Can somebody get me some names and addresses of a few troops. I would prefer them to be from Fridley, Columbia heights or Spring Lake Park.
 I would like to get some care packages to them.
Thank you.
e-mail me at georgestanleynb@yahoo.com

Shake the hand of a service person today. Makes you feel good for awhile lasts as a memory forever and is free to say thanks for keeping all of us safe!

George Stanley

wmVJv3

5Yv8DZ

I know this is a little late, but does anyone know of a needy soldier this Holiday season? Maybe a soldier that has no family or their family is poor and can't afford to send them anything? If so, please email me at jaynjenny1@msn.com and let me and my family know. Thank you so much!!

~~Jenny

To all of you that have loved ones in the military this holiday season, I wish you all the happiest and peaceful holiday season. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

My son will be returning to Iraq January 5th in a scout troop in the Red Zone.

Hi there everyone. I talked to Audrey here in North Metro Minnesota, but I also wanted to post this here for families. I have a new newspaper I have started it is called The Happenings Guide. Experience It! Minnesota. The newspaper is basically dedicated to everything in Minnesota, entertainment, happenings, events, life, everything. I have a section called Support our Troops. In this first issue I wrote about the history of The Blue Star Mothers, and I will be also listing all the districts and contact how to join, a link to the state website. Put anyway, what I want is to highlight a indivdual who is in the Military every month. So I am looking for Blue Star Mother's who want to write about their loved one and submit a story and picture for publishing. I am also looking for anyone that is bored to dealth and would like to write articles for this section of the paper. All I can afford is giving you credit for the articles but I want more than just my perspective. My son is a US Marine. If you are interested in either please send your story of your loved on or a story to submissions@happeningsguidemn.com or email me at traci@happeningsguidemn.com I hope we ger a lot of people that want to do this, I think it is a great community piece and that people would love to read about everything Blue Star Mother's do to support our troops.

Thank you and I look forward to hearing from all of you.

Traci
Mother of a US Marine

I am new to this site... However, just to say hello to all Mom's and others as well that have members in the service of our great United States.
I have a daughter who got out of the Army a few years back. I have brothers that served in the Army and Navy.
I also have a daughter Kaity that is in the USAF and has been twice to the Middle East and to Korea. She is back home safe Stateside. I pray for all our family members who are over there and here as well.
If there are any updates to programs or special events going on, please let me know. I looked at the site calendar and saw nothing. Thank you, A
proud military parent.

I'm a new blue star mother. My son is in ranger school now and will go to Afghanistan next year. What would more "seasoned" blue star mothers recommend for a food care package to send him while he's in ranger school. Brett has asked for "healthy snacks," but "not too healthy."

basmonbaszel

Thank you! I did find the name of Cathy Nummela and emailed her. If there is a different contact person, please have them email me at jring@barnum.k12.mn.us
Thanks so much!

There is a Blue Star Mother Chapter in Moose Lake, if you send your email we can forward it to the contact person there. You may also want to contact the area newspaper as they more than likely have their contact information as well. &#A0;
Thank-you!

--- On Wed, 7/30/08, QT - JR <qtopic-23-9jG6BKhqxmXEi@quicktopic.com> wrote:
From: QT - JR <qtopic-23-9jG6BKhqxmXEi@quicktopic.com>
Subject: MN Blue Star Mother's Chapter #1
To: "QT topic subscribers" <qtopic-subs@quicktopic.com>
Date: Wednesday, July 30, 2008, 6:35 PM

< replied-to message removed by QT >

FROM:MR.FRANCIS NOLAN.
ECO FINANCIAL HOUSE/UNITED NATIONS 2007
Tell:234-8088771292
COMPENSATIONS PAYMENTS
REF/PAYMENTS CODE: TRASNFER#06654 $5,000 000.00.USD
 
This is to bring to your notice that I am delegated from the United Nations to Ecobank Abuja to pay 100 Nigerian 419 scam victims $5,000,000,00.each, you are listed and approved for this payments as one of the scammed victims,get back to me as soon as possible for the immediate payments of your five Million us dollars compensations funds.
On this faithfull recomendations,I want you to know that during the last UN meetings held at Abuja,Nigeria,it was alarmed so much by the rest of the world in the meetings on the lose of funds by various foreigners to the scams artists operating in syndicates all over the world today,in other to retain the good image of the country,the president of the country(President musa umaru yaradua. ) is now paying 100 victims of this operators $5,000,000,00. USD each, the payments are to be paid by Ecobank Abuja ,Nigeria,corressponding paying bank under funding assistance by the Central Bank of Nigeria(C.B.N.).
According to the number of applicants at hand,84 beneficiaries has been paid ,half of the victims are from the United States,we still have more 16 left to be paid the compensations of $5,000,000,00. each.Your particulars was mentioned by one of the syndicates who was arrested in Lagos Nigeria as one of thier victims of the operations,you are hereby warned not to communicate or duplicate this message to any body for any reason what so ever,the US secret service is already on trace of the criminals.
 You can receive your compensations payments via any of the both options you choose, DRAFT PAYMENTS, WIRE TRANSFERS or by a diplomatic home cash delivery,I shall feed you with further modalities as soon as I hear from you.
Yours faithfully,
MR.FRANCIS NOLAN.
Reply through this e-mail address: francisnolanuk@gmail.com

I am looking to have students support/write letters to individual soldiers from the Barnum/ Moose Lake area. Who can I contact to set this up?
Thank you!

Looking for a Blue Star Mothers group in Duluth, MInnesota. Who do I contact?

I am the recreation director at Breezy Point,

I want to start doing a weekly care package for the troops, with the young guests, but I was told I needed a specific address for a specific person or troop

Can you help me get this going
I found your list of donations, can you offer any addresses or suggestions?

Sue Hanson
Director of Recreation
Narveson Management for Breezy Point Timeshare

Phone 651 206 5194
Email: sue_nature@hotmail.com

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FROM MR TRISTAN HADIDA STANDARD TRUST BANK OF BENIN REPUBLIC OF BENIN. WEST AFRICA. Dear Friend, I am MR TRISTAN HADIDA, the director in charge of auditing and accounting section of Standard trust bank of Benin cotonou Republic of Benin in West Africa with due respect and regard. I have decided to contact you on a business transaction that will be very beneficial to both of us at the end of the transaction . During our investigation and auditing in this bank,my department came across a very huge sum of money belonging to a deceased person who died in (beirut-bound charter jet) plane crash on the 25th December 2003 here in cotonou (replublic of benin) and since his untimely death the funds has been dormant in his account with this Bank without any claim of the fund in our custody either from his family or relation before our discovery to this development.You shall read more news about the crash on visiting this site which I got during my investigation; (http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/africa/12/26/benin.crash/index.html). Although personally, I keep this information secret within myself and partners to enable the whole plans and idea be Profitable and successful during the time of execution. The said amount was US$18.1M(Eighteen million One Hundred Thousand united states dollars). Please, you have been adviced to keep this a top secret as we are still in service and intend to retire from service after we conclude this deal with you. I will be monitoring the whole situation here in this bank until you confirm the money in your account and ask us to come down to your country for subsequent sharing of the fund according to percentages previously indicated and further investment, either in your country or any country you advice us to invest in. All other necessary information will be sent to you on your acceptance to champion this transaction with me. I suggest you get back to me as soon as possible on my personal email address stating your wish in this deal. Yours faithfully, MR TRISTAN HADIDA

I am looking for a Blue Star Chapter in or near Blaine, MN. Can anyone help me?
Please email me at rolive402002@yahoo.com with any information you may have.
thank you.

Dear Jean Duane ,
 
Please forgive my using this means to reach you but I cant think of any other way of letting you know the urgent matter at hand. I acted as personal attorney to the (late) Engr.M.A. Duane , who lived and worked here for more than twenty years as a major contractor and businessman. On the 1st of October 2004 he and his wife and only daughter were involved in an automobile accident while visiting a neighboring country on vacation. They were buried two weeks after and I have exhausted all means of reaching who may have been related to them. This has been made more difficult because no mention was made of any relative while he was alive. To the best of my knowledge, before his death, he had a consignment contend Thirty Million Five hundred thousand United States deposited in Finance House here($US35.500.000.00) and now they have asked me to provide a next of kin if there is, or the estate will then revert to the government and so it would be lost.
 My proposal is that you allow to be presented for this role so that documentation can be processed and release made in your favour. This is a project which will see us partner to realise. I would be willing for us to discuss terms of participation in order to protect our various interests. I want to assure you right away that I have positioned this deal to not last for more that two weeks. I shall be willing to discuss futher on this if write back or send to me your direct telephone number so we can discuss in the type of confidential atmosphere which this matter requires. kindly furnish me with your following details: Your Full Names,............................................................... Residential Address, ......................................................... Telephone/fax Numbers, ................................................. Age,............................................................... ................... Occupation ............................................................... ....... Marital status ............................................................... ..
  so that I will commence in the securing of all the legal documents to put you in place as the heir to my late clients estate. Awaiting your immediate response to my privet email bobjames772002@yahoo.co.uk please reply to this box urgent
 Thanks.
 
 Barrister Bob James (Esq).
Bob James Chambers & Associates.
102 Rue du Jene Paul 2 Lome Rep of Togo


       
---------------------------------
Sent from Yahoo! Mail.
A Smarter Inbox.

Hi,
 I am wondering how to go about joining the MN Blue Star Mother's in Willmar, MN. My son just left for Basic training, and I have some questions as regarding what I can send him (if anything), how many phone calls he can make while there, etc. Please email me at np54@tds.net. Thank you so much! Natalie P.

Oops...forgot to tell you how to contact me....jodijam1967@msn.com

I am looking to order the Always in our hearts T shirts or sweatshirts. Are they still available and who do I contact?

Is there a Blue Star Moms organiztion near Plymouth , Minnesota/
I am an Aunt of a solider and a good friend who is a Blue Star Mom said that this is a great organiztion to join to support him. If someone could please contact me at : dragster@netscape.com and let me know, I would appreciate it.

Hi Tishel,
   
  I would suggest you contact the individual you were to report to and see if you can get ahold of the CAO, who then may be able to point you in the right direction for whom was responsible for the t-shirts. Another thought if you don't want to go that route is contact the Crookston VFW or Legion, they may have the information as well.
  Best wishes and Thank-you for your service!
   
  Sincerely,
   
  Jean Duane
  A Proud Blue Star Mother

QT - Tishel <qtopic-23-9jG6BKhqxmXEi@quicktopic.com> wrote:



                  The information contained in message is privileged, confidential, protected from disclosure.This message is intended for the individual or entity addressed herein. If you are not the intended recipient, please do not read, copy, use or disclose this communication to others. Also please notify the sender by replying to this message, and then delete it from your system. The sender totally disclaims, and will not accept, any responsibility or liability for the unauthorized use, or the consequences of any unauthorized use, of this communication/message.









       
---------------------------------
Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. < replied-to message removed by QT >

Hello, My name is Tishel and I am currently enlisted in the MN National Guard, I had volunteered the past 2 years for funeral detail with my unit. I was very involved with Restad funeral from crookston, I saw that they had made shirts for him and two other soldiers, If anyone knows where I can get those shirts please let me know
Thank you...

Hi,
I belong to AGSM, my son SGT Jason Schumann of Hawley, Mn was killed in Iraq 19 May 2007. I live in Fargo, and I do not see a Blue Mothers Group for ND. However, I am not writing because of my child.
I am writing because of an email I received via AGSM regarding a disowned Marine from Oklahoma. The fact this young man's family disowned him greatly angered me. I know this is a common occurance, and its sickening. If any of you have an extra stamp or card to send to this brave young man, I know it would be appreciated.

Thank you for your time.

Candie Glisson
Mother of SGT Jason A. Schumann, US Army, KIA 19 May 2007

One of our mom in Oklahoma Chapter 1 Blue Star Mothers brought in the
following Marine's FPO address. He is serving in Iraq and his family
disowned him when he joined the Marines. He is getting NO MAIL - we will
be sending him several Christmas Freedom Boxes from our chapter of Blue
Star Moms but we thought some of the groups you are involved with might
want to send him something special as well. Even just a Christmas Card
or a letter would go a long way with this Marine.

Lcpl Washington, William
117 CO WPNS CAATRED
UNIT 41530
FPO/AP 96426-1530

Hi, I'm a Blue Star mom (my daughter and son-in-law are in the Army National Guard) I'm working with Lt. Richard Geis to make Wreaths Across America ((please go to their website wreathsacrossamerica.com)at Fort Snelling this year very special for our fallen soldieers and veterans. For most of the fallen soldiers from Iraq, it will be their first Christmas at Fort Snelling. If you don't want to order your wreath from WAA you can bring a wreath to Fort Snelling on Saturday, December 15th at 12:00 noon. We will have a special program before we lay the wreaths. It would be great if we had enough wreaths to cover a whole section of the cemetery like they do at Arlington. Please contact me for more info at 651-699-6536 or ed.pat@comcast.net Thanks

We'd like to invite you to a special celebration hosted by Northern Lights Athlete Village at Fort Snelling on October 14, 2007 to commemorate 185 years of military service based out of Minnesota, to honor our veterans, to pray for our current service men & women and the look forward to future days at this historic site. There will be a parade at 9:30 AM and then a flag raising ceremony 10:00 AM. If you want more information, please contact our office 952-888-4311. You are all invited to come be part of this special day as we pay tribute and cast the vision for the future.

RSVP to help us plan numbers athletevillag@juno.com

Hi Betsy,
   
  Please use the same information I sent Tammy on the board to assist you:
  If living in MN:
   
  Go to www.bluestarmothers.org then look under "chapters" in
the bullet on the side, then look in Department of MN there is a
list and locations of current chapters as well as a contact for
our current Department President via email. Email the President
of the chapter of the Dept. Pres. to help you get started! Welcome!!
  If living in another state:
   
  We have a new First VP on the National level that will assist
you promptly...she knows her stuff. You may email her at
firstvp@bluestarmothers.org and you should hear back to her
within a day. Again Welcome!
 
   Best Wishes,
  Jean Duane


QT - Betsy Metcalf <qtopic+23-9jG6BKhqxmXEi@quicktopic.com> wrote:


                  The information contained in message is privileged, confidential, protected from disclosure.This message is intended for the individual or entity addressed herein. If you are not the intended recipient, please do not read, copy, use or disclose this communication to others. Also please notify the sender by replying to this message, and then delete it from your system. The sender totally disclaims, and will not accept, any responsibility or liability for the unauthorized use, or the consequences of any unauthorized use, of this communication/message.









       
---------------------------------
Luggage? GPS? Comic books?
Check out fitting gifts for grads at Yahoo! Search.
< replied-to message removed by QT >

Thank you Jean for all of your help.

Tammy,
   
  We have a new First VP on the National level that will assist you promptly...she knows her stuff. You may email her at firstvp@bluestarmothers.org and you should hear back to her within a day.
  Best Wishes,
  Jean Duane

QT - TAMMY <qtopic+23-9jG6BKhqxmXEi@quicktopic.com> wrote:



                  The information contained in message is privileged, confidential, protected from disclosure.This message is intended for the individual or entity addressed herein. If you are not the intended recipient, please do not read, copy, use or disclose this communication to others. Also please notify the sender by replying to this message, and then delete it from your system. The sender totally disclaims, and will not accept, any responsibility or liability for the unauthorized use, or the consequences of any unauthorized use, of this communication/message.









       
---------------------------------
Shape Yahoo! in your own image. Join our Network Research Panel today! < replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi Tammy,
   
  Go to www.bluestarmothers.org then look under "chapters" in the bullet on the side, then look in Department of MN there is a list and locations of current chapters as well as a contact for our current Department President via email. Email the President of the chapter of the Dept. Pres. to help you get started! Welcome!!
  Jean Duane

QT - TAMMY <qtopic+23-9jG6BKhqxmXEi@quicktopic.com> wrote:



                  The information contained in message is privileged, confidential, protected from disclosure.This message is intended for the individual or entity addressed herein. If you are not the intended recipient, please do not read, copy, use or disclose this communication to others. Also please notify the sender by replying to this message, and then delete it from your system. The sender totally disclaims, and will not accept, any responsibility or liability for the unauthorized use, or the consequences of any unauthorized use, of this communication/message.









       
---------------------------------
Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out.
< replied-to message removed by QT >

IN LEBANON, INDIANA

Tammy, where are you located? Betsy

I HAVE BEEN TRYING FOR SO MANY MONTHS WE ARE READY TO GIVE UP. WE HAVE MORE GUYS LEAVING FOR IRAQ IN DECEMBER AND WOULD REALLY LIKE TO GET THE BALL ROLLING ON THIS.

Hi Tammy, I have been waiting for someone to contact me in regards to my message but haven't heard anything yet. Hope we hear something soon.

Betsy

LADIES WHERE DO I GO TO START A NEW CHAPTER IN OUR AREA. ANY HELP YOU COULD GIVE ME IS GREATLY APPRECIATED

I am new to this site. My youngest son is a brand new Marine. How do I find out where all the other Marine Moms are in or around Lakeville, Minnesota?

Hi, I am trying to locate a Blue Star Chapter here in NC in the Asheville area. I have had 3 sons in the military (1 just retired after 24 years). Please contact me at rainbow1885@charter.net

Thank you so much for any help. I just found out about your group during my volunteer work at the Moving Wall (Or The Wall That Heals).

Betsy Metcalf

Hi Ashley,
   
  You and your mother may join as associates! Where are you located I can assist with helping you contact the chapter nearest you. If you are in the Willmar area MN Chapter 1 meets right in Willmar. Please feel free to contact me at jtbruns2001@yahoo.com.
  Our Candles Are Burning For Your Husband and All!
   
  Jean Duane
  Past Dept. of MN Pres.
  Past Nat'l 2nd VP
  Past MN Chapter 1 Pres.

QT - Ashley Goeddertz <qtopic+23-9jG6BKhqxmXEi@quicktopic.com> wrote:


                  The information contained in message is privileged, confidential, protected from disclosure.This message is intended for the individual or entity addressed herein. If you are not the intended recipient, please do not read, copy, use or disclose this communication to others. Also please notify the sender by replying to this message, and then delete it from your system. The sender totally disclaims, and will not accept, any responsibility or liability for the unauthorized use, or the consequences of any unauthorized use, of this communication/message.









       
---------------------------------
Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join Yahoo!'s user panel and lay it on us. < replied-to message removed by QT >

I have one small question. My husband is currently deployed, its out first depolyment! i have seen all that the blue star mothers do and you all are very wonderful and amazing women! I just wanted to know when you all have local meetings. I know my mother would like to come even though she is a mother in law, and i would like to help out as well. Would it be possible for us to join even though im a wife and she is a mother in law? thanks!!
~ashley goeddertz

Hello Guys! i live alone in saltcoats, scotland .i am really bored at home just now with my boyfreind leaving me so dont be shy and give this gorgeous girl a call here anytime!!...ill help take your mind off things...i promise i can get a rise out of any of you guys out there!!..so text me or call me anytime on my mobile number : 07748288686 !!! xxx

Hi guys my name is Gayle and i live in saltcoats, aryrshire in scotland. i have recentley split up with my boyfreind. if ther are any real men out ther who are looking for fun then call me on my mobile number: 07748288686

I am the office administrator for Edina Realty in the Forest Lake, Mn. office. We, my manager, agents and staff would like to help a family in our community whose loved one is away at war. If you know of someone in need of some yard work, or painting or something along those lines please contact; kathleenseiler@edinarealty.com (we like to help, anonomously, quietly, in our community) Forest Lake, Hugo, Scandia, Wyoming, Stacy, North Branch, Linwood, Lindstrom, are just some of our areas.

I am currently deployed with 34th bgd in Iraq. I ordered a very nice pullover windbreaker with Red Bull Logo on it. My wife recieved it but we want another and cant find the address. Can anyone help? Pleas email me at rock.a.johnson@us.army.mil
Thanks

SSG Chris Johnson
BRAVO Co 2-136 CAB

Susan thanks for sharing that neat information! Tell your 10 year old daughter I'm very impressed with her remembering it was in one of her books!
  I'm not sure which way is the best currently for communications...anyone else on here have any suggestions? Phonecards almost always work from what I've been told but when my son was deployed we never were sure where he was at.
  Sincerely,
   
  Jean Duane

QT - Susan Peterson <qtopic+23-9jG6BKhqxmXEi@quicktopic.com> wrote:


                  The information contained in message is privileged, confidential, protected from disclosure.This message is intended for the individual or entity addressed herein. If you are not the intended recipient, please do not read, copy, use or disclose this communication to others. Also please notify the sender by replying to this message, and then delete it from your system. The sender totally disclaims, and will not accept, any responsibility or liability for the unauthorized use, or the consequences of any unauthorized use, of this communication/message.









