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
Moving Forward (National Review: Troops Moved by Support from Americans)
*** Be sure to read the notes from the troops in Iraq & Afghanistan in the article - they say how they feel about the support they get from home
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1755868/posts
All of the authors [of our report] have traveled to Iraq outside of the Green Zone — whereas the Iraq Study Group only traveled within the Green Zone — on one trip only. And unlike the Iraq Study Group, we did not ignore the incredible accomplishments being made by the people of the three most northern provinces in Iraq — Iraqi Kurdistan.
Well then...it looks like we need to get a Freepathon going for the $7000 to send you with them.
That sounds like a very worthy cause to me!!
It took us 19 days to complete the last lousy freepathon.
Keep in mind there are only 90 days in a quarter, needing 19 is not good.
Very true...but, I can dream.
Bureaucrats + Justa = baaaaad situation! LOL!
Please note the tagline. ;*)
I am for sure going to support the trip...but I would LOVE for the money to go to you...so you could go...but, I am not in the position to give $7000..as much as I would like to.
Thank you for the ping. What a wonderful way to honor them!
Bump to the Top!!
Yes it is, Lily and you're very welcome.
You touched my heart!God love you! I will donate now and more before you all leave. Thank you for your sacrifice, from the bottom of my heart.
On behalf of the Gold Star parents that will travel, thanks so much for posting this. Thanks from the heart to all who have offered to help, and for posting on other sites.
Thanks again to Just A Nobody for providing a listening ear and a warm heart.
Deb
May God and his son, Jesus be with you and your family in this darkness. The blessings we have received from our lord are because of your son. We will pray for all of you.
Beautiful World
Anything I can do to help, feel free to ask!!!
Hi lily - good to see you!!
Thanks for the bump HiJinx!
Race-can you ping the list? We can help POP get there!
Once i get home, yes
All I need is a one-way ticket to Haditha and a very generous ammunition allowance.
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