Hello all--- I added some support in a "comment"

 

Hello all---  I added some support in a "comment" to the opinion in the GF Herald---

 

VIEWPOINT: Guard comes to rescue when need is greatest

The winter's heavy snowfall led to historic spring flooding across North Dakota. From our largest cities to our rural communities, the citizen soldiers and airmen of the North Dakota National Guard responded in record numbers to help local communities and first responders.

http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/article/id/124334/

 

 

 

MY COMMENT:

 

ND proud!!!  ND has much to be proud of in our citizen soldiers/airmen. They always stand by for duty on a local, regional, national and global call. Please remember the next time the guard is called into your community, although many would say it is "their job", they are leaving behind a family and job that often makes for an interesting and often sacrificial ride for all of them. I want to commend many of the communities that stood up in added support, such as Pembina with their "God Cafe"- to support the 24 hour mission of the soldiers/airmen in town saving their community. I would encourage other communities do the same in the future.  I also want to take the time to point out, that in this very pressing time in the history of North Dakota- the ND National Guard Public Affairs office stepped up their communication tactics to another level by utilizing social media. They could have opted out during this busy time as it did add extra work for them, instead, they saw the opportunity to reach a larger audience to showcase the commitment of the soldiers/airmen and their work. The PA office often showcased MN, SD and other guard units in the state helping out too, which shows they are not about "just them" but the greater good of all. Check out the NDNG on YouTube, Facebook, Flickr and Twitter- you can find all their links on the home page at www.NDGuard.com . You will become a bigger fan of all they do when you see the magnitude of what our citizen soldiers/airmen do daily in North Dakota-- but you may not hear about it conventionally. While they were fighting the flood-- they also had deployed soldiers to Afghanistan, in and out of Africa, various other locations and gearing up to send the largest detachment ever in the history of the NDARNG into Kosovo later this summer and more units heading into Iraq and Afghanistan. ND has ALOT to be proud of in our citizen soldiers/airmen. Please take the time to say thank you to them next time you see them. THANK YOU!

 

 

VIEWPOINT: Guard comes to rescue when need is greatest

 

The winter's heavy snowfall led to historic spring flooding across North Dakota. From our largest cities to our rural communities, the citizen soldiers and airmen of the North Dakota National Guard responded in record numbers to help local communities and first responders.

By: John Hoeven and David Sprynczynatyk, Bismarck
 
 
BISMARCK — The winter's heavy snowfall led to historic spring flooding across North Dakota. From our largest cities to our rural communities, the citizen soldiers and airmen of the North Dakota National Guard responded in record numbers to help local communities and first responders.
 
We are proud of the fact that guardsmen worked tirelessly, shoulder to shoulder with fellow North Dakotans, to help communities stem the rising waters threatening homes, farms, businesses and infrastructure.
 
The eyes of the nation were on North Dakota during much of this fight, often featured on national news and overseas. North Dakotans working together during this crisis served as a beacon to all Americans showing that success in the face of prevailing disaster is possible with hard work, technical expertise and "can do" spirit.
 
It's been a long and tough fight — a sprint that developed into a marathon. We placed our first guardsmen on state active duty March 19, and nearly 100 incredible days later on June 24, we withdrew the last of our uniformed flood-fighting forces from Jamestown, N.D., closing out this historic chapter of North Dakota National Guard history.
 
Our uniformed members and civilian employees of the North Dakota National Guard and the Department of Emergency Services did an outstanding during this statewide emergency. As the first military responders, the North Dakota National Guard helped their friends and neighbors statewide. At the peak of the flood-fighting efforts, more than 2,000 men and women of the North Dakota National Guard were on duty to help protect lives, homes, businesses and infrastructure.
 
The list of accomplishments is impressive. All across flooded areas of North Dakota, guardsmen filled, transported and emplaced sandbags, patrolled countless miles of dikes, manned traffic control points and pumped away thousands of gallons of water from flooded areas. They built earthen dikes and repaired roads. As the waters subsided, guardsmen buried dead cattle, helping protect citizens against disease.
 
Our National Guard used new flood-fighting tools and technology, building HESCO barriers and the Rapid Deployment Flood Wall as well as emplacing giant 1-ton sandbags by helicopter and heavy equipment.
 
When an ice jam caused the waters of the Missouri River to threaten the Bismarck-Mandan area, guardsmen helped civilian contractors destroy the jam by drilling holes in the ice and preparing and detonating explosive charges not once, but twice.
 
Soldiers and airmen helped with evacuations, patrolled in bridge boats and provided security. Military aviators flew more than 100,000 flight miles in helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, transporting key personnel and equipment, providing timely aerial reconnaissance and salting rivers to promote melting in ice-gridlocked areas.
 
And members of the North Dakota Civil Air Patrol also provided invaluable assistance by supporting air operations and performing aerial reconnaissance missions, critical to understanding the flooding threat.
 
We remain extremely grateful that our brave men and women in uniform — both on the front lines and behind the scenes — were supported wherever they served. Everywhere our soldiers and airmen were on duty, they were greeted with open arms and treated to neighborly hospitality. Citizens provided snacks and drinks, walking out of their way to shake their hands and even hugging their uniformed neighbors. To the families, employers, students and campuses that stood with and supported our soldiers and airmen during this fight in any capacity, we say thank you, as well.
 
As the commander-in-chief and as the adjutant general for the North Dakota National Guard, we are extremely proud of all the men and women of the North Dakota National Guard and our dedicated employees of the state Department of Emergency Services. Thank you for your service and sacrifices during this historic state response.
 
The North Dakota National Guard again has proven that it is a great organization, highly skilled, motivated and prepared. You have lived up to the National Guard motto, "Always Ready, Always There."
 