       
---------------------------------
Take the Internet to Go: Yahoo!Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, photos & more. < replied-to message removed by QT >

Edited by author 05-13-2007 07:04 PM
I just saw the FOX 9 special segment. My 10 year old daughter is an American Girl Fan. In one of the "Molly" books, the blue star is explained. She was really excited to see they are still active.
It was a very nice segment. God's blessings to you all and Happy Mothers day. You all have obviously raised children with excellent morals and integrity!

On a seperate note... Phone cards... AT& T internation? What is the best? Sending to Baghdad.

My husband was one of the 2600 Minnesotan's effected by the extension. He was suppose to come home in 8 weeks but now he won't be home for another 23. Is there ever going to be an end to this?

Just wondering how everyone is feeling with President Bush's address tonight. I'm very nervous. The idea of another 20,000 troops and possibly a change in the policy for Reserves and Guards to extend deployments and/or deploy for multiple tours is very unnerving.

Hi, I am a Willmar area musician who, with my friend and fellow musician Steve Mahlum, will be performing at the local coffee shop- LuLu Beans, this Saturday 7-9 pm. It is a free concert with free-will offering to go to the local Blue Star Mothers of America chapter. Steve and I have locally performed for many years and opened for several national acts. Our music ranges from 50's, 60's rock to old and new country styles. We are anticipating a wonderful turn-out and encourage any chapter member or family to attend. See ya there- Kris

I am not aware of one at the present time. I will continue to check on it for you. Our Chapter meets in Willmar on the third Thursday of each month. We meet at 6:00 at the American Legion if you are interested in joining us. There are also several metro chapters but I don't know exactly where they meet. I will inquire further and keep you posted. Thanks for your interest. Benita Russell

>
< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi Laurie,
   
  I understand what you are going thru and we need to support each other during these times.
  The easiest way to find that chapter closest to you is to go to: www.bluestarmothers.org
   
  Look under the Site Index/About Us, click on Chapters, then click on Department of Minnesota. There is a listing of all Chapters currently chartered in our state.
  If you would like to find out if there is one in the process of chartering in Buffalo or how to do so contact Dorothy Sills the Department Vice President as she is in charge of this. You may link to her email from the above area.
  The North Metro area is probably the closest to you, not sure exactly where they are meeting but you could contact them as well. I know others have contacted us about starting one in Buffalo so maybe you'll find some others at that meeting or thru Dorothy.
  Best Wishes and may your Warrior be safe!!
   
  Jean Duane

QT - Laurie Mandery <qtopic+23-9jG6BKhqxmXEi@quicktopic.com> wrote:

 
---------------------------------
Cheap Talk? Check out Yahoo! Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates. < replied-to message removed by QT >

Hello! I live in Buffalo, Minnesota. Our son is in the Army National Guard, and he is waiting to hear if he will be deployed to Iraq. Most likely he will be. He will know in December. I'm wondering if there is a Blue Star Mother's of America group in Wright County. Thanks.

Dear Tammy,
   
  I can empathize with your wishes of wanting your brother to come home soon.
  The Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. have chapters there in California, please feel free to go to the national website at www.bluestarmothers.org. Look under chapters to see if there is a chapter near you to be able to become a part of for support issues.
  Our organization is a non-political, non-sectarian, non-racial and non-profit organization. We volunteer to support our Troops, Veterans and their families.
  I wish you the best.
   
  Sincerely,
   
  Jean Duane
   
  

QT - Tammy <qtopic+23-9jG6BKhqxmXEi@quicktopic.com> wrote:


     
---------------------------------
Want to be your own boss? Learn how on Yahoo! Small Business.
< replied-to message removed by QT >

I wish my brother would come home soon...

My friends and I are trying to decide who to vote for congress in the 2006 elections. We live in the 10th congressional district of California (Alameda, Contra Costa, Solano, and Sacramento Counties). There isn't much offline info available about the candidates. Their names are Darcy Linn http://www.darcylinn.com , Jeff Ketelson http://www.k4a.net , and Ellen Tauscher http://www.ellentauscher.com . Any advice would be helpful. thanks.

A talk will be given to the ELCA at the Crow River Lutheran Church in Belgrade, Minn August 3rd at 7pm. We enjoy telling of what the Blue Star
Mothers are all about, how we fund raise and what we do for the troops and their families.

Thank you for all you do. My husband SGT. Jason Slinden thanks you for the package that was sent as well.

We are looking forward to this year's annual veteran's benefit motorcycle run in Willmar, June 17th at the VFW (Noon). We will be donating ALL proceeds from run participants to MN Chapter 1. Pray for great biking weather and pass the word to anyone you know on two wheels! Heck, pass it on to everyone! Thanks - John Larson, President/Brotherhood Motorcycle Club Minn. BrotherhoodMCMinn@yahoo.com

well i wish i would of heard of this 7 months early. my son just got back.this past thursday. it was the second best day of my life.the first day was. the day he was born. he served 7 months.and i'm he's home and may god bless all the other soldiers.whom have sacrficed there families and loved ones so that we could have the freedom. that we have today again thank all u in iraq and everyone else out there. sincerly a mother of two marines. lupe m. diaz

Several Family support groups have had fun sending Dream Sak Pillowcases to military family that are stationed in instillations in the United States, Iraq or Kuwait. If you are interested in learning more about our personal gift that keeps connections possible even when loved ones are appart. Check out our website at www.dreamsak.com. We give special rates to all US military personel. Becky

We are so happy all are receiving and enjoying their packages! Please let us know if we can help with anything at all! For you deployed if your craving something let us know and we will do our best to send ya some of those goodies from home.

It gives us great joy to bring smiles to everyone's faces!

Blessings to you all!

I just received a huge box of Valentine candy and gifts
for the guests at the Fisher House in Minneapolis, MN.
The gifts were donated from Minnesota Chapter 1 Blue
Cross Mothers. The guests were so delighted to receive
these gifts. It was like Christmas. A very unexpected
and welcomed surprise for Valentine's Day. On behalf of the
soldiers staying at the Mpls. Fisher House; thank you very much.

The two boxes of sports energy drink mixes which I put out in the mwr two days ago are already gone. Please send as many more as you want. They are very popular.

I have received two packages since I've been here in Iraq and I would like to thank everyone back home that made them possible. The box of sports energy drinks were wonderful, my friends and I use them a lot. Thank You for your support! God Bless, Mike

I recieved two boxes of bingo prizes and two boxes of sports drinks today. Thank you very much. The soldiers will like them.

Dear Lord,

As the sun sets on another day, Glowing softly in the west, Please set a special place aside for our wonderful country's best.

For the selfless men and women who knowingly give their all... Who stand Guard round ore banner... and shall never let it fall.

They leave behind both spouse and child to protect and preserve our land.

They leave behind both hearth and home in service great and grand, they endure heartache and hardship for an occasional word from home, they endure heartache and hardship for an occasional word form home,they endure sharp criticisms, and they often feel alone.

But Lord, please touch their souls tonight, somehow let them know that we care, that we're standing right behind them, even when they're "over there".

And Lord if they're wet and cold in the darkness of a wild and rolling sea, or the sweltering in the desert sands, and waiting patiently... If they're soaring through the silver clouds, or standing guard out in the rain, if they're laughing, living, loving... or in quiet, heartfelt pain.

Please, Lord tonight embrace them, soldiers, sailors one and all, for they dearly love their country, and they daily give their all.

For the young airman away from home, for the first time in his life, and the officer far away, from children and his wife. to the women dressed in olive drab in stead of skirts or jeans, because when you say "Patriot"... they can tell you what it means.

And Lord, if before this night is through, heaven's gate should open wide, and a soldier, airman, sailor or marine should step inside, if he straightens to attention with a clicking of his boots,and proudly states his presence with a textbook sharp salute, embrace him, Lord... and love him... in your great and perfect way.

For he was one of the best, dear Lord... the Pride of the USA.

From: susan naill <bluestarmom@yahoo.com>
Subject: In Memory Plaque


I attended this plaque dedication yesterday morning, July 8. It was
only 10 a.m. and the sun shone brightly, the blue sky cloudless and very
very hot. No one complained about the sticky Washington weather. I
sat with Art Foss and members of Rolling Thunder 3, Winchester, Virginia.

 

The plaque was covered by the Quilt of Tears--Jennie LeFevre's memorial
to not only her husband but to all those who have died because of Agent
Orange Exposure. Jennie travels the country with the Traveling Wall to
bring awareness to our Nation. As the Quilt was removed Jennie eyes
filled with tears of love and pride.

 

When Ruth Coder Fitzgerald rose to the podium the audience broke out in
a sincere and long applause. Ruth not used to speaking in public said
she was a little nervous. One would not know it as she spoke of the
death of her brother, about long difficult, frustrating and sometimes
bitter journey to bring a recognition to those warriors who returned home
from Vietnam--not just to an ungrateful Nation--but to a life haunted
by memories and physical and mental trauma which would bring death.

 

The Walking Wounded--those men and women who leave the battlefield,
come home to their tomorrows--just to take longer to die because of their
service. Those warriors whose name is not etched on a wall--just in
the memories of their family, friends and brothers and sisters who
served with them.

 

As she spoke her voice sometimes broke, sometimes appeared a little
angry, but most of the time with pride--pride in those families like
herself who suffered through the long days and weeks, pride in the warriors
who returned and fought up to the end, pride in her friends and family
who helped to make the plaque a reality, pride in the sponsors who
contributed the funds (no Federal funding was used), and pride that this In
Memory Plaque will assure that those have died and will die because of
their service will be remembered, pride that at long last families will
be able to come to the Wall--and in the small area beside the statute
of the three soldiers (who remain on watch for their brothers and
sisters on the wall) meet, hug, comfort, cry, laugh, continue to heal, and
feel a part of the legacy of the Vietnam Memorial Wall.

 

Ruth did not just make this journey for Vietnam families. She has made
it easier for us -- the families of those who return -- to assure that
if our loved ones die because of their service they will be recognized.
She has charted a course that the honor and memory of the Walking
Wounded will take a place in history for their sacrifice for America and our
values.

 

Ruth is truly a strong pioneer. We thank her.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Times Record News--Washington

 

Plaque at Vietnam Memorial honors those who died later

By ALEXANDRE Da SILVA
July 9, 2004

Jennie LeFevre stepped onto the pavement in front of a statue of three
soldiers and looked down at a silver granite plaque immersed in the
concrete. Then she cried.

The plaque, unveiled this week at the entrance to the Vietnam Veterans
Memorial, was carved to honor Vietnam War veterans who survived the war
but died prematurely from Agent Orange exposure, post-traumatic stress
and other illnesses.

LeFevre's husband, Air Force Master Sgt. Gerald LeFevre who survived
the Korean and Vietnam wars, died in 1989 of cancer after he was exposed
to Agent Orange. U.S. planes dumped the herbicide in Vietnam to kill
foliage that hid North Vietnamese soldiers.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall, with the names of 58,000 men and
women who died in the conflict, does not account for many post-war
deaths, such as that of LeFevre's husband.

"At last, they finally gave some recognition," said LeFevre, 73, who
lives in Shadyside, Md.

The plaque, 2 feet by 3 feet, reads: "In memory of the men and women
who served in the Vietnam War and later died as a result of their
service. We honor and remember their sacrifice."

Ruth Coder Fitzgerald, who lobbied for the memorial and whose brother
died from Agent Orange exposure in 1992, said the plaque was long
overdue. She began collecting support from families of war veterans and
donors in the early 1990s.

President Bill Clinton signed a bill establishing the plaque in June
2000.

Scores of organizations donated money to build the memorial, including
$130,000 from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. Harley Davidson Motor
Co. contributed $50,000. About one-third of the company's customers are
Vietnam veterans, said Wayne Curtin, of Harley Davidson. The total cost
of the project is estimated at $300,000.

Susan Naill, president of the Blue Star Mothers of America, a nonprofit
organization of mothers who have or have had children in the military,
said families of war veterans are "haunted with memories and diseases."

"It's our children, being honored today, who left the battlefield only
to come home and die," she said. "Some things are worse than dying in
the battlefield."

Because of a lack of data, Fitzgerald said the exact number of Vietnam
veterans who died from Agent Orange or post-traumatic complications
will never be known.

"They are young men in their 50s," said Robert Bast, 68, who
accompanied LeFevre. "It's sad."

LeFevre blames the U.S. government for the death of her husband.

"There's never a closure," she said, "because my government killed my
husband with Agent Orange."

The plaque will be formally dedicated Nov. 10, the day before Veterans
Day.

(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service.)

 

Note: I placed a Blue Star God Bless our Troops Pin Beside the Rolling
Thunder Pin Run for the Wall Pin.

A 2- by 3-foot granite plaque honoring those who died prematurely as a
result of their service
in Vietnam was unveiled yesterday on the grounds of the Vietnam
Veterans Memorial.
Fredericksburg resident Ruth Coder Fitzgerald began pushing for the
plaque a few years
after her brother's death in 1992 from a cancer linked to a defoliant
used in the war.

We all need humor these days!


Put Old F**ts in the Armed Forces
>
>If I could, I'd enlist today and help my country track down those
>responsible for killing thousands of innocent people in New York City
>and Washington, DC But, I'm over 50 now and the Armed Forces say I'm
>too old to track down terrorists. You can't be older than 35 to join
>the military.
>
>They've got the whole thing backwards. Instead of sending 18-year-
>olds off to fight, they ought to take us old guys.
>
>You shouldn't be able to join until you're at least 35. For starters:
>
>Researchers say 18-year-olds think about sex every 10 seconds. Old
>guys only think about sex a couple of times a day, leaving us more
>that 28,000 additional seconds per day to concentrate on the enemy.
>
>Young guys haven't lived long enough to be cranky, and a cranky
>soldier is a dangerous soldier. If we can't kill the enemy we'll
>complain them into submission. "My back hurts!" "I'm
>hungry!" "Where's the remote control?"
>
>An 18-year-old hasn't had a legal beer yet and you shouldn't go to
>war until you're at least old enough to legally drink. An average old
>guy, on the other hand, has consumed 126,000 gallons of beer by the
>time he's 35 and a jaunt through the desert heat with a backpack and
>M-60 would do wonders for the old beer belly.
>
>An 18-year-old doesn't like to get up before 10 a.m. Old guys get up
>early every morning to pee.
>
>If old guys are captured we couldn't spill the beans because we'd
>probably forget where we put them. In fact, name, rank, and serial
>number would be a real brainteaser.
>
>Boot camp would actually be easier for old guys. We're used to
>getting screamed and yelled at and we actually like soft food. We've
>also developed a deep appreciation for guns and rifles. We like them
>almost better than naps.
>
>They could lighten up on the obstacle course however. I've been in
>combat and didn't see a single 20-foot wall with rope hanging over
>the side, nor did I ever do any pushups after completing basic
>training. I can hear the Drill Sergeant now, "Get down and give
>me...er...one."
>
>And the running part is kind of a waste of energy. I've never seen
>anyone outrun a bullet.
>
>An 18-year-old has the whole world ahead of him. He's still learning
>to shave, to actually carry on a conversation, and to wear pants
>without the top of his butt crack showing and his boxer shorts
>sticking out. He's still hasn't figured out that a pierced tongue
>catches food particles, and that a 400-watt speaker in the back seat
>of a Honda Accord can rupture an eardrum. All great reasons to keep
>our sons at home to learn a little more about life before sending
>them off to possible death.
>
>Let us old guys track down those dirty rotten cowards who attacked
>our hearts on September 11. The last thing the enemy would want to
>see right now is a couple of million old farts with attitudes.
>
>Share this with your senior friends ( It's purposely in big type for
>us old guys...)
>
>

From the Frontlines: A Combat Soldier's View of the Iraq Prison
Abuse Case

Letter from Iraq Gives Soldiers' Reactions


The National Center for Public Policy Research this week has posted
online two letters received from a soldier, Spc. Joe Roche, who
presently serving on the front lines in Iraq.

The first letter provides a glimpse of the attitude of rank-and-file
combat soldiers in Iraq to the news of abuse of Iraqi prisoners in
Iraq.

Excerpts:

"I'm at a place right now where there are thousands of U.S.
soldiers. I went to breakfast and dinner at the KBR dining hall
here. It is huge, hundreds of soldiers gathered to eat. Around us
are large-screen tvs, and yes, the news was mostly about the prison
abuse. Everyone is so angry. I mean, angry! It is as if those
soldiers hurt us more than the enemies here in Iraq have. I don't
think that if that RPG last week had hit and killed us in my hummwv,
there would have been any of the damage done to our cause here that
those soldiers have done."

"As you know, we have done raids and captured some of the top
terrorists in Baghdad over the past months. My sister has some
dramatic pictures of at least one raid. In all of those, we handled
the enemy w/ respect. Our big bosses always pressed us on the Geneva
Convention rules before raids, and we have taken many classes on
ROEs (rules of engagement) and on the proper treatment of prisoners.
There are rosters w/ all our names on them for these classes because
dealing w/ prisoners is major concern of our leadership. My
battalion has caught car bombers, weapons' smugglers, and those
laying IEDs to kill us. We've even captured in raids those who fired
mortars at our base on Baghdad Island. And EVERY TIME, we treated
them w/ respect and took care to give them full medical treatment,
food and clothing."

"Let me recount to you a story... One day [two American soldiers]
were hit by an IED in a hummwv... They got the one soldier out who
was badly injured, but the fire was so bad that they couldn't get
his friend out. They don't know if he was alive as he burned, but
they had to watch. Now, that street that this happened on was one
where they had built schools, improved much infrastructure, many
many projects to make it a better and safer place. ...When the IED
blew, across the street were some of those very same neighborhood
people cheering. They cheered as our fellow American burned and the
other one was dragged out. Now, these are tankers, and they have big
BIG guns, and all were ready to fire. The soldiers, all of them
seeing the tragedy of the attack, and seeing the sick group cheering
across the street, they all held their composure. No one fired a
shot, no one did anything inappropriate. They did exactly as they
were trained."

The second gives an idea of the response of soldiers to "care
packages" -- gifts of snacks, toiletry supplies and leisure items
such as books and DVDs -- sent by Americans to troops serving in
combat abroad.

An excerpt:

"...One of the most inspiring and important things to us has been
the incredible arrival of care packages from people all over the
country. It is overwhelming."

The text of the first letter can be accessed at
http://www.nationalcenter.org/2004_05_01_B...ve.html#10837318945
7257523 online; the second at
http://www.nationalcenter.org/2004_05_01_B...ve.html#10836356378
620677 online.

The letters' author, Spc. Joe Roche, serves with the 16th
Engineering Battalion of the 1st Armored Division, which is part of
a quick deployment force tasked with dealing with sudden eruptions
by enemy forces within Iraq. More information about Joe, other
commentaries he has written, and information (including an address
and suggested items) about sending care packages to soldiers
fighting in Iraq can be accessed at
http://www.nationalcenter.org/RochePage.html online.

The National Center for Public Policy Research is a non-partisan,
conservative/free-market think-tank established in 1982 and located
on Capitol Hill. It can be visited at http://www.nationalcenter.org
online.

Passing Of Mrs Julie Moore
By: Joseph L. Galloway
Knight Ridder Newspapers

WASHINGTON---.There is mourning in a number of small corners of the
country this week. With a dozen new American soldier and Marine deaths
in Iraq over the weekend there are shattered lives in a dozen new
towns.
And at Fort Benning, Georgia, this week we are laying to rest one of
the
finest Army wives who ever walked.

Julia Compton (Julie) Moore, 75, was an Army daughter, an Army wife and
an Army mother. In the dark days of November, 1965, she did the hardest
duty of all: She visited the small bungalows and trailer houses around
Columbus, Georgia, to offer her sympathy and support to new widows
whose
husbands had died in action in the Ia Drang Valley of South Vietnam.

