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WASHINGTON, July 22, 2008 – After matching servicemembers re-entering the civilian work force with military friendly employers, “Hire a Hero” is stepping outside its box and trying some matchmaking of a different kind. The troop-support organization has teamed with Dreamworks Television and Mark Burnett Productions to help two deserving military couples have their dream weddings. The gesture is a thank you for their service and commitment to the country, according to the Hire a Hero Web site. “Providing something like this is just great,” said Rob Barr, a Hire a Hero representative. “It’s showing support for the troops, and...

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq, July 14, 2008 – Deployments usually separate families, but for two brothers from Arkansas, deployment to Iraq actually brought them closer. Army Sgt. Maj. Jim Snow and his younger brother, Army 1st Sgt. Joe Snow, are serving their second deployment together in Iraq. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Josh LeCappelain, Multinational Division Center  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. “We live about six miles apart [in Benton and Bryant, Ark.],” said Army 1st Sgt. Joe Snow, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 39th Brigade Combat Team, first sergeant. “Here, it’s about 30 steps.” Snow is on his second...

FORT WORTH — In a few days, Francisco Martinez will land in Iraq. He is one of tens of thousands of men and women who, with various motivations, enlisted in the armed forces, knowing that they’d someday end up there. For Martinez, Iraq is a kind of perdition, a receptacle for all the dark emotions, anguish and guilt that have buffeted him for the last three years. When Martinez steps off the airplane, he will be in the country that took his only son, a 20-year-old skateboarder and budding graphic artist whose loss is felt every single day of his...

The Chris Plante Show, 630 WMAL, Washington, DC is discussing RIGHT NOW (during the 10:00 - 11:45 ET a.m. hour) what Obama needs to do to earn the respect of Americans and military families. Perfect opportunity for Freepers to call-in and express your thoughts on this matter!!! LISTEN LIVE: http://radiotime.com/program/p_61017/Chris_Plante.aspx http://www.630wmal.com/article.asp?id=632848 CALL: 888 630 9625

Apparently Michelle Obama’s pride in America (circa 2007) places her in a unique situation to understand the issues facing patriotic military families. I'm sure they'll love her.

BETHESDA, Md., July 2, 2008 – They may not be on the pro tour yet, but two military children got a taste of the big time when they helped pro golfer Fred Couples kick off the second AT&T National at Congressional Country Club here today. Jeffrey Dahl, 9, of New Jersey, left, professional golfer Fred Couples, and Margaret Rollins, 13, of Virginia hit the ceremonial first shot to open the second AT&T National golf tournament July 2, 2008, at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md. Both children’s fathers are servicemembers, serving in Pakistan and California, respectively. Defense Dept. photo...

Democratic presidential presumptive Sen. Barack Obama (IL) met with his terrorist supporting fundraiser, Jodie Evans, at a $5 million Hollywood fundraiser held last week at the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion on Tuesday, June 24.In what can only be described as a big middle finger to the veterans and military families who have urged Obama to renounce Evans, Obama met with Evans and was photographed with her at the fundraiser.Evans is co-founder of the leftist anti-American group Code Pink. She and Code Pink have endorsed the terrorists in Iraq and have sent over $600,000 in cash and humanitarian aid to "the other...

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's love for children is by no means limited to their own: The couple has donated $1 million to help kids affected by the war in Iraq, the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict announced Wednesday. The organization will distribute the donation, made through the couple's Jolie-Pitt Foundation, to four organizations working on behalf of children who have lost parents, homes and schools in Iraq. Children in the U.S. who have lost parents in the conflict will also benefit. "These educational support programs for children of conflict are the best way to...

Lifetime's "Army Wives" and real military families get a presidential salute from Senator Barack Obama

Staff Sgt. Andy Graves, a Paragould, Ark., native, takes a moment from his deployment to go on a mental vacation with his three daughters on June 13. Graves is a sergeant of the guard for the 1123rd Transportation Company, an Arkansas National Guard unit, 1/152nd Cavalry Regiment, an Indiana National Guard unit, 1st Sustainment Brigade, in support of Multi-National Division-Baghdad. Photo by 1st Lt. George Fowler. CAMP TAJI — Alone with his thoughts, Staff Sgt. Andy Graves, a Paragould, Ark., native, sits quietly in the “Snack Shack� during his guard shift reminiscing. Presently Graves is a squad leader for the...