Thank you for being there when your communities and state needed you.
Hoeven is governor of North Dakota. Sprynczynatyk serves as both the North Dakota National Guard adjutant general and as director of the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Military Spouses Thank Gates for Support

Military Spouses Thank Gates for Support By Fred W. Baker III American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, June 26, 2009 – Since he took office two and a half years ago, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has traveled the world talking with troops about their service and sacrifices. At each meeting, the secretary is careful to thank the troops' families, recognizing their sacrifices as well. Today, the spouses thanked him back. Gates was awarded the Support for Military Families Award by the National Military Family Association at the annual Joint Armed Forces Officers' Wives' Luncheon at Bolling Air Force Base here. "It is a difficult thing to look a family member in the eye whose spouse or father or son or daughter is being deployed again – sometimes on a second or third tour, or even more." Gates told the 150 or so spouses gathered for the event. "And it is harder to do with the families of those who have been killed or wounded." Even so, Gates has looked them in the eyes during his travels, and listened to their concerns. In fact, the idea for the recent changes to the GI Bill, allowing servicemembers to transfer their benefits to the families, was presented to Gates by a spouse during a meeting with families at Fort Hood, Texas. This was a "huge" issue for families, officials with the association said. In his speech to the group, Gates acknowledged the strain of the frequent deployments to two wars on the families. A higher percentage of parents is serving in this conflict than any time in recent history, the secretary said. More than 40 percent of the military is made up of parents, and more than 230,000 children have a parent at war. A recent Pentagon survey of more than 13,000 active-duty troops found that the children most affected by deployments are between 6 and 13 years old. "A generation of kids has had a parent deployed for war at least once --- if not many times," Gates said. "The empty seat at the dinner table night after night is a constant reminder of a child's worry for the safety of his or her parents." Because of this, Gates has championed some of the most significant changes to the way families are supported within the department. The fiscal 2010 budget is the first budget to include funding for many family support programs. Before, the programs mostly were funded with supplemental requests to Congress, but Gates wants to make sure these programs won't go away should the heavy deployment cycles ease. "One of the most important things we did was enhance and institutionalize the support of troops and families fighting in the current wars – to see that these programs have a bureaucratic home and sustained, long-term funding," Gates said. "Our all-volunteer force represents the United States' greatest asset. We must reorient in this direction, because … if we don't get the people part of our business right, none of the other decisions matter." Last year the Defense and Labor departments launched the Military Spouse Career Advancement initiative. More than $35 million was invested in the project's initial phase across 18 military installations. The program promises to help military spouses get professional training, licenses and certificates they need for high-growth, portable careers in fields such as technology and health care. Now more than ever, spouses are choosing to have careers, and those careers often are interrupted by duty-station changes and deployments. Gates also heralded the Warrior Transition Unit as a success. The unit helps wounded troops and families work through the bureaucratic maze of health care and recovery. Coordinators are assigned to each servicemember and family and they serve as a single point of contact for help. Gates cited the increased incidents of divorce and other signs of wear on military families, but offered some hope. "There are a number of measures under way that are designed to ease the strain on the small portion of the American people who have borne the burden of these conflicts," he promised. "I hope and trust these measures make a difference."

Biographies: Robert M. Gates Related Sites: National Military Family Association

 

Congress has a Moment of Silence for Michael Jackson-- NEW DEMANDS FOR OUR KIA RIGHT NOW!!!

we the undersigned petition ...

 

A Moment of Silence for ALL Service Members Killed in Action

Recently a pop culture icon died and was given a "Moment of Silence" by Congress. In support of our national heroes not being forgotten,

we request that from here on out, that Congress give every American Service member Killed in Action, the proper respect by honoring them individually with a Moment of Silence.

 
 
Please sign my petition to Congress:
 
http://petol.org/Silence
 
 
Please pass this on to others! Our service members Killed in Action and their families deserve so much more!!
 
 
Shelle Michaels
 
I support our heroes! Do you? Will you?
 
 

 

GI Bill calculator

 
The Post 9/11 GI Bill offers tremendous benefits. But, there are differences between it and other GI Bill programs. Find which fits your situation
 
http://www.military.com/apps/reg/gi-bill-calc-reg?valve_redirect=http://www.military.com/gi-bill-calculator/&esrc=mr.nl

 
 

Time to roll up your sleeves

Dear Friend, Last week, I announced United We Serve – a nationwide call to service challenging you and all Americans to volunteer this summer and be part of building a new foundation for America. And when I say "all," I mean everyone – young and old, from every background, all across the country. We need individuals, community organizations, corporations, foundations, and our government to be part of this effort. Today, for the official kick off of United We Serve, members of my administration have fanned out across America to participate in service events and encourage all Americans to join them. The First Lady is rolling up her sleeves and getting to work too. But before she headed out today, she asked me to share this message with you. Our nation faces some of the greatest challenges it has in generations and we know it's going to take a lot of hard work to get us back on track. While Michelle and I are calling on every American to participate in United We Serve, the call to service doesn't end this fall. We need to stay involved in our towns and communities for a long time to come. After all, America's new foundation will be built one neighborhood at a time – and that starts with you. Thank you, President Barack Obama

The White House · 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW · Washington, DC 20500 · 202-456-1111

Free Mp3 Supports Troops

Head on over to Soldiers' Angels to get your free copy of "Ill See you Again" by Lansdowne. 

Young, up-and-coming rock band Lansdowne has already put their support for the troops into action by touring Iraq with the USO. Now they also want to help Soldiers' Angels continue to support the troops! Lansdowne is giving Soldiers' Angels a visibility boost by sending their fans right here to the SA website to download a free copy of their terrific song, I'll See You Again, a rocking tribute to the families who must wait at home when their loved one deploys.

Beginning today, I'll See You Again will be available for download here and on the Soldiers' Angels homepage for one week with promo code "Lansdowne," and will continue to be available on this page for an additional three weeks after that. The band is highlighting a video of I'll See You Again on<a href="http://www.myspace.com/lansdowne"> Lansdowne's MySpace</a> page and directing viewers to go to Soldiers' Angels to get their own copy of the song. The song will also be featured during "Military Monday" today on Twitter with goal of driving more new people to Soldiers' Angels, in hopes they will join the mission of making sure "No Soldier Go Unloved."

