Soldier Ride
Wounded warriors heal on the road
Lance Cpl. Patrick J. Floto
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. â?? For some veterans, particularly the combat-wounded, the biggest battle may not be the War on Terrorism itself, but coping with the injuries and disabilities.
Many organizations across the United States and beyond exist to help these wounded warriors find a unique way to recover from what was inflicted in battle.
For more than 75 wounded servicemembers, the best way to heal is to take action and accomplish something few have ever done: take part in a 3,000-mile bicycle ride across the country.
The cross country bicycle ride, an annual event known as Soldier Ride, began May 6 when the participants dipped the wheels of their bicycles in the Atlantic Ocean at Montauk Point, N.Y and ended July 29 with another dip in the Pacific Ocean here.
The 12-week odyssey was broken up into one week segments. The participants were able to join the cause for as long as they please.
Along the long route there were supporters cheering the participants on.
â??Almost all of my adult life, I have been stationed at Fort Bragg where just about every civilian in town is a military relative,â?? said former Army Sgt. Andrew Biddle. â??The consistency of American support for the troops is unbreakable. This is the first time I have truly seen just how much the military is appreciated.â??
Bob Mullin, a supporter of Soldier Ride, flew from his home in Massapequa, N.Y. to San Clemente just to watch them finish the ride.
â??I went to the park in Montauk Point and saw these young men missing arms and legs, but still in great shape heading across the country on bicycles,â?? said Mullin, a former Marine sergeant and retired New York Fire Department captain. â??They served their country well, and they deserve our respect. They have true military spirit, and their courage is an inspiration to all.â??
Mullin was joined by numerous other veteransâ?? organizations such as several chapters of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Patriot Guard.
In addition to those who served, one performer particularly close to the Marine Corps rode with the wounded warriors.â??When I played â??Jokerâ?? in the movie â??Full Metal Jacket,â?? I began a special relationship with the Marine Corps,â?? said Matthew Modine. â??When I began visiting hospitals housing the combat wounded, I realized just how important it was to show our support for the troops.â??
The Soldier Ride is an annual event put on by Soldierâ??s Angels, a support group that was founded by a mother of a former soldier in the summer of 2003 when she heard from her son that not every soldier was getting letters and care packages from home.
Since then, the group has expanded to a non-profit organization with branches at military hospitals across the United States and overseas. The group now hosts several projects to send supplies to wounded soldiers. For more information on Soldierâ??s Angels, visit their website at http://www.soldiersangels.org .
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Friday, August 11, 2006
Monday, January 9, 2006
FOR OUR TROOPS
Hello,
Soldiers Angels in collaboration with Library of Lifeis mounting aGuinness Book of Records attempt, called Operation: Love Our Troops, to create the largest digital Valentineâ??s Day card ever and send the messages to our deployed military.
Library of Life is an organization that offers the public a way to celebrate life and share memories on line, through a digital library that will last forever. They are sponsoring the campaign, hosting the Valentines messages for free and created a way to raise funds for Soldiers Angels.
Before the site is promoted and Operation Love Our Troops is announced to the public, we want to populate the site with genuine, heartfelt messages. We are reaching out to Angels for support with this. We're asking that you visit www.operationloveourtroops.com and send a message of support to the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces. â??Who would better deserve the largest Valentineâ??s Day card than our troops abroad,â?? says Patti Patton-Bader.
Library of Life has retained The Bohle Company, a top public relations company based in Los Angeles, to promote the campaign. They will be seeking major media coverage for this effort that will greatly enhance Soldiers Angels visibility.
We are really excited about this partnership and trust you will be too.
Let's show the troops how much they are appreciated. You're welcome to forward this email on to others. We want Operation Love Our Troops to be an overwhelming success. Thank you for helping us attain this goal.
Take care,
Patti Bader, Founder
Ana-Marie Smith, President
Soldiers' Angels
http://soldiersangels.org
"May No Soldier, Sailor, Marine Go Unloved"
Patti Bader
May no soldier go unloved.
May no soldier walk alone.
May no soldier be forgotten,
Until they all come home.
SoldiersAngels.org
Hello,
Soldiers Angels in collaboration with Library of Lifeis mounting aGuinness Book of Records attempt, called Operation: Love Our Troops, to create the largest digital Valentineâ??s Day card ever and send the messages to our deployed military.
Library of Life is an organization that offers the public a way to celebrate life and share memories on line, through a digital library that will last forever. They are sponsoring the campaign, hosting the Valentines messages for free and created a way to raise funds for Soldiers Angels.
Before the site is promoted and Operation Love Our Troops is announced to the public, we want to populate the site with genuine, heartfelt messages. We are reaching out to Angels for support with this. We're asking that you visit www.operationloveourtroops.com and send a message of support to the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces. â??Who would better deserve the largest Valentineâ??s Day card than our troops abroad,â?? says Patti Patton-Bader.
