Between Two Worlds (Redux)

More than five years ago I wrote the following blog post... despite the fact that there is so little news from the front, there are still two theaters of operation... and good men and women are being deployed daily and leaving behind wives, children, parents, siblings and friends to wait. wait. wait. and worry. So it is worth reminding those who do not have loved one's in harm's way -- those who live in THIS world -- what that is like.

Sunday, January 15, 2006

Between Two Worlds

[snip]

I have recently come to the conclusion that when you have someone deployed, you live in two worlds: "This" world and "THAT" world. In This World, everything goes on as normal. You go to work (for those that work), do the laundry, clean the house, pay the bills...… You know -- all the things "normal" people do.

But we're not normal. We also live in THAT World -- the world where the telephone ringing in the middle of the night is normal 'cause it's morning over there. The world where news is everything and vague reports of improvised explosive devices can raise your heart rate 10 beats a minute and unconfirmed reports of soldiers' deaths can cause you to inhale involuntarily. The world that can fall apart in an instant when the caller ID says it's Fort _____ or there's a knock at the door and the chaplain is standing there.

In This World, holidays are a day off or a reason to shop. In THAT World, holidays are markers of time passing... merely milestones until homecoming. First we got through Valentine's Day,… then Easter (telling ourselves that they'll be home next Easter), then Memorial Day (oh how we'll celebrate next Memorial Day!), Independence Day (we'll have the best barbecue next 4th!), Labor Day, Columbus Day...… just marking time in THAT World... the World where you live between goodbyes and hellos until it's goodbyes again.

In This World, birthdays and anniversaries, the births of children, the marriages of friends and family are celebrated with a degree of sadness because your soldier is not here... your soldier is in harm's way. Can you ever truly celebrate in This World when your heart is mostly in THAT World? We do but only because we are forced to live in This and THAT World.

We live in This World where the ringing phone is just a ringing phone -- an annoyance, an interruption... but we are forced to also live in THAT World where we curse because the phone does not ring often enough or can bring unhappy news... where 21st century technology is a tether to That World but which we curse in blackout or busy times when we are plunged into unwanted silence.

In This World, shopping is a normal every day activity, but because we also live in ThHAT World, it is a lifeline to our soldier: shopping for the things they need...… the things they like..… the things that tie them to home -- to us...… tie them to This World and learning that soft toilet paper or their favorite brand of salsa may be more priceless than gold in THAT World.

In This World there are 24 hours in a day, but because we also live in THAT World, we live a parralel 24. As we progress through our days in This World, we are calculating the time in THAT World and conjuring up pictures of what our soldier is doing at that moment. When we eat we wonder if they had a hot meal today...… when we shower we wonder if they had hot water for a shower or whether it was a water bottle rinse off...… we wonder if the mail even got through today. In This World, "Where did the time go?" is a simple phrase. In THAT World, it is a blessing that the hour or day went quickly because in THAT World time passes excruciatingly slow --… especially those last few days until that plane touches down and the senior officer yells, "Dismissed!"

In This World, you are brave, tough, and supportive and you dare not admit to many that in That World you are also weary, frightened, worried sick, and lonesome for your soldier and sometimes you cry about it for him and for you.

In This World, you smile politely when someone asks about the yellow ribbon pin or the purple ... bracelet you wear... and you smile broadly when they ask you to thank your soldier for their service in That World.

In This World you wonder why people clap when David Letterman or Jay Leno say hurtful things about the War while your soldier fights nobly in THAT World for their right to say it. In This World you find that you talk back to the television a lot and that you stop watching or listening to Senators and Representatives and clueless celebrities who can't seem to put aside their partisanship long enough to see the effect some of their mindless statements have on those that live in THAT World and are fighting That war. In This World you wouldn't dream of challenging someone demanding that we cut and run, but because we also live in THAT World, we have no qualms about telling them that they don't know their butt from an indentation in the Earth's surface and thoughtfully answer all their rote mumblings about oil, lies, wealth, WMD -- and when they spout "We support the troops" -- we don't hesitate to ask them to prove it!

Before this deployment, I thought that once our son -- once Our Guys -- were home, I would return to living in just one world -- This World. However, now that the deployment is over, I have come to realize that a part of me will always live between the two worlds. That World is now an integral part of This World for me... as it is for many others.

In This World, your friends are those you know in your neighborhood and from the PTA or Lions Club meetings. For the families of those deployed, our friends in This World include everyone that understands all too well THAT World: friends that are serving, those that have served, the families of those that are deployed, have been deployed or are deploying and the people that really do support them... always ready with a helping hand, an encouraging word, a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold in good times and bad. THAT World is a big world inhabited by a large family of which I am proud to be a member and for which I will forever be grateful.