Known for record-quality live performances and their love of touring, Lansdowne began setting the Boston area afire in 2006 and has critics raving today. With a strong grassroots base and a dedication to giving their fans the very best, they plan on a career of bringing their great music as many people as possible. Lead Guitarist Shaun Lichtenstein explains, "The only way we are going to stick around and build a career is to give it everything, every night. We are addicted—there's nothing better than watching the crowd dance and laugh and smile and sing those words right back at us. We are a band to know…a band to see live, plain and simple.

Soldiers' Angels is proud to stand with these terrific young supporters of our heroes, and grateful for their assistance spreading the word about the importance of supporting the troops.

Soldiers' Angels needs your cookie recipes the 2nd Cookie cookbook

Dear Angels, Warriors, Celebrities, Sponsors, and Friends...

The first Soldiers' Angels cook book, Angel Delights, the Cookie cook book, has been a best seller and fund raiser for Soldiers' Angels, so it is time for SECOND EDITION.
 
 
Please send recipe submissions in the following catagories:

Bar Cookies
Drop Cookies
Roll-and-Cut Cookies
Pressed and Molded Cookies
Brownies and Blondies
Refrigerator and Slice-and-Bake Cookies
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Miscellaneous and Unusual Cookies


Celebrity recipes are wanted -- Soldiers' Angels  must receive the recipe directly from the celebrity (ShelleMichaels@SoldiersAngels.org) or to the Angel submitting the recipe however, Soldiers' Angels cannot accept recipes that are copied from celebrity Web sites and emailed over from Angels.
 
 
We are also collecting recipes for our Meals Ready to Go/Eating on a Budget cookbook that will roll out shortly after the 2nd Cookie cookbook.  We especially encourage our Warriors to get involved with this cookbook-- what do you eat- that is fulfulling when you are on limited time/supplies?
 
If you have any inspirational quotes, poems, stories to share- please send them along as well.. (please limit to 3 paragraphs if possible for editing purposes) for strategic placement in the cookbooks- we may need to edit and space is limited, so not all submissions will be included, but we will file away for a future project.
 


Maximum of 10 recipes per person.

Please email MaryAnn for the template (fmawriter@aol.com). The deadline is August 31, 2009 so we can get the book published in time for holiday gift giving. (Please do not wait for the deadline-- get your recipes in now.)

Thank you and we look forward to another successful cookie book. To purchase the first edition, please head over to our Angels Store- www.AngelsStore.org. All proceeds from the Angels Store go directly back into supporting our heroes.


Kind regards,

MaryAnn
fmawriter@aol.com
 
Shelle
ShelleMichaels@SoldiersAngels.org
 

 

2-1-1 ND Fact Sheet

 

What is 2-1-1 ND?

·         An easy-to-remember statewide number that connects people to comprehensive health and human services and community resources.

 

·         Calls are FREE and CONFIDENTIAL.

·         This service is available statewide and 24/7.

·         Certified Call Specialists make appropriate referrals and monitor outcomes to ensure services are provided.

·         Call Specialists provide crisis management services to callers at risk for suicide and other emergencies.

·         Computer users can access 2-1-1 ND resources online at www.211nd.org .

·         Supportive Listening is a service provided by 2-1-1 ND.

·         Military, Veteran and family member support.

 

What types of questions can be answered by 2-1-1 ND Call Specialists?

 

·         Basic Human Needs Resource:  Food banks, shelters, rental assistance, medical assistance.

 

·         Support for Seniors and People with Disabilities: Adult day care, Meals on Wheels, transportation, homemaker services, volunteer locator.

 

·         Support for Children, Youth and Families: Childcare, after school programs, mentoring, tutoring, summer camps, health insurance programs for kids, protective services.

 

·         Physical and Mental Health Services: Health insurance programs, crisis intervention services, support groups, Medicaid and Medicare, drug and alcohol intervention, compulsive gambling referrals.

 

·         Employment Supports: Financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance and education programs.

 

·         Disaster Response: 2-1-1 ND partnered with voluntary agencies to assist disaster victims during flooding in 2009 and the 2007 tornado in Norwood.

 

Who Funds 2-1-1 ND?

 

In North Dakota, 2-1-1 is operated by Mental Health America of North Dakota, a nonprofit 501(c)3, United Way agency. Funding is provided through memberships, donations, and grants. 2-1-1 ND does not receive state or federal appropriations. All funds received are used in North Dakota

 

Father's Day is on Sunday - it's not too late!

It's not too late! Order our Gourmet Father's Day Cakes to arrive by this Saturday and ensure Dad has the absolute best Father's Day ever!! NO EXTRA SATURDAY SHIP FEE THIS YEAR!!! ORDER BY THURSDAY, 6/18 by 4:50PM to lock in 2-day Ship Prices on Saturday Delivery LAST ORDER DAY IS FRIDAY, 6/19 by 4:50PM CLICK HERE TO ORDER

 

N.D. National Guard's Aviation Unit Receives Mobilization Orders (UNCLASSIFIED)

News Release 09-131
For Immediate Release
June 17, 2009

Contacts:
Rick Smith at 701-333-2007 (office) or 701-426-0190 (cell)

N.D. National Guard's Aviation Unit Receives Mobilization Orders

BISMARCK, N.D. - Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota National Guard
adjutant general, announced today that the Bismarck-based element of Company
C of the 2nd Battalion (Assault), 285th Aviation Regiment has received
mobilization orders. About 50 North Dakota Soldiers with the unit are
expected to mobilize in October in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"Our commitment to the Global War on Terrorism continues with the
mobilization of this aviation unit. Our aviation crews and support personnel
have a great reputation and were instrumental in providing professional
aviation support during our recent flood-fighting efforts," Sprynczynatyk
said.

Company C is divided between the North Dakota Army National Guard and the
Utah Army National Guard. The Utah element, based in West Jordan, Utah, will
join the North Dakota unit to form one company while mobilized. Each state
will mobilize with five UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. Typically, an aviation
assault battalion flies missions to transport service members and equipment.

