Opportunity

I was stopped by the police. Seeing the red and blue lights flashing with the woop of the siren! They woop to let me know they are there just in case I never use my rear view mirror. As if I would miss them back there. I thought to myself; "this is happening way too often!"

Yet I am getting ahead of myself.....

At the library saturday morning, the Girls Scouts were out selling cookies. Did you know they have a shortbread cookie that says "thank you" in a variety of languages? With chocolate coating on the bottom. Bought a box for one of our guys. I asked the Girl Scouts, "who is your Leader?" I can't remember what they call them, group leader? The adult. They pointed to a lady sitting off to the side. I pulled out a business card, explained a bit to her about SA. Some of the things we do to support the troops. The christmas card thing might be right up there alley? She said she had some bags of hard candy she didn't know what to do with. Well, those would be great. Too send over in a care package! She took the card and looked interested.

Then on too the grocery store we went. To get some cashews for my Dads package. I decided to check out the Easter aisle. A lady was there looking at the bunnys, candles and all the different colored grass. She looked at me and started talking about the grass. For easter baskets, and all the ways you can use it. Crafty ways. She said she loves to make things. If only she had someone to send things too.

Well.......I am a volunteer for a group called Soldiers Angels. We need crafty people like you. We are already planning christmas next year. If you would be interested, here is my card. Please call anytime. The website is on there as well. We talked about the soldiers. How brave they are. What an incredible job they are doing.

I find in my travels, people have alot of good things to say about our Soldiers.

Then, on to the post office. To mail SPC Timothy's "congratulations" package. We signed the card, and put confetti in it. So when he opens the envelope and pulls the card, confetti falls out!!! Congratulations on Your Promotion!!!
Plus mail my Dads "get well, happy birthday grandpa" package. Filled with all kinds of american things {stuff with the american flag on it, can holder, wind flag, and a plaque.} Books {I did send him Hollys book} Some word puzzles, candy, slim jims, comic books, and some old movies. John Wayne war ones. I also printed some blog stories. With the bloggers permission.

It was when I was heading too the post office that I got stopped. Why did I pull over and unbuckle my seat belt? Okay, duh!!

I knew why he was stopping me, I am one of the worst criminals in Illinois, and probably the surrounding states!!! Jeez!!! The guilt weighs on me everyday!!! I have no license plate on the front of my car. YES!!! I should be locked away for life!!! How dare I drive without that license plate on the front of my darn car? Well, I didn't know I needed one. I bought the car here. There wasn't one on it when I bought it. Driving for two years, I was never stopped. All of a sudden, every week. Hello Officer, yes its on order. Don't get me started on the state of illinois and this license plate thing!!! I asked the Officer nicely of course, too look at the front. When I get the plate where will I put it? There is no place to put it on the front of my car.

As he was getting ready to walk away. I was ready! Ah, Officer? I am a volunteer for a group called Soldier Angels. Yep! Why not? At first as I talked about care packages and stuff. He didn't look interested. Looking at him, I noticed he had a protective vest on. Bingo! We have a kevlar blanket fund. You know? Those blankets they put on the bottom of tanks and.. He said, Humvees. Yes! Soldiers request them, and we try to raise money to send the kevlar blankets to them. Now he was interested. Maybe not a care package, but protective gear. He understood!! He asked if he could keep my card. I said, sure! The website addy is on there. If you-all are interested in contributing.

So, plant the seeds. Maybe something will happen. All I can do is try....

Oh, and I didn't get a ticket or a warning!! Just another opportunity to promote SA!!!

Spc Timothy

An unusual occurrance. Our SPC Timothy was online for a while one day last week. He replied to an email I had sent. We emailed back and forth.

Update; He will be coming home in a few months. For his 12 days leave. Then he will be going back. For a few months.

Needless to say, when I read he was coming home, I was really glad!! Yes! When they come home for good, it's like a sigh of relief. He made it!! His job is serious. Life threatening. I think any soldiers job overseas is. Because of the tenuous situation that exists.
For me, the most important part of being an Angel is that we support him for the duration of his tour. Our soldiers are members of our family. Tim is like a younger brother. We are super proud of him, and his accomplishments!!!

