A POEM WORTH READING

A POEM WORTH READING
(Author Unknown)
He was getting
old and paunchy
And his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion,
Telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he once fought in
And the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies;
They were heroes, every one.

And tho' sometimes to his neighbors
His tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened quietly
For they knew whereof he spoke.

But we'll hear his tales no longer,
For old Bob has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer
For a Soldier died today.

He won't be mourned by many,
Just his children and his wife.
For he lived an ordinary,
Very quiet sort of life.

He held a job and raised a family,
Going quietly on his way;
And the world won't note his passing,
'Tho a Soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth,
Their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing,
And proclaim that they were great.

Papers tell of their life stories
From the time that they were young
But the passing of a Soldier
Goes unnoticed and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution
To the welfare of our land,
Someone who breaks his promise
And cons his fellow man?

Or the ordinary fellow
Who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his country
And offers up his life?

The politician's stipend
And the style in which he lives,
Are often disproportionate,
To the service that he gives.

While the ordinary Soldier,
Who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal
And perhaps a pension small.

It is not the politicians
With their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom
That our country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger,
With your enemies at hand,
Would you really want some cop-out,
With his ever waffling stand?

Or would you want a Soldier--
His home, his country, his kin,
Just a common Soldier,
Who would fight until the end?

He was just a common Soldier,
And his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us
We may need his like again.

For when countries are in conflict,
We find the Soldier's part
Is to clean up all the troubles
That the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor
While he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage
At the ending of his days.

Perhaps just a simple headline
In the paper that might say:
"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,
A SOLDIER DIED TODAY."

What is an American?

I received this in an email and although the preface for which it was written is disturbing the explanation is awesome. Please read to the end.

Written by an Australian Dentist

To Kill an American
You probably missed this in the rush of news, but there was actually a report that someone in Pakistan had published in a newspaper, an offer of a reward to anyone who killed an American--any American.

So an Australian dentist wrote an editorial the following day to let everyone know what an American is ... So they would know when they found one. (Good one, mate!!!!)

'An American is English, or French, or Italian, Irish, German, Spanish , Polish, Russian or Greek. An American may also be Canadian, Mexican, African, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Australian, Iranian, Asian, or Arab, or Pakistani or Afghan.

An American may also be a Comanche, Cherokee, Osage, Blackfoot, Navajo, Apache, Seminole or one of the many other tribes known as native Americans.

An American is Christian, or he could be Jewish, or Buddhist, or Muslim. In fact, there are more Muslims in America than in Afghanistan. The only difference is that in America they are free to worship as each of them chooses.

An American is also free to believe in no religion.. For that he will answer only to God, not to the government, or to armed thugs claiming to speak for the government and for God.


An American lives in the most prosperous land in the history of the world.

The root of that prosperity can be found in the Declaration of Independence, which recognizes the God given right of each person to the pursuit of happiness.

An American is generous. Americans have helped out just about every other nation in the world in their time of need, never asking a thing in return.


When Afghanistan was over-run by the Soviet army 20 years ago, Americans came with arms and supplies to enable the people to win back their country!


As of the morning of September 11, Americans had given more than any other nation to the poor in Afghanistan...

The national symbol of America, The Statue of Liberty, welcomes your tired and your poor, the wretched refuse of your teeming shores, the homeless, tempest tossed. These in fact are the people who built America.


Some of them were working in the Twin Towers the morning of September 11, 2001, earning a better life for their families. It's been told that the World Trade Center victims were from at least 30 different countries, cultures, and first languages, including those that aided and abetted the terrorists.

So you can try to kill an American if you must. Hitler did. So did General Tojo, and Stalin, and Mao Tse-Tung, and other blood-thirsty tyrants in the world.. But, in doing so, you would just be killing yourself. Because Americans are not a particular people from a particular place. They are the embodiment of the human spirit of freedom. Everyone who holds to that spirit, everywhere, is an American.

On this Memorial Day remember the reasons you are enjoying your picnic, hike, and other vacation activities. We have built this great nation on the backs of many soldiers fighting from the time this nation stood alone. Freedom is never free. Thank a soldier and remember them always in your prayers.

Going away gift?

I have been asked.... what do you get a deploying soldier as a "going away" gift. We have thought up a few. The 1st time my husband left we traced our hands on a pillow case with fabric paint. This time I think we are just going to do letters. As you have family dinners, parties, etc., have a notebook that everyone attending can write a letter of encouragement in. I know this will be of great comfort to my husband as he is so far away from home. What are your ideas?

