Frank W. Tomberlin, Pearl Harbor Survivor Dies at age 92

The world lost another piece of history when Frank W. Tomberlin, a Pearl Harbor survivor passed away at 92 years of age, his wife, Louise of 66 years was at his side. 

Mr. Tomberlin joined the Navy in 1940 and was stationed in Pearl Harbor on the destroyer USS Henley when the Japanese attacked. He continued to serve on the Henley until October 3, 1943, when it was torpedoed and sunk off the coast of New Guinea. Mr. Tomberlin finished his service on the USS Lyman K. Swenson until he was discharged after the end of the war in the Pacific.

On April 17, 2013, the Lassen County Board of Supervisors passed a proclamation honoring the last of the Lassen County Pearl Harbor survivors, Frank W. Tomberlin and Richard "Pappy" Dallimore. Pappy Dallimore is now Lassen County's sole survivor.

Mr. Tomberlin enjoyed spending time with his children and 20 grand-children. He was an avid 49'ers fan and loved animals.

The family requested in lieu of flowers at the memorial service, they would like everyone to, "Please tell a Veteran, Thank you for your service." I ask my readers to thank a Veteran in honor of Frank W. Tomberlin, Pearl Harbor Survivor.

Remember.... Their Sacrifice. Our Freedom.

Honoring The Memory of SGT Padgett

I was contacted by a reader about something GREAT!

What you might ask?

A team who represents the 7th Special Forces group, made up of Operational Detachment Alpha Underwater Operations Team members are honoring a fallen teammate. SGT Timothy Padgett who was killed during combat operations in Afghanistan six years ago this May.

How are they honoring SGT Padgett's memory?

After being home from an Afghanistan deployment for only SIX weeks, they will be competing in the Eglin AFB Gate to Gate run. The Gate to Gate run is 4.4 miles and is to take place on May 27, 2013. A traveling trophy will be awarded to the first team in the military division, and these guys WANT this trophy, as they run in SGT Pagett's memory.

Winning the trophy in memory of SGT Pagett's isn't enough, after all he selflessly gave his life for his teammates and his Country. The team wants to help the families of their fallen brothers by collecting donations for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. The Foundation provides college scholarships in addition to other programs for the surviving children of fallen Special Operations Forces members.

The Team's goal is $10,000 and they are only 42% of the way there with 29 days left. This is good news, because there is still time for You to make a donation!

To donate go to:


Remember.... Their Sacrifice. Our Freedom.

Help Bring Pin-Ups For Vets To Reno Nevada

Gina Elise from Pin-Ups For Vets (http://www.pinupsforvets.com) and Words For Warriors are looking for sponsors to support a moral boosting visit to the Reno, Nevada VA Hospital. Pin-Ups For Vets is a non-profit organization which supports it's visits to VA hospitals, military bases, and active duty military on the home front and overseas through the sale of 1940's inspired pin-up calendars.

Gina is a super hero in the military support sphere, her accomplishments have been reported by Inside Edition, ABC, NBC, Fox News, American Forces Network, Good Day LA, Desert Car Kings, The Washington Times, Boston Herald, The Denver Post, and Stars and Stripes. Did I mention she is beautiful and sweet with a heart of gold too?

If that isn't enough to convince you to get involved, the Pin-Ups For Vets Mission Statement reads:

"Pin-Ups For Vets raises funds for medical equipment and program expansion to improve Veteran's healthcare, enhances quality of life for ill Veterans across the U.S. through personal bedside visits to deliver gifts of appreciation. promotes volunteerism at Veterans Hospitals, conducts morale-boosting events for military spouses, and boosts morale for deployed troops through delivery of care packages."

Donations and sponsorships to support our Wounded and Veterans in Reno are needed! If you would like more information, you can contact Gina directly at Gina@pinupsforvets.com or you can email Kristina at wordsforwarriors@gmail.com

Remember... Their Sacrifice. Our Freedom.

To Blog or Not To Blog

My goal for Words For Warriors was to use my contacts through schools to involve children in supporting our Military, showcasing letters between the children and the Military. I wanted proof that American's do care. We are not all at the mall. Since my last post in November 2012, I have supported Wounded Warrior's, the USO, and some grateful fellows downrange. I have not shared those experiences, but that doesn't make them any less fulfilling. Which leads me to wonder....

Should I continue to blog?

I am struggling with the decision to continue this blog, or call it quits. Don't get me wrong, I am still a huge supporter of Military, Veteran's, Wounded Warrior's, and their Families. Providing support has introduced me to some amazing people. At the same time, it has opened me up to nefarious military personal who lied to me in ways I still can't comprehend. 

So I ask, is this blog reaching it's intended audience?

Does publicly showcasing support for the Military help in anyway?

Should I change the blog's scope?

Be honest. I'm asking for it.

Above all though.... Remember. Their Sacrifice. Our Freedom. 

