Strength and Support for Our Soldiers

My little brother is a Marine and has served in Kuwait and Iraq. He's teaching me so much about freedon, and faith. I am constantly praying for his safety. I am relentlessly pleading with God to keep his spirits high, and his courage strong. I hope that he feels my love and support no matter where he is in the world.
I know these feelings are not mine alone. In this day and age, we all have a family member or friend serving our country. Many of us know of someone's father, husband, wife, mother, brother or sister, or worse, someone's son or daughter, that has died serving our country. As a nation, we are grieving and celebrating all at once. It's a surreal feeling.
We all differ on our policital views, we all have mixed feelings on the War in Iraq. But I think we can all agree on one thing. We want our troops to be safe and sound. We want our troops to return home with honor. We want to support them one way or another. This is why I am creating this blog. I want to dedicate it to all the men and women who are serving our country, who have served our country, and to those that WILL serve our country. I want this to be a place for people to praise their friends and family, to share in the heartache of losing someone, a place to vent and share the emotions felt nationwide. Our nation has been rocked by the war, and again, regardless of our different feelings about it, we could all use a little support.
Please share your stories and photos with us! I would like to post your stories on my blog. Email your stories, thoughts and feelings, and pictures to SupportAllSoldiers@gmail.com

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Comments from Others

I have been receiving emails from people expressing their support and appreciation for our troops. I'm really impressed with everyone's willingness to support the troops one way or another. I have had TONS of people RSVP for the National Fast (August 3rd). This is amazing! Here are some of the emails, I've removed names and personal info:

· This group is Awesome. I have a cousin that serves our country in the Army. He has served in Iraq and is more than likely going to go back sooner or later. Of course I will be joining the fast as well. What a terrific idea. I wish the best to your brother and just to let you know I pray for our service men and women daily.

· To the soldier this goes to,Thank you for everything you do. Thank you for risking you life everyday for our freedom. Please keep doing what you are doing!! Semper Fi!!!

· I'm so honored to be participating in this support for the american soldiers. I'm brazilian but I fully understand the fight that they face in Iraq for the benefit of that country! if there is anything that I can do to light their burden, i am willing to do so. In my opinion, their will to be there is unique and they deserve all our support and fast and prayer or whatever they may need from us! You can count on me on August 3rd for sure!

· Thank you for having this group set up.My boyfriend and son's father is currently in Iraq serving as a SGT in the United States Marines. He has been gone for two weeks today and I am 8 months pregnant, So I will not be able to partake in the Nation Wide Fast, but I will certainly give up the un needed snacks. Again, thank you so much for making this group and remembering those who fight for out freedom. God Bless

· Thank you for your love and support you so genuinely show by your words, thoughts and actions. My son just returned from Iraq and I know he will be sent again. He is doing what he knows is right and I will support him and all the troops who risk their lives to save their buddies out on the front lines and for us here at home. I will gladly participate in the Fast for our troops. This Fast done in numbers can make a difference and allow our soldiers, marines and seaman to do their job in safety with the help of our prayers and energy focused on them.

· hey thanks for inviting me to join the fast! I'd love to! I really appreciate all those who sacrifice everything to serve our country. Please send my support!

Friday, July 18, 2008

Cindy and Gina Put Together Care Packages for Soldiers

Posted By Cindy Pack:


Care Packages for the Marines!
Gina and I had a blast as we put together 12 care bags/packages for some of the men in BJ's Unit. Brent supplied us with 52 various magazines to send!!!! We couldn't fit them all in but we'll send some in each box we send. They love em-they read then pass them around. Fun for all! Thanks Brent! We put in candy, crackers, hand sani, chapstick, individual propel powder to add to their H2O, tissues, gum, Juice boxes, etc. They all like to get mail so this was fun to do. BJ will divvy them out when theyget there-hopefully in the next week or so.Pics didn't turn out the best---sorry!

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

The Bumper Sticker on My SUV

I read the lyrics to this song today and it made me happy - I didn't think the song was all that great...but the lyrics are.


