For A Brave Warrior

Anyone who knows me, knows I don't have to know you, to want to do something for you. If I hear you need something, and I have it, I will give it to you. If you need a laugh, I am your fool. I am a giver. It makes me happy to help other people, anyway I can. That is, after all, why I started this blog and Words For Warriors project. I saw a need for the men and women who fight for us to know, we know they are there, and we appreciate them. Their sacrifices do not go unnoticed.

This leads me to my friend Krystal. She is an Army Medic. I have no doubt she will have an impact on the future in many ways, saving lives is only going to be one of them. Recently one of her close friends who was stationed in Afghanistan was injured by an IED. Even though I have never met, talked to, or even seen a picture of Krystal's friend, I felt helpless. I felt helpless for the injured soldiers' husband, family,  friends, and teammates. While reading all of the facebook updates posted by friends and family I wanted to do something... anything to help. So I emailed a few of the teachers who have been big supporters of Words For Warriors. I told them about Krystal, and her injured friend, and asked if they would take the time to make something.... anything that we could send to make sure this soldier, who sacrificed her leg, among many other things, would know her sacrifices have not gone unnoticed.  

Mrs. Bricker and Mrs. McKee's classes from Janesville Union School made "Get Well Shamrocks" for me to send. Some of these Shamrocks where intricately decorated with markers, crayons, and decorative cut outs that would put a snowflake to shame. Some had messages of sympathy and empathy written on them. I was proud the teachers, and the students took the time to make something, for someone they had never met, who had sacrificed so much on their behalf in an effort to make sure a proud defender of our country knows we care.

I mailed these shamrocks directly to Krystal, who just happened to be home on leave and planning a trip to Walter Reed to see her friend. I know Krystal, who has worked with children before joining the Army, could appreciate the students efforts and would enjoy sharing them with her recovering friend. I hope more than anything these shamrocks provided at least one smile, along with the support from so many in a small town in California.

Relay For Life Kick Off

We are having a HUGE bash to celebrate the Kick Off for relay for life.  If you live anywhere close to me I expect to see you there!  It is at Meadowview School multipurpose room from 6 to 7 pm tonight.  There will be guest speakers, information, games, and giveaways. It's going to be Fun, Fun, and more Fun.  Children are welcomed and encouraged to enjoy the festivities, so please... bring the whole family!

Where does the Money Go?

I know a question on pretty much everybody's mind when dealing with a charity is, "Where does the money go?"  No one likes to find out their hard earned money (especially in this economic downfall) has gone to some plush CEO who has more money than brain cells to begin with, so here... I am posting this graph, which can be found on the American Cancer Society Relay For Life web page.  Now that you know where the money goes... I challenge you to make a donation.  The minimum online donation is $5.00... about a gallon and a half of gasoline for your car.  So donate now right here.

Fight For Our Future

In an effort to do my part in fighting for our future... like so many of our proud men and women I have become highly involved in Relay for Life.  I am the Team Captain of the Words For Warriors Linked team.  In an effort to get as many students and community members involved I have Teamed up with Links from Lassen Union High School because it only seemed appropriate to fight FOR our future WITH our future.

You can check out the Team Words For Warriors Linked page here.  This page will soon be updated.

You can check out my Personal Team Captain page here. 

Veterans Day/Memorial Day Song

My friend Gene who served this country as an Oakland Police officer posted this and I thought it was so wonderful I had to post it here for everyone to see.  It not only brought a tear to my eye, but made me proud of the performing 3rd graders.  This is excellent and I advise you to take the time to listen to it.  It might be the best three minutes of your day.

Thanks you Soldiers Veterans Day/Memorial Day Song by Tussing Elementary Third Grade Class

Army Strong

I have had the pleasure of meeting a ton of new people which have quickly turned into very valuable friendships by starting Words For Warriors.  Today I received a package from my friends, Team Nemesis who are in Bagdad.  I have several pictures that they have sent me, but will not post them because I have not asked for permission and don't know if I would endanger them by doing so.  After all... this is the internet.  However, I will post some pictures of me and my boys showing off a few items that were in the package.  Not only are these great guys, but to know they took the time to put something special together for me and my boys overwhelms me.  I know they have difficult jobs and are in danger frequently, and yet still thought of us.  So it is with ALL my heart I say THANK YOU TEAM NEMESIS.

