I Love Baseball...

UPDATE: Where do we find such men and women?? Happy 4th!

and ditto this year... how I'll spend Independence Day

I love baseball. I love watching it -- whether it's Little League, Minor League, Major League, Industrial Leagues... I loved playing it, teaching it, coaching it... I love baseball. On the theory that everyone gets to name their own version of Heaven, mine is that you get to play baseball every day and they don't care if you're a girl. I live a clean life on that theory (and also on the theory that there is a Hell, which, in my version, is Boston beating the Yankees every day (SHUDDER).

So I was extremely delighted when I read this

Major League Baseball announced... the launch of a national campaign called "Welcome Back Veterans." This is an apolitical series of national fundraising and awareness initiatives over the Fourth of July weekend and Sept. 11 to support the ongoing return of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, an effort started by a group of citizens led by Mets chairman Fred Wilpon with the full support of MLB, Major League Baseball Advanced Media and the McCormick Foundation.

For games throughout the July 4 weekend and on Sept. 11, all MLB clubs will wear "Stars & Stripes" caps that are available for sale to the public, with a portion of the proceeds going to Welcome Back Veterans. These official New Era caps can be purchased at the MLB.com Shop, a way to help others.

All home teams over the July 4 weekend will host ceremonies honoring veterans in their community, with veterans throwing out the first pitches. For games that day, "Welcome Back Veterans" will adorn the bases and home plates. There will be custom lineup cards, with a place for a local veteran to place his or her signature. Among many fundraising activities, each club will auction off a set of bases, game-worn caps and a specially designed team jersey to benefit Welcome Back Veterans.


"Major League Baseball considers it both an obligation and a privilege to assist our troops in any way we can," said MLB president and chief operating officer Bob DuPuy, a veteran who served a year in Vietnam and received the Army Commendation Medal for his service. "Welcome Back Veterans was created to help our brave men and women make a successful transition to civilian life when their service to their country has ended. We ask that all Major League Baseball fans join us on the July Fourth weekend and on Sept. 11th in this grand-scale effort to raise funds and bring awareness to this vital cause."

"I congratulate Major League Baseball on this extraordinary act of compassion for our troops throughout our Independence Day weekend," said General David L. Grange, retired U.S. Army Brigadier General and president and CEO of the McCormick Foundation. "It's a need I don't think many Americans understand yet, but they will. We believe everyone is accountable to the future of our nation. No one can sit on the sidelines. We're going to care for our retiring troops and their families, because it's the responsibility of the nation. If you go back to President Calvin Coolidge, he said, 'A nation who forgets its veterans will itself be forgotten.'"

and

"We as players are extremely proud not only to wear these caps but also to represent and pay our respects to our returning veterans," said Mets third baseman David Wright, who comes from the Naval community of Norfolk, Va., and was among the speakers at the news conference. "Growing up in a military town in Virginia, I have friends and family who have given up their lives to serve a cause. Because of these men and women, I get the opportunity to play a game and live in freedom. I hope we remember these veterans."

Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon has been a staunch ally of returning vets with his own support of the "Wounded Warrior Project." "When it comes to supporting our troops," he said, "everyone in Major League Baseball is on the same team." That includes Giants pitcher Barry Zito, who in 2005 founded "Strikeouts for Troops." It has raised nearly $1 million, with 100 percent of those funds going to wounded veterans and their families.

You can buy the Stars & Stripes hats for your favorite team HERE. A portion of the proceeds of the sale of each cap goes to the "Welcome Back Veterans" fund.

Read the whole story here.

PS Note to MLB: While I love this whole campaign and laud the idea and intent behind it, I think the MLB story is just too heavily weighted (once again) to the "psychotic veteran" angle. Veterans sure can use the job initiatives and the college programs aimed at returning vets, but the last thing they need is more piling on the stereotype of mentally deranged and unemployed loser...

And to those who will want to lecture me, don't give me grief about the mental health status of veterans. If you read my blog you know I have lived the PTSD story with our son. Yes, there is a need for services and treatments for returning combat veterans but it's not ALL veterans and not everyone who has experienced combat stress is non-functioning. Let's give that angle a break -- and let's all just celebrate that these guys deserve our thanks and appreciation for their service.

A Book for the Ages: FINAL SALUTE

They are the troops that nobody wants to see, carrying a message that no military family ever wants to hear. It begins with a knock on the door. "The curtains pull away. They come to the door. And they know. They always know," says Major Steve Beck.