"During their mobilization, we have secured additional Black Hawks in order
to meet any state emergencies and other flight missions, as required,"
Sprynczynatyk said. "We continue to successfully fulfill both our national
and state missions thanks to the dedication of our Soldiers, the support of
their employers and Families, and the shared resources among the states."

Capt. Douglas Larsen, of Granville, N.D., commands Company C and 1st Sgt.
Daniel Marquart, of Bismarck, serves as the senior enlisted Soldier.

A formal send-off will take place in October, and details will be
forthcoming. The unit is expected to begin its yearlong mobilization with
training at Fort Sill, Okla., before deploying to Iraq. 

 
 

Veterans Could Be Forced to Return Some Student Aid if Bill Remains Unpassed

  
 
See the Chronicle article below - I urge you to contact your reps to encourage them to pass the technical corrections bill!!
June 15, 2009
 
 
Veterans Could Be Forced to Return Some Student Aid if Bill Remains Unpassed
 
 
Washington - Unless Congress acts quickly, thousands of veterans receiving tuition assistance under the new GI Bill will be forced to return some or all of the other federal student aid they've been awarded for the coming academic year. The reason: a discrepancy between the legislation that reauthorized the Higher Education Act and the modern GI Bill.
When Congress renewed the Higher Education Act last year, it changed the rules so military benefits would no longer count against veterans' eligibility for unsubsidized loans and campus-based aid. (Previously, the benefits were exempt from consideration only in determining eligibility for Pell Grants and subsidized loans.)
 
 
But lawmakers made the change effective for the 2010-11 academic year, a year after the expanded GI benefit becomes available. The U.S. House of Representatives fixed the glitch in a "technical corrections"http://chronicle.com/daily/2009/03/14770n.htm
 
 
bill that it passed in March, but the Senate still hasn't voted on the measure. Education committee aides have said the chamber plans to take up the measure soon.
 
 
Last week the University of California sent a letter to its states' senators urging swift action on the measure. The GI Bill goes into effect on August 1, and colleges have until today to sign up for a federal program that will match any assistance they provide to veterans above the cost of the most expensive public college in their state. -Kelly Field
 
 
Betsy Mayotte
Director of Regulatory Compliance and Privacy
American Student Assistance
100 Cambridge Street Suite 1600
Boston, MA 02114
1-800-999-9080 ext. 3027
Fax: 617-728-4670

June 14th is the 234th Birthday for the US Army.

 
Soldiers' Angels humbly salutes the U.S. Army and the wonderful men and women of all ages who comprise it, who carry our flag with honor and bravery.  Today as always, you are in our thoughts and grateful prayers as we stand under your blanket of protection.  Happy Birthday!
 
http://soldiersangels.org/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=349&cntnt01origid=15&cntnt01returnid=15

A great day to celebrate

Enjoying the Sunshine? ✔ Sleeping in Late? ✔ Having a picnic? ✔ Got Freedom? ✔ 
 
 
.... One of the many reasons is the US Army! Help them celebrate today! Say HAPPY 234th BIRTHDAY to a Soldier!
 
You can also celebrate by flying your flag proudly, as today is also Flag Day!

HAPPY 234th BIRTHDAY US ARMY!!

 
 

Army Marks 234 Years of Service, Sacrifice By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 12, 2009 – Citing the organization's long history of selfless service and sacrifice, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III helped to commemorate the Army's 234th birthday today at a Pentagon ceremony.

The U.S. Army officially celebrates its birthday June 14.

"This occasion marks the 234th year that ordinary men and women have become extraordinary citizens by answering the call of duty and placing the country in front of themselves," Lynn said to an audience of soldiers and other servicemembers in the Pentagon courtyard. "I'm humbled by this long tradition of service, reaching back even to the founding of our nation."

The Army tradition is expressed in a number of ways, he said, including in the actions and service of individual families.

Lynn recognized the Simpson family of Tennessee, whose generations of military service span nearly 100 years. Simpson family members served in Mexico, during World War II, in Vietnam and now in Afghanistan, he said.

"It's this kind of service and dedication that's the hallmark of the United States Army," he added.

Lynn also acknowledged the Army as the world's most formidable fighting force, and he credited family support as the dynamic that makes the Army such a strong, dependable organization. The Army couldn't be the institution it is without the families, he said.

"Our soldiers, of course, do not bear the burdens of combat alone," he continued. "When they sign up, they're also volunteering their families. Army families are a constant source of support and inspiration, and in many ways, they're the reasons our soldiers continue to serve."

Today's commemoration and cake cutting marks the start of a weeklong list of birthday activities all across the Army. The Army will hold its annual birthday ball here tomorrow, and on June 14, Army leadership will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. Also, individual Army posts will celebrate with 10-mile birthday runs.

This year is Army Secretary Pete Geren's final Army birthday celebration as the service's top official. It's important, he said, to take the time to reflect on the importance and the impact the U.S. Army has had on the history of the world.

"It's important for an organization such as ours … to stop and reflect on its proud history," Geren said. "It's important to stop and think how different the history of the United States [and] the history of the world would be without the United States Army."

Geren cited the importance of remembering the sacrifice made by previous generations of soldiers and military members. The battlefields may be different throughout time, he said, but the sacrifice is the same.

"Reflect on those who fought in Desert Storm and … those soldiers who stood all those years ago at Lexington and Concord," he said. "Reflect on that wife, that husband who's waiting home today for their loved ones to return, [because] they are living the same experiences and emotions a wife was living when her husband [or] her son faced down the British troops at Lexington and Concord.

"As we enjoy this week and blow out those candles and sing happy birthday," he continued, "it's so important to stop and think about what our soldiers have done. Think about how different today the world would be if it were not for the soldiers and families of the United States Army."

