I just recieved a public affairs announcement, from headquarters down here.
Go visit Luke here, buy a recording, and write him a note!
Biography
The Story Behind “American By God’s Amazing Grace”
Writers: Luke Stricklin/JR Shultz (FOB Warrior, Baghdad, Iraq December 5 th, 2004)
This song is a reminder to all of us that there are many things worse than what we experience in any given day. It is a soldier’s interpretation of his experiences and what he viewed through his own eyes while in Iraq. It didn’t take long for him to realize just how good the quality of life the average American has. Responding to the first question that he was asked when he emailed or called home, Luke Stricklin replied with a song.
Since his return home in March 2005, it is where all conversations lead. The responses he gives to the questions that people are asking him and the words in this song direct folks to the fact that being born American has advantages. These are advantages that were established through the many years and trials that this country has stood strong through.
This song tells the story of a compassionate young man, a Husband, a Soldier proud to have served with fellow Americans, in an effort to give others the hope that someday they will be free to enjoy the same liberties that we are free to enjoy daily.
In His Own Words
“I joined the National Guard when I was seventeen, went to boot camp in Columbus Georgia at Fort Benning home of the infantry. I was an infantry soldier attached to 1/153 Infantry. I was in boot camp during 9/11 and I can’t begin to describe the feelings I felt. I graduated and came back to Arkansas, and went to work and school. I met my wife in January 2002 and the rest is history.
I was deployed in September of 2003 in support of operation Iraqi Freedom. I spent 18 months on active duty, spending time in Fort Hood TX and Fort Polk Louisiana. During my 12 months in Baghdad, Iraq, I bought a guitar off the streets of Baghdad. It was no Martin but … it was playable. JR Shultz the (co-writer), Nick Brown and I spent as much time as we could together drinking coffee and playing music. Then we would head out on patrol and come back and do it all over again. It wasn’t very often that we got that much time off but when we did we made good use of it.
Every one at home always asked what it was like over there. And I would tell them it was hot and change the subject. Mom always said I wasn’t telling her the truth, which I wasn’t. I would tell her everything was just fine. Ashley my wife couldn’t hear me talk about it, we just talked about anything else.
So I thought about writing a song that could answer there questions. I looked at the bottom of my boots one day and it all began. They were worn out - I wore the same pair of boots everyday for at least 12 hours, for about 14 months so they were worn. JR put in his thoughts and we had a song. We recorded it on JR’s laptop with a sound recording program using a $10 mike I bought at Best Buy before I left home.
When I emailed the song home, I had no idea what type of things would transpire. It was first picked up by KTCS (Ft Smith AR). Soon KMAG picked up on it. When they started playing it, they were blown away by the calls. He then forwarded on to Big D and Bubba a nationally syndicated radio show based in Nashville. Big D and Bubba contacted my folks for an interview. With the interview set up via emails, I called from Iraq. The response was huge. When I returned stateside in March of 2005 the phone calls and emails were coming in from TV and radio stations all over the country. Steady requests for TV and radio interviews. In April I was given the opportunity to go to the recording studio for the first time in my life. “American by God’s Amazing Grace” was my first recording.
Soon after it was recorded we were contacted by other national outlets like The Discovery Channel and Fox and Friends morning show. I was on the river fishing with my step-dad when my cell phone rang. A lady from Fox after a quick introduction asked if I was familiar with that show, I replied yes, I still have buddies in Iraq and I tune in to all the major news networks continuously to know what is going on with them. She asked where I was, and I told her I was fishing on the river. She chuckled and asked when I would be coming to New York next. I said well I’m from Arkansas and I don’t get up that way. Then she asked if I would be willing to come in and do the show. I agreed to go to New York and do that show. Then I got a call from a movie producer wanting to use “American by God’s Amazing Grace” in an upcoming movie. Which I have been asked not to disclose the theme or the possible stars, but I can say I was blown away by the known Stars in it. June 11 th, 2005 marks the final sessions to complete my debut self titled album.
©2005 Pacific/Time Records
Web Design by Leslie Wright Productions
Thursday, June 30, 2005
What are you doing?
