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Hi Christina
Could you help spread the word about our Huey Helicopter. Please check
the link and if you like it, please add to your site. It is to educate,
and preserve the memories of younger generations as to the role it
played in the Nam War, and this one was a Dustoff, (Medivac) bird
I have been there working on it 4 times and we flew this weekend. Their
website is http://www.americanhuey369.org They are having a reunion 18
& 19 August at Peru Indiana and will have both Hueys there.
Then 13-17 Sep they will be at the Vietnam Veterans Reunion at Kokomo
Indiana. I sure hope you will still be making that one. Their url is
http://www.hcvvo.org
Thanks
Rick Harvey
SUBJECT: Families United Prepares
Town Hall Meetings
August is here and August brings our Legislators back home on summer vacation. Much noise has been made about the Iraqi government taking a break during August. We are reminded that our Legislators took Spring Break without providing the supplemental funding our troops needed. They barely approved the funding in order to take Memorial weekend break. Here we are again...much noise is being made about the surge and the initial report yet our congress is on another break. On their agenda is the 2008 Military funding. In addition to wanting to surrender (re-deploy), admit defeat (set a deadline for re-deploying), there are those pushing to repeal the approval to go to war in the first place.
The difference this time is that this break is our opportunity. It is our opportunity to meet our Legislators on our turf - in our home towns - in our state. It is our opportunity to join forces and let them know what the real America believes - that our troops can and will win this War on Terror if we stand United for a Strong America!
Town Hall meetings provide us the opportunity to share our Voice. We will post the meetings on our events pages as soon as we have dates/times/locations. If you find out about an event, please let us know so we can get the word out.
We need your help in accomplishing this task. We need you to talk with your family, neighbors and co-workers. Let them know about the Town Hall meetings. Make sure the local VFW and American Legion, Patriot Guard Riders... know as well - they are heroes of previous wars and know the risks of failure and the pride and honor of success!
LATEST REPORTS
In preparing for the Town Hall meetings, please check out the latest news as posted on the website. We also have links to some incredible websites that have up-to-date information.
Check some of these direct:
Clyburn: Positive Report by Petraeus Could Split House Democrats on War By Dan Balz and Chris Cillizza, Washington Post Staff Writer and Washingtonpost.com Staff Writer, Monday, July 30, 2007; 6:26 PM
House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) said Monday that a strongly positive report on progress on Iraq by Army Gen. David Petraeus likely would split Democrats in the House and impede his party's efforts to press for a timetable to end the war.
The Weekly Standard
The Wall Street Journal Online: "General Petraeus Needs Time"
STATE LAUNCH EVENTS
Please join Families United for Our Troops and Their Mission
for a complimentary dinner as we connect and get energized with fellow Gold and Blue Star Families, Veterans and Proud Americans.
TEXAS
Saturday, Aug 4, 6:30 pm San Antonio Hilton Hotel
Map: 611 NW Loop 410, San Antonio
Sunday, Aug 5, 1:00 pm Killeen Convention Center, Killeen, TX
Map: 3601 South WS Young Drive
NEW HAMPSHIRE / VERMONT
Saturday, Aug 11, 7:00 pm Inn of Exeter, Exeter,
90 Front Street, Exeter, NH
MICHIGAN
Sunday, August 12, 7:00 pm Mitchell's Fish Market, Lansing Michigan
2975 Preyde Blvd, Lansing, MI 48912
CALIFORNIA
Saturday, August 18 Fior d'Italia on Mason Street, San Francisco
Map of 2237 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Sunday, August 19 Yellow Coyote, San Diego
www.yellowcoyotetortillafactory.com
Please email Mary@familiesunitedmission.com to RSVP for any of the events.
Watch the website for more events!
FIGHT FOR VICTORY TOUR
Move America Forward continues to plan it's tour across America for Sept 3 thru 15. A Rally will be held in Washington DC in partnership with Gathering of Eagles on Saturday September 15. Make plans now to join the tour for 1 city or as many as you can participate in. If you have ideas for a Rally location, please contact the MAF organizers. Please share this website and let's turn out United for a Strong America!
United for a Strong America- Families United Meets in Washington DC
United for a Strong America is a gathering of our members on Sunday September 16 thru Wednesday September 19. We are inviting families from across the country to join us for 3 days of sharing our Heroes and their stories, touring the landmarks that remind us why they serve, and we'll top the event off with a trip to The Hill and visits with our Legislators to remind them why they serve and why we stand U nited for a Strong America!
Please check your schedules and let us know if you can join us for this event - send an email to: United For A Strong America Event Sign-up. For those who can come earlier - plan to attend the Rally on Saturday the 15th with the Gathering of Eagles!
WHO BELONGS...