For dads with sons and daughters in the military, Father's Day can be tough. Saturday, a soldier and her father were able to overcome the thousands of miles between them, at least for a little while. You could say the military is in Kirk Fjetland's blood. A Navy veteran, his father and brother were also in the military and now, so are two of his kids. Son Jeremy is in the Air Force and stationed in North Carolina. Daughter Bryce is a soldier in Afghanistan. "She is a real sweetheart. She really is. To know her is to love her....

Mr. McCain, now the presumptive Republican nominee, has staked out his candidacy on the promise that American troops can bring stability to Iraq. What he almost never says is that one of them is his own son, who spent seven months patrolling Anbar Province and learned of his father's New Hampshire victory in January while he was digging a stuck military vehicle out of the mud.

WASHINGTON, June 2, 2008 – Building or remodeling homes to accommodate the needs of severely wounded warriors returning from Iraq and Afghanistan is the way Kirt Rebello and everyone else involved with “Homes for Our Troops” have chosen to thank servicemembers for their sacrifice. “A wounded servicemember’s life is forever changed,” Rebello -- vice president and projects director for Homes for Our Troops – said during an interview on “ASY Live,” a program on BlogTalkRadio.com that’s part of the Defense Department’s America Supports You program. America Supports You connects citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at...

WASHINGTON, June 2, 2008 – For the past two years, one troop-support organization has made sure children of fallen servicemembers have an avalanche of fun. “Snowball Express” began in December 2006 with the mission of providing hope and new memories to military children who have lost a parent since 9/11. “The belief is these children should never be forgotten by a grateful nation,” said Roy White, the group’s chairman of the board and a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel. “Snowball Express accomplishes its mission by providing an all-expense paid, multi-day fun experience for eligible children [18 and younger] who...

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas, May 30, 2008 – When Marine Sgt. Aaron N. Cepeda Sr. lost his life in combat in Iraq on May 7, 2005, his family also lost a son, husband and father. In honor of the sacrifice they were not asked to make, but had to make, Cepeda’s children received a Gold Medal of Remembrance at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery here during a Memorial Day ceremony May 26. The Cepedas were among five families to be honored with the medal, which is presented to children of fallen servicemembers from operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi...

BETHESDA, Md., May 28, 2008 – Professional golfer Tiger Woods understands the sacrifices military families make and the importance of acknowledging those sacrifices. Tiger Woods, professional golfer and host of the AT&T National golf tournament, laughs at a question from the media during a news conference at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md., on May 27, 2008. Woods is joined by Bret Hart, president of Congressional, where the July tournament is held, and Greg McLaughlin, president of the Tiger Woods Foundation. Defense Department photo by Samantha L. Quigley  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. “I was raised in a...

VIRGINIA BEACH -- "That pain is deep and it’s daily. You never forget,” says George Lutz, whose son was killed in Iraq. 25-year-old Army Private First Class George “Tony” Lutz II was killed by enemy sniper small arms fire on December 29, 2005. George Lutz has started an effort to get an official flag to honor and remember America's fallen war heroes. The Atlantic Shores Christian School graduate left behind a wife and two young children. Through his grief, Mr. Lutz had a burning desire to help other grieving Gold Star families. He invented the Honor and Remember flag as...

Some people influence their world far beyond the wisdom of their years, far beyond the wisdom of their elders, far beyond the understanding of a nation that barely knows its children have gone to war. In a time when the battle lines are clear for those who have the eyes to see, the bravery, the loyalty, and the strength of these men should knock us to our knees in thanksgiving and humility. In the eternal battle between good and evil, each drop of blood they shed should be sacred to us, and remind us that the blessings we have are...

WASHINGTON, May 24, 2008 – An entrepreneur who has moved around with her Marine Corps husband and now calls Camp Lejeune, N.C., home is using her small-business success to help other military spouses get started with businesses of their own. “Being a military spouse breeds an excellent opportunity for reach and really working with a community that shares the same love and support that you have as a business owner,” Roxanne Reed -- founder of the All Fired Up Candle Company, Jane Wayne Gear and Marketing to Military Group – said in an “ASY Live” interview on BlogTalkRadio. “I...

