As for the Christmas gift, I say, phone cards are great for those serving overseas.  Other than that, whatever they want!

I retired from the Air Force in 2000 after 20 years and 8 days of active duty.  Retired as a Master Sergeant, served in Arkansas, California, Germany, Guam, Korea, and Maryland.  First 12 years Security Police, last 8 ophthalmic technician.  Oh, spent 6 weeks at Ft Dix, NJ before I went to Guam for Air Base Ground Defense Training.  The base is suited to its name, by the way. :)  Thank you for thinking of us.  There are many men and women who served in combat, I did not.  They deserve a special thanks.

MikeMaroon said…
As for the Christmas gift, I say, phone cards are great for those serving overseas.  Other than that, whatever they want!

I retired from the Air Force in 2000 after 20 years and 8 days of active duty.  Retired as a Master Sergeant, served in Arkansas, California, Germany, Guam, Korea, and Maryland.  First 12 years Security Police, last 8 ophthalmic technician.  Oh, spent 6 weeks at Ft Dix, NJ before I went to Guam for Air Base Ground Defense Training.  The base is suited to its name, by the way. :)  Thank you for thinking of us.  There are many men and women who served in combat, I did not.  They deserve a special thanks.

---

Thanks so much for posting, Mike. Are there particular phone cards that work better than others overseas?

Here's a personal thanks from me to you and your family.

Thank you Mike for your military service.

I don't know anyone personally serving in the military right now. Although, my dad was in the Army way back before I was born. I think he served from 1966-1974. He served in Turkey for 3 years and in Florida for 5 years. I don't know what his rank was and he did not serve in combat. Now, my grandfather was in the Navy during WWII at Pearl Harbor and he was in combat. I am not sure how long he served or his rank.

I would like to thank all the service men and women who are serving in Afghanistan and Iraq for keeping us safe and out of harms way. War is not a pleasant time for families of the men and women serving not knowing what will happen to their child, husband, wife, brother, sister,....... I pray every night for our troops to make it home safe and soon. I would like to thank all the veterans who served in WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, and Persian Gulf War.

God Bless America and Everyone!

I was in the Army for three years, from 1971 to 1974, ending with the lofty rank of Specialist 4. Although there was a draft at the time, I decided to join well before I was likely to be drafted. The Vietnam War was underway, but I spent a year in war-torn New Jersey and two years in tense Maryland. I had some good training and experience in the Army, for which I am grateful. I still recommend the military to young people who aren't sure what they want to do -- although I didn't want to re-enlist, I have no regrets about my hitch in the military.

--Bob

I served in the U.S. Navy for 15 years, and took early retirement as a Petty Officer First Class. My first tour of duty was in Hawaii riding submarines for 3.0 years, then I transferred to Turkey for 1.5 years, then to Norfolk, VA. for 3.5 year tour riding submarines, surface ships and aircraft. After Norfolk I did a tour in Stuttgart, Germany, then transferred to Hawaii where I was a Navy Instructor for some years before getting out in 1995. Many thanks for thinking of service members; now let’s get them home! Vincent Martin, CTT1(SS), USN (Ret)

I don't know one person in the military but someone in my Freecycle group is collecting for Veterans. I have 3 bags put together.

Jo who supports the troops but not the war.

bkovacs said…

I was in the Army for three years, from 1971 to 1974, ending with the lofty rank of Specialist 4. Although there was a draft at the time, I decided to join well before I was likely to be drafted. The Vietnam War was underway, but I spent a year in war-torn New Jersey and two years in tense Maryland. I had some good training and experience in the Army, for which I am grateful. I still recommend the military to young people who aren't sure what they want to do -- although I didn't want to re-enlist, I have no regrets about my hitch in the military.

--Bob

---

Hey, Bob and thanks! I bet some of that training and experience helped to make you the great guy you are today.

There were many veterans who didn't have to  fight in combat but they were there or nearby. Their hard work was also very important. There were the guys who had to maintain,  repair and sometimes create from what was at hand parts for the vehicles being used for the nearby battles. They also kept everyone fed. I am truely proud to know  one of these veterans. He was willing to fight and well trained to do so but they wanted to utilize his abilities and talents in other areas.  He was also great for helping to keep up moral,   sometimes performing a bit of magic to keep them entertained. He was still required to be ready to fight. There were times he and others were armed and waiting for hours, days, as ordered, only to later  learn they weren't being sent in after all.The contributions of  people like him are sometimes ovserlooked  when veterans are remembered. So I proudly say, "Thank you."  Thanks, Dad!!!!!