In those early days of the war the Army was overwhelmed by hundreds of
death notices for unsuspecting families. It had forgotten how to do
this
right, so the Western Union telegrams were handed over to taxi drivers.

Julie Moore was horrified when one taxi driver pulled up to the small
house where she and the five young children of Lt. Col. Hal Moore,
commander of the 1st Battalion 7th Cavalry in Vietnam, were living. It
took her a long, long time to answer the doorbell, a lifetime really,
and then the driver apologized, said he was lost and asked her where he
could find this address.

Mrs. Moore followed in the wake of that taxi and others to comfort the
new widows and orphans of a war that would, itself, ultimately be
orphaned and abandoned. She also raised unshirted Hell with the
Pentagon
about so callous a method of notifying the families. Within two weeks
the policy was changed and a new one instituted, requiring that an
officer and a chaplain personally deliver the sad news. It was also a
small beginning of a concern for Army families that has grown into a
major program throughout the Army.

Mrs. Moore was a true hero in the book her husband and I wrote about
that time in Vietnam and in America, "We Were Soldiers - Once.and
Young"
and the movie based on that book, "We Were Soldiers".... Madeline Stowe
played the role of Julie Moore on the silver screen, and Mel Gibson
portrayed Hal Moore.
(Joe Galloway was shown in the film as the young reporter/photographer,
thrust into the battle)

The love story on film couldn't hold a candle to the real love story
behind this story. How the dashing West Point graduate swept the lovely
college coed off her feet, and married her beneath an archway of drawn
sabers.

How she brought forth five children, and raised them largely without a
husband who was away following wars or rumors of wars.He fought in
Korea; commanded two Infantry companies on places like Pork Chop Hill
and Old Baldy. He fought in Vietnam, commanding first a battalion in
the
Ia Drang Valley, then a Cavalry brigade all over the central part of
South Vietnam.

Julie Moore was an Army brat herself, born at Fort Sill, OK, only child
of Col. And Mrs. Louis J. Compton. She would see two of her three sons
follow their father to West Point and the Army, and one of them fight
in
Panama and the Persian Gulf War with the 82nd Airborne.

In January of 1991 I phoned the Moore home to give Hal Moore the news
that I was leaving early the next morning on a military flight to Saudi
Arabia to get in place for the coming ground war. Miss Julie said,
"Joe,
I am so very upset and worried about this thing. My son Davy is over
there now."

I expressed surprise that the normally unflappable Mrs.Moore was upset.
"Julie, you sent your husband off to two wars, so why worry now?" She
responded: "Joe Galloway, you don't understand a thing. You can replace
a husband. You can never replace a son."

Julia Compton Moore died last Sunday, in the early afternoon,
surrounded
by her grieving husband and her two daughters and three sons. I said my
goodbyes at her bedside the day before. Her eyes lit up and she
whispered: "Oh, Joe, we have come so very far together, and we still
have so far to go."

This week we are burying Julie Moore in the Fort Benning Cemetery, near
her mother and father, and in the middle of the 7th Cavalry troopers
whose wives she comforted and whose funerals she attended in 1965. Her
grave is beside that of Sgt. Jack E. Gell of Alpha Company 1st
Battalion, 7th Cavalry. She will rest in the arms of the Army she loved
so long and served so well.

"Garry Owen", Miss Julie. Godspeed.

A Soldiers Request


I am an American soldier
I received orders the other day
I am being shipped overseas
And I would like to ask you to pray

You see our country came under attack
One day in the September sky
And so often I hear people asking
The fateful question of one word...WHY?

We need the Lords intervention
When we all are off to fight in this war
Because there are others who do not understand
Just what we are fighting for

We never try to hurt any body
But we are a nation that has it's own way
And some people just didn't like us
So they attacked us that fateful day

They thought that it would truly break us
That we would just fall apart inside
But our people they came together
And we shined with a new kind of pride

Our ancestors founded this country
They wanted us to be able to live free
They fought in each war that came along
Just to help to keep us all free

For we are a nation of freedom
And we will protect it at whatever the cost
Many men and woman will do battle
Some will survive and some will be lost

I am just one of the soldiers
But I will try to do my very best
To serve with duty and honor for my country
When I am truly put to the test

Cause I have a brand new daughter
And I have a son who has just turned three
And I would like to pass on the freedom
That my dad and grandpa had given to me

They used to tell me some stories
Of when they had fought in those other wars
It seems that there were other countries
Trying to knock down our country's doors

So you see this is not the first time
And I am sure it will not be the last
But I am going to help protect her
Just like my son told his Sunday school class

He said daddy is fighting for freedom
He is going off in the war
And I hope God will protect him
Cause I want to be able to see him once more

And then he said something so special
It brought it all home to me
Dear God can you tell other nations
Just let America stay the land of the free

Cause I like the country I live in
And I would hate to have to move out
Daddy said he is fighting for our freedom
And isn't that what it is all about?

I bowed my head and said thank you
Lord, I guess he has grown up too fast
But I shall do my best to protect him
Just like the ancestors did in the past

So when you finish reading please pray
Just ask God to watch over all the soldiers and me
Cause we are going to do our very best
To keep America, the land of the free.

MPG
July 5, 2003


Mary Greeley
wife of a USS COLE survivor

We pray yet again for another fallen soldier and Gold Star Family.
 
Lance Cpl. Levi Angell, 20, Marines, died April 8th, 2004 in Iraq due to hostile fire.
 
Parents:
Gordon & Loretta Angell
Cloquet

We pray for two Fallen Soldiers from Minnesota this week.

Cpl. Tyler R. Fey, 22, Marine.

PFC. Moises A. Langhorst

We pray for these Gold Star Families!

Glad they finally came up with something that will save these service men some money. Watched a tv station on channel 3 from Sioux Falls and some were having trouble using some of the phone call. That was taken care of too. I would like to mention that out sone PFC Ryan Otto will be returnig to Fort Bragg in about 2 weeks or so from serving in Iraq. Thank you again.
                                      Connie Otto

Subject: AT&T Calling Cards

Received this email:

To make a long story short if a soldier wants to get minute for minute on his card he need only call the customer service number on his card, hit "0" and it may ask for his pin number (or they'll need it handy).

He tells the Customer service Rep that he is calling from Iraq on a military camp or base and they will make the call for him at a t one to one ratio.

If he/she doesn't choose to do that and they call the regular 800 number on the back of the card in the instructions they will be paying an 18 to 1 ratio. That means, instead of it costing 3.9c a minute it will cost 70+c a minute.

This is going to save our families big time. I am not sure why this hasn't been communicate out to the soldiers from AT&T. I wish there were a way to get this info out to all Family Assistant Centers.

God Bless our Son's & Daughters serving our gret country. He asks that we share this with the people....


The following letter was written on March 11th, by Captain Jeremy
Latchaw who is the Adjutant for the 1st Battalion 16th Infantry
Regiment. The two losses he is referring to were Bravo Company
soldiers, these are not new losses, but occurred on March 11th.



As I sit down to write a letter to my friends tonight it
occurred to me that the American public may not quite understand the
war in Iraq. This is the reason I switched focus to write a little
of what is on my mind at this specific hour.

I grew up in Charlotte, Michigan, a little town just
south of Lansing. Growing up in Charlotte there was not really much
crime, a little here and there, but not much. The thought of a
friend dying was an oddity. People knew your name, for the most
part. A patriotic town? I would say yes, but a town that
understands patriotism, I am not sure. Three Medal of Honor
recipients were from Charlotte, Michigan. The stories are written on
a stone that lies just below the flag on the old courthouse lawn.
The VFW is active, but how many members are of the younger
generation? Do the teachers of Charlotte High School tell the true
story of American history? Do they talk about the sacrifices of
every generation? Does the class talk about the American Revolution
and how our freedoms came to be? There are many veterans of World
War II in Charlotte, but how often has a 16-year-old taken the time
to thank one of these veterans for preserving the freedom he has to
drive his 1989 Grand Prix to school. I know there are hundreds of
Vietnam veterans that inhabit Charlotte. These veterans have great
stories of sacrifice and freedom, but are these stories heard?

Now it is my turn, a 25-year-old Charlotte High School
graduate, class of 1996, serving my country in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, the
feared "Sunni Triangle." Why am I serving? Because of those who
have gone before me. They protected this country against much worse,
in much harder situations, against greater odds. They have passed
the torch to my generation and now it is time for me to stand
and "defend Her still today." I grow tired because I missed
Christmas with the family. I work 14 to 20 hour days with no
weekends or days off, but does it bother me? No, not really. I
truly miss home, but there is another reason why I do what I do. The
American Soldier!

Today the 1st Battalion 16th Infantry regiment has lost two more of
its finest. Two more soldiers will not be coming home with the unit
to their families in celebration. Instead, these soldiers will
arrive to a burial and to tear filled eyes; this time two wives, one
wife with a 14-month-old daughter, the other with a 14-year-old and a
10-year-old. I cannot fathom the loss that these two families will
endure. I think about the other five soldiers that have been killed
in my unit since we got here six months ago. All having wives and
children, one of which had a baby born just one week before he
deployed to Iraq. They have given their all. Do you realize what
their all is? Everything! They have no more to give their country.
These seven men are true American heroes. When I see that, it makes
me realize how little I have given.

Sometimes I start asking, why, why do we do this, why are we here?
The answer is obvious, yet sometimes we all forget, maybe for a
second, maybe longer, but the answer is still obvious. This is the
United States of America, the greatest nation that was ever formed.
In September of 2001 a group of individuals attacked our nation and
our society. Who can stand around and let that happen?

The nation of Iraq is growing stronger, the dictator is gone and the
people are looking forward to the future. So why are we still here?
Most of the killing and chaos that is going on in Iraq is due to the
insurgents from other countries, or terrorists that want the United
States to fail, and to keep this nation in chaos. Proof of this was
the attack in Baghdad a few days ago when hundreds of Iraqis were
killed. We are here in order to take the fight against terrorism
away from our home, away from the American populace, in order to
crush terrorism where it has a tendency to thrive. Iraq is not a
useless fight; it is a battle within the greater war. Soldiers are
dying here for the American back in Charlotte, Michigan. That 16-
year-old who goes into his history class does not take note of the
sacrifices of Americans in the past. He is the one these soldiers
have given their all for. That 16 year old does not have to worry
about driving home and have an improvised explosive device be set
off, blowing his car into a massive pile of debris, killing him
instantly. As for that high school senior who does not have a clue
where she is going to college next year, she has the freedom to go
anywhere she wants because seven of my men have given their lives for
her here in Iraq.

I am writing my thoughts out right now so that the public can try to
catch a glimpse into my mind tonight as I plan a memorial ceremony
for two individuals, and I start the notification process to notify
their wives and parents of their deaths. I want the public to
understand this war. I want them to understand that this war is a
just war and that there will be success. I want the public to
understand that these men have not given their all for nothing. They
have given their all for the freedoms that you all are enjoying; as I
and my 900-man unit sit in the 120 degree temperature, in the middle
of the desert, wondering how this place could be the birthplace of
humanity. So, to the teachers, teach. To the veterans, tell your
stories. To the younger generations, listen, for this is the United
States of America and freedom will ring!



Captain Jeremy Latchaw is the Adjutant for the 1st Battalion 16th
Infantry Regiment (Task Force Iron Ranger) serving in Ar Ramadi
Iraq.

Please take a moment and call for Scott and his family


How come Uday and Qusay are worth 25 million and they want to cancel
the 1 million dollar reward to Scott Speicher?

We've said it before and we'll say it again.... "Speicher's gonna get
screwed." According to a letter from Senator Bill Nelson to Sec Def
Donald Rumsfeld dated 3/1/04, the Defense Department "has decided not
to continue offering a $1 million regard for information lading to the
resolution of Capt. M. Scott Speicher's fate."

We are asking you all to call your congressional representative, on Wed.,
and ask that they contact Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld stating your wish
that the reward for Scott Speicher remain in effect. If you need a phone
or fax number for your congressional representative use the list of
congressional reps on our website at
http://www.nationalalliance.org/leg/list.htm

Lynn O'Shea
Director of Research
National Alliance of Families
for the Return of America's Missing Servicemen
World War II - Korea - Cold War - Vietnam - Gulf War

By Denise Barnes
THE WASHINGTON TIMES



Undaunted by blustery March winds, a small-but-determined group rallied on
the Mall yesterday to cheer and show support for American troops serving in
Iraq, Afghanistan and trouble spots around the world.
The two-hour "Support Our Troops Rally" began at noon and drew about 50
people. The group waved American flags and listened to a series of short
speeches by representatives of groups such as the Blue Star Mothers of America
Inc., the sponsor of the rally, Rolling Thunder, Free Iraq, the Congress of
Racial Equality, the D.C. Chapter of Free Republic and Operation Free Spike Inc.

"I think Americans need to stand tall for our principles and freedom and
honor our children who are making sure that our country remains safe and free,"
said Susan Naill, president of Blue Star Mothers of America.
Ms. Naill said her Marine son served in the first Persian Gulf war and she
comes from "a long line of warriors." A rally to show support was needed, she
said.
Kerri Whalen agreed. Mrs. Whalen, a Blue Star Mother from Chesapeake, Va.,
said it was important for her to attend the rally. Her son joined the Army and
was in Iraq for eight months. He was stationed in Germany for four years, she
said.
"A lot of guys don't have any support and the nation needs to rally —
regardless of their feelings about the war — and support the troops," she said.
Kristinn Taylor, co-founder of the Washington, D.C., Chapter of Free
Republic, moderated the event and introduced the speakers.
Former Kansas Republican senator and presidential candidate Bob Dole chatted
with a few Blue Star moms and posed with families and children for photographs.
"I want to thank those who continue to stand up for our troops ... 80 to 90
percent of Americans support our troops. I've talked with a lot of people as
I've travel around," Mr. Dole told the group.
"We have made a difference in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's not perfect, but
neither are we. I want to thank the Blue Star Mothers. Mothers carry a heavy
burden," he said before the women surrounded him with requests for photos.
The group cheered when Arthur Foss, president of Rolling Thunder Virginia
Chapter No. 3, stepped up to the microphone on the small staging area sounded by
American flags. He joked a bit before getting down to business.
"Is it warm enough out here for you?" he asked in mid-40s degree weather
that felt much colder in the gusting wind.
"It's great to be here to support the Blue Star Mothers, and it's great to
be here to support our troops," Mr. Foss said. "Today, we are assembled here
representing a special group of individuals, an elite group of people, I might
add, that of the American veteran, their status, their well-being, their
accountability — for without the veteran, we would not be here today."
"The veteran is the reason for this great country of ours, and the liberties
and the freedoms that we enjoy. Without the veteran, we would have nothing.
American warriors of yesterday and today have never failed to answer their
nation's call. Through selfless sacrifices, they have brought to the entire
world a concept most often associated with America's ideal ... freedom," he
said.
Niger Innis of the Congress of Racial Equality flew to Washington from New
York yesterday morning for the rally to show his support for U.S. troops and the
organizers.
"I'm so pleased to be here with my friends, my brothers and sisters of the
Blue Star Mothers, Free Republic and Rolling Thunder," he said. "This is an
important time for our country and our world. We are engaged in a global war. A
war as profound as World War I, World War II and the Cold War ... ambiguous and
difficult to fight. It is a war in which three dozen nations are standing beside
us, including our brothers and sisters in Spain.
"It is a war being fought by a variety of Americans in our armed forces ...
fighting for liberty, fighting for our country, fighting for our civilization."

 

This is the speech I gave at the Rally. I paraphrased some of it because the
wind scattered the papers and I forgot to number them. But I pretty much had it
memorized.



SPIRIT OF THE FREE

TROOP SUPPORT RALLY

MARCH 13, WASHINGTON, D. C.

BY

SUSAN NAILL, NATIONAL PRESIDENT

BLUE STAR MOTHERS OF AMERICA, INC.



THANKS TO EACH OF YOU WHO HAVE JOINED US TODAY TO HONOR AMERICA’S SONS AND
DAUGHTERS AND TO SEND A MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE AND HOPE TO OUR MILITARY MEN AND
WOMEN WHO HAVE ANSWERED THE CALL OF THE “SPIRIT OF THE FREE.” THIS LEGACY WAS
BORN OUT OF A DETERMINED AND COMPASSIONATE PEOPLE TO LIVE LIFE IN FREEDOM WITH
DIGNITY AND HONOR. THIS LEGACY HAS TRAVELLED IN THE SPIRIT OF GENERATIONS OF
AMERICANS WHO UNDERSTAND THE MEANING OF DUTY, HONOR, AND COMITTMENT.



1940’S--THE WINDS OF WAR COVERED EUROPE WITH DARKNESS. WHISPERS OF ATROCITIES
AND DESTRUCTION CIRCULATED THROUGHOUT THE CITIES. HOWEVER, IN THE RURAL AREAS
AMERICAN CITIZENS HAD LITTLE AWARENESS OF THE TURMOIL ACROSS THE OCEAN AND LIFE
WAS NORMAL. AND THEN ON THAT FATEFUL DAY IN DECEMBER, THE SILENCE TURNED INTO
SCREAMS OF AGONY. AS WORD THAT AMERICA HAD BEEN ATTACKED SPREAD INTO EVERY
CORNER OF OUR NATION. OVERNIGHT MEN AND BOYS FLOODED THE RECRUITING STATIONS.
THE BLOOD OF THOSE WHO DIED HAD SPOKEN.



AS THE MEN LEFT, THE WOMEN BEGAN THE TIME HONORED TRADITION OF KEEPING THE LIGHT
BURNING AND SINCE WORLD WAR I OF HANGING A BANNER—A BLUE STAR ON A WHITE
BACKGROUND FRAMED IN RED IN THEIR WINDOW. THESE WOMEN NOT ONLY BANDED TOGETHER
FOR SUPPORT BUT TO BE OF USE TO OUR NATION. NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE AREADY
ESTABLISHED ORGANIZATIONS OR AUXILIARIES WHOSE MEMBERSHIP WAS BASED ON COMBAT
SERVICE, IN MICHIGAN A GROUP OF 30,000 STRONG FORMED THE BLUE STAR MOTHERS OF
AMERICA—A LITTLE OVER SIX WEEKS AFTER THE PEARL HARBOR ATTACK. WITH STRONG
DETERMINATION, THEY ESTABLISHED A MISSION AND CONSTITUTION THAT FOR THE TIME WAS
QUITE RADICAL. MEMBERSHIP IN THE ORGANIZATION WAS NOT BASED ON RANK, RACE,
VOLUNTEER OR DRAFTEE, DEPLOYMENT OR HOMEFRONT SERVICE OR EVEN CITIZENSHIP. IT
WAS A GIVEN THAT IF A CHILD SERVED IN THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES AND
HIS MOTHER LIVED IN THE UNITED STATES OR A TERRORITY, SHE WOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR
MEMBERSHIP.



GROUPS IN NEIGHBORING STATES THAT HAD FORMED BY THE MILITARY SERVICES OF ARMY,
NAVY, MARINES, BY RACE OR CULTURE MERGED INTO ONE ORGANIZATION. THE NEED FOR
SUPPLEMENTAL NURSING IN THE HOSPITALS BECAME APPARENT AND THE UNIFORM OF A
STARCHED WHITE DRESS, WHITE HOSE AND SHOES EMERGED. THE ORIGINAL MEMBERS
RETAINED THE HATS OF THEIR CHILD’S SERVICE YET SOON THE UNIFORM HAT ALSO BECAME
WHITE AS THE INSIGNIA WAS PATENTED—A CIRCLE OF RED SURROUNDING A WHITE
BACKGROUND WITH A BLUE STAR. THIS SYMBOL OF SERVICE WAS PROUDLY WORN BY ANY
MOTHER WITH A CHILD SERVING—NO RESTRICTION WAS MADE ON WHERE THE CHILD WAS
STATIONED.



FILLING THE GAP LEFT BY THE MEN, THE WOMEN JOINED INTO THE WAR EFFORT. IN THE
FOUNDING STATE OF MICHIGAN THE MOTHERS PURCHASED A FARM FOR REHABILITATION. IN
OHIO, THEY RAISED MONEY TO BUILD A BASEBALL STADUIM. IN OTHER STATES SIMILAR
PROJECTS WERE COMPLETED. THE NATION CELEBRATED AND HOMECOMINGS WERE
JOYFUL--TEARFUL AND ALWAYS BITTERSWEET BECAUSE MANY WOULD NOT RETURN HOME TO A
MOTHER’S HUG. THESE SOLDIERS WERE FROZEN IN TIME AND WOULD REMAIN FOREVER YOUNG
IN THEIR MOTHERS HEARTS.



