Links to Organizations and Support

DoD Announces America Supports You Program The Department of Defense announced today the launch of “America Supports You,” a nationwide program to showcase and communicate American support to the men and women of the Armed Forces.Click Here

The USO mission is to provide morale, welfare and
recreation-type services to our men and women in
uniform. The original intent of Congress—and enduring
style of USO delivery—is to represent the American
people by extending a touch of home to the military.
Click here.

Anysoldier Want to send a care package to Any Soldier in Harm's Way, but have no idea of what to send, who to send it to, or how to send it? Anysoldier can help. AnySoldier.US started in August 2003 as a simple family effort to help the soldiers in one Army unit. However, due to overwhelming requests, on 1 January 2004 Anysoldier's effort was expanded to include ANY Soldier. They now include any member, of any of the Armed Services, in harms way. [Carrie Comment: GREAT SITE to choose by branch, male or female, and more!]

USPS - United States Postal Service FAQ Answers to common questions about supporting our Troups. Whether you want to send mail to our troops or lend your support in other ways, you may want to read through these questions and answers.

Operation Military Pride - Proudly supporting deployed service members since 1995. Care Packages OSS locates military personnel and gets their permission to allow our members to send them letters, cards and packages. We not only send cards, letters and care packages ourselves, but also distribute troop names and addresses to patriots wanting to send cards, letters or care packages directly to troops. We are one of the very few groups that allow direct contact with a service member, eliminating the “middle man” and expenses. They also offer public events, such as placing a banner on which everyone can write well wishes to the troops and then we mail the banner to a deployed unit.

Support Our Troops Directory This site is a directory of websites and organizations that provide"support our troops" programs.

Project Home Front Join Project Homefront You can help us support the families of those serving our country through a volunteer program called Project Homefront. Originally created by The Home Depot to help over 1,700 of our associates currently serving, we've extended this program, in coordination with Rebuilding Together and USA Freedom Corps, to help the families of all active duty military. This effort will help these families keep up their home lives and their homes while their loved ones are away.

Operation Soldier Support (OSS), a *Non-Profit Support Group established in 1999 to help people make a connection with our military men and women stationed away from home.

Donate Sky Miles Operation Hero Miles provides a way for you to help our troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan by donating your unused frequent flyer miles. Efforts are underway to make the donated miles more broadly available to all U.S. military personnel.

Operation Uplink - Phone Cards-Operation Uplink is a unique program that keeps military personnel and hospitalized veterans in touch with their families and loved ones by providing them with a free phone card. Using contributions from supporters like you, Operation Uplink purchases phone cards and distributes them to servicemen and women who are separated from those they care about. Since Operation Uplink was begun by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliary in 1996, the program has given thousands of military personnel and hospitilized veterans one of the simplest yet most meaningful gifts they can receive: the opportunity to hear the voices of their families and loved ones. Read how much Operation Uplink means to our military personnel, veterans and their families.

BlueStar Mothers The once-prominent Blue Star Flag that hung in windows in wartime is making a comeback. The flag made a brief appearance during the Persian Gulf War in 1991, but because of the conflicts short duration, never really caught on. The tradition originated with WWI. In 1917, the Congressional Record stated: "The world should know of those who give so much for liberty. The dearest thing in all the world to a father and mother---their children." Also known as a Service Flag, the blue stands for hope and pride. When family members were killed, the blue star was replaced with a gold one representing sacrifice. A silver star stood for someone invalided home for wounds sustained overseas. Lapel pins also sported the same symbols. Captain Robert B. Quiesser, an Ohio National Guard veteran of the Mexican Border (1916), is credited with designing the original flag. During WWII, VFW actively promoted the flag through window cards and the assistance of radio stations. On October 17, 1943, Congress authorized the flag, and in February 1943, the secretary of war approved an official design. Although displaying Blue Star Flag's virtually vanished during the Korean and Vietnam wars, it was not until July 31, 1968, that the Pentagon issued regulations governing the design, use, and purchase of Service flags and pins.