Copyright 2006. All rights reserved.

SEARS: HEROES AT HOME

As y'all are starting your shopping, I ask that you remember SEARS -

SEARS HELPS HEROES FULFILL WISHES THIS HOLIDAY

Sears Heroes at Home Wish Registry™ offers America the chance to say “thank you” and helps military families have the holidays they deserve!!

With more than 480,000 U.S. soldiers currently on active duty*, Sears is once again calling on America to step up and say “thanks” to the nation’s troops this holiday season. As part of its long-standing commitment to real life heroes, Sears is proud to bring back its annual Sears Heroes at Home Wish Registry™ to give back to the men and women who serve our country by inviting Americans to donate to the Heroes at Home Wish Registry.

With thousands of active-duty military fathers and mothers away from their homes fighting for our country, the Heroes at Home Wish Registry helps to bring the holidays home for many deserving families. By bridging the miles with a little holiday cheer, the Wish Registry provides a chance for active military members to connect with loved ones during the holiday season. Many families that were helped by last year’s efforts shared their stories to encourage active members of the military to register this year, some of which are posted on the Wish Registry website. One family shared:  

My husband has been deployed the last two Christmases and I have tried to cope by making it just another day – no tree, no presents, etc. When I heard he was selected for your program and received the email to go buy decorations I was crying. I thought, for once it would be nice to make myself happy and bring back Christmas! I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart and let you know what a difference you are making for military families.

Now through Dec. 31, Americans can support the Sears Heroes at Home Wish Registry by making a contribution to the Wish Registry either in-store or online at Sears.com/heroesathome. Donations made to the Wish Registry are not tax deductible and will be used to purchase Sears gift cards that will be equally distributed to all registered families.

“Through the Heroes at Home Wish Registry, Sears is able to give back and say ‘thanks’ to the military members who selflessly protect our nation every day,” said David Friedman, SVP, Sears Holdings and president of marketing, Sears Holdings. “The Wish Registry enables Americans to show their gratitude to our military heroes and help make the holiday season brighter.”

Year-over-year, demand among the military community continues to grow. This fall, thousands of active members of the military registered to participate in the Sears Heroes at Home Wish Registry; achieving more than 23,000 registrants in less than 24 hours after activating the website. Now in its third year, the Heroes at Home Wish Registry has helped more than 51,000 military families and has raised more than $12.2 million. For many, the wishes fulfilled in years past have been simple and practical, including everything from warm clothes to new toys for their children to a Christmas tree and other holiday decorations for their homes.

Furthering its long standing commitment to the military, Sears Blue Tool Crew will launch a new military discount program for tools this Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Starting on Veterans Day, Sears will offer a 10 percent discount on all in-store, regularly priced tool purchases, including Craftsman tools, when customers show a valid military I.D.

“We are honored to be able to provide our military heroes with the Sears Blue Tool Crew military discount as a token of our appreciation for the ongoing commitment and service they provide to our country,” said Steve Light, SVP of Tools and Hardware for Sears Holdings. “Being a member of the military is a lifelong commitment and Sears is dedicated to providing ongoing support to our military customers and their families who serve our country every day.”

Customers can also support America’s troops by voting for the “Deck Your Halls” sweepstakes. For every vote received during the sweepstakes Sears, along with its holiday trim shop business, will donate $1 to the Wish Registry, up to $10,000. Now through Nov. 22, customers who vote for their favorite holiday product theme as part of the “Deck Your Halls” sweepstakes will be entered to win prizes worth up to $2,000. For complete rules and entry please visit www.sears.com/deckyourhalls.

Sears Holdings’ ongoing commitment to assisting troops and their families includes several recruiting and employment programs, as well as a military pay differential to Sears associates employed (full time) who are reservists serving on active duty. Reservists who are employed full time are allowed to continue participating in life insurance, medical and dental programs.

For additional information about the Heroes at Home Wish Registry or to make a donation, visit www.sears.com/heroesathome.

HOLIDAY MAIL FOR HEROES!!

Calling all Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, schools, Bible & Sunday school classes, churches... well, calling EVERYONE!!!

Holiday Mail for Heroes Program Overview

It’s that time of year again! The American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes have teamed up for the fourth annual Holiday Mail for Heroes program.