I am listening to "The Life Aquatic" soundtrack, that has fabulous Portuguese, acoustic renditions of David Bowie songs sung by Seu Jorge, it feels fitting tonight. Go to the link, and take a listen , you will either love it or hate it. I would suggest listening to tracks #6 or #10.
Going to hit the hay and try to read "Bold Spirit", by Linda Lawrence Hunt. A history book about a Norwegian immigrant and mother of 8 who treks across America. This book is going to make me feel like a wuss. Walk across America? I am exhausted by simply using my electric washer, dryer, and vacuum.....
The toddlers are sleeping peacefully, and soon I will be as well.......
Going to hit the hay and try to read "Bold Spirit", by Linda Lawrence Hunt. A history book about a Norwegian immigrant and mother of 8 who treks across America. This book is going to make me feel like a wuss. Walk across America? I am exhausted by simply using my electric washer, dryer, and vacuum.....
The toddlers are sleeping peacefully, and soon I will be as well.......
I went to the hospital
I decided to go to the hospital tonight to visit the Chaplain. I had some things I needed to make sure he knew.
So I did touch his hand and I spoke with him, told him it was hot out and the tomatoes were delicious, and that the trucks are on the roadside selling fruit.
I told him, he had more people praying for him, than I have ever seen pray for one man.
The big reason I had to go was this....
Chaplain McClemore, "my husband was a good Christian man when he left for Iraq. I was worried about him being there for so long, I was worried that he might come home broken physically or emotionally. Well I want you to know, he came back from Iraq an even Better Stronger Christian man. I thank you for having 2 services on Sundays so my husband could come after work. Thank you for having services on Wednesday. My Dear Husband loves you, and even though I have only met you twice, guess what I love you too. My husband is praying for you, and I am saying one anytime I think of it. Your work as Chaplain, has been a blessing to all of your brothers. You try and rest, morning will be here before you know it."
He is still unresponsive.
So I did touch his hand and I spoke with him, told him it was hot out and the tomatoes were delicious, and that the trucks are on the roadside selling fruit.
I told him, he had more people praying for him, than I have ever seen pray for one man.
The big reason I had to go was this....
Chaplain McClemore, "my husband was a good Christian man when he left for Iraq. I was worried about him being there for so long, I was worried that he might come home broken physically or emotionally. Well I want you to know, he came back from Iraq an even Better Stronger Christian man. I thank you for having 2 services on Sundays so my husband could come after work. Thank you for having services on Wednesday. My Dear Husband loves you, and even though I have only met you twice, guess what I love you too. My husband is praying for you, and I am saying one anytime I think of it. Your work as Chaplain, has been a blessing to all of your brothers. You try and rest, morning will be here before you know it."
He is still unresponsive.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
I need a FAVOR
I should have posted this a couple of weeks ago.
I need a favor from my readers.
The Chaplain from the 39th Infantry is in desperate need of your prayers as is his family.
Here is the story, as far as I am aware. The Chaplain was out on his motorcycle, and was at a complete stop. I am guessing this was at an intersection, although I am not sure. A car came behind him and did not stop.
He has been in the hospital since that time. I was informed yesterday that he is in desperate need of prayers.
This is a man of great character. The spiritual guidance he offered my husband, and other soldiers was a true blessing. Besides providing spiritual care for soldiers as a Chaplain, he is also the Pastor for the Second Baptist Church, with a large congregation. Please read a bit about this man, and please say a prayer for him, and his family!
I need a favor from my readers.
The Chaplain from the 39th Infantry is in desperate need of your prayers as is his family.
Here is the story, as far as I am aware. The Chaplain was out on his motorcycle, and was at a complete stop. I am guessing this was at an intersection, although I am not sure. A car came behind him and did not stop.
He has been in the hospital since that time. I was informed yesterday that he is in desperate need of prayers.
This is a man of great character. The spiritual guidance he offered my husband, and other soldiers was a true blessing. Besides providing spiritual care for soldiers as a Chaplain, he is also the Pastor for the Second Baptist Church, with a large congregation. Please read a bit about this man, and please say a prayer for him, and his family!
Update on Chuck...
Chucks wife gives us an update via his blog. Sounds like the prayers, and his stong spirit are working for him, go over and make sure they KNOW you are STILL thinking of them. Please.