Thanks From A Marine

I just wanted to share this letter I got from Corporal Stevenson who was lucky enough to get the Valentines Day pop-up cards from Mrs. Ovitz's third grade class.  If you don't remember these fabulous cards you may see my previous post here.

Hello Kristina, my name is CPL Stevenson, (I just go promoted not to long ago so my email still says LCPL) I am in the United States Marine Corps and have been in for roughly 3 years now. I just wanted to take the time to thank you for the time you have took to start you "words for warriors" program. It is greatly appreciated. About my self, I am 21 years old and am currently deployed in southern Helmand province in Afghanistan, I too am from California, I am from Fresno which is in central California. But I am stationed out of camp lejeune NC. Your letters are VERY much appreciated, "A MARINE IS ONLY AS STRONG AS HIS SUPPORT FROM HOME" and to tell you the truth, sometimes we do feel forgotten and unappreciated, but people like you are the ones that we are here fighting for. And I thank you for what your doing. We have forwarded your letters to all the marines in my direct unit, and thought we do not have much time to write, I took it upon myself to let you know that we appreciate it... so once again, thank you very much, feel free to email me anytime.. thank you!!!!


CPL STEVENSON
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS


I would like to extend a big CONGRATULATIONS to Corporal Stevenson on his promotion.  I have no doubt it was well earned.


*I would just like to note that I have reposted Corporal Stevenson's letter exactly as he wrote it.  I have not added or taken anything from it and all emphasis is his. 

Show Your Support on Facebook

In an attempt to continue to get the word out on this little project I have started a Facebook page.  I encourage you to show your support and become a fan if you use Facebook.  The more access people have to Words For Warriors, the more we can show our support to our Warriors.

Many Thanks

http://ww.facebook.com/pages/Words-For-Warriors/286572989004

Mrs. Ethridge's Class

Mrs. Ethridge teaches the 4th and 5th grade combo class at Janesville Union School.  I had the privilege of being her substitute in the month of January.   I say it was a privilege because that's exactly what it was. Anyone who has a child in her class can be very proud on several levels.  First, it is an extraordinarily well behaved class.  I don't even think I had to ask them to quiet down once, which is completely unheard of for a substitute.  Secondly, I saw these children express more caring, empathy, and understanding for each other and the soldiers than I have ever seen in a classroom.
When I first explained that whenever they finished with an assignment early they could read a book quietly at their desk, or draw pictures, and write to the soldiers they were immediately excited.  In the instant to follow I heard students talking to other students about what not to say, because they didn't want to draw or write anything that would make the soldiers sad.  The students goal was clearly to make every soldier who was lucky enough to receive their letters, smile.  After looking at the pictures and reading the notes I think it is a safe bet they will illicit several smiles.  Especially the two boys who chose to write jokes.
I can't hardly wait for the letters to reach the USO in Al Basra Iraq where they can be properly enjoyed.    

Students Making A Difference

I would just like to stress the hard work the students are putting into their letters, poems, and artwork is paying off.  I mailed 14 packages of student work in the Month of January and have received 7 responses so far.  Considering the conditions and grueling work hours of these men, getting a response from half is far more than I could have ever expected.  The amazing thing is some of the packages are only just arriving, and some haven't arrived at all, so we may get responses from more soldiers in the future.

Every one of these soldiers who has responded has made it a point to let me know that receiving the packages full of student work not only brought smiles to their faces, but pride in their hearts.  I think one Marine said it best when he said, "A MARINE IS ONLY AS STRONG AS HIS SUPPORT FROM HOME."  He then went on to say that he had felt forgotten, so the letters he received where a great comfort and moral booster.  The letters are currently being passed to everyone in his unit.  I am finding out that these men share everything so passing the letters around so everyone in the unit can read them is standard operational procedure.

The letters I have received have brought great satisfaction to me, because they show we are being successful.  The students, teachers, and I are proving to our Warriors we do care.  They have not been forgotten about, and they are important to us.  I believe that is making all the difference.