VetTix has free MN Twins Tickets

Hello all-
 

I was just appointed as a Board of Directors Member for VetTix (www.vettix.org)  based out of Phoenix. Through The Veteran Tickets Foundation, now those who care about Veterans have a way to give back. Everyday, in every city, there are events with empty seats that could be filled by those who served. More than that, many event tickets are simply unaffordable for average people. We believe the events that bring Americans together in the spirit of celebration, competition and camaraderie—those all-American moments are the times we need welcome and acknowledge our Veterans. We want to add another way to say Thank You to the people who volunteer to serve their country, the ones who put their nation first and their own lives second, are the kind of people we need to honor everyday. Not just on Memorial Day, Veteran's Day and the Fourth of July, but everyday.
 
 
 
Right now-  VetTix.org has FREE MN Twins tickets available online now for request at- http://vettix.org/events.php?sort=mn
 
or if you are making travel plans also check out what is happening in other states- http://vettix.org/events.php
 
 
You have to complete a simple registration process- and then you can request the tickets for any of the following games:
 

Minnesota Twins -vs- Houston Astros (200 Tickets)

Minnesota Twins -vs- Houston Astros Event Date: Sunday, June 21, 2009 at 1:10 pm Facility: *Hubert H Humprey Metrodome* A Special Thank You to Morneau's Mounties for making tickets available for our veterans and their families!

 
 

Minnesota Twins -vs- Detroit Tigers (100 Tickets)

Minnesota Twins -vs- Detroit Tigers Event Date: Friday, July 03, 2009 at 7:10 pm Facility: *Hubert H Humprey Metrodome* A Special Thank You to Morneau's Mounties for making tickets available for our veterans and their families!       Minnesota Twins -vs- Detroit Tigers (300 Tickets) Minnesota Twins -vs- Detroit Tigers Event Date: Saturday, July 04, 2009 at 3:10 pm Facility: *Hubert H Humprey Metrodome* A Special Thank You to Morneau's Mounties for making tickets available for our veterans and their families!     Minnesota Twins -vs- Detroit Tigers (100 Tickets) Minnesota Twins -vs- Detroit Tigers Event Date: Sunday, July 05, 2009 at 1:10 pm Facility: *Hubert H Humprey Metrodome* A Special Thank You to Morneau's Mounties for making tickets available for our veterans and their families!

 
 
 
Thanks so much for passing this along to others- please feel free to contact me for more information and ways to get our community more involved with this opporunity to give.
 
 
Shelle Michaels
VetTix Board of Directors
Soldiers' Angels National Communication Officer
 
 
 

About VTF

Veterans Tickets Foundation is a national non-profit, non-governmental 501c (3) tax-exempt organization whose mission is simple: Give something to those who gave. The group gives without prejudice free tickets to all Veterans, Active Duty Service Members and their families as a way of saying "thank you." All contributions made to the organization are deductible under section 170 of the IRS Code. To learn more about the Veteran Tickets Foundation, please visit www.VetTix.org.

 

Angels can read upside down! (well... Blue Angels)

 
oqɯnbʎɯssıʞ@ suoıʇɐ1ǝɹɔı1qnd@ s1ǝbuɐsɹǝıp1os@ ʎɐpıɹɟʍo11oɟ# 5522ǝsnɐɔ# ǝsnɐɔıunɯɯoɔ@ sɔd4/ʎ1.ʍo//:dʇʇɥ ɹǝʌoǝʞɐɯ ɐıpǝɯ 1ɐıɔos ʞ52 ɐ uıʍ s1ǝbuɐ ,sɹǝıp1os d1ǝɥ oʇ
 
 
RT to help Soldiers' Angels win a 25K social media makeover http://ow.ly/4pcs @CommuniCause #cause2255 #followfriday @soldiersangels @publicrelations @Kissmygumbo

$25,000 for Social Media

$25,000 for Social Media
 
With just a couple of clicks, you can help Soldiers' Angels win a $25,000 social media "makeover!"  Just type "Soldiers' Angels" into the box at the link and follow the directions. 

 
Twitter, Facebook, and other interactive online platforms are one of the most potent ways to advocate, motivate, and spread the news these days.  Soldiers' Angels is an Internet-based organization, and having an expert makeover on the social media side of things would help SA reach out even more effectively to inspire Americans to support our heroes and make sure "No Soldier Go Unloved."  
 
Marcelle Turner, CEO of MindComet says, "Our hope is that the campaign will bring the participating organizations some national awareness through affiliation with the program, provide their constituents a focused mission to champion, and will ultimately result in a nationwide uplift in charitable giving driven by the power of social media."
 
The contest, created by interactive agency MindComet and dubbed CommuniCause, runs through July 31st.  At the conclusion, a winner will be selected at random from the ten highest vote-getters. One vote per email is counted, but the length of the campaign gives supporters the opportunity to spread the word about the contest through email, personal websites, and relationships within their local community. 

 
In addition to voting, supporters can place a badge on their website, or use Twitter to compile votes through "re-tweets" (@CommuniCause #cause2255).  Click here and scroll down for details. 

 
Competition began April 27, so Soldiers' Angels has some catching up to do!  But we've got a great word-of-mouth "ground game," so the Top Ten isn't out of reach.  Let's make it happen!


  
http://soldiersangels.org/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=348&cntnt01origid=15&cntnt01returnid=15

New Film at IN THEIR BOOTS!

 

IN THEIR BOOTS Season 2 Dear Friend, I am pleased to announce that the newest IN THEIR BOOTS episode, 'Vets for Hire' is now available at www.InTheirBoots.com. 'Vets for Hire' is the story of three veterans battling to find work after returning home from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. In their search, these three vets discover that the civilian world isn't the easiest place to find a job, despite years of military training and experience. The episode features the personal stories of Sergeant First Class Hector Torres (Army National Guard), Specialist Tyron Bettis (Army), and Corporal Charlie Phillips (Marine Corps), as well as expert commentary from Justin Brown, Legislative Associate for Veterans of Foreign Wars. Go to www.InTheirBoots.com today and check it out! Also, if you're in or near the Virginia Beach area, In Their Boots will be hosting a screening of 'Vets for Hire' as part of a veterans career fair co-sponsored by the U.S. Navy and Rep. Glenn Nye of Virginia's 2nd District. Be sure to check the On The Road tab for details in the next few days. We hope to see you there.