IN PEACETIME AND WAR, MOTHERS HAVE HUGGED THEIR SONS AND DAUGHTERS AS THEY LEFT
FOR SERVICE. JUST WHEN THE COUNTRY WAS SETTLING DOWN IN A PEACE TIME DEFENSE, A
STRONG CRY OF HELP CAME FROM KOREA AND AGAIN A LARGE DEPLOYMENT BEGAN. EACH WAR
IS THE SAME YET DIFFERENT. THIS TIME, TRAVEL TO A VERY STRANGE LAND AND A VERY
DIFFERENT CULTURE AWAITED AMERICA’S WARRIORS. MOST HAD ALREADY SERVED IN WORLD
WAR II, WERE IN THE READY RESERVE AND RECALLED AGAIN TO ACTIVE DUTY. THE
HOMECOMING WAS NOT CELEBRATED AS IT HAD BEEN IN THE HOMECOMINGS OF WORLD WAR II.
AMERICANS DID NOT UNDERSTAND THE MISSION AND HAD QUITE ENOUGH OF WAR. THE
WARRIORS RETURNED QUIETLY AND TRIED TO PUT SOME NORMANCY IN THEIR LIVES. AGAIN
MANY FAMILIES SUFFERED THE PAIN OF DEATH AND STILL OTHERS—HAD LOVED ONES
UNACCOUNTED FOR—PRESUMED DEAD—LEFT BEHIND. THE MOTHERS STOOD TALL.



ANOTHER CALL, ANOTHER DEPLOYMENT—VIETNAM. THIS WAR WAS NOT MAKING FAST ENOUGH
PROGRESS AS SOME THOUGHT IT SHOULD. THE REASONS WERE QUESTIONED.
ADMINISTRATIONS CAME—ADMINISTRATIONS WENT AND THE WAR RAGED ON. AS SOME
AMERICANS AND EVEN RETURNING VETERANS QUESTIONED AND FORCEFULLY TOOK TO THE
STREETS AND BELITTLED THE MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM, THE MOTHERS OF THOSE IN
HARM’S WAY CONTINUED TO WAIT AND PRAY. THE BANNERS DID NOT HANG IN THE WINDOWS
BECAUSE THOSE WHO DEMONSTRATED AGAINST THE WAR—TOOK IT OUT ON THE FAMILIES OF
THOSE SERVING. THE ONE CONSTANT FACTOR WAS THAT THE BLUE STAR BANNER HUNG IN
THE HOUSE USUALLY BESIDE A PICTURE—A CHILD IN FULL UNIFORM. MANY MOTHERS WAITED
AND PRAYED IN SOLITUDE BECAUSE IT WAS NOT POLTICALLY CORRECT TO BE SUPPORTIVE OF
THE MILITARY. HOWEVER, THE BLUE STAR MOTHERS CONTINUED TO SUPPORT OUR MILITARY
AND OUR VETERANS BY VOLUNTEERING. THIS WAS DONE QUIETLY AND WITH LITTLE TO DO.
PUBLIC CEREMONIES WERE NOT HELD--TEARS OF HURT REPLACED TEARS OF JOY
WHEN THE SOLDIER RETURNED—THE HOMECOMING OF BOTH THE LIVING AND THE DEAD WAS
DONE IN PRIVATE BECAUSE OF FEAR OF RETALIATION. ON THESE DAYS THE EAGLE CRIED.



THE MEDIA REPORTS WERE SLANTED IN FAVOR OF THE ENEMY. AMERICANS HAD TURNED
AGAINST THEIR OWN. SOME AMERICANS BLAMED THE WARRIOR AND REFUSED TO UNDERSTAND
THE MISSION OR THE CAUSE. THE BATTLES WERE WON BUT THE WAR WAS LOST. AGAIN THE
ENEMY USED THE COVER OF CEASE FIRE AND AMERICA’S GENTLE NATURE TO ATTACK ON THE
TET HOLIDAY. THE PULL OUT OF AMERICAN TROOPS FROM VIETNAM LOST THE WAR AND THE
ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE SOLDIER WHEN ON AMERICAN SOIL DEFINED A GENERATION OF
CITIZENS--CITIZENS THAT FELT BETRAYED BY THEIR OWN COUNTRYMEN AND WOMEN. THEIR
MOTHERS WERE THERE WHEN THEY RETURNED AND STOOD BESIDE THEM AS THEY TRIED TO
ADJUST TO AN ANGRY AND DIVIDED NATION. THOSE WHO RETURNED TO LIVE ANOTHER DAY
FORMED A BAND OF BROTHERS AND SISTERS THAT WILL MARCH TOGETHER THROUGH ETERNITY.
AS THEY MARCH THEY DEMAND TO HAVE RETURNED THOSE WHO WAIT TO COME HOME – TO POW
AND MIA MOTHERS AND THEIR FAMILIES. THE LEGACY OF THE “SPIRIT OF THE FREE” HAS
STOOD STILL IN TIME.



IN THE 80’S TERRORISM BEGAN TO REAR ITS UGLY HEAD. THE PEACEKEEPERS WERE
ATTACKED. A BARRACKS IN BEIRUT KILLING 400 PLUS MARINES. SIMUTANEOUSLY, A
CALL FROM A SMALL COUNTRY MOST AMERICANS HAD NEVER HEARD OF GRENDA. REBELS HAD
ATTACKED A COMPOUND—THE ISLAND WAS UNDER SIEGE. AMERICAN STUDENTS WERE IN
DANGER. MARINES AND NAVY SEALS WERE DEPLOYED IMMEDIATELY. THE COUNTRY WAS
SECURED AND PEACE WAS RESTORED. MOST RETURNED HOME – 19 DID NOT. THEY REMAIN
IN THE CALM BLUE WATERS SURROUNDING THE ISLAND. ACCORDING TO SOME NOT ENOUGH
DIED IN EITHER INCIDENT TO WARRANT A PLACE IN HISTORY. NO CELEBRATIONS, NOR
ANSWERS—JUST MOTHERS WELCOMING THEIR CHILDREN HOME. TERRORISM CONTINUED—TO
SOME IN SMALL WAYS—TO MOTHERS IN BIG WAYS. THE DOWNING PAN AM 103, THE ATTACK
ON THE U. S. S. COLE, THE BOMBING OF U. S. EMBASSIES. WE WERE IN PEACETIME AND
NEWS WAS QUICKLY PUT ON THE BACK BURNER EXCEPT IN THE HEARTS OF MOTHERS.



1990--ANOTHER CALL, ANOTHER ANSWER--A SMALL COUNTRY, KUWAIT, WAS OVERRUN BY ITS
NEIGHBORS, IRAQ—THIS TIME A UNITED NATIONS COALITION LED BY AMERICAN SOLDIERS
SWARMED INTO THE DESERT. THE COUNTRY WAS FREED AND MOST RETURNED HOME—SOME IN
FLAG DRAPED CASKETS. ONE REMAINS—CAPTAIN SCOTT SPEICER. HIS MOTHER, HIS
CHILDREN, HIS FAMILY, HIS FRIENDS STILL WAIT. IT IS TIME HE RETURNS.



2001--ON A SEEMLY TYPICAL DAY IN SEPTEMBER—AMERICANS GOING ABOUT THEIR EVERY DAY
BUSINESS—THE MILITARY IN PEACE TIME DEFENSE MISSIONS HERE AND AROUND THE WORLD.
THE FACE OF TERRORISM CAME IN FULL FORCE. IN AN INSTANCE THE TWIN TOWERS BECAME
A RUBBLE. NEW YORK WAS DEVSTATED. FAMILIES WERE DESTORYED. HUNDREDS LAID DEAD
OR DYING, SURVIORS HAD AN IMAGE BURNED INTO THEIR MEMORIES AND HERO’S WERE MADE.
ON A PLANE SOMEWHERE IN THE AIR SPACE IN PENNSYLVANIA—ORDINARY CITIZENS BECAME
WARRIORS BY SACRIFICING THEIR LIVES SO OTHERS MAY LIVE. AMERICA STOOD STILL—THE
WORLD WAS IN SHOCK.



FLAGS WHEN UP—PEOPLE SANG PATRIOTIC SONGS—AND THE WORLD VOWED TO END TERRORISM.
MOTHERS KNEW—THEY WAITED AND LISTENED.



THE FACE OF THE NEW MILITARY—THE MILITARY OF RESERVIST AND NATIONAL GUARD
INTERMINGLED WITH THE REGULAR TROOPS. THEY WAITED. THEY SPIRIT OF THE FREE
REAWAKENED.



AMERICA FACED A TEST OF STRENGTH AND COURAGE. AMERICA AND ITS FEW ALLIES STOOD
TALL AND ACCEPTED THE CHALLENGE TO GO AFTER THOSE WHO WOULD TERRORISE THE WORLD.
THOSE WHO WOULD STRIKE FEAR IN THE AVERAGE CITIZEN. THOSE WHO WOULD STRIKE
INNONCENT INDIVIDUALS IN THE COVER DARKNESS HIDING BEHIND A VALUE SYSTEM OF
OPPRESSION, GREED, AND POWER.



ON THURSDAY OF THIS WEEK, ANOTHER NORMAL DAY, ANOTHER COUNTRY--THE THUNDER OF AN
EXPLOSION, THE SKY LIT UP AND THEN FELL IN DARNESS. 200 PEOPLE LAY DEAD AND
1,500 WOUNDED. SPAIN BECAME THE LATEST VICTIM OF THE COWARDLY ACTS OF
TERRORIST. AMERICAN HEARTS JOIN TOGETHER TO COMFORT OUR NEIGHBORS--AMERICAN
EYES SHED TEARS OF PAIN. AMERICAN VOICES JOIN THOSE OF THE SPANISH IN A HOPE
FOR PEACE AND A DEMAND TO END TERRORISM.



NO ONE WANTS TO SEND A LOVED ONE OFF TO WAR—CHILDREN ARE NOT RAISED TO
FIGHT--FEW INDIVIDUALS EVER WANT TO KILL ANOTHER—DEATH IS NOT SOMETHING ANYONE
LOOKS FORWARD TO. BUT IN A TIME OF DANGER UNCOMMON VALOR BECOMES THE NORM.
COURAGE STRAIGHTENS THE ROAD TO FREEDOM. DUTY PROTECTS THOSE WHO WAIT.
COMMITMENT ASSURES THAT OUR COUNTRY WILL REMAIN THE HOME OF THE BRAVE AND THE
LAND OF THE FREE.



WHILE I WAS HELPING TO PLAN THIS RALLY, I CALLED A LOCAL RADIO STATION, SPOKE TO
A PRODUCER, AND EXPLAINED ABOUT THE RALLY--A RALLY TO SUPPORT OUR TROOPS WHO
SERVE UNDER THE LEGACY OF THE “SPIRIT OF THE FREE”. I ASKED HIM TO PLAY THE
RECORDING BY MICHAEL CHAIN AND PUBLICIZE THE RALLY. THE PRODUCER ASKED ME IF
I WAS A “WAR MONGER.” I DID NOT HESITATE A BIT WHEN I SAID—“NO I AM A MOTHER.
THE MOTHER OF A COMBAT VETERAN WHO WENT TO WAR SO AMERICA COULD REMAIN THE
BEACON OF FREEDOM THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.” THE LINE WENT SILENT FOR SEVERAL
SECONDS AND THEN HE SAID “WELL I DON’T KNOW WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOUR CAUSE BUT WE
WILL BE OUT OF THE STUDIO ALL WEEK CALL BACK NEXT WEEK.” THIS RADIO STATION IS
ASSOCIATED WITH SEVERAL LOCAL BASES HOUSING OUR MILITARY MEN AND WOMEN. THIS
SAME STATION A YEAR AGO PLAYED PATRIOTIC SONGS HOURLY AND EXPOUNDED ON SEPTEMBER
11. HOW QUICKLY WE CAN FORGET.



THE POINT OF THIS STORY IS THAT MANY AMERICAN’S HAVE FORGOTTEN. FLAGS HAVE
FALLEN. THE QUEST TO RID THE PLANET OF TERRORISM IS WANING BECAUSE THE REASON
IS FORGOTTEN. MANY AMERICAN’S WANTED A FAST SWEEP AND DEFINTE ANSWERS. QUICK,
SHORT AND COME HOME. AMERICA’S LEGACY IS UNDER FIRE AGAIN.



QUESTIONS ABOUT WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION—IS IT ALL WORTH IT—AN ELECTION YEAR.
GROUPS THAT DO NOT HAVE AMERICAN INTERESTS IN MIND ARE USING THOSE IN THE AGONY
OF FEAR AND GRIEF. THE NATION IS IN DANGER OF BECOMING DIVIDED AND TERRORISM
MAY NOT BE ELIMINATED BUT ONLY PUT TO SLEEP FOR ANOTHER FEW YEARS.



AMERICA AND ITS ALLIES ARE ELIMINATING THESE WEAPONS—THEY KNOW THAT THE
INDIVIDUALS WHO THREATEN AMERICA AND THE WORLD WITH THEIR QUEST FOR POWER AND
INHUMANITY ARE WEAPONS. TERRORISM IS A THREAT TO EVERY INDIVIDUAL ON THIS
PLANET. IT IS A CANCER THAT MUST BE STOPPED IF WE WANT THE NEXT GENERATION OF
OUR WORLD TO CONTINUE THE QUEST FOR PEACE. OUR GENERATION MUST ELIMINATE THE
DISEASE OF TERRORISM AND PASS THE TORCH OF PEACE.



WE ARE THE MOTHERS WHO WORRY ABOUT OUR CHILDREN NO MATTER WHAT THE AGE OR WHERE
THEY ARE. WE ARE THE MOTHERS WHO HELP HEAL OUR CHILDREN WHEN THEY RETURN. WE
ARE THE MOTHERS WHO ARE THERE WHEN OUR CHILDREN CANNOT SEEM TO GO ON ANOTHER
DAY. WE ARE THE MOTHERS WHO GIVE UNCONDITIONAL LOVE TO OUR CHILDREN. WE ARE THE
MOTHERS WHO OFTEN BURY OUR CHILDREN BECAUSE OF THEIR SERVICE AND KEEP THEM
FOREVER YOUNG IN OUR HEARTS. WE ARE THE BLUE STAR MOTHERS OF AMERICA.



WE HAVE CHAPTERS IN 44 STATES AND LIKE THE MOTHERS OF THE PAST WE HAVE MOVED
FORWARD WITH THE TIMES—TO INCLUDE DADS AND THE ENTIRE FAMILY IN OUR
ORGANIZATION. CURRENTLY OUR PROJECTS INCLUDE: OPERATION SHOEBOX, OPERATION,
AIR CONDITIONER, OPERATION POST CARD, REDUCED AIR FARE LEGISLATION, POW/MIA
EDUCATION, VETERANS HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION AND VOLUNTEERING IN HOSPITALS.



WE ALSO PRESENT A RECOGNITION THAT NO FAMILY EVER WANTS TO RECEIVE – THE BLUE
STAR BANNER WITH A SMALLER GOLD STAR SUPERIMPOSED ON THE BLUE. THE GOLD STAR
SIGNIFIES THE LIFE THAT WAS GIVEN IN SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY. THE OUTLINE OF
BLUE ASSURES THAT THOSE WHO RETURNED AND THEIR FAMILIES WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE
SACRIFICE OF THESE SOLDIERS AND HONOR THEIR FAMILIES. AND WE THE MILITARY
FAMILIES OF THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE DO REMEMBER AND HONOR.



THE RECORDING BEING PLAYED AS I LEAVE THIS STAGE EMBODIES THE LEGACY OF THE
“SPIRIT OF THE FREE.” RECORDED BY MICHAEL CHAIN IT IS DEDICATED TO EVERY SOLDIER
WHO HAS SERVED, IS SERVING AND WILL SERVE IN THE MILITARY OF THE UNITED STATES
OF AMERICA AND THEIR FAMILIES WHO SERVE BESIDE THEM. MICHAEL HAS DRAWN ON THE
SACRIFICE OF THOSE WHO WILL REMAIN FOREVER YOUNG IN THE HEARTS OF AMERICAN’S AND
PUT INTO MUSIC THE REASON WHY OUR MILITARY IS COMMITTED TO DUTY, HONOR AND
FREEDOM.



OUR CHILDREN BELIEVE IN THE CAUSE AND WE BELIEVE IN OUR CHILDREN. MAY ALL OUR
WARRIORS REST IN SAFETY TONIGHT. AND MAY ALL THEIR FAMILIES AND AMERICAN
CITIZENS UNDERSTAND AND SUPPORT THEIR SERVICE.



God Speed

Susan Naill, National President
Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.

Free Guide Helps Deployed Families
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 10, 2004 -- A new, free guide being offered by the National Fatherhood Initiative is designed to help service members maintain their important role in their children's lives during military deployments.

"The Deployed Fathers and Families Guide," released in January, offers tips to help families cope with the practical as well as emotional aspects of family separations caused by deployments, explained Vincent DiCaro of the National Fatherhood Initiative.

The guide expands upon the institute's popular brochure, "10 Ways to Stay Involved With Your Children During Deployment."

DiCaro said the new guide builds on tips in the brochure to help family members prepare to handle the many day-to-day issues within households typically handled by the service member who is about to deploy. The guide also addresses the emotional challenges families face during deployments, particularly those to dangerous regions of the world.

"Fathers play a unique and irreplaceable role within the family," said DiCaro. "Our goal is to help them stay as connected as possible when they are gone."

For a free copy of the guide or brochure, fill out the electronic request form on the institute's Web site. The site also allows military children to post an online message to their deployed fathers.

The brochure and guide also are available by calling (301) 948-0599 or writing to National Fatherhood Institute, 101 Lake Forest Blvd., Gaithersburg, MD 20877.

Related Web Sites:
National Fatherhood Institute

Please Pray for MN Fallen Soldier & his family:

An 18-year-old Marine from Kettle River was killed in a non-combat incident in Kuwait.

Pfc. Matthew G. Milczark died Monday at Camp Victory in Kuwait, the Defense Department said.

Milczark graduated last year from Moose Lake High School, where he was homecoming king and played football. Counselors were available Tuesday for students at the small northern Minnesota high school, where his brother and cousins attend. The school lowered its flags to half staff.

Iraqi sojourn
    U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Cooke was waiting on the tarmac of Baghdad International Airport to greet Rep. Phil Gingrey, a freshman Republican from Georgia and member of the Armed Services Committee.
    Later that day, Cooke died.
    "It was my only opportunity to ever be in a theater of combat operations," recalls the congressman, "and it seemed relatively safe there on the tarmac. As I looked into his crystal-clear blue eyes, he told me about his 26 years of service to this country in Kosovo, Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and now Operation Iraqi Freedom as well.
    "He was looking forward to his retirement in four years," Mr. Gingrey added, "but very proud of his service to his country."
    The command sergeant major's final day was a heroic one, in many ways. Shortly before a roadside bomb ripped into his Humvee north of Baghdad, he'd explained in a letter home why he didn't sign up for a two-week leave to visit his family — he didn't want to leave behind a 1st Armored Division comrade who didn't qualify for the pass.
    An hour or so before he died, he had heard about an injured soldier in urgent need of O-positive blood. So he rushed to a field hospital and donated his own blood, then raced back to rejoin his doomed convoy.
    Recently, Sgt. Cooke was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

By Scott Schonauer, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Monday, March 8, 2004


AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq — Some of the most influential Iraqi leaders and sheiks west of Baghdad greeted incoming Marine commanders and bid farewell to departing Army leaders at an informal tent gathering on Sunday.

The I Marine Expeditionary Force is replacing the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division in the country’s contentious An Anbar province. In the western portion, the Twentynine Palms, Calif.-based 7th Marine Regiment is replacing the Army’s 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, which is returning to its home in Fort Carson, Colo., this month.

Iraqi sheiks, police and regional governors met U.S. military commanders at this remote air base about 110 miles west of the capital.

The meeting gave soldiers an opportunity to say “goodbye” and Marines the chance to meet individuals who wield a tremendous amount of provincial power.

Army Col. David Teeples, commander of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, thanked the regional leaders for their help.

