North Carolina Soldiers' Angels

Fort Bragg Career Day - Feb. 14th, 2012

2012-02-13T23:49:00.001-05:00

The ACAP Career Days are at the Fort Bragg ACAP office. NC companies are in dire need of experienced people like you. Before the event, visit ACAP to get your resumé ready and check out the ACAP Career Days regularly to learn about the latest jobs. Be sure to join and apply for the jobs so you can turn the Career Day into an interview opportunity! Show up on the 14th of February between 0900 and 1200 at Soldier Support Center, 1st Floor, Room 1-C-105. For more information contact the ACAP Office at 910-396-2227.

Partcipating Companies

Wyo-Tech

www.wyotech.edu/military

Durham Police Department

www.durhampolicedept.com

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Dept

www.cmpd.org

Alliance Training School

www.alliancetractortrailor.com

Venatore

www.venatore.com/careers.aspx

Logistics Managers, Inc

www.jlmiva.com

Raleigh Police Dept.

www.joinraleighpd.org

JWHQ

http://ejwhq.com

Greensboro Police Department

www.greensboro-nc.gov/police

International Development Solutions

http://www.careers.intldevsol.com

Road Master Driving School

www.roadmaster.com/

Regency Job Training Institute

www.rjti.org/

Booz Allen Hamilton

www.boozallen.com/careers

Angels & Raiders

2012-02-13T23:31:00.001-05:00

Soldiers’ Angels is lending its name to the San Antonio Public Safety Raiders football team, making the Raiders the organization's first Veterans Outreach Program Sports Team.

Part of the semi-pro, charity-focused National Public Safety Football League, the local Raiders team currently consists of San Antonio Police and Fire Department personnel, as well as military police, medics and firefighters. The Outreach Program is sponsoring the Raiders to bring more awareness to veterans’ issues and develop future Veteran Public Safety Officers programs while supporting Soldiers’ Angels through funds raised at Raiders football games.

The Raiders were founded last year by retired Staff Sergeant Stacey Corbin Stacey, a US Army veteran and public safety officer from Cleveland, Ohio who was recovering from spinal cord injuries in 2009-2011 at Brooke Army Medical Center (SAMMC). Now known as the San Antonio Raiders Public Safety Football Team, the Raiders have affiliated teams in New York City and Detroit, and plan to have one in every major city in the North America in the near future. To signify their association with Soldiers’ Angels, the San Antonio team’s new name will be Soldiers’ Angels San Antonio Raiders.

To support the Raiders’ expansion, the Raiders are seeking sponsors, volunteers to coach, cheerleaders, and helpers for home games. Players must be active or retired certified police officers, firefighters, paramedics/EMT's, corrections officers or FBI/DEA/ICE (etc.) to be eligible to play. Active-duty military must have their commanding officer’s permission. The 2012 season starts in March in Charlotte, NC and ends in Detroit, MI on June 2, 2012 with a total of six games. For more information, see www.saraiders.org or call 210-618-9565.

Message from Soldiers' Angels Board of Trustee

2012-02-02T22:30:00.003-05:00

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.

Send Coupons for our Military Families

2011-11-15T18:44:00.000-05:00

Please Help - Collect Coupons for our military families here in the USA. Email me at cncnc2@gmail.com and I will reply with my mailing address.

Coupons must be "Manufacturer's Coupons."

No Expired Coupons.

List of requested coupons:

Air fresheners

Baby

Baking Needs

Beverages

Breads

Breakfast

Candy

Canned

Condiments

Dairy

Dish washing

Feminine Needs

Frozen Foods

Hair Care

Laundry

Meat

Medicine/ First Aid

Oral Hygiene

Pasta

Pets

Produce

Shaving/ Deodorants

Skin Care/Make up

Snacks/Cookies

Soap

Soups

Fast food and Restaurants or okay from nationwide popular places.

Note: no coupons for (tobacco, alcohol).

Mail Stop in Iraq

2011-10-31T20:19:00.002-04:00

Repost

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.

Links of Interest

2011-10-23T20:29:00.001-04:00

Below is some information on a North Carolina Soldiers' Angels Blog on Squidoo.com. Check out the October mission and check back for a new mission with in the Squidoo posts. Here on the North Carolina Soldiers' Angels Blogger, we collected a special set of links from the NC Soldiers' Angels Squiddo blog that are very beneficial, read further down the page.

Please go to the blog http://www.squidoo.com/sahammonds and support their efforts in serving the military community.

Links that Support our troops
These are SOME of the links I would recommend to get a better FEEL for what Soldiers' Angels is about
Soldiers' Angels
This is the official website of Soldiers' Angels
'Angel' sends happy thoughts to soldiers
This is an article that was done on me while I was living in Connecticut and how I support the soldiers
Cooking With The Troops
Their Mission is : Provide aid, comfort, and support to US and Allied military troops and families by: 1. Provide a culinary change of pace for U.S. and Allied military personnel -- particularly the wounded, injured, and ill -- and medical caregivers 2. Provide educational resources, opportunities and transition assistance into food and beverage careers for those who serve 3. Gather and share knowledge with and for troops on the front line and supporting same 4. Provide other direct and indirect assistance to support the care and well-being of U.S. and Allied military personnel and their families.
Combat Warrior Crisis Network
We strive to show that there are people out there that care, and want to help. There are resources in both the public and military communities, many armed forces members are not aware that exist. One of the programs we offer is Take a Soldier Fishing.
Squidoo of America's Favorite Mom
This is the Squidoo of Patti the founder of Soldiers' Angels
Soldiers' Angels Project Valour - IT
Project Valour-IT helps provide voice-controlled/adaptive laptop computers and other technology to support our Armed Forces
Take a Soldier Hunting
a Blog Style website about taking a injured or and Soldier hunting
Take a Soldier Fishing
A Way to do something fun while bridging the gap
The Love Goes Both Ways
I added this article so you, the reader can see that even if our troops may not have time to reply to a letter, email or thank you for a care package the truly do appreciate the support

Mama Mia! It's Jerky for the Troops

2011-10-23T20:19:00.000-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

New Social Media Coordinator

2011-10-23T15:58:00.000-04:00

Veteran Kelli Harmon knows what the support of Soldiers’ Angels means to troops and their families, so she jumped at the chance to join the team in September. Kelli is the Soldiers’ Angels Social Media Coordinator, a position in which she will focus on spreading the message of Soldiers’ Angels through mediums like Facebook, Twitter and other online avenues.

