Posted on 01/21/2007 7:44:53 PM PST by Just A Nobody
On Memorial Day 2001, my son Capt. Derek Argel, threw his hat into the air at his graduation from the Air Force Academy. On Memorial Day, 2005 he was killed on a special mission on an Iraqi Plane. Derek was a member of the USAF Combat Control. Their motto is "First there that others may live."
Each day has been painful since that date, but I get some comfort from the work I am now doing for the troops and other Gold Star parents. I currently serve as the Director of Military Outreach for Move America Forward. This organization has provided the opportunity to talk about my son's life and not just his death. Derek believed in the mission he was on, and our cause in Iraq to insure our country's safety.
In November of 2006, seven Gold Star parents had the opportunity to travel to Iraq. We met people that were forever grateful to the United States for the liberation of their country. This trip did not represent "closure" for us, as there is no such thing. It did provide comfort to us, and gratitude from our troops for going there to support them.
In March or April of this year, we will return to Iraq with 30 Gold Star parents. We will travel with our own security, and visit many of the troops that are serving there. They are so grateful that despite our loss, we are there to support them and their mission. We recently sent six tons of gourmet coffee and cookies to them in time for Christmas. We have also sent valentine packages to them, all of which they appreciate so much.
The trip costs approximately $7,000 per parent. This pays for our flight, security, food, accommodations and travel while we are there. I am pleading that everyone who is able, contribute to this trip for us. We need to raise $200,000 in the next two months to make this possible. Contributions should be made to MoveAmericaForward.com or .org. All contributions are tax-deductible. Please do what you can for those parents who have given all they have to give to our country...their children.
Thank you for helping to make this possible.
Debbie Argel Bastian
Proud mother of Capt. Derek Argel USAF Combat Control KIA Memorial Day 2005, Diyala Iraq
Our Gold Star Parents want to make another trip to Iraq. Please support them any way you can.
You may mail your contribution made out to:
Debbie will send you a personal thank you note and one of Derek's cards she shared with the Iraqis she met.
Or if you prefer to contribute online:
Wow...they are going again huh?? They are very special people.
Are you going to go with them this time?
Back from Iraq: 11-19-06 by Debbie Argel
Oh boy! I would LOVE to go with them sleuth!
Thanks for this post and for the link, Justa......
...and mark for action tomorrow.
Thanks you for allowing us to participate.
God Bless all of the Gold Star Parents. Prayers for them and for their brave children.
Pinging the Haditha Marine list for Gold Star Parents.
Thanks for posting this, Justa. It is a worthy cause.
God bless them all and thank you for the posting!
Photographs From Historic Trip to Iraq
Slain Soldiers' Parents Find Worthy Cause
Blogs Spread Word of Historic Iraq Trip
- AND -
Gold Star Mother, Debra Argel Bastian, received the following email from Colonel Thomas Johnson, who was leading the group of soldiers.
Bookmark to donate.
It takes courageous and strong people to raise the heroes of today. God bless them, greatly!
Thank YOU for being willing to participate and pinging your friends.
Thanks for pinging the list!!!
Thanks onyx! Spread the word!
We met people that were forever grateful to the United States for the liberation of their country.
The troops we visited sent a message home.
They wanted the US to know that they want to complete their mission.
Freedom, so glad there are Americans who appreciate it and wish to share it,
we all benefit from the bravery of your son, Capt. Derek Argel,
you are wonderful for going to visit, it will mean so much to those who continue to serve to see you, thanks.
Thanks smooth!
Thank you for your help, tsmith!
Amen, Son House!
Amen, Son House!
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