HELP THE TROOPS FROM HOME - FOR THOSE WHO DON'T LIKE STREET FREEPING - LINKS HERE

July 16,2006 | trooprally

[trooprally]

This thread, without knowing it, got started by a post from a Mr. Dan Decol whose son is at Walter Reed. He logged onto FR just to give the following message, in Post #94, to the "Street FReepers" at Walter Reed.

To: PleaDeal

I am one of many family members of soldiers who are presently at Walter Reed. We have been there now for six weeks, and with many more to go. After a very hard week of being with my 21 yr. old son who has been deployed to Iraq twice, and came home with stage 4 right renal cell carcinoma, {advanced kidney cancer}, It has been so absolutely refreshing and quite frankly, very helpful in dealing with our pain, to see you all out there supporting our sons, daughters and parents, in our most trying of times. To see the protesters out there with their signs of "We support the troops, but not the war" and others saying "money for education, not war", breaks my heart as a parent of a soldier who is so very sick. But there you all are showing the support that should be evident all across the country, and I feel better, at least for a few moments. So from a parent of a soldier there, please keep up the support for all of them, as I will tell you again, it does make a difference to all of us with loved ones right behind those gates. Thank you for your continuous support, and I will see all of you each and every friday evening that we will be there. God Bless All!

Dan Decol {father of} Spec. Dustin Decol Active duty, U.S. Army

96 posted on 07/12/2006 9:55:29 AM PDT by rck_n_rll_pops [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies | Report Abuse ]

I was so impressed with his sincerity, I put it in the After Action Report for the Week 28 Olney FReep and added some links to organizations that help the troops.

The idea of this thread gained momentum from several FReepers that thought the support links in the Olney Report were great.

One FReeper wrote the following two messages to me.

To: trooprally

I've wanted to contribute in some way. I'm a former dependent (USAF, Carter Admin.) wife. Operation Baby Blanket allows me connect with a pregnant wife, or new mother, married to a deployed or nearly deployed serviceman. I'd offer friendship and support to the new mom in absence of her husband. Families of servicemen and women sacrifice as well and are in need...this seemed like a good [way] for me to start helping. I wouldn't have found this opportunity without your post.

14 posted on 07/14/2006 5:09:09 AM PDT by OldBlondBabe [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 10 | View Replies | Report Abuse ]

And later in a private Freepmail:

Re: WEEK 28 - Olney, MD, 7-08-06: Operation Infinite FReep, STUPID LIBS - IT'S ABOUT OUR TROOPS!

From OldBlondBabe | 07/14/2006 7:15:02 AM PDT replied

Mr. T.

I'm a seamstress whose present creative outlet is computerized machine embroidery. I'm passionate about my craft and frequent a couple of discussion boards (sewing and embroidery) with very large readerships. I've already posted to one about Operation Baby Blanket and will to the others as well. I've already received thank-yous from members (many are wives, moms, grandmas and sisters of service personnel.) I'm sure some will want to be on-board for an endeavor like this. Thanks again.

Also, a first timer at the Walter Reed FReep heard about this proposed thread. She logged into FR the next day and FReepmailed me a bunch of links.

And so the idea of a thread with links to various sites where one can help out troops was conceived. Unfortunately it has turned into an impossible task to list all of them. There are so many different organizations out there, that even with the tremendous help from FReepers, my list is terribly incomplete.

So please feel free to add the link to an organization that you are involved with. For you other FReepers looking for a way to help the troops and don't see any organization that you are particularly keen about, please periodically check the thread for new links. There my be one that excites you.

A BIG THANK YOU goes to all the FReepers who have contributed links for this thread.

I have a challenge for those keyboard FReepers and the FReepers who say: "I'll do something tomorrow" but keep forgetting, "DO SOMETHING NOW". I know searching the web can be time consuming (especially when your 'search' returns with thousands of hits). With the help of other FReepers, we have done some of the looking for you. Its up to you now.

Thank You to all that already help the troops, those wounded and in combat, and their families. The troops are deeply appreciative of us back here that support them.

The following links are primarily where one can purchase a care package by "PayPal" and similar payment sites, and a company sends it to the troops, or get the address for a service member that you can write personally. Some ask for donations and they send the package and others just ask for donations for their particular cause.

Also, doing a SEARCH of "U.S. Troop Care Packages" results in even more sites.

I have to add the dreaded disclaimer some where in this thread so here it is: While I've linked to the organizations and quickly looked at each one as to content appropriate to this thread, I do not endorse or have any connections with any of the organizations. Neither do I know how honest the organization is, but they have all been recommended by fellow FReepers. Also, FReeRepublic.Com had no input or connection to this thread other than providing a forum for its posting.

