Happy Veteran's Day

Image by Christian Huth from Pixabay

With gratitude to all of those who have served and sacrificed.

As always, I am grateful to all of those who serve and protect us, whether in the military or as first responders here in the States. They, as well as their friends and family, contribute and sacrifice so much to keep the rest of us safe.

If you are so moved, these are some of the organizations I have worked with over the years, but there are plenty of other ones out there. Even if you don't have enough discretionary funds to send boxes, the soldiers always appreciate cheery letters that help them remember who they are fighting for.




Operation Gratitude

AnySoldier.com

Wounded Warrior Project

Soldiers' Angels

Operation Paperback

Happy Memorial Day 2019

Happy Memorial Day!


A special thank you to all who have served and those who are serving and to all of the family and friends who support those brave souls!


Don't forget the multiple ways you can brighten the day of some of these folks by participating in or donating to some of the support organizations such as:


AnySoldier.com

Operation Gratitude

Soldiers' Angels

Wounded Warrior Project

Operation Paperback


Feel free to list in the comments other organizations that help our troops!

Happy 4th of July!

Happy Independence Day to my fellow Americans. May we remember the precepts that led us to becoming an independent country and focus on how important tolerance and teamwork are!





If you are looking for ways to honor the soldiers who are risking their lives for us, please remember organizations such as:

Operation Gratitude
(yes, I am honing my skills at making paracord bracelets and I was there--but not packing boxes--this past weekend when they packed more than 8,000 boxes in fewer than three hours!)


AnySoldier.com


Wounded Warrior Project


Soldiers' Angels



Operation Paperback

The Grand Canyon

Sincere thanks to all who serve and have served

Happy Veteran's Day!

I was touched to read author Stanalei Fletcher's post today at this link

I think it says perfectly what I feel in my heart.

Remember to honor all of the sacrifice that is made by the men and women who work so hard to keep us all 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 veterans' 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.

One of the things I hear most praised are letters from us here at home. That personal connection is most missed by folks who are far away in difficult circumstances and doesn't cost much but has a remarkable impact.

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.

Wounded Warriors

Operation Paperback

Soldiers' Angels

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!