Nathan, Jared, and Jason Hubbard. Inga Barks filled in for syndicated talk-radio host Mark Levin last night (and did a great job). During the last 1/2 hour of the show, she spoke with sole surviving son Army Specialist Jason Hubbard and Congressman Devin Nunes about this: Forced to leave the combat zone after his two brothers died in the Iraq war, Army Spc. Jason Hubbard faced another battle once he returned home: The military cut off his family's health care, stopped his G.I. educational subsidies and wanted him to repay his sign-up bonus. It wasn't until Hubbard petitioned his local...

WASHINGTON, May 22, 2008 – President Bush saluted thousands of soldiers of the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division during his visit to Fort Bragg, N.C., today. The president cited the soldiers’ distinguished service in Afghanistan and Iraq. “This is the first time since 2006 that five brigades from your division have assembled together,” Bush remarked to troops after performing an in-ranks review of the division. Many of the paratroopers Bush addressed had recently completed 15-month deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq. “We’ve asked a lot of you,” Bush told the soldiers, noting they’ve “achieved difficult objectives in a new kind...

CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind., May 15, 2008 – Many mothers sit at home and wonder what their deployed son or daughter is doing, hoping everything is all right and waiting for the next phone call. Some might see a mother deploying with her son as a great thing, but what onlookers might not think about is what is left back home. Army National Guard Spc. Roschell Eaton and her son, Spc. Jason Hutchins, both from 3175th Military Police Company, train at Camp Atterbury, Ind., for their upcoming deployment as part of Kosovo Force 10, Multinational Task Force East. U.S. Army...

WASHINGTON, May 15, 2008 – For the rest of this year, sitting in Shamu the killer whale’s “splash zone” or talking turkey with a big yellow bird are just two activities servicemembers and their families can enjoy for free at Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks. Through its “Here’s to the Heroes” program, which began in 2005, the brewing company is offering free tickets to its theme parks for servicemembers and up to three family members to thank them for all they do in service to the country. “It’s important to us for all the reasons you can probably predict,” said Fred...

WASHINGTON, May 11, 2008 – President Bush praised America’s mothers, especially those who’ve lost sons or daughters during the war on terror and those who gave their lives in service to their country, during his weekly radio address yesterday. An excerpt from the president’s remarks follows: “On this Mother’s Day weekend, we think of the many mothers who raised the brave men and women serving our country in uniform. And to those mothers, I offer the thanks of a grateful nation. “Your sons and daughters are defending our freedom with dignity and honor, and America appreciates the sacrifices that...

'Why would any rational human being sign up for this?" The question came up the other day as we discussed one of our public affairs staff sergeants possibly separating for a job in the private sector. There was a certain ease and even a slight euphoric relief about the conversation. He had opted to stay with us. He re- enlists Monday. The question was posed by our senior master sergeant — a man who has re-enlisted multiple times over his distinguished 26-year career. In the last few days, our staff sergeant had been really torn. Like most of us, his...

On May 1, 2008, Richard V. Stevens, of Stevens & Brash, L.L.C, won an acquittal in the case of Sgt. Leonardo Treviño. The week before, Frank Spinner, a counsel with the firm, defended SFC Corrales in a separate case. For background on the cases, see here and here. Rich sent this message for readers of Defend Our Troops and Defend Our Marines._______________________________________________ 10 May 2008 It is very difficult and confusing for our military members and their families, who have sacrificed and contributed so much to the military's missions, to suddenly face accusations of crimes out of combat in the...

CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C., May 9, 2008 – They didn’t have any lines, and if it weren’t for their bright colors against the spartan background of a C-17 Globemaster’s cargo bay, quilts produced by the South Carolina Quilts of Valor troop-support organization might have gone unnoticed. Extras portray wounded soldiers for a scene in an upcoming episode of Lifetime Network’s “Army Wives.” The scene, featuring quilts made by members of South Carolina Quilts of Valor, was filmed on Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., on May 5, 2008. Defense Department photo by Samantha L. Quigley  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution...

"My Mommy Wears Combat Boots," was written by Sgt. 1st Class Sharon G. McBride before her second deployment, partly to explain to her daughter why she would be gone. The book was published in February. Photo by courtesy WASHINGTON (Army News Service, May 8, 2008) - A new children's book, written by a former Soldier and single mother, helps to explain why mom deployed and how to cope with the emotions associated with her departure. "My Mommy Wears Combat Boots," written by Sgt. 1st Class Sharon G. McBride, is geared to young children and toddlers to help explain why mom...