FRAN O'BRIEN'S DINNER FUND - Fran O'Brien's is near and dear to the D.C. Chapter. While Fran O'Brien has not yet opened at a new restaurant, the wounded troops and their families are still going out to dinner. The Swiss embassy even had the over at least once.

THE CAMPAIGN STORE - Is specifically to send Gatorade and beef jerky to the troops.

FYI: Several links mention that beef jerky is the next item requested after toilet paper.

TROOP SUPPORT - List of Military Hospitals and the needs of the troops being treated there. Walter Reed is listed there and as most of you know, is dear to the D.C. Chapter.

USO CARE PACKAGE - I hope I don't need to say anymore.

ADOPT A SOLDIER - This site is part of Big John Miska's organization. And he is big. I've met him at the Walter Reed FReep several times. He distributes items to Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital in the Wash. D.C. area.

OPERATION SANDBOX - Sends cars, letters and packages to the troops.

BOOKS FOR SOLDIERS - Soldiers make requests and you get to fill them. There are also hints on mailing heavy packages.

TREATS FOR TROOPS - Pre-packaged treats for the troops that you send. This site is also connected to the Foster-A-Soldier site.

TREAT THE TROOPS - Become a volunteer "crumb" and send home baked goodies to troops that have registered with the site.

FISHER HOUSE - Fisher Houses are where wounded soldiers' families stay free while visiting their loved ones in the hospital. Similar to the Ronald McDonald House for kids with cancer.

PROUD PATRIOTS - Sends items to the troops.

AMERICA SUPPORTS YOU - This organization provides assistance to military families while their military service members are deployed, thus allowing them to focus on the demands of their duties abroad. Associated with OPERATION HOME FRONT

OPERATION MINNESOTA NICE - Sends packages to the troops also in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait

ANY SOLDIER - Sends letters and packages to all military branches.

SOLDIER'S ANGEL - Sends letters and packages to the troops. Equally important, one can donate their extra air miles to this group.

OPERATION AC - Has a wish list from individual service members that you can purchase thru this link

ANDI'S WORLD - This is a terrific blog by a military wife. Scroll down the left sidebar to the "HELP 'EM" section for 10 organizations. Some of the organizations have already been listed.

ADOPT A PLATOON - Provides mail and care packages to all military branches.

YELLOW RIBBON FUND - Helps wounded troops get back into the community.

Three "troop to troop support" groups that were sent to me are also provided are below. They are a by product of my request for "civilian to troop" support organizations.

ARMY FAMILIES ONLINE - Provides its severely disabled Soldiers and their families with a system of advocacy and follow support to assist them as they transition back to military service or into the civilian community.

OPERATION UP LINK - A VFW sponsored program to help soldiers keep in touch with their family.

HADIT - Vets helping vets thru the VA maze.

[trooprally]

To those FReepers who want to add a link to their organization, I recommend that you do it properly. This way FReepers won't have to take the time to do it. Also, the organization will get more hits if you make it simple.

Don't forget to write a brief description of the organization and where it is located. A local FReeper may want to keep their efforts close to home.

For those who are rookies posting links, try this method. PLEASE NOTE, I added "$" signs, so remove them if you are coping/pasting this info.:

<$a href = "http://[PASTE WWW ADDRESS HERE]">[WRITE NAME OF SITE HERE]<$/a>

If you are not familiar with 'html' codes, try visiting these FReeRepublic threads. They are:

HTML CAMPFIRE

HTML SANDBOX

HTML BOOTCAMP

Since this is my thread, I would like to make a quick personal comment.

There have been "discussions" about the merits of "Street FReeping". About how Street FReepers denigrate themselves to the level of the liberal moonbats and that we should do something more dignified. Dan Decol's letter (aka "rck_n_rll_pops") vindicates our Street FReeping and lifted the spirits of the Walter Reed FReepers. But I digress.

[trooprally]

ping

[Coop]

Well done! I hope some are inspired by your thread. Pinging some fellow troop supporters!

[GrandEagle]

Tagged -

[alice_in_bubbaland]

Bump for later read and book-marking purposes!

[trooprally]

Thanks - our ping list is somewhat limited.

[Mr] T

[toldyou]

Nice thread. Thanks.

I recently retired from my airline job, and was looking for volunteer work. Someone suggested working at the USO at the Philadelphia airport. I think it's a great idea!