Soldiers' Angels Soldiers' Angels currently supports thousands of American Service Members stationed wherever we raise our Country's Flag and the number is growing daily. We also work tirelessly supporting our Wounded Soldiers, with transitional backpacks, personal visits, phone calls, etc. Additionally, we send our thanks via letters and email to the military of Great Britain, Poland and Australia who serve by our soldiers side in Iraq.

Military Family Support Information

For the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserves.

• Foster actions to protect the health of all those involved in deployments
• Assess deployments to understand and communicate information concerning non-traditional threats to health
• Facilitate change to enhance the health of and support for the deploying forces

Today's military family faces a lifestyle that is comprised of frequent deployments, which results in increased family separations. This often proves to be a stressful challenge for military families. To assist the military's efforts to keep both troops and their families prepared, there are several programs which support the readiness of families. The information in this section will assist servicemembers and their families in preparing for and coping with deployments. This site contains family support links for each of the services, as well as information for children, locating servicemembers and deployment entitlements.

A Tribute Page for your Marine, Corpsman or Soldier

Today I was sent a link to a tribute page set up by the family of LCpl. Brian "Monty" Montgomery. There you can view pictures, read stories & tributes and let the family know how Brian had touched your life. Stop by and check it out. If you knew Brian/Monty, please leave a message for the family, share a photo and/or tell a story. I know his family and friends will appreciate it.

If you know of someone that would like to set up a similar tribute page, go to InLovingMemoryOf.net.

The courage you displayed...

U.S. Military Death Toll In Iraq Reaches 2,000.


I heard of you today, not in a usual way,
I heard of the courage you displayed today.

Then I heard of your death that has come at such an early age,
Leaving us to weep and be full of rage.

You gave the highest gift that anyone can ever present,
And with your gift we know why you were sent.

For you were born for a more noble purpose than most of us could ever bear,
And, if life were fair...

You would still be with us knowing of your valuable worth,
To all of us here on earth.

But in God's divine plan, you left us to be of service in his highest realm.
You now are guarding his streets and taking your helm.

To watch over and see that other's are safe,
And brought home to their families, to be face to face.

We are debt to you always for being so brave,
You were put here at this time to show us how to save.

A country that needed to be free,
And now we have the need to see...

You safe in God's arms, full of body and health,
And acknowledging that one's worth is not of wealth.

But in the life you have given for someone else.
So rest for a while and gather yourself.

For God's angels are always on duty,
And you have achieved this rare and distinct beauty.

We salute you with tears in our eyes,
Because we now have to say goodbye.

You are at home where you are meant to be,
And yes, don't worry, we won't stop until all are free.

Your life has shown us there is a higher price to be paid,
For the land of the free and the home of the brave.

-Written by L. Winter, Proud Marine Mom

Until we meet again, Semper Fidelis...to our fallen Marine, Navy, Army, and Air Force heros. We will never forget you.

Happy Birthday!

e
Happy 230th Birthday to the Marines and Navy Corpsman of the United States!

"Here they come!"

[This letter was written to Sgt Grit and included in his American Courage Newsletter. I highly recommend you sign-up to receive this inspiring and patriotic newsletter. It's filled with real letters from real people about their family members, loved ones and pride for their country. Click here to read more about this newsletter.]

Sgt Grit,
Several weeks ago I wrote your newsletter about the losses that the Ohio based 3/25 had suffered and the funerals I and my fellow Leatherneck MC members had attended. Today I write a much lighter letter.

On Thursday, 6 October, I and Dale, another Leatherneck, rode to Cleveland to be in a procession welcoming the H&S company of 3/25 home to Cleveland. It was over 100 miles one way for me and 250 miles for Dale and it was worth every mile of the trip. We joined with several other Leathernecks and a large contingent from Rolling Thunder and quite a few other bikers to escort the Marines to their families.

