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
The key is to NOT talk about it. ;*)
Wow! That video is very moving and provides a real look at our history. Thank you for the link.
Goodness, I'd think positive and ask for a round trip ticket...and a generous allotment of ammo...
"Now POP...with talk like that you won't be chosen for the trip."
Oops, forgot the smiley at the end of my post. What key combinations do you use to get the one with the horns and the sharpened teeth :)
Actually, I am surprised that I didn't (and don't) harbor more anger. Angry and frustrated by the loss of Karl, yes. That happens when your world crumbles and what you value most is taken away from you. What bothers me now is this global mindlessness and lunacy that only seems to get worse. As Karl wrote to me on 9/11, "...while I fear what's going to come, most of it is channeled into anger in knowing that something will happen."
If I can make a positive contribution, fine. I have no need to sightsee.
Semper Fidelis.
"Goodness, I'd think positive and ask for a round trip ticket...and a generous allotment of ammo."
Carpetbaggers had round trip tickets; Damned Yankees bought the one-way tickets. With all the corruption over there, I figured the price of a return ticket would be easy to make up. Besides, having a one-way ticket implies that you are serious. Believe me, I'm a salesman by trade :)
Marine Bump
God Bless Karl and all the others. Please understand that our mission is not to sightsee, but to support the troops we have there. They appreciated our trip in their honor and support. Thank you, and from a Marine brat...Semper Fi
Debbie
Proud mother of Capt. Derek Argel
Well, lay it on the line articulating that you didn't want to just sightsee, POP ; )
You would make a great addition to this trip.
Thanks, Race.
Deb, I'm in step with you, I think. By the "sightseeing" comment, I meant that I have no personal vendetta or particular need to see anything in particular. It is more far-reaching than that.
Before Karl was killed, I did what I could to help share information about deployment. In the two years since then, I will admit that I've mainly been supporting the families of the fallen, and encouraging those families whose sons and daughters are or about to be placed in harm's way. Several of "my" Marines are redeployed, and I have a cousin in Kirkuk who was inspired to join the Army because of Karl. I would like nothing more than to show these fine people how much we care about them and what they mean to us.
If I can help in any way to go beyond where we are and make a difference, then count me in.
I do hope they shall be able to obtain sufficient funds to make this a reality for those that want to go.
Donation just made online and confirmed.
FYI--although the logo in your post above indicates that donations are for the Gold Star Parents to Iraq trip, the online site itself (CompleteCampaigns.com) does not mention or acknowledge that the donation is for the Gold Star Parents Trip and only mentions Move America Forward. I am posting this to make other contributors aware of the lack of any such mention once they click on the logo. While this should not pose a problem, some may find it confusing.
Thanks for your help!
Definitely a thread worth keeping bumped!
The key is to NOT talk about it. ;*)
OOPS!
;-)
Well, my son did leave me a nice spreadsheet that will calculate trajectories for the 7.62 x 51 round. Nice Marine Corps sniper graphics and all.
You might find this article interesting: http://carnival.saysuncle.com/002453.html
Contribution bump!
BUMP for Gold Star Parents.
Morning bump.
You are a good man, POP!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.