So we support him any way we can while he is over there. Then I figure he will come home, get on with his life. We may never hear from him again. Some soldiers just want to get on with there lives. I am a part of that part of their life, they would just as soon get past. That is fine.
Always remember we started out as complete strangers. We got incredibly lucky with Tim because he is friendly, has a sense of humour, and doesn't mind we are doing this. He doesn't mind some strangers involving themselves with his life.

The second update;
After he returns for the three months he will be going back overseas. For another tour.

ACH!! Here we have him home and safe. And he is going too return? He doesn't seem bothered by it. I think in some ways he has acclimatized himself to being over there. I, in turn panicked. How do people do this? My respect for military families has always been high. But even higher now. Another year? I emailed him, "well, we will stick with you for that one as well if you like."

In panic mode though I sent an email, to someone I know that has been where he is supposed to be going. "Can he ask you questions about the place if he has any?" The person responded, "I would be glad to answer any questions he has." This is an incredible thing about life. Sometimes I believe we meet people, not for ourselves. But for people we know. I just happened to meet someone who will be where he is going? No, I believe there is purpose to this. I am just a bystander saying; "here is the source utilise it." It's not for me, it is for them.

Another year? Its an honor and a privilage to support these brave men and woman. Our family learns alot. About living life too the best of our abilities regardless of the circumstances. About sacrifice, too complete what we start. Personal sacrifice. Dedication. Believing in something. Even though many others don't. One day at a time. Finishing the day, knowing they did something worthwhile.

They don't think they are inspiring. Actually can get embarrassed if we tell them they are. Oh, its just a job. No, it is not. It means alot too those of us over here. It means I can have my job and car. Say what I want, even if it is ignorant. Freedom isn't a word, it is a way of life. One we take for granted. One they let go off when they sign up for there time. Serving our beautifull country.

God Bless our Armed Forces!!!

Community Team Leader

My Regional Supervisor decided to submit my name too be a Community Team Leader. I filled out the application, sent it to her. I agree to follow the rules and regulations of SA. Sent her a copy of my drivers license. I didn't think it was that big of a deal when she first asked me. Yet it is kind of like volunteering now moves up a notch.

Volunteering is just adopting soldiers, and writing letters. For some. There's a level we stick too. There are many ways SA supports the troops. Ways that I never realised, that were brought to my attention. The options are there because of Soldiers Angels. There are many organisations that support the troops. Yet for me, this was the one that worked best.

So many projects!! I am lucky I have an RS that is open too ideas. Even goofy ideas. She will try anything once. Just too get the experience. Come on! Lets try this!!
There are so many things too do over here. That can impact our Soldiers over there in a positive way. Promoting, seeking donations, educating, supporting.

Some people over here don't know what to think. The media is wishy washy. What we get on t.v. isn't half of the whole story. I noticed on the news last night, there were three negative stories about soldiers. Yet not one, about the positive things they are also accomplishing overseas. I don't believe people only want to hear and read about the negative things. There has to be a reason for all of this. A positive reason. How do we get that across to mary sitting in her living room only seeing the negative images floating by?

I have found people want to do things. People want to do something. Even if it is just that lady at my work, that everytime she bakes, she bakes for our SPC.
All this is going on!! What can I do?

Politics aside. For me there are no politics when it comes too supporting our armed forces. To let some soldier know they are appreciated. Some GET it. Some don't. I don't know if I get it at times. My intent, too be supportive, to educate. The soldiers life. I was never a soldier though. So I rely on those that have been there to educate me on the rules, and life. What is going on? The spin too all of this is mind boggling. We look at those iraqs overseas being manipulated and think it doesn't happen here. It does. It can often seem like a tennis match, this side or that. What do they think? What do the military personnel, those who have been there think? Ask questions, and I have found people are amazingly patient and kind. Will answer any question. I have many!!

I was reading an article a while back, someone irritated with the yellow ribbons. On peoples cars. I have one but because my car is basically plastic, I put it in my back window. That was the limit to my support! A prayer. I think they were irritated because they feel helpless. The world is spinning out of control. Soldiers are caught in the eye of the storm. One person can't do much? One person can do alot with the right intent. Luckily I have incredible role models to show me the way. I am supremely greatfull to fellow angels!! Patti as well, an incredible inspiration!!

I agree to uphold the rules and regulations of Soldiers Angels. Support in any positive way I can, our Armed Forces. Thank You to Soldiers Angels for giving me the opportunity!!