From now until December 10th you are invited to send holiday cards to our American service members, their families, and veterans all over the world. Anyone can send a card and you can send as many as you would like! Please send all cards to

Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD
20791-5456

The deadline for this year is December 10th. Unfortunately, if your cards are not postmarked by December 10th they cannot be delivered. After Pitney Bowes collects and screens the mail received in the PO Box, Red Cross workers deliver holiday greetings to service men and women in their communities. Check out how our uniformed men and women and their families expressed their gratitude for the Holiday Mail program when it delivered cards to Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Read more and see a great video HERE.

Please share... repost, email... let's get this done!!!

SEND CHOCOLATE TO THE TROOPS

go to A Soldier's Perspective for the details!!  Who doesn't like chocolate????

Military Children: Serving in Hawaii

from Major Ziergnfoos, the 25th Infantry Division's Strategic Communications guy

A Call to Action - Military Children in Hawaii

We've known for decades that Hawaii is a great assignment - except for the schools. The lack of quality public education in Hawaii is an assignment deterrent for many and a constant quality of life issue for those assigned here.

We now have a unique opportunity to inform and influence the education of our children in Hawaii and perhaps all children in Hawaii. U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM)has teamed up with John Hopkins University for the first-ever "Military Child in Hawaii" study. All Soldiers with school age children, assigned in Hawaii , are invited to participate, whether your children are in public, private, charter, home school, or off-island. We need you to speak up and be heard.

Soldiers and family members can expect to make many sacrifices in the service of our Nation, but your children's education isn't one of them. I urge you to take this survey, and allow your children 10 years and older, to take this survey. To sign up for this survey, simply go to http://www.hawaiikids.org/

Thank you

Posted by MG Champoux

GIVE SOMEONE ELSE'S MONEY TO THE USO!!!

Bacardi USA’s “60 Second Cocktail Program,” is an initiative launched by Bacardi, USA in association with the USO. This summer, Bacardi, USA encourages Americans to toast to the troops with its “60 Second Cocktails Program”. Bacardi has committed to donate $75,000 to the USO at the onset of summer, with consumers (21+) able to increase the total donation; each time a fan joins Bacardi’s “60 Second Cocktails” Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/60SecondCocktails and clicks DONATE, the company will send $1 to the USO. With just one click, anyone can give!

Civilian and military people alike understand the USO’s important mission to raise morale for soldiers overseas. From Operation Enduring Care to the Celebrity Entertainment Tour, the USO has been providing a home away from home for American servicemen and women since World War II.

On the “60 Second Cocktails” Facebook page, you will find easy grilling and cocktail recipes using Bacardi products from celebrity chef John Besh and seasoned mixologist Bryan Stowe, both of whom have served in the U.S. Marine Corps.  The “60 Second Cocktail Program” is fun for summer and an easy way to give to the USO.

So go over -- click the DONATE tab and give the USO some of Bacardi's money!! And spread the word!!!

____________
Disclosure: I have received no compensation in any form for this promotion.

SOME MARINES NEED SOME STUFF!!!

SOME WOUNDED MARINES NEED SOME STUFF. BOSTON MAGGIE SAYS SO (and I'd do what she says!!)

GO NOW AND READ... THEN SEND!!!

http://bostonmaggie.blogspot.com/2010/06/listen-up-i-want-something.html

The Grind & the Grindstone

I know I only occasionally blog around here any more... life moves on... the Army veteran attends school, works and is raising his son... the Navy son can't say much about his line of work and what he can say doesn't need to be posted. "My guys" have been deployed twice since Noah was with them and there isn't much to write home about these days (a pretty much "been there done that" from the guys). I'm not really a "diarist" that feels the need to document my daily life -- don't get me wrong -- I LOVE to read some of the diaries around the blogsphere (mostly because it reminds me how grateful I am that I don't have young ones to raise any more! WHEW! It is HARD WORK!)

I suppose I could post every time I discovered evidence on what moms, dads and spouses have all known for forever and is now being verified through clinical studies:

 Blasts in Iraq are causing long-term damage to veterans' brains

Specific PTSD Symptoms Related to Anger and Aggressiveness Among Iraq/Afghanistan Veterans

Prevalence of Mental Health Problems and Functional Impairment Among Active Component and National Guard Soldiers 3 and 12 Months Following Combat in Iraq

Military Still Failing To Diagnose, Treat Brain Injuries

The list could go on and on...

Which is what leads me to this post.

First, let's get clear that FAR MORE soldiers/marines come home from combat WITHOUT POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) than who suffer symptoms.  Even accepting the highest estimates of 15% with symptoms of post-traumatic stress there are even fewer with the more chronic form -- called PTSD. Which translates to more than 90% of returning combat veterans DO NOT have PTSD. (and I resent the efforts of organizations, the anti-war crowd and many in the mainstream media who are so eager to broad brush ALL combat veterans as somehow being abnormal or to be feared upon their return and ascribing all bad conduct by anyone who ever wore a uniform to this condition! more pointedly, I am entirely DISGUSTED by those who only CLAIM to be afflicted in order to game the system and be unjustly rewarded. To those I advise: What goes around, comes around.)