Great Website

I just wanted to share a great website that has TONS of articles about your deploying soldier. http://www.ehow.com/how_5248994_survive-soldiers-deployment.html

What to do to keep your soldier connected

I would love some suggestions on this matter. As I attended the yellow ribbon event put on by the FACs (family assistance centers), we learned we need to set boundaries before our soldier leaves. I have older kids so we will all be able to write letters. Once a week? These will be very important because there might not be too much technology left when they arrive. Any suggestions? I would love any.....

Family Time

Spending time together as a family whether it is through family dinners, working, or vacations, is a very important thing to remember as your soldier gets ready to deploy. My husband's unit has an amazing commander that values the family. He has encouraged us as families, no matter what form, to spend some special time together before they deploy. We are getting ready for a week-long family vacation to Hawaii. It will be our kids' first time flying. We have arranged for, hopefully, everything that is needed. Sunscreen, swimsuits, animals left home. We have been planning this trip since December. We booked it in January. It never ceases to amaze me at how fast time flies. We are all very excited for our family vacation to come but that date arriving also means that another not so fun date is almost here. I have had a little taste of my husband being gone since he left in November for training in Oklahoma. He was able to come home for 9 days during Christmas. He came home the 1st week of April just to leave 2 days later to join his unit for their annual summer camp which lasted 3 weeks. We now have him home for about a month and already a week is gone. We all know how vacations fly by so there will be another week. My son was able to complete his Eagle Scout requirements and will have his court of honor along with extended family party and pictures the next week. And pretty soon, that day has arrived. The day when my husband will be serving our country. I am so very proud of him. I know his unit and the guys he will be serving with are amazing. It still is such a scary thing but most of all the unknown. If I could plan everything out I would be set. The unknown is always scary. When I attended the Military Child training they called it the "new normal". So we will enjoy this time we have with our dad and husband and then get ready for the coming all too quick "new normal". As you stop at the end of your day today, say a little prayer for all the soldiers and for their families. We could use all the help we can get. Thank you for your support!

Free Signs for Troops

Build a sign is supporting our troops by giving away signs, you only pay shipping. Go to: http://www.buildasign.com/Troops and create your own sign. I ordered a 3ft. x 6ft. sign for my hubby and also got a bumper sticker. The shipping was $23.

Spouse Scholarship

Are you eligible? Visit this website https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa to see if you quality.

Yellow Ribbon Event

Sunday, May 15 at 8 am - Cedar City - Yellow Ribbon. Activities for the whole family including parents. This is a day set aside to teach families about the resources available to help them and their soldier during a deployment. A Day Full of great information.

***Our soldiers need our positive support. They need to hear that we love them and support them. They are under a lot of pressure and busy training hard. Please be patient with them. Negativity, Complaining and Rumors can demoralize soldiers along with ourselves. Please keep your guard up, protect your family against unnecessary emotional roller coasters by avoid them. Most importantly—KEEP YOUR CHIN UP!!!! - A-Battery FRG leader

State of Utah supports our troops!

Did you know that when you license your vehicle and you are on active duty orders that the State of Utah waives your property taxes? Yep- as we were renewing our vehicle and it was out of state with my hubby on active duty the gal helping me at the DMV informed me that if I was to come back with my hubby's orders that they would waive my property taxes. Yep... $50 is worth a second trip. I love the state I live in!

MCEC: Military Child Education Coalition

Course Description: The MCEC Living in the New Normal (LINN) encourages families to ensure their children have tools to bounce back from life’s storms, and “stressors”, fosters community support efforts, and provides concerned adults with information to help support children during times of uncertainty, trauma, and loss. The MCECs LINN efforts are predicated on the belief that children’s inherent attributes of courage and resiliency can be strengthened through deliberate encouragement.

I had the opportunity to attend this training last week. Visit the JSS website to see when they are in your area. Absolutely invaluable training for parents and ANYONE who works with kids from all types of backgrounds. I found this training could be applied to all children. -Amanda

Army wives need the strength to stand alone, but they’re strongest when they stand together.

-Army Wives, Lifetime

Eagle Release

What an amazing experience it was to witness such an event. There are really no words to describe the feelings that I had this day. To be able see this majestic bird being released back into the wild with the prayers of all us on his feathers. It is a Native American legend that says the Eagle was once human and he was given the responsibility to deliver the prays of the people to God. He said he had to fly to be able to do that so he was made into the great Eagle. Their legend says that during the night the Eagle collects the prayers of the people and at day he flies up to heaven to deliver the prayers to God. This wonderful release was to send our prayers with the 222nd as they prepare to deploy. There were many in attendance that joined in sending prayers. Such a great experience and I am so grateful to have been able to be a part of it. This was done at the Parowan Gap. If you have never been to this site, please visit it. Such a sacred place.

