To encourage and fortify relationships between military service members, veterans, their families, their friends, and their Country; to nurture the path of communication for everyone, ensuring that no one is alone or left behind; and proving that we have not, are not, and will never forget the nobility of their sacrifices.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Thank You LEAP Students


The LEAP Students at Lassen High designed and made this banner for Words For Warriors, on budget, and on a tight schedule. I like it so much I have made it a part of my header on this blog, perhaps I will have a new one made every year. Please feel free to let the students know what you think of their hard work and leave a comment.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Army Reserve Birthday Tribute

I just want to send a big THANK YOU and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the Army Reserve.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Hoops For Harmony

One of the proud participants of Relay For Life on our vary own Words For Warriors Linked team has decided to put the proceeds from a class project towards his fundraising goal.
Chase Moore is hosting a 5 on 5 basketball tournament called Hoops For Harmony at the Indian Rancheria this Saturday April 24th.  Registration starts at 9 am and is $100 per team.  If you live anywhere in the area please stop by and support our students as well as Relay For Life. 
If you have any questions, please contact me here.  

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

How Words Saved A Life

It seems silly to think something intangible like words could save a life, but it's true. No, words cannot stop a wound from bleeding, but they can heal. Recently while talking to one of the many friends I have made through Words For Warriors on the phone, my friend asked me, "Do you know you saved my life?"  I was a little taken back. I stopped tunneling through the pile of laundry I was wrestling to think about what he had said.  I asked him what he meant.  He told me how when he was on his third deployment he had decided he was tired.  He had nothing to come home to. No wife, girlfriend, lover, children, not even a plant.  He would be coming home to an empty house.  He had all of the insurance papers taken care of, so his sister could put her kids through college with the money.  He was ready, he was plotting his "accident" as the end of his tour approached. He took his scheduled R&R at the USO in Qatar where he saw the very first batch of letters from Words For Warriors for Veteran's Day. He decided to answer the 3rd graders questions about what the weather and food was like, sending me an email to pass on to the students.  I of course responded, and a friendship through email was quickly born.  Through those emails I shared pictures and stories of my family, and my life. As we became friends he realized that I cared. If he had an "accident" it would hurt me, because I cared, someone he had never met cared, and if a stranger cared, then maybe he was worth caring about.
He has been home for almost 6 months. He has a job, a girlfriend that he calls me for advice when he plays his stupid man card and needs to know how to fix it. He is doing well and looking forward to the future. A future he wouldn't have if it weren't for those letters. He said to me, "Thank You. Thank you for sending those letters, for caring, and for saving my life."
I honestly had no idea what those letters and my friendship meant to him until that moment. I was utterly and completely speechless, which if you know me doesn't happen often. What do you say to someone who tells you, you saved their life?
I am sharing this story because it shows how taking a few minutes to write a letter can bring about new friendships, and maybe, just maybe save a life.


These are the Veteran's Day Letters at the USO in Qatar that helped save my good friend.

Nominated For LetterToASoldier.com

I received this email, I don't know who nominated Words For Warriors for this, but my most sincere thanks.
Words For Warriors Listing Approved

Dear Kristin,

My name is Andrea-- I'm contacting you from LetterToASoldier.com. I wanted to let you know that your website (Words For Warriors) has been nominated for our list and has now been approved.

You can find your site listed at: www.lettertoasoldier.com
Rank on LetterToASoldier.com is based on voting. I have added a button so all of you can improve Words For Warriors Rankings.  

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Just A Reminder Words Are Powerful

There is a fantastic article posted at YouServed.com by LL called Letters From Home about a letter her father received while serving in Korea back in 1975- 1976. It is one of many examples of how important words can be. I know I have received several letters of troops telling me how they hang the letters we send over their bunks, or read them after a particularly bad day to help remind them what they are fighting for, and that we care. It is a little piece of home they can touch, because even if they don't know you, they are fighting for you. You should say thank you.

I like, LL encourage you to write something, anything, to a soldier. If you'd like to send it yourself, I recommend Anysolder.com or you can send it to me, and I will happily combine it with the letters I send. It really doesn't take but a minute, so do it.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

MARSOC in Afghanistan

Easter has always been a time of family in my house. As a child it was a time to gather up all of the cousins, eat lots of candy, and play Star Wars with my male cousins. Yeah... I was always Princess Leia. I realize I am in danger of exposing my age when I say, Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi are some of the best movies... evah!  I have no idea what the grown ups would do, but what I do remember was everyone was there. Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Grandparents, even friends who lived too far away to be with their own families.

While looking around I found this picture, which reminded me not only of My Marine Master Jedi, but of every soldier who is away from their family on this day. I know I am not alone as I send a prayer out for our troops, and I know you will do the same.  

MARSOC in Afghanistan



Saturday, April 3, 2010