LadyMagic said…
There were many veterans who didn't have to  fight in combat but they were there or nearby. Their hard work was also very important. There were the guys who had to maintain,  repair and sometimes create from what was at hand parts for the vehicles being used for the nearby battles. They also kept everyone fed. I am truely proud to know  one of these veterans. He was willing to fight and well trained to do so but they wanted to utilize his abilities and talents in other areas. He was also great for helping to keep up moral.   The contributions of  people like him are sometimes overlooked when veterans are remembered. So I proudly say, "Thank you."  Thanks, Dad!!!!!

---

What a great tribute!

I never knew how tough veterans/families have it related to red tape until I began asking questions. It amazes me at how many children of our military families qualify for reduced price meals in school. Apparently, some healthcare facilities do not accept insurance specifically for our military. An Army colonel that I know has tried for years to get help for his fellow troops who were in Korea (Frozen Chosin). They often fought in temperatures 40 below 0. Many were frostbitten, but they decided to go back out and fight because other wounds of comrads were more serious at the time and they desperately needed help. Now they are still suffering from the effects of the frostbite but the government was denying appeals because it wasn't documented at the time. They might have gotten that cold injury skiing, right? Well, that Army colonel doesn't give up easily, and he has successfully fought to help get many of those comrads the benefits they earned and even wrote a book about his service. I think battles fought with our government may be the hardest to win.

Thanks for posting.  I send care packages to troops from time time via a website called Anysoldier.com .  I don't always hear back (maybe 1 in 6 will write or e-mail) but I know they appreciate getting some snacks or personal items that are not readily available overseas. Thanks to all who have served!

Katrena said…

LadyMagic said…
There were many veterans who didn't have to  fight in combat but they were there or nearby. Their hard work was also very important. There were the guys who had to maintain,  repair and sometimes create from what was at hand parts for the vehicles being used for the nearby battles. They also kept everyone fed. I am truely proud to know  one of these veterans. He was willing to fight and well trained to do so but they wanted to utilize his abilities and talents in other areas. He was also great for helping to keep up moral.   The contributions of  people like him are sometimes overlooked when veterans are remembered. So I proudly say, "Thank you."  Thanks, Dad!!!!!

---

What a great tribute!

---

Thank you, Katrena.  I've gone back to the post and added other details.He was at Guam.    I've heard a number of veterans say they didn't feel like true veterans because they didn't see combat. But they did, just in a different way.  They kept things going and still had to be ready.  Mechanics, cooks, medics.... it all counts.

JovialCougar said…
Thanks for posting.  I send care packages to troops from time time via a website called Anysoldier.com .  I don't always hear back (maybe 1 in 6 will write or e-mail) but I know they appreciate getting some snacks or personal items that are not readily available overseas. Thanks to all who have served!

---

Thanks for including that website. That gave some great ideas for what to send and what not to send to the troops.

Jo said…
I don't know one person in the military but someone in my Freecycle group is collecting for Veterans. I have 3 bags put together.

Jo who supports the troops but not the war.

---

I wouldn't have ever guessed of doing something like that through freecycle. Great idea.

Katrena said…
... An Army colonel that I know has tried for years to get help for his fellow troops who were in Korea (Frozen Chosin). They often fought in temperatures 40 below 0. Many were frostbitten, but they decided to go back out and fight because other wounds of comrads were more serious at the time and they desperately needed help...

---

The battle at the Chosin Reservoir in Korea is one of the all-time greats in the history of the Marines. There were about 15,000 Marines in the vicinity of the Chosin Reservoir in what is now North Korea, when the Chinese suddenly and unexpectedly attacked from all sides with 200,000 men. US commanders had recently issued a report that said there were no Chinese in the war... and suddenly the Marines were surrounded.

The Marines cut their way out, inflicting 10 times the casualties on the Chinese than the Marines received. The Chinese recorded it as a retreat but the options for the Marines were either cut their way out, surrender or be annihilated, and annihilation was what the Chinese intended. A Marine general on the battlefield said, "Retreat? Hell, we just attacked in a different direction." That is now one of the more famous quotes in Marine history. Several Medals of Honor were earned that week.

--Bob (who recently read Retreat, Hell by W.E.B Griffin)

bkovacs said…

Katrena said…
... An Army colonel that I know has tried for years to get help for his fellow troops who were in Korea (Frozen Chosin). They often fought in temperatures 40 below 0. Many were frostbitten, but they decided to go back out and fight because other wounds of comrads were more serious at the time and they desperately needed help...