Where I am from.....
Where I am from there are 3 things a woman must be able to cook consistently, before she is considered a "good" cook.
1) good fried chicken (the kind that is always gone first at any pot luck, or picnic)
2) potato salad, sooo good you eat it every day for a month and not tire of it.
3) macaroni and cheese, we are talking REAL macaroni and cheese.
I am a third generation American on my Mom's side. They came from Germany, and settled in Nebraska to ranch and farm. My Mom was the oldest daughter out of 8 living children. Grandma had lost 2 at birth. They ranched, ran a dairy, and farmed.
My Mom grew up in a house where you made bread 2 days a week, woke at 5:00am to milk cows, feed chickens, horses, pigs. The had ringer washer, hung clothes out to freeze dry, even in winter. If you wanted to eat meat, you learned how to hunt it, or kill it, and clean it. She learned to cook for about 20 people at a sitting. They had farmhands and other family to feed part of the time. She learned from her Mother to fry up chickens at a young age. I always swore my Mom made the best fried chicken.....Next to my grandma's.
For those of you who have never fried chicken, it is hard. There are a lot of mistakes to be made. I have several friends that cannot even cut a chicken up properly. You have to make sure your oil is not too hot, or too cool. Otherwise it will burn, or be raw in the center. You need a "pan" good for frying chicken. My Mom used a cast iron skillet that was her Moms.
Mom, cleaned chicken in cool water, dredged it through a mix of flour, salt and pepper, fried it in Crisco. Simple enough huh? I tried it and tried it for years, and it just never was right. It never did taste like my Moms or grandma's. It was "ok". I will add this disclaimer, none of the cooks in my family use a recipe. They simply cook on instinct, so when learning to cook you had to really pay attention.
Frickin chicken... When we moved down south I was listening to the radio one morning, a "cooking" segment. They had a secret to make Southern Fried Chicken.
Guess what? I tried it, and everyone loves my fried chicken now. Here is the closest recipe I could find. I will also tell you this. I use an electric skillet, and I also fry the chicken in olive oil. DO SOAK the chicken in the buttermilk the entire 24 hours, it makes it so moist, and tasty.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
INGREDIENTS:
1 whole chicken, cut up
1-1/2 cups buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper
Vegetable shortening,
for frying (about 4 cups)
DIRECTIONS:
Place chicken pieces in zip-lock
bag. Mix buttermilk with 1 teaspoon
salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Pour
mixture over chicken; seal bag, then
refrigerate for at least 2 hours and
up to 24 hours.
Combine flour, 1 teaspoon salt and
pepper (to taste). Completely coat
chicken with flour, shake off excess
and place on large wire rack set over
a jelly-roll pan.
Heat about 4 cups shortening (1/2-inch
depth)in deep 12-inch frying pan over
medium-high heat. Place chicken skin
side down into hot shortening; cover
and cook for 5 minutes. Check to see
if chicken is frying evenly, rearrange
if necessary. Cover again and cook
until chicken is evenly browned, about
5 minutes longer. Turn chicken over
and cook, uncovered until chicken is
done, about 10-15 minutes longer. Remove
chicken and return to wire rack to drain.
*In place of buttermilk, you can combine
3 quarts water and 1 tablespoon salt in
a large bowl; add chicken. Cover and
chill 8 hours. Drain chicken; rinse with
cold water, and pat dry. Proceed with
recipe.
There you are, I can fry up a delicious chicken now, but my Grandma and Mom's way is LOST...Which makes me feel a little sad.
Now for that darn macaroni and cheese, which is not working out for me.
1) good fried chicken (the kind that is always gone first at any pot luck, or picnic)
2) potato salad, sooo good you eat it every day for a month and not tire of it.
3) macaroni and cheese, we are talking REAL macaroni and cheese.
I am a third generation American on my Mom's side. They came from Germany, and settled in Nebraska to ranch and farm. My Mom was the oldest daughter out of 8 living children. Grandma had lost 2 at birth. They ranched, ran a dairy, and farmed.
