Lots of females that we have supported in this book!!!

My dear friend Penny gave me this terrific book-- I want to share it ...with all of you-- please enjoy the read (order it!) (She is in it too!) www.girlzinwhitedresses.com
 
I would love to see us embrace this book and send to our troops in country. Penny is a Public Affairs officer for the Air Guard and there are many females in this book that we have supported.
 
 
 
It all started when one friend, Staci, asked the other, Jess (who is a photographer) to take some photos of her in her wedding gown. They discussed how they wished they could wear their wedding dresses every day - to work, to the store, to the baseball game, anywhere! The inspiration for this book came from that conversation. Girlz In White Dresses is a funny photo book that is a great conversation starter, makes a wonderful gift and just might get you digging your wedding dress out of storage.

Bismarck Mandan Chamber Military Appreciation Bar-B-Que

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guard Wins National Family of the Year (UNCLASSIFIED)

Contacts: 
Billie Jo Lorius at 701-333-2288 (office) or 701-426-5205 (cell)
 
N.D. Guard Wins National Family of the Year
 
BISMARCK, N.D. - For the first time ever, North Dakota's Army Guard Family of
 the Year has won the award on a national level. Sgt. 1st Class Richard, first
 sergeant for the 816th Engineer Company and Tess Haugen, of Dickinson, and
 their three children, are the recipients of the Army National Guard Family of
 the Year. 
 
"The Haugen family is deserving of this national recognition for their
 dedication to volunteerism and to supporting North Dakota's National Guard
 members and their families," said Gov. John Hoeven. "Their service
 exemplifies the outstanding contributions of our National Guard, as well as
 the extraordinary support that exists for our Guard men and women within
 communities, businesses and families across the state."
 
The Haugen's were selected from among approximately 50 Army National Guard
 Families representing states, territories and districts. The Haugen's will be
 recognized at the National Volunteer Conference in New Orleans this August. 
 
"North Dakota has high caliber volunteers that support our professional
 Soldiers as they deploy around the world and within our communities," said
 Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota National Guard adjutant general.
 He said, "This family has gone above and beyond, and I am proud that they
 were recognized on a national level. Families are a huge reason why we are
 able to be successful as an organization."
 
The Haugen family went to nationals after first winning the state level
 award, being nominated by their peers due to their support of the Guard as
 well as their activities and volunteer efforts. 
 
According to the nomination form, "Richard volunteers for additional duties
 to include: Suicide Intervention Officer, Casualty Notification Officer,
 Equal Opportunity Representative as well as teaching 'mini-lessons' to local
 Elementary School students. Joining Richard in demonstrating genuine care and
 concern is his wife Tess. As the leader of the Family Readiness Group, she
 has been instrumental in organizing activities for the Soldiers', spouses'
 and children year-round. Care, concern, devotion and training are all great
 attributes for one to have. Finding a family where these attributes are
 shared by all, make them a great choice." 
 
Haugen said he and his family were honored to be recognized. "It means a lot
 to us. We are in this together. It's all about being part of a great National
 Guard family," he said. 
 
--
 Since the 2001 terrorist attacks on America, the North Dakota National Guard
 has mobilized more than 3,500 Soldiers and more than 1,800 Airmen in support
 of the Global War on Terrorism. Currently, about 800 North Dakota Guardsmen
 are serving overseas. With a total force of about 4,400 Soldiers and Airmen,
 sufficient forces remain in the state for emergency response and homeland
> defense.
-30-
 
Cutline
 100320-A-4234H-010 2010 Family of the Year: Sgt. 1st Class Richard, first
 sergeant for the 816th Engineer Company and Tess Haugen, of Dickinson, and
 their three children, are the recipients of the Army National Guard Family of
 the Year.
 
For more information:
 N.D. National Guard News Release (3/20/2010)
 Both Air and Army Guard Family of the Year are Awarded
 http://www.ndguard.ngb.army.mil/news/Pages/GuardFamilyoftheYear.aspx
 
 
 
 

MoJo

 COFFEE ANYONE?? May is Military Appreciation Month and in appreciation for the troops for every online order that is received at MoJo Coffee Roasters --( www.mojoroast.com ) -- they will donate 1% of their remaining April and all of May sales to Soldiers' Angels. Customers are to place "Facebook" in the notes of their orders.