---

The battle at the Chosin Reservoir in Korea is one of the all-time greats in the history of the Marines. There were about 15,000 Marines in the vicinity of the Chosin Reservoir in what is now North Korea, when the Chinese suddenly and unexpectedly attacked from all sides with 200,000 men. US commanders had recently issued a report that said there were no Chinese in the war... and suddenly the Marines were surrounded.

The Marines cut their way out, inflicting 10 times the casualties on the Chinese than the Marines received. The Chinese recorded it as a retreat but the options for the Marines were either cut their way out, surrender or be annihilated, and annihilation was what the Chinese intended. A Marine general on the battlefield said, "Retreat? Hell, we just attacked in a different direction." That is now one of the more famous quotes in Marine history. Several Medals of Honor were earned that week.

--Bob (who recently read Retreat, Hell by W.E.B Griffin)

---

Hey, thanks for the background info on Chosin. Most people do not know that the Army was also involved in the battle. Retired Army Colonel John Gray's book (link for my review if anyone wishes to see it) speaks of his vivid and detailed memories of WWII, Korea (including Chosin), and Vietnam. It is truly amazing how some things work out again so many odds.

LadyMagic said…
There were many veterans who didn't have to  fight in combat but they were there or nearby. Their hard work was also very important. There were the guys who had to maintain,  repair and sometimes create from what was at hand parts for the vehicles being used for the nearby battles. They also kept everyone fed. I am truely proud to know  one of these veterans. He was willing to fight and well trained to do so but they wanted to utilize his abilities and talents in other areas.  He was also great for helping to keep up moral,   sometimes performing a bit of magic to keep them entertained. He was still required to be ready to fight. There were times he and others were armed and waiting for hours, days, as ordered, only to later  learn they weren't being sent in after all.The contributions of  people like him are sometimes ovserlooked  when veterans are remembered. So I proudly say, "Thank you."  Thanks, Dad!!!!!

---

I guess we fall into this category.  My husband was in the Army for 8 years both active and reserve.  In the beginning he spent 4 months in Kuwait which was just before an operation kicked off (1998 I believe).  The 1 year duty in Korea jsut before we got married.  The last deployment was to Kuwait again but during Op Iraqi Freedom.  He was part of the war, but outside of any of the action going on.  He played an admin role for the time he was there.  His job was sending the guys back into combat after R&R.  We are since out of the military life but we still have many friends serving.  Some overseas and some at home.

As for gifts, search through some of the older threads as I remember there being one about what to send overseas.  Outside of soldiers who are deployed great gifts for military families are anything that helps with memorabilia.  I know we wanted to keep all kinds of pictures and momentos of his time while he was in.

Katrena said…
I never knew how tough veterans/families have it related to red tape until I began asking questions. It amazes me at how many children of our military families qualify for reduced price meals in school. Apparently, some healthcare facilities do not accept insurance specifically for our military. An Army colonel that I know has tried for years to get help for his fellow troops who were in Korea (Frozen Chosin). They often fought in temperatures 40 below 0. Many were frostbitten, but they decided to go back out and fight because other wounds of comrads were more serious at the time and they desperately needed help. Now they are still suffering from the effects of the frostbite but the government was denying appeals because it wasn't documented at the time. They might have gotten that cold injury skiing, right? Well, that Army colonel doesn't give up easily, and he has successfully fought to help get many of those comrads the benefits they earned and even wrote a book about his service. I think battles fought with our government may be the hardest to win.

---

That's only scratching the surface Katrena of all the red tape people have to go through.  Most soldiers who are under the rank of a sargent (whic is the majority) who have families will qualify for state assistance usually.  Many are on Food Stamps and WIC simply because the pay check is not enough to cover the bills.  Most military wives I know do not work or work lower paying jobs due to the continuous uncertainty of where the soldier will be at any given time.

And yes the military insurance is terrible in most cases.  If there is no military base near like here in Michigan, then it's hard pressed to find docs who will take it.  If you are on/near a base you HAVE to use the military hospitals/docs for everything, which isn't always the best situation as they tend to do things differently, which doesn't always make sense compared to how they are do in the civilian world.

Lilsquib,

Thanks for mentioning a lot more than I did. I think we owe our veterans and their families more.