My Mom grew up in a house where you made bread 2 days a week, woke at 5:00am to milk cows, feed chickens, horses, pigs. The had ringer washer, hung clothes out to freeze dry, even in winter. If you wanted to eat meat, you learned how to hunt it, or kill it, and clean it. She learned to cook for about 20 people at a sitting. They had farmhands and other family to feed part of the time. She learned from her Mother to fry up chickens at a young age. I always swore my Mom made the best fried chicken.....Next to my grandma's.
For those of you who have never fried chicken, it is hard. There are a lot of mistakes to be made. I have several friends that cannot even cut a chicken up properly. You have to make sure your oil is not too hot, or too cool. Otherwise it will burn, or be raw in the center. You need a "pan" good for frying chicken. My Mom used a cast iron skillet that was her Moms.
Mom, cleaned chicken in cool water, dredged it through a mix of flour, salt and pepper, fried it in Crisco. Simple enough huh? I tried it and tried it for years, and it just never was right. It never did taste like my Moms or grandma's. It was "ok". I will add this disclaimer, none of the cooks in my family use a recipe. They simply cook on instinct, so when learning to cook you had to really pay attention.
Frickin chicken... When we moved down south I was listening to the radio one morning, a "cooking" segment. They had a secret to make Southern Fried Chicken.
Guess what? I tried it, and everyone loves my fried chicken now. Here is the closest recipe I could find. I will also tell you this. I use an electric skillet, and I also fry the chicken in olive oil. DO SOAK the chicken in the buttermilk the entire 24 hours, it makes it so moist, and tasty.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
INGREDIENTS:
1 whole chicken, cut up
1-1/2 cups buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper
Vegetable shortening,
for frying (about 4 cups)
DIRECTIONS:
Place chicken pieces in zip-lock
bag. Mix buttermilk with 1 teaspoon
salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Pour
mixture over chicken; seal bag, then
refrigerate for at least 2 hours and
up to 24 hours.
Combine flour, 1 teaspoon salt and
pepper (to taste). Completely coat
chicken with flour, shake off excess
and place on large wire rack set over
a jelly-roll pan.
Heat about 4 cups shortening (1/2-inch
depth)in deep 12-inch frying pan over
medium-high heat. Place chicken skin
side down into hot shortening; cover
and cook for 5 minutes. Check to see
if chicken is frying evenly, rearrange
if necessary. Cover again and cook
until chicken is evenly browned, about
5 minutes longer. Turn chicken over
and cook, uncovered until chicken is
done, about 10-15 minutes longer. Remove
chicken and return to wire rack to drain.
*In place of buttermilk, you can combine
3 quarts water and 1 tablespoon salt in
a large bowl; add chicken. Cover and
chill 8 hours. Drain chicken; rinse with
cold water, and pat dry. Proceed with
recipe.
There you are, I can fry up a delicious chicken now, but my Grandma and Mom's way is LOST...Which makes me feel a little sad.
Now for that darn macaroni and cheese, which is not working out for me.
Monday, June 27, 2005
Dash KNOWS music
We are in the kitchen right now, I am getting ready to fold laundry, Pink Ninja is napping, and Dash is painting.
He tells me "Mommy turn OFF that music (Wheezer)"
"I want to listen to jazz music"
We are now listening to Miles Davis.
He tells me "Mommy turn OFF that music (Wheezer)"
"I want to listen to jazz music"
We are now listening to Miles Davis.
Light Hearted
Sometimes, when days are heavy, and you feel like you can't carry the weight of them. You need to visit the Karnival of Kidz, always good for a smile. This weeks hostess Prochein Amy, does a great job.
Paint it black
Visit Paint It Black today. He does follow it with this entry... Try and make it through the post, without your stomach turning and a dry eye.
I left this blog today, feeling like this was almost to personal for me to read. Reminded that another soldier has died.
I left this blog today, feeling like this was almost to personal for me to read. Reminded that another soldier has died.
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Float like a butterfly, stings like a .......
It continues to be HOT here. I do think it is necessary DAILY to get the children OUT of the house. They are bored with the "same old, same old", so they are whiney and fussy. A Mom can only take so much whine and fuss, before she gets creative. So I done built dem dar children of mine a redneck waterpark.
Slide-check
Pool-check
The entire time I am moving the pool, and slide. I am thinking to myself this is surely to end in tradgedy, but I am desparate to hear laughter and hear splashing. No fighting over shovels, buckets, and the hose.