"Bumper Of My SUV"
I've got a bright red sticker on the back of my car
Says United States Marines
And yesterday a lady in a mini-van held up a middle finger at me
Does she think she knows what I stand for
Or the things that I believe
Just by looking at a sticker for the U.S. Marines
On the bumper of my SUV


See, my brother Chris, he's been in for more than 14 years now
Our dad was in the Navy during Vietnam
Did his duty then he got out
And my grandpa earned his purple heartOn the beach of Normandy
That's why I've got a sticker for the U.S. Marines
On the bumper of my SUV


But that doesn't mean that I want war
I'm not Republican or Democrat
But I've gone all around this crazy world
Just to try and better understand
Yes, I do have questions
I get to ask them because I'm free
That's why I've got a sticker for the U.S. Marines
On the bumper of my SUV'

Cause I've been to Hiroshima
And I've been to the DMZ
I've walked on the sand in Baghdad
Still don't have all of the answers I need
But I guess I wanna know where she's been
Before she judges and gestures to me
'Cause she don't like my sticker for the U.S. Marines
On the bumper of my SUV


So I hope that lady in her mini-van
Turns on her radio and hears this from me
As she picks up her kids from their private school
And drives home safely on our city streets
Or to the building where her church group meets
Yeah, that's why I've got a sticker for the U.S. Marines
On the bumper of my SUV

Monday, July 14, 2008

Please add this blog to your personal blog!

If we add this blog to our personal blogs, more people are likely to stumble upon it. Thanks everyone. I'm already recieving an incredible response for people who are willing to fast August 3rd.

The Few...The Proud

I pulled this from my personal blog:

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

The Few, The Proud...



I got to talk to my littlest brother, Blaine today! Blaine is a Marine, serving over in Iraq/Kuwait. It was so great to hear his voice! I had a hard time holding back tears! I thought I would share a little of our conversation because I asked a hundred questions :) maybe questions we've all wondered, and I got some answers! Blaine said it is HELL over there, literally. It's an average of 120 F degrees in the day, and barely dropping at night. He said he drinks around 7-8 liters of water out in the desert each day. When he was in Bahrain, he was able to bulk up a little bit. He said he looked huge, but now that he's in that weather sweating all the time, he's lost it. No matter how much food and water he puts down - he's still losing all his weight! Poor kid! Luckily, he sleeps in an air conditioned room - which he keeps FREEZING
...


I would too.Blaine said the Kuwaiti/Iraqi people are very kind, generous, and respectful. He kind of expected a bunch of crazy, angry terrorists, but has found that those are rare, and for the most part, the people are grateful and kind to each other, and the soldiers. He said if you show any interest in their stuff, they will want you to have it! You like something, it's yours. Even the children will do this. If they are playing with a toy and you look interested in it, they will want you to have it. If you refuse to take it, then it's offensive! Blaine said luckily he hasn't collected any of their stuff :) He said they are actually treated better there in Kuwait, than they were treated at Camp Pendleton. They can eat as much as they like, where in CP they were only allowed thru the food line ONCE. They have a movie theater and watch whatever they can get on DVD - or bootlegged :) They have a few places to eat, like a Burger King, but they rarely do. They have phones and Internet, but it's usually pretty crowded with everyone trying to call family or read emails. His cell phone doesn't work over there, he figures it's because all cell phones have a GPS tracking system in them, so the base probably shuts all of those off.It wouldn't be Blaine if he didn't try some crazy things....like say....eating a CAMEL SPIDER!!??!?!?!

He was dared to eat this lethal spider, and well, who can back down from that?! Before seeing a picture of it, I asked him what they look like. He said - imagine if a scorpion and spider mated...you get a camel spider! GROSS. He said they taste bitter, and a little tangy, and it feels like you're chewing on frosted flakes..........UMMMM GROSS........

On a heavier note....He has taken the howitzer into Iraq 4 times.

He said they roll these in when it's time for the "big guns". The reality of firing these off is difficult, and I could tell he was reserved in what he told me. He said he's having a hard time sleeping. When I asked why, I could tell he was a little lost for words. He said it's really stressful over there. There is a lot going on that he can't talk about, but it stresses him and it's emotionally, physically, and mentally draining. Luckily, he has made a few really good friends, and they are all going through this together.They are still expecting to come home on Nov 4 (a great Bday present I told him!) but he said he'll believe it when it happens. Haha- this was funny....He said "it's like going to work with dad on the farm. If dad says, "Ok, we gotta irrigate this field and that field and then we're done" and then at the end of the day you're in Napa buying parts for the tractor...and you don't know what the hell for!" It changes every day and they take it one day at a time. So - he rather not hold his breath for Nov 4.