If you need a book to read over this Independence Day weekend -- heck put down whatever else you're reading -- and pick up a copy of Jim Sheeler's FINAL SALUTE: A Story of Unfinished Lives. If you are at all familiar with this photo and Jim Sheeler's Pulitzer Prize-winning "Final Salute" in the Rocky Mountain News, you must read this book.

While I read this book, I thought of a lot of people... I thought often of Matt at Blackfive and remembered why Matt blogs... and I thought of him and Mat Schram's family and of Noah and Tommy Byrd's family as I read... remembering vividly when my son Noah was escorting his friend Tommy Byrd home to his final rest when he said, "I know this is a real honor, but it's so hard, Mom -- the hardest thing I have ever done." and I remember writing about our conversation along his journey with Tommy,

He tells me that when they all went off to war, they promised each other that they would bring each other home. "This isn't how we thought it would happen, Ma." I detect such emotion in that statement that it is hard for me not to weep. I can not fathom the pain of such memories... or the love and loyalty that inspired such promises.

In Final Salute, Sheeler tells the stories of the fallen, of their homes, of their families, of the memorials and the memories... it is also the story of Major [now Lt. Col.] Steve Beck -- a Casualty Assistance Case Officer (CACO) and his unwaivering efforts to help heal the wounds of those left behind. This is a moving and detailed book (major tissue alert)... I was so moved by the stories... and the writing... honest... honorable... sad... proud... and the photos included are just as awe-inspiring and moving as the one above.

I believe this book should be required reading for every high school student in the U.S. It will also be greatly appreciated by anyone who has served and their families... and those who support them and understand the nature of the sacrifice... and it should be read by anyone and everyone who questions the honor or intent of those who serve in our military. I don't know if those groups will be touched by the stories told by the Fallen and their wives, their parents, and the buddies they left behind, but perhaps they might gain some appreciation for the sacrifice and maybe approach some part of their lives differently and filter some of the pap they get in college and elsewhere through the filter of knowing that some gave all -- for them. Final Salute is a perfectly fitting read for the Independence Day weekend... reminding us all that the Freedom we all enjoy is not free.

At one point, when a Marine questions why they are having a large ceremony for the families telling the stories of each soldier and Marine who had died and formally presenting the medals they had earned, asking, "Why do you have to keep reminding them" [of their loved one's death]? To which Major Beck replied, "This isn't about reminding them," he said. "This is about reminding you."

and then there was this passage -- just one of the many that made me cry...

Unlike his superior officer, [Marine Sergeant Damon Cecil] had seen the war from both sides. Before he went to Iraq, however, Damon Cecil had never spoken to the dead.

"When you're carrying them home without going over there, you have this respect, but it's a respect you don't understand," he said. "When you go over there and come back, you say, 'Man, now not only do I understand, but I want to talk to them.' I feel like I know them. I feel like I'm going to walk with him all the way to the grave."

Only a few weeks before the [Remembering the Brave] ceremony, he returned to Colorado for another funeral. When the private jet arrived, Sergeant Cecil was one of the first Marines in the belly of the plane to remove the casket.

"When I got up there, I talked to him. I said, 'Hi, brother,' and I smoothed the cardboard [that protects the casket] before taking it off," he said. "I talk to them all the time. I say, 'I'm here for you, brother. I'm here to take you home."

It's a one way conversation that continues as he posts guard near the casket.

"I come into the room, and I post right next to him. I say, 'Hey, brother, I'm going to be taking care of you for a while. I'll be here for a while and then another Marine will take over.' "

Note: I would hold off reading this book if you have someone deployed or someone about to deploy... it was hard enough for me to read this book almost 3 years after the funerals for all Noah's friends. It's a very emotional book and could be too intense for those with loved ones in harm's way... but get it and read it when they are home and safe.

PS Not heard much about this book? Well, the major media outlets "aren't interested" in this book or the story it tells. So I'm telling it... and I hope you'll help spread the word.

Finally, a great big "THANK YOU" to LTC Beck (and the other CACOs and those who assist them) for remembering and honoring the Fallen so well... and to Jim Sheeler for telling the story -- and telling it so well.

(Don't take my word for how moving and important this book and its stories are... tap the Amazon link for FINAL SALUTE and read some of the many reviews posted there...)

Mister Can You Spare a "Dime"??

If you read military blogs regularly, you are probably familiar with our wild and wonderful friend Chuck Z -- a US Army Major (well, he was a lowly Captain back then) who was seriously wounded in Iraq just weeks before Noah was wounded. I have lost count of the number of Chuck's surgeries -- I think his 35th was in January. Chuck has a blog "From My Position... on the way" which was the venue through which I am privileged to know him and his beautiful and wonderful wife, Carren. When Chuck lost the use of his hands as a result of his wounding, he inspired one of his blog readers to begin the Soldiers' Angels Project Valour IT which has provided and continues to provide voice-activated laptops for wounded soldiers (many hundreds... or maybe over a thousand now??) and for which he helps raise significant sums of money.