They are a personal coffee roasters that roasts only the finest Arabica coffee beans for their customers. They offer Organics, Cup of Excellence, Fair Trade, and Estate coffees. By purchasing these coffees, they help many people in many areas of the world. They also have natural water processed and Swiss Water processed decafs. They go to great lengths to ensure a quality product to you. What are you waiting for? Order your coffee online and support the troops!! www.mojoroast.com Coffee

Trivia
Coffee is big business: It is second only to oil as a commodity on world markets.
The coffee industry employs more than 20 million worldwide.
Coffee is the most popular beverage worldwide with over 400 billion cups consumed each year.
Every day, Americans drink over 300 million cups of coffee.
Over 53 countries grow coffee worldwide, but all of them lie along the equator between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.
The heavy tea tax imposed on the colonies in 1773, which caused the "Boston Tea Party," resulted in America switching from tea to coffee.
 Drinking coffee was an expression of freedom.
Over the last three centuries, 90% of all people living in the Western world have switched from tea to coffee.
Count Rumford, an eccentric American adventurer who settled in Paris, France, perfected the French Drip Pot around 1800.
Australians consume 60% more coffee than tea, a six-fold increase since 1940.
Iced coffee in a can has been popular in Japan since 1945.
October 1st is the official Coffee Day in Japan
"Coffee should be black as hell, strong as death, and as sweet as love" - Turkish 
 

#SundaySalute

 
#SundaySalute:
 
 
Shelle Michaels (www.twitter.com/publicrelations), National Communication Officer for Soldiers' Angels ( www.soldiersangels.org) was approached by Stacy and Nick from www.urlradio.net about doing a service member salute radio show in honor of the troops, veterans, their families and the businesses and organizations out there that go above and beyond in their efforts to assure that our troops are supported. Michaels quickly embraced this opportunity to showcase the military in all their glory through her favorite mediums-- Social Media! Soldiers' Angels will always be in the spotlight of this two hour radio show, but as always, Soldiers' Angels works wingtip-to-wingtip with other organizations and will mingle with them socially as well. 
 
URL (U Rock Lately) Radio is a local radio station on a national stage, the Internet. It's a station for the people and by the people. U R in charge. U R keepin' it local. U decide the music. U decide the programming. U R important. U Rock! U R the future of radio.
 
We're changing the face of radio and yet getting back to the basics. We're taking the good old days of local radio, with local on air talent, requests, dedications, programming and focus and moving it to the internet. URL radio can do something else local radio stations can't — go anywhere without downloading software. If you are at work, more than likely, you can get us. If you are traveling out of state for business, more than likely, you can get us. If you are vacationing, more than likely, you can get us. If you've moved away and still want to keep in touch, you can get us. If you are stationed in Iraq or Afghanistan or anywhere globally, you can get us. As long as you have internet access, you can get us. Within the next couple years, internet access will be available almost everywhere: cars, tractors, televisions, it's even spread to phones.
 
This really is the future of radio and we're excited to be at the forefront. Lock us in www.URLradio.net and listen to the #SundaySalute every Sunday from 1600-1800 (CST). Email ShelleMichaels@urlradio.net if you would like a request or to be a guest on the show. For updates fan #SundaySalute on Facebook - www.facebook.com/SundaySalute and follow on twitter at www.twitter.com/sundaysalute.
 
While there is a captive audience, check out the recent recap of the Milblog Conference 2010 hosted in Arlington, Virginia last weekend: http://shock.military.com/Shock/videos.do?displayContent=213558.
 
 
 
Thank you for all that you do!
 
May No Soldier Go Unloved. May No Soldier Walk Alone. May No Soldier Be Forgotten. Until They All Come Home.

Shelle Michaels
Soldiers' Angels National Communication Officer
ShelleMichaels@SoldiersAngels.org
www.SoldiersAngels.org
www.Facebook.com/SoldiersAngelsOfficial
www.Twitter.com/SoldiersAngels
 

 
 

Ram Truck Brand and Southern-Rock Artist Zac Brown Band Form Partnership with Soldiers' Angels

Ram Truck Brand and Southern-Rock Artist Zac Brown Band Form Partnership


•Launches "Letters for Lyrics" at Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep® and Ram Truck dealerships with goal to deliver one million letters to U.S. soldiers in return for 1 million "Breaking Southern Ground" CDs
•Provides exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the band's USO Tour featured on RamTrucks.com
•Offers exclusive song download of latest single, "Free"


The Ram Truck Brand today announced a partnership with GRAMMY-winning artists, Zac Brown Band to help honor U.S. soldiers as well as promote the band's USO Tour and their latest single.