That being said, for those who suffer from PTSD  or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or both, the daily "getting on with it" can be a grind. The grindstone can be smaller some days and way larger the next. That grindstone of depression (sometimes), anxiety (sometimes), nightmares (sometimes), insomnia (sometimes), anger (sometimes)... it wears on these warriors. The need to take daily medications to control some symptoms -- or the resistance to being medicated -- wear on them, too. Their worry and efforts to define what is "normal" (hint: this IS "normal") adds to the grind.

Reintegrating into a world that doesn't quite get it -- however appreciative they are or say they are -- is grit on that wheel. Getting into school, getting a job, raising a family, dealing with family (basically living your life) -- all the situations, problems and stresses the unaffected world does -- but so much harder for those with the vagaries of memory problems, physical ailments, concentration issues, etc. This all speeds the grindstone's spin for those dealing with the effects of PTSD and mTBI.

The families of these people -- parents, spouses, siblings and children -- do not escape the grind or the grindstone. That temper, those nightmares, that depression and anxiety, memory issues and problems with concentration... and their WORRY for those they love can grind on them, too.

It has been five-and-one-half years since my son, Noah, deployed to Iraq. Just about five years since he was wounded. Four years since he was diagnosed with PTSD. Three years since he was medically discharged for all of the above. He has had to juggle many things in these five years -- marriage, a new child, divorce, school, job -- but he has done it. It has taken work on his part and a lot of tongue biting and sometimes gentle coaxing on family's part. It is a journey that has many twisted roads... it is not a journey that will be over any time soon. It will be a challenge for all of his lifetime.

Don't misinterpret this. The road to "recovery" is NOT a snake pit. It is NOT a losing proposition. On the contrary -- with the permission of the military and society to admit you suffer these things... with the encouragement to recognize the need and seek help from so many sources -- the prognosis is better than it has ever been! 

But it also requires a great deal of acceptance and understanding... and effort, commitment and resources on the part of those afflicted with PTSD and/or mTBI and their families. Is it hard? Can be. Is it a bumpy road? Usually. Will there be bad days? Yes. Will there be good days? Yes. Is it worth the effort? HELL YES!!

And the more we talk about it, the more encouraging we are, the more we applaud those who accept that challenge -- to be better, to get better... fight the grind and the grindstone -- the better we all -- as people and as a society -- will be. 

The important thing to understand is that THERE IS A BETTER. It is NOT a hole from which you cannot climb. It is NOT a permanent state of "sucks" and "sucks more"... "sucks less" and "doesn't suck" CAN be part of the vocabulary. Most importantly: you are NOT alone and you will NOT be left behind.  Our son Noah, our family and his friends can all testify to it.  Remember, grinding rock is what produces the brightest gems! :-D

PTSD RESOURCES

Defense Center of Excellence (DCoE) for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Outreach Center

DCoE RESOURCES

Win an iPad!!!

UPDATE:  Go HERE for all the details -- time to bid!!! (and support a worthy cause  -- Soldiers' Angels who try to make sure that no soldier goes unloved!)


Here is this juicy little item from our friends at You Served... and how you can win an auction AND receive a brand new iPad...

Soldiers Angels is Awesome and Doesn't Need Embellishment

Soldiers Angels is awesome and doesn't need embellishment. From my friend, MaryAnn - Soldiers' Angels Germany:

A word about the UK MailOnline story

How sad that the simple truths of a story can get lost in the retelling.

It was a story of how The Many pulled together and did everything in their power to meet The Needs of The One.

A story of how we as human beings take care of one another. A story of military medicine at it's finest. [snip]

Greyhawk has the real story, and tells it much better than I can.

We fight because it's the right thing to do; because all of humanity is our tribe.

God bless all who answer that call, and God bless those who care for them.

Be sure to read it all. MaryAnn is as selfless and as caring an individual anywhere on God's Earth, and our soldiers -- especially our wounded -- and thir families have no greater an ally and friend than she.

Update: I'm not the only one who thinks so highly of MaryAnn... READ Afghan Quest

Sleepy’s Comforts the Troops with Pillow Donation

I have had sleep problems for the past 10 years... there is nothing I value more than a good night's sleep. And I can say that the last 3 mattresses we have purchased for our homes have come from Sleepy's.... so I was delighted when this arrived in my email.