He said the 4th of July over there was pretty cool. They had a BBQ. The steaks were cold, the chicken was cold, the ribs were cold, and all the drinks were hot :) Typical desert dinner. But that night, they shot off the howitzers and guns, and the helicopters shot of missiles. It was as close to fireworks as one could imagine! He thought a lot about home on the 4th, and I told him we were all thinking about him, and this year, I think the 4th was a little different for everyone. It wasn't just another day off of work with a BBQ and party, it was a day reserved to give thanks to our little Budgee and all the soldiers that fight for our rights that we are lucky to take advantage of.I love Blaine and I am so proud of him for serving our country. I know that when he signed up for the Marines he wasn't imagining doing what he is doing right now, but he has never complained about his decision to serve our country. He said he's learning how much he took things for granted, and I'm so grateful for his willingness to learn and grow from this experience. I know our Heavenly Father loves all of us, and I know He is watching over BJ. I know our prayers will be answered with his safe return home for Christmas. I know BJ will be able to endure the hardships he's facing because he has the Lord by his side. I know our thoughts and prayers are felt by BJ. I know he is comforted by our love and support. I know that through this tough time, BJ will grow closer to the Savior, as will the rest of us, as we rely on Him to protect our little brother. God bless ALL the soldiers who are so willing to fight for our freedoms!

Nationwide Fast! We can do it!!!!

Blaine called last week to report that a friend of his was shot and killed. He also informed us that his promotion has been held up because of paperwork issues, which means he will continue to be sent to the front lines. This has been weighing heavily on my heart and I just wish there was something I could do. I was thinking it would be nice to do a family/friend fast. Not just for our Blaine, but for all the soldiers, that they might be comforted and safe. But why stop at a family/friend fast? I want this to be HUGE!!! We can do this! I think we could organize a national fast! Everyone knows SOMEONE in another state, and if we can just pass this email around to EVERYONE - just imagine what a little faith and fasting can do! I know we all have different views on the war, but I think we can all agree that we want our soldiers to be safe, and comforted, and we want them to come HOME!!!!

So, how about this???? NATIONAL FAST FOR OUR SOLDIERS AND THEIR FAMILIES - August 3rd (which is also International Friendship Day....interesting!!!)

I know our Heavenly Father loves us, and he is watching over our soldiers. I know that the power of fasting can bring great results. I have faith that if we just trust in the Lord, he will provide a way. I know it's unrealistic to think our soldiers are all going to be safe and sound, and that all of them will return home, but I do know that we can pray for the strength and courage to face the heartaches of war. I know we can heal the heart of the soldiers who come home who have seen more than we could ever imagine. I know we can restore the faith and happiness in ALL of us who stress and worry about our soldiers.

I know that regardless of religion or creed, God loves ALL of us, and wants us to live happy lives. We are all brothers and sisters. Let's reach out to those that have less than us, those who have lost more than us, and those who fight for our rights, even at the cost of their lives.

........WILL YOU JOIN ME?

Strength and Support


My little brother is a Marine, serving in Kuwait and Iraq. He's teaching me so much about freedon, and faith. I am constantly praying for his safe return. I am relentlessly pleading with God to keep his spirits high, and his courage strong. I hope that he feels my love and support from the other side of the world.


I know these feelings are not mine alone. In this day and age, we all have a family member or friend serving our country. Many of us know of someone's father, husband, wife, mother, brother or sister, or worse, someone's son or daughter, that has died serving our country. As a nation, we are grieving and celebrating all at once. It's a surreal feeling.

We all differ on our policital views, we all have mixed feelings on the War in Iraq. But I think we can all agree on one thing. We want our troops to be safe and sound. We want our troops to return home with honor. We want to support them one way or another. This is why I am creating this blog. I want to dedicate it to all the men and women who are serving our country, who have served our country, and to those that WILL serve our country. I want this to be a place for people to praise their friends and family, to share in the heartache of losing someone, a place to vent and share the emotions felt nationwide. Our nation has been rocked by the war, and again, regardless of our different feelings about it, we could all use a little support.


Please share your stories and photos with us! I would like to post your stories on my blog. Email your stories, thoughts and feelings, and pictures to SupportAllSoldiers@gmail.com