Founder's Notes

                                                             

Dear Soldiers' Angels, Once again this week, our hearts have been focused on our deployed heroes even more strongly than usual.  Whether it ends up on the front page or not, our fighting men and women are sacrificing in big and small ways every day they are deployed.  And whether they are recently-returned, or veterans of a long-ago war, those who have served need to know they are remembered and supported. And sometimes that support can be so very, very simple… Day of the Deployed How Will You Celebrate? Later this month is a special day in which we focus on what our deployed heroes do for us and how it affects them and their families.  Shelle has wonderful ideas for putting those thoughts into action—no-cost ways to listen to their stories, support their spouses, celebrate their gifts to the country, and ensure they know we remember them past and present.  Let's celebrate these fantastic people! [more]*   Vet Packs For Veterans Who Need an Extra Hand This is so easy--a great way to let struggling veterans of any era know that we're here for them.  Help us fill these terrific packs for homeless veterans!  Next time you go past the trial-size section at the store, grab a 99-cent shampoo and send it to SA; when you buy your toothbrush, pick up one for a hero.  It's so easy, and from the reports we get from the VA outreach programs, we know it has a powerful impact on hurting veterans. [more]* Vet Packs For Veterans Who Need an Extra Hand TA registered nurse and teacher, Donna is married to a 25-year Army veteran, with two adult daughters and three grandbabies.  Pets are important to her, including a Chihuahua who keeps the three cats in line."  She and her husband live in near Huntsville, AL, but spend lots of time away from home, traveling to NASCAR events and Alabama football games, and spending long weekends "fishing and floating down the lake and enjoying our quiet time with each other." Donna was inspired to join SA four years ago, after watching a news report on the life of soldiers.  She never looked back.  "After joining the LWT, I was hooked." In addition to LWT Team Leader, she now serves as Mentor Team Co-leader, is on the Spec Ops team, and helps maintain the SA database.  "I have several soldiers that write me weekly," she happily reports, and she has developed long-term relationships with some of her adoptees.  Perhaps it has something to do with her ability to "turn an everyday event into a fun story for my soldiers." It certainly sounds like Donna specializes in the personal touch, and that is exactly what we need this week.  Knowing someone cares can sometimes make all the difference when a hero is faced with a tough situation.  It's been a hard week for our guys and gals and those who love them.  Let's reach out and make sure they know we're here Wingtip to Wingtip, Patti Patton-Bader Soldiers' Angels Founder & CEO Facebook - Soldiers' Angels (official) Twitter - @soldiersangels Monthly Newsletter - http://soldiersangels.org/index.php?page=newsletters *If your email blocks the links, you can go to soldiersangels.org and look for "News & Press" in the sidebar, then click on "Founder's Notes."