Messages from Home Memorial Day American Spirit May 2008 The idea of American Spirit is as diverse and complex as the people who make up our country. American Spirit is an incredible pride in our country, and all that it represents. It is a beckoning hope inspired by the ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is a choice to make a difference in the world, born in the appreciation of freedom. It is the ingenuity of a democratic society, determined to forge ahead and overcome whatever obstacles might be in the way. This Memorial Day, we observe that American Spirit with a profound gratitude to each of you, and all those before you who have fought to protect our nation and make the world a better, safer place. We wish to thank each of you for giving so much of yourself on behalf of all of us. Messages from Home holiday.messages@yahoo.com ~*~ There are no words to truly express my gratitude to all of you who have volunteered to protect our country and freedom. I want to thank you and all the troops serving around the world that would be completely forsaken if it were not for your courage and dedication. You are in my thoughts and prayers and may God Bless and keep you safe. Nadine Clewett Peoria, AZ ~*~ Please know that we truly appreciate all that you do for us here at home and know that we continously pray for you and your safety. Thanks so very much! Walt & Kim O’Rourke Stewart, Ohio Thank you for defending your country and putting yourself in harms way. You are my hero and I love you! There are TONS of Americans back home that love and support you 100%. Renee Stuck Decatur IL bookreader0614@yahoo.com ~*~ To all of our brave men and women who are serving our country I want to say thank you so very much for what you are doing for all of us. I want each and every one of you to know how much you are appreciated. I am a Troop Greeter in Bangor Maine , it has been an honor to have met many of you pass through our halls either on your way over or on your way home. You are all Heroes to us. Debbie in Maine ~*~ Dear Soldiers serving our country We appreciate all you are doing and the difficult job you have to do daily. We pray for your safety and soon return home to your loved ones. Sincerely, Jerry and Ann Salem,OR ~*~ Dear Heroes (yes, that means YOU!!!) Thank you so much for all you have done and continue to do for our country. Your sacrifices do not go un-noticed by us back home. We love you and are darn proud of you! (hugs) MamaKat -Kat Orr jeffskat@gmail.com  To our Troops & Heroes& Heroes, Thank you for keeping us and others free. Without your help in the Past , Present & Future we would not be safe & free. Your in my Prayers & Thoughts never to be forgotten. We love & Respect you. XOXO God Bless you! Patsy Fall River, MA andoverctpatsy@aol.com ~*~ DEAR HERO, THANK YOU FOR YOUR COURAGE AND SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY. GOD BLESS YOU ALL, AND THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE, YOU ARE NEVER FORGOTTEN. DIANE FAIRBEN SOLDIERS ANGELS, NEW YORK ~*~ I would just like to give you all a big HOOHAH. I am very proud of our military as it takes a special person to do the things you do every day. May God Bless you and Keep you all Safe and bring you all home to your loved ones. A Very Special Thank You to My Son in Afghanistan, Sgt. Daniel Smith. Thank You for Your Service to Our Nation Linda Adams San Antonio,Tx ~*~ God Bless You! You are truly brave and we all appreciate all your dedication and hard work. We love and miss you! Take care of each other. Christy Justice Vienna, WV When there is nothing left but God that is when you find out that God is all you need! This Memorial Day will be hard for me knowing our son will go over seas soon and we just lost our second Veteran assist dog but we can make it. How? With the help of loved ones like our family members (on line ones especially) and friends. We hope the eagle flies over you and protects you till you come home and fore ever . Please stay safe and return home to your loved ones soon. I have to keep this email short but my wishes for you I promise are not small and will fore ever be dear to me. Thanks for keeping the flag waving and our land Free Donna Schwartz(Mom of Spc. Kevin Rammelsberg and all his brave military sisters and brothers.) ~*~ Dear American Hero, You've bravely and proudly carried the burden of defending this country. And for that, there are no words to express our gratitude. Because of you, this country remains the greatest nation on Earth! On behalf of each proud citizen, please accept our deepest gratitude for your heroism and valor. We remember all you've done for each of us, and we are forever grateful. Best Wishes for Memorial Day! Kathryn McCord Omaha, NE ~*~ Best wishes this Memorial Day. We care about you and hope that you stay safe. May your stay far from home be short and may you soon return to your family and friends. Mary Ann Gorham, NH janickima@ncia.net ~*~  Just wanted to share with all our Troops, their families, and all