June 2011
0 posts
1 tag
Programming Note: Migrating To A New Site
A word to regulars of the blog: We’re moving over to nicer digs over at the official Wounded Warriors Family Support blog. Check out our daily content over there from now on, and tell all your friends!
May 2011
31 posts
Thanking Our Troops On Memorial Day
There is no time like Memorial Day to step back and take stock of exactly how much we appreciate the efforts of our troops, as well as the families that support them. The holiday offers an opportunity for reflection on current soldiers’ efforts and solemn tributes of fallen heroes.
From the Suffolk News-Herald:
Very few of the things I cover for the paper have the ability to move me to...
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National Guardswoman Looks Back On Career
Most everyone involved with a military career has a fascinating tale of heroism and sacrifice to tell, and a woman in Tennessee who worked as a civilian in the National Guard is no exception.
From The Tennesseean:
Many-Bears Grinder’s mother was rescued out of the Philippines during World War II by the U.S. military. Her father was a veteran of that war. Her two brothers served in the...
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Goodwill To Honor Troops On Memorial Day
Goodwill, a nonprofit known for helping those in need, is making an effort to hail troops on Memorial Day, presenting sundry efforts to help struggling soldiers and their families make ends meet.
From a PRNewswire press release:
On Memorial Day, America will honor veterans and active military service members — something Goodwill® does every day. Since World War I, Goodwill Industries® has...
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Golfer Receives Award For Support Of Military
Golfer Corey Pavin received the Corporal Brock Bucklin Patriot Award for his tireless support of troops and their families through public speaking and civic endeavors. The award is well-deserved for the reputable athlete.
From Fox Sports:
2010 Ryder Cup Captain, 1995 U.S. Open Champion and world-class golfer, Corey Pavin, will be awarded the Corporal Brock Bucklin Patriot Award by the Folds...
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Meet The Army Child Of The Year
An Arizona teen was selected as the Army Child of the Year for his volunteer efforts, which included seting up care packages for deployed troops. He collaborated with families to fill them with the right stuff and send them off.
From the Fort Hood Sentinel:
Kyle Hoeye, the 16-year-old middle child of Arizona National Guard Sgt. 1st Class James and Michaelena Hoeye, was selected as this year’s...
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Military Families Taking Real Estate Hits
The plunging real estate market is hurting all property owners, but arguably none more so than those involved in the military. Reports indicate military member-owned homes are dropping in price faster than the national average.
From RealtyBizNews:
Many military families are forced to accept losing money on their real estate investments. Courtesy of Googleblog
However, the Department of...
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Striving To Help Military Families
It’s gratifying to see First Lady Michelle Obama has made helping military families one of her top priorities. In a recent interview she expounds on previous commitments and outlines her plans to aid the underserved group.
From the San Francisco Chronicle:
Military families like Tracy Crawford’s are becoming more and more common, though the challenges they face remain....
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Museum Initiative Allows Free Entry For Military...
Military families are in for some free culture and entertainment in the coming months, with the NEA and Blue Star Families sponsoring free access to participating museums.
From the Washington Post:
The National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, the organization focused on the well-being of American military families, have partnered together to launch the second annual Blue Star ...
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Cookout Helps Military Families Prepare
A cookout is a nice way to gather with friends and chat about good times, but one organization is using such an event to help military families prepare for difficulties, including life during deployment.
From York Daily Record:
Victor DuBois of Shrewsbury ran laps Saturday around the second floor of the York Armory during a Family Readiness Group cookout for troops.
The 4-year-old’s...
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Examining Mental Health Care For Vets
Mental health care for returning troops is every bit as essential as physical rehabilitation for combat injuries, yet it’s a sensitive subject to discuss. A story suggests that over-medication has pitfalls.
From North County Times:
While most of you slept Sunday morning, I motored north to Pasadena to attend the longest running post-traumatic stress disorder conference in the world.
...
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Michelle Obama, Jill Biden Champion Health Ad...
Wives of the White House tandem are spearheading an effort to help spread health and prosperity among military families through awareness and support of service programs.
From Psychiatric News:
Military families get a boost in several crucial aspects of their lives, including mental health, education, and employment, from Michelle Obama and Jill Biden.
Supporting...
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FortuneGirls Aid Military Families
A New Jersey-based effort is set to aid military families worldwide. The charitable effort will involve FortuneGirls and the Rock Papor Scissors store in Montclair, NJ, which will partner with Operation Gratitude of California, which will send out care packages to troops.