“Now, I would ask for your continued cooperation with the Marine Corps,” he said. “And I believe you will find them as dedicated and as passionate about improving Iraq as we were.”

The sheiks and governors came from across the western portion of the province, which takes up nearly half the country. They talked with the Americans about the past and future of Iraq while sipping Coca-Cola and munching on cookies and sandwiches.

Since U.S. troops toppled Saddam Hussein’s regime last year, the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment has helped train and equip 2,500 Iraqi police, 2,000 Iraqi Civil Defense Corps members and more than 2,000 border police officers, Teeples said.

Soldiers in the region have also disposed of more than 11,000 tons of ammunition left over from the old regime.

Col. Craig Tucker, commander of the 7th Marine Regiment, said he hoped to help Iraqi police and defense forces assume greater control of the nation’s security.

“We come to your province, your country and your cities as guests to act as a windbreak against those terrorists and criminals who threaten your security,” Tucker said.

Sheiks who met privately with the Marine commander expressed a willingness to cooperate. One even invited the colonel to his home.

Army civil affairs soldiers, who are leaving after more than a year in the Middle East, said gaining the trust and friendship of the sheiks is critical. Their clout could help Marines battle insurgents who are trying to wreak havoc in the country.

Received this from Military Pride:
 
 
Deployment Planning:

The Family Care Plan?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
One of the most important considerations of family readiness is to ensure that your family is taken care of during times of drills, annual training, mobilization and deployment. A Family Care Plan is very important for all families, and is especially critical for single parents and dual military parents.

A Family Care Plan should be developed whether you expect to be deployed or not; in fact many units will require you to develop a formal Family Care Plan. Taking care of these considerations now will help you and your family be prepared for any period of separation.

When you prepare your plan, be sure to do the following:

· Assign a guardian for your family in a special Power of Attorney and make sure that the guardian understands his/her responsibilities.

· Obtain ID and commissary cards, register in DEERS, and check to make sure all ID cards have not expired.

· Sign up for SGLI or a similar group life insurance, and update all beneficiary information.

· Arrange for housing, food, transportation and emergency needs.

· Inform your spouse or any caretakers about your financial matters.

· Arrange for your guardian to have access to necessary funds.

· Arrange for child care, education and medical care.

· Prepare a will, and designate a guardian in the will.

· Arrange for necessary travel and escort to transfer family members to their guardian.

· Discuss your plans with your older children.

Writing Your Will
 

 


One of the important tasks that you must do for personal and family readiness is to write a will. No one likes to think about wills and dying -- that is why three out of every four Americans die without wills.

A will is an important document for you and your family. It makes sure that your children have someone to take care of them and that your estate goes to the people you designate. If you die without a will, the state will make those decisions for you. The court will also collect a fee from your estate to pay for a court-appointed representative and an annual bonding premium.

Who should write your will? You should not attempt to write your own will, because many states do not recognize these wills as binding. Furthermore, each state requires certain elements for wills. You should therefore have a lawyer prepare your will if possible.

Lawyers charge by the hour, so the more groundwork you do ahead of time, the less it will cost you later. Before you meet with your lawyer, you should do the following:

· Prepare a list of your assets

· List your beneficiaries (the people you want your assets to go to)

· Name an executor (person or bank who will oversee the collecting and paying of bills and the closing of your estate)

· Name a primary and alternate guardian for your children

· Indicate how you want your money distributed (use percentages instead of dollar amounts, i.e. "50% to my wife, 25% to my brother, and 25% to be divided among my children")

· List any specific items that you want to give to certain people

Once the lawyer has the will drawn up and you have checked it for accuracy, sign the original and put it in a place where it will be protected from fire, flood and other damage. Make sure that your family, lawyer or other representative will be able to find it easily. Many keep their wills in their safety deposit boxes, but the bank usually seals these boxes as soon as they hear of the death. Relatives then have to get a court order to retrieve the will. Your lawyer's office or a county probate court can keep your will for you.

 
 
Letter Of Instruction
 

 


A "Letter of Instruction" may be made to go along with your will to dictate how your assets will be distributed and to pass along any messages and directions you have about your estate and your funeral. It provides a current inventory of your assets (which your will does not do), describes your funeral arrangement, and outlines any other wishes you want to pass along. It also tells survivors where to find important papers and assets so that nothing will be overlooked in settling your estate.

In your "Letter of Instruction," provide for your survivors a list of things to do first: people to call (lawyer, boss, etc.), documents to retrieve, etc. Also provide information on the location of important papers, assets, real estate holdings, etc. Your "Letter of Instruction" does not take the place of your will. It is not legally binding, but it will make the settling of your estate easier for your survivors. Make sure that the appropriate people know the location of you "Letter of Instruction," and be sure to keep up to date by revising it frequently. Revise the letter a minimum of once a year, but preferably when any significant change occurs: when you purchase a new car or when you have another child, for instance.

 
 
Power Of Attorney
 

 


There are special times when service members may want to have powers of attorney drawn up. A power of attorney gives someone else -- a spouse, a lawyer, a friend or other trustworthy person -- the legal power to carry out transactions in the service member’s name without needing to obtain his or her signature or consent. Setting up a power of attorney, for instance, would enable you to grant a trusted friend the authority to sell a car, or to make everyday medical decisions while caring for your children in your absence. There are two types of powers of attorney: a general power of attorney and a special power of attorney.

A general power of attorney is very broad. It authorizes another person to sign any legal document in your name and, therefore, should be used with extreme caution (for example, it could enable someone to deplete your savings account and sell all your property).

A special power of attorney is limited. It authorizes another person to carry out a specific legal act in your name. Once the action is completed or a specific number of days have gone by, the power of attorney expires. Your personal lawyer or the military Legal Assistance Officer can help you decide if you or your spouse needs a power of attorney and can prepare one for you.

 
 
Guardianship
 

 


A very special power of attorney can give a person you designate the power to assume guardianship of your dependents in your absence. A guardian acts "in loco parentis"; that is, he or she acts in your absence, providing care, discipline and education for your family members. A guardian also has the power to authorize medical care, including emergency surgery. The guardian must fully understand and agree to fulfill his or her responsibilities. And you must be able to get your children and your pets to your guardian.

It is very important to designate a primary and alternate guardian. If something should happen to the primary guardian, then your alternate guardian can legally assume responsibility for the children's care. An illness, accident, deployment or unemployment are just a few examples of what could happen to cause the primary guardian to be unable to fulfill his or her responsibilities. Regardless of what form you use, check with a Legal Assistance Officer or a civilian lawyer regarding your state's laws before you sign a power of attorney designating a guardian for your children.

Edited by author 02-17-2004 05:08 PM
Hello
Im wondering if anyone knows where I can get a xerox copy of a obituary of a WWII Minnesota man Alvin J. Lee that was Killed in Action in France late 1944, he was from the Minneapolis area. I have his purple heart and recently brought it to Epinal France where he is buried, would like to have the obituary to keep with his medal.
Any help appreciated.
John Grindahl
jgrindah@ndsuext.nodak.edu

On March 13, Noon to 3:00 p.m., Washington, D. C., the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., will be hosting a "Troop Appreciation and Support." This is a first for Washington. It will be held West End of the Capitol, between 3rd and 4th Streets. Many of you will not be able to attend but you call help us make a difference.
 
We will need funds to pay for the stage, sound system, banners, and of course, the Heads (civilian term is "Johnny on the Spot"). If you or your chapter/department would like to contribute to this we will gladly take donations either through "Pay Pal" or by forwarding a check to Sandy, National Financial Secretary.
 
March 13 was chosen because it is the week before the "Anti-War Protesters" will arrive in DC again. Our children will see thousands walking, yelling, making noise, defaming our children and yes taking off their clothes--and the media will go wild. Some of them will be from other countries, some of them will be high school children having a good time. The media is itching for ratings as well as those so-called leaders in our Nation to again use our children as pawns.
 
The Vietnam War has an honorable mission. Just ask the millions of Vietnamese People who were forced out of their country by the communist regimen. We must ask ourselves--how many of our soldiers were killed and wounded--how many children and civilians were killed or used as weapons against our children because the mission was fought in the Halls of Congress and not on the battlefield. It was very "politically correct" to demonstrate against America and apparently it still is. We cannot be fooled again into believing these people want our troops home--remember when they came home they were spit on, shunned, called names--many could not get jobs because of the "stigma of Vietnam." My best friend who is a Gold Star Mom could not go to Dover to escort her son's casket home because of the protesters throwing cans, insults, etc. at the hearses. They brought Peter home in the dead of the night--sneaking into the funeral home.
 
But you know what most of those courageous men and women would do it all again because they believe in our Nation, our Freedoms, our Honor and America.
 
It is up to us to speak out loud and clear "Our children support the cause and We support them." No one wants a war--no one wants to have a casualty officer appear at their door, no one wants to look in the eyes of a combat veteran and see age well beyond their chronological years. It is impossible to live in Peace with evil people suppressing the very ideas of humanity.
 
Guess this is much too long and opinionated but the bottom line is---
 
WE MUST SPEAK UP FOR OUR TROOPS. WE ARE THE WIND BENEATH THEIR WINGS AND WE MUST NEVER EVER FALTER IN THAT again.
 
Please check our website for speakers, attendees.
 
Thank each and every one of you that has a child in our Military today. And Thank each and every Veteran and their families who have walked this path before.

I was recently sent this poem by a friend & would like to share....

The Four Candles burned slowly.
Their Ambiance was so soft you could hear them speak...
The first candle said, "I Am Peace, but these days, nobody wants to keep me lit."
Then Peace's flame slowly diminishes and goes out completely.
The second candle says, "I Am Faith, but these days, I am no longer indispensable."
Then Faith's flame slowly diminishes and goes out completely.
Sadly the third candle spoke, "I Am Love and I haven't the strength to stay lit any longer."
"People put me aside and don't understand my importance. They even forget to love those who are nearest to them."
And waiting no longer, Love goes out completely.
Suddenly...
A child enters the room and sees the three candles no longer burning.
The child begins to cry, "Why are you not burning? You are supposed to stay lit until the end."
Then the Fourth Candle spoke gently to the little boy, "Don't be afraid, for I Am Hope, and while I still burn, we can re-light the other candles."
With Shining eyes the child took the Candle of Hope and lit the other three candles.
Never let the Flame of Hope go out of your life.
With Hope, no matter how bad things look and are...Peace, Faith and Love can Shine Brightly in our lives.
Author Unknown

Subject: IRAQ PROGRESS

Making the rounds of GI e-mail traffic in Iraq these days is the
follwing inspiring missive. It is reproduced below in its entirety and
exactly as written:


Since President Bush declared an end to major combat on May 1:

The first battalion of the new Iraqi Army has graduated and is on
active duty (~60,000 Iraqis providing security to citizens).

Nearly all of Iraq's 400 courts are functioning.

The Iraqi judiciary is fully independent.

Power generation hit 4,518 megawatts (Oct), exceeding prewar output.

All 22 Universities & 43 technical institutes/colleges are open

Nearly all primary and secondary schools are open.

Coalition has "rehabbed" 1,500+ schools (500 ahead of schedule).

Teachers earn from 12-25 times their former salaries.

All 240 hospitals and more than 1200 clinics are open.

Doctors salaries are at least 8 times what they were under Saddam.

Pharmaceutical distribution has gone from almost zero to 12,000 tons.

Coalition has helped administer 22 million+ vaccinations to children.

Coalition has cleared 14,000+km of Iraq's 27,000km of weed-choked
canals which now irrigate tens of thousands of farms. This project has
created 100,000+ jobs for Iraqi men & women.

Coalition has restored over 3/4 of prewar telephone services and 2/3+
of potable water production.

4,900+ full-service telephone connections (~50,000 by year-end).

Commerce is expanding rapidly (bicycles, satellite dishes, cars,
trucks, etc) in all major cities and towns.

95% of all prewar bank customers have service and first-time customers
are opening accounts daily.

Iraqi banks are making loans to finance businesses.

The central bank is fully independent.

Iraq has one of the world's most growth-oriented investment and banking
laws.

Iraq has a single, unified currency for the first time in 15 years.

Satellite TV dishes are legal.

Foreign journalists are not on "10-day visas" paying mandatory fees to
the Ministry of Information for minders. There is no such Ministry.

There are 170+ newspapers.

Foreign journalists (and everyone else) are free to come and go.

A nation that had not one single element - legislative, judicial or
executive - of a representative government, now does.

In Baghdad alone, residents have selected 88 advisory councils.

Baghdad's democratic transfer of power (1st in 35 years); city council
elected its new chairman.

Iraqi Chambers of commerce, businesses, schools and professional
organizations are electing their leaders all over the country.

25 ministers, selected by the most representative governing body in
Iraq's history, run the day-to-day business of government.

The Iraqi gov't regularly participates in international events.

Since July the Iraqi gov't has been represented in 24+ international
meetings, including UN General Assembly, the Arab League, the World
Bank, IMF and the Islamic Conference Summit.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it is reopening 30+
Iraqi embassies worldwide.

Shia religious festivals (all but banned) are no longer illegal.

For the first time in 35 years, in Karbala, thousands of Shiites
celebrate the pilgrimage of the 12th Imam.

The Coalition has completed 13,000+ reconstruction projects, large and
small, as part of a strategic plan for the reconstruction of Iraq.

Uday and Queasy are dead, and no longer feeding Iraqis to the zoo
lions, raping the young daughters of local leaders to force
cooperation, torturing Iraq's soccer players for losing games, or
murdering critics.

Children aren't imprisoned or murdered when their parents disagree with
the government.

Political opponents aren't imprisoned, tortured, executed, maimed, or
forced to watch their families die for disagreeing with Saddam.

Millions of long-suffering Iraqis no longer live in perpetual terror.

As a side effect, in neighboring countries, (1) Saudis will hold
municipal elections, (2) Qatar is reforming education to give more
choices to parents, (3) Jordan is accelerating market economic reforms,
(4) The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded (first time) to an Iranian
(Muslim woman) who speaks out for human rights/democracy & peace.

Saddam is gone.

Iraq is free.

Little or none of this information has been published by the Press
Corps that prides itself on bringing you all the news that's important.
Iraq, under US lead control, has come further in six months than
Germany did in seven years or Japan did in nine years following WWII.
Military deaths from fanatic Nazi's and Japanese numbered in the
thousands and continued for over three years after WWII victory was
declared. It took the US over four months to clear away the twin tower
debris, let alone attempt to build something else in its place.

Now, take into account that many people in our government and media
continue to claim on a daily basis on national TV that this conflict
has been a failure. Taking everything into consideration, even the
unfortunate loss of our sons and daughters in this conflict, do you
think any other country in the world could have accomplished as much as
the United States and its coalition partners have in so short a period
of time?

Karl Nielson LT, CHC, USNR 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU)
Chaplain

washingtonpost.com
30,000 More Soldiers Approved by Rumsfeld


By Bradley Graham
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, January 29, 2004; Page A08


Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, invoking emergency powers, has authorized the Army to grow temporarily by 30,000 troops above its congressionally approved limit of 482,000 to facilitate a restructuring of forces severely strained by operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and counterterrorism missions elsewhere.

The increase, disclosed yesterday in congressional testimony by Gen. Peter Schoomaker, the Army's chief of staff, surprised members of the House Armed Services Committee, many of whom have been pressing for a larger Army.

Rumsfeld has resisted a permanent increase for months, arguing that a number of efficiency measures and restructuring moves could alleviate some of the stress on U.S. forces. But his approval of a temporary rise -- which does not require congressional action and which Schoomaker said would probably be needed for four years -- appeared to acknowledge that some relief is needed.

Schoomaker said the increase would make possible his plans to restructure the Army by expanding the number of brigades and creating more agile, deployable forces. The money, he said, would come from the $87 billion emergency spending bill for Iraq and Afghanistan that passed in November.

An aide to Schoomaker said after the hearing that the troop increase probably would be achieved through incentives to keep soldiers from leaving once their contracts expire and through "stop-loss" orders barring their exit.

Schoomaker also disclosed that he has ordered his staff to plan for how the Army, which is now replacing its forces in Iraq with an entire set of fresh units, would rotate another force of similar size into Iraq in 2005 -- and again in 2006. But other Pentagon officials said any decisions on the size of future rotations are months away.

Larry DiRita, the Pentagon's top spokesman, said Rumsfeld approved the troop increase within the past few days. DiRita said Rumsfeld acted under emergency authority approved by Congress and invoked by President Bush after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, allowing the lifting of personnel caps on the military services.

To discuss the troop level issue further, Rumsfeld has invited some House members to a breakfast meeting today.

The U.S. military, and especially the Army, has come under great stress over the past 21/2 years. This month, the Army began the largest troop rotation since World War II, moving about 250,000 troops in and out of Iraq and Afghanistan.

The rotation will involve eight of the Army's 10 active-duty divisions. In addition, nearly 165,000 Army National Guard and Reserve members find themselves serving tours far longer than what they had expected as part-time soldiers.

Schoomaker and Gen. Michael Hagee, the commandant of the Marine Corps, argued at yesterday's hearing against proposals that would enlarge their forces permanently. They said it is not clear that current demands represent anything more than a temporary spike.

Schoomaker, in particular, insisted that the Army needed to carry out the restructuring plan before determining whether to take the expensive step of requesting more troops. Locking an increase in now, he warned, would result in the kind of bloated, ill-prepared force that plagued the Army in the 1970s.

But both Schoomaker and Hagee hedged their remarks, saying they would change their minds if the current tempo proved not a temporary spike but a plateau.

Republicans and Democrats on the committee refused to give up on the idea of legislating a more permanent jump in troop strength. Some expressed annoyance at what they saw as an attempt by Rumsfeld to skirt Congress.

Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-Calif.), who has introduced legislation to boost the size of the Army, Air Force and Marine Corps by 8 percent temporarily over five years, said the Pentagon seemed to be resisting an obvious need for additional manpower to spare other Bush administration priorities, such as developing a national missile defense system.

"We cannot put the strain on our military and on our American people just because we insist ideologically to keep the budget the way it is," Tauscher said.

Rep. Heather A. Wilson (R-N.M.) said, "This'll be the biggest issue in this year's defense authorization."

In Senate testimony last November, Schoomaker reported that the Army had crept beyond its congressionally authorized limit by 20,000 as a result of "stop-loss" orders. Yesterday he said that number had dropped to about 11,000 soldiers. He told reporters after the hearing that the Army would move "as quickly as we can" to add nearly 20,000 more troops.

Since being recalled from retirement to take command of the Army six months ago, Schoomaker has made restructuring a top priority. His plan envisions keeping 10 active-duty divisions but expanding the number of brigades from 33 to 48, in part by reassigning soldiers from air defense, artillery and other support groups to military police, civil affairs, transportation, medical, engineering and other units with types of skills now in greater demand.

Additionally, he estimated that 10,000 soldiers now performing noncombat tasks can be freed for fighting by transferring their jobs to civilians. And he cited plans to shift some military police, civil affairs and port-opening units from reservist to active-duty ranks.

The great churning of Army forces brought about by current operations, the general said, has created conditions favorable for remaking the service's structure, which has remained largely unchanged since the Cold War.

"We should take advantage of this movement that we currently have to reset and transform during this emergency," Schoomaker said. "And that's what gives me the encouragement that in fact we can do this."

Please pray for MN MIA, Patrick Dorff, of Buffalo, MN. We pray as well for his family and loved ones! Dorff is in the Army and is a Helicopter pilot, he has been serving in Iraq.

We keep our candle's burning, flag's flying and prayers being said!

Army One Source gives around the clock human touch

August 27, 2003

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Army News Service, Aug. 27) -- Now
you get questions answered about the Army 24 hours a
day -- from a human, not a computer-generated voice.

It's reality, and it's called Army One Source.

It's a 24/7 toll free telephone number for information
and referral service for soldiers, deployed civilians
and their families, said Carla Cary, Family Advocacy
Program specialist at the U.S. Army Community and
Family Support Center.

The service was activated Aug. 15. It is fully
operational for Army installations and U.S. Army
Reserve components worldwide.

From the United States callers can dial (800)
464-8107. From outside the United States dial the
appropriate access code to reach a U.S. number and
then (800) 464-81077 -- all 11 digits must be dialed.
Hearing-impaired callers should use (800) 364-9188,
and Spanish speakers can dial (888) 732-9020.

