Support Our Troops This Holiday Season ~ Month of Camo Vehicles

[Charlene]

Lets Support the Military Families this Holiday Season! Share with your friends...Lets Make an Impact!

You may have heard of Toys for Tots, and have probably given to a toy drive, but do you know what their goal and objectives are?


U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program

MISSION:
The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

GOAL:
The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.

OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of Toys for Tots are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future.

ACTIVITIES:
The principal Toys for Tots activity which takes place each year is the collection and distribution of toys in the communities in which a Marine Corps Reserve Unit is located. In communities without a Reserve Unit, the campaign can be conducted by a Marine Corps League Detachment or group of men and women, generally veteran Marines, authorized by Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to conduct a local Toys for Tots campaign. Local Toys for Tots Campaign Coordinators conduct an array of activities throughout the year, which include golf tournaments, foot races, bicycle races and other voluntary events designed to increase interest inToys for Tots, and concurrently generate toys and monetary donations.


You can still Donate a Toy: Find a Location Near You: http://www.toysfortots.org/donate/toys.aspx


See All the Camo Vehicles and Opportunities to Reach Out at http://bowermedia.com/2012/12/a-month-of-camo-vehicles/

 

[Charlene]

PPPPSSSSTTTTTT This one looks familiar




Lets Support the Military Families this Holiday Season! Share with your friends...Lets Make an Impact!

Have you watched the Lifetime Original Series 'Army Wives'? http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/army-wives

"Army Wives,†Lifetime's most successful series in the network's history follows the struggles, dreams and friendships of a diverse group of women — and one man — living with their spouses and families on an active Army post. The series films in Charleston, South Carolina, and stars Kim Delaney (Claudia Joy Holden), Sally Pressman (Roxy LeBlanc), Brigid Brannagh (Pamela Moran), Brian McNamara (Michael Holden), Sterling K. Brown (Roland Burton), Wendy Davis (Joan Burton), Drew Fuller (Trevor LeBlanc), Terry Serpico (Frank Sherwood) and Catherine Bell (Denise Sherwood).

Kelli Williams ("The Practice") joins the cast this season, playing Jacqueline "Jackie" Clarke, the ambitious wife of two-star Major General Kevin Clarke. Television icon Susan Lucci ("All My Children") makes several guest star appearances as Audrey, the wife of a retired Brigadier General, reuniting her with her former "All My Children" co-star Delaney.

The series is based on the book “Army Wives†by Tanya Biank, who serves as a show consultant.

Season 7 Premies March 2013. Watch some highlights from the show here: http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/army-wives



See All the Camo Vehicles and Opportunities to Reach Out at http://bowermedia.com/2012/12/a-month-of-camo-vehicles/

 

[Charlene]

Lets Support the Military Families this Holiday Season! Share with your friends...Lets Make an Impact!



If you are travelling "home" this weekend or to your families home, and are in the airport, watch for the Military folks and don't be shy to say Thank You. TSA has an entire page on how to assist the Military travel easier.

Thank You for Your Service to Our Country!

Source: http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/military-personnel

We salute and appreciate the sacrifice of all of the men and women of the U.S. Armed Services. The following are some helpful hints for screening your person, carry-on bags and checked baggage to help you achieve a trouble-free travel experience at the airport.

We provide information for family members who would like to obtain gate passes to accompany or meet loved ones at the gate and in addition provide comprehensive airport security information for severely injured military personnel.

- Screening of Military Personnel
- Packing Tips for Military Personnel
- Transporting Firearms and Ammunition
- Transport of Weapons by an Individual Soldier

- Accommodations for U.S. Military Personnel

Military Family Member Gate Passes

Family members who want to accompany a military service member being deployed to the boarding gate or greet them returning from deployment at the arrival gate may receive passes to enter the secure area of the airport.

Interested military family members should contact their air carrier representative at the departure/arrival airport for proper local procedures.

- Severely Injured Military Personnel
- Persons with Disabilities Security Screening

For More Information go to: http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/military-personnel



See All the Camo Vehicles and Opportunities to Reach Out at http://bowermedia.com/2012/12/a-month-of-camo-vehicles/

 

[Charlene]

Lets Support the Military Families this Holiday Season! Share with your friends...Lets Make an Impact!