Military Support Groups know that ARMAD will be thanking them on May 24, 2008. Anyone anywhere may join us via ChatStar also. The details are at Troops, their families, and all Military Support Groups know that ARMAD will be thanking them on May 24, 2008. Anyone anywhere may join us via ChatStar also. The details are at www.armad.net. May is Military Appreciation Month and The Fifth Annual Amateur Radio Military Appreciation day will take place May 24th. ARMAD is an award winning event and "LIVE" forum involving Amateur Radio Operators from around the world to spread messages of support for our Military Veterans, and Active Duty Members. ARMAD encourages our Amateur Radio Operators from our communities to gather at public venues such as shopping malls, parks, VA Hospitals and sporting events, to allow the public to express verbal positive support "LIVE" over two way radio for members of the Military, Veterans, Reserves, National Guard, and Military Support Groups. For more information please visit: www.armad.net ~*~ Dear Brave Soldier I hope you are well and safe. I wont to wish you a great Memorial Day and the best of everything that you do. I honor our soldiers the whole year around not just at Memorial Day. You are so brave with a lot of courage. I want to thank you for everything that you do and then some. You deserve the best. I know that people don't thank you enough and that is not right at all. You are my hero. I am from Tenn. Take care and stay safe brave one. May God Bless You Wanda wandarogers2000@yahoo.com ~*~ …Sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing Thank you again from the bottom of my heart, for your continued mental support and physically being there… We, are so impressed with your positive attitude, hopefully all will be home when the mission is accomplished in the not too far future....Best regards and wishes for all an eventual safe return........... Doug,Seattle, Washington USA ~*~ Memorial Day greetings to our troops! Jesus Christ said, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends" – and He gave His life for us, so that all who believe in Him might have eternal life, life that death cannot conquer. As we reflect with gratitude on the sacrifices of those who have given their lives for their country, we remember with thankfulness all of you who serve today, praying that God will guide, protect, and bless you in all that you do. With appreciation, Rebecca Schwartz Pullman, WA RLS@turbonet.com ~*~ Dear US Troops, As a military wife I would like to thank each and every one of you that is defending our country right now. It takes great courage and strength to do what you do everyday. Keep your chins high and know that we are standing behind you all the way! Sending the love from home! Shauna Adams Coast Guard New York ~*~ Thank you all for the work you do. May God keep you in his care and return you home safely. Delia Rimes, delia.rimes@yahoo.com  What a site to see Old Glory flying in the Arizona desert breeze! Thank you so much for your bravery, courage, and honor. Your unselfish acts do not go left unnoticed. Our thoughts and prayers remain with you and your families during this Patriotic Holiday! I salute your efforts in fighting this war on terrorism and defending our freedoms. I write handwritten letters and will continue to do so to show support to people like you. Sincerely, Mrs. Rebecca Tesar, 4704 S. Paseo Melodioso, Tucson, AZ 85730 ~*~ ng in the Arizona desert breeze! Thank you so much for your bravery, courage, and honor. Your unselfish acts do not go left unnoticed. Our thoughts and prayers remain with you and your families during this Patriotic Holiday! I salute your efforts in fighting this war on terrorism and defending our freedoms. I write handwritten letters and will continue to do so to show support to people like you. Sincerely, Mrs. Rebecca Tesar, 4704 S. Paseo Melodioso, Tucson, AZ 85730 ~*~ Dear Heroes, On this Memorial Day, we honor each and every one of you as well as those who have served before you. Today it is you who are doing the work and making the sacrifices necessary to keep America free. Mere words cannot begin to express my gratitude, but THANK YOU and stay safe. Lana France Williamsport, PA llf2@comcast.net ~*~ Dear American Heroes, On behalf of the Sponsor The Troops Volunteers (www.sponsorthetroops.org), please accept my thanks for all you do, and all you and your families sacrifice so that you can serve. You represent the best America has to offer: men and women who serve with pride, honor, compassion, bravery and dignity. My heart and prayers for your safety go out to you this Memorial Day, and always. ~Jane PS: Let me know how we can support you! -janeconrad@comcast.net ~*~ And I'm proud to be an American Where at least I know I'm free And I won't forget the men who died Who gave that right to me Lee Greenwood Dear Service Member, We are thinking and praying for you on this Memorial Day. Thank you so much for the love you have shone for our great country and the people