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.

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?

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.

I AM YOUR FLAG

As I mentioned in a previous post, shortly after hearing of the tragedy of the helicopter in Afghanistan which took 30 American lives the majority of which were Navy SEAL's, I was in attendance at a Cub Scout Camp Out with my two sons.

The Cub Scout along with several of the fathers in attendance were Veteran's. The Flag Retirement Ceremony is always emotional, but with the added deaths it seemed heavier. The Cub Master read the following poem, which to me seemed to go beyond Our Flag speaking to us, but the Fallen Men and Women of our Country speaking to us. I felt as if every person who had ever fought for Our Flag was speaking the words.

With permission I have the Cub Scout I AM YOUR FLAG poem that was read at our ceremony.

“I am your Flag. I appear in many places. I have taken many forms and been called many names. I was authorized by Congress in 1818 in the form you see now and have remained unchanged except to add a new star each July 4^th after a new State joined the Union until I reached my present number of 50.”

“I am more than just red, white, and blue cloth shaped into a design. I am a silent sentinel of freedom. People of every country in the world know me on sight. Many countries love me as you do. Other countries look at me with contempt because they don’t allow the freedom of Democracy that I represent – but they do look on me with respect. I am strong and the people of America have made me strong. My strength comes from your willingness to give help to those who are in need. You strive for world peace, yet stand ready to fight oppression. You send resources and offer technology to less fortunate countries so they may strive to become self-sufficient. You feed starving children. You offer a home to anyone who will pledge allegiance to America. “

“Your sons gather beneath me to offer their lives on the battlefields, to preserve the Liberty I represent. That’s why I love the American people. That’s why I have flown so proudly.”

“Scouts and their families are some of my favorite people. I listen to your patriotic songs. I’m there at your flag ceremonies and I appreciate the tender care you give me. I feel the love when you say your pledge. I notice that your hand covers your heart when I am on parade. How smartly you salute as I pass by and I ripple with pleasure when I see it. I have had the great Honor of being your flag of the United States of America.”

“But now I am tired and it’s time for me to rest in the Sacred Flames of your campfire. My colors are faded and my cloth is tattered but my spirit remains unbroken.”

“As you watch me burn, do not be sad or feel sorry for me. I will be back the next time you need me, and my colors will be fresh and bright and my edges won’t be ragged anymore. Next time when I climb to the top of the flagpole I’ll wave at you and remember the love and respect that you have showed me here tonight.”

Have you ever witnessed a Flag Retirement Ceremony? How has it impacted you?

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!

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.

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.

Patriotic Fish

When Mrs. Wheeler, a First Grade teacher at Janesville Union told me she was having her kids make "Patriotic Fish" for the soldiers, I was pleased. Due to the chaos at the end of the school year I picked up the box of Patriotic Fish just last week. I wanted to send something special for Fourth Of July and hoped this project would be it. I pulled a fish from the box, I was completely astonished. The love and care each fish is constructed with is evident. Each one is uniquely different, with a message of caring and gratitude from the student who made the fish on the back. Messages include, "You are a special person. Thank you for being brave." "I love you" and "Thank you so much for being a soldier." Mrs. Wheeler even took the time to attach fishing line so the fish can be hung from a celling, or anything you could tie a Patriotic Fish to.

Knowing I get soldier's address from Anysoldier.com, Mrs. Wheeler asked if I knew where the fish would be sent. I told her I had just adopted a new soldier in Bagram from Soldier's Angel's and I thought this would be a great way for him and his fellow soldiers to celebrate Fourth Of July. Mrs. Wheeler agreed, and now we are just hoping that "milmail" will get the twenty Patriotic Fish to Bagram in time for Fourth Of July celebrations. 

I will admit, as a "grown up" it never occurred to me to make Patriotic Fish, but after seeing these fish it occurs to me, anything can be patriotic. All you need is a little imagination and love, something these students have in epic proportions. 

Ferrellgas Propane Gas Company shows it will Never Forget

Read in entirety to see how Ferrellgas Propane Gas Company not only made a large donation to the USO, but also how they are honoring the memory of Sgt Issac Jackson. 

USO of North Carolina receives local donation

By Sgt. Nicole Howell40th PAD

	Photo by Sgt. Nicole Howell/40th PAD Enoch Jackson sits behind the wheel of the bobtail truck that was dedicated in memory of his father, Sgt. Issac Jackson who was killed in action.

A national gas company with a local office in Fayetteville decided to give back to the local community by giving a significant monetary donation to the USO of North Carolina at Fort Bragg June 4. The donation is one way they are showing support to the armed forces.

Ferrellgas, a national propane gas company, donated $10,000 to the USO of North Carolina as a way to give back to the servicemembers for their dedication and sacrifice. Read More....

Say Thanks This Fourth of July

The Fourth Of July is quickly approaching, which is a perfect opportunity to send some extra support to our deployed men and women. I am asking for your help. How can you help? There are two ways:

1. Head over to Xerox to participate in their "Lets Say Thanks" program. It takes 30 seconds to pick a card and a message. Xerox absorbs all of the cost of printing these wonderful child designed cards and postage to help ensure our men and women know we care. Here is the other great thing.... there is no limit. Everyone in your family can send as many as you take the time to fill out. Please pass this link to all of your friends and family for their participate too.