Soldiers’ Angels and Kelli have been partners for several years already. She initially encountered the organization in 2008 when Toby Nunn stopped in at the Fort Hood BOSS (Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers) office while she was the BOSS President for Ft Hood. As a previous Fort Hood BOSS President himself, Toby was interested in supporting Kelli’s efforts in the position. Toby and Kelli worked together on a number of large-scale events that Soldiers’ Angels supported. “During my two years as BOSS President, Soldiers’ Angels was the most supportive organization and they truly showed that they do care about Soldiers,” Kelli recalls.

In April 2010, Kelli was deployed to Camp Marmal, in Regional Command-North, Afghanistan with the 4th Infantry Division, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade and soon became the Brigade’s BOSS Representative. The Camp had no morale facilities when she arrived, so she set to work gathering resources to change that, including Soldiers’ Angels. Her efforts brought about MWR opportunities that included a gym, USO facility, basketball and volleyball courts, a movie theatre and a number of special events. Kelli’s tremendous work during her deployment garnered her two Army Commendation Medals and a Bronze Star.
Giving back to those around her has always been a part of Kelli’s life. Before spending 6.5 years in the military, she chose a career as a firefighter before discovering that she felt as though she still was not contributing enough to her country. “I loved it and will go back at some point,” she says, “but I wasn’t giving back enough as a firefighter.”

With her background and experience, working with Soldiers’ Angels after her military service was a natural fit. “The dedication of Soldiers’ Angels to the average Soldier and Veteran led me to choose Soldiers’ Angels as my next place of employment,” Kelli says. “I’m really excited to be working with Soldiers’ Angels.”

Soldiers’ Angels is excited to have Kelli on the team! Thank you to Kelli for her service—past, present and certainly future!

Day of the Deployed now Official

2011-10-18T20:35:00.000-04:00

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.

Ranger Moves up to Soldiers' Angels

2011-10-08T16:05:00.000-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Washington & Oregon SA Blogs

2011-10-08T15:02:00.000-04:00

Lisa, wanted to bring this post from Julie Morelli to our attention. Julie takes care of the Washington & Oregon Soldiers' Angels blogs for us: Set in your calendar for next year.

http://orsoldiersangels.blogspot.com/2011/09/sept-25-gold-star-mothers-day.html

Wingtip to Wingtip

Soldiers' Angels
www.soldiersangels.org

Project Valour-It

2011-07-15T13:33:00.008-04:00

At 07:33, calculations were done on the funds raised for Project Valour-It.
Total raised: $82,887

Team Totals:
USN $7881
USAF $8181
USMC $24,177
USA $31,703

The links for the campaign are still active and you may still have time to donate to a great project helping our wounded service men and women.

Main Campaign http://tinyurl.com/66lhyh5
Army Team: http://tinyurl.com/6zmob7h
USMC Team: http://tinyurl.com/3tqsahw
Navy Team: http://tinyurl.com/4y6orqp
USAF Team: http://tinyurl.com/6j93wbp

An Investment in the Future

2011-07-07T05:48:00.000-04:00

Hell in a Basket, from Team Marine, looks at Project Valour-IT not as a cost, but as an investment:

It’s not charity – It’s an investment in the future.

When a Service member is wounded in combat, in today’s conflict, the survival rate is many times higher than in previous wars, due mainly to much better and more timely medical care. However, the wounded can be left with the prospect of a long road of surgeries and rehabilitation.The cost to our military system in dollars is huge, and the cost to the individuals and their families is also gigantic.

I submit that, rather than a “cost” , a donation to Valour-IT is an investment. An investment in the future of our country and it’s people. Most of the injured are young, in the 19 – 25 year old bracket and otherwise healthy. With the technology available today, many of the injuries that would have relegated a person to a life as a dependent, shut-in, the wounded are looking at a far different future.

Read the whole thing.

You can make an investment, too.

Update about Project Valour-IT

2011-07-07T05:30:00.001-04:00

From Major Chuck Ziegenfuss:

It's been a long six years, looking back on things. 40 surgeries. Learning to walk. Learning to open and close my hands. Learning to write. Learning to check, and recheck, the temperature of everything before I grab it. Learning how to work a door knob. Learning my physical limitations, and learning the penalties for ignoring them. Many, many painful months of rehab. Narcotics addiction. Becoming a cyborg.

It's been a long journey, to be sure. From my position, now, it seems like it wasn't that bad--just something I had do do. From my position, then, it looked like I was going to have to scale the Himalayas with nothing but a bobbin of thread, a highlighter, and a half-empty bottle of hot sauce. It seemed, at times, like the odds were insurmountable--and worse, not worth attempting. I simply didn't have the tools to try.

Read the whole thing. If you can, please donate to Project Valour-IT.

Press Release - Valour-IT

2011-07-04T04:30:00.003-04:00

Soldiers’ Angels Project Valour-IT announces donors gifts for online fundraising competition

(PRWEB) July 04, 2011

On this day commemorating America’s independence, Soldiers’ Angels Project Valour-IT is fighting to help wounded warriors regain some independence of their own. Three days into its online fundraising competition, the project has raised over 10% of its goal of $100,000 to supply severely-wounded troops with voice-controlled laptops and other technology that aids their recovery, reintegration and independence.
“Using a voice-controlled laptop was first time I felt whole since I’d woken up after being wounded,” said Chuck Ziegenfuss, co-founder of Valour-IT and a Wounded Warrior himself. “It allowed me to do one thing that I had been able to do before I was wounded—use a computer. It allowed me to connect to my soldiers, friends, and family. That one thing began a long road to recovery. It gave me hope… hope that I could learn to do other things like I did before.”

To help enable Valour-IT to provide that hope to other wounded warriors and to thank the donors who make it possible, Soldiers’ Angels is offering special email gift certificates to all who donate at least $100 online, throughout the fundraiser.

$100+ donation: Certificate for a Soldiers’ Angels bracelet
$500+ donation: Certificate for limited-edition Valour-IT t-shirt
$1000+ donation: Certificate for a Valour-IT military challenge coin
$25,000+ donation: Dinner with Chuck Ziegenfuss in your hometown

For more information about the fundraising competition, email campaign(at)soldiersangels(dot)org or visit http://www.soldiersangels.org to donate. All funds raised go directly to wounded troops with no overhead costs removed, and requests for support are vetted through case managers.

About Soldiers’ Angels

Established in 2003, Soldiers' Angels is a volunteer-based, award-winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing aid and comfort to members of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, as well as veterans and military families. For more information, see http://www.soldiersangels.org. Tax ID# 20-0583415 CFC #25131

Wounded Hero Receives Laptop from Project Valour-IT

That one thing began a long road to recovery. It gave me hope… hope that I could learn to do other things like I did before.”

Starting July 1st

2011-07-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

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

Lets live in the Present Tense

2011-06-30T16:32:00.000-04:00

Win a Cool 3D Cell Phone to stuff in a care package: "Enter for your chance to instantly win one of 32 EVO 3D phones DAILY."