who live in it. Thank you for your courage, compassion, self-sacrifice and dedication to duty that you have given every day. We are always thinking of you and praying for you. May God Bless and Keep You in His Arms Linda Shissler and Family Sabinsville, PA farm_life@earthlink.net ~*~ So many of us are thinking of all of you with great pride and hope every day. My heart swells with pride when I reflect on how you absolutely represent the very best of our country. You exhibit incredible patriotism, dedication and sacrifice during some of the best years of your lives for the benefit of others. You are protecting us at home while giving others a chance to enjoy the freedoms we know (and often take for granted) in the USA. Our sincere hope and prayer is that you will return safely to the arms of your family and friends. God Bless every single one of you! With love and respect, Karen McLeod Houston, TX ~*~ Memorial Day provides us with an opportunity to honor you, our heroes, as you display true American spirit with the personal sacrifices you make on our behalf. As we fly our flags, spend time with our families and enjoy a day off work we'll remember it's all possible because of you. Take care, keep your head down and stay safe. God bless and watch over each of you! JoAnn Megill Houston, Texas  To all of our American troops and to the Allies fighting with them, I'd like to honor your service by offering my sincere thanks for all of the hard work and dedication you are putting forth to help keep America free. Your brave service lets my family continue to live in freedom. I pray for your safe return to your loved ones. To your families I offer my gratitude for sharing you with the rest of the country. Americans at home have not forgotten you, and we appreciate the sacrifices you are making on our behalf. I hope all of you will be able to come home soon, to stay. I know this country was built on the hard work and courage of its fighting men and women, and you are part of that strong tradition. Thank you for all you are doing and stay safe! Beth Mayers Allies fighting with them, I'd like to honor your service by offering my sincere thanks for all of the hard work and dedication you are putting forth to help keep America free. Your brave service lets my family continue to live in freedom. I pray for your safe return to your loved ones. To your families I offer my gratitude for sharing you with the rest of the country. Americans at home have not forgotten you, and we appreciate the sacrifices you are making on our behalf. I hope all of you will be able to come home soon, to stay. I know this country was built on the hard work and courage of its fighting men and women, and you are part of that strong tradition. Thank you for all you are doing and stay safe! Beth Mayers mayersmom1@yahoo.com ~*~ Dear Men and Women of the United States Military, On this Memorial Day 2008 we salute and honor you for your service to our country and send a special thanks to your wonderful families for their sacrifices. And to the men and women who have been adopted by Webofsupport.Com soldier adoption program, 101st Airborne, 72nd MP's and 140th Nevada National Guard, thinking of you today...stay safe, we are so proud of you all. P.J. Degross Webofsupport.Com Pjdahling@aol.com Carson City, NV ~*~ We are expecting our first child, and we will get to raise our child in the greatest country on earth because of people like you who not only believe this country is worth defending but you put yourself in harms way to ensure we will always be free. God Bless you! Tim & Monique Bennett – Houston TX I'm so proud of all our guys and gals who are serving our country. THANK YOU! Stay well, stay safe. yomamaruth@hotmail.com Ruth Ray in PA daughter of a WWII soldier who served in New Guinea, mom of an Ohio Army National Guardsman, and volunteer on troop support site www.sponsorthetroops.org ~*~ On this Memorial Day ~ 2008 We honor those who gave their lives defending our way of life here in USA. As we remember their sacrifices, we appreciate more than ever your willingness to risk your own life for our country. Thank you for the risks you take each day and the sacrifices you have made in the service of our nation. We care about you! We care about our freedom that you fight so hard for! We thank you! We thank you for our freedom that would never be possible without you and all the USA military men & women from our past, present & future. GOD bless you, and God bless America! The Abiuso Family Michelle, Mike, Brandon, Jason & Aiden Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania (near Philadelphia) AbiusoPHL@aol.com ~*~ What an awesome job you are doing and showing America your American Spirit. It is your dedication to service in the military that provides us the life and freedoms we so appreciate. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Proud Navy Mom! Mary Anderson Seabrook, TX Manderson1292@comcast.net  "American Spirit" I am glad that the Americans have done so many good things for us Germans since WWII. I remember that my grandmother told me so often that our family was so glad to receive care packages from our American friends. The Americans have brought us freedom and they have helped us to rebuild our country. In the last 60 years the Americans protected our lives in the time as it was necessary. Over the years our countries have forged bonds of friendship. Thank you for your service! Yours sincerely, Wilhelmine (Willie) Aufmkolk from Germany german.american.friendship@gmail.com ~*~ Dear Servicemembers, Greetings from Baltimore! Thank you for serving our country. We are so proud of each and every one of you! And we appreciate all of the sacrifices you and your families make. It is because of you that we are able to enjoy our freedom and live in peace here on the homefront. On Memorial Day, we pause and honor those who have served before you and who have made the ultimate sacrifice. May they rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this Memorial Day weekend wherever you are serving in your corner of the world. Take good care, stay safe, and may God Bless you always. And may God continue to Bless America. Sharon Sparks Baltimore, MD sparks3002@comcast.net ~*~ O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? Hello to all our troops protecting us around the world. I would like to thank you for supporting our country and protecting us here at home. I appreciate what you are doing to keep us Free and will keep you in my heart and in my prayers. God Bless. Phyllis Pajka Quinton, Virginia ppajka@hotmail.com ~*~ Spirit of America The spirit of America is what you are No matter where you go, near or far. Always remember, we believe in you As you carrry forth the red, white and blue. On eagle's wings you fly and soar Carrying our hopes, pride and so much more. We love you, we miss you No matter, we'll see you through. No matter where you go, near or far The spirit of America is what you are. Stay Strong ~ Stay Safe! Kathy Landess (countrylady4b@yahoo.com) Auberry, CA ~*~ Hello to all the Brave Souls protecting and defending us - You are always Remembered. My Blessings and Prayers go to you on this Memorial Day holiday and always. Thank you for your service during this time of war, and for the sacrifice you give us. Stay Focused and Stay Safe. ~~ Mimi -Newport Beach , CA -mimix22@yahoo.com ~*~ To all troops serving everywhere Thank you for all your service and sacrifice's you have made. Please know that there are many of us here in States that support and pray for you daily. Take care and God Bless You. Lisa Barton, Eldorado Illinois  Thank you for what you do for our country. You are in my prayers everyday. I am thank full to live in the greatest country in the world only because of your sacrifice. Your dedication has not gone un-noticed. I will support you till the end of time. I can only hope someday the school system will add our military men and women to a history course. Not about any conflicts or wars but what the sacrifices you have made as well as your families. You are the true Americans. Deputy Sheriff Tania Menendez 64 Dana Ct Chillicothe Ohio 45601 our country. You are in my prayers everyday. I am thank full to live in the greatest country in the world only because of your sacrifice. Your dedication has not gone un-noticed. I will support you till the end of time. I can only hope someday the school system will add our military men and women to a history course. Not about any conflicts or wars but what the sacrifices you have made as well as your families. You are the true Americans. Deputy Sheriff Tania Menendez 64 Dana Ct Chillicothe Ohio 45601 ~*~ Howdy from Texas! To our heroes who are serving our country so well, I want to say "thank you!" Those are just two small words, and you deserve so much more. But, those words come from the heart. You possess the indomitable American spirit that keeps our country strong. With the dedication and professionalism that you demonstrate daily, you are making all of us here at home so very proud. Our nation is great, and is made even greater by the sacrifices you and those who served before you have been willing to make. To our Texas heroes -your home state is proud of you. You are representing us well! And, to any fellow Aggies -Gig 'Em! :-) Susie Junek, SJ@3403.com Caldwell, Texas ~*~ I'm an American soldier, an American Beside my brothers and my sisters I will proudly take a stand When liberty's in jeopardy I will always do what's right I'm out here on the front lines, sleep in peace tonight American Soldier -Toby Keith JUST WANTED TO SAY HELLO FROM OHIO AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNRTY. HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL MEMORIAL DAY! JUST KNOW THAT WE SUPPORT YOU GUYS AND PRAY FOR YOUR SAFE RETURN! TO MY HUSBAND SPC SELLERS WE LOVE AND MISS YOU!!! BRANDY LIMA OHIO ~*~ I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for defending the best country in the world! Your contributions help insure our freedom. As a former Army