This has been a tough week. We received information that the Chaplain who helped us during the worst time of our lives died suddenly. I received information that a family friend's mother had also died. But, this does not compare to the email I received by someone who was looking for help for her friend.
You see, her friend's son recently died in a training accident. He had previously done tours in Iraq and served with honor and distinction, but was not deployed at the time of the accident. For some reason, she was told she was not a "Gold Star Mother" because her son was not deployed. My heart aches when I think of her pain.
I wrote back to the friend the following: "I consider your friend as one of us - her son died with honor and courage in service to our country at a time of war - she is a Gold Star mother." She is the mother of an American hero!
Many do not know that a Blue Star family is a family that has a family member in the military - they do not need to be deployed. It is as important to be training soldiers at Ft. Riley as it is to be keeping guard in Kosovo or is patrolling the roads of Baqouba. Yes, the risk of danger is different, but every soldier, marine, airman and sailor counts! We as Families United are here for each and every one of them whether Gold / Blue / Veteran or simply a Proud American! We are thankful that each member of our military and their families are willing to set aside personal desires to help defend and protect our country.
We in Families United - we Patriotic Americans are the "unofficial army". We are the army that supports those who are defending and protecting us. This is the bugle call to action. Prepare - our deployment is at hand. We are called to share our Voice - to the Gold/Blue Star families. We are called to share our Voice - to the media and the leaders of our country. We are called to share our Voice to support the men and women of our military - our courageous heroes!
The Unofficial Army is deploying and we will stand United for a Strong America!
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Did you know that your contribution is tax deductable? Families United remains dedicated to making the voices heard of the many Gold Star families, Blue Star families, and veterans who have sacrificed so much. With your help, we can continue to ensure that the men and women of our armed forces and their families are honored for the sacrifices they make to guarantee our freedoms! | |
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From a thankful mother…
“I would like to thank the people who adopted my son. Please realize your prayers are needed very much. He is on a very dangerous mission in Iraq and needs these prayers every day.”
From a parent whose son came under attack…
“God was there protecting my son and those other men. Your prayers and ours for his safety are answered. I praise God for His protection and love and thank you for your prayers on his behalf.”
From a person who’s loved one earned a Bronze Star for valor for saving his squad…
“He is thankful to God for the prayer warriors who held him up to God during this dangerous period of his life.”
And every one of those messages of gratitude is addressed to you!
Nearly 560,000 people have made over 1 million prayerful adoptions of over 168,000 members of the Armed Forces in the four years since Adopt Our Troops began in 2003. Whether you registered a member of the military you know and love so he or she could be prayed for by someone else…or adopted a member of the military, either chosen yourself or randomly selected from our adoption files, you’ve been a key participant in an incredible, concerted effort to cover our country’s bravest and finest young men and women in prayer.
I want to thank you for your involvement - and ask you to prayerfully consider helping us today.
While offered to you as a free service, the Adopt Our Troops prayer outreach, presented by The Presidential Prayer Team does incur regular costs to maintain the website and its databases. Beginning this year, we're asking people like you who have partnered with us through Adopt Our Troops to help offset those expenses.
Today, as the Lord leads, would you consider making a one-time gift of $10, $20 even $50 to help defray the costs of making this valuable service available? Or, if you would like, you could donate monthly at $25 a month and support us by joining our President's Club.
If you would like to give today, simply click here. Whatever you’re able to give, know that it is greatly appreciated. And thank you for being a part of our Adopt Our Troops prayer outreach, presented by PPT!
God bless you, and God bless America,
John Lind
President/CEO
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I just wanted to get the day over with and go down to Lucky's for a few cold ones. Sneaking a look at my watch, I saw the time, 4:55. Five minutes to go before the cemetery gates are closed for the day. Full dress was hot in the August sun. Arizona summertime was as bad as ever -- the heat and humidity at the same level -- both too high.
I saw the car pull into the drive, '69 or '70 model Cadillac Deville, looked factory-new. It pulled into the parking lot at a snail's pace.
An old woman got out so slow I thought she was paralyzed. She had a cane and a sheaf of flowers, about four or five bunches as best I could tell. I couldn't help myself. The thought came unwanted, and left a slightly bitter taste: "She's going to spend an hour, and for this old soldier my hip hurts like heck and I'm ready to get out of here right now!"
But for this day my duty was to assist anyone coming in. Kevin would lock the "In" gate and if I could hurry the old biddy along , we might make the last half of happy hour at Lucky's.
I broke Post Attention. My hip made gritty noises when I took the first step and the pain went up a notch. I must have made a real military sight; middle-aged man with a pot-belly and half a limp, in Marine Full Dress Uniform, which had lost its razor crease about 30 minutes after I began the watch at the cemetery.
I stopped in front of her, halfway up the walk. She looked up at me with an old woman's squint "Ma'am, may I assist you in any way?"
