotton candy made by our wonderful Cotton Candy Angel Jewell

Good to the last drop!

Good to the last drop!

 

 

A gorgeous setting for the WTBs Organizational Day

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

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!

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 ........

Volunteers hard at work Before ........

......and after!

......and after!

Volunteers were awesome!

Volunteers were awesome!

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Angels connecting!

Angels connecting!

Possibly the biggest bouncy castle EVER!

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!!

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.

A very long line of hungry and yet patient people. I never heard one complaint which should be a lesson to us all.

Washington Facebook, Twitter, and Blog help strengthen our Team!

April 12, 2009 at 4:25 pm | In General Troop Support | 1 Comment
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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 Page

Washington Facebook Group    (For discussion, event listing/inviting and larger postings)

Washington Twitter Page

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 Comment
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Thanks Angel Jessica for letting us know about The Wings of Freedom Tour.     

 

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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

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Flag Day at the VA

June 20, 2009 at 7:24 pm | In Fisher Houses | Leave a Comment
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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

Scouts in Action

Soldiers Angel Sammi singing the National Anthem/West Seattle Big Band

Soldiers Angel Sammi singing the National Anthem/West Seattle Big Band

Scouts/West Seattle Big Band

Scouts/West Seattle Big Band

 

West Seattle Band & Angels

West Seattle Band & Angels

WestSeattleBand

 

 

Busy with the decorations!

Busy with the decorations!

 

The Scouts were on the job! Such great work guys! We really appreciated you helping with EVERYTHING!

The Scouts were on the job! Such great work guys! We really appreciated you helping with EVERYTHING!

 

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Thank you to all who contributed to our Refreshment table

Thank you to all who contributed to our Refreshment table

 

 

 

Flag Day Refreshments  Dawn

Flag Day Refreshments - Soldiers Angels Dawn - A great hostess!

 

Waiting for the last minute tune ups for the band.

Waiting for the last minute tune ups for the band.

Veterans, Angels-KT,Jennifer,Jewell,Sammi,Andrea

Veterans, Angels-KT,Jennifer,Jewell,Sammi,Andrea

 

They listened, enjoyed and some danced. All in all a wonderful day!

They listened, enjoyed and some danced. All in all a wonderful day!

 

 

And they danced!

And they danced!

 

Lots of Fun!

Lots of Fun!

 

 

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 Comments
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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 Comment
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Christmas in July at the Ft. Lewis Fisher House

August 18, 2009 at 3:40 pm | In Fisher Houses, General Troop Support | 1 Comment
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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!

Tony starts bringing in the goodies!

A few of the Christmas baskets our Angels provided

A few of the Christmas baskets our Angels provided

Present time

Present time

Thank you Megan at Ride the Ducks for the quackers and the Gift Certificates!

Thank you Megan at Ride the Ducks for the quackers and the Gift Certificates!

Another quacker in the house!

Another quacker in the house!

Two little beauties!

Two little beauties!

Sammi Morelli talking cheesecake with Mr Berry. Tough choices!

Sammi Morelli talking cheesecake with Mr Berry. Tough choices!

Jessica and Amy hard at work with the clean up!

Jessica and Amy hard at work with the clean up!

Some of the beautiful flowers donated by Jello Mold Farms in Mt. Vernon Washington.

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

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.

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!

A yummy masterpiece made by angel Tracy Patterson. Thanks Tracy!

Thanks Tony and the Cheesecake factory for this little gem!

Thanks Tony and the Cheesecake factory for this little gem!

Wanda Motonaga...you make good cookies!! Thanks Wanda!

Wanda Motonaga...you make good cookies!! Thanks Wanda!

Nothing like a little B-Ball after a big Christmas Dinner!

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

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 Comments
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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 Comment
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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.

October 2, 2009 at 1:36 pm | In Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
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All across the nation on Saturday, October 3rd, community yard/garage sales will take place to support Soldiers’ Angels. To find out if there is one in your area – click here

Yard Sales for Troops Unite Nation

Soldiers’ Angels Volunteers Raise Money for Support Projects

PASADENA, Calif., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Across the country this weekend, Americans are uniting in support of the troops through the First Annual Soldiers’ Angels Sale-abration. In metropolitan areas, small towns and on military bases, from Alaska to Florida and Southern California to Vermont, patriots are raising money for troop support activities through community-based yard sales. Angel volunteers organizing each Sale will be donating a percentage of their profits to Soldiers’ Angels, helping to support deployed or wounded soldiers.

The grassroots Sales are sponsored by military support nonprofit Soldiers’ Angels, whose motto is “May No Soldier Go Unloved.” An award-winning organization with nearly 200,000 hands-on volunteers around the world, Soldiers’ Angels assists active duty, wounded, veterans, military families through over 30 separate teams and projects.

Angels participating in Sale-abration are working on two missions: raising money for the Soldiers’ Angels Holidays for Heroes and Project Valour-IT, and introducing their neighbors to the variety of hands-on ways they can demonstrate their support for America’s military men and women. At each Sale, customers will find blankets and 300 holiday cards on which to write greetings for the troops, and Soldiers’ Angels bracelets will go to the first 25 customers at each site.