Zac Brown Band Volunteer Round Up...

2011-06-27T17:03:00.002-04:00

<<< FORWARDED MESSAGE....ATTENTION PLEASE!!!<<<

Dear Angels,

We have an URGENT need for about 15-20 volunteers in the Greater Charlotte, North Carolina area on Sunday, July 3, for the Letters for Lyrics Campaign. We have partnered with Ram Trucks and the Zac Brown Band to send 1 million cards to our heroes!!!!

We need volunteers to man the booth and encourage people to write notes to the troops at the upcoming Zac Brown Band concert. Volunteers will likely have a chance to see a few Zac Brown Band songs for free, and MAYBE meet the band. The concert will be at:

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
707 Pavilion Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28262

Start time will be 5:30pm and it should end by about 10 p.m. The date is Sunday, July 3 . If you are available to help, please email events@soldiersangels.org (please do not just hit reply to this email). It is FREE, all very easy to do, and you need not have a lot of Angel experience. Your friends and families are welcome to help as well. This will be very easy and tons of fun.

This is Soldiers' Angels’ first major national partnership and we really want to do a bang-up job! This can do great things for our heroes and their families! Please help if you can.

Twyla Choate
Events Coordinator
Soldiers' Angels
www.soldiersangels.org

Wingtip-to-wingtip,

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

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

2011-06-23T10:47:00.001-04:00

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

Project Valour-IT

2011-06-23T09:26:00.001-04:00

<<< FORWARDED MESSAGE....ATTENTION PLEASE!!!<<<

Then came Soldier's Angels, who gave me a laptop, and paired it with special software that allowed me to control the computer, using only my voice! Imagine, being able to do anything you can do with an mouse and keyboard, using just your voice.

For me, it allowed me to do one thing, that I could do before I was wounded.

That one thing--when everything: feeding, cleaning, scratching, everything had to be done for me--that one thing I could do for myself allowed me to connect to my soldiers, friends, and family. That one thing... that one thing began a long road to recovery. It gave me hope; that I could learn to do other things like I did before.

That one thing is only possible if people like you care enough to help. We have provided thousands of these systems since 2005, but the needs for these systems is still increasing. I visit military medical facilities and meet with wounded troops, and know that there are ways to help them... and right now, I have to tell them to wait because we need funding.

Should our wounded have to wait for something that can help them heal, take their mind off their pain, or bring them a little sense of self?

Please help us raise $100,000 between July 1-14; to keep us in the business of providing for our wounded. It seems like a lot of money, but every single dollar helps. Every dollar donated goes to the troops. None of the VALOUR-IT donation goes to administrative or other costs. You'd be hard pressed to find any charity that does that, but it was a stipulation I made when we set it up. That number seems huge, insurmountable. But you know how you eat an Elephant? One bite at a time. Give what you can, please. I know times are tough. Times were pretty tough for me, too, and are pretty tough for young men and women learning how to use prosthetics, getting skin grafts, having wounds washed out.

Donate if you can, please share the message with others. Get your friends to give what they can. Write about it on Facebook and twitter. Call in to a radio or TV show. Spread the word. Spread the love. Spread the hope.

Go here to view official website: Project Valour-It

Hooah!!!

Face of Defense: Airman Aids Afghans With Carpentry Skills

2011-06-22T17:00:00.023-04:00

Our troops often make use of non-military skills when they are deployed. One Airman utilizes his carpentry knowledge for a somber, but important, project:

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan, June 14, 2011 – Some of the heat has burned off as the summer moon rises overhead. An airman labors over scrap wood in a makeshift workshop under a canopy of camouflage. Fitting pieces of wood together, the shape of a tiny coffin emerges.
When the contract providing coffins for deceased Afghans expired, members at the hospital here immediately began making alternative plans. Americans stepped in to continue the role after their British counterparts brought the deficiency to their attention.

"[British army Maj. Martin Smith] came asking to see if our airmen would help out," said Air Force Lt. Col. Barbara Persons, commander of the 451st Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Detatchment 1 Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility. "I didn't even hesitate. I knew my airmen would feel the same way as I did -- anything to preserve the dignity of an innocent child."

Air Force Master Sgt. Jason Reininger builds a child-size coffin to be turned over to the hospital at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan. Reininger is an aerospace medical technician assigned to the 451st Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Adrian Cadiz

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

Read the whole thing.

Valour-IT: Technology for the Wounded: Steel Shooter Shares Soldier Support

2011-06-16T10:16:00.000-04:00

Valour-IT: Technology for the Wounded: Steel Shooter Shares Soldier Support

Help SSG W

2011-06-16T05:03:00.000-04:00

From the Soldiers' Angels (Official) facebook page:

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@soldiersangels.org with subject line "SSG W" for the shipping address to send things directly to this struggling unit. Please help!

Six Months of Christmas

2011-06-14T17:00:00.000-04:00

Every year, Soldiers’ Angels aims to send a Wrapped in Holiday Spirit care package to each deployed hero. Budgets are tight this year, but we can do it all together... a little bit at a time…

For each of the next six months, Soldiers’ Angels will focus on collecting one component of the Wrapped in Holiday Spirit care package. Whether you send a pair of socks in a small padded envelope, or a big box of handmade blankets, every bit will add up to fantastic packages full of love for our deployed troops during the Holiday Season!

This month the 6 Months of Christmas focus is socks. Believe it or not, a nice clean pair of new socks is a welcome luxury for deployed service members, especially in remote areas where they don’t have access to laundry facilities and are walking many miles a day. Colors needed include white, tan or khaki made of 100% cotton/wool (specialty sport/hiking/tactical socks in these colors are also greatly appreciated). Whether 1 pair or 100 pairs, every package of socks will bring a smile to a deployed hero this Holiday Season!

For more details, including shipping instructions, please click here or visit www.soldiersangels.org and click on “6 Months of Christmas - Sock Month.”

Cellar Angels supports Soldiers' Angels

2011-06-14T08:13:00.000-04:00

Do you like fine wine, or do you know someone who does? This might be just the thing: get fabulous wines at a great price, and support Soldiers' Angels in the process:

What happens when two “angel” organizations team up? Discounts on fine American wines, support for the troops… and Angels everywhere!

Soldiers’ Angels is proud to announce its new partnership with Cellar Angels, an online wine buying club that offers great wines at discounted prices while donating 10 percent of net proceeds to a carefully-selected list of charities (now including Soldiers’ Angels).

Each week, Cellar Angels features an exclusive wine offer via email with detailed tasting notes and food pairings. The weekly offer also features exclusive videos and behind-the-scenes info, and interviews the owner or wine maker so buyers can get to know the vintner. Customers then select their favorite charity from a short list as they complete each online purchase.