She took long enough to answer. "Yes, son. Can you carry these flowers? I seem to be moving a tad slow these days."
"My pleasure Ma'am." Well, it wasn't too much of a lie.
She looked again. "Marine, where were you stationed?"
"Vietnam, Ma'am. Ground-pounder. '72 to '74."
She looked at me closer. "Wounded in action, I see. Well done, Marine. I'll be as quick as I can"
I lied a little bigger "No hurry, Ma'am."
She smiled, and winked at me. "Son, I'm 85-years old and I can tell a lie from a long way off. Let's get this done. Might be the last time I can do this. My name's Joanne Wieserman, and I've a few Marines I'd like to see one more time."
"Yes, Ma'am. At your service."
She headed for the World War I section, stopping at a stone. She picked one of the bunches out of my arm and laid it on top of the stone. She murmured something I couldn't quite make out. The name on the marble was Donald S. Davidson, USMC, France 1918.
She turned away and made a straight line for the World War II section, stopping at one stone. I saw a tear slowly tracking its way down her cheek.
She put a bunch on a stone; the name was Stephen X. Davidson, USMC, 1943.
She went up the row a ways and laid another bunch on a stone, Stanley J. Wieserman USMC , 1944.
She paused for a second, "Two more, son, and we'll be done." I almost didn't say anything, but, "Yes, Ma'am. Take your time." She looked confused. "Where's the Vietnam section, son? I seem to have lost my way." I pointed with my chin. "That way, Ma'am." "Oh!" she chuckled quietly. "Son, me and old age ain't too friendly."
She headed down the walk I'd pointed at. She stopped at a couple of stones before she found the ones she wanted. She placed a bunch on Larry Wieserman USMC, 1968, and the last on Darrel Wieserman USMC, 1970.
She stood there and murmured a few words I still couldn't make out. "OK, son, I'm finished. Get me back to my car and you can go home" "Yes, Ma'am. If I may ask, were those your kinfolk?"
She paused. "Yes, Donald Davidson was my father; Stephen was my uncle; Stanley was my husband; Larry and Darrel were our sons. All killed in action, all Marines." She stopped, whether she had finished, or couldn't finish, I don't know. She made her way to her car, slowly, and painfully.
I waited for a polite distance to come between us and then double-timed it over to Kevin waiting by the car. "Get to the "Out"-gate quick. I have something I've got to do."
Kevin started to say something but saw the look I gave him. He broke the rules to get us there down the service road. We beat her. She hadn't made it around the rotunda yet.
"Kevin, stand to attention next to the gate post. Follow my lead." I humped it across the drive to the other post.
When the Cadillac came puttering around from the hedges and began the short straight traverse to the gate, I called in my best gunny's voice: "Tehen Hut! Present Aaaarms!"
I have to hand it to Kevin, he never blinked an eye; full dress attention and a salute that would make his DI proud. She drove through that gate with two old worn-out soldiers giving her a send off she deserved, for service rendered to her country, and for knowing Duty, Honor and Sacrifice.
I am not sure, but I think I saw a salute returned from that Cadillac.
Instead of "The End"....just think of "Taps".
As a final thought on my part, let me share a favorite prayer:
"Lord, keep our servicemen and women safe, whether they serve at home or overseas.
Hold them in Your loving hands and protect them as they protect us."
Let's all keep those currently serving and those who have gone before, in our thoughts.
They are the reason for the many freedoms we enjoy.
What Did The Democrats Say About Iraq's WMD
JANUARY 30, 2004 | Printable Version
"Without question, we need to disarm Saddam Hussein. He is a brutal, murderous dictator, leading an oppressive regime ... He presents a particularly grievous threat because he is so consistently prone to miscalculation ... And now he is miscalculating America's response to his continued deceit and his consistent grasp for weapons of mass destruction ... So the threat of Saddam Hussein with weapons of mass destruction is real..."
- Sen. John F. Kerry (D, MA), Jan. 23. 2003 | Source
"I will be voting to give the President of the United States the authority to use force -- if necessary -- to disarm Saddam Hussein because I believe that a deadly arsenal of weapons of mass destruction in his hands is a real and grave threat to our security."
- Sen. John F. Kerry (D, MA), Oct. 9, 2002 | Source
"One way or the other, we are determined to deny Iraq the capacity to develop weapons of mass destruction and the missiles to deliver them. That is our bottom line."
- President Clinton, Feb. 4, 1998 | Source
"If Saddam rejects peace and we have to use force, our purpose is clear. We want to seriously diminish the threat posed by Iraq's weapons of mass destruction program."
- President Bill Clinton, Feb. 17, 1998 | Source
"We must stop Saddam from ever again jeopardizing the stability and security of his neighbors with weapons of mass destruction."