School Project

What began as a "cookie drop mission" for some Illinois Angels. Turned into an opportunity for a Soldier and a teen-Angel to educate a class of eighth grade students, plus three teachers and an angel, on the Life of a Soldier.

Holly Aho, had posted in her Milbog award winning Soldiers Angels blog about a trip she took too an armory. Bringing cookies, and a Thank You too the soldiers that train there. Holly is creative and brave. Something we Angels need. Especially fairly new angels like myself. A role model that is willing to get in the trenches, Veterans hospitals, armories. Then share her experiences. This motivates other Angels to move, to act, to do something. Quite honestly I had not thought of it, but it sounded like fun!!

One of the responses she received was;
"Hey, now if you could get someone to stop by the Northwest Armory in Chicago this weekend, that would really be something, heh heh."
Holly went to the SA board too post an alert too Illinois Angels. "Anyone want to go by the armory there? We have a request for Cookies." Seeing the post, I responded. Notified our Division Supervisor. We got the location, and proceeded to try and get in touch with the elusive Major John. A variety of emails were sent, posts on blogs. Poor Major John! Little did he know how seriously we take these missions. Plus we had never done this before and really want to try it.

His first response was a bit bashfull. "Well, I know another group that would deserve it more." Oh, no!! We weren't going to let him get away with that. We can bring some to yours and theirs. Really.

I think it was the second email. That I remembered my daughter was going to do a valentine’s card signing in one of her classes. The teacher had her own soldier training to go overseas. So we decided to sign valentines for her soldier and two of ours. I got too thinking; "would it not be cool, to have a real soldier come in the class that day?" While the kids signed the cards, he could talk to them about being a soldier. I shot a quick email off too the teacher asking her what she thought. AH! Technology has its plusses!! Then looking at Major John’s email, wondered if he would be willing to be the soldier that talked to the kids? Or would he know one that might be willing too? It wouldn't hurt to ask, the least he would do is say no. We would still bring the cookies. It's just an idea.

He responded kindly. "Yes. Let him know the details and we could coordinate it. He would find someone. Would we prefer a Soldier that had been in Iraq, or would one that had been in Afghanistan suffice?"

Major John’s battalion had been in Afghanistan from February 2004 to April 2005. Stationed at Bagram AFB. Major John joined the military in 1985 because he felt it offered him a variety of things to do. Starting out as an Infantry Scout, moving up to Ordinance Officer. He is now a Civilian Affairs Officer. Working with the civilians and/or civilian government wherever they go, helping his Commander understand the people and culture of the area they will be operating in.
After a few weeks, we had a date. The original talk had turned into an actual History Project. My daughter’s history class was studying WWI.

A Soldier Then and Now, Adapt and Overcome
Became the projects name. My daughter and I sent out questionnaires to some of the Soldiers we write too. Asking them about there living conditions. We also sent some questions too Major John.

In my soldiers angels life I have had the opportunity to meet some kind and wonderful people. Complete strangers, willing too help out. First Major John being willing to find someone or come to the school himself. Not having even met me, or knowing exactly what would happen.

It was also that way with David Terron.
Hearing about the death of a coalition soldier from Scotland. I was able to get in touch with their battalion, The Queens Own Highlanders {Seaforth and Cameron’s} webmaster. David sent me the address too send cards. Then as we exchanged emails, I realized he was retired. Now teaching history. Hm? Would he happen to have something on WWI? Were the Highlanders involved in that?

With the words; "Incoming!!!" David sent me enough information to fill numerous booklets, plus some study materials they use too teach their students about WWI. I quickly shot the school study papers to our history teacher here. She thought they were very cool!! Then printed everything else David sent. Poems, pictures, stories on trench warfare. Scotsman in Kilts fighting on the front lines!! It was awe-inspiring!!

Now we had our booklet. With stories and pictures. Our PFC now SPC Timothy sent us a bunch of pictures from Iraq, answered any questions we asked. Our Soldiers sent back the questions with alot of answers!
Also Inside were facts on the food supplies for WWI. Poetry from both wars. But our real intent was to educate on the life of a Soldier. NOW! Take them off the t.v. and bring them too life. Their sacrifice and diligence. Plus there was a page dedicated to Soldiers Angels and all the projects we do. Website addy included!!

One of the teachers commented on how similar a soldiers life is then and now.