With only 3 days of Christmas Shopping left, here is an option for some Unique and Quality Military Themed Gifts for those in Your Family or a Friend that needs to be uplifted for their efforts: http://www.militarygifts4u.com

ABOUT Military Gifts 4 U:

We at Military Gifts 4 U are retired military members and want to honor our US Military with the best and most unique products we can find in a variety of categories. If you can'f find what you are looking for, give us a chance to research and find it for you. We can also take care of specialized unit requests with certain minimum orders.

Please make us your number 1 resource for military gift items and t-shirts.

Our site is sorted into categories to make it easier to shop. Below is a list of products lines we carry for each branch of the military.

See a HUGE Selection of Products: http://www.militarygifts4u.com



See All the Camo Vehicles and Opportunities to Reach Out at http://bowermedia.com/2012/12/a-month-of-camo-vehicles/

(Of Course there had to be a Camo Limo!!! )

 

[Charlene]

Lets Support the Military Families this Holiday Season! Share with your friends...Lets Make an Impact!


We know that Animals have healing power. Their unconditional love that greets you at the door. The Soldier's Best Friend program is an excellent opportunity available to Military with PTSD or TBI. Tell someone who may benefit from this service: http://soldiersbestfriend.org/


Soldier's Best Friend

Our Mission: To provide United States military veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with a trained Service or Therapeutic Companion Dog, most of these dogs of which will be rescued from local shelters.

Our Goal: To help our war heroes improve in their symptoms of PTSD, adjust back into civilian life, lead a more productive life and help them build self esteem. This is accomplished by pairing the veteran with a dog and training the two together. We also want to help the pet overpopulation problem by helping place shelter or rescue dogs into good homes.

We are devoted to helping our veterans and the pet overpopulation problem.

Once a veteran or active military member is accepted into our program they will be paired with a dog adopted from a local shelter or with a dog already owned by the vet.

Depending on the individual need of the applicant we will train them with 1 of 2 types of dogs; a Certified Service Dog or a Therapeutic Companion Dog / Emotional Support Animal.

A Certified Service Dog is allowed by law to enter public places such as the veteran’s work place, restaurants, buses, stores, etc. These are rights set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

A Therapeutic Companion Dog / Emotional Support Animal will not be allowed to enter most public venues. This dog is fully obedience trained. These dogs by law are allowed to board airplanes and live in non pet friendly environments.

Read More and See Full Application Process: http://soldiersbestfriend.org



See All the Camo Vehicles and Opportunities to Reach Out at http://bowermedia.com/2012/12/a-month-of-camo-vehicles/

 

[Charlene]

Lets Support the Military Families this Holiday Season! Share with your friends...Lets Make an Impact!



I just found an Awesome Website! Soldiers' Angels ~ May No Soldier Go Unloved

This is their History and over the next couple days we will look at some of their projects and ways to make sure that Every Soldier is Loved!

Soldiers' Angels was started by a self-described ordinary mother of two American soldiers, Patti Patton-Bader. Her eldest son, Staff Sergeant Brandon Varn, deployed to Iraq from 2003-2004, and her youngest was deployed in 2008.

In the summer of his 2003, Brandon expressed concern that some soldiers in his deployed unit did not receive any mail or support from home. Being a loving and caring mother, Patti decided not to allow a situation like that to continue. She quickly contacted a handful of friends and extended family and asked if they would support a soldier or two. Within just a few months, Soldiers' Angels went from a mother sending a few extra care packages and letters, to an Internet community with thousands of Angels worldwide.

With more and more merchants donating services, money and items for packages, Soldiers' Angels reorganized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in 2004. Soldiers' Angels currently supports tens of thousands of American military personnel around the world and here at home. Today our hundreds of thousands of volunteers are led by an all-volunteer Board of Trustees as Soldiers' Angels works around the world to address military-related needs ranging from deployed support to wounded care, to remembrance of the fallen and a wide variety assistance for military families.

Read More: Soldiers' Angels - May No Soldier Go Unloved




See All the Camo Vehicles and Opportunities to Reach Out at A Month of Camo…Vehicles | Bower Media

 

[Charlene]

Lets Support the Military Families this Holiday Season! Share with your friends...Lets Make an Impact!


Happy Christmas Eve! I have found another site that has a lot of great opportunities for Supporting Soldiers - Wounded Soldiers participate in sports and work on cars!