- Madeline Albright, Feb 1, 1998 | Source
"He will use those weapons of mass destruction again, as he has ten times since 1983."
- Sandy Berger, Clinton National Security Adviser, Feb, 18, 1998 | Source
"[W]e urge you, after consulting with Congress, and consistent with the U.S. Constitution and laws, to take necessary actions (including, if appropriate, air and missile strikes on suspect Iraqi sites) to respond effectively to the threat posed by Iraq's refusal to end its weapons of mass destruction programs."
Letter to President Clinton.
- (D) Senators Carl Levin, Tom Daschle, John Kerry, others, Oct. 9, 1998 | Source
"Saddam Hussein has been engaged in the development of weapons of mass destruction technology which is a threat to countries in the region and he has made a mockery of the weapons inspection process."
- Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D, CA), Dec. 16, 1998 | Source
"Hussein has ... chosen to spend his money on building weapons of mass destruction and palaces for his cronies."
- Madeline Albright, Clinton Secretary of State, Nov. 10, 1999 | Source
"We begin with the common belief that Saddam Hussein is a tyrant and a threat to the peace and stability of the region. He has ignored the mandate of the United Nations and is building weapons of mass destruction and th! e means of delivering them."
- Sen. Carl Levin (D, MI), Sept. 19, 2002 | Source
"We know that he has stored secret supplies of biological and chemical weapons throughout his country."
- Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002 | Source
"Iraq's search for weapons of mass destruction has proven impossible to deter and we should assume that it will continue for as long as Saddam is in power."
- Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002 | Source
"We have known for many years that Saddam Hussein is seeking and developing weapons of mass destruction."
- Sen. Ted Kennedy (D, MA), Sept. 27, 2002 | Source
"The last UN weapons inspectors left Iraq in October of 1998. We are confident that Saddam Hussein retains some stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons, and that he has since embarked on a crash course to build up his chemical and biological warfare capabilities. Intelligence reports indicate that he is seeking nuclear weapons..."
- Sen. Robert Byrd (D, WV), Oct. 3, 2002 | Source
"There is unmistakable evidence that Saddam Hussein is working aggressively to develop nuclear weapons and will likely have nuclear weapons within the next five years ... We also should remember we have always underestimated the progress Saddam has made in development of weapons of mass destruction."
- Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D, WV), Oct 10, 2002 | Source
"In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program. He has also given aid, comfort, and sanctuary to terrorists, including al Qaeda members ... It is clear, however, that if left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capacity to wage biological and chemical warfare, and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons."
- Sen. Hillary Clinton (D, NY), Oct 10, 2002 | Source
"We are in possession of what I think to be compelling evidence that Saddam Hussein has, and has had for a number of years, a developing capacity for the production and storage of weapons of mass destruction."
- Sen. Bob Graham (D, FL), Dec. 8, 2002 | Source
"Are we fighting a war on terror or aren't we? Was it or was it
not started by Islamic people who brought it to our shores on
September11, 2001 ?
Were people from all over the world, mostly Americans, not
brut all y murdered that day, in downtown Manhattan , across the Potomac
from our nation's capitol and in a field in Pennsylvania ? Did nearly
three thousand men, women and children die a horrible, burning or
crushing death that day, or didn't they?
And I'm supposed to care that a copy of the Koran was
"desecrated" when an overworked American soldier kicked it or got it wet?...Well,
I don't. I don't care at all .
I'll start caring when Osama bin Laden turns himself in and
repents for incinerating all those innocent people on 9/11.
I'll care about the Koran when the fanatics in the Middle East
start caring about the Holy Bible, the mere possession of which is a
crime in Saudi Arabia .
I'll care when these thugs tell the world they are sorry for
hacking off Nick Berg's head while Berg screamed through his gurgling
slashed throat.
I'll care when the cowardly so-c all ed "insurgents" in Iraq come
out and fight like men instead of disrespecting their own religion by
hiding in mosques.
I'll care when the mindless zealots who blow themselves up in
search of nirvana care about the innocent children within range of
their Suicide bombs.
I'll care when the American media stops pretending that their
First Amendment liberties are somehow derived from international law
Instead of the United States Constitution's Bill of Rights.
In the meantime, when I hear a story about a brave marine
roughing up an Iraqi terrorist to obtain information, know this:
I don't care.
When I see a fuzzy photo of a pile of naked Iraqi prisoners who
have been Humiliated in what amounts to a college-hazing incident,
rest assured:
I don't care.
When I see a wounded terrorist get shot in the head when he is
told not to move because he might be booby-trapped, you can take it to
the bank:
I don't care.
When I hear that a prisoner, who was issued a Koran and a prayer
mat, and fed "special" food that is paid for by my tax dollars, is
complaining that his holy book is being "mishandled," you can
absolutely believe in your heart of hearts:
I don't care.