I could not have picked a more perfect person then Major John to be the Real Soldier. Truly. I entered the classroom, and he was already there dressed in Class A uniform! Kids were walking around him, looking at the things he had brought from Afghanistan. The teachers were happy to see him there. Not just because he brought afghan money for everyone!! The kids really appreciated that. Me too!! It was the old money but they did not care. How often is it we can see this? After it was all said and done, I have to admit. I didn't get one. So I asked for one. I don't have any money from Afghanistan! Ours, are in a picture frame, with some of our other Soldiers Angel memorabilia. To us these items are all a part of history in the making.

My daughter was fabulous of course!! Reciting her facts on WWI. She got about halfway through the booklet we prepared. When the teacher cut her short. They really wanted to hear what Major John had to say. She didn't mind, she's not fond of public speaking.
Major John came prepared. Asked for an assistant from the audience. The boys went wild!! Me! Pick me!!

While the kids took turns passing out pictures he had brought from his time in Afghanistan. He started out with the desert uniform, the variety of patches and what they mean. While he layered that kid with helmet, and gear!!! This kid was in seventh heaven!! Yep the helmet is heavy!! Impressed upon the kids the weight of items soldiers carry. As well the heat!! 100 to 140 degrees!! On patrol! A Camelback is a water container Soldiers carry. I had never heard of them before and asked about them later for our soldiers. Soldiers drink gallons of water, they have too or suffer heatstroke.

What was super cool, was he brought reading materials. The military printed to inform the afghan people of what they were doing. Also a flyer listing different tribes, and how they all needed to get along.
I have to admit I didn't realize all the military does for the people of the country they are in. Plus getting used to the languages. There are three forms of it in Afghanistan. They carry these neat, transcribing papers. That list what different words mean. If nothing else, hand signals to get across what it is they are asking the local villagers.

When the bell rang, everyone sat there. Wanting him to continue...

I wish we had, had more time. But in the time allotted I know each person walked away with a different view of a Soldier, then what he or she walked into that classroom with. Major John donated patches, pictures and the afghan money for the school too display. The teacher filmed it all.

My daughter spent the rest of the afternoon answering questions; "Where did you find him?" We are bringing cookies to his armory. "Why are you doing that?" It’s a Soldiers Angel’s mission, to thank the soldiers for serving our country. "What are soldiers angels?" We send care packages, adopt soldiers. PFC Timothy is one of our soldiers. All the soldiers in the booklet are ones we write too. S.A help the wounded, supply kevlar blankets. She was kind of a star. All the kids were very impressed with Major John. Also, she got too talk about SA. Hopefully the kids took the booklets home and their parents will visit the website.

Last but not least; The booklet. I told David we are sending him a copy. To thank him for all the help. His reply was; "If the lassie wants to send me a copy-most kind-and I will ensure it is displayed in the Regimental Museum at Fort George for the delight of our visitors and take a photo just to prove it!!"

We are sending him the booklet, a picture of the class, and of course the SA emblem, to show how this all got started!!! What an amazing time!!! Thank You to everyone who contributed!!!

Illinois Soldiers Angel Christine

Our PFC Is a SPC Now!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR PFC TIMOTHY WHO IS NOW A SPC TIMOTHY!!!

WE ARE SUPER PROUD OF HIM!!!!

That First Package

First packages are hard too send. When I sent the first ever package to my first adopted, I didn't know if it was a man or woman. The name could be either or. So I stuck with the essentials.

Chocolate, powerbars, breakfast bars, hard candies {fruit flavored, even tropical flavors}, Beef jerky, slim jims, antibacterial hand wipes, cookies in tins {tins to keep the sand out}, a toothbrush, toothbrush cover, toothpaste, comb, grooming kit {nail clippers, etc}, breath mints, chewing gum, cheese crackers, hot chocolate, a mug {plastic travel mug}, some spoons, and powdered gatorade.

At Wallmart, it's not spendy. Probably about 29$ spent? Then postage. Postage is what sucks massively. If it can fit in the 8-something dollar Flat Rate Box. A Flat Rate box costs 8 something dollars to send up to 70 pounds I believe it is. Alot of Angels have contests to see if they can max the weight.

Now I try to keep that first box a Flat Rate. Just in case they don't have alot of living space.
For packing boxes, You can get them free from your local post office. Not the fancy boxes, just the regular ones. They will also mail a selection of boxes to you. Called; The Mili Pack. It has a variety of sizes of boxes, the international forms, and those plastic linings for them. Some Priority Mail tape. Postal employees love it when we bring them in prepared. Paperwork, etc.

