Tough Mudder 2012 Tahoe

In September I'm participating in the Tough Mudder event in Tahoe. This is an approximate 11 mile military style obstacle corse complete with fire, eclectic shock, and a variety of other joy. Tough Mudder donates a portion of their proceeds to the Wounded Warrior Project. They also offer participants to gather donations for the Wounded Warrior Project for a discounted entry fee. As much as I love discounts, I love Wounded Warriors more.

Here is the link if you'd like to donate to the Wounded Warrior Project. Check it out. 

If you don't know what Tough Mudder is.... check out the video from last years event. 

Act Of Valor- A Movie Review

The first time I heard of Act Of Valor I was sitting at Blog World in a small theatre with Laughing Wolf from BlackFive, (Or maybe you know him better as the CEO of Cooking With The Troops?) Markus The Red Shirt from YouServed Radio, and everyones favorite Marine Widow, Mrs. P from A Little Pink In A World Of Camo.  After listening to the director and producer tell us a little about the movie, we got to see a preview. It was enough to hook all of us into wanting to see the movie.



Last night was date night. I don't think my husband minded when I said I wanted to see Act Of Valor. Now I can't speak on the credibility of the military tactical side of the movie. As a civilian I can tell you it pretty much rocked. The sound of the live ammo used in the scenes created a deep sound that's never been matched. I have heard the scenes with enemy contact have triggered PTSD symptoms for some Veterans, whether this is due to the sounds of gun fire, the graphic nature of some of the scenes, or both, I can't say. I would like Veterans to think before they see it if they are sensitive to these types of situations. I would also caution any Gold Star Families before seeing this movie, as it's very emotional.

Without spoiling the movie, I will say that much like real war, people die. Good people with families. To push this point forward, at the end of the movie they honor all of the Fallen SEAL's since 9/11. I recognized many names. The one that choked me up was Petty Officer 1st Class Neil C. Roberts. I knew him when I was younger. We even share a very proud niece and nephew. I had been thinking of him, his wife, son, and family while watching the movie.

The sacrifices military men and women make, along with the support and love of their families is not fictional entertainment. They are very real. The average American needs to remember this, hopefully this movie will give the average American a glimpse of the sacrifices so many have made since 9/11.

Their Sacrifice. Our Freedom.

Mail Call From Afghanistan!

Words For Warriors has been supporting Sgt. Jeffery Tumey through his deployment in Afghanistan. He has received a number of letters, as he is one of the few who specifically requested letters from students. A memo went out to teachers with a little about Sgt. Tumey's background. Mr. Tripplet's 1st grade class and Mrs. Bricker's 3rd grade class responded to Sgt. Tumey's call for mail. He is currently answering their letters, meanwhile I received a box of thanks.

Sgt. Tumey is the second from the banner, on the left, in the back row.

Sgt. Tumey is the NCOIC of an Engineer Team.

Obviously Sgt. Tumey has discovered the way to my heart.... BOOKS!

Sgt. Tumey included this touching thank you letter.

Kristina,

      Hey! Thank you for all you have done for myself and the Soldiers' here. I know you keep very busy with a lot of stuff including your family life. I am sure that you have a pretty hectic schedule daily. I am also thankful that I have found a pretty cool friend like you. It's hard to trust hardly anyone in my situation so seeing and talking to a friendly person helps me back to reality. This packaged box was the only box that was small enough for this picture and letter. To give you more of an adventure into my vivid imagination sometimes, I sent these two books just to give an idea of century that I place my mind into when not battleing. I have read these already and I loved them. I am not saying YOU MUST READ THEM, you know what, yes I am, YOU MUST READ THEM, there I said it twice! Lol But for real, your thoughtfulness and appreciation is unmeasurable to anyone I have ever known.

Thank you Kristina, you will forever be in my heart, and the Soldiers that you make an impression on.