And oh, by the way, I've noticed that sometimes it's spelled
"Koran" and Other times "Quran." Well, Jimmy Crack Corn and -you
guessed it -
If you agree with this viewpoint, pass this on. Sooner or later,
it'll get to the people responsible for this ridiculous behavior!
If you don't agree, then by all means hit the delete button.
Should you choose the latter, then please don't complain when more
atrocities committed by radical Muslims happen here in our great
Country!
And may I add:
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a
difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem."
-- Ronald Reagan
I have another quote that I would like to add .......
"If we ever forget that we're One Nation Under God, then we will
be a nation gone under."
Also by.. Ronald Reagan
One last thought for the day:
In case we find ourselves starting to believe all the
anti-American sentiment and negativity, we should remember England 's
Prime Minister Tony Blair's words during a recent interview. when
asked by
one of his Parliament members why he believes so much in America , he
said:
"A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how
many want in... and how many want out."
Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you:
1. Jesus Christ
2. The American G. I.
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.
YOU MIGHT WANT TO PASS THIS ON, AS MANY SEEM TO HAVE FORGOTTEN BOTH OF
THEM. AMEN!
NOTIFICATION
I found out the other day that Jefferson Barracks will have a Fisher House built on their grounds starting in 2008. Each house costs $5 million and Fisher House puts up the first $2 mill. The rest of the funding will come from local area donations. You can donate to the Jefferson Barracks Fisher House and 100% of the money will go to that house.
For more information go to www.fisherhouse.org
Fisher House: Supporting America's military in their time of need, they provide "a home away from home" that enables family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful time -- during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury.
Military Links
www.letssaythanks.com
www.freedomteamsalute.com
www.honoryourhero.com
silverrose.org:
operationnoblefoster.org
www.asoldierswishlist.org
www.americasupportsyou.mil
www.heromiles.org
www.opgratitude.com
www.uswoundedsoldiers.com
www.nooniefortin.com
www.armywomen.org
www.womensmemorial.org
www.awm.lee.army.mil
Eskierescuestl.org
UNITED FOR A STRONG AMERICA
WWW.FAMILIESUNITEDMISSION.COM
CALL TO ACTION
Our Armed Forces need to hear your Voice! They need your voice to be heard in Congress - today!
The events of the past 2 months have been very challenging for us as we worry about the cost of a divided country when we are a country at war. It seems that only those with a personal stake in what is happening are looking at the true cost of not completing the mission!
Our men and women in harms way cannot afford the U.S. to be sending defeatist news to them. It only gives encouragement and emboldens our enemies - the terrorists! Now is the time for Americans to Unite and speak out for a successful completion of the mission in Iraq and Afghanistan. Success that would ensure the security for the future of the U.S.
I ask you today to write/email/call your congressional leaders. Encourage them to drop the Nonbinding Resolution - it will serve only 1 purpose - to further endanger the men and women who have placed their lives on the line for us - for freedom! We need to challenge Congress to look at all the consequences of failure - and start talking WINNING! You can't win a Super Bowl if you don't play the last quarter! You certainly cannot win a war if you speak as though you've already lost.
We must give our Heroes the tools they need to succeed - the funds, the equipment, and the unwavering support of the American People - including our elected officials and the media.
Write today - America needs to hear your voice.
Link to the Families United Blog for letters others have sent.
Link to the U.S. Senate for addresses.
Link to the U.S. House of Representatives for addresses.
Families United Executive Board - 2007
President Merrilee Carlson Merrilee@familiesunitedmission.com
V Pres John Ellsworth Michiganfamiliesunited@yahoo.com
Treasurer Ken Kolak
Secretary Kathy Dunaway Kathy@familiesunitedmission.com
Marketing Bob Stephenson
Exec Dir Tim Buckley Tim@familiesunitedmission.com
Families United Reorganization
Chuck Larson, the Founder of Families United for our Troops and Their Mission has stepped down as President of Families United and has handed the reins of the organization over to Merrilee Carlson, John Ellsworth, Kathy Dunaway, and Bob Stephenson. Chuck has many projects that are taking more of his time and talents than expected, these include but are not limited to a new business venture, expecting baby number 2 and the potential of being redeployed. Chuck felt that it was imperative that Families United continue forward.
We extend our deepest heartfelt gratitude for all that Chuck has done for Families United. Without him and his vision, many of us would never have gathered our courage to speak out in support of our troops. He gave us our voice.
Chuck is learning another phase of being a parent - because just like teaching your children to walk and talk and then sending them off to school, Chuck sends us off to use our voices. Just as an anxious eager parent will wait at home for news of each new adventure at school, Chuck will be there watching and supporting us. We have much to learn, but together we can continue to make a wave that will be heard not only in Washington, D.C., but on the dusty roads of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Thank you Chuck and God's blessings in all you do!