Bald Eagle Release March 5th, 2011

Saturday March 5th. We will be releasing a four year old bald eagle that was rescued from Baker Reservoir on Feb 19.

The young eagle was found mostly submerged with only his head above water by Ray Makar and his dog as they walked around the shoreline of Baker Reservoir. Mr. Makar rescued the eagle from the water and immediately contacted the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. The eagle was suffering from hypothermia and its lungs were full of water. Mr. Makar wrapped the eagle in a blanket to keep it warm until Brian Shearer of the UDWR picked it up and transported it to Martin Tyner of the Southwest Wildlife Foundation. The eagle was immediately placed in intensive care receiving around the clock care. Within twenty four hours the eagle could stand and is now flying back and forth across its chamber anxiously waiting for the day of his release.

It is a common belief among many native people that if you say your prayers with an eagle feather the eagle feather will carry your prayers to God. This young bald eagle has over 7000 feathers and is capable of carrying over 7000 prayers.

As the friends and families of the Utah National Guard unit 222 are preparing for the departure of their unit we felt it would be very appropriate to dedicate this eagle release to all of the men and women of the armed forces who have served our country so courageously and their families, especially the members and the families of the 222.

The bald eagle is the emblem of our nation, our national symbol and we would like to invite anyone who would like to come and watch this beautiful eagle soar back to the wild to join us at the Parowan Gap at 4 pm Saturday March 5th.

The Parowan Gap is located approximately 17 miles north of Cedar City. Go north on the Minersville Highway approximately 15 miles. Turn right toward the Parowan Gap (its the only paved road heading east) The Parowan Gap is 2 miles east of the Minersville Highway.

If you would like the time of this amazing event please contact me.

Step 6 & 7

Two Words: Semper Fidelis.
Many of you know that the worst thing a military spouse could possibly do during a deployment is break this code. Being faithful to your soldier is one of the most, if not thee most important rule of deployment. You're the one in the States, surrounded by family and friends- if not, just surrounded by normal, familiar civilians. Every soldier would love nothing more than to be by your side and to disrespect a soldier by being unfaithful is unforgivable. Be grateful that they are defending your life and your freedom, and don't lose sight of why you fell in love with them in the first place. They are worth waiting for. Semper Fi.


Waiting Game.
The rest is simply waiting it out. Keep going on with your life and realize that they'll be home soon. Think of it as any other job and remember that the truth is that you can't make him/her come home any sooner than I or the man at the grocery store can. There's nothing you can do about his deployment now and what happens will happen with you being your soldier's soldier and holding down the home or with you laying in bed everyday closed out to the world. It's best to be able to be strong when he calls instead of make him feel worse about having to leave. Deployments are just a matter of keeping busy, keeping your mind of the bad, and looking into the sunlight. Get all the support you can online and with other family/friends going through the same exact thing. Don't let yourself fall into a rut and just be proud that you are so close to someone who has the courage to fight for your family's freedom and be proud that you have the courage to stand behind them.

Step 5- Care package guidelines

You've Got Mail! Sending letters and care packages is crucial.

Letters:
I plan on sending my Marine one letter everyday when he's gone, but that's just because we like the movie The Notebook. =] I've heard people say once a week and that's what I did with my last deployment. Personally I don't think it's enough. Let's just say..minimum-once a week, maximum-once a day. You always want to do the minimum though, because there's nothing worse than looking forward to mail day and you're the only soldier who doesn't get mail.

Care packages:
Deciding what to put in them can be hard. You don't always know what they need or want, and you don't want to send the same thing in each one either. During my first deployment, I did send normal ones and I found exactly that. It got boring, there was no surprise element, and I didn't know what to stuff them with. Buuuutttt!... I recently found a website that tells all about care packages. It's a Marine Corps website, but it can be used for any branch of the military. It'll introduces you to "theme care packages." They're so fun and I plan on using these for both of my upcoming deployments. Even if you don't like the idea and decide to do the traditional packages, I would recommend using an idea from one of the theme suggestions. It's sort of like a Day at Home. Have someone take a picture of everything you do in one day and send him things to do with it. Take a picture of you getting out of bed- send him a self-decorated pillowcase. You brushing your teeth- a mini tube of the toothpaste you use. Eating breakfast-a single serving of your cereal. (MY FAVORITE) Mowing the grass-fill a sandwich baggy with lawn clippings (it reminds them of home to smell fresh cut grass.) It just reminds them of home and reminds them you miss them in your everyday life. The website also has a link and information on how to get free boxes (select your size) and shipping labels for the your packages. http://usmcgals.com/carepackages.htm

Phone Calls:
The frequency of the calls and their length will depend on where your soldier is. They'll all have a FOB (the base) but your soldier may not be there very much depending on what they're doing. If they are there a lot, the phone calls will be more frequent and longer (once every 2-3 weeks maybe.) If they are not there, there's really no telling (anywhere from once every 3 weeks to every other month and shorter calls.) Don't get mad if they don't call or if their call gets cut off.