"There is no phone tree, no menu. The phones are
answered by people," Cary said. "The overseas toll
free number has an extra digit that identifies it as
toll free. From countries where toll free calls are
not available, customers will be able to call
collect."

The source is staffed by consultants who hold master's
degrees in social work or psychology and who can talk
about a variety of subjects such as parenting,
TRICARE, child care, relocation, finances, legal,
elder care, education and everyday household issues.

Stateside active-duty and demobilized National Guard
and Reserve soldiers, deployed civilians and their
families can also arrange for up to six face-to-face
private counseling sessions with licensed clinical
social workers who know the military environment.

Cary pointed out that "while (the service) won't
answer questions about Army administrative and
personnel issues, they will direct callers to the
right place to get help with pay problems and career
questions."

The contractor operating the service will collect
information about local family programs and morale,
welfare and recreation from one point of contact in
the installation Army Community Service program so
callers will receive information about programs
geographically closest to them.

"This is a supplement to our existing family programs,
not a replacement for any programs," explained Cary.
"It's also to broaden our service delivery."

The service is also available to the immediate family
of single soldiers.

"(The) staff knows the Army and they know who's
eligible to use Army services and receive benefits,"
said Cary. "If a parent calls and they are not
eligible to use Army programs, the consultants have
information about what's available in the civilian
community."

The staff will provide bilingual and multicultural
personnel capable of communicating in Spanish, Korean
and German.

"The Army recognizes that deployments are tough on
everyone and that homecoming is potentially the most
difficult phase of deployment," Cary said. "It's very
important for soldier and family morale to have
immediate access to information about Army programs
and services.

(Editor's note: Information taken from a U.S. Army
Community and Family Support Center news release.)

This just in from Greasy.

Please read and think. Fifty years as a prisioner. Americans are waiting, many of our children are still waiting to come home. We must never give up the fight for their return.

 

South Korean POW Discharged From Army
  


By SANG-HUN CHOE, Associated Press Writer

CHIRWON, South Korea - A South Korean prisoner of war who returned home last month after being held 50 years in North Korea (news - web sites) was formally discharged from the army Monday as a military brass band played on a snowy parade ground outside Seoul.

"I am overwhelmed by emotion," said 72-year-old Jun Yong-il, dressed in a crisp new uniform, as 350 current members of his unit, the Blue Star 6th Army Division, stood at attention and presented arms.

Division commander Maj. Gen. Heo Pyong-hwan gave Jun a bouquet, a color TV set and a wristwatch, saying his will to survive 50 years in the North and finally escape "exemplifies the true spirit of a soldier."

Wiping away a tear, Jun snapped a salute and loudly bellowed his unit's battle cry: "Victory!"

Jun is the latest of more than 30 South Korean POWs who have escaped the North since 1994, as the communist country relaxed control over the movements of its hunger-stricken populace.

Jun's return has helped galvanize the South's resolve to pursue the fate of at least 300 others still believed held.

Chinese forces, who fought alongside the North Koreans, captured Jun in July 1953 — days before a truce ended the three-year war.

Jun was first held in a POW camp but later worked in a mine and then several factories.

Last June, he reportedly swam across the North's river border into China, where he was arrested. After lengthy negotiations, China allowed him to fly to South Korea (news - web sites) on Dec. 24.

Jun, a private first class when captured, was promoted to staff sergeant before his discharge and reviewed troops at his farewell ceremony.

Among those present were 12 veterans from his unit, including his former platoon leader.

"I thought all my platoon members were dead except me," Lt. Lee Bo-young said. "I can hardly imagine what hardship you must have gone through in North Korea."

Jun declined to talk about his time in North Korea, saying only: "I'm glad to be home, to return to my country, my hometown and my old unit."

After his discharge, he went to his hometown of Youngchon, where his 80-year-old sister, Jun Yong-mok, said she planned to "feed him well."

"This is a miracle he could come back home alive after all that hardship in North Korea," she said.

I read you are looking for local newspapers on-line. You can access the Granite Falls - Clarkfield Advocate tribune by going to www.granitefallsnews.com

Minnesota Guard deployed to England

School program easing GI deployments

By Ron Jensen, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Saturday, January 17, 2004


RAF LAKENHEATH, England — When military parents kiss their kids goodbye and leave home for faraway duty, it’s the distance, not the destination, that matters.

Soldiers from the Minnesota Army National Guard won’t be complaining about their assignment to help guard bases in merry old England.

“I guess we drew an ace,” said Sgt. Tim Buss. “It could be a lot worse.”

Unlike Iraq, England has no insurgency. No unexpected rocket attacks. No hot-wired explosives lying next to the roadway.

But absent from England, too, are the children of the deployed soldiers.

“Terribly,” Sgt. Jody Reisch said when asked how much he misses his sons Johnathan, 8, and Andrew, 5.

He misses them a bit less, however, because of Adopt-A-Cop, a program at Lakenheath Elementary School that allows the soldiers to spend time with first-graders during school hours.

“To me, it’s therapeutic,” said Reisch. “It’s funny how we look forward to it the next week.”

For several years, the school has promoted a “We Care” project, teaching the children to do good things for their community and for each other. That program has raised enough money to pay for six guide dogs for the blind through a British organization.

Christine Moss, a first-grade teacher, said Adopt-A-Cop works both ways — providing the children with the chance to brighten the lives of soldiers far from home, while the soldiers’ visits offer a welcome break from the routine for the children.

“They’ve come in every week,” said Patricia Claska, a first-grade teacher whose class was visited Thursday by three soldiers. “At first, they wanted to come in for 45 minutes.

“Now, they come for two hours.”

When Reisch, Buss and Sgt. Bryan Thorson walked through the door, they were greeted like rock stars. Children jumped into their arms and begged them to sit next to them.

“I guess my kids have become their surrogate children,” said Claska.

On Thursday, the soldiers helped the youngsters make snowflakes by folding and cutting paper.

“Mr. Jody, this is hard,” said Emily Lorraine as she struggled with the scissors.

“OK, I can help you,” said Reisch.

While Thorson balanced himself on one of the tiny chairs meant for smaller bodies, he smiled as the children asked him for help as they folded and snipped.

“This is kind of a nice break,” said the soldier, who is married but has no children.

Buss, who has two grown children at home, said, “It’s actually fun. It reminds me of my young nieces and nephews.”

When the program began, the soldiers taught the children about Minnesota and the children told the soldiers what it was like to live overseas, Moss said.

“The children also gained an understanding of the duties of these men here in England,” she said.

With formalities out of the way, the soldiers are now as welcome as favorite uncles. Reisch said his dorm room at RAF Lakenheath, where the soldiers are attached to the 48th Security Forces Squadron, is filled with artwork from these children as well as his own two sons.

He said the time spent with the children breaks up the time and also helps the visitors feel like part of the community.

“It’s easier every week. We get to know them. They get to know us,” he said.

The visits aren’t for everyone, however, Reisch said.

“We’ve had guys who did it once and didn’t want to do it again because it was hard on them,” he said. The visits, he explained, made the moms and dads miss their children even more.

But for most of the soldiers of Battery A, 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery, the weekly visits with the children have been highlights of the deployment.

“[The students] just love them,” Claska said. “I’m going to be really sad when they leave. Hopefully, we’ve made it easier for them being away from their families.”

Dear Friends,
It looks like I will be back in Minnesota in March. Thank you for your continued prayers for my soldiers and for me.

FW: MILITARY CHAPLAIN's TESTIMONY
A TABLE IN THE PRESENCE
>
>An Address By Chaplain Carey H. Cash, USNR
>
>
>To The National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Forces
>
>
>December 9, 2003
>
>
>Washington D.C.
>
>
>Good Morning. What an honor and privilege it is for me to be here among
>so many who have so faithfully supported the ministry of chaplains to the
>men and women who wear the uniforms of our United States Armed Forces. I
>wish to express my thanks to Chaplain Iasiello and Chaplain Cash of the
>U.S. Navy Chief of Chaplain's Office, as well as the organizers of this
>conference for allowing me to come and share with you how a battalion of
>U.S. Marines experienced the power and presence of God amidst the chaos
>of the war in Iraq.
>
>
>There can be no doubt that wherever men have fought wars, there have been
>those who have witnessed what they can only describe as the Hand of God
>in the chaos of battle. And so in some sense, I also feel compelled to
>thank God for the privilege of allowing me to represent all those who
>have fought in wars past and present, and whose dramatic experience
>mirrors that of our battalion's. For the past two and a half years I have
>served as the Battalion Chaplain to the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine
>Regiment in Camp Pendleton, CA. The "Fighting Fifth Marines," as we are
>known, lay claim to being the most highly decorated Regiment in the
>history of the Marine Corps; and one of only two Regiments that are
>allowed to wear the historic French Fourragere that you see me wearing on
>my left shoulder - symbolizing our heroic exploits at the Battle of
>Belleau Wood during World War I. Our specific battalion is a unit of
>nearly 1,000 brave infantrymen...men whose courage, resolve, and faith
>were tested and refined on the battlefields of Iraq in the spring of
>2003.
>
>Our battalion had been in the Northern Kuwaiti Desert for 40 days. We
>were tired, restless, and quite honestly, wondering if this war was ever
>going to get kicked off. And so we decided (in all of our genius) that
>what we needed was a talent show...just to blow off a little steam and
>let our hair down. So on a Tuesday night in mid-March, 1st Battalion, 5th
>Marines, using the back of a seven-ton truck as a stage, under dim
>flickering lights, and armed with a very poor sound system, assembled
>what had to have been, the finest array of talent that the Northern
>Kuwaiti Desert had ever seen. And you can only imagine the kinds of acts
>that were put on that night. There were skits, music, singing, and of
>course those unforgettable impersonations of a few Sr. Staff NCO's and
>officers. I have never seen 1,000 men laugh so hard, and for so long as I
>did that night. When it was over, it felt like someone had just opened
>the windows and let all the anxiety, stress, and pent-up frustration of
>the last six weeks, blow right out. We went to sleep at peace. It was
>11:00 p.m.
>
>At 0200 that morning, everything changed! Our battalion's Executive
>Officer came into our squad tent, hit the lights, and said, "This is it!
>You've got five hours to get your gear packed and in your vehicles. We're
>heading north." I can't say I remember those five hours, but I can tell
>you that by the end of that day our battalion was positioned just a few
>thousand meters south of the border of Iraq making ready to invade. For
>approximately two days we waited. We knew the President's 48-hour time
>limit was coming to a close. We knew we were well within range of Iraqi
>Scud missiles and artillery. We knew our time was running short. Late on
>the afternoon of March 20th, our Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel
>Fred Padilla, called a meeting of his entire command staff to discuss our
>scheme and maneuver for what we believed was going to be a next day's
>attack. Midway through the meeting, a runner came bursting in the tent
>with a message from higher headquarters. In his hand he held a "yellow
>canary" (slip of message paper), which he immediately handed to the CO to
>read. To this day, I will never forget the moments that followed. It was
>like I was watching a movie. I was standing right behind the CO, and as I
>looked over his shoulder, I could make out only one word written in
>bold-faced, all capital letters... "IMMEDIATE!" Our CO read the note,
>paused, looked at all of us in the eyes and said, "It's now...We're
>crossing the breach tonight!"
>
>In what would be the last time our battalion staff was together before
>the war and the last time all of our officers would still be alive, the
>Commanding Officer turned to me and said, "Chaplain before we go, would
>you lead us in a word of prayer?" After all the planning, all the
>strategy sessions, all the conditioning hikes, all the live-fire ranges,
>it had come to this - a prayer...a group of men, warriors, standing in a
>circle, beseeching God for help, for strength, and for courage.
>
>God was preparing a table before us in the presence of our enemies.
>
>The servant of God, the warrior, David, many thousands of years ago cried
>out unto the Lord, "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of
>death, I will fear no evil. For Thou art with me. Thy rod and staff, they
>comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine
>enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil and my cup runneth over. Surely,
>goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will
>dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23:4-6
>
>A table in the presence... It means even when surrounded by danger, when
>facing overwhelming odds, when confronted by enemies bent on our
>destruction...God is with us - providing for our every need, protecting
>us from evil, empowering us to be faithful. You see, the table that David
>spoke about, the table that David longed for in the presence of his
>enemies, was the table of God's presence, in the presence of his enemies.
>That table was set for the men of 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, before we
>even stepped foot in Iraq, when in Kuwait, 49 men stepped out in faith
>and were baptized as new Christians. Hosea 2:14 says it best: "Behold I
>will allure her (says the Lord), I will bring her into the desert, and
>there I will speak kindly to her." For 40 days, (a duration of strikingly
>Biblical proportions), God had drawn us into the desert - a harsh place,
>a desolate place, a wild place...but a place of spiritual preparation,
>where men hear the voice of God. And by the end of that time, 49 men had
>been baptized, and eventually 160 became rigorously involved in Spiritual
>Growth Classes (nearly 1 out of 7 in our battalion). We felt like God had
>literally reached down from the heavens and touched us in that awful
>place. The table of God's presence was set in the hearts of many. And we
>would come to need that presence as never before in the critical hours
>and days that lay ahead. In the days between our crossing of the line of
>departure into Iraq on March 20th and entering the outskirts of Baghdad
>on April 9th, our battalion found itself in the midst of all the chaos,
>carnage, and even terror that war brings. Intermittent attacks and
>ambushes along Iraq's perilous Route One. Sandstorms that plunged us into
>the most impenetrable darkness we'd ever seen. And the neverending threat
>of incoming enemy artillery rounds and sniper fire.
>
>Everywhere we went, snipers and guerilla-style gunmen were ambushing
>units around us; and the casualty count in our Regiment was mounting
>daily. In fact, already within the first ten hours of the ground
>invasion, our battalion had lost one of our own. Second Lieutenant Shane
>Childers became the first man of the entire war Killed In Action at the
>hands of enemy gunfire. I was just a few thousand meters south of his
>company when it happened. When I arrived there at the site where Shane
>had died, the feeling was surreal. The pain and the ache were unlike
>anything we'd ever known. And yet even in the loss of our beloved
>Lieutenant, even with the sickening sound of battle around us every
>moment, in the days that followed I began to notice something happening.
>Our worship services began to take on a whole new meaning and
>significance. I would drive up in my Humvee to a platoon or a company,
>and there the men would be waiting. Sometimes it was ten. More often it
>was 110. And they were hungry for the Lord. We all were! "Blessed are
>those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled."
>And we were filled! We prayed together, we heard God's Word together, we
>shared Communion together. The men would come to receive Communion with
>hands lifted up...hands that were filthy, and even bloody, but hearts
>that were pure. "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God."
>And we saw God...we saw God move in our lives! One by one, men, hungering
>and thirsting for lasting peace, were filled with that peace of God that
>surpasses all understanding; such that by the end of the war, the number
>of men baptized had reached 57, one of whom, I was privileged to baptize
>in the very court room of Saddam's Presidential Palace on Palm Sunday!
>
>Sometimes our companies were so on the move, that all I had time to do
>was offer a brief prayer before they went off to the fight. But those
>were some of the most powerful moments where we experienced the presence
>of God. I would find an AAV full of Marines, engine running, and I'd come
>up to the back of the hatch and pound on it. "Who is it?" A muffled voice
>would cry out. "It's the Chaplain!" The hatch would swing open like an
>ancient vault, and there, 25 Marines would be huddled together ready to
>go. "Hey guys how about a prayer?" In an instant, 25 men, would grasp
>each other's arms and shoulders and bow for prayer. Never did a man
>refuse to pray in those moments we shared together. And I would touch
>them - lay my hands upon them. They all wanted me too, needed me to. We
>all needed it, because you just didn't know what the next hours would
>bring. I've been told that war brings clarity to a man's life. That's
>exactly what we experienced in those moments together - crystal clarity.
>Men in need seeking a God who provides!
>
>And the stories of God's provision and protection are nothing short of
>miraculous, and in truth, too many to recount in detail. Mines exploding
>underneath vehicles full of Marines - injuring none. Mortars falling down
>around us - throwing men fifteen feet in the air...men who got up without
>so much as a scratch. RPG's striking vehicles loaded with as many as
>twenty-five Marines - harming none of them. Waking up next to Iraqi
>machine-gun bunkers that we'd never even seen in the dark. Marines
>getting run over by Humvees with not a single broken bone to show for it.
>Worship services being broken up by suicidal-attacks; yet where none of
>our men were hurt or injured. Psalm 84 says, "Thou O Lord, art a sun and
>a shield about me." Every day and in every way, the Lord shed His light
>on our path and shielded us from danger. His presence was unmistakable!
>
>And then came April 10th in Baghdad. Our battalion was given orders to
>seize the Al Azimiyah Presidential Palace in the center of the city. Our
>Commanding Officer, suspecting a determined enemy force waiting on us,
>did something he'd never done until this point in the war. He ordered all
>our non-armored vehicles to remain back a few kilometers as the lead
>elements of our convoy proceeded down Route Two into central Baghdad. His
>suspicions proved true. At 0400 that morning in the dark, the last of
>Saddam's henchmen unleashed all their fury. 1,000 Fedayeen warriors
>hiding in buildings, on rooftops, on overpasses, in mosques, wearing
>civilian clothes, spread out over a square mile in downtown
>Baghdad...these men shot an estimated 1,000-1,500 RPG's at our convoy,
>and too many machine gun rounds to count. When it began, Marines near the
>front of the column said the sky looked like a laser show as rockets and
>machine gun tracers were fired at us from every angle. One company alone
>(twelve vehicles carrying 160 men) sustained 33 direct impacts from
>RPG's. At one point, our CO considered calling in over the radio the
>three words that no commander ever wants to repeat in battle -
>"Issue-in-doubt." It means, in all likelihood, victory is impossible;
>defeat imminent. LtCol. Oliver North called it "The worst day of fighting
>in the war for U.S. Marines."
>
>At every corner, we were ambushed. And it lasted for nine hours. But
>here's the miracle. By every assessment, during that nine-hour ordeal,
>our battalion should have sustained untold casualties and countless dead.
>Over 1,000 RPG's were shot at us, during a nine-hour ambush, in a city
>that we didn't know. And what's more, most all of our Marines were
>exposed the entire time as they stood in the top of their armored
>vehicles firing back. But by the end of the day, when the smoke had
>cleared, only one man had been killed - Gunnery Sergeant Jeffrey Bohr, a
>22 year veteran; killed as he was calling in a med-evac with one hand and
>firing his M-16 with the other. 75 were injured - most of whom would go
>on to experience full recovery and strength. The fact is, many, many
>Marines should have died that day, but it just didn't happen.
>
>Now I suppose there may be some who will say, "What a fluke. You guys
>just got lucky." But there is no question, if you ask the Marines who
>were there - they had experienced a miracle from God! You see, two weeks
>earlier, in a service south of Baghdad, I had shared with the men a
>prayer that my wife had learned as a third grader whenever her family
>went on road trips together. And the prayer went like this: " Lord,
>please make the driver aware, awake, alert and aggressive, and surround
>us all with four legions of angels at every corner." I thought to myself,
>"What a fitting prayer for our guys." So I shared it with them as our
>unit continued to move closer and closer to Baghdad. I never knew how
>many men would cling to that promise when the rounds started flying.
>Because the next morning after the fire-fight in Baghdad, as I began to
>walk through the palace and talk with the Marines, all I heard was,
>"Chaplain...Those angels, your wife talked about, those legions...they
>were there...surrounding us, protecting us!" "I should be dead Chaplain!
>But God was with me."
>
>Marines shared with me that they saw rockets coming at them literally
>curve in midair and go around them, or dive down as of they batted by
>some unseen hand, and go under their vehicles, missing them completely.
>Countless RPG's never exploded after making direct hits on vehicles
>holding 20-30 Marines each. One RPG hit a Marine (Lance Corporal Harnish)
>square in the head. I don't have to tell you what it should have done. It
>never detonated...knocked him clean out, but he is alive and well today.
>A Corporal who manned a gun turret on the top of a vehicle, said that
>bullets were raining down all around him (He said he could literally feel
>the overpressure from the bullets whizzing past his head). He was never
>touched and his vehicle was the only one in his section of the convoy
>that was not struck by enemy bullets or shrapnel. That Corporal was a
>self-proclaimed atheist. I talked to him a few weeks ago, and He and his
>wife are now looking for a church to attend. Staff Sergeant Jackaway's
>Humvee took a direct shot from an RPG right through the driver's side
>window. If ever there was a shot that should have killed everyman in the
>vehicle, it was that shot. But when the RPG came through, it hit the
>inside of the glass, exploding out instead of in - Not a single man was
>injured. And SSgt Jackway just kept quoting the 91st Psalm.
>
>After the fight, the Counter-Mech platoon took me to look at their
>vehicles - bullet holes riddled through the back, shrapnel holes
>throughout the floorboard. These were vehicles that were filled with men.
>Not a single man from that section was injured. And then there was Staff
>Sergeant Russi. He had a bullet enter his helmet just above his right
>ear, travel over his head, underneath the skin of the Kevlar, only to
>stop embedded in the same spot, above his left ear. At one point, our
>entire convoy became totally separated and lost, a potentially deadly
>situation. And yet, the Executive Officer shared with me that, in the
>end, he believed our being split up and lost actually worked to confuse
>the enemy. Instead of one long convoy, we were all over the
>place...moving from every direction. He concluded, the Iraqis probably
>thought they were facing an entire Division! When I heard him share that,
>I immediately thought to myself how much that sounded like the Old
>Testament story of Gideon - God taking 300 men and making them look like
>tens of thousands to the enemy. Our Commanding Officer, a seasoned combat
>veteran, said, "There is no doubt, Someone was watching over us the
>entire time." It cannot be denied. Someone was watching over us. And He
>was beside us and surrounding us, shielding us and defending us, fighting
>for us. And it wasn't luck, or good fortune, or just some cosmic play of
>chance...It was the Lord God Himself. You see, according to my religious
>tradition (and the tradition of many in our battalion) - our God knows
>something about battle. He fought against Satan in the wilderness and
>defeated his schemes! He fought against sin at the cross and defeated its
>power! He fought against death at the tomb, and burst its bonds. And
>because of this, can He not do all things for you and for me?
>
>As military leaders and strategists reflect back upon our battles in
>Iraq, there is no doubt that there will be many lessons learned, many
>conclusions drawn. But the one conclusion that cannot go unspoken or
>unsung...is that OUR GOD IS ABLE TO DELIVER US! For He is our Rock, our
>Fortress, and our Deliverer. And the truth is, we all, whether we are in
>the streets of Baghdad or not, we all need His deliverance. Because we
>all face enemies. Fear, doubt, worry, discouragement, temptation,
>despair, the rising power of unbelief...these too are enemies, and they
>are often just as sinister, just as fierce, and just as unrelenting as
>evil men lurking in the shadows of Baghdad. But here's the message: If
>God can deliver an isolated, cut off battalion of U.S. Marines,
>surrounded by enemies in the Belly of the Beast..can He not deliver you
>and me from the enemies that assail us in our daily lives?
>
>"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies."
>
>In the end, it's more than just a beautiful scripture, more than just a
>psalm we memorize as children. It is a promise to be believed, and a
>bedrock to build our lives upon! King David believed it! A battalion of
>U.S. Marines experienced it! And its power is offered to all of us, who
>in the midst of our trial, and when surrounded by enemies, can find that
>relentless courage, that reckless faith, that undying hope, to look unto
>God, and believe!
>
>Amen.
>
>
>This article has been reprinted with permission.
>
>Capitol Hill Prayer Partners (CHPP) is a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt,
>faith-based, ministry, dedicated to praying for our leaders (1 Tim.
>2:1,2) and for the peace of Jerusalem. Permission is granted to
>distribute this bulletin at will. Thank you for praying with us for our
>leaders and our nation. (Email address: chpp@patriot.net)