The parade route was only a mile, but people lined the streets 4 and 5 deep the entire way and sometimes 15 or more deep. Thousands of people were waving flags and holding signs of welcome. I was overwhelmed by the turnout. It was an incredible event.

On Friday, 7 October, I met with another group of Leathernecks in Columbus to welcome Lima Co., the hardest hit company in 3/25. Because one of the Leathernecks is a Corpsman in Lima Co., we were able to meet with the returning Marines before beginning the procession. At 1030 we left Port Columbus heading toward the Reserve Center where the Marines would see their families for the first time in months. We expected to see some people lining the streets, but it was cold and raining and I didn't expect very much. Man was I WRONG!

The ride was almost 20 miles and almost the entire route was BURIED in people. A 5 lane street had barely 1 lane open because of the crowds. The police escort in the lead was over 1/4 mile long and included every suburb of Columbus and surrounding area. There were approximately 30 motorcycle police, 25 Leathernecks and about 35 more bikes. Car dealers had turned on the headlights and flashers of every car in their lots. Schools had emptied to line the route. Several school bands were formed up and pouring their hearts out in song. Traffic was at a dead stop and people had left their cars to cheer. Several fire engines had hoisted US and Marine flags over the route on ladder trucks. I don't think I've ever seen so many flags in my entire life.

I think the best part of being in the ride was the actions of the crowd. I was the last bike, about 50 feet in front of the buses and I don't have loud pipes so I could actually hear snatches of conversations as I went past. The crowd would glance at the bikes as we went past and then invariably I could hear someone say, 'Here they come' and a deafening roar would begin. I have never felt so good about being ignored in my life.

I have never been proud nor ashamed of what I felt was Columbus' attitude toward the military. The city always seemed to me to be indifferent toward the sacrifices made. I've lived nearby most of my life, but I got a serious attitude adjustment on that ride. Today I am proud to call Columbus, Ohio my home.

Thank you, Columbus.
Thanks
Bert
"Teufel Hunden"
Herbert McKinley
Except for ending Slavery, Fascism, Nazism and Communism, WAR has never solved anything.
"Semper Fi"

[THANK YOU to all the Leathernecks in their never ending and undying support for our troops!!]

A noble nation believing in Peace...

"Accommodation is based on wishing not thinking, and if the wish doesn't come true the enemy is far stronger than he was before you started down that road. The other way is based on the belief (supported so far by all evidence) that in an all out race our system is stronger, and eventually the enemy gives up the race as a hopeless cause. Then a noble nation believing in peace extends the hand of friendship and says there is room in the world for both of us. We can make those rockets into bridge lamps by being so strong the enemy has no choice, or we can bet our lives and freedom on the cockeyed theory that if we make him strong enough he'll learn to love us."
-Ronald Reagan

Fund raising aims to help Marine unit's wounded

By Jim Carney

Beacon Journal staff writer

Jeffrey Wiener

Even though the Marines of Akron Weapons Company have returned home, the effort to assist them continues.

The HM3 Jeffrey Wiener & 3/25 Fallen Heroes Mission has been established to help wounded Marines and to raise money for supplies for U.S. military hospitals in Iraq.

The effort was started by Cheryl Boomhower, 51, of Ravenna, mother of Sgt. Michael Boomhower, 26, a member of Akron Weapons Company.

The mission will primarily raise money to help the estimated 150 to 200 members of the 3rd Battalion, 25th Regiment, 4th Marine Division who were wounded during its recent deployment in Iraq. The mission is named for Navy Corpsman Jeffrey L. Wiener, 31, of Louisville, Ky., who was attached to the 3/25 and was killed May 7, Boomhower said.

His mother, Diana Wiener of Louisville, Ky., said her son would be proud that such a mission was established in his name.

"Nothing will ever bring my son back,'' she said. But she said it is good that people will know his name through the fund.