Most wines offered by Cellar Angels are from small, family run, boutique vineyards in the Napa and Sonoma areas of California, so quantities are limited. Discounts on the featured wine can be as high as 55% and only members can order (membership is free and is open to people who are over 21 years of age and live in states that allow for wine to be shipped).

To join Cellar Angels and start supporting the troops through the wine you choose, visit www.cellarangels.com.

Memorial Day in North Carolina

2011-05-27T15:03:00.004-04:00

MEMORIAL DAY

This Memorial Day, the NC Visitor Center salutes our veterans and active-duty military (Newsletter Vol.3, No. 10). And invited readers to do the same by taking part in some of NC's great Memorial Day events or by visiting some of our historic Battlegrounds or military sites.

Yes, it is vacation time and perhaps you are taking the family to the beach, mountains or lakes.... but why not make a stop along the way? This is a great opportunity to teach your kids or grand-kids about North Carolina's unique military history. Our state, one of the original 13 colonies, is home to so much history... especially military history. From the Lost Colony, to Tryon Palace, Flora MacDonald, Daniel Boone, the Whigs, Tories, Scot-Irish, American Indians, Over Mountain Men, Quakers, the Battle of Kings Mountain (the battle that President George Washington called the turning point of the American Revolution) Civil War sites... plantations, battlegrounds, abolitionists and confederates, Henry Berry Lowry, John Owen, William Purdie, Thomas Robeson, the flooding of entire towns in the mountains to create the dams and the power that aided in our victory in WWII, Fort Bragg, Pope Air Force Base, Camp Lejune, Cherry Point, Seymore Johnson Air Force Base, the USS North Carolina Battleship... and so much, much more.

The sacrifices made, the lives given... all for freedom... and not even their own freedom, but for generations to come... for our freedom! Never forget! Never, ever forget. Also, if time permits, why not stop by a cemetery and lay a flower or place a small flag on the grave of a serviceman - all deserve to be remembered.

Below are just a few ideas. For more information on these and other events, please visit: http://www.visitnc.com/

__________

31 Day Salute

Greater Fayetteville, NC

31 Day Salute is a month-long celebration of performances, ceremonies, exhibits and activities where we invite the world to do what we do every day - show our enthusiastic appreciation, respect and support for those who serve and have served in our armed forces.

Put on by the entire community, 31 Day Salute is for anyone who wants to experience our military heritage and honor our brethren in the services - past and present.

http://www.31daysalute.com/

______________

46th Annual Memorial Day Observance
Wilmington, NC
USS North Carolina Battleship

Remember those who gave their lives in service and honor veterans at our traditional Memorial Day Observance featuring guest speaker VADM Carol Pottenger (current Deputy for NATO), an all-service Color Guard, a 21-gun salute by a Marine Corps Honor Guard, military band, Taps, and a memorial wreath cast onto the waters.

www.battleshipnc.com
__________

Memorial Day Remembrance

Durham, NC

Memorial Day began in small communities, which recognized those soldiers who gave their lives during the American Civil War. Join Civil War soldier interpreters as the share the history and significance of Memorial Day.

www.nchistoricsites.org/bennett/bennett.htm

______________

For more information on these and other events, please visit: http://www.visitnc.com/

PTSD Education

2011-05-24T17:30:00.001-04:00

By Terri Moon Cronk
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 20, 2011 – Stemming the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, requires awareness, education and recognizing its symptoms, a senior military psychiatrist said.

Navy Capt. Paul S. Hammer, director of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, spoke during a May 16 media roundtable event held here as part of Mental Health Month.

“[It’s important] to make sure people are aware, educated, and that they look for it in themselves, their friends and fellow service members. They must act on it so something is done,” Hammer said.

Taking action doesn’t necessarily call for a major intervention, he said. “Sometimes reaching out and talking to someone can put that person on the right path to get the help he needs,” he suggested.

Recognizing signs of the stress disorder early can be the key to successfully diagnose and treat affected individuals, he said.

“PTSD can be a really complicated entity,” he said. “People think it’s one thing, but it can manifest itself in a lot of different ways and contexts.”

PTSD is not gender-specific, and tell-tale signs vary from one person to the next, but Hammer said some factors might add up to the stress diagnosis. He said it’s important to recognize such symptoms as combat stress, substance abuse, talks of suicide and depression. Getting help begins with awareness and education at all levels of the military, he said.

Hammer said post-traumatic stress was once a condition discovered only after troops returned home following deployments. Now, however, the services include post-traumatic stress awareness instruction for new recruits in basic training, and warfighters are monitored for symptoms during their military careers.

“We’ve got to take care of ourselves and take care of each other,” Hammer said. “The idea of awareness is to take appropriate action and have the courage to reach out and take help.”

“The Army [incorporates awareness] in resilience training and comprehensive soldier fitness, and by training master resilience trainers,” he added. “So there’s a huge effort among the services to really develop a level of resilience.”

Combating the stigma attached to mental health counseling also is taught to service members as part of the military’s awareness campaign, Hammer said. For many people, the longtime stigma is an overwhelming barrier to diagnosis and treatment.

Denial of post-traumatic stress also can develop, which he described as a “tougher nut to crack.” Denial is a person’s perception that people are doing fine, Hammer added. “They don’t want to see themselves or be seen as weak, damaged or ill,” he said.

“I think huge headway has been made on stigma,” he said. “You see senior officers and senior enlisted members who are much more willing to speak out and talk about it. I can’t imagine a time, when I first came in, that I would hear a sergeant major talk about PTSD, and now it’s routine.”

“No doubt the stigma is still out there, but we’ve still made an enormous amount of progress,” Hammer said. “But there’s more to do. We’re not resting on our laurels. We’re still working on it.”

SA's partnership with Shirley J

2011-05-22T05:30:00.001-04:00

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.”

The Chaplain Support Team needs your help

2011-05-21T05:30:00.001-04:00

Chaplain Ed’s first request for assistance through the Soldiers’ Angels Chaplain Support Team (CST) was a smashing success! Now he has stepped forward with a smaller-but-still-vital need. The chaplain wrote to the CST:
"As I am working through the reintegration programming, I am working on developing a program much like a 2-Day Vacation Bible School. On the Academic side these are the books I am looking to obtain. Do you think Soldiers’ Angels could do one last operation for Task Force Gambler?"
CST Leader Dina has the details…

I of course told him we would be honored to help! I know we can work together on this one, so the kiddos will be blessed, just like you all blessed the families from his group with our previous book project. Here are the books he is looking for:

No Excuses by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer - 50 copies
How Full is your Bucket?: For Kids by Tom Rath & Mary Reckmeyer- 50 copies
Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul - by Jack Canfield - 50 copies
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey - 35 copies

Just as before, gently used is absolutely fine and just as appreciated as before.