N.D. National Guard will have largest single deployment ever in mid-August | Grand Forks Herald | Grand Forks, North Dakota

N.D. National Guard will have largest single deployment ever in mid-August | Grand Forks Herald | Grand Forks, North Dakota

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Fathers Day - Make Sure Dad Gets His Green Beans

 

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TAPS video clip

TAPS
Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:56:24 -0500

The Tragedy Assistance Program for survivors, or TAPS, recently welcomed hundreds of military family members to Washington DC.

---

Hundreds gather on Memorial Day weekend for Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors seminar

By Jacqueline Leeker
 
 
The question is how. How do we as a nation prove worthy of the gift of freedom given to us by the men and women who fought and died? We must remember each and every one of them," said Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Over Memorial Day weekend hundreds of families of the fallen, including some from Fort Belvoir, gathered at the Gaylord Hotel at the Washington National Harbor to attend the 15th Annual Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors Seminar and Good Grief Camp for young survivors. 
 
"I am a military wife. I am a military daughter. I am a military mother. I have buried a son; I have buried a father, both in service to this country," said Darcie Sims, grief management specialist with Grief, Inc. of Puyallup, Wash.
 
"Thirty three years ago there was nothing. Fifteen years ago there was TAPS," Sims said. "Fifteen years ago there were four tables of us. Look at us now. More than 250,000 families of us have been served by TAPS."
 
Capt. Marissa Alexander, commander, Army Entertainment Detachment, Fort Belvoir, attended the seminar.
 
Her husband, Sgt. Leroy E. Alexander, 27, of Dale City, Va., was killed near Urgun district in eastern Paktika province on June 3, 2005, when his convoy vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device.
 
Alexander was pregnant with twins when she received the knock on her door.
 
"I was five months to the day," Alexander said. "I actually went in for an ultrasound to find out the sex of the babies that morning."
 
He was on his 3rd deployment, his first as a Green Beret assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group.
"I think he would be proud. I guess he's still looking down from heaven, happy to see that the kids are healthy, and that we're doing okay," Alexander said. "Even in death, he's taking care of us; and, I feel very fortunate for that."
TAPS attendees included the families of those killed in action, those who died by suicide, and those who perished in training accidents or from illnesses.
 
"Our stories are very different. Some of our loved ones fell on battlefields and were honored greatly; some battlefields are silent, and our loved ones fell on those as well," Sims said.
 
"Sometimes we're not sure if we even have the right to say they were heroes," she continued. "But don't you mistake it. Every single one of them, because they chose to serve our nation, is a hero.

"It isn't how they died; it's how they lived," she said.
 
Bereavement experts say for each active-duty military loss, about ten people are significantly impacted by the death. Often, they are children.
 
More than 250 children attended the Good Grief Camp for young survivors.
 
Twelve-year-old Brooke Nyren, of Fairfax, has been going to TAPS for five years. "My father died in a car accident overseas," Nyren said.
 
Staff Sgt. Nathaniel J. Nyren, 31, from Reston, Va. died in Baghdad, Iraq, on Dec. 28, 2004. A civilian car driven by a 16-year-old Iraqi boy smashed into the side of a humvee, which rolled over multiple times. Nyren was behind the wheel of the vehicle, leading a convoy of military vehicles to a maintenance facility when the accident occurred.
 
The last time Brooke spoke to him was three days earlier - on Christmas. "I spent holidays with my dad. We don't have those together anymore," Nyren said. 
 
"The people who I meet here at TAPS mean a lot to me; we get to run around together," Nyren said. "One of the activities that means the most to me is writing notes to my dad and releasing it on a balloon."
 
When asked what advice she would give to anyone coming to TAPS for the first time, Nyren replied, "I would tell them they're not alone; you're not the only one. This place is really comforting when you come here."
 
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Destini Campbell, Honor Guard, Bolling Air Force Base, has volunteered to be a mentor at the camp for four years.
 
She met Brooke three years ago. Since then, they have been inseparable. "Since I first met her, Brooke has really grown up. She has become a lot more vocal and open," Campbell said.
 
One of the camp activities the young survivors took part in was tracing their hands on construction paper for cut-outs to be placed in a wreath presented at Arlington Cemetery.
 
"I get my artistic side from my dad," said 7-year-old Noah Moehling. "My dad was a helicopter pilot. He crashed in a sand storm. There was a really bad fire. All they found were his dog tags."
 
Army CWO 2 Timothy W. Moehling, 35 , of Florida; assigned to Company A, 5th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, Giebelstadt, Germany; was killed in a UH-60 Black Hawk crash on Feb. 23, 2003, in
Kuwait.
 
Like his dad, Noah wants to be a pilot. He wants to one day own a jet. "I miss him. My mom says I'm a lot like him," Noah said. "I didn't get to know him really well; I was little. My mom tells me a lot of stories about him."
This weekend was Noah's sixth year being a part of TAPS.
 
"I meet lots of kids. And seeing the TAPS members is my favorite part," he said.
 
Many of the volunteers who mentored the young survivors also lost someone.
 
"Mentors, you are survivors who have come through the darkness and, now, find strength to take your own experience and reach out to others," said Ellen Andrews, TAPS Online Community manager. "You are a gift beyond measure to the new survivors. You are a gift beyond measure to TAPS."
 
Andrews drew upon her own personal experience to assist others. She was engaged to U.S. Navy Lt. David J. Huber, who was killed in an air accident off the coast of Corpus Christi, Texas, shortly before their wedding in 1995.
 
"We've found ourselves in a place we never envisioned; yet, we are here. We walked into a room full of strangers, and started life-long friendships, friendships that start with the ability to look someone in the eye and say 'It's okay. I've been there, too,'" Andrews said.
 
Mullen concluded his address to the TAPS families by vowing to keep their memories alive.
 