Sleepy’s Comforts the Troops with Pillow Donation

Mattress Company Partners with Give2TheTroops to send Pillows to Military Overseas

To give troops a soft spot to rest their heads, Sleepy’s, the family-owned east coast mattress company, has developed a pillow donation program in partnership with Give2TheTroops, a non-profit organization which sends care packages to the military. Through a program called “Comfort Our Troops,” when consumers purchase any Tempur-Pedic pillow at one of Sleepy’s 700 retail locations between January 28 and February 28 Sleepy’s will send a travel pillow to troops overseas via care package from the Give2TheTroops organization. The pillows will be packaged with other “comforts of home” such as snacks and toiletries.

”Sleepy’s is proud to engage our community to support the men and women who serve our country through the ‘Comfort Our Troops’ program,” said Adam Blank, Chief Operating Officer at Sleepy’s. “We hope that when they lay their heads down, they are reminded how truly grateful we are for their service.”

“A cozy bed is one of the things that our soldiers miss the most while they are away,” said Andi Grant, President and Founder of Give2TheTroops. “The ‘Comfort Our Troops’ program is a great way for people to give our soldiers a little piece of home and help them sleep a little easier.”

To purchase a pillow in support of the “Comfort Our Troops” program, please visit one of Sleepy’s 700 retail locations beginning January 28. For information on the program, please visit Sleepys.com or give2thetroops.org.

ABOUT Give2TheTroops
Give2TheTroops® is a NONPARTISAN, NON-POLITICAL, PATRIOTIC organization aimed at supporting U.S. deployed and wounded troops in harm's way. We are managed by patriotic volunteers who ensure that deployed U.S. military members in all branches of service are supported with letters and care packages. Give2TheTroops was founded by a U.S. Marine wife in December of 2002 when her husband was deployed for a year with Operation Iraqi Freedom. The organization grew rapidly as more people wanted to show their support for our troops. Give2TheTroops has headquarters in Connecticut with branches located throughout the country. Give2TheTroops are incorporated and certified as a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, non-political, non-partisan organization. For more information, call 888.876.6775 (888.TROOPS.5), or visit us at http://www.give2thetroops.org/

 

ABOUT SLEEPY’S

Sleepy’s, The Mattress Professionals(R) is a privately-owned 4 generation company with over 700 locations in thirteen states, spanning from Vermont to West Virginia. Throughout Sleepy’s 52-year history, they have supported the idea that one mattress does not fit all, carrying a wide selection of mattresses so their customers are certain to find the one that suits them best. Keeping up-to-date on all the latest innovations in sleep technology, Sleepy’s, The Mattress Professionals(R) carries the latest in Sealy, Serta, Simmons, Beautyrest, Posturepedic, Tempur-Pedic, Sleep To Live mattresses and 12 other brands to fit any price range or comfort level. For more information, call 1-800-SLEEPYS (1-800-753-3797), or visit us at http://www.sleepys.com/.

This ends February 28 -- so get a move on!!  Personally, I think nothing says, "I love you!" on Valentine's Day more than a new pillow (with a piece of diamond jewelry perched on top, of course!)

*******

I received no products or compensation in any form for publishing this blog post.

Milblogs Go Silent: A Protest

Army Master Sgt. C. J. Grisham has always led from the front, from combat that earned him the Bronze Star with V device, to doing right by the men he led. His honesty won him readership and respect, from the White House on down. Yet, when he stood up for his children in school, his command did not stand by him. You can read more at Military Times to get the full story.

Please donate via PayPal; log into PayPal on your own, go to the send money page, and put in his email: dj_chcknhawk AT yahoo DOT com; or, you can send donations directly to:

Grisham Legal Fund
c/o Redstone Federal Credit Union
220 Wynn Drive
Huntsville, AL 35893

Please write "Grisham Legal Fund" in the memo line if you use this option.

Milblogs have been a vital link in getting accurate news and information about the military, and military operations, to you. Today, many milblogs are gone and others are under attack from within and without. Today, you have the chance to imagine a world without milblogs, and to do something about it. Make your voice heard by writing your congressional representatives and others, and by making donations as you see fit.

The battle for freedom of speech and the marketplace of ideas is fought on many fronts and in many ways. Without your help, the battle may well be lost.

WIN FREE MILITARY BOOTS FOR LIFE!

MILITARYBOOTS.COM is running this contest... and I, for one, cannot wait to see the pictures and hear the stories! I am certain there will be many, "So there I was... no sh*t..."