Sale-abration coordinator Greta Perry has been amazed by the response Soldiers’ Angels has received to this first-time event. “We figured 10 would be a good goal for the first year. To have 80 is just fantastic. Our volunteers really want to bring attention to Soldiers’ Angels in their community, to draw others into actively supporting the troops. So many people are looking for ways to support our heroes, and this is a great opportunity to learn how by connecting with people who are already doing it.”

For more information, including a list of Sale-abration locations, see www.soldiersangels.org.

Established in 2003, Soldiers’ Angels is a nationwide volunteer-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, as well as veterans and military families. For more information, seewww.soldiersangels.org or call 615-676-0239. Tax ID# 20-0583415, CFC#25131.

Three more fallen Ft. Lewis Warriors

September 28, 2009 at 5:58 am | In Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
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Rest in Peace Brave Warriors. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of these 3 brave soldiers and all of the courageous men and women still in harms way. 

“Three Fort Lewis soldiers, including one from Bellevue, were killed Thursday in Afghanistan, the military announced Saturday.

Sgt. Titus R. Reynolds, Sgt. Edward B. Smith and Spc. Joseph V. White died when a bomb exploded near their Stryker in Omar Zai, Afghanistan. The three served with 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, which has served in southeastern Afghanistan since July.

Fifteen of the brigade’s 3,900 soldiers have been killed since it deployed in July; all but one death has been the result of roadside bombs detonating near a vehicle or during a foot patrol.”  

 

 

READ MORE ON FOB TACOMA

Gold Star Mother’s Day

September 28, 2009 at 5:44 am | In Veteran Support | Leave a Comment
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Today is Gold Star Mothers Day, a day to honor and remember the mothers who have lost a child in wartime military service.  Soldiers’ Angels strives to support these mothers and families every day of the year, and is honored to draw particular attention to them on this special day recognizing their service and sacrifice.

Gold Star Mothers Day began in 1994 under President Clinton and has been continued by his successors.  This year’s proclamation reads as follows:

The sacrifices of our military servicemembers are etched in the walls of our monuments and felt at empty dinner tables across America. To those who have given their lives for our country, we honor them as guardians of our liberty and pay tribute to their valiant service. As our Nation remembers our fallen men and women in uniform, we also recognize the profound loss and sorrow of the family members they leave behind.

Few know the honor of service and the costs of war more than Gold Star Mothers and Families. They have given our Nation their most precious treasure, and we remain forever in their debt. Honoring the memory of their lost loved ones, these extraordinary individuals dedicate themselves to helping heal the hearts of other military families who bear the great burden of loss. Through their strength and service, they emulate their loved one’s selfless dedication to our country.

On this day, we express immense gratitude and profound respect for Gold Star Mothers and Families. Our country’s fallen heroes left the comfort of home so that we might know a more peaceful world. They endured extreme hardship so that we might enjoy freedom. They made the ultimate sacrifice so that we might be safe. They represent the best of America. In their memory, may we fulfill our solemn obligation to continue their work of securing a safer, freer world for generations to come.

Prayers go to the Families of Stryker Fallen

September 20, 2009 at 7:36 pm | In General Troop Support, Veteran Support | Leave a Comment
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The Fort Lewis PAO released additional information about 5-2 Stryker soldiers killed in Afghanistan.  Prayers go out to the family and friends of these brave soldiers, may they rest in peace. 

“FORT LEWIS, Wash. – The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. 1st Lt. David T. Wright, II, 26, of Moore, Okla., and Sgt. Andrew H. McConnell, 24, of Carlisle, Pa. died of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device Sept. 14 in southern Afghanistan. The Soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash. The brigade deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in July, 2009.

According to unit records, Wright enlisted in the U.S. Army Feb. 16, 2007. He attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as a second lieutenant on Aug. 2, 2007. Wright completed the Infantry Officer Basic Course at Fort Benning, Ga., and reported Fort Lewis, Wa., on Aug. 7, 2008, where he was assigned to the 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. This was his first deployment.

Wright’s civilian and military education includes a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Oklahoma (2006), the Infantry Officer Basic Course (2008), Army Combatives Level I training (2008), Air Assault Qualification Course (2008), and Airborne Qualification Course (2008). His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Media, Airborne badge and Air Assault badge.

According to unit records, McConnell enlisted October 25, 2005.at Harrisburg, Pa., and reported to Fort Benning, Ga. for initial entry training. Upon graduation, he reported to Fort Bragg, North Carolina on March 13, 2006. He reported to Fort Lewis, Wash. on Jan. 31, 2007, where he was assigned to the 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. This was his first deployment.

McConnell’s civilian and military education includes a High school diploma, 60+ hours college credit (2005), the Military Occupational Specialty 11B: Infantryman Qualification Course (2005), Airborne Qualification Course (2005), Warrior Leader Course (2006), and Combat Lifesaver Course (2007). His awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal (four awards), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Expert Infantryman Badge, and Air Assault Badge.”

The Sentinel Online : News : Local : Family remembers fallen soldier

September 20, 2009 at 3:04 am | In Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
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