Library of Life has retained The Bohle Company, a top public relations company based in Los Angeles, to promote the campaign. They will be seeking major media coverage for this effort that will greatly enhance Soldiers Angels visibility.
We are really excited about this partnership and trust you will be too.
Let's show the troops how much they are appreciated. You're welcome to forward this email on to others. We want Operation Love Our Troops to be an overwhelming success. Thank you for helping us attain this goal.
Take care,
Patti Bader, Founder
Ana-Marie Smith, President
Soldiers' Angels
http://soldiersangels.org
"May No Soldier, Sailor, Marine Go Unloved"
Patti Bader
May no soldier go unloved.
May no soldier walk alone.
May no soldier be forgotten,
Until they all come home.
SoldiersAngels.org
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
FOR OUR WOUNDED
http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/atf/cf/{279F00F6-7AEF-4E77-9462-B707D698D169}/TSGLI%20APPLICATION%20FORM.PDF
News and Highlights
Traumatic Injury Insurance Payment Forms Now Available:
The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Service Member Group Life Insurance has recently released the form that MUST be filled out for severely injured service members to qualify for payment under the newly created Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI) program.
To Download the Application Form (with instructions) Click here.
For a detailed presentation on the Traumatic Injury Insurance program and eligibility requirements Go here
http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/atf/cf/{279F00F6-7AEF-4E77-9462-B707D698D169}/TSGLI%20APPLICATION%20FORM.PDF
Veterans' Day Message from the Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee
By U.S. Senator Larry Craig
"... I later met with three younger veterans, all in their early 20s, who also made me proud to be an American, and who put another lump in my throat.
Ryan Kelly, from Prescott, Arizona, lost a leg in Iraq. Heath Calhoun, from Clarksville, Tennessee, lost both of his legs. Jeremy Feldbusch from Latrobe, Pennsylvania, lost his sight. They explained the financial difficulties they faced with long recuperation times, and wives and family members who gave up jobs to be near them as they were in hospital rehab.
They sought legislation not to help themselves, but to help others. I was inspired by their courage and selflessness. Only a few weeks later, Congress approved legislation I authored, which will provide anywhere from $25,000 to $100,000 to our nation's "Wounded Warriors" to offset the costs families incur when they have to leave jobs and homes to be with loved ones who are recuperating at military hospitals."
http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/atf/cf/{279F00F6-7AEF-4E77-9462-B707D698D169}/TSGLI%20APPLICATION%20FORM.PDF
News and Highlights
Traumatic Injury Insurance Payment Forms Now Available:
The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Service Member Group Life Insurance has recently released the form that MUST be filled out for severely injured service members to qualify for payment under the newly created Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI) program.
To Download the Application Form (with instructions) Click here.
For a detailed presentation on the Traumatic Injury Insurance program and eligibility requirements Go here
http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/atf/cf/{279F00F6-7AEF-4E77-9462-B707D698D169}/TSGLI%20APPLICATION%20FORM.PDF
Veterans' Day Message from the Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee
By U.S. Senator Larry Craig
"... I later met with three younger veterans, all in their early 20s, who also made me proud to be an American, and who put another lump in my throat.
Ryan Kelly, from Prescott, Arizona, lost a leg in Iraq. Heath Calhoun, from Clarksville, Tennessee, lost both of his legs. Jeremy Feldbusch from Latrobe, Pennsylvania, lost his sight. They explained the financial difficulties they faced with long recuperation times, and wives and family members who gave up jobs to be near them as they were in hospital rehab.
They sought legislation not to help themselves, but to help others. I was inspired by their courage and selflessness. Only a few weeks later, Congress approved legislation I authored, which will provide anywhere from $25,000 to $100,000 to our nation's "Wounded Warriors" to offset the costs families incur when they have to leave jobs and homes to be with loved ones who are recuperating at military hospitals."
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Schiff to Deliver Letters to Our Troops
Schiff to Deliver Letters to Our Troops
During the next few weeks, Congressman Schiff will be visiting our troops, and he would like to bring messages of thanksgiving from our community.
"I'm so thankful to the men and women of our military, many of whom are overseas, sacrificing time away from their families to serve our nation," said Schiff. "During this holiday season when we gather among friends and family, let's think of those who are away from home. If you would like to send notes or letters to the soldiers, I'd be honored to deliver them to our heroes in uniform. Children may even want to draw pictures. Your messages will brighten the day for so many who are serving our nation far from home."
Please send cards, letters, and drawings to:
Congressman Adam Schiff
35 South Raymond Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91105
Or via fax at (626) 304-0572
Please send messages by December 9. If you have any questions, or have additional ideas for how our community can honor our troops, please contact my office at 626-304-2727.