Read more: How to Survive Your Soldier's Deployment | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5248994_survive-soldiers-deployment.html#ixzz1F5adfnOM

Step 4

The following things go hand in hand: Optimism and Keeping Busy. It's easy to get down in the slumps sometimes, but snap out of it. Keep a positive mentality. He'll come home. He'll be alright and just think of that day. Imagine standing there waiting on the tarmac for his plane to land, finally seeing him, and running to give him the biggest hug you'll ever had in your life. You thought you both were close before- wait until his homecoming day. You'll never be more happier and grateful for life. Think of that and there's no way you won't smile. While you're thinking of your soldier, keep busy. I swear, keeping busy is the key to every deployment. The very reason I came out emotionally destroyed after my first deployment was because I wasn't busy. If you're busy you're more likely to be optimistic and not let yourself fall into self-pity. Yeah, your situation could be better, but it could also be a lot worse. Get involved with every activity that draws you in that has nothing to do with your soldier's deployment. You'll also want to get involved with every activity that has everything to do with your soldier's deployment.

Read more: How to Survive Your Soldier's Deployment | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5248994_survive-soldiers-deployment.html#ixzz1EoZl2jOm

Step 3

I can tell you I've already cried numerous times, and neither of my guys have even left yet! It's just the thought of the two single most important people in my life leaving and soon that day will come. This is probably the only step that no matter how much you prepare, the result will be the same. I know I'm going to be a wreck for at least two days (probably more) after they both leave and that's expected and fine. So go ahead, cry your heart out but only for a set period. Tell yourself you have one more hour of sulking then you're done. Your soldier always got back up after training at 29 Palms or a hard hit to the ground after a jump at Airborne School. You are your soldier's soldier now. Get back up, stand tall, and look forward to the day he comes home.

Step 2

Obviously you and your soldier are going to be scared. You may want to discuss some of these concerns with your soldier, but don't take it personally if he/she doesn't want to talk about the actual deployment. Maybe your soldier will have no problem with it. It really just depends on what type of person your soldier is, but sometimes it's easier to not think about leaving and enjoy the last few months with family. Also remember that soldiers are trained to be "rough and tough." You'll see it in their eyes before they leave that they're scared and sad to leave you. There's no need to talk in depth about what he/she "might" experience. Don't scare you or your soldier any more than you already are. The only thing they really care about is you telling them how much they mean to you, that you'll be with them through letters and care packages through the deployment, and that you'll be right there waiting when they come back.

Step 1

Discuss any concerns about taking on what could've previously been the soldier's normal duties around the house if you feel you'll have difficulty with them and discuss who could help if a problem should arise (primarily directed to the military spouse.) You may want to ask your soldier for a few contact information of a couple of soldiers (your soldier's friends) living nearby who aren't being deployment with your soldier and who could help in a case of emergency- from a broken faucet (we all know military money can be tight to call a professional out for something so small yet so important) to an emergency on base. Many times soldier's spouses move to the base shortly before a deployment and don't know anyone at all or the friends they have made are also being deployed with your soldier. It's just better to be prepared than not be.

Getting ready to deploy

I found a great article today with some super information about deployment. Please visit the website or wait because every day I will post another suggestion. Please be a follower of my blog!

It's no secret: deployments are difficult for everyone involved. Not only for the soldiers but also for the family left waiting. Whether you are a military wife, military girlfriend, Army mother, Marine sister, Air Force father, Navy brother, or any other significant person in a soldier's life, the difficulties faced on the home front are uniform. I am a Marine Rifleman's girlfriend and an 82nd Airborne Paratrooper's sister. I have gone through one deployment in the past that left me emotionally destroyed. Now I'm getting ready to wait through my brother's and my Marine's simultaneous deployments next month. Going into these two deployments, I keep thinking to myself, "If I only knew before my first deployment what I know now." These next steps will share what I learned from being on the home front during deployment #1 and how to make your upcoming time apart more bearable for both you and your soldier.