Fueled by a Platinum major label debut, four #1 singles and numerous honors and accolades, including their GRAMMY win as "Best New Artist," "Top New Vocal Group" from the Academy of Country Music and "Breakthrough Video of the Year" from Country Music Television and USA Weekend – Zac Brown Band is poised to move front-and-center in 2010.

"Just as your vehicle is an extension of who you are – music also defines your inner character," said Olivier Francois, Lead Marketing Executive, Chrysler Group LLC. "The Ram Truck Brand and Zac Brown Band both strive to connect with people and have a unifying 'can do' attitude and a character filled with authenticity, care, passion and pride."

"We are excited about the new alignment with Zac Brown Band," said Fred Diaz, President and CEO – Ram Truck Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "It's the Grammy-award winning 'Best New Artist' meets the 2010 Motor Trend 'Truck of the Year.' It's a true win-win partnership for our customers, dealers and the Ram Truck Brand."

"Performing with the USO for the men and women in uniform has been a great experience for us. We wanted to find a bigger way to thank them, a way to mobilize people nationwide to show their support for these incredible individuals," explains Zac Brown on how the "Letters for Lyrics" campaign came about. "Ram Truck Brand was the perfect partner to realize this dream; not only do they share our commitment to recognize the troops' service and sacrifice but they are determined to ensure this program helps to send a little piece of home to our service members abroad."

The partnership includes a letter-writing program to U.S. soldiers, exclusive documentary footage from the band's USO Tour and a song download of the band's latest single, "Free."

Letters for Lyrics Campaign

Starting in May, Zac Brown Band and the Ram Truck Band kick off "Letters for Lyrics," a national campaign with a goal of sending 1 million letters to U.S. soldiers stationed across the world. Participants who write a letter to a U.S. soldier will receive a special compilation CD titled, "Breaking Southern Ground," while supplies last. This exclusive CD features three all-new songs from Zac Brown Band, as well as music from artists signed to Zac Brown's label, Southern Ground Records, Sonia Leigh, Nic Cowan and Levi Lowrey.

Soldier's Angels, a nonprofit organization, will deliver the letters on behalf of the Zac Brown Band and the Ram Truck Brand. Soldier's Angels is a volunteer-led organization with over 225,000 members providing aid and comfort to the men and women of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, along with veterans and their families.

"We believe that 'Letters for Lyrics' will spark the public's interest in contributing to our troops abroad and to their families here at home. This goodwill gesture embodies one of the main pillars in the Ram Truck Brand's DNA and demonstrates our continued support for the nation's men and women in the military," said Diaz.

A 30-second "Letters for Lyrics" teaser spot, featuring the Ram Truck Brand and Zac Brown Band, will debut during the Academy of Country Music Awards, which airs live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Sunday, April 18, at 8 p.m. on the CBS Television Network.

USO Tour Documentary and Song Download on RamTrucks.com

Viewers will be able to see behind-the-scene footage taped by the band as they document their April visit to U.S. soldiers stationed in the Persian Gulf. Documentary-style segments and concert footage will premiere on RamTrucks.com and new episodes will be posted throughout the duration of the program.

An exclusive live version of the band's latest single, "Free," will also be available for download for the first 100,000 fans, only at the RamTrucks.com web site. For each download, the Ram Truck Brand will make a donation to a designated charity on behalf of the brand and Zac Brown Band.

"The marketing and advertising launch for the Ram Heavy Duty is one of the most comprehensive programs developed for the Ram Truck Brand," said Marissa Hunter, Head of Ram Truck Communication, Chrysler Group LLC. "The partnership with Zac Brown Band is just one element of the marketing and advertising launch of the 2010 Ram Heavy Duty truck, now available at Ram Truck dealerships nationwide."