Please scour used bookstores, online pricing (I found some of them on Amazon.com for 57 cents + shipping), friends and neighbors. Chaplain Ed, and all of the families and I will be forever grateful for your generosity and help.

Please email TO cst@soldiersangels.org if you are able to purchase/send any of these requested books.

Forwarded: TapouT Special

2011-05-20T05:30:00.000-04:00

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

Harry & David Moose Munch® treats

2011-05-19T17:30:00.001-04:00

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.

For Harry & David store locations nationwide and for more information, visit harryanddavid.com, friend them on Facebook, or follow them Twitter.

Never Forget - Memorial t-shirt

2011-05-16T20:00:00.001-04:00

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.

Memorial Day - Moment of Remembrance

2011-05-16T17:30:00.000-04:00

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.

BLANKETS OF BELIEF 2011

2011-05-03T17:30:00.002-04:00

Soldiers’ Angels Sewing Team - BLANKETS OF BELIEF 2011

Being an early bird can have some benefits. During the summer downtown, “Blankets of Belief 2011 ” could be on your mind and in your heart.

GOAL: Remind our Deployed Heroes that we believe in them TIMELINE: BLANKETS OF

BELIEF begins Summer 2011 – Deadline is November 15, 2011

THANK YOU on behalf of Soldiers’ Angels and the troops we serve!

FABRIC: Cottons/Flannels – line with batting

Fleece – double layered

NEW fabric only

COLORS: Patriotic, bright, masculine

SIZES: 45" - 55" wide by 65" - 75" long

Fleece no-sew blankets – 2 yard lengths

FINISH: Roll your blanket up tightly, tie with a ribbon, and tag with a note or card… “This blanket was made with love and belief in you by _______ from Soldiers’ Angels.” Add your name/address/email.

NOTE: - Enclose an additional note inside the box with your name/address/email/number of blankets, so you can be notified when they arrive.

SHIP ADDRESS:
Soldiers' Angels Soldiers' Angels
BLANKETS OF BELIEF BLANKETS OF BELIEF
112 Greenhill Road 4408 N. PanAm Expressway
Ramseur, NC 27316 San Antonio, TX 78218

POC:
Dee Jerge
Vice President - Sewing Team
djerge@soldiersangels.org
bob@soldiersangels.org

Do you crochet or knit?
Please contact crochet@soldiersangels.org for more
information about making craft items.

PhotoCardsDirect

2011-05-03T17:15:00.001-04:00

SA - PSA

2011-04-28T05:30:00.002-04:00

Soldiers’ Angels announces production of a beautiful new Public Service Announcement (PSA), a gift from Georgia businessman Jerry Hall.

Professionally produced by Terry Tucker of Freestyle Productions in Tallahassee, FL, the 30-second spot features the story of Brian Hall (not related to Jerry), a medic who served in the Iraq war and suffered Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) from an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). The PSA highlights Angel projects for the wounded, as well as the personal attention and individual care that Angel volunteers provide to each wounded hero they encounter. “They treat you like a person,” Hall says.

Jerry Hall, owner of Assured Comfort Heating & Air in Winston, GA has been a longtime supporter of Angel Diane Moore’s annual Christmas project, which sends up to 20,000 Christmas stockings to deployed troops. This spring, Hall decided to donate a portion of his company’s annual TV advertising budget by having a new Soldiers’ Angels PSA produced.

Background music for the PSA is Darkest Hour, a song written and performed by Georgia musician Brian Collins as a tribute to fallen American military heroes. He provided it at no cost, and has produced a music video of the song on YouTube that directs viewers to Soldiers’ Angels. Collins has also coordinated with Moore to have Soldiers’ Angels volunteers at his concerts collect signed cards for deployed troops.
Distribution is in the early stages, but thanks to the efforts of Tucker, Comcast is already including it in their PSA feeds and it is airing in Florida.

South East Tornado

2011-04-27T13:30:00.003-04:00

The tornado that hit in Cumberland County on April 16th caused more than $60 million in damages. Visualize the roof of a hangar peeled back, cars turned over, homes destroyed, lives lost - all were the after math of the tornado.

Please contact, us, at cncnc2@gmail.com, to find out what you can do to contribute and donate to the families that have a loss. Family members at home awaiting the arrival of the deployed are among those that have suffered losses. Soldiers and civilians have been working together to rectify the situation as best as possible. Fort Bragg's Tornado Assistance Center helped 330 families so far and many other organizations such as the Salvation Army is providing support. Please see the article referenced for more information:

http://fayobserver.com/articles/2011/04/27/1089746

Patrotic Shops

2011-04-27T05:30:00.001-04:00

Thanks to TexasGivesBack.com, patriotic, savvy shoppers in the San Antonio area and across the country can get huge deals for local and national products/services while supporting Soldiers' Angels at the same time.

Texas Gives Back sells Groupon-style deals and donates 7% of sales to the San Antonio charity of the customer's choice. Since San Antonio is the home of the Soldiers' Angels Support Center and warehouse, it's the perfect opportunity to Support Soldiers' Angels while saving money!

Though focused on San Antonio, Texas Gives Back often includes regional and national chains in their Daily Deals. For more information, see TexasGivesBack.com and be sure to select Soldiers' Angels as your designated charity to support with TGB's donation!

Operation Paperback Update

2011-04-26T05:12:00.004-04:00

UPDATE: Thanks to dozens of generous, hardworking Angels and the assistance of Operation Paperback, all the needed books have been procured. Big thanks to all who made it possible!

Find out more by following link:

http://soldiersangels.org/index.php?mact=News%2Ccntnt01%2Cdetail%2C0&cntnt01articleid=802&cntnt01returnid=15

Best Milblog Favor

2011-04-15T13:45:00.003-04:00

Forwarding message...

Favor all--
Head over to the Milbloggie nominations and enter MARYANN with her MILBLOG SOLDIERS' ANGELS GERMANY Blog--- for the best of Soldier Support!

Either find someone that has already nominated her or simply put " SOLDIERS' ANGELS GERMANY http://soldiersangelsgermany.blogspot.com/

She does such great work!! We would love to see her getting recognition for her blog.... http://milblogconference.milblogging.com/403/best-u-s-military-supporter/

Deployed Spring Fling Pack

2011-04-15T13:15:00.002-04:00

http://www.angelsstore.org/product_p/saspringpack.htm

Operation Mary Kay

2011-04-13T18:43:00.001-04:00

Operation Mary Kay

Help protect them as they protect us!

