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Call to Action : Marine Lance CPL Preach
x-posted at Help A ServiceMember Out.org
I received this story from Jessica in San Antonio, TX. Let’s show Kevin how much his country honors his service and sacrifice.
Ten days ago, on Jan. 24, the Humvee in which Marine Lance Cpl. Kevin Preach (age 21) was a gunner was hit by an improvised explosive device and he was badly injured. He was transported to a medical site in Germany for surgery. He was stabilized and transferred to Brooks Army Medical Center in San Antonio, where he remains in a medically induced coma. “He is very seriously injured,” his mother said from the Texas medical complex. “He’s lost his legs. He’s lost a hand. He’s seriously burned. He’s very burned. It’s not even day-to-day, it’s really hour-to-hour.”
Kevin cannot receive anything inside his sterile room, but his mom will read him cards and letters that are mailed to him. Cards and letters can be sent to: Marine Lance Cpl. Kevin T. Preach, 3857 Roger Brook Drive, Room 4 South, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234.
If you would like to help Kevin in other ways, let me know or go sign up to be a team member at Help A ServiceMember Out.org
Thanks,
Tammy
Thanks for coming back to visit! If you would like to write for Parents Zone - please let LAW or TechMama know!
Staff Sgt. Atkins receives the Distinguished Service Cross
On Nov. 7 2008, Brig. Gen. Michael Harrison presented the Distinguished Service Cross to the family of Staff Sgt. Travis Atkins, squad leader, 2-14 Infantry Regiment, 2 Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division; awarded posthumously for his actions June 1, 2007 in Abu Sarnak, Iraq.
Staff Sgt. Atkins and his squad were part of the search for two other 10th Mountain Division Soldiers – Spc. Alex Jimenez and Private 1st Class Byron Fouty — who were captured in an earlier attack south of Baghdad. Staff Sgt. Atkins spotted four men approaching his vehicle and directed three of his Soldiers to stop and search them. When one broke from the group to escape, Staff Sgt. Atkins pursued and tackled him to the ground. A bitter fight ensued, during which Staff Sgt. Atkins realized the insurgent was struggling to detonate the suicide vest strapped to his chest. He managed to pin the insurgent to the ground, shielding the three other Soldiers as the vest detonated.
Staff Sgt. Atkins’ family requested to receive his award at Fort Drum, among the Soldiers with whom he served, and that Brig Gen. Harrison, who had rendered honors at the funeral, present it.
For his gallantry in action, Staff Sgt. Travis Atkins is this week’s Warrior-Soldier.
The Army Warrior Soldier of the Week is a weekly e-mail that highlights the bravery of a featured Army Soldier.
To subscribe, e-mail lindy.kyzer@us.army.mil.
Disney’s Salute to the Armed Forces
I came across this resource and thought you might want to share it with your son/daughter/family member..
Walt Disney World has just introduced a special Armed Forces Salute Ticket for 2009. Each qualifying Military Service member* will receive a complimentary 5-Day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Ticket” with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun & More Options included. To receive the FREE ticket, visit any theme park Guest Relations window and show proper ID.
In addition to the free Armed Forces Salute Ticket, up to 5 of their guests can purchase for $99 a Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion (5 Day Base) ticket. Park Hopper or Water Park Fun & More option are available for $25 each (which is 50% off the normal price).
Companion tickets may be upgraded to Premium, Annual or Seasonal Passes. Seasonal Pass upgrade requires proof of Florida Residency.
Companion tickets may not be upgraded by adding the no expiration option, and you cannot add additional days to the passes.
Companion tickets may be purchased at any Disney World ticket window or guest services. You may also purchase tickets at Shades of Green, located at Walt Disney World or on your base (these two options are tax-free). If you purchase the tickets at Shades of Green or on base, you will receive a voucher that you will trade in once you arrive at a Walt Disney World ticket window.
Armed Forces Salute tickets will expire on 12/23/09 and have no block-out dates. Tickets may be upgraded anytime between January 4th -December 23, 2009 as long as there is usage left on the ticket.
The entire party needs to be present for purchase (Spouse or military dependents can receive the companion discount without the military service member being present as long as they have their military ID).
The military service member will need to show ID; Cast Member will ask for their Base’s name, and the State where the base is listed.
This offer is only available once per service member.
*This offer is available to anyone on active duty in the US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard or Reserve, and retired military. Activated members of the National Guard and Reservists must present active duty orders in addition to valid military ID. You must have been active for any length of time between 1/1/08 and 12/23/09. Dept of Defense (CIA, FBI, Secret Service) and Coalition Forces are excluded
Can you help out??
Happy Monday All! PZ Techmama here… I saw this on Facebook and I thought I’d pass it along. I’ll also be posting it over at HASMO
Soldiers’ Angels is calling all Mary Kay Beauty Consultants
Selected independent Mary Kay distributors have teamed up with Soldiers’ Angels to get our troops the skin protection they need. Some distributors donate a duplicate of each product sold, while others give a percentage of their profits. Check with your Mary Kay distributor to see if she is participating in this project!