The children love it, they love it. They are no longer fussing. They are skipping and giggling in delight. They are climbing up and sliding down as fast as gravity will take them. They love Moms invention. I am thrilled, and am sitting at the opposite end of the pool, to ensure no one knocks the other one over, or flies right out of the pool while they are zipping down the slide. The children do this for 30 minutes, and I am catching them and clapping. Life is good.
I then hear Dash screaming in obvious pain and fear, and find a freaking wasp swarming over my poor little guy. (Dash, by the way is easily frightened, intense, bookish, easily overloaded and timid). SO I rush to get him from the top of the slide, and note he has been stung on his right anterior forearm. Fucking wasp, is attacking the 3 of us. Dash is screaming, and writhing in pain. Pink Ninja is hanging on my leg. Army Mom is running around trying to get away from this damn thing. I am carrying 54 pounds of toddlers and trying to get these babies away. I manage a hegira and I get the children to a lawnchair and quickly get the hose with freezing cold water to run over Dash's arm. The neighbors hear the screaming, and can see me running like an insane woman. So now we have an audience of 6.
I have never been stung, but the 3 of us have various allergies and in my twisted head I am praying Dash is not allergic to this darn wasp sting. Dash is crying and is scared, I am sure the adrenoline rush he got frightened him as much as the sting.
My weirdness sets in......
My pessimstic head, is already planning a call to 911. I can picture us showing up at ER, children in their huggies wet swimpants, covered in grass and dirt and Army Wife in her wet swimsuit, covered in pine needles, dirt and grass. I picture the front desk of ER, calling a pyschiatrist down to take these filthy children away from their just as dirty Mom.
So I hold him on my lap and run the cold water over his arm, and rub his blonde hair, and pick peices of grass off of him. Dash is repeatedly blubbering -- "Mommy, that wasp was naughty." "Mommy make him sit in the corner". "Call Daddy, so Daddy can take care of him." His sobbing is slowly slowly fading. He is telling me all about where wasps live, and what they eat.
The neighbors loose interest and fade away, the police and ambulance are not called to the scene. I am left alone sitting in a lawnchair with both of the wet toddlers on my lap.
I get a little bactine, and spray it on his sting, give him a dose of antihistimine, and tylenol. Dash tells me "you are a good nurse Mommy". I let him watch Monsters Inc. with Pink Ninja, they snack on animal crackers and giggle. We are inside for the rest of the afternoon and evening.
I am so glad he was cured with bactine spray, tylenol, antihistamine, a movie, and cookies.
I did not want to be in a pysch ward in my wet swimsuit.
CORRECTION: This post was a great opportuniy to use Sissy's word of the week Hegira, and I missed it.
The editor has made her correction.
Slide-check
Pool-check
The entire time I am moving the pool, and slide. I am thinking to myself this is surely to end in tradgedy, but I am desparate to hear laughter and hear splashing. No fighting over shovels, buckets, and the hose.
The children love it, they love it. They are no longer fussing. They are skipping and giggling in delight. They are climbing up and sliding down as fast as gravity will take them. They love Moms invention. I am thrilled, and am sitting at the opposite end of the pool, to ensure no one knocks the other one over, or flies right out of the pool while they are zipping down the slide. The children do this for 30 minutes, and I am catching them and clapping. Life is good.
I then hear Dash screaming in obvious pain and fear, and find a freaking wasp swarming over my poor little guy. (Dash, by the way is easily frightened, intense, bookish, easily overloaded and timid). SO I rush to get him from the top of the slide, and note he has been stung on his right anterior forearm. Fucking wasp, is attacking the 3 of us. Dash is screaming, and writhing in pain. Pink Ninja is hanging on my leg. Army Mom is running around trying to get away from this damn thing. I am carrying 54 pounds of toddlers and trying to get these babies away. I manage a hegira and I get the children to a lawnchair and quickly get the hose with freezing cold water to run over Dash's arm. The neighbors hear the screaming, and can see me running like an insane woman. So now we have an audience of 6.