2. Write a note on a post card. I have been told by some they don't know what to write in a letter, so they choose not write. If this is the way you feel, please grab a post card writing a small note of encouragement, such as, "Thank you for your service" "God Bless you and your family." Remember, it's not the quantity of words that matter, its the heart felt sentiment.

My goal is to send at least 150 post cards before the Fourth Of July. If you live in Susanville, I will have post cards at the Warrior Wall in Subway, and in Elise's Barber Shop on Main Street. If you do not live in  my area please contact me here.  You can still help. Help me bring a smile to 150 deployed service members who are fighting for us.

Thank you for helping me, support our Armed Forces making sure NO Soldier, Marine, Sailor, or Airman feels forgotten.

Stars

Right before school was out, I became aware of a friend, who knew a female soldier, who survived an IED in Afghanistan and was recovering at Walter Reed. That same day a teacher asked me how "the soldiers are doing?" I mentioned the female soldier, and how I wished I could do something to send her some support. That's how it got started. I spoke to the students in the classes I taught that day, all kindergardeners through third graders. I asked the students to raise their hands and tell me what made them feel better when they got hurt or sick. I got a variety of answers ranging from rainbows to video games. Then I explained there was a hurt soldier and perhaps if we drew some of the things that made us feel better, it might make her feel better too. Soon I had approximately 100 drawings and a few letters. Mrs. Bricker and Mrs. Ovitz, both Third grade teachers had their students go a little farther by decorating stars to send.

My thoughts have mostly been with the female soldier and her family. It hadn't occurred to me what the students would learn from making these cards, until the very last day of school. I had a kindergardener walk up to me and say, "I remember you. You taught me how to make people feel better by drawing pictures for them." That priceless moment is one of the BEST moments of my teaching experience so far.
I tell people, if you really want to change something, then start with the children. In the battle of apathy in America today, there are several students at Janesville Union who I believe will turn the tide for the better.

A Child Who Battles "Empathy Fatigue"

I do not know Addi, but understand her. I know she is growing into an amazing young woman who can truly accomplish anything she wishes. For those of you in the Armed Forces who thinks no one cares, this is a must read.
H/T Allie

GEORGETOWN, KY. • On Christmas Day somewhere inAfghanistan, a Navy fireman named Greg put on his “magic Santa hat” and, as directed, handed out cards to 300 of his fellow troops.

All because of 10-year-old Addi Fletcher.

Greg is one of hundreds of active-duty military whom the Georgetown girl refers to as “my soldier friends,” and every week for the past four years, she has written a letter to at least one service member in Iraq or Afghanistan. She has sent care packages at least twice a month. And, at one point, she decided she had to adopt 100 members of the military.

“What’s neat about Addi is her dedication,” said Patti Patton-Bader, who founded the nonprofit Soldiers’ Angels program that matches Addi with her pen pals. “She just put her nose to the grindstone and really got it.” Read More....

Bleeding Red

What color do our Men and Women in the Armed Forces bleed for us? The answer is red. In Honor of their sacrifice a grassroots organization has started Red Shirt Fridays.  There are 52 Friday's in a year (unless of course it's a leap year, then it's 53) which is just a really good beginning to letting our Armed Forces know we care.  We support them.  We have not forgotten them.

I expect everyone to wear a red shirt on every Friday. If you don't own a red shirt, Red Shirt Fridays Organization has partnered up with a company that makes them, inexpensive, and all profits go to support the troops. There are other sites out as well who make Red Friday Shirts, no excuses.  Make it happen at your school, office, and in your family.

Kid Wisdom

Anyone who has spent anytime with children knows they are full of little bits of wisdom you can't find anywhere else. Here is an example from my son Aidan,

"Mom, when we send letters, pictures, and packages to the soldiers fighting the bad guys, are we doing Santa's work? Would that make our love that we put in the packages the magic?"

Normally Aidan makes me laugh with his wisdom, but this one made me teary eyed. He might be in the body of a 4.5 year old, but sometimes I think he is much much older. It is this kind of wisdom that makes me wonder what kind of man he will be. No matter what he does, I am already one of the world's proudest moms.

A Words For Warriors Supporter

I would like to send a special Thanks to Elise's from Elise's Barber Shop on 724 Main Street. She has only been in business about a week and has still found time not only to support our Relay For Life effort, but also support our troops, and help me support them.  The front windows in Elise's shop are filled with framed photo's of Susanville's fine men and woman who either have or, are serving our Country. Elise offered me full use of her windows, indefinitely to support Words For Warriors and help me raise donations for postage. I am so eternality grateful I almost busted out with a little dance right in her shop. Below is a picture of her shop, decorated for Paint The Town Purple.  I encourage everyone in the Susanville area who needs a Barber to visit Elise. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

The shop is filled with American Pride and Support, of all kinds.

Thank You Elise.

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.

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.