wife and the mother of three sons who are currently serving, I know the sacrifices you and your families make each and every day. Although the American people don't always show it, it is appreciated! A special hello to my nephew, Michael Zahn, in Iraq; to Nathan Corbett in Afghanistan and Orville Thompson in Kosovo. We miss you all, take care and we'll see you soon! Donna ~*~ You, our Guys and Gals, have made us very proud to be American's. There is no way we could ever thank you enough. I just wanted everyone to know that we are behind you, we pray for you and your families and keep you in our thoughts everyday. Though this could never be enough to repay you, Thank You! Everyone! You guys ROCK! Leah Falana Grand Bay Alabama leah@knittinfun.com  Dear US Troops, Thank you for your brave service to keep our nation free. We are very fortunate to live in a Christian country which allows us to worship our God in peace and enjoy continued prosperity. Spiritual prosperity is by far the best and you have the same opportunity. Jesus Christ took your place and paid for your sins so that you might have eternal life. This is a free gift to you solely by belief in Jesus Christ. Sincerely, Annette Palouse, WA ~*~ Thank you for your service and for the sacrifices you make to keep our country free. Each day I pray for your protection and victory. May you find comfort and strength in knowing that the Lord watches over you. His love and concern for you are evident in the cross of His Son. "But God demonstrates His love toward us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us," Romans 5:8. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved," Acts 16:31. Respectfully, Paula Schwartz Pullman, WA pspullman@gmail.com ~*~ Lord, Hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen. Here’s a heartfelt "Thank you!" for all you do to keep America safe and free. I pray that the Lord would protect and bless you. I’m also grateful for those who made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our God-given freedoms. Such sacrifice reminds me of God’s sacrifice: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life," John 3:16. Heather Schwartz, Pullman WA, sunflowersinWa@yahoo.com ~*~ I am Faye Adamson, a military mom from Terre Haute, Indiana. My son served 4 years in the Marines and now is deployed to Afghanistan with the 101st Airborne! To say that I am proud of him and all of our troops is an understatement. My email is fishand3crosses@yahoo.com. Stay safe and God Bless You All! Faye Adamson Proud mom of Spc. Adam now deployed God Loves You!!! Let your light shine... www.marineparentsunited.com ~*~ To all of our soldiers, I would like to take this time to thank each and every soldier who happens to read this and those who don't for all that you have done for us as a country, for our freedom and for that of others. Please, know that you will always be in my thoughts and in my prayers as you go through your missions. God speed on your journey. Kaela St. Joseph, MO ~*~ God Bless Our Troops  Thank you for being who you are, where you are. May God Bless each and every one of you, and bring you home safely to the arms of your family. For those who don't have family to come home to, then give me a shout, I'd be most happy to write back and give you encouragement when I get a second or two. Be sure to put on the subject line that you got my name from this site so I'll open it. ing who you are, where you are. May God Bless each and every one of you, and bring you home safely to the arms of your family. For those who don't have family to come home to, then give me a shout, I'd be most happy to write back and give you encouragement when I get a second or two. Be sure to put on the subject line that you got my name from this site so I'll open it. Arlene Aoki Duncan OK 73533 pele@simplynet.net ~*~ Upon this Memorial Day speaking of American Spirit means speaking of Democracy. Walt Whitman said Democracy is law, and of the strictest, amplest kind. An unshakeable order of the universe forever. Democracy alone can bind, and ever seeks to bind, all nations, all men of however various, and distant lands, making the races comrades. This is, Whitman said, what democracy is for. This is American Spirit, and thank you dear Troops, is what we say. Maria Daehn -Germany ~*~ Thank you so much for your service to our country and all it's citizens! Your strength, courage and selflessness inspire and make us all proud. My son is serving overseas, so I know the sacrifice your families make also. May God bless and protect you and your families.Praying for all of you. Mary, Proud Army mom ~*~ I've been there with the soldiers Who've gone away to war And you can bet that they remember Just what they're fighting for Darryl Worley -Have You Forgotten Thank you for all that you do to keep America free. The personal sacrifices you have made will never be forgotten. You may think what you do is "just my job" although I've never looked at it that way. To be where you are and the risks you take