The Tax ID# for Soldiers’ Angels (so you can claim the donation) is 20-0583415. The donated sets are being sent directly from Mary Kay Cosmetics to Soldiers’ Angels, who will then distribute it to the soldiers.
Mary Kay items for our male and female troops are needed:
- After Shave
- Facial Cleansing Bar
- Facial Moisturizer
- Body Cleansing Gels
- Body Lotions
- Sunburn Soothing Gel
- Facial Cleansing Cloths (Dry-just add water)
- Lip Balm
- Acne Treatment
- Gel Energizing Lotion for Feet and Legs
- Satin Hands Treatment for Dry cracked hands
- Black waterproof mascara
- Nail polish
Any makeup you have to donate is also now being accepted as well. We are putting these into our Female Vet packs that are being distributed to the VA hospitals.
If you are a consultant that wants to get involved, please send your product to one of the following warehouses
If west of the Mississippi, ship to:
Soldiers’ Angels
914 Tourmaline Dr
Newbury Park, CA 91320
If east of the Mississippi, ship to:
Soldiers’ Angels
112 Greenhill Rd.
Ramseur, NC 27316
Thanks to the generosity of Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants from all over the United States who have donated product to Soldiers’ Angels, www.angelsstore.org now has Pretty in Pink kits available for $29 (which includes shipping).
Each kit contains at least seven Mary Kay products, plus 10 feminine wipes, 10 women’s deodorant towelettes, two boxes of tampons, and a mini fingernail file and clipper.
Soldiers’ Angels understands that females are instrumental in the current war, and makes special efforts to support them. “Our female warfighters are so strong and courageous, and we’re so grateful for their service,” says Patti Patton-Bader, founder of Soldiers’ Angels. “We’re excited to be able to show them some extra love and help them remember that they’re still ladies.” With this in mind, the Pretty in Pink kit provides female service members with health and hygiene products, and items for a few pampering moments to allow ladies to rejuvenate and ‘be good to themselves.’
Pretty in Pink kits must be sent to an APO/FPO (no residential addresses). They can be sent to a specific soldier, or supporters can request their purchased kit be sent to “Any (Female) Soldier” anonymously or in the supporter’s name.
Well, what are you waiting for? It is time to pamper a deployed service member- https://www.angelsstore.org/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MINprettypink
Update on PFC Levine – 10/24
It’s been an intense, crazy-busy couple of days around here but in a good way! We are so proud of our readers for jumping into action when it counted! Your cards, letters of encouragement,etc are definitely doing the trick and lifting Hunter’s spirits.!
We are extra proud of our PZ Tech Mama – Tammy for jumping in and helping out the point of contact for this endeavor! She responded to all the emails and phone calls to make sure that Hunter got letters of encourgment, cards,etc. and that the right information was being sent out! Tammy will continue to be working on this directly with Hunter, his Foundation, Hearts for Hunter as well as Blake Meaux, long time freind of Hunter and foundation executor. So, check out her blog for more information about that.
The biggest HAT TIP goes to 1SG Brian Disque! Brian made sure that one of his soldiers got the help and support that he needed by letting the blogosphere know about Hunter. Brian certainly is a shining example of what a 1SG should be!
I AM A FIRST SERGEANT
My job is people — Every One is My Business.
I dedicate my time and energy to their needs;
their health, morale, discipline, and welfare.
I grow in strength by strengthening my people.
My job is done in faith; my people build faith.
My job is people –EVERY ONE IS MY BUSINESS.- US Army First Sergeant (1SG) Creed
We also want to acknowledge the sites that first posted about Hunter : The Veterans Voice & Email Our Military for first publishing 1SG Levine’s story.
Kudos to Matt at BlackFive, Milblogs, Michelle Malkin, Some Soldiers Mom, Liberal Army Wife, Army Household6, Mark Levinfan.com, Calistalee , Jihad Gene, NiceDoggie.net, and Greyhawk and many many more! Also a big thank you to everyone who emailed others to let them know about it! You guys picked up Hunter’s story as ran with it! We’re so proud to be part of this awesome blogging community!
Hunter’s friend Blake are working on the details for Hunter’s Foundation, Hearts for Hunter. The website currently is under construction but will be up & ready to go by Monday October 27th.
Also, Tammy recently started a list called HASMO (Help a Service Member Out). It is an email list comprised of Rapid Response Team Members to be able to help out soldiers like Hunter and many others. It will also be available to help out service member’s immediate families as well. You can sign up for it on Tammy’s site and its a free service!
So, thanks again and now back to our regular programming.. 
Update on PFC Hunter Levine
Well I just wanted to take a minute and thank everyone who emailed/commented over the last 24 hours about PFC Levine. If I haven’t responded to you yet.. don’t worry I will tonight/tomorrow. There has been an outpouring of support so we are trying to filter it all and get Hunter what he needs. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me at tammy.munson@gmail.com.