"Each of you speaks in so many ways to how great they were, to the incredible impact they had on you and so many others. Hundreds of thousands of people they impacted, they will still impact, by

virtue of those memories, the recognition, and the place each and every one of them has in your heart. I am and will be eternally grateful for TAPS," Mullen said.
 
"My promise to you is we will never ever forget. This is the most important time of year because it is the weekend we remember every sacrifice. I promise you, I will never, ever, forget," Mullen said.
 
For more information on TAPS please visit http://www.TAPS.org, or call 1-800-959-TAPS (8277).

 

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Love You More Than You Know: Mothers' Stories About Sending Their Sons and Daughters to War

 
In these stories, 45 mothers of U.S. service men and women open their hearts and share what it feels like when your son or daughter leaves home to fight a war.

Some were stunned to learn one sunny afternoon that their baby had enlisted. Others had long been familiar with military life. But all of these mothers knew their world had just changed the day their child called home and said, Mom, I m being deployed . . .
They discovered the strange mix of pride and fear. The anxiety of not knowing exactly where in Iraq or Afghanistan your son is, whether your daughter is facing mortar fire or enduring heat and boredom. Elation at the arrival of the briefest postcard or email message. The daily dread, when returning home from work or a trip to the grocery store, of seeing a government car in the driveway and two soldiers at the door . . .

Any parent who reads these stories will feel their power--and will gain a greater understanding of the sacrifice made by parents as well as their children in our military.

 

http://www.grayco.com/cleveland/books/10553/buy.shtml

 

 

Review

A book you can't put down . . . incredibly riveting

 --WGAR FM, May 1, 2009

A powerful, heartbreaking, and patriotic book.

 --Joe Eszterhas, screenwriter and author of New York Times best sellers Hollywood Animal and Crossbearer: A Memoir of Faith.

 

A powerful, heartbreaking, and patriotic book. --Joe Eszterhas, screenwriter and author of New York Times best sellers Hollywood Animal and Crossbearer: A Memoir of Faith. If you want to understand what war does to a mother s heart, grab a handful of tissues. One story will break your heart. The next one will fortify it. All of the stories will make your heart swell with compassion for every mother whose umbilical cord stretches across the ocean to Iraq and Afghanistan. . . . These military moms are all around us, at the grocery store, the dry cleaner, the soccer game. But they, too, have been deployed. Their hearts serve in war zones as invisible shields over sons and daughters who just yesterday were safe at home. --Regina Brett, The Plain Dealer (Cleveland) and WCPN FM Radio. his is a book for every American home; an important look at the courage of our military service members and their mothers, who dedicate their lives, no matter the circumstances or the consequences.

--Helen Toolan, wife of Brigadier General John A. Toolan, Jr.

If you want to understand what war does to a mother s heart, grab a handful of tissues. One story will break your heart. The next one will fortify it. All of the stories will make your heart swell with compassion for every mother whose umbilical cord stretches across the ocean to Iraq and Afghanistan. . . . These military moms are all around us, at the grocery store, the dry cleaner, the soccer game. But they, too, have been deployed. Their hearts serve in war zones as invisible shields over sons and daughters who just yesterday were safe at home.

--Regina Brett, The Plain Dealer (Cleveland) and WCPN FM Radio

Packed with images and moments that resonate with the reader long after the stories are told . . . offers a powerful statement about the sacrifices made not only by those who serve, but also by those left behind.

 --Cleveland Magazine, May 2009

Personal feelings about the war itself are not even considered - they are meaningless. These women write about love and deep, relentless pride in their sons and daughters. They tell of their experiences as well as their connection with various support groups and other mothers . . . It is at the same time an easy read and one of the hardest books you will ever read. You will feel a portion of the pain and the pride these mothers experience.

--clevelandwomen.com

 

 

 

NDARNG Memorial March

 

 

 

 

 

Family and Friends Walk for all Soldiers

on Three-Year Anniversary of ADA Soldiers' Deaths

 

 

Story By: Billie Jo Lorius

 

 

BISMARCK, N.D. — At 9:38 a.m. Saturday family and friends braved the rain and wind and began their 9-mile march in remembrance of service members killed in combat. They took their first steps in the second Memorial Road March in honor of their loved ones from the Bank of North Dakota in Bismarck.

 

"This memorial march is about people remembering our fallen Soldiers and thinking about our Soldiers still serving," said Sheila Richter, mother of Soldier Sgt. Travis Van Zoest, and organizer of this year's event.

 

While the march honors all fallen North Dakota service members as well as those still serving, the date and time have significance to the 1-188^th Air Defense Artillery. Three years ago today, at 9:38 a.m., Sgt. Travis A. Van Zoest, 21, and Spc. Curtis R. Mehrer, 21, were killed in Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device detonated. Cpl. Nathan J. Goodiron, 25, and Cpl. Christopher K. Kleinwachter, 29, also were killed during the 1-188^th ADA-SECFOR deployment.

 

The 9-mile march began at the bank, with the group walking over the new Liberty Memorial Bridge that was dedicated to all veterans, followed by a short stop about a mile away at the McDonald's located on Memorial Highway, which was also dedicated to the fallen Soldiers. The proceeded approximately 4 more miles to the Post and then finish the march at the North Dakota Veterans' Cemetery in Mandan.

 

According to Richter, the route was chosen due to the connection each stop has with the military. "It is important that people remember that we are still at war and we still have our troops overseas," she said.

 

Despite the weather, the large group was happy to take the opportunity to honor the brave veterans. "If they can stick it out for a year in horrible conditions, we can stick it out for a few hours," said. Joyce Mehrer, mother of Spc. Curtis Mehrer, said that last year's weather began similarly, but ended with sunshine once they reached the cemetery. 

 

"At least it's not snowing," agreed Richter. "After this, I can go home and sit in my whirlpool tub, the Soldiers can't."

 

Since the terrorist attacks on America, the North Dakota National Guard has mobilized more than 2,800 Soldiers and more than 1,600 Airmen in support of the Global War on Terrorism. In recent weeks, nearly 2,000 North Dakota National Guardsmen — with support of about 400 additional Soldiers and Airmen from six other states — have been mobilized for current flood fighting missions all across North Dakota. With a total force of about 4,400 Soldiers and Airmen, we continue to have sufficient forces available to provide emergency response and homeland defense.