A little old but I like it!

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2008 – Military Spouse magazine honored Michelle McIntyre-Brewer as the 2008 Military Spouse of the Year here today. The wife of an Army second lieutenant, McIntyre-Brewer somehow finds time to volunteer at the United Service Organizations, Soldier’s List, American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and March of Dimes, all while raising two young children, including a daughter born with a heart defect. During the award ceremony today, McIntyre-Brewer, 29, said the award represents the idealized military spouse, one who supports the mission of an American military that aims to improve conditions in parts of the world less...

PHOENIX — A Tennessee couple who lost their son in Iraq want an Arizona merchant to pay more than $40 billion in damages to survivors of soldiers whose names are on the anti-war shirts he is selling online.

WASHINGTON, May 2, 2008 – Gift cards can make a stay away from home while a loved one recovers easier for servicemembers and their families. A Bank of America Visa debit card bearing the Fisher House Foundation logo is displayed during a ceremony to present the first 400 such cards to the Brooke Army Medical Center Fisher Houses on Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Through a new partnership, Bank of America’s Military Segment has agreed to cover processing and other fees associated with purchasing gift cards, thereby stretching the Fisher House Foundation’s donors’ dollars. Photo courtesy of the Fisher House...

Soldiers' Angels founder Patti Patton Bader will appear on NBC's Today show on May 5, during the nine o'clock hour. She has been selected as a semi-finalist in NBC/Teleflora's America's Favorite Mom contest. Votes based on her appearance on the show with two other military moms will determine whether she moves on to the final round. On Mother's Day (May 11), NBC will broadcast a prime-time special featuring the crowning of "America's Favorite Mom," the results of which will be determined by how many votes are received from May 5 to May 9. Each mother can only receive votes during...

ARLINGTON, Va., April 29, 2008 – Following a workshop that helped children cope with a military parent’s deployment, the familiar, furry denizens of Sesame Street are starring in a new program focusing on multiple deployments and family adjustments upon a parent’s return. Sesame Workshop, the makers of Sesame Street, today released “Talk, Listen, Connect: Deployment, Homecoming, Changes,” a video workshop that aims to aid children in understanding and unbundling the tangle of complex emotions many feel in the midst of a mother’s or father’s tours of duty away from home, and even broaches the difficult subject of dealing with...

Sorry for the vanity, but I need to brag about my cousin Amy whom I am very proud of and humbled by. She is a first grade teacher in New Mexico and last year she had a student, a little boy, who was being raised by his single dad who is an Army Reservist. Last year he was deployed to Iraq and she, being a patriot and an outstanding teacher, took it upon herself to make sure dad did not miss out on his son's first grade year. All during the school year she scanned all of his school work...

WASHINGTON, April 28, 2008 – Last year, 44 states and the District of Columbia proclaimed May 1 as Silver Star Day. This year, Silver Star Families of America, which began the grassroots movement, is hoping all 50 states will remember and honor their wounded and ill veterans May 1 to kick off Military Appreciation Month. “While we want every state to join with us, this year we are going to the cities and asking them to help,” Janie Orman, the organization’s president, said. “We wanted 50 cities across the United States to hold ceremonies and remember our honored wounded.” Cities...

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, April 14, 2008) - Every Monday night at 8 p.m. a group of Army wives gathers to hear news, relationship advice, parenting tips and deployment support, but this isn't your traditional readiness or support group. Most of the women haven't met and don't even know each other's names. But over the Internet radio waves and blogs, "Army Wife Talk Radio" founder and host Tara Crooks tries to help Army Families and empower Army spouses. "I just wanted to mention how much fun I had yesterday rocking out to last month's AWTR shows on my Ipod! It...

WASHINGTON, April 21, 2008 – A piece of legislation aimed at easing transitions for military children switching schools adheres to an armed forces adage: Recruit the servicemember, but retain the family, a Pentagon official said today. Developed by the Council of State Governments, education experts and the Defense Department, the Compact on Education Transition for Military Children addresses common problems that affect military students as a result of frequent moves and deployments. “The interstate compact is a major new tool and opportunity for the nation really to show its appreciation to military families,” Leslye A. Arsht, deputy undersecretary of...