Sincerely,

SGT Tumey, Jeffery aka: Sapper 

Letters like this one reinforces the importance of supporting the military. I am proud of Sgt Tumey, the men and women he serves with, and his family that misses him dearly while he is gone. Thank you Sgt. I look forward to welcoming you home soon. I will also have book reports soon on these two must read books!

*Sgt Tumey gave prior permission to use his real name, his team picture, and to post his letter.

A New Years State Of Mind

Celtic Dove Of Peace by meic2

A few weeks ago I read this article over at A Little Pink In A World Of Camo. In the post, Mrs. P who is a Marine Widow talks about how she ran across another article that spoke not of a New Years Resolution, but of a New Years word, or theme. The basic idea is to reflect on what you really need in your life, or what you need to strive to give others. For example do you need Peace? Wisdom? Grace? Honesty? Tranquility? Or harmony? Do you need to be more generous? Humble? Compassionate towards others?

I have to say, I really like this idea. I think it has a lot of potential. One reason I like the idea of a New Years Theme is because it's positive and attainable. Sure, it's positive to cut sugar out of your diet, but how practical is it? It is realistic to have a goal for a year to be more compassionate. Does having a goal mean you'll be successful at every opportunity? No. All bad (and good) habits are born from repetition, meaning the more we do something, like practice compassion, the higher the possibility it will become easier and eventually mold into a habit.

I've given it a lot of thought, my New Years Theme is going to be Peace. Peace is something I have experienced little of in 2011. I'm not quite sure how one attains peace, as everyone seems to have a different answer, perhaps one day I'll have my own answer.

If you picked a New Years Theme what would it be?

Does Mail and Care Packages Help Stop PTSD?

This article from the Chicago-Sun Times titled Hight-Tech Age Letters Still Matter discusses a study which shows family members who received hand written letters, emails they could print and keep with them, and care packages from family members were less likely to develop PTSD. This is the first study of it's type that I could find. I hope there are future studies in the works, and hope in the future they don't limit themselves to troops who regularly receive mail from family, but broaden the study to those who regularly receive mail. I have supported many troops, and I have several friends who support troops. Between all of us, I'd say we've supported THOUSANDS of troops with letters, care packages, and emails. Us active troop supporters know the value of what we send and do. I can only hope that word will spread and ALL of our troops overseas will feel the support of their country, because not every troop has a family to support them, but they do have a country filled with people who do.

How can you support a troop?

If you, or your child (children LOVE getting involved) draw a picture, write a letter, or make a card I will make sure it gets in the hands of a troop. Just email me or mail it directly to me at PO Box 734, Janesville, CA 96114. This is an AWESOME class project for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders who need to practice their letter writing skills.

If you would like to support a troop while they are deployed I suggest looking into being a Solider's Angel or visiting AnySoldier.com.

There are many amazing programs out there, these are but a few. I have made some life long friends and some I would even consider family, all by writing letters and sending care packages. Give it a try.

Remember.... Their Sacrifices. Our Freedom.

HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY US NAVY SEAL'S

Here's a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to US Navy SEAL's and hoping they get to unwrap some special presents. After all, it is because of dangerous men like this we get to sleep peacefully at night.

Remember.... Their Sacrifice. Our Freedom.

Marine Christmas Operations Order

I found this on facebook and thought it was soooooo super awesome I had to share.
Semper Fi and Merry Christmas!

http://www.facebook.com/4them/posts/332406666770933

Marines of Helmand and Al anbar

via Harold F. Koempel

Christmas Operations Order

1. An official visit by LtGen Santa (NMI) Claus is expected at this headquarters 25 December. The following instructions will be in effect and govern the activities of all personnel during the visit.

A. Not a creature will stir without official permission. This will include indigenous mice. Special stirring permits for necessary administrative actions will be obtained through normal channels. Mice stirring permits will be obtained through the Office of the Surgeon General, Veterinary Services.