Read more: How to Survive Your Soldier's Deployment | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5248994_survive-soldiers-deployment.html#ixzz1EFOIRCEN

Have you joined JSS?

Please visit the site
http://jointservicessupport.org/Default.aspx
After you register, you will receive all sorts of great information about all different things and what is going on that is available to you and your family through the military. Please join. It only takes a few minutes and most importantly it is secure and with our soldiers, that is TOP priority. Thanks!

OMK- Operation Military Kids

If any of you have ever had any experience with this program you will agree with me that it is TOTALLY awesome!!!!!! They have partnered up with Utah State University Cooperative Extension 4-H here in Utah and offers all sorts of cool things for kids to do. The best part about this is that all the kids are military kids. I firmly believe having someone to talk to in the same situation as you is soooo helpful! Why would it be any different for our kids? Here is the website. http://www.utah4-h.org/htm/omk Most of the fun stuff are held in St. George. They had an amazing summer program last year. Check out the activities. They also promote a program called "Hero Packs". This is a program that fills backpacks for kids affected by military deployment. www.operationmilitarykids.org/public/heropacks.aspx These backpacks are filled with all sorts of stuff from digital cameras, notebooks, pens and picture frames. Fun stuff to help the kids stay in touch with their deployed parent.

Check it out and if any of your organizations are looking for a humanitarian project this is a worthy one.


Again I am sorry if the links aren't working. Just cut and paste.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America website

This looks to be a good one.
http://iava.org

First Free Treatment- Access to Recovery

I wanted to share an email I received today. This is just an example of what great programs the military has to offer. Please, please, if they apply to you, take advantage of these programs because that is the only way we will have more available to us. -Amanda

Subject: First Free Treatment - Access to Recovery (UNCLASSIFIED)

On behalf of the Utah Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health and the
Utah National Guard, The Substance Abuse Prevention, Treatment, & Outreach
(PTO) office is pleased to announce the approaching implementation of the
Access to Recovery Grant.

The Access to Recovery Grant (ATR) is a $10.6 million grant that provides
monetary support of all phases of the treatment and recovery process. What
this means is FREE treatment for all Service Members, both Army and Air, the
families of Service Members to include mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers,
teen-age children, and adult sons and daughters!

Anyone who is remotely connected to a Service Member can qualify for this
grant.

The grant currently services clients in Salt Lake County, Weber County, and
Utah County. I am working closely with the implementation team to contract
with providers in Washington County, but as of yet that has not happened.
We will field cases from the Southern Region for alternative plans.

The contracts with the providers are being signed, and we can make referrals
as soon as the 15 FEB 2011.

There has never been a better time to get treatment and counseling services
than now. Military Members and our families go through hard times and are
affected by the disease of addiction.
There is a way out!

Call SFC April Rylander at (801) 432-4943 or e-mail at

april.elise.rylander@us.army.miL

Group of support in Southern Utah

I would like to know if you have a soldier! Please let me know what your military story is. I would also like your contact information if you are interested in going to lunch with some other southern Utah soldier families. Hope to see you soon!

Purpose of Families Left Home

I have been a military wife for almost 16 years. My husband joined the Utah National Guard right after we were married. He is now in Ft. Sill, OK where he is completing his training to become an officer. He attended SUU (Southern Utah University) ROTC program. They have a wonderful program up there. He has until April when he will come home and then head right up north for the unit's annual training. The month of May we will have him home just for a brief moment while he prepares to leave for Indiana in June. He will be deploying overseas for a year. So enough about my situation....
I have a wonderful FRG (Family Readiness Group) Leader. She is so amazing! She has organized and rallied a group of wives, mothers and soldier's significant others. She has created responsibilities and chairpersons over those responsibilities. The battery has a newsletter that is put out every month. They have lunch together every month. I am not able to attend because of the distance so that is one reason I am starting this blog. I would LOVE to get a group of us soldier significant others together and have lunch once a month. This would especially help us through the deployment. It is really nice to have family and friends around to help out but someone in the same situation makes it all so much easier. Kindof like your the top card in a playing card tower being supported by many.
The 2nd reason for starting this blog is information. I have found that just being on the email list of some of the military programs keeps me informed of tons of different things that are available to me. This is the 1st time I have ever felt like I am involved in the military career of my husband. I know its not much but it does make a difference. The United States Military has tons of resources that are available. I thought it would be nice to share those resources and hopefully find out a little bit more about them. I hope the things I find will help "families left home" out there that are feeling really alone while their soldier is gone.