I am currently working with the executor of Hunter’s foundation to get a list of what Hunter may need and to setup a fundraiser for him.
Also we’re working on setting up a email list of rapid responders when we hear of things like this if you’d like to be included, please sign up at http://www.armyhousehold6.com (left side of page)
To read Hunter’s story click here
I received this email from Julie with BlueStarMoms who visited with Hunter on Saturday .. so I wanted to pass it along..
Well, we already went today and just got back actually but we wouldn’t mind going again. When I say we, I took my daughter-in-law and granddaughters too. One of the staff did go in ahead and asked Hunter if he minded us coming in. That was Hunters request to be notified ahead of time.
I figured that if he did not want visitors today that we would just leave what we had brought for him there for him to have and I understood his request. He let us come in because I told the nurse about my son serving in Iraq. That seemed to make Hunter feel better.
We just stopped in for a minute and took a card, a box of See’s lollipops, some other candy and a small fimo clay frog wind chime. (FROG=Freely Rely On God) That made him sorta laugh, the wind chime. He said he didn’t know where to put it so we suggested over the a/c unit or hang it on the window that way he could know if the a/c was working or not.
I figured that he could use the practice in getting his other senses a little sharper while his eyesight was getting some work. The room was pretty warm though, and there was a soldier visiting him as well so I didn’t want to take up too much of his time. I will call Stephanie later this week and see if he wouldn’t mind having us visit again, without the girls though. I would love to have you come with or meet me there. I have a map now and it is pretty easy to get to.
He has a DVD player and an i-pod and told me he has all the music he needs, he is still pretty angry inside. I know that later in life he will look back and think about us going there, it will be just a random thought but I hope it will be a good one.
Also, my granddaughters class is going to make a mobile for his room, that should help him with some eye coordination exercises without him knowing that he is actually doing them.
I did see that he had the DVD Gladiator (great movie!) so he has some vision. He also had a watch on with a magnifier on it. Also, the lollipops will help with the muscles in his neck which will in turn help with the face restructuring.
In fact, I am thinking that getting some crossword puzzle books and other items like that as well as some cards for other soldiers who are there would be worthwhile. There were a couple who had no visitors and looked like they could use someone to visit with.
Thanks,
Household6
One of our own needs our help!
I received this information today and it nearly broke my heart! (actually it brought me to tears) I thought I HAVE to do something for this young man! As many of us living this life know , we are one BIG military family. Well… one of our own needs our help!
For those not in the military…if you have ever wondered “what can I do for our wounded warriors”, well THIS IS IT!!!! You can read his story below …
If you would like to send cards, letters and/or care packages… please let me know. You can email me at tammy . munson @ gmail . com (don’t include spaces) We are not publishing this soldiers’ email address on the internet for his safety and security.
Thanks – Tammy aka Household6 (and PZ Techmama too)
x-posted at ArmyHousehold6.com
_____________________________________________
From 1SG Brian M. Disque
I know a young man who is in desperate need of help. His name is PFC Hunter Levine. He is 20 years old and hails from Houston, TX.
He was in my company and was wounded on 9 May, 2008 while conducting combat operations in East Baghdad. He received a very serious injury to his face, resulting in the loss of his entire bone structure, mouth, nose, and vision.
He was evacuated to Walter Reed Hospital where the doctors performed numerous surgeries to repair his
face. I was fortunate enough to attend a Purple Heart Ceremony at Walter Reed while I was home on leave in June. I was also able to meet with Hunter’s father Beau.
Hunter was then transferred to a VA hospital in California, where the best care for his vision would be available. He is a true fighter with a heart of gold.
Bad News
Unfortunately, I received some bad news from the hospital doctors. Lately, he has been resisting treatment and being somewhat combative with the hospital staff. He has had a few outbursts and the staff is real worried about him. It seems like a serious case of depression is setting in.
Although his wounds on the outside may look bad, they may never compare with the wounds he has on the inside.
I spoke with him on the phone this evening, and he seemed real down. The reality is that he still has a long road to recover and may never see again. This young man has everything to live for and is a true inspiration. He is exactly the kind of person we would all want in a brother, son, or friend. I feel obligated to try and rally some support for him. I know we have a lot of caring people out there who would love to do something special for an outstanding American who gave his all for his country.
Call to Action
If you know of any church groups, school room classes, or other benevolent organizations that would be interested in assisting this brave young man, please forward this message on to them.
He is a pretty typical young man, so he likes sports and other typical young men stuff. A small care package with some goodies and such would mean the world.
Again, please forward this message to as many people as you know. It would be so great if we can all give way together and show Hunter that his country will never forget his sacrifices or service. He is down and needs our help.
Thank you for your support, it means everything.
V/R,
1SG Brian M. Disque
C CO 2-30 IN
“Our Country, Not Ourselves!”
