Veteran's Day

Just wanted to stop and say how much I appreciate those who have served or are serving, both in active duty or by supporting those who are.  It is difficult for those of us remaining safe in our homes to conceive the kind of horror and stress that these brave souls endure daily and I know that I am inadequate at expressing my true gratitude and empathy for them.  There are many great authors who give us a glimpse of the lives of those who serve in the military but it is impossible to know what life in the warzone is truly like unless you have experienced it yourself.  I am always shy about greeting strangers in uniform so I try to show my support through agencies like Soldier's Angels, AnySoldier.com and Operation Paperback but there are countless organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project which need support as well.  Those who are able to send letters or Christmas cards may wish to contact Kim at the SOS Aloha blog for addresses to use to brighten some soldier's day with a note or a card.

Some of my many favorite military romance authors are:

Suzanne Brockmann (Troubleshooters series), Mary Margaret Daughtridge, Jessica Scott, Tanya Huff (sci-fi Valor series), Linnea Sinclair (actually sci-fi romance but still a military theme), M.L. Buchman, and many, many more....and don't forget that Anne Elizabeth's delightful new book, A Seal at Heart will be released the first week of December!

                 

                                   

Stolen and a suggestion for volunteer service

Stolen 
by Shiloh Walker is a romantic suspense novel that introduces yet another of the author's tortured heroines but has the twist that she has already broken up with the man who wants to be her hero.  It was a bit disconcerting to follow the heroine's path as she discovers that she is and has been under attack when all she wanted was to be left alone to write and remain unmolested by the person who wreaked such havoc in her life and left her with scars on her mind and body.  The tension continues to rise as the attacks intensify and the struggle to overcome the insecurities induced by a horrific childhood is a handicap as current events resurrect nightmarish memories.  This was a somewhat difficult read for me as the author has done her usual fine job of creating a vivid and intense story that feeds my own paranoia and desire for privacy even as it shows the danger of being a semi-hermit and communicating primarily through the internet and telephone!  It will be released just before Halloween...which will be perfect timing as it is a chilling read that is leavened by the sensual and complicated romance that gradually unfolds.


Speaking of communicating solely through the internet--there are some benefits as well!  I am delighted to say that one of my adopted soldiers has come home safely although I hold the others who are still serving in my thoughts and pray for their safety.  He tells me that he really appreciated the e-mails that he received as it helped remind him what they are fighting for when they are so far away from home.   He was so very appreciative of the small gifts that I was able to send him to remind him that he was being thought of and I am delighted that he will be back with his family soon.

Those of you who are able might consider adopting an e-pal or becoming part of a letter writing team through the Soldier's Angels (link) or, if you are able to send occasional packages, you can also sign up at Soldier's Angels or at AnySoldier.com (link) or consider supporting the Wounded Warrior Project (link).  I mention this now because one of my soldiers has requested holiday decorations to help with morale and I know that some of us do handcrafts for the holiday season and will need enough lead time to get projects done.  I will be happy to answer what questions I can if needed and encourage those of you with time on your hands to give back in this small way.

Happy Memorial Day

For those of you who celebrate this holiday...have a great holiday weekend.  Please take the time to remember those brave souls who have served and are serving to help keep us safe.  If you are looking for a way to reach out, there are always soldiers who are looking for a pen-pal or goodies from home so that they know they are being thought of.  Keep in mind the heroes who have returned home as well, the local veteran's organizations are always in need of volunteers.  There are many lovely groups that can use helpful hands and there are plenty of people who can give you some direction.

Author Caridad Pineiro is working with the Wounded Warriors, please visit her blog at this link.

Kim at the SOS Aloha blog did a nice post about Caridad's efforts at this link.  You can also contact Kim about adopting a soldier (or three).  (And join me in thanking Kim and her family for their service)

Anysoldier.com provides sometimes heart-tugging requests from our soldiers who are often in need of just basic toiletries.  Make sure you read the FAQs and then click on the Where to Send tab to choose your recipient.

I personally have not had the best of experiences with Operation Paperback but they are a worthy organization that tries to ensure that soldiers receive the reading material that they are requesting.

Soldier's Angels has a wonderful organization that also links those of us at home with the brave soldiers who are serving around the world.  There is a minimal fee and a 'vetting' process but they offer many ways to serve, including providing hand-worked blankets, hats and scarves to those in need.

Also...this was just sent:

Hi again Volunteers!

Our own Andrea has just heard from her husband's unit ... they are
deployed to Afghanistan and desperately need twin-sized sheets.  They
say:

"Our guys downrange are in dire need of twin sized sheets! We are
looking for new or gently-used sheet sets (any pattern is fine.) We
can also accept donations of twin sized mattress protectors, or
pillow protectors. Anything you can donate will be appreciated."

If you want to help, please email me for the address.

If anyone wants more information about any of the aforementioned, please leave a comment or send me an e-mail at elewkf1@yahoo.com.

Have a wonderful weekend!