Dave Engel has also resigned from the Board. We wish to extend our thanks and appreciation to Dave for all his work in Support of our Troops and their Mission.
FOCUS FOR 2007 - UNITED FOR A STRONG AMERICA AS WE COMPLETE OUR MISSION
· It is imperative that we complete our mission, not only in Iraq and Afghanistan, but in the war on terror to ensure a secure safe United States of America.
· We are fighting a new type of war - It is a war against gangs of terrorists in the Information age. We must constantly be reminded that negative Information that is shared via media and internet is harmful to the morale of our military and it is used to fuel the terrorists and embolden them to continue - it makes them think they are winning.
OUR GOALS
1. Support the troops. Ensure that the troops will be given the support they need to complete their mission.
2. Act as a network. Provide a means through state chapter organizations and state and national events for our members to find solace in each other's company.
3. Promote our service members' good work. Actively work to get the good news out by participating in media interviews and writing guest opinions; joining others at events to highlight the accomplishments of our soldiers; and sponsoring advertisements to ensure that the public knows everything our military is doing to defend us and to help people abroad.
PLAN FOR 2007
The Board is developing a plan to involve more people in the National Organization. This will include creating committees for planning Events - both National and Local; Marketing/Fund Raising; Special Projects both on the National and Local level; and adding more elements to our website.
Some of our first projects are:
· Website Blog - feature a "Story of the Day" - Post a story a day of good things happening in Iraq and Afghanistan particularly those our soldiers are accomplishing. Every small paper in the country has these. We need to get the stories and permission either from the soldier or the famil y to use it on our website. We need your help to obtain these stories and permissions.
· Post your letters to our elected officials/letters to the Editor - these not only share your voice with others but encourages others to write as well.
· Expand the Website to enable States to have a more active local page to post local events and projects.
· National events - coordinate events in all our States for special days. Each State would hold a similar event on 9/11, Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Armed Forces Day (May 19), etc. Events may be as simple as Montana's placing Flags at the Capitol or a Families United Picnic and story sharing.
· Local Events - Committee to help states coordinate and share ideas for local events - the opportunities are endless we just need to share our ideas.
· Special Projects - National - We'd like to choose 3 or 4 National Projects to support and encourage. Suggestions received so far are:
If you have expertise or a special talent that you'd like to share with the Families United by participating on a committee in one of these areas, please contact one of the board members.
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Did you know that your contribution is tax deductable? Families United remains dedicated to making the voices heard of the many Gold Star families, Blue Star families, and veterans who have sacrificed so much. With your help, we can continue to ensure that the men and women of our armed forces and their families are honored for the sacrifices they make to guarantee our freedoms!
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Laura's E-Blast
http://www.LauraIngraham.com
October 31, 2006
A FINAL LESSON FROM A FALLEN HERO
I took time out from politics today to attend the funeral of Eric Herzberg, Jr., of Severna Park, Maryland. Herzberg, 20, a proud Marine, was killed in Iraq 10 days ago. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. It was a glorious fall day, perhaps the last warm day of the season. It was a privilege to be present as this young Marine was laid to rest.
I asked his grandfather how long Eric had wanted to be a Marine. "Ten, fifteen years-since he was a little boy," he said. One of Eric's high school friends, riding on the bus to the gravesite remarked, "Man, that boy loved this country and died doing what he believed was right." Others, clutching their Kleenex, nodded.
As we think about our country's future and the challenges ahead, I think of people like Eric. Most of our fallen heroes may not have gone to Harvard or Yale, but I would bet that they had a greater sense of professionalism and dedication to principle than most politicians in Washington.
Eric's father shared this tribute to his son with me. He gave me permission to share it with you:
"I'm Eric Herzberg, Lance Corporal Eric Herzberg's father. Thank you all for coming here to honor Eric, especially those of you who traveled great distances. We are humbled by the show of support and love for our son.
I would especially like to thank Kevin Kavanagh for being here today. Kevin's son, also named Eric, also 20 years old and also from Severna Park, was also killed in Iraq last month. Kevin has been a tremendous source of support this week.
We are here to pay our last respects and to honor Eric. The word "honorable" has at least 10 different meanings in the dictionary. I think almost all of them fit Eric but this one is my favorite:
A keen sense of ethical conduct: INTEGRITY. Describing one whose word, once given, is a guarantee of performance.
We received the news of our sons' death with shock and then uncontrollable grief. We've cried for him many times each day, at the most unexpected thoughts or memories. Eric, when I think of why we cry so hard for you--
It's not because you are in pain. We know that now you are at peace now.
It's not because you were unprotected and alone when you died. Not only were you with your friends, your brothers, but you had legions from across America praying for you.