putting your life on the line for us here at home is truly inspiring. Your courage, honor and commitment are recognized by this grateful American. The true patriotic spirit that comes from within is even more precious now in these times, so although you are away from home, your family, friends', please know that you have my deepest appreciation. I am very proud of each and everyone of you. I know it's not easy, and you have my 150% support now and forever. I will never stop supporting your efforts. God Bless You. God Bless America. I hear something, do you? There it is....."Snappy Salute!" Sincerely, Carol McGuinn ISaluteTheFlag2@yahoo.com ~*~ To our Brave Men & Women... I want to send a huge amount of THANKS for all you are doing wherever you are "over there" and hope for a safe return for you all. Being part of a military family we know what sacrifices you are making being there and appreciate every minute. God Bless you all and your families !! Come Home Soon!! Ken & Patty Proudly Served OIF II 'If you are not going to stand behind our troops, feel free to stand in front of them' ~*~  Dear Defender of America, I just want to take a moment to Thank You very much for your bravery and sacrifice in the service of the Land that I Love. To me Memorial Day is much more than the official start of summer. It is the day we remember those who have exchanged all of their tomorrows for the Freedoms the rest of us enjoy today. I know many of you have lost friends in the Global War on Terror, and I’d like for you to know that there are very many American civilians who never knew them, but we will never forget them, and always honor the ultimate sacrifice that they made. Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt wrote this prayer during the difficult days of WWII and said it everyday. So while our Troops are once more fighting to keep enemies distant from our shores, I have committed to saying this prayer each day: I just want to take a moment to Thank You very much for your bravery and sacrifice in the service of the Land that I Love. To me Memorial Day is much more than the official start of summer. It is the day we remember those who have exchanged all of their tomorrows for the Freedoms the rest of us enjoy today. I know many of you have lost friends in the Global War on Terror, and I’d like for you to know that there are very many American civilians who never knew them, but we will never forget them, and always honor the ultimate sacrifice that they made. Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt wrote this prayer during the difficult days of WWII and said it everyday. So while our Troops are once more fighting to keep enemies distant from our shores, I have committed to saying this prayer each day: "Dear Lord, Lest I continue My complacent way, Help me to remember that somewhere, Somehow out there A man died for me today. As long as there be war, I then must Ask and answer Am I worth dying for?" I will try everyday to earn the sacrifice that men and women are making on my behalf. I hope when the war is done that the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen will think that we were all worth dying for. God bless and protect you. All the best, to the best, Pat Shoukry – NYC (6 miles from “Ground Zero”) Clutterbuster07054@yahoo.com ~*~ God Bless America The Proud and Brave Duty, Courage, Discipline. Honor above all. Watchwords of the proud and brave who heed their nation's call. We need to look no further for heroes strong and true than the forces who defend and serve the old "Red, White and Blue." ~*~ Thank you to all the extraordinary men and women in uniform who are doing extraordinary things to protect our freedom. As I was putting together Messages from Home, I found out that my Great Uncle Bob had died. Had you met Uncle Bob on the street during his lifetime, you would have thought he was an ordinary man. He had been married, raised three daughters, and treasured his grandchildren. He worked as an accountant for decades and dabbled in small town government for a while. Before all that though, he was a Sergeant in the Army during WWII. He, my grandfather and his other brother Jim all enlisted and served our country because they were needed to fight a great evil. Much was asked of them, and they gave of themselves willingly so that people they cared about back home could continue to enjoy freedom. Uncle Bob never took our freedom for granted in the years since, and every Memorial Day, with steadfast devotion, he would join his brothers and brothers in arms to remember those who made even greater sacrifices. My uncle and his brothers taught me to appreciate my freedom, and to remember that it was worth fighting for. I will forever be grateful to him, and I am forever grateful to you for your service and for the sacrifices you have had to make to ensure that people you love will always be free. May God speed and bless you on your path. Kimberly Allen ~ Houston TX heroesnot4gotten@yahoo.com