Valour-IT, Who's going to win this year?

Well folks it's Valour-IT time again. If you don't know about Valour-IT and how they use technology to assist our Wounded Warriors heal.... THEN GET WITH IT! To donate and keep up with who's winning check out the official Valour-IT blog at http://soldiersangels.org/fundraiser.html.

As of this post the Marines are on top!
Will they keep the lead?
Or will Army take over like last year?
Is the Navy and Air Force out of the fight?

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.

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.

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! 

A Call To Action For Our Wounded

Below is a letter I have distributed to all the local schools in my area, then it occurred to me I should post this letter so others could be involved. I am traveling for the first time to Washington D.C. to attend the Milblog conference, after I will visit and see as much as I can in the area, including Walter Reed. I am asking for your help to show support to those who need it, to those who deserve to be thanked for their service, so they may know American's are grateful.  

Please share, email, facebook, tweet to help get Words to Our Warriors of love, support, and encouragement. 

Words For Warriors whose mission statement is 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 is going to visit the wounded in Washington D.C. the first week of May.

            Why am I contacting you? Because the healing words, drawings, and poems from children is some of the most therapeutic, giving hope to those who are struggling.  Words For Warriors is asking for teachers to take the time to have their classes make Get Well or Thank You cards, pictures, letters, or poems to be personally handed to the wounded at Walter Reed.  The deadline for me to receive material to hand out is Monday, April 26^th, 2011.

            It is critical to remember American’s valiant volunteer force, which has sworn to protect our great nation year round. 

.

 Sincerely,

Kristina Divine 

Founder/President

 PO. Box 734

Janesville, Ca. 96114

wordsforwarriors@gmail.com

http://wordsforwarriors.blogspot.com

Baking For The Troops- Success

Last Wednesday, March 9th was the first gathering of Baking For The Troops. Nicole S. (whose husband is a Veteran) was nice enough to welcome us into her home.  There were a few challenges, like a power surge braking Nicole's electric oven.  It took more than one batch of cookies for us to realize it was baking at three times the required heat.  Then the oven wouldn't turn off, until unplugged from the wall.

We would not be stopped. In true Military style we adapted and over came. I took all of the cookie dough to my house to bake and package the cookies.  There are chocolate oatmeal, and good old fashioned chocolate chip cookies which are wrapped two to a package. There are approximately 100 packages or 200 cookies being mailed to some hungry military personal.

The cookies are being accompanied by letters written by Janesville Union Students, as if homemade cookies weren't enough. Here are a few pictures of the cookies being cooked. Enjoy!

An Interview With Words For Warriors

Words For Warriors has been selected by the BlogRadioTalk (BTR) show Support Our Troops- In Word And Deed to be interviewed on Monday, March 14th at 7pm EST or 4pm PST. We invite  everyone to come check it out!

We will be discussing different ways to bridge the gap between the community, military personnel and their family.  We will also be discussing different ways to support the military and their caregivers.  There is a forum for questions during the show, and if you miss it you can always download the episode at a later date.

I hope to see you there!

Operation Get Well Warriors

It is important to remember those who are currently fighting for our country, but what about when they come home? What if they are injured? What if they have months or years of rehabilitation? Does our support stop?
NO.
Our support should be unwavering throughout a Warriors life. There are hundreds of types of traumas a Warrior can come home with; PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, I.E.D and bullet associated trauma to name a few. A Warrior should NEVER FEEL FORGOTTEN and neither should a Wounded Warrior. Words For Warriors has sent Get Well cards in the past, but we have finally gotten the address to Landstuhl Reginal Medical Center in Germany with a contact to send cards too. (For those of you who don't know I believe Landstuhl is the first place the injured get transferred before coming home.)
Now that I have this address Operation Get Well Warriors can commence.  I will be accepting letters, artwork, poems, pretty much any thing you can think of to send some support and a heartfelt Get well to an injured Warrior. Make sure they know we still care. They are not forgotten.
A main concern I have heard is, "I don't know what to write." I say write what's in your heart. It's not about how much you write. It's about giving support to someone who needs it.
Children really are great for get well cards. Last year, I asked classes at Janesville Union to make me get well cards for the friends, of friends who were injured by an I.E.D. I told them to draw pictures of what makes them feel better when they are sick or hurt, and maybe it would help make the soldier feel better. I received over 200 pieces of artwork ranging from kindergarden to 6th grade. Two classes made get well stars. You can read about that post here. Two other classes made get well shamrocks. You can read that post here.
Last June, on the last day of school I knew it had been a good experience for the children when a kindergartner walked up to me and said, "I know you. You taught me how to make someone feel better by making them a card."
If a 5 year old can understand the importance of a get well card, then so should you. Please get involved.
If email is your media of choice, then email me your written message of support to wordsforwarriors@gmail.com It will be printed out and mailed. Please Reference Operation Get Well Warriors in the subject line.
Please mail artwork and letters to P.O. Box 734, Janesville, Ca. 96114

This is a fantastic opportunity for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H, schools, scrapbook clubs, and any other community supporting organization for adults and children. If you know of an organization you think would benefit from participating, please pass along their contact information. I will gratefully contact them.