Especially this time of the year with many people serving so far from home -- maybe you can also add in thanks to them. . .  by shipping any of the following items

socks, baby powder, basically any hygiene items, baby wipes cause it was hard for them to shower where he was. power, protein, or fruit bars are good. Trail mix, the dried fruit magazines... anything to keep them updated on what is happening in the news. chapstick, sunscreen, lotion,.....  

baby powder helps get rid of the sand apparently you rub it on and it rubs off the sand.  anyway, if anyone wants to adopt a soldier let me know and I can give you privately the name and address of my friend's brother.

another friend of mine sends her brother toys -- his battalion gives them out to the kids as they meet them -- these kids are so thrilled with the little toys from happy meals that our kids just thow away.  If you are interested in that program check out these two websites/articles.

 freewebs dot com slash toys4 troops

read the article listed on the front page for details the board won't let me post the link

So thanks to our veteran's thanks to those still serving, thanks to my dad for making it home safe and sound when he was serving -- cuz then I got to come along! :-)  and his glorious grandchildren.  

LisaCarey said…

Especially this time of the year with many people serving so far from home -- maybe you can also add in thanks to them. . .  by shipping any of the following items

socks, baby powder, basically any hygiene items, baby wipes cause it was hard for them to shower where he was. power, protein, or fruit bars are good. Trail mix, the dried fruit magazines... anything to keep them updated on what is happening in the news. chapstick, sunscreen, lotion,.....  

baby powder helps get rid of the sand apparently you rub it on and it rubs off the sand.  anyway, if anyone wants to adopt a soldier let me know and I can give you privately the name and address of my friend's brother.

another friend of mine sends her brother toys -- his battalion gives them out to the kids as they meet them -- these kids are so thrilled with the little toys from happy meals that our kids just thow away.  If you are interested in that program check out these two websites/articles.

 freewebs dot com slash toys4 troops

read the article listed on the front page for details the board won't let me post the link

So thanks to our veteran's thanks to those still serving, thanks to my dad for making it home safe and sound when he was serving -- cuz then I got to come along! :-)  and his glorious grandchildren.  

---

Thanks for posting so many ideas!

LisaCarey said…

another friend of mine sends her brother toys -- his battalion gives them out to the kids as they meet them -- these kids are so thrilled with the little toys from happy meals that our kids just thow away.  If you are interested in that program check out these two websites/articles.

Another piece with the toys is sending de-flated balls as well.  The kids love these (obviously they re-inflate them when they get there). 

Another thing would be that if you know a soldier who is deployed, ask if there are any guys who are not recieving mail from home.  Take this one on too if you can and/or get others you know to send quick letters.  It means a lot really it does.

Cell Phones for Soldiers is a great cause. You can recycle your old/unused cell phone. The funds for the recycled cell phones will go towards pre-paid phone cards for the soldiers. I did this 6-months ago. This is a great thing for a soldier to be able to call a loved one. 

I found instructions how to erase the data on my cell phone:
http://www.recellular.com/recycling/data_eraser/default.asp
 

Go here to print out your FREE postage-paid shipping label: 
http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/shippingLabel_generic.html 

Then just mail your cell phone.

lilsquibb said…

LisaCarey said…

another friend of mine sends her brother toys -- his battalion gives them out to the kids as they meet them -- these kids are so thrilled with the little toys from happy meals that our kids just thow away.  If you are interested in that program check out these two websites/articles.

Another piece with the toys is sending de-flated balls as well.  The kids love these (obviously they re-inflate them when they get there). 

Another thing would be that if you know a soldier who is deployed, ask if there are any guys who are not recieving mail from home.  Take this one on too if you can and/or get others you know to send quick letters.  It means a lot really it does.

---

That's a great idea. One website mentioned that if you are making something to eat that is homemade, you should know the person and directly address it to that person. They say that soldiers are instructed to throw away anything edible that is homemade due to security reasons. I wouldn't have thought of the balls!

krislynn said…

Cell Phones for Soldiers is a great cause. You can recycle your old/unused cell phone. The funds for the recycled cell phones will go towards pre-paid phone cards for the soldiers. I did this 6-months ago. This is a great thing for a soldier to be able to call a loved one. 

I found instructions how to erase the data on my cell phone:
http://www.recellular.com/recycling/data_eraser/default.asp
 

Go here to print out your FREE postage-paid shipping label: 
http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/shippingLabel_generic.html 

Then just mail your cell phone.

---

I hadn't heard of this one. That's one good thing about the technology we have today. Years ago, they didn't have the internet and cell phones, etc. and I know it must have been like an eternity to give and receive info from back home. My dad was a Navy pilot for 5 years and he mentioned that they would often have to assume a flight pattern before landing on the aircraft carrier. He said that all he had to do was to say "I have mail" and he would immediately have clearance!

. Thanks so much for taking the time to look up those links.