About the Zac Brown Band

Zac Brown Band were recently named GRAMMY's "Best New Artist" and are nominated for four Academy of Country Music Awards including "Entertainer of the Year." The band's platinum-certified, major label debut 'The Foundation' - one of Billboard's Top 20 albums of 2009 - is out now on Atlantic Records and features the band's first four #1 singles. Currently on the road with their "Breaking Southern Ground" national tour, Zac Brown Band will also join the Dave Matthews Band to perform at select shows across the U.S. this summer including New York's Citi Field. Additional information can be found at http://www.zacbrownband.com/.

About the Ram Truck Brand

With a work-hard, play-hard attitude, the Ram Truck brand offers the boldest, most powerful and capable pickup truck lineup on the planet.

The Ram Truck brand will add to its award-winning truck lineup with the introduction of its all-new 2010 Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty trucks, Motor Trend's Truck of the Year. The new heavy-duty trucks provide customers with first-time innovations and features along with new standards of strength, utility and driveability, building on the Ram's leadership in the heavy-duty pickup segment.

Introduced in 2008, the Ram 1500 is a game changer in terms of its ability to "outsmart" and "out-tough" the competition with its bold exterior design, crafted and refined interior, engineering excellence, superb innovation and best-in-class features and amenities. The Ram 1500 also ranks at the top of Strategic Vision Inc.'s (SVI) 2009 Total Quality Index™ (TQI) in the full-size truck segment. According to the survey, the Ram 1500 leads the way with the highest Total Quality score of any truck in the 15-year history of the study. Customers specifically noted that the Ram has the best added storage capability along with the best truck interior ever rated by customers.

The Ram Truck brand will further enhance its commercial vehicle presence with the introduction of a "new crew" of commercial-grade work trucks: the new 2011 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs. Led by an all-new crew cab, the new 2011 Ram Chassis Cabs are built on a proven frame and chassis, and engineered for maximum uptime, optimum performance and enhanced commercial capability.

Follow Dodge and Chrysler Group LLC news and video on:

Chrysler Connect blog: http://blog.chryslergroupllc.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chryslercom and www.twitter.com/chrysler

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/pentastarvideo

Streetfire: http://members.streetfire.net/profile/ChryslerVideo.htm

Ram Trucks: http://www.ramtrucks.com

Ram Zone blog: http://www.ramzone.com


SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC 


 
 
 
Shelle Michaels

Soldiers' Angels National Communication Officer
ShelleMichaels@SoldiersAngels.org
www.SoldiersAngels.org
www.Facebook.com/SoldiersAngelsOfficial
www.Twitter.com/SoldiersAngels
 
"May No Soldier Go Unloved"
 
 
 
 
 

Founder's Notes

Dear Angels,

Sometimes you get so wrapped up in your mission that you can forget why you started down this path.  A number of people and events have been reminding me of why we're all here, all working so hard to take care of our troops.  The sad truth is, the media has forgotten we are at war and that's so frustrating.  Here are some stories this week that have rekindled my spirit and reminded me how important it is to keep our enthusiasm strong, to keep caring for our troops…

Music That Can Heal Body and Soul Doctors can heal a broken body, but music can heal the soul with sounds and words that soothe and comfort.  From Franki Love, who writes of the longing between child and deployed mother (a special gift for Mother's Day), to Joe Brocato's love song (a pure thank you for the troops), there are some beautiful opportunities to make expressions of gratitude while supporting the work of Soldiers' Angels.  Please check out Franki's and Joe's fantastic songs, and those of our other artists who support the troops! [more*] Fiesta for Heroes SA Parties in San Antonio Because of what has been sacrificed, here on the homefront we have the peace and safety to enjoy ourselves with both everyday activities and bigger celebrations.  We're getting ready for one of those bigger celebrations in San Antonio in May.  Please check out the details to see this wonderful opportunity, and the special items created to raise money for the mission of Soldiers' Angels. [more*] Band of Angels Lisa Jahred – New Angel, New Leader It was her son's first deployment and Lisa was feeling very alone because she didn't know any other military parents.  So, Lisa started ArmyMomStrong.com in September 2009 to provide useful info about anything related to deployment—resources, tips, materials, news, etc.  Soon she added a Facebook page.  With 1343 fans, it includes lots of posts of prayers, encouragement and valuable discussions.  "It's starting to take on a life of its own," she says, "becoming a very educational and supportive place." Lisa signed up with SA very recently after discovering it through Michael Yon's reports, and joined the Letter Writing Team.  "The work SA does is so amazing," she says.  "It's something I wanted to be a part of.  I like being involved in something that's much bigger than myself…I feel like I'm at least contributing to the military effort in some small way."   Lisa lives in Southern California, and enjoys keeping in touch by Skype with her two grown children and two grandchildren living on opposite sides of the country.  She's a technical writer by day and a fitness motivation coach by night. Lisa's experience as a military mom with a deployed son is all fresh and new to her, and reminds me of how this all started, how much there is to know.  Some of us have been doing this so long that we forget how frightening and confusing it can be, and how much the little things can mean to both deployed soldiers and their families, how much they need our support.  We still have America's sons and daughters in harm's way and there are so many ways to help...  Let's Roll! Wingtip to Wingtip, Patti Patton-Bader Soldiers' Angels Founder and CEO Facebook - Soldiers' Angels (official) Twitter - @soldiersangels Monthly Newsletter -  www.soldiersangels.org/index.php?page=newsletters *If your email blocks the links, you can go to soldiersangels.org and look for "News & Press."  Then click on "News Archives" for more information about this story.