Terror on the Frontlines

By Greg Tyler, Stars and Stripes
Stripes Sunday magazine, January 11, 2004


You’ve got a wicked battle cry, been trained to kill with anything you can get your hands on, or with nothing but your hands. You have washboard abs and a fanged rattlesnake — ready to strike — tattooed on your forearm.

You’re battle ready and you ache for action.

Now you’re on the front lines. Real bullets fly in all directions. Howitzers rattle your dental fillings.

You see an enemy soldier’s face wad in pain as he clutches his shoulder where an arm used to be.

Bam! You freeze, and you’re milking a cow at your uncle’s dairy farm. It’s a sweet-smelling day. The cow’s flank is soft against your cheek; the sun is warm. You almost could doze off.

Until your sergeant puts his boot to your rump and shakes you so hard you bite your tongue.

You detect acrid odors, hear screams and explosions. And you feel sick: You lost it when you needed it most, and when your comrades needed you most, you let them down.

Tell us, young patriot: What does this make you in the clearly defined military world?

How about normal? You just experienced combat stress — and it happens more than you think.

“You have to understand that battle stress is not a psychological problem, but a very normal reaction to an abnormal situation,” Petty Officer 2nd Class Juan Carlos E. Montgomery, a psychiatric technician with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, explained in a recent Marine news report.

Symptoms include intrusive memory loss, repetitive nightmares, reliving trauma, flashbacks and becoming hyper-vigilant or fearful, according to the Virtual Hospital Web site.

Combat stress comes in different forms, or stages, said Lt. Cmdr. Brian Hershey, a psychologist at Yokosuka Naval Hospital, Japan. As with the hypothetical, cow-milking Marine, emotional and physical paralysis can grip someone at just the moment his mobility is most valuable.

“When a unit initially goes into combat,” usually within the first five days, Hershey explains, “you’re going to have those guys, that — because of the carnage or whatever, or because they’ve never been in it before — are going to have a combat stress response.

“These are the ones who maybe freeze, or they become speechless, or they stare off out into nowhere. The reality of combat is just so different from anything they may have imagined. It’s so different than the training,” he said.

Ray Welch, 54, a retired Marine captain, said it happened to him during his first combat exposure in Vietnam. “When you actually get into that carnage, you’re going to have a group of people who are overwhelmed.”

Welch is the community coordinator for Marine Corps Community Services at Camps Hansen and Schwab in Okinawa. He fought in the Tet Offensive in 1968 as a lance corporal with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines.

“I kind of froze, and just couldn’t do anything and didn’t know what was going on,” he said. “I only came out of it when an outstanding NCO made me move from my foxhole to another one. Apparently, I was in the wrong hole.”

Another form of combat stress can appear about 60 days into a combat mission, or after repeated battle stints. “It’s sometimes called ‘old sergeant’s syndrome,’” Hershey said. Or “shell shock,” “battle fatigue,” — and more recently, “post-traumatic stress disorder.”

Many people experience anxiety, trouble sleeping and occasional nightmares, said Army Lt. Col. Elspeth Cameron Ritchie, mental health policy and women’s issues director, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs.

“What differentiates combat stress is usually the intensity,” she told the American Forces Press Service recently. “Sometimes you’ll have repeated memories and intrusive thoughts focusing on what happened.”

Ritchie emphasized combat stress symptoms are “normal reactions to abnormally stressful or traumatic situations.”

“It’s something you just can’t predict,” Hershey said.

Combat stress is nothing new.

During World War I, the French and British discovered that if stress casualties were evacuated far to the rear, many became chronic psychiatric cripples. If treated quickly close to their units, most recovered and returned to duty. The U.S. Army Surgeon General of that time recommended the U.S. adopt a three-echelon system for prevention, triage, treatment and return to duty of stress casualties, according to an historical perspective reported in the U.S. Army’s Leaders’ Manual for Combat Stress Control: Booklet 1.

The Army’s first echelon of treatment was to attach a trained psychiatrist to each division. The psychiatrist’s role was “to advise the command in the prevention of stress casualties, to screen out the unsuitable, and to assure that overstressed soldiers were rested and returned to duty within the division whenever possible,” the report states.

“Following British practice, stress casualties in the division were labeled ‘Not Yet Diagnosed, Nervous’ (NYDN). This avoided even the suggestion of physical injury implied by the dramatic popular label ‘shell shock’ or the implication of psychiatric illness conveyed by the official diagnosis of ‘war neurosis,’” the report added. Under good conditions, 70 percent of stress casualties were returned to duty within the division.

Decades later, in World War II, the 6th Marine Division fought day after day in the Battle of Okinawa against dug-in Japanese with heavy artillery. Wounded in action: 2,662 Marines. Combat exhaustion casualties: 1,289, according to the Virtual Naval Hospital Internet site at www.vnh.org/FM22-51/01FM2251.html.

For every two Marines with physical wounds, one more suffered emotional trauma so debilitating they were evacuated to Navy ships offshore. Few ever returned to duty, according to the Web site.

In Vietnam, battle fatigue casualty rates rarely exceeded one per 10 wounded in actions, the Army report states.

“The reasons for the few battle fatigue casualties included the sporadic nature of fighting and our air and artillery superiority. Other factors were well-supplied firebases, scheduled rest, recuperation and a fixed combat tour. All these factors kept most battle fatigue cases at levels which could be treated in their units and did not require medical holding or hospitalization,” the report explained.

Although improved treatment might minimize the effects of combat stress, the condition likely will be part of a combat veteran’s life as long as there is war, said Cmdr. Harry W. Griffith, Sasebo Naval Base’s former command chaplain, who recently transferred to a Navy theological teaching post in New England.

There is a great truth about combat that any potential battle-bound servicemember should know, he added.

“War depersonalizes human beings,” Griffith said. “At some point early on, you realize the enemy also has children, and they have families and wives, too. But they will shoot you, and they will kill you.

“You can never get comfortable with war,” he said.

ARLINGTON, Va. — Three U.S. congressmen have asked the Pentagon to reimburse all troops who paid for plane tickets home while on the Rest and Recuperation program from Iraq and Afghanistan — and not limit reimbursements to those who paid their own way since mid-December.

In a letter sent to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, Reps. C.A. “Dutch” Ruppersberger, D-Md., Jim Ramstad, R-Minn., and Dennis Moore, D-Kan., asked for a reconsideration of the way reimbursements will be doled out.

In October, Congress recommended the Army shuffle $55 million between accounts to pay for troops domestic travel costs.

As executive agent for the R&R program, the Army adopted Congress’ suggestion, but limited reimbursements to Dec. 19 because that is when the official “Onward Travel” policy was approved by Pentagon leaders.

The program kicked off Sept. 25, letting troops travel home for 15 days. But once troops arrived in the States to one of three designated airports, they had to pay their own way to their hometown.

“This means thousands of servicemembers who by chance were granted R&R before December 19 and paid for their travel with their own money will not be reimbursed but those who traveled after that date will be,” reads a portion of the letter. “We believe this policy is completely unfair and should be changed so that all troops who dug deep into their pockets to pay their own way home will be reimbursed.”

Ruppersberger created a program called “Operation Hero Miles,” in which people can donate frequent flier miles to help troops pay for the tickets home.

Though the Army now is picking up the domestic travel costs, Hero Miles continues to pay for troops returning home on emergency leave, and to pay for families’ trips to military hospitals to be with troops wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Military Children Scholarship Deadline soon.

Stars and Stripes
European edition, Saturday, January 17, 2004


Dependents of servicemembers have until Feb. 18 to apply for one of the $1,500 Scholarships for Military Children available through the Defense Commissary Agency.

Applications must be “in the store” at the nearest commissary by close of business that day, according to a DECA press release.

At least one scholarship will be awarded at every commissary location with qualified applicants.

To get an application go to: www.commissaries.com or www.militaryscholar.org. Copies of the application are also available at commissaries worldwide.

This year’s essay topic is “What aspect of military life has had the greatest influence on you?”

The scholarship program is open to unmarried children under the age of 21 (under the age of 23 if enrolled in school) of active-duty personnel, Reserve, Guard and retired military personnel.

Eligibility for the scholarships will be determined using the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) database.

The applicant must be planning to attend an accredited college or university full-time in the fall term of 2004, or enrolled in a program of studies designed to transfer directly into a four-year program.

The Scholarships for Military Children program has awarded nearly 1,500 scholarships and nearly $2 million since 2001.

Jean mentioned that some troops have viewed the website. I will be adding local news links on the links page. If your local newspaper has a website, and you would like it added, please email me at lsheehan@rccbi.com. It's nice to have easy access to local news from one site.

In honor of all those who served in WWII and the dedication in May 2004 of the WWII Memorial, Mickey will be posting events in WWII history spot on the national website. www.bluestarmothers.org

We hope you will take the time to reflect on the critical time in our world, in our lives. The effect that era has had on generations.

78,000 hero's are still MIA.

WE MUST NEVER FORGET

A Soldier

I was that which others did not want to be.

I went where others feared to go,
and did what others feared to do.

I asked nothing from those who gave nothing,
and reluctantly accepted the thought
of eternal loneliness..........
should I fail.

I have seen the face of terror;
felt the stinging cold of fear;
and enjoyed the sweet taste
of a moment's love.

I have cried, pained, and hoped.......
but most of all, I have lived times
others would say were best forgotten.

At least someday I will be able to say
that I was proud of what I was.....
a soldier.

-George L. Skypeck

Please remember our military who is in harms way...

Check this out, remember 9-1-1, this is how the rest of the world reacted, their support shows thru:

Cut and paste link into your address bar:

http://www.pianoladynancy.com/remembering_america.htm

 BUSH PAYS LIPSERVICE TO VETS, THEN SLASHES THEIR HEALTH CARE
 
Late last week President Bush visited combat veterans at Walter Reed
Medical
Center. During his visit, he said "We have made a commitment to the
troops,
and we have made a commitment to their loved ones, and that commitment is
that we will provide excellent health care - excellent care - to anybody
who
is injured on the battlefield."
 
His comments stand in stark contrast to the policies he has pushed - and
the
record he has amassed - as President. Just this year alone, the President
"announced his formal opposition to a proposal to give National Guard and
Reserve members access to the Pentagon's health-insurance system"- a slap
in
the face to thousands of troops, especially considering "a recent General
Accounting Office report estimated that one of every five Guard members
has
no health insurance". The President also this year proposed to cut $1.5
billion (14%) out of funding for military family housing/medical
facilities.
This followed his 2002 budget which, according to major veterans groups,
"fell $1.5 billion short" of adequately funding veterans care.
 
This is not the first time the President has staged a photo-op to thank
veterans at Walter Reed and then proposed policies that hurt veterans. A
little less than a year ago, the President visited the medical hospital ,
and then on the same day announced his proposal to cut off 164,000
veterans
from the VA's prescription drug discount program.
 
The result of the President's harsh treatment of veterans is that "more
than
235,000 veterans are currently waiting 6 months or more for initial
medical
appointments" with "many veterans waiting 2 years just to be seen by a
doctor." At Ft. Stewart, Georgia, UPI reported "hundreds of sick and
wounded U.S. soldiers including many who served in the Iraq war are
languishing in hot cement barracks here while they wait - sometimes for
months - to see doctors." And CBS News reports that the administration
appears, in some cases, to be denying benefits to soldiers wounded in
Iraq.
Specifically, many soldiers say they are seeing their pay and health
benefits severely reduced after they are badly wounded.
 
Read the Mis-Lead -->
< http://daily.misleader.org/ctt.asp?u=1294403&l=13139 >

Free Hot Sauce !!!

They will ship a bottle of custom hot sauce to any service personal stationed outside the US Borders to a friend or family member.

You can have them add your loved ones military lable and a note from you and they ship it over for you. It is all free!

Go to: www.sauce2u.com/abc.html

It is really neat!

"Spirit of the Free" composed and written by Michael Chain is available to hear on his website. www.michaelchain.com It is also available for purchase.

 
Michael, Judy, and Kathy are made a committment to donate the proceeds of this song to the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.
 
We can make this song be the call of those of us on the homefront to our children defending us here and around the word.
 
I encourage each and everyone to purchase a copy and call your local stations to have them play this recording. Great Christmas gift--along with the phone card.
 
Getting air time for this recording--will help support our men and women of the past, present and future.
 
"Each and every American military member has the legacy of those who have gone before--starting with the quest for Freedom during the Revoluntary War.
 
They carry the "Spirit of the Free and the Whisper of Peace in their Hearts.
 
Our children are the wind beneath the wings of Freedom because they carry the '"Spirit of the Free" with the whispers of Peace in their hearts.
 
Susan Naill, National President
Blue Star Mother's of America, Inc.

Military Family Christmas Party!

For all Veterans and current military families.

Saturday Dec. 20th, 1:30 - 4:00pm

Willmar American Legion, Willmar MN

Socializing, treats, activities for children and a special visitor!

If you are lost looking for our donations information please go back to the main page at mnbluestarmothers.org and click on the bullet on the side of the page that says donations.

You may then access where to send checks or what items are on the items needed sheets, you would then have to mail those items to us or contact us to see if there is another way we can get them.

Thanks for all your donations to support the troops!

A SOLDIER STANDING HIS POST
 
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
 
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree, I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
 
My eyelids were heavy; my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep,
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem.
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
 
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps, outside in the snow.
 
My soul gave a tremble; I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood his face weary and tight.
 
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
 
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack; brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
 
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts,
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light,
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right."
 "I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
 
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me."
 
"My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers.
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam,
And now it is my turn and so, here I am."
 
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile."
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red white and blue... an American flag.
 
"I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat."
 
"I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother,
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
 
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
 
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone.
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
 
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled,
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.
 
PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL AND THEIR FAMILIES EVERY DAY

WASHINGTON - In an effort to bolster military morale, the Pentagon soon will begin paying travel expenses for troops to get all the way home on leave from Iraq and Afghanistan.

The cost of that extra leg for tens of thousands of soldiers: $55 million.

Until now, the largest R&R program since the Vietnam War has flown soldiers only to three cities in the United States and two in Germany, leaving them to pay airfare for connecting flights if they want to go farther.

Some airlines offered discount fares to help, and a congressman started a program in which Americans donated millions of their frequent flyer miles for service members to use to get home.

But officials said Tuesday they were working up a plan for the Defense Department to begin reimbursing troops for the connecting flights with the $55 million authorized recently by Congress for the coming year.

"If it comes to pass as envisioned by members of Congress, this would be the most generous gesture on behalf of the American people," said Maj. Pete Mitchell of U.S. Central Command.

Such full payment of travel expenses for home leave is unprecedented, he said.

To give troops some relief, the Pentagon in late September started giving two-week leaves in the largest rest and recuperation program since the Vietnam War.

So far more than 27,000 troops have taken the leaves, Mitchell said.

The arrangement differs from the program in place during Vietnam, when soldiers received leaves to Hong Kong, Singapore or other Asian cities.

The Army said Tuesday it had set no firm date for the start of the reimbursement program, which requires changes in federal travel regulations. Officials were working on details such as how much would be paid to each soldier, and whether it would be retroactive to cover those who have already taken leave, they said.

"The devil is in the details," Mitchell said.

But the intent is to pay the full cost of commercial airfare that troops need to get home from three drop-off points in the states - Baltimore, Dallas and Atlanta - and two in Germany.

Officials estimated that troops have been paying an average of $300 to $500 out of their own pockets to get the rest of the way home.

Several soldiers and their families complained publicly about having to pay for the trips. Pentagon and congressional officials said they wanted to begin the reimbursement program amid worries about morale among troops who are working hard in the global war on terrorism and in the Iraq campaign, which is in its ninth month.

Work on the reimbursement plan was first reported Tuesday by the Army Times publication.

The military has ordered yearlong deployments in Iraq because it is stretched thin around the world and didn't get as many international troops to help as had been hoped.

Morale has been a concern, since troops and families in the summer began complaining about extended tours of duty and repeated deployments.

There are more than 130,000 U.S. forces in Iraq and neighboring countries and more than 10,000 deployed for the Afghan effort, where violence continues two years after the fall of the Taliban.

Go back into the mail website page and click on photos

Where do you click for the pictures?

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Check out the photo's on our site! They are awsume, just a few of the things we have done this year! Thanks Lori Sheehan for getting this on there, we sure appreciate it!

The funeral for Staff Sgt. Dale Panchot is Monday, Dec. 1st at 1:00pm at the high school gym. Visitation from 11-1:00pm at school prior to service.

Sunday Visitation is 5-8 with prayer service at 7:30pm. I will post location as I am not sure of where it is at yet.

Due to work schedules as of right now we are planning on attending and presenting the flags on Sunday evening.

Northome is about 45 min. N. of Bemidji.