Your boots have endured everything you've thrown at them. Drilling. Marching. Combat. Miles upon miles through never-ending plains, scorching deserts, and urban jungles. Whatever your boots' story may be, we want to see 'em.

The Converse Military Boots For Life Contest is searching the planet to find the oldest, most worn-out set of boots. The more battered and tattered, the better. Whether you've crawled through swamps or scaled mountains, you could own the winning pair...and score a LIFETIME SUPPLY OF CONVERSE BOOTS!

Submit a photo of your boots along with a brief story telling us why your boots are in the world's worst condition. Send your entry to contest@militaryboots.com by March 31, 2010.

Show the world what it's been like to walk a mile or 20 in your boots. And be rewarded for your effort!

Win a free pair of Converse military boots every year for the next 20 years, courtesy of Militaryboots.com.

Sears Heroes at Home Wish Registry!!!

Sears invites all active military members to register for the Sears Heroes at Home Wish Registry program. The Heroes at Home Wish Registry allows America to thank our military heroes and their families by donating to the program. All donations will be evenly distributed in the form of Sears gift cards amongst all military families and members accepted into the program. Registration will be open between 8:00AM CT - 6:00PM CT each day, so register and review program details at www.sears.com/wish today.

Troops in A'stan Need Your Help NOW!!

UPDATE FROM TANKER BABE: all the basic necessities have now been covered! In less than 36 hours, the basics for 56 soldiers have been donated by great and caring Americans! HOOAH! However, the project is not done... we are still hoping to replace the rest of their other personal gear via the American Legion's efforts (see next paragraph & the original blog post.) Bless all who honor our military men & women!!

[from The Burn Pit: UPDATE: OK, link is now active for credit card donations. I just did mine and it went through. Make sure you only click the "donate" button once. Tomorrow I will have info up for those who wish to donate via check or send in items.]

As you all know, this past weekend, an American Combat Outpost was overrun in Afghanistan and 8 American soldiers were killed and many wounded. What many people do not know is that the soldiers who are still there (but pulled back to a Forward Operating Base) lost everything but the clothes on their backs.

This from a friend at the American Legion:

Everything the men of Bravo Troop 361 Cavalry had with them that they were not wearing was destroyed in the battle for Combat Outpost Keating. [snip] These men have lost friends, lost their outpost, and lost all their belongings. One who made it out wrote that “most people back home don't even know -- no one gives a shit”. Well, many of us do.

You can check at TankerBabe's website for a list of basic necessities for which she & others are trying to get commitments (extra clothing, towels & wash clothes, undershirts... things like that.)

If you can commit to providing certain things on her list or wish to make a cash donation towards these basic necessities, please email TankerBabe at tankerbabelc@gmail.com or Mark at the American Legion MOTHAX@LEGION.ORG

Additionally, the American Legion is setting up a relief fund that will be collecting money to replace the soldiers' iPods, DVDs, PCs and other such "comfort" items (which are NOT issued by the Army) that make serving in some of the most Heaven-forsaken country on Earth bearable.

And you can prove [you care] by giving whatever you can to try and buy these guys things like running shoes, and other essentials, as well as some comfort items like iPods and DvD players. The American Legion’s Operation Comfort Warrior has kicked in $1000 to start the Combat Outpost Keating Relief Fund... I intend to get these items out by the end of next week. ANY amount you can give, no matter how small will help us prove that we do care.]

The whole story (including details of the battle and the aftereffects) can be found at this post at the American Legion Blog "The Burn Pit" The Battle for COP Keating and How You Can Help

The American Legion will be posting the contact information for the Legion's COP Keating Relief Fund there shortly.

Please pass this information on to friends, families and colleagues. If you are a member of a club or church group that might wish to help, please be sure to involve them, too!!

And be sure to read Greyhawk's roundup of information before, during & after at Mudville Gazette.

Many Thanks!

-- Some Soldier's Mom

PS To the azzholes out there who are writing these incredulous blog posts about how the U.S. spends so much on defense yet we have to have private fund raising to give these soldiers this stuff: You are f@#$%^ MORONS!! Your total IGNORANCE of all things military is showing! If you read Tanker Babe's info closely enough, you will see that she makes clear that the Army is replacing the basics -- one set each (usually... except ACUs). The call is to help provide for additional things & EXTRA sets of socks, boots, running shoes, EXTRA towels & soft blankets, etc. (which all soldiers everywhere also provide themselves!) The American Legion effort is addressing PERSONAL and COMFORT items like DVDs, iPods, maybe laptops...

So you should either PUT UP or STFU... 'cause you are the exact same group of people who would be whining and shuffling if the military gave that kind of stuff to the troops.