We cry for you not because you were unprepared. You had the best training in the world, the best equipment, and the best leadership. And you prepared yourself by deepening your relationship with the Lord who made you. I believe you knew how temporary this world is and you prepared yourself for the next world by reading His word every night.
And we certainly don't cry because we think of you as a victim. The victims right at this moment are us--your friends and family, particularly your mother Gina, your sister Katie and your brother and best friend Matthew. We feel almost immobilized with grief right now - but we know you would not want us to remain in this state too long. We know that you want us to continue to serve others as you did.
No, we don't cry for you because of those things.
We cry for you because of the huge sense of loss we feel, which is also felt by our community of family and friends. And we grieve because of all those whose lives you now won't touch here on earth. Eric, we all needed your presence here. Today we feel that sense of loss for what you won't accomplish on this earth.
Yet still, through all this, we remember the Marine with compassion who turned thoughts of hate and division into love, affection and unity--one Iraqi at a time.
We remember the son who always spoke the truth, and can help heal wounds--even those within his own family.
We remember the friend who is always loyal and faithful.
And the spiritual warrior who never shied away from necessary battles but always brought his faith and humanity with him.
Eric, we cry because we know you would have been a dad who would have raised kids just like you.
Yes, we came here to honor you, Eric, but we had it all backwards. It is you who have honored us. We feel honored just to have known you as long as we did, and to have seen the example of your life. You were tested under the most trying of circumstances and your character, integrity and never went unnoticed.
"Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love him." James 1:12
I know you are wearing it well son. Goodbye for now. We love you."
There is nothing I can add to the words of a grieving father, except to say that we owe it to these young men and women and their families to accept nothing less than victory against the dark, evil forces the rejoice every time a young Marine is killed.
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http://www.iwo.com/heroes.htm
A Different Christmas Poem
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night." "It's my duty to stand at the
front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."
ALERT: Have you heard the latest from Senator John Kerry? At a Democrat campaign rally this week, he stated, "You know, education -- if you make the most of it, you study hard and you do your homework and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. If you don't, you get stuck in Iraq."
Laura's E-Blast
http://www.LauraIngraham.com
October 31, 2006
A FINAL LESSON FROM A FALLEN HERO
I took time out from politics today to attend the funeral of Eric Herzberg, Jr., of Severna Park, Maryland. Herzberg, 20, a proud Marine, was killed in Iraq 10 days ago. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. It was a glorious fall day, perhaps the last warm day of the season. It was a privilege to be present as this young Marine was laid to rest.
I asked his grandfather how long Eric had wanted to be a Marine. "Ten, fifteen years-since he was a little boy," he said. One of Eric's high school friends, riding on the bus to the gravesite remarked, "Man, that boy loved this country and died doing what he believed was right." Others, clutching their Kleenex, nodded.
As we think about our country's future and the challenges ahead, I think of people like Eric. Most of our fallen heroes may not have gone to Harvard or Yale, but I would bet that they had a greater sense of professionalism and dedication to principle than most politicians in Washington.
Eric's father shared this tribute to his son with me. He gave me permission to share it with you:
"I'm Eric Herzberg, Lance Corporal Eric Herzberg's father. Thank you all for coming here to honor Eric, especially those of you who traveled great distances. We are humbled by the show of support and love for our son.
I would especially like to thank Kevin Kavanagh for being here today. Kevin's son, also named Eric, also 20 years old and also from Severna Park, was also killed in Iraq last month. Kevin has been a tremendous source of support this week.
We are here to pay our last respects and to honor Eric. The word "honorable" has at least 10 different meanings in the dictionary. I think almost all of them fit Eric but this one is my favorite:
A keen sense of ethical conduct: INTEGRITY. Describing one whose word, once given, is a guarantee of performance.
We received the news of our sons' death with shock and then uncontrollable grief. We've cried for him many times each day, at the most unexpected thoughts or memories. Eric, when I think of why we cry so hard for you--
It's not because you are in pain. We know that now you are at peace now.
It's not because you were unprotected and alone when you died. Not only were you with your friends, your brothers, but you had legions from across America praying for you.
We cry for you not because you were unprepared. You had the best training in the world, the best equipment, and the best leadership. And you prepared yourself by deepening your relationship with the Lord who made you. I believe you knew how temporary this world is and you prepared yourself for the next world by reading His word every night.
And we certainly don't cry because we think of you as a victim. The victims right at this moment are us--your friends and family, particularly your mother Gina, your sister Katie and your brother and best friend Matthew. We feel almost immobilized with grief right now - but we know you would not want us to remain in this state too long. We know that you want us to continue to serve others as you did.
No, we don't cry for you because of those things.