-30-

 

Cutlines

1.jpg Joyce Mehrer, mother of Spc. Curtis Mehrer, and Sheila Richter, mother of Sgt. Travis Van Zoest, stand together as the group gathers to begin their march in the second Memorial Road March.

(Photo by Sgt. Ann Knudson, Joint Force Headquarters)

 

2.jpg March leaves Bank of North Dakota

(Photo by Sgt. Ann Knudson, Joint Force Headquarters)

 

 

Photos, Videos & Other Updates:

• www.youtube.com/ndnationalguard
• www.flickr.com/photos/ndguard
• www.twitter.com/ndnationalguard
• Facebook page: North Dakota National Guard

 

 

 

 

 

A Soldiers Prayer

 
© By Heather F. Kready

Remember me as i walk away
for you i lived and died this day
And in this moment i can recall
that as i fell i still stood tall
Into the falling night i cry
tell them i love them and tell them why
I am not there to see them grow
or curb the wild oats they sow
I am the one with arms held wide
even in death not stepping aside
For god and country i am here
your pain i hold i feel your fear
Freedom is my gift to you
as i left, this price i knew
I am so cold and so afraid
and as the fear begins to fade
I think of those to follow me
to give their lives to liberty
As i taste death's embrace
i pray for strength and a bit of grace
Let me die as i have lived
leaving nothing to forgive
My eyes are heavy let me rest
I know now i have done my best

 
 
 
 

Soldiers’ Angels is proud to announce its partnership with StripesGAMER.com

  Soldiers' Angels is proud to announce its partnership with StripesGAMER.com to provide deployed service members with the fun and challenge of an online Call of Duty 4 gaming tournament, the "Battle for the Wii's." 
 
Online and offline video games are one of the most common and appreciated entertainment options for troops deployed around the world. For 10 days in June, Soldiers' Angels will pump up the fun by providing tournament prizes for StripesGAMER's Call of Duty 4 tournament, creating the largest prize pool StripesGAMER has ever offered. Gamers around the world will complete online for the grand prize of 2 Wii Systems, Wii Fit, and Guitar Hero "World Tour" in two concurrently-running competitions for the deployed, as well as a stateside competition. In addition, each competitor in the deployed competition will receive a special care package from Soldiers' Angels.
 
Soldiers' Angels Soldier Liaison Toby Nunn sees this as another great opportunity for Soldiers' Angels to support hardworking service members. "It's directly touching our deployed troops, another way to reach out and support our heroes. Soldiers' Angels is very happy to be developing this connection with StarsGAMER," He says.  He also points out that it also gives Soldiers' Angels the opportunity to reach out to other companies and organizations, draws attention to the impressive variety of assistance SA offers, and highlights the continuing need for Americans who support the troops to step up and put their support into action.
 
StripesGAMER.com is the only gaming website exclusively serving the U.S. military community with online socialization, competitive events, leagues, and social networking. Its print incarnation is Gamer, a weekend insert in the Stars & Stripes newspaper focusing on the strong gaming community within the U.S. military. 

 
Registration for the competitions began last Memorial Day and continues through June 9, 2009. Game play runs from June 10 through June 20, 2009. To learn more - http://www.stripesgamer.com/Tournament/TournamentInfo.aspx?TournamentId=33

 
 
 

Urge Universities to Provide Education Opportunities for Servicemembers

* Congressman John Adler*
* Representing New Jersey's 3rd Congressional District*
* *
*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: *
June 4, 2009
*MEDIA CONTACT: *Kathryn Prael
202-225-4765 or 202-329-7341
* *
*Congressman Adler Introduces House Resolution to Urge Universities to
Provide Education Opportunities for Servicemembers *
*Praises Rutgers University for its efforts to support military and veterans
*
* *
Washington, DC - Congressman John Adler introduced a bipartisan resolution
this week urging universities nationwide to seek membership in the
Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC) Consortium. The Consortium allows
service members to enroll in a participating school and continue their
bachelor and graduate-level degree programs on school campuses, military
installations, and armories within the United States and overseas. In New
Jersey, Rutgers University joined the program in April, a few months after
Congressman Adler first urged the university to participate.
 
 
"We need to increase education opportunities for our servicemembers and
returning veterans," said Congressman Adler, a member of the House Veterans
Affairs Committee. "I urge universities across the country to join this
program and support our brave military men and women."
 
 
Servicemembers face numerous challenges in their pursuit of higher
education, either while they are still on active duty or a newly-returned
veteran. Oftentimes, these brave men and women have trouble attaining
college degrees because of their frequent relocations.
 
 
Bryan Adams, a Purple Heart recipient from Operation Iraqi Freedom and the
president of Veterans for Education said, "The Servicemembers Opportunity
College Consortium is going to help ease the transition from combat to
college and give our veterans a head start towards attaining a positive
future for themselves and their families. I am thankful Congressman Adler
has initiated this bill and grateful that he has taken the time to listen to
our concerns and make a positive difference in the lives of hundreds of
thousands of veterans."
 
 
Congressman Adler introduced a resolution encouraging each institution of
higher education in the country to seek membership in the SOC Consortium. In
addition, he praised Rutgers University for joining the Consortium in April.
Congressman Adler introduced a similar resolution in the State Senate and
urged Rutgers University to seek membership last September.
 
 
Currently, the SOC Consortium includes more than 1,800 colleges and
universities. To ensure that servicemembers have greater access to
undergraduate educational opportunities, the SOC Consortium maintains
flexibility in university programs and procedures, especially in admissions
and credit transfer.
 
 
*###*
 
 
 
 
Kathryn Prael
Communications Director
Office of Congressman John Adler (NJ-03)
Main Office: 202.225.4765
Direct Line: 202.226.9201
Cell: 202.329.7341
http://adler.house.gov