From a favorite Army friend:

My reply would be simple. Would you rather the Army buy Body Armor or Socks? The stuff's expensive. If you say both, you don't understand competing demands. Both cost money; to buy one, you have to forsake some quantity of the other. Every item the Army buys has a priority. Socks are a lower priority than other things. I'm sure the Army has a warehouse full of socks somewhere, so lets focus on logistics. It isn't like the supply officer can run to wal-mart. They are in Afghanistan. It isn't the asshole of the world, but you can smell it from there. Everything has to be brought in either by trucks on nearly non-existent roads or by aircraft. Sure, those C-17s look big, until you stock them with essentials like food, ammo, medical supplies, mail, repair parts, petroleum, oil, and lubricants for weapons, building supplies for defenses, and water--for 500 people, for a week or a month.

So now it's a logistics priority. Where do uniform items fall on the supply priorities? Well below the other things mentioned. Mail has an immeasurable effect on morale, so it almost ALWAYS gets priority, right behind bullets, chow, and bandages. Broken uniforms can be fixed with a (much smaller) sewing kit. Uniforms wear out a lot faster when they don't get washed often, even faster when they are hand-washed. When water has to be flown in, washing clothes isn't at the top of the list of things you use water for.

Instead of reasoning with you about supply chain metrics or the priorities of resupply, I'll just ask you to pony up five fucking dollars, the cost of a Latte and Biscotti, and buy a damn pair of socks for a deployed soldier. Then spend an extra five dollars (might have to forgo renting a couple movies this weekend) and mail them to someone whose highlight of the week might just be that single pair of fresh, clean socks he received in the mail. Take stock of your cushy -assed life and do something for someone else for a change. Stop bitching about how much the government spends on defense, and help a soldier out. Right now, it doesn't matter WHY there's a shortage, it only matters that there IS a shortage, and the fastest way to fill that gap is by the American People stepping up and taking action themselves. Nobody's asking YOU to pick up a rifle or put YOUR life at risk. They're just asking you for a pair of fucking socks.

Better yet, keep your money and your fucking stamps. I'm sure those same men would rather go barefoot until their feet bleed than accept a gift given begrudgingly. If you're pissed off about the need, fill the need, then petition congress for a redress of grievance -- like the way DoD can't supply adequate socks. It's a right those soldiers DON'T have, that they are fighting for you to keep.

-- No Nom

New Leave Rule to Provide Warrior Care

from the American Forces Press Service via Military.com

New Leave Rule to Provide Warrior Care
August 27, 2009
American Forces Press Service|by Donna Miles

Defense Department federal employees could receive up to 26 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a military family member injured in the line of duty if an Office of Personnel Management proposal is adopted.

The proposal would allow eligible federal employees to take 26 "administrative work weeks" provided for under the Family and Medical Leave Act to care for a servicemember wounded in the line of duty, OPM officials explained during a telephone conference call.

The provision would extend to families of National Guard members or reservists injured while on active duty, explained Jerry Mikowicz, the OPM deputy associate director for pay and leave administration.

To qualify, the federal employee must be the spouse, child, parent, or next of kin of the servicemember declared medically unfit to serve, he said.

The OPM proposal also would allow agencies to advance up to 30 days of sick leave to federal workers who care for wounded military family members.



The OPM proposals were published in the Federal Register Aug. 26, and the public will have 60 days to comment on them.

OPM officials will review the comments before issuing a final rule, which will proceed through the regulatory process required before it is implemented, Mr. Mikowicz said.

© Copyright 2009 American Forces Press Service. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. [my emphasis]
[Note to the AFPS: what's the point of issuing these stories if you don't want the information REDISTRIBUTED... you know, so that PEOPLE CAN BE INFORMED???]

National Memorial Day Parade

There was a time in our history when parades were an opportunity to honor and celebrate something. Grandparents, children and grandchildren sat on the curbs in every town across America and waved their flags, saluted and cheered -- especially on our patriotic holidays -- Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day. Sadly -- very sadly -- that had not been the case for a number of years... especially the part about celebrating our military and our veterans... although I can safely say that is not the case in our town -- which openly, notoriously and without shame salutes, celebrates and thanks America's Heroes every chance it gets!!

This year I am spreading the word about The National Memorial Day Parade which will take place on Monday, May 25, 2009 at 2:00PM on Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th streets NW, Washington, DC. The parade has been held every year since it was re-established in 2005 after a 70 year hiatus in our nation's capital.

It is the largest Memorial Day Celebration in America and will have more than 250,000 in attendance honoring those who have served and sacrificed. There will be marching bands, veterans units, and uniformed military personnel from around the country.