From NorthJersey:
Glen Ridge-based Super Scoop Ice Cream and PNC Bank of Glen Ridge are sponsoring “Fortune Girls...
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Donate Blood To Help Red Cross, Aid Worthy Causes
The opportunity to donate blood is always there for those looking to lend the military-friendly aid organization the Red Cross with its causes. Campus blood drives are an excellent resource for the nonprofit.
From ValpoLife:
Summer means sun, fun and sometimes, a drop in blood donations. That’s because school’s out, and donors who regularly give throughout the academic year might wait until...
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Japan Shows World How To Deal With Disaster
Military families are known for their resilience and preparedness, and those stationed in Japan who suffered the tsunami and earthquake proved their mettle for the way they handled the disaster.
From The Examiner:
When a 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck Japan on March 11 and a tsunami washed over the northern end of the country, much of the nation’s communications structure was wiped out. But...
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Senator Hails Special Ops For Bin Laden Mission
Special ops are receiving their just plaudits for all the mindbending work they do around the globe, and in particular the recent takedown of Osama bin Laden. A senator offered his gratitude for their efforts.
From the Augusta Free Press:
U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner today delivered more than 1,200 messages of support and appreciation to U.S. Navy special operations personnel representing the...
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Book Delves Inside Mysteries Of Area 51
A new book pulls back the curtain on the mysterious military installation called Area 51 in the Nevada desert. Although some suspect secrets involving alien technology lurk at the base, the book talks about espionage secrets.
From The New York Times:
At the start of “Area 51,” Annie Jacobsen’s cauldron-stirring book about America’s most mysterious military installation, Ms. Jacobsen offers a ...
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Motorcycle Procession Pays Tribute To Vets And...
Motorcyclists in St. Louis are displaying their patriotism and dedication to military families with a procession meant to draw attention to their sacrifices and often difficult living situations.
From Examiner:
Each year, hundreds of men and women mount their motorcycles and begin a journey that is long, but so meaningful that they wouldn’t think of turning back. From L.A. to...
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Former Congressman Studies Vets Living With...
A former member of Congress is dedicating his professional life to studying veterans dealing with lasting effects of combat. He seeks to reduce the numbers of depression and suicide cases.
From the AP:
Patrick Kennedy retired from Congress in January, but on a recent evening in a veteran’s hall here, he sounded like he was still running for office as he spoke about the plight of troops...
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Are Military Plans In Japan Unaffordable?
American bases in Japan may be costing the country too much money, according to lawmakers who are championing changes of policy in the region.
From Stars and Stripes:
Three influential senators called on the United States to drastically alter plans to move thousands of U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam and scrap other aspects of a 2006 U.S.-Japan realignment agreement, calling it...
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Fighter Pilot Says Video Game Gave Him Seizures
A former fighter pilot who has since been grounded claims he was disabled by playing video games, which sparked debilitating seizures that made him unfit to fly.
From Kotaku:
A former U.S. Navy F-18 fighter pilot is suing Sony, Bethesda and Zenimax claiming that the Playstation 3 version of Oblivion: The Elder Scrolls IV gave him a grand mal seizure, breaking his shoulder and permanently...
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Sears Launches Troop-Aiding Program
Sears is looking to take care of troops with its Rebuilding Together initiative, which will renovate more than 300 homes across the country. The effort will be an “extreme makeover” of sorts for military homes.
From a PRNewswire press release:
Continuing its dedication and commitment to supporting military members and their families, Sears is launching its fourth annual Heroes at...
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Pro-Troops Film Festival Hits DC
A film festival that features work supportive of soldiers is playing in Washington D.C. Festivalgoers get a chance to see inspiring work from those who believe in what armed forces are accomplishing.
From Big Hollywood:
In the aftermath of the elite Naval Special Warfare Development Group’s successful raid to take out Osama Bin Laden last week, I feel privileged to be covering the only film...
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Military Moms Deserve High Praise
On Mother’s Day, it’s time to reflect upon the courage and sacrifices shown by military mothers, who raised their children with the strength and resolve it took to volunteer their services for the good of their country.
From the Huffington Post:
Each May, we are inundated with advertising from jewelers, florists, and other retailers promising the “perfect”...
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The Price Military Families Have Paid For Death Of...
While a nation rejoices over the death of an infamous terrorist leader, there is more solemn adulation in the homes of those who have suffered casualties and deaths in the family. To those brave men and women, the accomplishment is tinged with suffering.
CBS News reports:
It is part of Osama bin Laden’s terrible legacy — almost a decade American military funerals, reports CBS News...