I have never been stung, but the 3 of us have various allergies and in my twisted head I am praying Dash is not allergic to this darn wasp sting. Dash is crying and is scared, I am sure the adrenoline rush he got frightened him as much as the sting.
My weirdness sets in......
My pessimstic head, is already planning a call to 911. I can picture us showing up at ER, children in their huggies wet swimpants, covered in grass and dirt and Army Wife in her wet swimsuit, covered in pine needles, dirt and grass. I picture the front desk of ER, calling a pyschiatrist down to take these filthy children away from their just as dirty Mom.
So I hold him on my lap and run the cold water over his arm, and rub his blonde hair, and pick peices of grass off of him. Dash is repeatedly blubbering -- "Mommy, that wasp was naughty." "Mommy make him sit in the corner". "Call Daddy, so Daddy can take care of him." His sobbing is slowly slowly fading. He is telling me all about where wasps live, and what they eat.
The neighbors loose interest and fade away, the police and ambulance are not called to the scene. I am left alone sitting in a lawnchair with both of the wet toddlers on my lap.
I get a little bactine, and spray it on his sting, give him a dose of antihistimine, and tylenol. Dash tells me "you are a good nurse Mommy". I let him watch Monsters Inc. with Pink Ninja, they snack on animal crackers and giggle. We are inside for the rest of the afternoon and evening.
I am so glad he was cured with bactine spray, tylenol, antihistamine, a movie, and cookies.
I did not want to be in a pysch ward in my wet swimsuit.
CORRECTION: This post was a great opportuniy to use Sissy's word of the week Hegira, and I missed it.
The editor has made her correction.
Soldiers Angels you make a difference
Patti from soldiers Angels forwarded this letter to me last night.
June 24, 2005
Dear Soldiers' Angels,
On behalf of the troopers of the First Cavalry Division, I would like to personally thank you for the tremendous support you have shown to our soldiers and their family members during our deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Division enjoyed numerous successes throughout our mission in Baghdad Culminating with the historic Iraqi elections on January 30th. I am convinced that these accomplishments would not have been possible without fabulous contributions such as yours. Not only were these gestures sincerely appreciated, but they rallied the morale of the soldiers, often at the most necessary times, and were absolutely critical to our mission completion. In other words, we could not have done it without you!
Thank you again for your friendship and support. We are extremely grateful for your dedication to your country and to America's First Team.
MG Peter W. Chiarelli
U.S. Army Commanding Officer
Fort Hood, TX
~~~~I think Patti sent it because she knew my husbands Brigade was attached to the First Cavalry, while in Iraq.
Well Patti you should be proud, you have truly made a difference. I cannot think of any other organization that has made such a difference in soldiers lives.
For some of you that have never been over to Soldiers Angels, here is a quick tour of my favorite things they do for Soldiers, and families.
They give you quick links to the Daily World news. This was especially handy while trying to find information about my husbands unit. It saved me from scouring the internet for hours and hours at a time.
Soldiers Angels has some way for everyone to give. SO- you don't have any money, that is ok. Maybe you can make a quilt, or have your church, or other civic organization make a quilt?
Do you have the time and money to adopt a soldier that has no family? DO not take this responsibility lightly, if you choose it....A letter, or package can make all of the difference in the day of a soldier that HAS family. Think about what it could do for that soldier who has no one.
Do you have frequent flier miles, you will never get around to using? Guess what, they could sure use them. Think about the difference you could make getting someone home for a child's illness, or the death of a spouse.
DO you have just 5$, you can donate to the ARMOUR up program. These blankets provide our soldiers with extra protection from IED, and gunfire, they can be used in vehicles.
Could you pool your money together at work, and purchase a care package?
There is a soldier at Walter Reed, that needs hygiene items, and clothing. When you are injured on a battlefield, you do not get to pack a bag.
Patti, thank you from My Family to Your Family. I have never seen one person, make such a difference in such a short time. I am glad my family did not require your services while my husband was deployed. I was comforted that if anything every happened, Soldiers Angels would have my back.
Thanks for remembering those who have fallen, and remembering those who fight the good fight, so I can stay home.
Gods Blessings to you, your family, and all of your volunteers.