You can donate Mary Kay products to help comfort the troops who are sizzling under the hot sun in the Middle East. Selected independent Mary Kay distributors have teamed up with Soldiers' Angels to get our troops the skin protection they need. Some distributors donate a duplicate of each product sold, while others give a percentage of their profits. Check with your local Mary Kay distributor to see if she is participating in this project!

The Tax ID# for Soldiers' Angels (so you can claim the donation) is 20-0583415. The donated sets are being sent directly from Mary Kay Cosmetics to Soldiers' Angels, who will then distribute it to the soldiers. For more information or to place an order, please email us at sacorporate@soldiersangels.org.

Mary Kay Items for
Our Troops:

After Shave
Facial Cleansing Bar
Facial Moisturizer
Body Cleansing Gels
Body Lotions
Sunburn Soothing Gel
Facial Cleansing Cloths (Dry-just add water)
Lip Balm
Acne Treatment
Gel Energizing Lotion for Feet and Legs
Satin Hands Treatment for Dry cracked hands

Operation Mary Kay in Action!

Fort Bragg leaders to hold Facebook town hall meeting

2011-04-13T12:32:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow get on Facebook to participate in the town hall meeting, read below, contributing author...staff writer from Fayetteville Observer, John Ramsey......

Fort Bragg leaders will answer questions live Thursday on Facebook, the popular social-networking site that until 2009 was blocked on many military computer networks.Garrison Commander Col. Steve Sicinski and the garrison's directorates, who are like department heads in a city government, will gather around a computer for the post's first Facebook town hall meeting from 9:30 until 11:30 a.m.

People who want to participate in the town hall may simply post a question on Fort Bragg's Facebook wall during the meeting. Abel said leaders will try to answer as many questions as possible in the two-hour block, and will follow up on any questions they can't immediately answer

http://fayobserver.com/articles/2011/04/12/1086020

Help keep a deployed soldier comfortable in the scorching desert

2011-04-13T09:00:00.000-04:00

Help keep a deployed soldier comfortable in the scorching desert

Send a Letter

2011-04-13T08:30:00.000-04:00

Show your support for those that serve!!!

Local Community

2011-04-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

Please click on the link or copy and paste into browser to see what is going on locally in Fayetteville to support our troops. Soldier Angels' Operation Tenshia is part of the alerts...

Intercom:
http://www.faytechcc.edu/inst_adv/documents/April2011Intercomwithattachments.pdf

Local Soldier Angels, Please contact me.

Save a Soldier with a Book

2011-04-04T23:00:00.000-04:00

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 cst@soldiersangels.org. Project ends in May 2011.

Operation Tenshi Report

2011-04-04T20:00:00.000-04:00

From a Soldiers' Angel in Japan...

I just wanted to let you know I received all the boxes for Operation Tenshi. I got the phone call to come pick them up NOW, so off I went.

Our post office is also ran by local Japanese postal workers. When they took me in the back to get the boxes, seven of them escorted me and waited for my response when I saw them. I just smiled, then they asked me, "What are you doing with so many boxes?" I told them that Soldiers' Angels sent these to me to help the victims of the earthquake and tsunami on mainland. They just could not believe it and one of the ladies started to cry. She went to the back and workers told me she just couldn't believe the kindness of Soldiers' Angels and all the Americans that support us. She came back out and hugged me and told me to tell you that she thanks you from the bottom of her heart and will forever be grateful. It was a moment I will never forget. Thank you and the warehouse who worked long and hard. I miss you all and I am singing your praises over here!

Can you hear me....

I just wanted you to know.

Marisa

And here are some of the supplies in action!

"Here are two pics I took as we began to create pallets to load up a flight headed out to Yokota Japan. We received 20 boxes of supplies from Soldiers' Angels. I was able to ship some out directly from the base post office to the MPO in mainland. The other half went to another location where our military are camped."

And from another area that Operation Tenshi is helping...

"I just wanted to send you a few pictures of the Stork's Nest Pantry. This is the island's version of a Fisher House but for the high risk pregnant military mothers and their familes. There are about 5 or so cottages that support these families and we also have moved more that came in into our temporary housing lodging. As you can see, the pantry is small and bare. We are working to get them the supplies, but buying here in bulk is difficult due to stock availability and transportation [because of the earthquake and tsunami]."

The Testimonials page at SoldiersAngels.org has been updated

2011-04-04T12:41:00.000-04:00

As many of you know, Soldiers' Angels receives various notes, cards and letters from the troops, saying "Thank You" for the things Soldiers' Angels has been able to do for them. Some of those offers of thanks are shared on the Soldiers' Angels website. That page has recently been updated. Here are a few samples:

I work in the operations center and the coffee pot, 15 travel mugs and 30 bags of coffee are a wonderful complement to our 24-hour operation. You should have seen the attention the coffee pot got!...Thanks again for the wonderful, selfless support from the Soldiers' Angels organization! - MAJ Mahoney in Afghanistan, March 2011
...I am actually a Navy member who is deployed for the 4th time out here in the "Sand Box" and find comfort in knowing that people still care--not just for the mission but for us as people--and my thank go out to you. - HM2 Cook, March 2011
Thanks so much for the package and cards from across the U.S. Your support of the troops means so much. - CPT Lindsay, Mortuary Affairs Office, Khandahar, March 2011

Take the time to read them all.

108 Hours

2011-04-04T12:37:00.000-04:00

Matt Burden, Soldiers' Angels Board of Trustees member, is putting out the word for help in sending a Gold Star Father to see where his son was lost:

Last Christmas, I received this email from a Gold Star Dad. He lost his son a few years ago in one of the war zones. He reached out to us for help getting to stand on the very ground where his son was killed in action. As a Dad, I can understand it. As a vet, I want to help this great American father find some peace - what little of it he will find, he deserves...
...I can not die in peace one day if I do not go. I will be 58 in January and... I think I can't wait any longer. But more importantly I have a gut feeling it is time.

The only gift in life I dream of for myself, strictly only for me, is to kneel and touch the ground where [he] died. To smell the air. To see what he saw his final days, final moments. I can see it at a distance of several hundred feet through out of date Google Earth Photos but that simply is not good enough for me. Even if it were to cost me my very life, I have to go there. I need your help to figure out how to make this happen. I would appreciate anything you could do to help me formulate an entry plan in country to make this happen.

My best to you in this Holiday Season as [we] celebrate Christmas, continuing to Remember [him] With Honor. Happy New Year. Thank you for your friendship, for saving my life by giving me an outlet to share my feelings and come to grips with my grief.
This mission will take a lot of financial and physical resources. You can email suggestions to blackfive - AT - Gmail - DOT - com. But be advised that we have worked this through the various government agencies at some very high levels. Soldiers' Angels has agreed to support this mission.