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Gym To Transferred Navy Family: Pay Cancellation...
Most subscription-based organizations treat military members with respect, and handle their orders to move with grace and dignity. That’s not so for a Virginia gym, which is attempting to force a family to pay an early termination fee.
From Consumerist:
A Navy family with government orders to move from California to Virginia was surprised when their gym wanted to charge them a $200...
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Mourners Conflicted Amid Merriment
Through all the fist-pumping and high-fiving following the death of Osama bin Laden, those who have lost friends and family members in war in the Middle East struggle with conflicted emotions of loss and accomplishment.
From the AP:
As mourners filed out of the church, two by two, the organist struck up an unusual tune for a funeral: “America the Beautiful.” Outside, military...
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Military Families Praise Osama's Killing,...
The takedown of Osama bin Laden has created a conundrum for military families. They are proud that American forces have finally gotten their man, but are also wary of retaliation and future conflicts.
From the AP:
Osama bin Laden’s death at the hands of a U.S. Navy SEALs team was met with praise and pride from military members and their families, but their relief was tempered by the...
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Military Members Can Now Sign On To Xbox Live
Since Xbox Live was introduced a decade ago, those with military addresses were unable to sign on to play games online. Now the inexplicable barrier has finally been shed and troops can now game with their civilian pals.
From Destructoid:
Microsoft has heard the requests of gamers in our military and now has made changes in their system to accept their addresses in Military States in their...
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West Virginia's First Lady Launches...
The first lady of West Virginia has long been a supporter of military members and their families, and she’s set forth an effort to lend aid to the group with a grass roots effort.
From Daily Mail:
West Virginia first lady Joanne Jaeger Tomblin on Monday announced a new initiative aimed at supporting and providing assistance to military families.
“Serve West Virginia Military:...
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Pet Brigade Stands Guard Over Troops' Pets
A military service created in order to care for and board pets belonging to military members, the Pet Brigade at South Sound’s Joint Base Lewis McChord is one of a kind.
From Business Examiner:
What is the only privately owned pet care and boarding facility on an American military installation? The surprising answer is The Pet Brigade, at the South Sound’s Joint Base Lewis McChord. “We ...
April 2011
30 posts
1 tag
Tenn. Program Aids Would-Be Homeowners
The Tennessee Housing Development Agency is looking to provide housing services for military families, easing their path to becoming homeowners.
From the Clarksville Leaf Chronicle:
Calling it a way to give back to those who have given so much, the Tennessee Housing Development Agency Friday officially launched a new program aimed at helping military families buy into the American dream of...
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Why Communities Need To Help Military Families
it’s important for communities to pitch in and lend a hand to military families, which in many opinions are the backbone of our nation. Widespread support from interlinked community organizations can make life more enjoyable for all.
From the Orlando Sentinel:
Nearly a decade of war takes a toll. Since the Twin Towers fell, more than 2 million American troops have served in Afghanistan...
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Movie Night Builds Military Morale
After a hard day of service, military members often welcome the opportunity to kick back and enjoy a movie. An entertainment company called Motive Entertainment has started a Military Movie Night nationwide to share the joys of cinema with service members.
From Black Anthem:
Motive Entertainment announces the launch of MILITARY MOVIE NIGHT, a nationwide program to recognize the military with...
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Laughlin Event Lends Support To Troops
A leather-focused event at a Laughling casino will aid troops. The riotous celebration will be an opportunity to aid the charitable efforts.
From Motorcycle USA:
This week Hot Leathers is headed to theLaughlin River Run at the Regency in Laughlin, NV and Panama City Beach Bike Rally in FL. The industry leader in motorcycle apparel, synonymous for offering the best selection of motorcycle...
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VFW Chapter Holds Events To Celebrate Military,...
Veterans of Foreign Wars chapters nationwide work tirelessly to preserve the heritage of the American military spirit, as well as lend a helping hand to brethren.
From Patch:
The Willow Grove Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) will hold two events that celebrate both our nation’s military and the Willow Grove Tri-Centennial.
Both taking place on May 1, the Willow Grove VFW’s Freedom Steps and...
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Joining Forces To Aid Military Families
Under a directive from First Lady Michelle Obama, various community forces are joining up in order to make life easier for military families.
From the Seattle PI:
Military spouses and dependents are the inspiration behind an initiative launched Tuesday, 12 April by first Lady Michelle Obama. The mission of “Joining Forces,” is to make more Americans aware of the challenges facing military...
