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.