If you think you know who this Gold Star Father is, please do not speculate in the comments. Just as with our troops, there are very serious OPSEC considerations with this mission:

Due to security concerns, I cannot tell you who this is about. Many of you will guess. I've turned off the comments because I don't want any information out there (true or false) to compromise this mission. I cannot tell you when this will happen. We are planning on completing the mission in the late summer or early fall, but I am not going to pin down the dates, months or seasons.

Matt says they'll need $30,000 to make this mission happen. Donations can be made to Soldiers' Angels to support it. Matt's post has those details, and may have additional updates, so please read his entire post.

Penny Wise..Military Proud

2011-03-31T12:28:00.000-04:00

Before you make your purchases (whether it be for something personal, or for filling those care packages to your adopted Hero), you might check out this list of vendors that support the troops and Soldiers' Angels through your purchases (either because you follow the link, or you tell them you are part of Soldiers' Angels) by donating a portion of the sales to Soldiers' Angels, or offering discounts to Soldiers' Angels shoppers. There's all kinds of things to choose from: cooling gear (the weather's changing over there!), coffees (multiple vendors), flowers, jewelry, books, clothes, food, the list goes on! So, if you're shopping anyway, maybe help Soldiers' Angels out while you're at it!

Heroes Waiting

2011-03-31T12:08:00.001-04:00

As of this writing, there are 1310 service members awaiting adoptions 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.

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

Iwon Angels

2011-03-31T11:51:00.001-04:00

Soldiers' Angels has a team you might not have heard of:

Thanks to a group of dedicated Angels and friends led by Lesa Wheaton, Soldiers’ Angels has received a $2000 check from Iwon.com! Lesa’s team won 2nd place in the Iwon challenge for February 2011.

Iwon.com is a free online community supporting nonprofits. The site issues a new challenge each month for participants to earn points as a team by playing games and other activities. Teams with the top six points totals win money for their favorite charities.

Lesa started the Soldiers’ Angels team two years ago and this is the first time they have won, relying on help from other teams on Iwon who all banded together to help Soldiers’ Angels win!

The Iwon Soldiers’ Angels team is looking for new members to continue its winning streak! It’s free and there’s a new challenge every month—more chances to win donations for Soldiers’ Angels!

Congratulations to Lesa and her team for great Angeling!!

Wedding Dress Essay Contest

2011-03-24T06:22:00.001-04:00

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.

Operation Tenshi

2011-03-16T10:30:00.000-04:00

For the next 10 days, Soldiers’ Angels is focusing its operations on supporting our troops and their families, along with our close allies/friends in Japan through “Operation Tenshi/Operation Angel.”

Soldiers' Angels is collecting financial donations and the following products for our troops, families and friends in Japan:

• Blankets
• Small/ NEW (not used) toys for the children
• International calling cards

All types of hygiene, easy-to-ship care products- NEW/UNOPENED ONLY
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Soap
• Deodorant
• Chapstick
• Lotions
• Female Personal Hygiene
• Facial cleansing pads
• Wet Wipes
• Eye drops
• Toothpaste/Toothbrushes

Ship these items to the Soldiers' Angels Warehouse:

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

Giftcards: Walmart, Visa or Mastercard (etc) giftcards so we can use them to fulfill requests.

Ship gift cards to our Soldiers' Angels Warehouse:

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

We also need financial donations to fulfill requests coming in.

You can also text SOLDIERS to 20222 to donate $5.
Other donation options are listed here.

Click here for companies supporting the Angel effort.

U.S. Military in Japan:

Roughly 35,000 U.S. military personnel stationed in Japan, and another 5,500 American civilians employed there by the Department of Defense. ALONG WITH THEIR FAMILIES. The United States Seventh Fleet is based in Yokosuka. The 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) is based in Okinawa. 130 USAF fighters are stationed in the Misawa Air Base and Kadena Air Base. The USFJ headquarters is at Yokota Air Base, about 30 km west of central Tokyo.

The U.S. military installations in Japan and their managing branches are...

Air Force:

• Camp Chitose, Chitose, Hokkaido
• Kadena Air Base, Okinawa Prefecture
• Kadena Ammunition Storage Area, Okinawa Prefecture
• Okuma Recreational Facility, Okinawa Prefecture
• Yaedake Communication Site, Okinawa Prefecture
• Misawa Air Base, Aomori Prefecture
• Yokota Air Base, Fussa, Tokyo
• Fuchu Communications Station, Fuchu, Tokyo
• Tama Service Annex, Inagi, Tokyo
• Yugi Communication Site, Hachioji, Tokyo
• Camp Asaka AFN Transmitter Site, Saitama Prefecture
• Tokorozawa Transmitter Site, Saitama Prefecture
• Owada Communication Site, Saitama Prefecture

Army:

• Fort Buckner, Okinawa Prefecture
• Army POL Depots, Okinawa Prefecture
• White Beach Area, Okinawa Prefecture
• Naha Port Facility, Okinawa Prefecture (return after relocation to the Urasoe Pier area)
• Torii Station, Okinawa Prefecture
• Tengan Pier, Okinawa Prefecture
• Camp Zama, Zama, Kanagawa
• Yokohama North Dock, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
• Sagami General Depot, Sagamihara, Kanagawa
• Sagamihara Housing Area, Sagamihara, Kanagawa
• Akizuki Ammunition Depot, Hiroshima Prefecture
• Hiro Ammunition Depot, Hiroshima Prefecture
• Kawakami Ammunition Depot, Hiroshima Prefecture
• Hardy Barracks, Minato, Tokyo

Marine Corps:

• Camp Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa Prefecture, Yamaguchi Prefectures. (Although these camps are dispersed throughout Okinawa and the rest of Japan they are all under the heading of Camp Smedley D. Butler):
• Camp McTureous, Okinawa Prefecture
• Camp Courtney, Okinawa Prefecture
• Camp Foster, Okinawa Prefecture
• Camp Kinser, Okinawa Prefecture
• Camp Hansen, Okinawa Prefecture
• Camp Schwab, Okinawa Prefecture
• Camp Gonsalves (Jungle Warfare Training Center), Okinawa Prefecture
• Kin Blue Beach Training Area, Okinawa Prefecture
• Kin Red Beach Training Area, Okinawa Prefecture
• NSGA Hanza
• Higashionna Ammunition Storage Point II
• Henoko Ordnance Ammunition Depot
• Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa Prefecture (return after the MCAS Futenma relocates to Camp Schwab)
• Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni
• Camp Fuji, Shizuoka Prefecture
• Numazu Training Area, Shizuoka Prefecture
• Ie Jima Auxiliary Airfield, Okinawa Prefecture
• Tsuken Jima Training Area, Okinawa Prefecture