The parade will also feature a special tribute to the U.S. Navy, and include Navy vet and Oscar winner Ernest Borgnine, fellow actors and veterans' supporters Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna, and music star Lee Greenwood. Also participating is Edith Shain, the nurse from the famous World War II “V-J Day in Times Square” kiss photograph. (How excited do you think she will be??)

For more information, visit http://www.nationalmemorialdayparade.com.

I hope you can be one of the many this Memorial Day who line the parade route in DC and salute America's Heroes who gave all for our Freedom. And if you can't make it to DC, I hope you will take the kids and grandkids -- and your neighbors and friends -- to the closest parade and cheer widely for those that gave all and for those that carry on.

x-posted at Milblogs

Dunkin' Donuts & Homes for Our Troops!!! Apr. 21

Dunkin’ Donuts announced a special "Iced Coffee Day" event for April 21, when Dunkin’ stores throughout the country will sell small iced coffees for the reduced price of only 50 cents. Five cents from each cup sold will go to Homes for Our Troops, a national, non-profit organization that builds specially adapted homes for severely injured veterans.

Dunkin’ Donuts is also launching a nationwide call to recruit one million new volunteers to support Homes for Our Troops’ efforts. The first 200 people to sign up as volunteers will receive free Dunkin’ coffee for one month.

Not only is Homes for Our Troops one of my favorite charities, DD is (and has been) a favorite of mine and my family since I was in HIGH SCHOOL (and that was a long time ago!!) In fact, every morning of high school from sophomore year on (when we got our driver's licenses and cars :-) my twin sister and I and our friends went to the DD in Wheeling, IL and had 2 long johns and coffee before school EVERY DAY! and sometimes on the weekends as well!

So let's all support Homes for Our Troops... every little bit helps!

The Sound of Your Voice...

For Doc (see you soon!!)

I have gotten so far behind in my blogging... I promise to catch up this week... and I want to start by letting you know about one of my favorite Christmas charities: the USO.

Last night I watched the special "Trace Adkins: X (Ten) Days" which followed the ten-day USO tour he did for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan earlier this year... it might not have been as flashy as the old Bob "Mr. USO" Hope Holiday specials, but the scene of the fiddle player's son jumping on the plane in Afghanistan where he is serving was as touching a scene as I have seen -- until the Dad had to bid his son farewell. The USO does so much more than provide entertainers to our troops around the world - they provide those great respites at our nation's airports... and lounges at military hospitals & facilities (and clothing, DVDs, food... ) through Operation Enduring Care... they send care packages... and one of the most successful and appreciated programs -- Operation Phone Home which provides calling cards to our troops around the world.

All of us who have (or have had) someone we love deployed know the elation and joy and peace of mind that a simple phone call means... No sweeter words than, "Hey, Ma!" or "Hi, honey!" or a child hearing a father's or mother's voice on Christmas morning from a world away... More than 2 million phone cards have been distributed since the inception of this program in 2003. You can help by donating to USO's Operation Phone Home. Just click this link and give:

$15 buys 45 minutes... $20 = 60 minutes, $40 = 120 minutes -- 2 hours!! $60 = 180 minutes and $100 = 300 minutes. You can give any amount ($15 minimum online). The sound of a loved one's voice -- nothing like it. So if you haven't decided on your Christmas or Hanukkah donation, this should be it. Really. If you're stretched Christmas week, think of tax planning the week after -- your donation is tax deductible!!

and lastly, one of "our guys" is having a very hard time right now... pretty serious... prayers would be greatly appreciated for V...

NOVEMBER IS WARRIOR CARE MONTH!!

NOVEMBER IS WARRIOR CARE MONTH!!
(click for more information)

As part of Warrior Care month, the Military Health System launched a short, anonymous questionnaire for wounded, ill or injured service members to provide input about the care they received and what can be improved.

There is a separate questionnaire for families, both available directly at
http://health.mil/Pages/Page.aspx?ID=18

or through the MILITARY HEALTH SYSTEM (MHS) homepage, www.health.mil.

So far, they have received a great deal of response from Soldiers and are now pushing the other services and family members to weigh in. The deadline is Nov. 28.

ALSO: The MHS is hosting a web town hall meeting where experts will answer questions from service members and their families about the Defense Department’s medical care programs for its wounded, ill and injured troops. Everyone is welcome to participate.

When: Nov. 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. EST
Where: http://www.health.mil/WarriorCareWebhall
Questions: Submit to mhswebcontent@tma.osd.mil

During the event, medical experts, supporting organizations and service members who have been touched by warrior care will be dialoging about health care solutions.