I wrote a review on Operation Happy Note, where people can donate musical instruments or donate funds to help with postage to send the instruments to deployed soldiers.

http://www.viewpoints.com/Operation-Happy-Note-review-27d76

 

Katrena said…

I wrote a review on Operation Happy Note, where people can donate musical instruments or donate funds to help with postage to send the instruments to deployed soldiers.

http://www.viewpoints.com/Operation-Happy-Note-review-27d76

 

---

Cool. I'll read it tonight. Thanks, Katrena.

krislynn said…

Thank you Mike for your military service.

I don't know anyone personally serving in the military right now. Although, my dad was in the Army way back before I was born. I think he served from 1966-1974. He served in Turkey for 3 years and in Florida for 5 years. I don't know what his rank was and he did not serve in combat. Now, my grandfather was in the Navy during WWII at Pearl Harbor and he was in combat. I am not sure how long he served or his rank.

I would like to thank all the service men and women who are serving in Afghanistan and Iraq for keeping us safe and out of harms way. War is not a pleasant time for families of the men and women serving not knowing what will happen to their child, husband, wife, brother, sister,....... I pray every night for our troops to make it home safe and soon. I would like to thank all the veterans who served in WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, and Persian Gulf War.

God Bless America and Everyone!

---

Amen!

lilsquibb said…

LadyMagic said…
There were many veterans who didn't have to  fight in combat but they were there or nearby. Their hard work was also very important. There were the guys who had to maintain,  repair and sometimes create from what was at hand parts for the vehicles being used for the nearby battles. They also kept everyone fed. I am truely proud to know  one of these veterans. He was willing to fight and well trained to do so but they wanted to utilize his abilities and talents in other areas.  He was also great for helping to keep up moral,   sometimes performing a bit of magic to keep them entertained. He was still required to be ready to fight. There were times he and others were armed and waiting for hours, days, as ordered, only to later  learn they weren't being sent in after all.The contributions of  people like him are sometimes ovserlooked  when veterans are remembered. So I proudly say, "Thank you."  Thanks, Dad!!!!!

---

I guess we fall into this category.  My husband was in the Army for 8 years both active and reserve.  In the beginning he spent 4 months in Kuwait which was just before an operation kicked off (1998 I believe).  The 1 year duty in Korea jsut before we got married.  The last deployment was to Kuwait again but during Op Iraqi Freedom.  He was part of the war, but outside of any of the action going on.  He played an admin role for the time he was there.  His job was sending the guys back into combat after R&R.  We are since out of the military life but we still have many friends serving.  Some overseas and some at home.

As for gifts, search through some of the older threads as I remember there being one about what to send overseas.  Outside of soldiers who are deployed great gifts for military families are anything that helps with memorabilia.  I know we wanted to keep all kinds of pictures and momentos of his time while he was in.

---

It all counts. What a difficult task that must have been. He was blessed to have your support.

Good idea about memorabilia. Maybe  small photo albums that are easy to travel with.

lilsquibb said…

LadyMagic said…
There were many veterans who didn't have to  fight in combat but they were there or nearby. Their hard work was also very important. There were the guys who had to maintain,  repair and sometimes create from what was at hand parts for the vehicles being used for the nearby battles. They also kept everyone fed. I am truely proud to know  one of these veterans. He was willing to fight and well trained to do so but they wanted to utilize his abilities and talents in other areas.  He was also great for helping to keep up moral,   sometimes performing a bit of magic to keep them entertained. He was still required to be ready to fight. There were times he and others were armed and waiting for hours, days, as ordered, only to later  learn they weren't being sent in after all.The contributions of  people like him are sometimes ovserlooked  when veterans are remembered. So I proudly say, "Thank you."  Thanks, Dad!!!!!

---

I guess we fall into this category.  My husband was in the Army for 8 years both active and reserve.  In the beginning he spent 4 months in Kuwait which was just before an operation kicked off (1998 I believe).  The 1 year duty in Korea jsut before we got married.  The last deployment was to Kuwait again but during Op Iraqi Freedom.  He was part of the war, but outside of any of the action going on.  He played an admin role for the time he was there.  His job was sending the guys back into combat after R&R.  We are since out of the military life but we still have many friends serving.  Some overseas and some at home.

As for gifts, search through some of the older threads as I remember there being one about what to send overseas.  Outside of soldiers who are deployed great gifts for military families are anything that helps with memorabilia.  I know we wanted to keep all kinds of pictures and momentos of his time while he was in.

---

Somehow I missed seeing this one before. Thanks so much for sharing your history and I thank you guys for what you have done.

I like the idea about the memorabilia. I had heard of one family with small kids that had a life-sized picture of the dad made before he went overseas so that the kids could "hug" dad and remember what he looked like. They attached it to some sort of stand and had it laminated I think.