June 24, 2005
Dear Soldiers' Angels,
On behalf of the troopers of the First Cavalry Division, I would like to personally thank you for the tremendous support you have shown to our soldiers and their family members during our deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Division enjoyed numerous successes throughout our mission in Baghdad Culminating with the historic Iraqi elections on January 30th. I am convinced that these accomplishments would not have been possible without fabulous contributions such as yours. Not only were these gestures sincerely appreciated, but they rallied the morale of the soldiers, often at the most necessary times, and were absolutely critical to our mission completion. In other words, we could not have done it without you!
Thank you again for your friendship and support. We are extremely grateful for your dedication to your country and to America's First Team.
MG Peter W. Chiarelli
U.S. Army Commanding Officer
Fort Hood, TX
~~~~I think Patti sent it because she knew my husbands Brigade was attached to the First Cavalry, while in Iraq.
Well Patti you should be proud, you have truly made a difference. I cannot think of any other organization that has made such a difference in soldiers lives.
For some of you that have never been over to Soldiers Angels, here is a quick tour of my favorite things they do for Soldiers, and families.
They give you quick links to the Daily World news. This was especially handy while trying to find information about my husbands unit. It saved me from scouring the internet for hours and hours at a time.
Soldiers Angels has some way for everyone to give. SO- you don't have any money, that is ok. Maybe you can make a quilt, or have your church, or other civic organization make a quilt?
Do you have the time and money to adopt a soldier that has no family? DO not take this responsibility lightly, if you choose it....A letter, or package can make all of the difference in the day of a soldier that HAS family. Think about what it could do for that soldier who has no one.
Do you have frequent flier miles, you will never get around to using? Guess what, they could sure use them. Think about the difference you could make getting someone home for a child's illness, or the death of a spouse.
DO you have just 5$, you can donate to the ARMOUR up program. These blankets provide our soldiers with extra protection from IED, and gunfire, they can be used in vehicles.
Could you pool your money together at work, and purchase a care package?
There is a soldier at Walter Reed, that needs hygiene items, and clothing. When you are injured on a battlefield, you do not get to pack a bag.
Patti, thank you from My Family to Your Family. I have never seen one person, make such a difference in such a short time. I am glad my family did not require your services while my husband was deployed. I was comforted that if anything every happened, Soldiers Angels would have my back.
Thanks for remembering those who have fallen, and remembering those who fight the good fight, so I can stay home.
Gods Blessings to you, your family, and all of your volunteers.
What...10,000?
So I check my sitemeter this morning. I ussually just look at "who" is coming over, not the numbers, and I notice I am pretty close to 10,000....wow. Now I have to figure out what I am going to do to celebrate.
Friday, June 24, 2005
So scrumptious....
You will need to join Boudicca's competition!
Note it Posts is the host to this weeks Carnival of Recipes. I am surprised there is not one single recipe for pickles and ice cream due to her "condition".
Note it Posts is the host to this weeks Carnival of Recipes. I am surprised there is not one single recipe for pickles and ice cream due to her "condition".
Update on Chuck...
Go here and check on Chuck who was injured by an IED the other day. His wife says he is doing well, and she even got a chance to speak with him. Make sure they know we are thinking about them.
The First International Blog Nekkid Day....
Look over here and see what all the fuss is about!! You must also click on his brown paper sack to see "whats really going on.
Bad Example Familiy really ought to participate....
Bad Example Familiy really ought to participate....
Every bathroom should have one
My favorite magazine is Backwoods Home.
It is my regular nightly bathtime reading.
Firearms
Recipes, the recipes are fantastic.
My favorite writer for the magazine is Mrs. Jacquie Clay. A SKILLED woman, you would not believe all of the skills this woman has. She has a great AMERICAN and pioneering spirit, and is seriously "who I want to be when I grow up".
Here is a peice on the staff of the magazine...read through it, and take your time. This is a very experienced staff, with varied backgrounds.
How to's, on everything from dressing game, making your own food dehydrator, canning food, building your own home, and providing yourself with energy.
They also give our military men and women, who are activated a great break on the subscription.
Go pick one up at your local bookstore, I think you will LOVE this magazine.
It is my regular nightly bathtime reading.
Firearms
Recipes, the recipes are fantastic.