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Organ Donation From Follen Hero Saves Life
Some troops save lives and serve their homeland in more ways than one. Those who make the ultimate sacrifice and also sign up as organ donors are able to rescue strangers, proving new leases on life for the severely sick or injured.
From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Hot shell casings cartwheeled around Pvt. Steven Drees as he stood in the gunner’s turret firing hundreds of rounds...
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Why McChrystal Is Right Man For Troops Advocacy...
Gen. Stanley McChrystal is adapting to a new job as the leader of a program geared to guide returning troops back into civilian life. His efforts could streamline transitions for our nation’s heroes.
From Fox News:
President Obama may have relieved Gen. Stanley McChrystal from his top post in Afghanistan nearly a year ago, but the commander in chief is now turning to the retired...
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Returning From War To A New Life
Those with experience working in combat zones return to civilian life as changed people. Each story of return and readjustment is its own unique endeavor.
From The New York Times:
It was 1 in the afternoon. I was looking through the mess hall in Bagram Airfield north of Kabul, scanning the faces to find Parween. I had met her a few days before as she commented on a book I was reading about...
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We Musn't Leave Military Children Behind
Military children have a well-earned reputation for being resourceful, resilient youngsters, but they still need help to achieve their true potential. If not enough is done to secure their future with strong education and institutional support, our society will lose out.
From OUP Blog:
Imagine attending nine schools before graduating from high school. Dealing with the emotional strain of...
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Documentary Examines Military Life
Military and war-themed films tend to touch a nerve in the armed forces community, especially documentaries, which strip away Hollywood contrivance to get to the core of what makes up the military lifestyle.
From Kentucky Kernel:
Jake Rademacher came to UK Tuesday night to show his documentary “Brothers at War,” a documentary about three brothers experiencing the war in Iraq in different...
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Will.i.am Records PSA For Troops
Black Eyed Peas frontman Will.i.am is showing his commitment to our armed forces by recording a public service announcement raised to build awareness of the needs of returning troops.
From Digital Spy:
Black Eyed Peas singer will.i.am has recorded a public service announcement calling on Americans to provide support for the families of US servicemen and women. Taking part in the Joining...
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App Lets You Check Up On Deployed Loved Ones
Deployment of someone who is near and dear is never easy to deal with, but a new app allows people to keep track of their beloved troops with the swipe of a screen.
From PadGadget:
If you have loved ones deployed with the military overseas, you know how difficult the experience can be. Where are they? Are they safe? What are the living and working conditions? Worry mounts and the list ...
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White House Aims To Cut Tobacco Use In Military
A White House effort is underway to get military members to cease the all-consuming habit of tobacco use. All soldiers’ friends and families hope for their loved ones to put themselves in as little danger as possible, so it stands to reason that they should encourage cessation of tobacco habits that could lead to death.
From a press release:
The following is a statement by Matthew L....
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Analyzing The Rise Of The American Military
America’s military has grown by leaps and bounds throughout history, providing protection for our country both at home and abroad. A new series is analyzing the evolution of the armed forces.
From Miller-McCune:
Americans observe two anniversaries this year, neither one of them wanted. March marked eight years of combat in Iraq, and October, 10 years of fighting in Afghanistan. These...
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Futures Inc. Pledges Military Family Support
In a joint venture with the presidential administration, Futures Inc. volunteered support for military families, whom it vows to help via a resource institution called Military Pipeline.
From a press release:
President Obama, Vice President Biden, First Lady Michelle Obama, and Dr. Jill Biden today announced the launch of “Joining Forces,” described as “a national initiative to support and...
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"Support Our Troops" Slogan Shouldn't Ring Hollow
It’s popular to present yourself as someone who holds soldiers’ best interests at heart and even go so far as to wear clothing and use bumper stickers that proclaim your support for troops, but for some it’s a lifestyle and not just a slogan.
From KansasCity.com:
This community is well aware of the sacrifices of the volunteer military force that protects the rest of us....
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New Initiatives Roll Out To Help Military Families
A host of new initiatives are debuting, and all will aid military families, paying tribute to their sacrifices by making their lives easier with various perks.
From the Air Force Times:
Education
• Reach Out and Read will expand to 100 bases by 2013 from its current 47 bases. The program partners with doctors who incorporate the Reach Out and Read model into regular pediatric checkups ...
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American Heart Association Supports Military...
Among the organizations that lend support to military families, the American Heart Association looks to stand out from the pack, providing aid and help to those in need.
From a press release:
Wellness, along with employment and education, has been highlighted as an area of special interest among America’s military families in Joining Forces, a national initiative created by First Lady...