In the four years that Master Sgt. Tony Roy's electronic combat unit has been deployed, he's spent nearly two years away from home. Roy is one of roughly 140 airmen based at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base who have been constantly at war since March 2004, deploying several times to provide electronic cover to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Members of the 55th Electronic Combat Group hop back and forth from combat zones to Tucson for months at a time, coming home only long enough to retrain, regroup and head back.

A decision on a man’s fight to harbor five dogs in violation of a Cumberland County rule will have to wait while officials reconsider his situation. On Thursday, the county Board of Adjustment voted to postpone Henry Carroll’s appeal of a zoning officer’s decision in March that he was violating an ordinance that limits him to three dogs at his residence. When — or if — the case will return is not known. Carroll, 45, says he has three dogs of his own and is keeping two more that belong to his 22-year-old son, Adam, a soldier deployed to Iraq...

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The father of a deployed soldier who is taking care of his son's dogs has been ordered by Cumberland County authorities to give away two of the animals.

A Texas service member and his son recently found themselves separated not only by an eight-hour time difference, several bodies of water and hundreds of miles, but by a teacher who tried to come between the two as the military dad called his son in his time of need during class.

WASHINGTON, April 11, 2008 – Servicemembers’ friends and families living in west-central California have a shoulder to lean on if they should need it. Members of Delta Blue Star Moms prepare care packages to send to deployed troops. The group, an official chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America, is based in Knightsen, Calif. Photo courtesy of Delta Blue Star Moms  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. “Our group offers a supportive environment for family members, primarily moms, of service personnel,” said Tammy Callahan, president of the Delta Blue Star Moms, based in Knightsen, Calif. “It is most difficult...

Though an immigration bill didn’t make it to the full Legislature this year, the issue was debated Wednesday as senators discussed a National Guard education-related bill. Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers used the time to correct the record. Omaha Sen. Brad Ashford used the time to point out the importance immigration will have in legislative races. And Lincoln Sen. DiAnna Schimek used the time to encourage Congress to work out a humane and compassionate solution for the immigrant issue. Twenty-eight students — illegal immigrants because their parents brought them illegally to the U.S. — attend University of Nebraska campuses and pay...

FORT MYER, Va., April 7, 2008 – Children normally are told to quit clowning around, but today it was actually encouraged, as clowns from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus entertained more than 100 youngsters at the child development center here. More than 100 children from the child development center on Fort Myer, Va., enjoy a performance by members of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, April 7, 2008. These four, from left, Ryan Cline, 2, Madeline Fontana, 5, Jaylen Wright, 4, and Liam Ryan, 4, got a chance to be part of the action. Photo by...

~Month Of The Military Child~ In 1986, Defense Secretary Caspar Weingberger and the US Department of Defense, designated April as Month of the Military Child. The month is set to be a time for each branch of the military to recognizes the sacrifices which are made by the children of those serving our country. Children of those in the military face separation, frequent moves and school changes, trauma when a parent is in combat, stress, and many other difficulties associated with military life. It is for these reasons that we take the month of April to acknowledge their unwitting...

ANITA Shaw says, "My country let me down." It's hard to argue with her. Not only did America let Anita Shaw down, so did California and Los Angeles. Truth be told, Anita Shaw is being diplomatic, if not generous, by not lashing out in righteous indignation at the massive tragedy she has suffered at the hands of an indifferent government. Our government: federal, state and local. Who is Anita Shaw and why should you care what she says? Pull up a chair. Anita Shaw is a sergeant in the United States Army. On March 2, little more than a month...

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Mr. McCain, now the presumptive Republican nominee, has staked his candidacy on the promise that American troops can bring stability to Iraq. What he almost never says is that one of them is his own son, who spent seven months patrolling Anbar Province and learned of his father’s New Hampshire victory in January while he was digging a stuck military vehicle out of the mud.

One evening last July, Senator John McCain of Arizona arrived at the New Hampshire home of Erin Flanagan for sandwiches, chocolate-chip cookies and heartfelt talk about Iraq. They had met at a presidential debate, when she asked the candidates what they would do to bring home American soldiers — soldiers like her brother, who had been killed in action a few months earlier. Mr. McCain did not bring cameras or a retinue. Instead, he brought his youngest son, James McCain, 19, then a private first class in the Marine Corps about to leave for Iraq. Father and son sat down...