My favorite writer for the magazine is Mrs. Jacquie Clay. A SKILLED woman, you would not believe all of the skills this woman has. She has a great AMERICAN and pioneering spirit, and is seriously "who I want to be when I grow up".
Here is a peice on the staff of the magazine...read through it, and take your time. This is a very experienced staff, with varied backgrounds.
How to's, on everything from dressing game, making your own food dehydrator, canning food, building your own home, and providing yourself with energy.
They also give our military men and women, who are activated a great break on the subscription.
Go pick one up at your local bookstore, I think you will LOVE this magazine.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Pop Life.
I got tagged with the "5 Things Society at large enjoys, but that I, for the most part don't get". I was tagged by Lee Ann. Go over and take a look, I love her #2!. I was over at Harvey's place and saw his list and about died laughing at his #4.....Genius Harvey, it does make people look like muffins. I even went to Tammi's place, to see what she thought about this. I love your #2...ick, I don't get it either honey.
OK...
1) TV sucks ass, sorry it does. There is not much on television worth watching. I, have no programs I can't live without...NONE. I am currently watching the TNT series "Into The West". Which is a fairly decent program considering the alternative. (and before I get any comments, yes I know the historical inaccuracies are irritating). I do find it far more interesting than anything else on TV.
2) Punditry, on any MSM. Not only are we getting crappy news coverage, we are getting "whoever" they can find to chew it up and feed it to us like we are incapable as humans to come up with an opinion on our own. This is making me sicker by the day.
3) Nascar, I don't get it. Any car racing for that matter. You drive in a circle? I just don't get it. I am aware of the history behind NASCAR, and think it would be more interesting, if it would have kept it's original intended purpose.
4) Celebrity, I just don't get it. I do not understand our fascination with all aspects of their lives. I have even heard these unimportant "facts" spewed over the news waves. I will not mention any names, or give this anymore time. I do however feel like I need a bath now. Icckkk.
5) Generation Bling, I just don't get them. I think America enjoys watching them celebrity or not. You can see generation bling all over anymore. However I never see "generation bling" at work, I always see them alone, or begging their "Proud Parent of a Blinger" for something.
There is my list folks, although I have a few good things left in my head.
I am going to try and tag people who I believe have not done this yet.....
Well I will try these 3
Grau...I know I know you don't want the damn thing, but hey you can bitch all you want with this meme. It also gives you a good chance to discuss the pussifacation of America. I am counting on it.
Oh!! I am also tagging Bi"Fortress biggie".yep both of you!
OK...
1) TV sucks ass, sorry it does. There is not much on television worth watching. I, have no programs I can't live without...NONE. I am currently watching the TNT series "Into The West". Which is a fairly decent program considering the alternative. (and before I get any comments, yes I know the historical inaccuracies are irritating). I do find it far more interesting than anything else on TV.
2) Punditry, on any MSM. Not only are we getting crappy news coverage, we are getting "whoever" they can find to chew it up and feed it to us like we are incapable as humans to come up with an opinion on our own. This is making me sicker by the day.
3) Nascar, I don't get it. Any car racing for that matter. You drive in a circle? I just don't get it. I am aware of the history behind NASCAR, and think it would be more interesting, if it would have kept it's original intended purpose.
4) Celebrity, I just don't get it. I do not understand our fascination with all aspects of their lives. I have even heard these unimportant "facts" spewed over the news waves. I will not mention any names, or give this anymore time. I do however feel like I need a bath now. Icckkk.
5) Generation Bling, I just don't get them. I think America enjoys watching them celebrity or not. You can see generation bling all over anymore. However I never see "generation bling" at work, I always see them alone, or begging their "Proud Parent of a Blinger" for something.
There is my list folks, although I have a few good things left in my head.
I am going to try and tag people who I believe have not done this yet.....
Well I will try these 3
Grau...I know I know you don't want the damn thing, but hey you can bitch all you want with this meme. It also gives you a good chance to discuss the pussifacation of America. I am counting on it.
Oh!! I am also tagging Bi"Fortress biggie".yep both of you!
Tell it like it is...
So you wanna be a a blogstar, a household name? Go check it out, this is how it is done. You keep making everyone proud! Your son has to be smiling today.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