 

Honored, Respected and Celebrated.

I am ashamed to admit, I was once plagued by the apathy I am working so hard to eradicate around me. I once walked blind in a world of abundance with no thought to those who have been fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq these past ten years.
Reconnecting with a lost friend who had just begun his third deployment spurred my rebirth. It was when he confirmed most men and women who were deployed felt forgotten and wondered if "Anyone in America know we are still here?" that helped me shed my skin of apathy as my heart broke for each and every man and woman who deserves to be honored, respected, and celebrated for their service. Words For Warriors was born.
I have made knew friends, learned to look at the world with new eyes. I love nothing more than to know I have brought a smile to a strangers face with a letter or a care package. I have given the gift of knowledge to a service member that a perfect stranger thought about them. Honoring their sacrifices for our freedoms.
I also find pleasure in knowing I'm fighting the War of Apathy each and every time I get someone involved in Words For Warriors, have a teacher encourage there class to write letters or make artwork to be sent downrange. Children are our future, it bides well that they should be proud of their Country and those who defend it. The submissions for Operation Postcard re-enforces the pride children hold in their hearts for their Country. I hold the proof.
There are several social economic factors with elections in sight that could be spurring the rekindled recollection of the War's and the men and women who fight. Regardless of the reasons, I am noticing support for our Warriors in new places. Besides the American Flag being flown over homes, businesses, and public buildings, I have seen the MIA/POW flag flown at several locations on a daily basis. I have driven by more than one house in different cities paying tribute to loved ones who serve by plastering the names of their loved ones on the outside of their house.
Yesterday I was surprised and proud to find a Support Our Troops cake for purchase from Safeway. Today I found Veteran's Day cards in my local Walgreens, which are manufactured by Hallmark. I have never seen Veteran's Day cards before. I bought one of each, because I know just who to give them too.
There are a plethora of ways for the average citizen to give their support to our Warriors, which cost nothing to participate in. There are organizations like Words For Warriors, Soldier's Angels, and Operation Gratitude to name a few. Yes, all of these organizations need donations, but donating time by making crafts, or writing letters is equally as valuable as money. The recipients of the letters and crafts of support might even argue they are invaluable. The arduous economic times are no excuse for not getting involved.
Every Warrior makes a pledge to protect America, its citizens, and their brothers. I think every citizen should make a pledge to Honor, Respect, and Celebrate the lives and memories of the brave men and women who protect America and her citizens.

Patriotism

I saw this truck driving around. This kind of Patriotism deserves a shout out. Thank you in helping spread the message to Support Our Troops, our Warriors who are fighting and sacrificing so much. 

Operation Postcard Send

Here are a few more examples of the great postcards people right. I hope each one brings a smile and reminds our Troops that they are NOT forgotten.

Letters For Lyrics

Zac Brown has teamed up with Ram Trucks to send 100,000,000 letters to our troops downrange. It only takes a moment and you can do it from here. You also get a free Zac Brown CD, or you can send the tunes to a troop. Show you care.... send a letter.

Think about this...

Many of us civilians don't think about what the families, and the men and women of our volunteer forces miss and sacrifice to protect us. Over at One Marine's View Maj Pain gives us a reminder.
Please read it.

Postcards Of Thanks

Here are a few children who would like to thank YOU Military Men and Women who sacrifice so much. You have NOT been forgotten!

Four year old Rory says THANKS!

Postcards Of Thanks

Words For Warriors has been supplying postcards to local businesses for customers to send a word of Thanks downrange.  The postcards are gathered and sent in bundles to Battalions, Units, and Teams to make sure our men and women know they are NOT forgotten. It occurred to me I should be posting these cards to help Words For Warriors meet their goal, of making sure NO ONE IS FORGOTTEN and  WE DO CARE. 
Here is the first of several postcards that will be posted.

Soldier,

 Thank you for what you are doing for all Americans. Remember this is only one season of your life. Fight hard. Live everyday unto the Lord. I pray that you will be protected and comforted by God. 

 Thank You, Cara, Wife and Mother of 2 Boys in CA

Messages of Hope, Support, and Love

As some of you know, Words For Warriors has support from local businesses like Subway and Elise's Barber Shop.  I have collected five posters and over fifty postcards of Thanks, Prayers, Support, and Love from their customers. Some of these customers, or Military Supporters are just passing through while on their summer vacation. Others are Veterans sending support to their brothers and sisters. There is more than one supporter who is as young as four years old, only able to sign their name.
The heartfelt love and support shines brightly through these messages.

I would like to Thank each and every person who is helping ensure that no solider is forgotten.