Jeffrey Wiener worked for the Jefferson County, Ky., EMS before joining the Navy Reserve as a corpsman after Sept. 11, 2001. "Nine-eleven hit Jeffrey very hard,'' his mother said.

His two brothers are Marines. Sgt. Joshua Wiener's tour of duty was ending and Jeffrey's was beginning when they met up. Brother David left for Marine boot camp less than a month after his brother was killed.

According to an e-mail that battalion adjutant Capt. John Kasparian sent to 3/25 families in May, Jeffrey Wiener died in a firefight after a suicide bombing at a hospital. Three Marines also died in the incident. "The memory of their leadership, courage, and sacrifice live on in the Marines and sailors who served with them,'' Kasparian wrote.

Boomhower said the fund is geared to help the wounded, as Wiener did in Iraq.

The Akron unit, along with 3/25 units based in Brook Park, Columbus, Moundsville, W.Va., and Buffalo, N.Y., returned home last week. In the force of 1,000, an estimated 46 Marines and 2 Navy corpsmen died during the deployment.

Along with the effort to raise money for the wounded, Boomhower said she hopes to raise money for medical supplies to help U.S. military medical facilities in Iraq through a group known as Wounded Warriors at www.woundedwarriors.org.

She said she is working on getting tax-exempt status for her organization.

Send donations made out to 3/25 FHM to: 3/25 Fallen Heroes Mission, P.O. Box 325, Ravenna, OH 44266.

---

Jim Carney can be reached at 330-996-3576 or jcarney@thebeaconjournal.com

Troop Tribute Spotlights National Guardsman

By Linda D. Kozaryn: American Forces Press Service

Luke Stricklin (left), an Arkansas National Guardsman and Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, and members of his band perform Oct. 8 at the Tribute to the Troops at Nissan Pavilion in Manassas, Va. Photo by Linda D. Kozaryn

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9, 2005 – Country music fans phoned WMZQ radio throughout the day Oct. 8 asking one question: would the heavy rains stop the Tribute to the Troops?

Not to worry, the disc jockeys said. The show would go on. People with tickets for lawn seats at the Nissan Pavilion in Manassas, Va., could now sit inside the open-air concert arena.

One caller vowed the sporadic downpours wouldn't keep her away. "I'll be there," she said. "The troops don't stop fighting just because it rains."

Thousands of other country-music-loving troop supporters showed the same determination. They coped with the wet weather and dodged local flooding to attend the concert starring country music stars Montgomery Gentry, with special guests Chely Wright and Keith Anderson.

Information Manufacturing Corp. and the United Service Organizations were among the show's sponsors. Proceeds would benefit Paralyzed Veterans of America.

As people filled their seats, a public service video aired on the pavilion's big screens telling fans they could send a message of support to the troops by logging onto www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil, a Defense Department Web site that highlights troop support events across America.

To read the story in full, click here.

Freedom...

"Freedom is indivisible-there is no 's' on the end of it. You can erode freedom, diminish it, but you cannot divide it and choose to keep 'some freedoms' while giving up others." -Ronald Reagan

Memorial Fund in honor of Cpl Brad Squires

"Hi my name is Jodie Bogdan. My brother, Cpl Brad Squires was killed in Iraq on June 9, 2005. He was Stationed out of Akron with Weapons Co 3/25. He loved the Marines. My family and I miss him deeply but, we are so proud of him. We continue to support and pray for the troops. My older brother and I have set up a memorial fund in honor of our brothers name and our goal is to help build and preserve memorials for all the fallen soldier of Northern Ohio and to help carry on there names. My brother gave the ultimate sacrifice and this is the only way we feel we can make sure his name will live on forever. We have a website that includes all the information about our fund www.Bradsquires.net if you get a chance please look at it. All of the military men and women work very hard everyday to ensure our freedom so please everyone continue to support our troops."

Jodie
Columbia Station, Ohio
Proud sister of Cpl Brad Squires