Being a Blue Star Mom means I hang with all the moms of our Armed Forces. I respect each one the same and know I can share my worries, excitement and more with them. I know quite a few of them read my blog and I told them I'd share when I got this made...so here it is. The first of many Marines shirts....
the Proud Marine Mom shirt!
This is made and available on my Zazzle store. I think they are having a special this month too...no shipping charges for June. That's a pretty cool deal I might take advantage of myself. :)
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Saturday, June 20, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Help US win $25,000 in Social Media contest
With just a couple of clicks, you can help Soldiers' Angels win a $25,000 social media "makeover!" Just type "Soldiers' Angels" into the box at the link and follow the directions.
Twitter, Facebook, and other interactive online platforms are one of the most potent ways to advocate, motivate, and spread the news these days. Soldiers' Angels is an Internet-based organization, and having an expert makeover on the social media side of things would help SA reach out even more effectively to inspire Americans to support our heroes and make sure "No Soldier Go Unloved."
Marcelle Turner, CEO of MindComet says, "Our hope is that the campaign will bring the participating organizations some national awareness through affiliation with the program, provide their constituents a focused mission to champion, and will ultimately result in a nationwide uplift in charitable giving driven by the power of social media."
The contest, created by interactive agency MindComet and dubbed CommuniCause, runs through July 31st. At the conclusion, a winner will be selected at random from the ten highest vote-getters. One vote per email is counted, but the length of the campaign gives supporters the opportunity to spread the word about the contest through email, personal websites, and relationships within their local community.
In addition to voting, supporters can place a badge on their website, or use Twitter to compile votes through "re-tweets" (@CommuniCause #cause2255). Click here and scroll down for details.
Competition began April 27, so Soldiers' Angels has some catching up to do! But we've got a great word-of-mouth "ground game," so the Top Ten isn't out of reach. Let's make it happen!
Twitter, Facebook, and other interactive online platforms are one of the most potent ways to advocate, motivate, and spread the news these days. Soldiers' Angels is an Internet-based organization, and having an expert makeover on the social media side of things would help SA reach out even more effectively to inspire Americans to support our heroes and make sure "No Soldier Go Unloved."
Marcelle Turner, CEO of MindComet says, "Our hope is that the campaign will bring the participating organizations some national awareness through affiliation with the program, provide their constituents a focused mission to champion, and will ultimately result in a nationwide uplift in charitable giving driven by the power of social media."
The contest, created by interactive agency MindComet and dubbed CommuniCause, runs through July 31st. At the conclusion, a winner will be selected at random from the ten highest vote-getters. One vote per email is counted, but the length of the campaign gives supporters the opportunity to spread the word about the contest through email, personal websites, and relationships within their local community.
In addition to voting, supporters can place a badge on their website, or use Twitter to compile votes through "re-tweets" (@CommuniCause #cause2255). Click here and scroll down for details.
Competition began April 27, so Soldiers' Angels has some catching up to do! But we've got a great word-of-mouth "ground game," so the Top Ten isn't out of reach. Let's make it happen!
Army Marks 234 Years of Service, Sacrifice
Article brought to my attention by our wonderful Soldiers' Angels:
Army Marks 234 Years of Service, Sacrifice
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
Army Marks 234 Years of Service, Sacrifice
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 12, 2009 – Citing the organization’s long history of selfless service and sacrifice, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III helped to commemorate the Army’s 234th birthday today at a Pentagon ceremony.
The U.S. Army officially celebrates its birthday June 14.
“This occasion marks the 234th year that ordinary men and women have become extraordinary citizens by answering the call of duty and placing the country in front of themselves,” Lynn said to an audience of soldiers and other servicemembers in the Pentagon courtyard. “I’m humbled by this long tradition of service, reaching back even to the founding of our nation.”
The Army tradition is expressed in a number of ways, he said, including in the actions and service of individual families.
Lynn recognized the Simpson family of Tennessee, whose generations of military service span nearly 100 years. Simpson family members served in Mexico, during World War II, in Vietnam and now in Afghanistan, he said.
“It’s this kind of service and dedication that’s the hallmark of the United States Army,” he added.
Lynn also acknowledged the Army as the world’s most formidable fighting force, and he credited family support as the dynamic that makes the Army such a strong, dependable organization. The Army couldn’t be the institution it is without the families, he said.
“Our soldiers, of course, do not bear the burdens of combat alone,” he continued. “When they sign up, they’re also volunteering their families. Army families are a constant source of support and inspiration, and in many ways, they’re the reasons our soldiers continue to serve.”
Today’s commemoration and cake cutting marks the start of a weeklong list of birthday activities all across the Army. The Army will hold its annual birthday ball here tomorrow, and on June 14, Army leadership will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. Also, individual Army posts will celebrate with 10-mile birthday runs.
This year is Army Secretary Pete Geren’s final Army birthday celebration as the service’s top official. It’s important, he said, to take the time to reflect on the importance and the impact the U.S. Army has had on the history of the world.
“It’s important for an organization such as ours … to stop and reflect on its proud history,” Geren said. “It’s important to stop and think how different the history of the United States [and] the history of the world would be without the United States Army.”
Geren cited the importance of remembering the sacrifice made by previous generations of soldiers and military members. The battlefields may be different throughout time, he said, but the sacrifice is the same.