We cry for you because of the huge sense of loss we feel, which is also felt by our community of family and friends. And we grieve because of all those whose lives you now won't touch here on earth. Eric, we all needed your presence here. Today we feel that sense of loss for what you won't accomplish on this earth.
Yet still, through all this, we remember the Marine with compassion who turned thoughts of hate and division into love, affection and unity--one Iraqi at a time.
We remember the son who always spoke the truth, and can help heal wounds--even those within his own family.
We remember the friend who is always loyal and faithful.
And the spiritual warrior who never shied away from necessary battles but always brought his faith and humanity with him.
Eric, we cry because we know you would have been a dad who would have raised kids just like you.
Yes, we came here to honor you, Eric, but we had it all backwards. It is you who have honored us. We feel honored just to have known you as long as we did, and to have seen the example of your life. You were tested under the most trying of circumstances and your character, integrity and never went unnoticed.
"Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love him." James 1:12
I know you are wearing it well son. Goodbye for now. We love you."
There is nothing I can add to the words of a grieving father, except to say that we owe it to these young men and women and their families to accept nothing less than victory against the dark, evil forces the rejoice every time a young Marine is killed.
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President Abraham Lincoln as stated in the Gettysburg Address
"From these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the
last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain."
"Defend Those That Defended Us"
HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY
No one could possibly understand the things you have seen or gone through. No one could understand the pain you suffered and contunue to suffer. I do not claim to know or understand, but I want you to know that you are loved and appreciated by many. Do not listen to the negative people and know that some of us Americans still have a brain and sense of pride.
God bless you this day and every day!
May the Word of God reach you today and give you hope like never before. May the peace of God touch you and give you rest. May the Spirit of God sit upon you and bring you comfort. May our love and prayers convey the message of honor and pride we have in you and what you have done for this great Nation.
God go before you, with you and behind you in all that you face in life.
In Jesus name, Amen
Christina Beck
Proud Christian American
Stop To Salute
by Captain John Rasmussen, U.S. Army
It was raining "cats and dogs" and I was late for physical training.
Traffic was backed up at Fort Campbell, Ky., and was moving way too slowly. I was probably going to be late and I was growing more and more impatient.
The pace slowed almost to a standstill as I passed Memorial Grove, the site built to honor the soldiers who died in the Gander airplane crash, the worst redeployment accident in the history of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
Because it was close to Memorial Day, a small American flag had been placed in the ground next to each soldier's memorial plaque.
My concern at the time, however, was getting past the bottleneck, getting out of the rain and getting to PT on time.
All of a sudden, infuriatingly, just as the traffic was getting started again, the car in front of me stopped.
A soldier, a private of course, jumped out in the pouring rain and ran over toward the grove.
I couldn't believe it! This knucklehead was holding up everyone for who knows what kind of prank. Horns were honking. I waited to see the butt-chewing that I wanted him to get for making me late.
He was getting soaked to the skin. His BDUs were plastered to his frame.
I watched-as he ran up to one of the memorial plaques, picked up the small American flag that had fallen to the ground in the wind and the rain, and set it upright again.
Then, slowly, he came to attention, saluted, ran back to his car, and drove off. I'll never forget that incident. That soldier, whose name I will never know, taught me more about duty, honor, and respect than a hundred books or a thousand lectures.
That simple salute -- that single act of honoring his fallen brother and his flag -- encapsulated all the Army values in one gesture for me. It said, "I will never forget. I will keep the faith. I will finish the mission. I a man American soldier."
I thank God for examples like that.
And on this Memorial Day, I will remember all those who paid the ultimate price for my freedom, and one private, soaked to the skin, who honored them.
"Veterans' Day"
A Poem by Jerry McConnell
courtesy of Atlantic News, Thursday, November 14, 2002
The Veterans came from far and near
Their friends and colleagues voices to hear.
They bowed their heads as prayers were said
To honor their comrades, living and dead.
The sorrowful “Taps” on the bugle was played
As heads bowed down and silently prayed.
They thought of better days long since gone by
When all were healthy, young and spry.
They went into battle absent all fear
And reasons for doing so were very clear.
It was love of family and country, too
And pride in serving the red, white and blue.
More than 70 years had passed for many there
Who stood tall at attention in crisp November air.
But even younger Veterans who were by their side
Remembered service to our country with deep inner pride.
"Ask not what your country can do for you,” one President declared.
An unselfish and patriotic view that most all Veterans have shared.
They asked for no special favors when they answered the call.
And millions got no special favors when they gave their all.
A young boy asks his young father, “What’s a Vet, Dad?”
And in trying to answer, the young father looks sad.
“Some people say it’s someone who treats animals, Son,
But it’s really someone who won’t quit till our battles are won.”
"And we’ve had many like that in this land of the free
Who thought not of their own peril, but only of you and me.”
Then as shado |