Well, now Chuck has added another personal test and goal for himself -- to ride in the 2008 Face of America Bike Ride, a two-day inclusive bike ride from Bethesda, MD to historic Gettysburg, PA the National Naval Medical Center to honor and assist our disabled veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. READ THE DETAILS FROM CHUCK (below) or go to his blog entry for April 6, 2008 to read more.

Please consider making a donation of any amount to Chuck's endeavor and PLEASE forward this to all your friends and family. If you have a corporate donations program, please consider nominating this ride. There is no worthier cause... please do it today.

THANK YOU!!
Carla, Some Soldier's Mom

From: Chuck Ziegenfuss
Subject: From My Position... hell on wheels 2008

I am participating in this, and am trying to raise between $5K (personal goal) and $10K (team goal). I am $3k short of my personal goal right now, and the event is only a scant 3 weeks away.

I am writing to not only ask for your contributions, but to also as for you to spread this information through your address books, word of mouth, web pages, and any other means at your disposal.

ANY amount, even a single dollar is appreciated. This is my personal achievement after being wounded. Completing this ride will mark almost three years or rehabilitation, over 30 reconstructive surgeries, and healing from being wounded in 2005. It is my honor to ride along with other wounded warriors. Please donate what you can, and ask others to do likewise.

Link for donations: GO HERE

More information from the website:

On May 3rd & 4th 2008 World Team Sports, working with The Walter Reed Army Medical Center, The National Naval Medical Center, The Brooke Army Medical Center, The Soldiers Angel Fund, The Severly Injured Semper Fi Fund, and others will be hosting our 2008 Face of America Bike Ride, a two-day inclusive bike ride from Bethesda, MD to historic Gettysburg, PA the National Naval Medical Center to honor and assist our disabled veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

This ride is an opportunity to welcome these disabled servicemen and women ,and able-bodied servicemen and women, as teammates and show them how much we appreciate their efforts. We will also have the opportunity to show them that they can still be a part of the TEAM.

There is no charge for any active duty servicemen or women, both able-bodied and disabled, to participate. There is a $ 400 minimum fund raising goal for all other participants. The money raised will pay for all the costs of the active duty participants, including accommodations, food, outreach, providing usage of bikes, cycling clinics,and all other costs associated with the ride.

--
Chuck Z

SHOW SOME LOVE

Some Pro-Troops Gatherings

Come On - Join Us!

PRO-TROOP RALLY COMES TO THE HEARTLAND!!
CHICAGO (my Hometown!!) stands against Code Pink

Saturday, October 27 - 1:00 pm - Federal Plaza
CONTACT: Beverly Perlson (708.466.2983)

Beverly Perlson has organized a pro-troop rally on Saturday, October 27th at 1:00 p.m. at the Federal Plaza in Chicago. The Chicago Police Dept has designated the southeast corner of Dearborn & Adams (Federal Plaza) for those would like to come out and show SUPPORT FOR OUR TROOPS. Barricades will be setup.

Participants must enter on the east side from Adams Street. Starting at 6 a.m., the streets will be closed off. Parking is available east of State Street or in nearby parking garages.

Bring your Families, your Friends and your Flags.

Let's show our Troops the Great City of Chicago Supports Their Service and Sacrifice! Numerous military organizations are expected to attend the event in support of troops.

Other opportunities to share your voice this week:

Thursday, October 25, 2007
Vets for Freedom & Families United - Ohio Town Hall Meeting on Iraq
6:30 PM EST - 9:00 PM EST

Columbus, OHIO
The Ohio State University, 18th Avenue Building, Room 160
For more information, contact: Lee C lee@vetsforfreedom.org

Saturday, October 27, 2007
Gathering of Eagles - New York City Counter-Protest
9:30 AM EST -- George Washington Bridge, Fort Lee, NJ (Hudson Terrace & Merkle St.)
10:00 AM EST -- Brooklyn Bridge Entrance Ramp; Centre street next to City Hall
12:30 PM EST -- Broadway & Worth Street
For more information, contact: Dan M goeny@earthlink.net

Saturday, October 27, 2007
Gathering of Eagles and Eagles Up - Orlando, FL Counter-Protest
10:00 AM EST
Orange County Regional History Center - 65 E Central Blvd.
For more information, contact: Deborah K-L, eaglesupflorida@aol.com