“Reflect on those who fought in Desert Storm and … those soldiers who stood all those years ago at Lexington and Concord,” he said. “Reflect on that wife, that husband who’s waiting home today for their loved ones to return, [because] they are living the same experiences and emotions a wife was living when her husband [or] her son faced down the British troops at Lexington and Concord.
“As we enjoy this week and blow out those candles and sing happy birthday,” he continued, “it’s so important to stop and think about what our soldiers have done. Think about how different today the world would be if it were not for the soldiers and families of the United States Army.”
Monday, June 8, 2009
A letter to Angels and all who love the troops...
Dear Friends,
It is heartbreaking when we lose a warrior on the battlefield, and so very shocking when a warrior who seems safe at home falls in an act of violence within our borders. As you probably know, in Arkansas this week, two soldiers who had just begun their service were attacked by a fellow American. Soldiers' Angels is already working hard to give what comfort we can to the families, recruiters, and others involved--please read on to see how you can support them and their families and friends.
At 23 years of age, William Long was a bit older than the average recruit, but he had obviously decided to stand up and be counted as a defender of his country during wartime. Perhaps he made his decision with the example of his father--a former Marine--in mind. Fresh out of boot camp, he was back in his hometown to help the soldiers who had recruited him by sharing his experience of becoming a soldier with friends and acquaintances. Less is known about Quinton Ezeagwula at this time, who fortunately was only wounded and is expected to recover. But the same can be said for him--he had the courage and patriotism to volunteer for the military during wartime, and he had been selected to share his story. Both of them had been recruited by soldiers who worked in that recruiting center.
These two great young men and the recruiters who signed them up are just a sample of the heroes who have stood up to protect us, whose stories are not broadcast so loudly see days. But they are all still out there, serving quietly far away or right here at home as they keep the commitment they made when they signed up for military service in wartime. And they need to know Americans are supporting them. In the middle of this heartbreak, we can stand up and show our support and solidarity with these heroes. If you would like to write a note of encouragement and appreciation to the recruiters in the station where the shooting occurred, please send a card or letter to the following:
Army-Navy Career Center
U.S. Army Recruiting
9112 N Rodney Parham Rd.
Little Rock, AR 72205
You can also show your support right in your neighborhood, as other recruiting stations of all branches are certainly feeling sympathy and concern for their brothers in Arkansas. In this time when the actions of our tremendous servicemen and women aren't always getting the attention they deserve, a thank you and a small gift is a great way to let them know that we remember them and are grateful for their service. Try dropping by your local recruiting station with a dozen donuts and some gourmet grounds to stock the office coffee pot, or maybe have a couple pizzas delivered and bring some sodas and cups/plates. If you've got kids, cards and drawings from them would certainly be appreciated. Recruiting is a difficult job even in the best of circumstances, and these days taking the time to thank them for their hard work is a great way to show your support!
More than ever, we need to be sure the brave men and women of the American military know they have our support and undying gratitude. Let's stand up and shower them in love and appreciation!
Wingtip-to-Wingtip,
Soldiers' Angels
It is heartbreaking when we lose a warrior on the battlefield, and so very shocking when a warrior who seems safe at home falls in an act of violence within our borders. As you probably know, in Arkansas this week, two soldiers who had just begun their service were attacked by a fellow American. Soldiers' Angels is already working hard to give what comfort we can to the families, recruiters, and others involved--please read on to see how you can support them and their families and friends.
At 23 years of age, William Long was a bit older than the average recruit, but he had obviously decided to stand up and be counted as a defender of his country during wartime. Perhaps he made his decision with the example of his father--a former Marine--in mind. Fresh out of boot camp, he was back in his hometown to help the soldiers who had recruited him by sharing his experience of becoming a soldier with friends and acquaintances. Less is known about Quinton Ezeagwula at this time, who fortunately was only wounded and is expected to recover. But the same can be said for him--he had the courage and patriotism to volunteer for the military during wartime, and he had been selected to share his story. Both of them had been recruited by soldiers who worked in that recruiting center.
These two great young men and the recruiters who signed them up are just a sample of the heroes who have stood up to protect us, whose stories are not broadcast so loudly see days. But they are all still out there, serving quietly far away or right here at home as they keep the commitment they made when they signed up for military service in wartime. And they need to know Americans are supporting them. In the middle of this heartbreak, we can stand up and show our support and solidarity with these heroes. If you would like to write a note of encouragement and appreciation to the recruiters in the station where the shooting occurred, please send a card or letter to the following:
Army-Navy Career Center
U.S. Army Recruiting
9112 N Rodney Parham Rd.
Little Rock, AR 72205
You can also show your support right in your neighborhood, as other recruiting stations of all branches are certainly feeling sympathy and concern for their brothers in Arkansas. In this time when the actions of our tremendous servicemen and women aren't always getting the attention they deserve, a thank you and a small gift is a great way to let them know that we remember them and are grateful for their service. Try dropping by your local recruiting station with a dozen donuts and some gourmet grounds to stock the office coffee pot, or maybe have a couple pizzas delivered and bring some sodas and cups/plates. If you've got kids, cards and drawings from them would certainly be appreciated. Recruiting is a difficult job even in the best of circumstances, and these days taking the time to thank them for their hard work is a great way to show your support!
More than ever, we need to be sure the brave men and women of the American military know they have our support and undying gratitude. Let's stand up and shower them in love and appreciation!
Wingtip-to-Wingtip,
Soldiers' Angels
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