[STARWISE]

I happen to know about this project .. and encourage knitters, sewers, crocheters to consider contributing their much-appreciated handiwork for caps, etc. for our brave troops. They provide the requirements and patterns for all caps. Next mailing dates:

August 1st ~ 7th

September 1st ~ 7th

October 1st ~ 7th

The Ships Project

About Us

The Ships Project was founded in October of 2001, when a female sailor on board the USS Bataan responded to an “Any Sailor” letter written by the project founder, Ellen Harpin. In that letter, Ellen mentioned her love for knitting, prompting the sailor to joke that maybe Ellen could send a pair of knit slippers to keep her feet warm as she slept, since her berthing was extremely cold.

Since then, the project has grown far beyond that small beginning and has earned the respect and support of the military. The USS Bataan has long since returned home but we have continued to send packages to sailors and Marines on dozens of ships deployed since then, as well as Army, Marine, and Air Force units on the ground.

The Ships Project now sends handmade hats, slippers, cool-ties and cool-heads to Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines deployed across the world in the War on Terror. More than 1,000 individuals, as well as dozens of church and civic groups have adopted this project and are making handcrafted items to be sent to our troops fighting against terrorism.

With troops still being deployed by the thousands to Iraq and Afghanistan, the need for what the troops have come to call our “Hugs from Home” is increasing daily. The military has asked us to continue this effort even with the Department of Defense restriction on mail to the war region. We would love to have you join us! Just follow the link below to learn more about how you can help.

[STARWISE]

God bless and protect our brave troops!

[Brad from Tennessee]

This a new anti-Murtha web site set up by Vietnam former SEAL Larry Bailey:

http://www.bootmurtha.com/

[KimaraChan]

bookmarked

[jan in Colorado]

God Bless you for posting this and for ALL you do for the troops and their families!

[The Brush]

"money for education, not war"...

There already is a war on education that is being fought in the classrooms of public schools all over our country. This is a war we are losing to the Liberals and we are funding the enemy. It is a quagmire and we should enlist France to show us how to surrender and pull our troops (children) out of enemy territory

[trooprally]

Go for it. I'm sure the troops will appreciate it.

Let us know how it goes. Maybe a thread on your efforts with the USO?

There's so much that can be done for the troops.

[Mr]

[StarCMC]

Thanks for the ping and BTTT!!!

No reason EVERYONE can't find a way that THEY enjoy to support the troops!! WOOOOHOOOOO!!

[trooprally]

StarWise - Thanks for the additional link.

Forgot to mention to OldBlondBabe that when I was a kid, I had two aunts that always knitted things for their nephews and nieces. Being in Up State NY, it got cold. It was sure appreciated, until I became a teenager. Then peer pressure set in and later the aunts passed away. Haven't had a knitted item since the late 60s.

Nothing like a knitted item to stay warm and remember the person who took the time and loving effort to knit it.

OldBlondBabe - Here's another one for you. See Post 8

[Mr] T

[trooprally]

With any luck and $$ for campaigning, Irey will be the new 12 District rep.

[Mr] T

[Coop]

My apologies to Patty, but I think her amazing effort deserves a little more advertisement and support. God bless her and all the angels who support our troops!

---

OPERATION CRAYON

To those who want to send school supplies for Iraqi children again this year, I have secured finally the contact APO for Operation Crayon this year.

Walmart and Target have school supplies on sale now, and the school year begins in August in Iraq. So, those who want to participate will need to purchase items and mail them (in flat rate priority boxes) in the next two weeks.

FReepmail me [patriciaruth] for the APO if you want to help out this year.

The soldiers of the 101st Airborne will love taking these items to local schools in poor neighborhoods.

Items that are requested are writing paper (wide and regular ruled), construction paper, notebooks, pencils, rounded-end scissors, pencil sharpeners, pencil erasers, pens, markers, chalk, chalk board erasers, glue, metric rulers, soccer balls and jump ropes, band-aids, and of course crayons (preferably in 24 packs).

I've already got 48 boxes of 24 Crayola crayons for 20 cents each for my mother to send. As a former school teacher, mother loves this annual project, which is why I beat the bushes to find out who took over the project after the Beast Battery and Fox Battery left Kirkuk.

1,004 posted on 07/15/2006 5:19:29 AM EDT by patriciaruth (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1562436/posts)

[trooprally]

Thank you. Our household is determined that our troops will not be treated by the MSM and politicians as they were in Vietnam.

If we don't learn from the treatment our Vietnam vets received, than our country is truly lost.

[Mr] T

[StarCMC]

WOW!! What a great idea!!