B. Personnel will settle their brains for a long winter nap prior to 2200 hours, 24 December. Uniform for the nap will be: Pajamas, cotton, light, drowsing, with kerchief, general purpose, camouflage; and Cap, camouflage w/ear flaps. Equipment will be drawn from Supply Officer prior to 1630 hours, 24 December.

C. Personnel will utilize standard field ration sugar plums for visions to dance through their heads. Artificially sweetened plums are authorized for those in their unit weight control program. Specifications for this item will be provided by the servicing dining facility.

D. Stockings, wool, cushion sole, will be hung by the chimney with care. Necessary safety precautions will be taken to avoid fire hazards caused by carelessly hung stockings. Unit safety Officers will submit stocking hanging plans to this headquarters prior to 0800 hours, 24 December, ATTN: S-4, for approval.

E. At the first sign of clatter from the lawn, all troops will spring from their racks to evaluate noise and cause. Immediate action will be taken to tear open the shutters and throw open the window sashes. S-3,OPS Plan (Saint Nick), Reference Enclosure No. 3, paragraph 6c, this headquarters, will be in effect to facilitate shutter tearing and sash throwing. NCO’s will familiarize all personnel with procedures and are responsible for ensuring that no shutters are torn open nor window sashes thrown open prior to start of official clatter.

F. Prior to 2400, 24 December, all personnel will be assigned "Wondering Eye" stations. After shutters are thrown open and sashes are torn, these stations will be manned.

G. The S-4 Officer will assign one each Sleigh, miniature, M-66, and eight (8) deer, rein, tiny, for use of LtGen Claus' driver who, IAW current directives and other applicable regulations, must have a valid SF 56 properly annotated by Driver Testing; be authorized rooftop parking and be able to shout "On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer and Vixen, up Comet, up Cupid, on Donner and Blitzen."

2. LtGen Claus will enter quarters through standard chimneys. All units without chimneys will draw Chimney Simulator, M-6, for use during ceremonies. Chimney simulator units will be requested on Engineer Job Order Request Form submitted to the Furniture Warehouse prior to 24 December and issued on DA Form 3161,Request for Issue or Turn-in.

3. Personnel will be rehearsed on shouting "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night." This shout will be given on termination of General Claus' visit. Uniformity of shouting is the responsibility of NCO’s.

A Belated Thank You

Last year, Leslie and her family made extra Christmas cards to be sent off to our troops. I realize it's been a year since Leslie and her family sent the cards, but I never thanked them.... better late than never, right? I know Emily Post says I have up to one year to write my thank you's... whew I'm just in time.

Thank You Leslie Bobb, Leslie's children, and her mother, Mary Anne Herbel for thinking of and supporting our troops during the holidays! 

Last week I had my sixth month dental appointment and cleaning. I see the same Dental Assistant every visit. This visit when I walked in, my Dental Assistant said to me, "Before I forget, you were the one who informed me on the needs of our Wounded Warriors and because of you, I donate to them every year. So thank you."

Just goes to show you, you never know who is listening, and how serious they will take you. A simple conversation about me participating in the annual Valour-IT fundraiser has turned into education and action for an otherwise uninformed civilian. 

Who have you talked to lately? With the drawdown of Iraq, and thousands still in Afghanistan as well as other hostile Middle Eastern countries, it's not time to forget our men and women. 

Remember... Their Sacrifice. Our Freedom. 

Iraq Drawdown

I have a lot of mixed feelings and questions about the Iraq drawdown. Over at War Retreat they have a post that shows information regarding Veterans who have served in Iraq, their families, and their lives now. There are even pie graphs for those who like pictures. Just remember, these are not just numbers, THESE ARE PEOPLE. People who have served multiple deployments, have PTSD, have lost a loved one to war, or a family that's lost a loved one to suicide. Check it out. Our Veterans and Active Duty need us, don't let them down.

http://warretreat.org/2011/12/16/iraq-drawdown-infographic-the-work-has-just-begun/