A Thanksgiving Thought from the EUCOM Chaplain

Here is a Holiday that commemorates no hero, celebrates no battlefield. No lobby is behind it; no group or sect or party. It doesn’t even fall on the same day twice. Yet Christmas cannot dim it nor July 4th steal its glory. And all America loves it with a quiet and intense affection that is reserved for no other day of the year.

What makes Thanksgiving different? What makes it beloved? What makes it real? Perhaps the answer is simple: Thanksgiving is an affirmation. It is the testimony of the heart of a Nation to a deeply-held conviction- the conviction that these things we call free and decent and American did not just happen to us. We did not get them because we were wiser, or clever, or even luckier. We got them because of God’s Love and Benevolence toward us. Unashamedly, our Founding Fathers believed He would be our God and we would be His People. That this experiment in democracy and freedom would become the New Jerusalem where man would prosper and God be glorified. Gratitude and the dream were irrevocably intertwined. When we would forget to give thanks we would jeopardize the Blessing. A Day of National Thanksgiving was not only appropriate but also essential.

Happy Thanksgiving to all our troops and civilians and their families wherever they may find themselves situated or deployed during these difficult days. As we give thanks to God and recommit ourselves to His work in this fragile world, may we be assured of His loving presence and protection.

"Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those who should have known better; the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most; that has made possible for evil to triumph."

The Holiday Care packages are being received! This Chapter sent their packages out earlier then the other, here is the first letter received from the packages being sent! Karen and all the others worked very hard on them, it is great to have feedback!

Dear Blue Star Mother's MN Chapter #2 (Alexandria area chapter and others)

Thank you so very much, all the items that were given out were very much appreciated. Several of the bags that were not taken were in turn handed out to the children - I wish you could've seen how the kids smiled. Our school projects are done now and we have very little contact with the children. It was truly wonderful watching the children change before your very eyes.

They learn to say your name and take great pride in saying it correctly.

What your group and you are doing is awesome and we soldiers can't say thank you enough. Please don't hesitate to send more if you can. We had no problem finding units that said yes to the morel support.

A greatful soldier,

(names omitted) Iraq

Please pray for our MN fallen soldier, Staff Sgt. Dale Panchot, his parents and family.

The packages were filled and bundled with lots of love and care!

My elfs worked hard and did up a bunch of Holiday Care Packages yesterday! What a fun time we had, full of heartfelt emotion as well.

If you know of anyone else that should be added to my list let me know, I don't want anyone left out cause they aren't snuggled up tightly in their normal beds!

Our Military Family Holiday party will be the afternoon of Dec. 20th so mark your calendars as I will be there!

Ho Ho Ho, may you and yours be safe today and all years thru!

Our Packaging of Holiday Care Packages:

Sunday Nov. 9th
 
Time is at 4:00pm we will be doing them in the back room of the Sheep Shedde in Olivia. For those that don't know this restaurant is located on the far, far West end of Olivia right on Hwy. 212. This will enable us to load and unload vehicles with out more then a couple of steps.
 
What to bring....if you have any on hand just incase we need them: sissors, tape (any kind), rubberbands, baggies (variety of sizes), newspapers (for packaging and also they can read them).
 
Meeting: We will eat at the restaurant and have our meeting. Probably after we are done with packaging, but we may be ready for a break if it takes longer then expected. Figuring dinner possibly around 6:00pm.
 
May you and your's be safe in these uncertain times!
 
God Speed,
 
Jean

Sunday Nov. 2nd...a day to pray for the families that will be having that military personal walk up to their door...

Pray for all who will have lost a son or daughter, spouse, friend, loved one or comrad!

Our hearts go out to all injured or fallen! Continual prayers are needed....keep a candle burning!

God Bless them all!

Phone bills:

Check with you local phone company and see what type of long distance packages they have right now.

I now have for $30.00/mo. unlimited long distance anywhere in the US including HW and AK.

I know for me this is a huge savings with all the long distance calls to my Airman as well as with Blue Star Mother's calls and my normal ones.

They do put it in writing for you as well. I know there have been some pranks out there but this one is real so just check it out if your like me and spend to much on phone bills.

Article and Bill below
 
House to vote on higher, tax-free death benefit

By Rick Maze
Times staff writer


House Republicans have scheduled a vote later this week on a bill they are calling Fallen Patriots Tax Relief Act.The bill, HR 3365, would increase the active-duty death gratuity to $12,000 — twice the current rate — and exempt the entire payment from income tax. Only $3,000 of the current $6,000 payment, provided to survivors when a service member dies on active duty, is tax-free, leaving families to pay taxes on a portion of a death benefit.

Lawmakers have been talking since the 2001 terrorist attacks about increasing the death benefit and making it entirely tax-exempt, but have had two problems getting the changes approved. Legislation to double the death benefit was passed by the House last year as part of the 2003 defense authorization bill but was opposed by the Bush administration because its costs would have been covered by funds intended for contingency operations.

Separate legislation addressing the tax status of the payment has passed the House and Senate several times in the last two years as part of a larger military-related tax bill.

Work on that package has been held up for a variety of reasons that have nothing directly to do with changing tax law for service members, but rather involve jurisdictional and turf fights between the House and Senate committees responsible for tax legislation.

The scheduling of a vote on Wednesday or Thursday on the Fallen Patriots Tax Relief Act comes after Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Texas, announced Oct. 22 that he would be working with military associations on a plan to shame House Republican leaders into bringing the larger Armed Forces Tax Fairness Act to a final vote.

Passing the death gratuity provisions as part of a separate bill could reduce some of the pressure on House Republican leaders to pass the bigger tax bill, which also includes changes in rules for service members selling homes to qualify for capital-gains exemptions, making some out-of-pocket travel expenses tax deductible for reservists and clarifying the tax-exempt status of military-subsidized child care and a service academy education.

 

HR 3365 IH


108th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 3365
To amend title 10, United States Code, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the death gratuity payable with respect to deceased members of the Armed Forces and to exclude such gratuity from gross income.


IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

October 21, 2003
Mr. RENZI (for himself, Mr. DELAY, and Mr. JONES of North Carolina) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


A BILL
To amend title 10, United States Code, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the death gratuity payable with respect to deceased members of the Armed Forces and to exclude such gratuity from gross income.


Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Fallen Patriots Tax Relief Act'.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

The Congress finds the following:

(1) The tragic events of September 11, 2001, and subsequent worldwide combat operations in the Global War on Terrorism and in Operation Iraqi Freedom have highlighted the significant contributions of members of the Armed Forces in support of the national security of the United States and the sacrifices made by those members in the defense of freedom.

(2) The sacrifices made by the members of the Armed Forces are significant and are worthy of meaningful expressions of gratitude by the Government of the United States, especially in the case of sacrifice through loss of life.

(3) The death gratuity payment made by the United States Government for deaths while in military service has historically been tax exempt.

(4) The military death gratuity payment should remain tax exempt in order to assist families of fallen patriots to continue their quality of life during their greatest time of need.

(5) The Congress should periodically increase the amount of the military death gratuity payment to ensure that its value is not diminished.

SEC. 3. INCREASE IN DEATH GRATUITY PAYABLE WITH RESPECT TO DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

(a) AMOUNT OF DEATH GRATUITY- Section 1478(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking `$6,000' and inserting `$12,000'.

(b) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect as of September 11, 2001, and shall apply with respect to deaths occurring on or after that date.

SEC. 4. RESTORATION OF FULL EXCLUSION FROM GROSS INCOME OF DEATH GRATUITY PAYMENT.

(a) IN GENERAL- Paragraph (3) of section 134(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to qualified military benefit) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

`(C) EXCEPTION FOR DEATH GRATUITY ADJUSTMENTS MADE BY LAW- Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to any adjustment to the amount of death gratuity payable under chapter 75 of title 10, United States Code, which is pursuant to a provision of law enacted on or before the date of the enactment of this subparagraph.'.

(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT- Section 134(b)(3)(A) of such Code is amended by striking `subparagraph (B)' and inserting `subparagraphs (B) and (C)'.

(c) EFFECTIVE DATE- The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to deaths occurring after September 10, 2001.
END

Remember Nov. 11th is Veteran's Day.....

We honor those who serve or haved served! Thank-you for all you do or have done for our country!

Sunday Oct. 12th Meeting Night. Renville County Office Bldg.
East end of Olivia, MN in basement of building that is just East of the Courthouse located right on Hwy 212 East.

6:00pm potluck supper, meeting following.

We will be working on our Thanksgiving Phone Card mailing with cards from school children going in with them. If you have any addresses make sure you bring them with. We will then add them to our data base.

If you are not able to attend be sure to email them to www.minnesotabluestarmothers@yahoo.com as soon as you can. We will be mailing out as many as we can, even after our main mailout.

Remember the fundraiser Tues. evening--Belgian Waffle's Danube Community Center, Danube, MN. Serving from 4:30-7:30.
Proceeds go to the Schuler family whose son's were injured in a vehicle incident while the one son was home on leave.

"Keep a candle burning...until they come home"

A Reader Reports on Donald Rumsfeld's Town Hall Meeting at Fort Carson, CO on 10-7-03:

I felt compelled to write after seeing the news reports on Mr. Rumsfeld's meeting today at Ft. Carson, CO, which I attended. I am so proud of our soldiers, and I am truly blessed to be an Army spouse. Military spouses and families are strong, among the strongest in the world. We hold onto our faith in our soldiers and our country in the face of many obstacles and negativity we receive in our environment, especially from the press.
I listened as Mr. Rumsfeld voiced his support and respect for our soldiers and their families. He answered the questions posed to him articulately and thoroughly. If he did not know the answer he stated he did not, and the issues he was not aware of (i.e., AT&T's contract for phones and the excessive costs of utilizing their service, as well as the cost of daycare being mandated by the government) assured us that he would look into these issues.

Mr. Rumsfeld also discussed the conditions in Iraq as improving for the soldiers and their many accomplishments for the Iraqi people, such as the reopening of schools and other rebuilding efforts and successes.

We do not see these great accomplishments nor do we see how the living conditions are improving daily for our soldiers in the press. All we see is negativity, and that is exactly what I saw on the news after such a moving and supportive visit by Mr. Rumsfeld.

I saw firsthand several of the interviews of spouses and I heard their encouraging words, support of our soldiers and families, but what I saw on the news was the tears and the sadness. I was hoping that for once the media would have showed the strength of our spouses and families. The statements "our soldiers are heroes," "we believe in our soldiers," and the thanks put out to the soldiers for their service, etc., were just a few of the statements I heard spouses and family members giving to the media today and not one of these positive statements was repeated.

One of the persons chosen to ask a question, did not ask a question, but voiced the following ...[Mr. Secretary] I just wanted to thank you and the administration for your support of our troops and families. I am proud of each and every one our soldiers and their families, thank you all. This woman spoke the very feeling of many present today. This was also not mentioned in the news.

To all the incredible men and women serving in our Armed Forces, thank you and we believe in you. To the families and spouses of soldiers your resilience and strength is exemplary, bless you all and thank you for supporting our soldiers. For those of us lucky enough to attend Mr. Rumsfeld's briefing today, we were given renewed respect and faith in our government's support and understanding of the hardships faced by our troops and their families. My sincere thanks goes out to Mr. Rumsfeld.

(Editor's Note: Thanks a million for this outstanding update. Our family members are often the best reporters we have - keep telling us the truth so the real story is heard and passed on to our readers).

==================
The following article from Armed Forces News Service does give a positive view of the Rumsfeld meeting at Fort Carson, unlike the civilian press. Amazing how reporters can slant things the way they want to, I prefer the positive slant:

Rumsfeld Thanks Troops, Likens Them to American Western Legend
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

Thankfully we as mothers, fathers, spouses etc. we can. I know Operation Shoebox is sending packages as well we do.

This is why it is so important for us to get individuals addresses because the government had put a hold on organizations such as the Red Cross doing them, I wasn't sure if that hold was still on or not. Thanks for checking for drop off spots in the St. Cloud area for us Deb.

If anyone wants to donate contact us via this site and we will get the donations from you.

We will not let our children and spouses go with out, especially thru the holidays. If you have someone you would like added to our care package/phonecard list please also email us via this site!

God Speed!

The Red Cross said they are not able to accept items from the public to be sent to our troops. They received an email from the Dept. of Defense telling them not to do this.


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Holiday Care Packages and Phone Cards:

If you have someone to add to our list for sending packages over to please email us with their address. These will be kept private.

You can go under memberships and email any of the officers with your loved ones address and we will do our best to make sure they receive one! If your not comfortable with sending their address over the internet just email us and we will contact you and work something out.

Jeff - These are great too!


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Edited by author 10-03-2003 02:59 PM
Sharon sent this so I am posting it here, this is great!

True Spirit Of Patriotism

These photos are from a quarry pond along Hwy 25, South of
I-80 and North of Greenfield, Iowa. The artist, whose name is in one of the photos, captured the true spirit of patriotism. Greenfield is a small town with 2,074 people and is by the looks of it, on the map, about 1 hour or so West and South of Des Moines.
  
Everyone should see this:
http://www.ticz.com/homes/users/bob/On-A-Rock/On-A-Rock.htm

Gold Star Mothers Now Have Flags to Fly
By Rudi Williams
American Forces Press Service Gold Star Mothers Now Have Flags to Fly

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2003 - The American Gold Star Mothers finally got
something they've wanted for years: their own gold star flags to fly
under the American flag at the organization's headquarters on Embassy
Row here.

Ronald L. Lewis, a retired Air Force master sergeant who now is
chairman of Antelope Air, Inc., of Palmdale, Calif., presented the
mothers two flags -- one featuring one gold star and the other
sporting five gold stars -- during their annual banquet Sept. 27 at
the Washington Marriott Hotel.

American Gold Star Mothers is a nonprofit, federally chartered
organization for mothers who have lost sons or daughters in service
to the United States.

 Gold Star Mothers Paulene Yeakley (left) and Jo O'Neal hold up the
five-gold-star flag presented to the American Gold Star Mothers on
Sept. 27 by retired Air Force Master Sgt. Ronald L. Lewis, chairman
of Antelope Air, Inc., of Palmdale, Calif. Photo by Rudi Williams
(Click photo for screen-resolution image; high-resolution image
available.)

Lewis told the banquet guests he visits the Gold Star Mothers'
headquarters often to help them in any way he can. "I noticed that
something was missing," said Lewis, who retired in December 1997 at
nearby Andrews Air Force Base, Md., where he worked at Air Force
Systems Command headquarters.

"This single gold star flag represents a son or a daughter," said the
former manpower and personnel specialist who served in Vietnam in
1968 and 1969. "One star represents one child. It will be flown on
the flagpole under the American flag in front of the American flag at
Gold Star Mothers headquarters.

"They had a banner that was hung in a window, but they hadn't had a
flag since they moved into their headquarters in 1957," Lewis
continued. "So I decided to give them one during American Gold Star
Mothers weekend." President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed the last
Sunday in September as "Gold Star Mothers Day" on Sept. 14, 1940. The
day was proclaimed for the nation to express its love, sorrow and
reverence for mothers who lost sons and daughters in World War I.
Today, the observance includes mothers from all wars, including the
global war on terrorism. The flag with five gold stars honors the
parents of the five Sullivan brothers who lost their lives when enemy
torpedoes sunk the USS Juneau in November 1942. Only 10 of the 550
men aboard survived. Two of the brothers had served previous four-
year enlistments in the Navy when all five brothers enlisted together
on Jan. 3, 1942. Their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Sullivan,
lived in Waterloo, Iowa.

Excerpts from a poem Lewis read to the audience called Gold Star
Mothers "people who specialize in doing thoughtful deeds."

The poem goes on to say, "They understand your problems and your
needs. They help because they want to. They find joy in being kind
and making others happy is the first thing on their minds. They make
this world a better place by practicing the art of reaching out to
others and by giving from the heart."

Lewis operates a fleet of 10- and 20-passenger airplanes that
transport people and cargo and fly emergency evacuation missions in
southern California.


 
 The five Sullivan Brothers on board USS Juneau (CL-52) at the time
of the ship's commissioning ceremonies at the New York Navy Yard on
Feb. 14, 1942. All were lost with the ship following the Nov. 13,
1942, Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. The brothers were (from left to
right) Joseph, Francis, Albert, Madison and George Sullivan. Photo
courtesy of U.S. Naval Historical Center.
 Ed Chow, national vice president, Vietnam Veterans of America, and
Gold Star Mother Sara McVicker, a nurse in Vietnam, hold up the one-
gold-star flag that was presented to the American Gold Star Mothers
by retired Air Force Master Sgt. Ronald L. Lewis, chairman of
Antelope Air, Inc., of Palmdale, Calif. The flag was one of two Lewis
presented to the organization at its annual banquet in Washington on
Sept. 27. Photo by Rudi Williams.
 High resolution photo.

I want to remind everyone that this board is "our" board, anyone wanting to post a message feel free! If you hear a good poem, reading or just want to share please post it in here.

If you want them to come to your email then subscribe and they can if you choose.

God Bless Our Troops!

A Soldier
 
I was that which others did not want to be.
 
I went where others feared to go,
and did what others feared to do.
 
I asked nothing from those who gave nothing,
and reluctantly accepted the thought
of eternal loneliness..........
should I fail.
 
I have seen the face of terror;
felt the stinging cold of fear;
and enjoyed the sweet taste
of a moment's love.
 
I have cried, pained, and hoped.......
but most of all, I have lived times
others would say were best forgotten.
 
At least someday I will be able to say
that I was proud of what I was.....
a soldier.
 
            -George L. Skypeck

 Please remember our military who is in harms way...

I received this as an email from my Uncle:

I just heard an interview with actor Bruce Willis who just returned from Iraq. He was a little frustrated that what he saw first hand we never see on the news.

He told of American military personnel rebuilding schools, hospitals, power plants, etc. He toured out in the countryside and saw a great rapport between the soldiers and the Iraqi people. He didn't deny that danger still exists for our troops because of the Saddam loyalists but
said that most of the attacks were coming from non-Iraqis -- evidence that our involvement in Iraq is certainly a war on terrorism. He said something we rarely hear in this election year but something that many Americans agree
with -- the war on terror is long overdue.

He also commended our President saying the Commander in Chief is doing a great job -- something made even harder by election year politics.

As I said earlier this week, we are in Iraq and even the toughest critics of our involvement agree that ousting Sadamm will make the Middle East and the entire world safer. Almost all, even the President's harshest critics know we can't just leave and leave the Iraqi people on their own until they are ready. It is the US staying the course that will make that happen quicker than anything else.

Support Our Troops, God knows they deserve our support.

Reminder: Oct. 4th, Redwood Falls, Deployment parade and send-off.

If anyone is interested in helping with this line up for the parade starts at 1300 hours. If you plan to attend the parade to help or simply to watch it starts at 1400 hours (2:00pm) with a a program at Memorial Field (high school football field) starting between 3:30-4:00. Incase of rain it will be moved to the highschool gym.

We will be having a float in the parade as well as later in the day handing out memory boxes for anyone of the kids that want one. These are for filling with items during the year that they would want to be sure to share with their parent when they return.

Lori has done a great job with these and had painted them in camo. If anyone has stickers or anything that the kids might want to use to decorate them more, contact Lori Schuler. She has somestickers and we have some coloring pages we will be putting with them.

I enjoyed seeing the web site. I am doing well and staying safe. I have eaten the local food and am trying to learn the language.

Belgian Waffle Fundraiser for the Family of Lori and Dave Schuler whose sons Jeromy Johnson and Luke Johnson were injured in a car incident.

The date is now set for Tuesday, October 14th at the Danube Community Center, Danube, MN. To run from 4:30 - 7:30. Cost is $6.00 all you can eat with children 5 and under eating free.

We need people to work this event. Please email Jean or Jo or post on here if you can work this evening. Thanks!

Welcome to the Minnesota Blue Star Mother's message board! We are excited to offer this tool to help connect in our efforts to Support Our Troops and each other!

One thing we want to keep in mind when posting is that loose lips sinks ships. Share as you feel comfortable.

A huge thank-you goes to Lori Sheehan, a friend of mine and our group who supports our efforts tremendously! She is the one that is making our website and setting everything up for us. She will also be my "teacher" as she will teach me how to keep things on our website upto date. "Thanks Lori!"
As well as to Rural Computer Consultants as they are letting us use their server!

May you and yours be safe in these uncertain times!