Soldiers' Angels, 1792 E. Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104 (626) 529-5114

Founder's Notes

Dear Angels,

In this war, those who make some of the biggest sacrifices are rarely noticed.  The media is not covering the steady stream of heroes who now face a new mountain to climb: healing and reassembling their lives after catastrophic injuries.   As the fight has heated up in Afghanistan, the number of wounded has increased.

Supporting these heroes and their families is some of the most powerful work Angels can do, reaching out to people at the most challenging times of their lives and wrapping them in strong and protective wings as they find their bearings.

Wounded in Action Hero Faces Biggest Fight of His Life Severely-wounded Marine Todd Nicely's story has been on the milblogs and passed among friends who are praying for him.  A group on Facebook has also been established to send him and his family their love and encouragement as they face the monumental task of recovery.  Please check out the links to see how you can personally help this hero who has given almost everything in service to this country.  As a triple amputee, he is going to have a long recovery and will need all the financial and mental support we can give him. [more] Backpacks Start it All First Response to the Wounded With the increasing number wounded, there is a high demand for SA's First Response Backpacks.  These great packs are one of the first indications wounded soldiers receive that Americans back home are thinking of them.  They are distributed in-country to Combat Support Hospitals and other major facilities that treat or transport the wounded, and the thanks we receive from the wounded who get one are amazing.  If you can, please help us ensure we have enough of these packs to meet the demand! [more] Band of Angels SA's Wounded Team Leadership, Amazing Angels The Team of Angels that works with the wounded includes some of the most amazing Angel leaders.  They all spend hours and hours dealing with terribly-wounded heroes and the families who are standing by the bedsides.  Some of them pull off logistical miracles.  Others literally hold the hands of more wounded soldiers than they can count, and some are the rock a family of a wounded soldier needs, or the facilitator of a great meal that lifts their spirits for awhile. Lynette Roncin coordinates the wounded team, making sure Valour-IT laptops, grants, opportunities for a little fun, and other physical or financial support is available to wounded families and their heroes.  She also heads up the WTLC Team, which showers the wounded with cards and letters of love and encouragement.  Roger Godskesen works closely with deployed medical units, making sure they are stocked up on backpacks and supporting the spirits of medical personnel who are dealing with so many wounded troops.  Maryann Phlilips leads Soldiers' Angels Germany at Landstuhl, the first line of Angel volunteers who wrap their wings around a wounded hero and reassure the stateside families.  Kassie is our volunteer presence at Bethesda, making sure wounded and families have all the support they need from Soldiers' Angels, as does Opal Rieras at Brooke.  These amazing Angel leaders form a web of support and encouragement for the wounded—their humongous hearts do more than could ever be measured! Please keep remembering our wounded heroes, even when they are not on the front pages.  And please see how you can help.  Look at the "For the Wounded" section under "Teams & Projects" on the left-hand side of the Soldiers Angels website to see all the big and small ways you can get involved:  www.soldiersangels.org. Wingtip to Wingtip, Patti Patton-Bader Soldiers' Angels Founder and CEO Facebook - Soldiers' Angels (official) Twitter - @soldiersangels Monthly Newsletter -  www.soldiersangels.org/index.php?page=newsletters

Soldiers' Angels, 1792 E. Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104 (626) 529-5114