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Our Flag and Memories of 9/11
It was a simple act this morning: lowering the flag to half staff to remember 9/11/2001. It was a cool and wet morning and at first, I hesitated. Why should I head out within a week of chemotherapy, etc. I could find all kinds of reasons to sit in my comfortable chair and sip coffee… I was still on active duty; in fact, my crew had landed from an overseas mission in the middle of the night and headed home for some well deserved rest that was not to be. Half asleep and time zoned from a trip half way around the world, I was surprised to see and hear…
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“… Upholding the Traditions We Have in America”
“The appreciation and kind thoughts will last much longer than the vegetables and my health will continue to be refreshed by all three!” Row Markers Americans are famous worldwide for helping our neighbors out. Find a tsunami, earthquake or a camp for the victims of war and you will usually find American personnel, supplies or donated equipment; sometimes all three. We give through our churches, the Red Cross and many other non profits and our military forces are usually at the forefront of overseas efforts. At home, neighbors and families can be seen doing the weekend projects that often end in refreshments or even a barbecue at this time of…
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Veterans Day 2013 Meals, Deals & Support
Veterans Day 2013 is less then a month away and it is time to acknowledge the companies that will take the time to appreciate our deserving US Veterans. National Meals, Deals and Support: Many of these Restaurants and Businesses are Franchises and Participation may vary. Be sure to call ahead to insure they are participating. Applebees (meal) on Monday, November 11th during business hours will give Veterans and Active Duty service members a signature entrée. (Participating locations only, identification required – see their website for list of supporting documents) Bar Louie (meal) is offering a lunch or dinner on Louie for all Veterans & Active Duty on Monday, November 11th. (Up…
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New and Old Adventures for the Military Family
Old adventure!A military PCS is always an adventure! In fact, “military lifestyle” is a synonym for adventure. Finding new fun things to do in your new community after a PCS can be challenging for a military family! Heading outdoors, new schools, new jobs, getting out the front door, off the installation, exploring social opportunities, meeting new friends, visiting local highlights, browsing new malls, walking new trails and playing on new park equipment can be the best of times. But last week I had the greatest time exploring an adventure from the past! Charleston, South Carolina was a wonderful place to live but the summer’s were hot and humid and each…
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A Gold Star Mom Speaks Up! DoD Blogger Roundtable
Staff Sergeant Carter See Photo Credit BelowStaff Sergeant Ty Michael Carter will receive the Congressional Medal of Honor on Monday, August 26th for heroism at Combat Outpost Keating, Afghanistan on Oct. 3, 2009. There were eight soldiers from Carter’s unit killed during a ferocious battle that day. Pfc. Stephan Mace was one of them and his mother, Vanessa Adelson, has chosen to speak up to the American public about this story to highlight the sacrifices that are being made by the military community. The Gold Star community often serves quietly as Leanne noted earlier this week in her blog, “The Gold Star Family and Our American Flag“. Vanessa Adelson wants…
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Universities that Support our Veterans
I read a recent article about two universities that ‘get it’. Rutgers University and the University of Arizona; The Lumina Foundation highlighted them in their recent magazine, you can read more here: Lumina Foundation Features Two Colleges for Their Work Serving Student Veterans; America Needs More Vets with Degrees to Meet Attainment Needs Just think, only three years ago Rutgers didn’t have any type of Veterans Program and now they are receiving national recognition. It goes to show you don’t have to jump through hoops to make it happen you just need to make a plan and stick to it! I love support like this for our Veterans and I certainly…
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Memorial Day
See photo credit MilitaryAvenue PinterestThis Memorial Day is going to be different for us. We have many family members who have served and some who are currently serving. From World War II to present day Afghanistan with stops in Korea, Vietnam, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. We even have a grandson currently in basic training at Ft Leonard Wood who will do his service time as well. Praying that he will never see combat! But this Memorial Day there is a big hole in my heart where two WW II veteran brothers used to hang out and remind us of the many sacrifices they shared. These two men passed away…
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Aprons in Action: Grand Rapids Home for Veterans
Have you heard about Home Depot’s Apron in Action? It is a great competition sponsored by The Home Depot Foundation where you can help veterans’ nonprofits raise money. We have been part of projects before like, “Motown has a new Veterans Homeless Facility and Park“. MilitaryAvenue.com is based out of Grand Rapids, Michigan and so when I read that this month’s Aprons in Action contest has a Grand Rapids based project in the lead (for now!) I had to check it out. I love seeing ‘corporate America’ supporting our troops, our veterans, with more then just their pocketbook but in the dust and grime too. My hat is off to Home…
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Raising a Generation that Loves
Today Newtown, Conneticut will bury the first of their children. Noah Pozner, age 6, will be laid to rest at 1:00pm. (Newtown shooting victims: First funerals to be held) Then there will be 19 more funerals for children and 7 for adults. Oh deep sorrow runs through my blood. My husband, the level headed soldier who has seen more then I would like to imagine, came home on Friday and immediately turned on the news. He watched for a quite a while, standing there stunned. Then the man who is never sick complained of a headache the rest of the night. I don’t know if it was a headache as much…
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Change of Command: Celebrate Parade Rest
Although geese fly in formation, they did not waddle on the parade field at Scott AFB. No goose steps. The left feet hit the turf on the beat of the bass drum. Flights, squadrons, groups and wings presented polished top notched personnel, as always, ready to shine and report to General Welsh, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force. Our military has a time honored tradition to uphold precision and honor in a way that showcases the challenge of working together. The step by step, in step march of men and women blends the missions the training and the esprit de corps of individual squadrons, groups and wings: they…