Call this number; 1-800-610-8734. Choose option 1. Option 1 again. When you reach a live agent request CAREKIT04.

They will arrive in a little over a week, maybe less. I always fill out the international form as I pack it. I have often come close to the postal services weight of my boxes.
Generally I would go with the Flat Rate. I tape the heck out of it!! Remember if you send something with batteries, take the batteries out. If the box is chiming, someone will open it. Someone opens it and things may dissapear if not the whole box.

I send a card ahead seperately with the Survey. I don't write in there that I am sending a package. Just in case it gets misplaced. The card is a Thank You card for there diligence and duty.

For a letter I write;
"Dear first name and last;
Hello! How are you? I hope this finds you well!!
I am a volunteer for a group called Soldiers Angels. I was given your name as a Soldier that could be adopted. Your chaplain submitted your name for adoption. It is an honor and a privilage too adopt a Soldier!! I know many americans feel helpless. What can I do? Too support our Armed forces overseas during this troubled time. I am the parent of a teenager. If you know teenagers they can be money pits. Yet, would like to do something to show You, A soldier overseas that you are not forgotten. That people do care, that you sacrifice for your country, our beautifull country. Thank You!!!
You are not obligated to do anything. Truly. If you feel comfortable, filling out the survey. It would help to know what to send you that you like!! Because we would like to send you a package once a month. If you don't mind, kind of be here for your time overseas. I have email it is; ******* If You would like to reply and it's easier for you to email.
Please stay safe and be carefull!! Know that we are praying for You and Yours.
Sincerely "

The survey asks the Soldiers likes and dislikes. It can be found on the documents section of either boards. So that the next package can have things he or she likes or needs. When we adopt Soldiers it is for the length of there tour, wherever they are. A Soldier is not obligated to do anything. They don't even have too write back. SA tells us this when we sign up; "You may never hear from your Adopted."

I agree to send a package a month. A letter a week? I try to send a letter a week. I believe it's every other week though technically. I love sending packages!! It is very cool, thinking of them opening them and being surprised!!

Remember it can take up to 30 days or longer to receive a reply. Our first ever Free Mail was a little less then two weeks after we sent the first letter. One letter we received on the 4th of february was postmarked the 2 of january. It depends where they are I guess. Some of them move around.

The most important aspect of all of this is too have fun!!

We have a great time Soldier shopping!!! It is a challenge to come up with new things, or even fun too shop from their list.

Here are some more things Soldiers Request;

Cotton swabs
Small notebooks
Pens and pencils- remember to send a sharpener with pencils
Sheets
Pillows
Blankets
Leatherman tools
Posters
Dvd's
Cd's
Cards {like birthday cards, they have those boxes with different types}
Writing paper, Envelopes- {I buy a plastic folder too put them in.}
Magazines and puzzle books
Sewing kits
Female Soldiers- Target has a great selection of small womans items. Perfumes, little bags with grooming stuff inside, gift packs with shower gels. Oil of Olay wipes are a hit!!
God Bless Our Armed Forces!!

Scented Letters

For our Soldiers, especially Female Soldiers, I like too try and make the letters smell good. It is pretty easy. I have a jewlery box a friend made for me. Its large, over a foot tall, and wide. It is wooden. The top of it lifts, too reveal a hidden compartment. Envelopes fit just right in there. {You can also use a shoe box. Oils can be bought at any store really I think.}

My Mom gave me a box of scented oils for a present. I never really used them. To store them I put them in the top compartment of the jewlery box. I was looking for a pair of earrings, and noticed how good it smelled. The scented oils had seeped into the velvet lining. Myrr, sandelwood, lavendar. So, I decided to keep envelopes in there. When I write a letter, I put it in there overnight, them mail it the next day.

I don't know if perfume on letters is good. Because perfume can become stale. Plus that seems a bit obvious. The oils, scent it without seeming overbearing.

Just a little something to make the letters a bit nicer? If the contents aren't that thrilling at least it smells good!!

From Here To There

Book of interest;

"From Here To There"
The Story of Soldiers Angel, Holly Ho.

You can buy it here

I just got my copy and read some during lunch!! Holly RAWKS!!!