Schiff to Deliver Letters to Our Troops
During the next few weeks, Congressman Schiff will be visiting our troops, and he would like to bring messages of thanksgiving from our community.
"I'm so thankful to the men and women of our military, many of whom are overseas, sacrificing time away from their families to serve our nation," said Schiff. "During this holiday season when we gather among friends and family, let's think of those who are away from home. If you would like to send notes or letters to the soldiers, I'd be honored to deliver them to our heroes in uniform. Children may even want to draw pictures. Your messages will brighten the day for so many who are serving our nation far from home."
Please send cards, letters, and drawings to:
Congressman Adam Schiff
35 South Raymond Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91105
Or via fax at (626) 304-0572
Please send messages by December 9. If you have any questions, or have additional ideas for how our community can honor our troops, please contact my office at 626-304-2727.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
HughHewitt.com
Posted at 1:00 PM, Pacific
The news on the Special Forces crash in Afghanistan is confirmed as as bad as it could be. I will feature a number of milbloggers on today's show, including FroggyRuminations Col. Bay, Smash, as well as Mark Steyn and, from Baghdad, Michael Yon.
I will also be urging the audience to contribute to the United Warrior Survivor Foundation which is "dedicated to the surviving spouses of Special Operations military personnel killed in the line of duty since 9/11. UWSF offers Survivor Transition Assistance to surviving spouses, along with educational counseling, financial guidance, investment planning, and other programs." I know the groups' founders and they are superb people with extensive ties to the special operations community, and they do great things with the resources they raise. You can contribute here.
Perhaps some other civilian bloggers could post a link to the Foundation. The url is easy to remember: www.frogfriends.com.
SoldiersAngels can also use as many sponsors as there are out there.
Radioblogger will post the transcripts later this evening.
HughHewitt.com
The news on the Special Forces crash in Afghanistan is confirmed as as bad as it could be. I will feature a number of milbloggers on today's show, including FroggyRuminations Col. Bay, Smash, as well as Mark Steyn and, from Baghdad, Michael Yon.
I will also be urging the audience to contribute to the United Warrior Survivor Foundation which is "dedicated to the surviving spouses of Special Operations military personnel killed in the line of duty since 9/11. UWSF offers Survivor Transition Assistance to surviving spouses, along with educational counseling, financial guidance, investment planning, and other programs." I know the groups' founders and they are superb people with extensive ties to the special operations community, and they do great things with the resources they raise. You can contribute here.
Perhaps some other civilian bloggers could post a link to the Foundation. The url is easy to remember: www.frogfriends.com.
SoldiersAngels can also use as many sponsors as there are out there.
Radioblogger will post the transcripts later this evening.
HughHewitt.com
Friday, June 24, 2005
From My Position... On the way!: Walter Reed, Her We Come!
There is one man (other than God Himself) in particular who saved Chuck's life. CPT Jason Spencer, Chuck's XO. Chuck said to me, "Jason saved my life. Don't ever let me forget that." I don't know Jason on a very personal level, but he dove into the canal when Chuck was blown in from the explosion... I don't know the details of what Jason did when he was in the canal w/ Chuck, but whatever it was, Chuck remembers, and Jason is forever in our debt.
From My Position... On the way!: Walter Reed, Her We Come!
From My Position... On the way!: Walter Reed, Her We Come!
Monday, June 20, 2005
The San Marino Tribune 5K Run/Walk
The San Marino Tribune 5K Run/Walk
5K Run
benefiting the JP Blecksmith Leadership Foundation
July 4, 2005
REGISTRATION FORM
When:
Monday, July 4th, 2005-Race day registration will begin at 7:30 AM and end at 8:30 AM -5K Run/Walk will begin promptly at 9:00 AM
Where:
Start/Finish Location:-NW corner of San Marino Avenue and -Huntington Drive in San Marino.Map of course
Cost:
Postmarked by 6/22:
19 & Under: $2520+ :$30
Postmarked after 6/22:
All Ages: $40
Race day Registration:
All Ages: $40
-Donations to the JP Blecksmith Leadership Foundation welcome
-Entry Fee includes a T-Shirt. Size not guaranteed for entries received after June 22nd.
-Checks are to be made payable to the: SAN MARINO TRIBUNE
Sign-up:
Mail registration form and payment to:JP Blecksmith Leadership Foundation 5K2275 Huntington Drive #525San Marino, CA 91108
Additional Information:
-Awards Ceremony and San Marino Rotary Club Centennial Clock Dedication to follow 5K run/walk beginning at 10:00 AM-Adopt a soldier at the Soldiers' Angels booth during the post-race festivities.
-The San Marino Tribune 5K Run/Walk benefiting the JP Blecksmith Leadership Foundation will also serve as a training run for 11 individuals, JP's family and friends, who will be running the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC on October 30, 2005 in honor of JP and his fellow Marines.
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