[trooprally]

Coop - good come back from your "mistake". :-))

Patty - Wow, what a tremendous effort. With so many threads being posted every day, I missed yours. Honored to be linked to your thread.

FREEPERS - Iraqi schools start in August - so don't waste time helping with OPERATION CRAYON!! See Post 18.

[Mr] T

[trooprally]

ping

If you have a ping list, can you use it for this thread?

Thanks

[Mr] T

[jan in Colorado]

Support the troops ping!

"But there you all are showing the support that should be evident all across the country, and I feel better, at least for a few moments. So from a parent of a soldier there, please keep up the support for all of them, as I will tell you again, it does make a difference to all of us with loved ones right behind those gates."

[STARWISE]

Absolutely!! Very special lady, she and her group do SO much for our brave troops. Kudos, God bless you, Patricia Ruth, and

[GatorGirl]

Bump!

[JLO]

Good job, Trooprally!

I don't have any to add, as you included my favorites.

Some folks have a problem with one site mentioned, but I won't get into it here.

[ALOHA RONNIE]

.

The Words

http://www.Freerepublic.com/~ALOHARONNIE


The Pictures

http://www.Freerepublic.com/~JLO


The Thread

http://www.Freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1085111/posts

.

[trooprally]

Great links - Thanks

bump re: "NEVER FORGET"

[Mr] T

[JLO]

A big PS! At your Fisher House link - we can all donate our miles to wounded vets and their families. Very easy to do. And they can reunite.

Did it awhile ago. One call does it all. Just go to the Fisher House link you gave and within, find the airline where you have miles.

Northwest Airlines only does donation of miles in increments in 10,000 miles, so I still have a paltry 3K.

Lifetime and Year-to-Date Balances


3,217 Total Banked Miles
0 Current Locked Miles
3,217 Current Available Miles

0 2006 Elite Qualifying Miles
0 2006 Elite Qualifying Segments

669,417 Total Mileage Since Enrollment



20,000 miles = one ticket.
You are right - there is a lot we can do from home!

[trooprally]

ping to a thread hopefully you can use

[Mr] T

[ALOHA RONNIE]

.

Thank you for your NEVER FORGET Bump, trooprally.

I appreciate.


AR

[trooprally]

Thanks for the heads up on Fisher House. I couldn't get too deep into each organization, just a broad brush description.

[Mr] T

[JLO]

Details here.

http://www.fisherhouse.org/programs/airlineFactSheet.pdf

[Sisku Hanne]

For knitters/crocheters, Socks for Soldiers

For PA FReepers, who have one of the largest state contingents of deployed personnel, Keystone Soldiers

[wtc911]

Any contribution (tax deductible) to www.pentagonfoundation.org goes straight to Fischer House or other wounded troops related groups. In 2005 we (wife and I) raised over $25k for this fund. It bought speech recognition lap-tops for troops who can no longer type.

[Sisku Hanne]

WOW. just WOW.

[wtc911]

There are folks who do much more. We were at a Fran O'Brians dinner in 2004 when Walmart gave $50k.

[3D-JOY]

Thank you so much for the list and the PING!!

[mystery-ak]

bookmarked

[trooprally]

Thanks Sisku. Missed you at WR last Friday.

[Mr] T

[trooprally]

wtc911 - Thanks for the info and support for the troops.

Here is the link to PENTAGON FOUNDATION to make life easier.

[Mr] T

[patriciaruth]

MERRY BAND OF PATRIOTS (troop support group here at FR)

CARE PACKAGES for our Troops in IRAQ and AFGHANISTAN, 2006

[Coop]

MBOP bump!

[Just Lori]

Here's one I have my eye on....

http://www.americanheroquilts.com/home.htm

[beachn4fun]

[Mr} T

I told you so

;->

[BufordP]

...Dan Decol's letter (aka "rck_n_rll_pops") vindicates our Street FReeping...

I'd like to add a correction:

...Dan Decol's letter (aka "rck_n_rll_pops") is just another example in a very long list of examples that vindicates our Street FReeping...

[trooprally]

Absolutely - is just another example in a very long list of examples that vindicates our Street FReeping...

Thanks for the correction.

[Coop]

Yup! I think when wounded soldiers travel that significant distance, some of them in wheelchairs, to join the D.C. Chapter on the corner... well, the chirping critics don't really matter.

[Corin Stormhands]

Home grown troop support, right here on FreeRepublic.

Help us support our troops! [Knives for Soldiers] Update: 1,000 shipped to date and counting!