OPERATION: LOVE FROM HOME 4TH OF JULY CARD DRIVE FOR DEPLOYED TROOPS The Mission: To collect at least 5,000 "thank you" cards for troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. The majority of the cards collected will go to a unit currently stationed in an extremely harsh and remote area of Afghanistan. The Reason: Being away from home and living in harsh conditions with combat & constant danger is difficult ~ our troops need to know we have not forgotten them!!! Mail from home helps to keep our troops' morale strong, making a very real difference in their lives. It keeps them motivated and focused when they know we care about them! The Address: Send your signed, unsealed thank-you cards to the following address: Mrs. Kathy Orr OPERATION: LOVE FROM HOME P.O. Box 1660 Loganville, Georgia, 30052 ALL CARDS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2008. The Guidelines: Ř The cards can be handmade or store-bought. This is a great opportunity to get your Scout troop, school, church and other civic organizations involved in doing something to show support for our troops. Ř Please do not write the date on your cards Ř Please, no glitter on the cards. Because of the intended destination of the cards, nothing "shiny" should be sent for safety & security reasons. *IMPORTANT: This is not a "dating service." Please do not send suggestive or otherwise inappropriate cards or materials. Please also refrain from making political statements of any nature. We will be reading and screening every card received to ensure that the above guidelines are adhered to. Remember: This is strictly to let the troops know that we love them, we are proud of them and that we HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN them! If you have any questions, please contact us at LoveFromHome@Gmail.com or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoveFromHome/ *************************************** Update ******** Good morning, everyone! Just wanted to drop you a note to update you on the status of our Operation Love From Home 2008 4th of July card drive for the troops. Sadly, we are still far, far short of our 5,000-card goal... we have in our possession slightly *less than 1,500 cards*. We've extended the deadline until *JUNE 14, 2008. * Please do all you can to help get the word out, and send in a card or two! :) Every single card/letter helps tremendously, and truly makes a very real difference! An empty P.O. Box means less 4th of July Thank You cards & letters going to our troops. :-( In other news, please check our our website (www.OperationLoveFromHome.org)! We've made some new additions as we fine-tune our site: - Send an "e-card" to the troops... fill out our online formwith your message to the troops; we will insert your messages into a "Thank you!" card and ship them over! Thank You Mamma Kat UPDATE ********** Hey, everybody! I'm working for a GREAT cause, and we need YOUR help! As most of you know, I am with Operation Love From Home, a non-profit organization that collects holiday & thank you cards to send to our American soldiers serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other countries overseas. Our goal for our Fourth of July card drive was 5000 cards - we are now right at three thousand. We've got less than a week to come up with TWO THOUSAND more! You can help, and I'll even make it easy on you. :) Just go to our website - www.operationlovefromhome.org - and click on the tab that says "Send E-Card". Fill out the little form, and in less than 30 seconds, you can send a message! We will, in turn, print our your message and paste it inside a card - how easy is that? You can do one card, or a hundred - we need all the cards we can get! Our American soldiers are risking their lives for our freedom - don't we owe it to them to do what we can to bring them happiness and a little bit of home? PS - Please feel free to email this to EVERYONE you think might be interested in helping out! Thank you! Melissa Slocum Vice President, Operation Love From Home FINAL UPDATE ************ *Total cards gathered and shipped: **5,916 *(this number includes 330 cards that were shipped early, on June 2, to a remotely-stationed group of Marines with very slow mail delivery times!) Total Cost of Shipping Supplies: $60.33 Total Cost of actual shipping: $10.95 from early shipment on June 2 of 330 cards; today's shipping cost $241.19, *for a combined total shipping cost of $252.14* *Grand total of Supplies & Postage*: *$312.47* GREAT JOB EVERYONE!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!! Pictures of packing party, etc., will be posted very soon on our website (once some technical difficulties have been resolved). Thank you all so much for your help and participation!!! YOU ROCK!!!!!!!! Kat PS - we received three huge mail tubs full of still more cards in the mail this morning. We will hold onto those cards for the next time! :-) Remember, we accept cards year-round, for *all* holidays, so never hesitate to send stuff! *********************************************************************