Navy:

• Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Ayase, Kanagawa
• United States Fleet Activities Sasebo, Sasebo, Nagasaki
• United States Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Yokosuka, Kanagawa
• Urago Ammunition Depot, Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture
• Tsurumi POL Depot, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
• Naval Housing Annex Negishi, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
• Naval Transmitter Station Totsuka, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
• Naval Support Facility Kamiseya, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
• Tomioka Storage Area, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
• Naval Housing Annex Ikego, Zushi, Kanagawa
• White Beach Area, Okinawa Prefecture
• Camp Shields, Okinawa Prefecture
• Camp Lester, Okinawa Prefecture (return after the Naval Hospital relocates to Camp Foster)
• Awase Communication Station, Okinawa Prefecture
• New Sanno Hotel, Tokyo

JSDF–USFJ Areas:

• Tori Shima Range, Okinawa Prefecture
• Kume Jima Range, Okinawa Prefecture
• Kisarazu Auxiliary Landing Field, Kisarazu, Chiba Prefecture
• Camp Hansen (small portion in central area of Camp Hansen), Okinawa Prefecture
• Ukibaru Jima Range, Okinawa Prefecture
• Kadena Air Base (small areas outside of the base that are supported by Kadena—these areas are located on the southern portion of Okinawa), Okinawa Prefecture
• Jungle Warfare Training Center (formerly known as Northern Training Area—four thin elongated areas embedded and distributed evenly within JWTC), Okinawa Prefecture

In Okinawa, U.S. military installations occupy about 10.4 percent of the total land usage. Approximately 74.7 percent of all the U.S. military facilities in Japan are located on the island of Okinawa.

5% of Book Sales go to military support projects

2011-03-10T15:45:00.000-05:00

From the Soldiers' Angels website:

Elementary school principal and author Megan Egerton-Graham is donating 5% of her individual book sales to Soldiers’ Angels!

Egerton-Graham is fast becoming widely-known among military families in both Canada and the United States as a great resource for tips, insight and information that helps children and parents cope. Her "While You Were Away" series of books and journals are designed to support families experiencing periods of prolonged absence or deployment, moving, re-integration or just life as a military family

All of the proceeds from Egerton-Graham's books are donated to military support organizations such as Family Readiness Groups. She approached Soldiers’ Angels after she was tapped as a keynote speaker at this summer's Blue Star Mothers (BSM) conference and the president of BSM suggested she reach out to support Soldiers’ Angels and assist military families that way as well.

Besides school principal, Egerton-Graham has been a teacher and guidance counsellor for 15 years, teaching every grade from Kindergarten to 12. In addition, she brings to the table her experience teaching on military base schools and life as a Canadian military wife and mother of two.

For more information, see the While You Were Away webpage or purchase her books on Amazon.

Iraq Confidential Humvee from Jesse James

2011-02-18T11:07:00.000-05:00

Quite a donation to Soldiers' Angels that was announced today:

Soldiers’ Angels proudly announces receipt of the unique and historic Iraq Confidential Humvee from Jesse James, host of Monster Garage and owner of West Coast Choppers, Austin Speed Shop and Cisco Burgers. James recently donated the restored, combat-damaged Humvee, which was rebuilt in Iraq as part of James’ special visit with the 181st Transportation Battalion in 2006. The Humvee’s rebuild, conducted by James and the soldiers as a morale-builder, was documented on a video titled Iraq Confidential and later broadcast on the Military Channel.

When West Coast Choppers closed its California facility, James mentioned to a friend and Soldiers’ Angels staff member that he was looking for a way to use the Iraq Confidential Humvee to help the troops. Presented with the idea of donating it to Soldiers’ Angels, he welcomed the opportunity.

“Going to Iraq to do that build with the troops, being able to shake their hands and to tell them ‘thank you,’ was one of the most rewarding and humbling experiences in my life,” James says. “With all of their different programs providing support to the troops, veterans and their families, donating the Humvee to Soldiers' Angels brings it full circle, allowing it to continue to benefit those guys and gals and let them know how much I appreciate their service. "

In addition to the Humvee, James donated a semi-truck full of new copies of Garage magazine and sets of West Coast Choppers window stickers, which will be included in care packages for deployed troops. Donors to Soldiers’ Angels can also receive one copy of the magazine and sticker set as a gift with each online $10 donation when they enter “JJ” in the comments line.

Interested parties and potential buyers of the Humvee may contact the Executive Director of Soldiers’ Angels at tobynunn@soldiersangels.org.

North Carolina Soldiers' Angels

Fort Bragg Career Day - Feb. 14th, 2012

Angels & Raiders

Message from Soldiers' Angels Board of Trustee

Send Coupons for our Military Families

Mail Stop in Iraq

Links of Interest

Links that Support our troops

Mama Mia! It's Jerky for the Troops

New Social Media Coordinato​r

Day of the Deployed now Official

10/18/11

Ranger Moves up to Soldiers' Angels

Washington & Oregon SA Blogs

Project Valour-It

An Investment in the Future

Update about Project Valour-IT

Press Release - Valour-IT

Soldiers’ Angels Project Valour-IT announces donors gifts for online fundraising competition

Starting July 1st

Lets live in the Present Tense

Zac Brown Band Volunteer Round Up...

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

Project Valour-IT

Face of Defense: Airman Aids Afghans With Carpentry Skills

Valour-IT: Technology for the Wounded: Steel Shooter Shares Soldier Support

Help SSG W

Six Months of Christmas

Cellar Angels supports Soldiers' Angels

Memorial Day in North Carolina

PTSD Education

SA's partnership with Shirley J

The Chaplain Support Team needs your help

Forwarded: TapouT Special

Harry & David Moose Munch® treats

Never Forget - Memorial t-shirt

Memorial Day - Moment of Remembrance

BLANKETS OF BELIEF 2011

PhotoCardsDirect

SA - PSA

South East Tornado

Patrotic Shops

Operation Paperback Update

Best Milblog Favor

Deployed Spring Fling Pack

Operation Mary Kay

Fort Bragg leaders to hold Facebook town hall meeting

Help keep a deployed soldier comfortable in the scorching desert

Send a Letter

Local Community

Save a Soldier with a Book

Operation Tenshi Report

The Testimonials page at SoldiersAngels.org has been updated

108 Hours

Penny Wise..Military Proud

Heroes Waiting

Iwon Angels

Wedding Dress Essay Contest

Operation Tenshi

5% of Book Sales go to military support projects

Iraq Confidential Humvee from Jesse James

New Social Media Coordinator