Operation Comfort - It didn't allow me to copy and paste their objectives so please click here: http://www.operationcomfort.org/about-us/

They have 7 different programs (listed) including Amputee Surfing, Automotivation, Hand Cycling and Bike Riding, Swimming, Skiing, Sled Hockey, Softball and general Family Financial Assistance. http://www.operationcomfort.org/programs/

Just another way that others are Supporting a Soldier.

See All the Camo Vehicles and Opportunities to Reach Out at http://bowermedia.com/2012/12/a-month-of-camo-vehicles/

 

[Charlene]

Lets Support the Military Families this Holiday Season! Share with your friends...Lets Make an Impact! More at Race Team Store

Christmas Day, I raise my glass and say a prayer for all of our Soldiers away from their families this year. I found this Christmas Poem, both written and in YouTube form...

A SOLDIER'S CHRISTMAS

'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
in a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.


I had come down the chimney with presents to give,
and to see just who in this little house lived.


As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.


No Stockings by mantle, just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.


With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,
A sobering thought came through my mind.


For this house was different, it was dark and dreary,
The home of a soldier, I could now see clearly.


The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.


The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder,
Not how I picture a United States Soldier.


Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?
Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?


I realized the families that I saw this night,
owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.


Soon round the world, the children would play,
and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.


They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,
because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.


I couldn't help wondering how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.


The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to one knee and started to cry.


The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,
"Santa don't cry, for this life is my choice".


I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more,
My life is my God, my country, my corps."


The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.


I kept watch for hours, so silent and still,
as we both shivered from the cold night's chill.


I didn't want to leave, on that cold, dark night,
this guardian of honor, so willing to fight.


Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure,
whispered, "Carry on Santa...., It's Christmas Day...., All is secure.


One look at my watch, and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend.... and to all a Good Night.

~ Author Unknown *~

Source: http://asoldierschristmas.com/

Watch YouTube Video
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdEFaOoSBsw"]A Soldier's Night Before Christmas - YouTube[/ame]



See All the Camo Vehicles and Opportunities to Reach Out at http://bowermedia.com/2012/12/a-month-of-camo-vehicles/

One of our own....

 

[Charlene]

Lets Support the Military Families this Holiday Season! Share with your friends...Lets Make an Impact!


Another option for sending and supporting our troops. Started in Aug of 2003 and still in motion now, this program gives you the direct opportunity to ship to AnySoldier, AnyMarine, AnySailor, AnyAirman, AnyCoastGuard.


Find out more: AnySoldier.com

From Their website:
This effort is 100% voluntary.
You send your support, and maybe some stuff, directly to whatever unit or units YOU select.

We have volunteer Soldier "contacts" on the "Where To Send" page. They list what the folks they represent want and need. Click through the names and YOU select who YOU wish to support, then YOU send direct to them. We even have a search capability so you can easily identify what the troops need, who you wish to support, etc.

All the Soldiers involved in this effort are military volunteers stationed in areas that are overseas. You send your support (letters and/or packages) addressed to them and when they see the "Attn: Any Soldier®" line in their address they put your letters and packages into the hands of Soldiers who don't get much or any mail first. Everything is shared.

We also have "What to Send", "How to Send" and "FAQ" pages to help you properly send letters and packages, please read these. Be sure to also read our "News & Stuff" and "Success Stories" pages.
We have a video you may watch free online, "Tango Mike!" which is a great overview of how the site works.
The video may be purchased (at our cost) HERE.

PLEASE read the entire web site before you send anything, then START SMALL.
Please, never start a drive or collection unless you have sent packages yourself first.
We want you to be informed and comfortable with this effort.

Find out more: AnySoldier.com



See All the Camo Vehicles and Opportunities to Reach Out at A Month of Camo…Vehicles | Bower Media

 

[Charlene]

This is an intriguing need for our wounded soldiers: Adaptive Clothing made by Sew Much Comfort (SMC) established in 2004. http://www.sewmuchcomfort.org/

Our Mission

To provide custom-made adaptive clothing, free of charge, to all wounded service members from current conflicts and from all branches of the military and National Guard. We wish to aide in their recovery, provide a tangible reminder of our gratitude for their sacrifice and give them an added measure of comfort, dignity and freedom as they recover from their injuries and return to everyday life. Adaptive clothing accommodates their medical devices and situations, provides ease of use, increases personal independence and minimizes the visual impact of their injuries.

•Sew Much Comfort has created adaptive clothing and comfort accessories to meet the unique needs of the wounded. From the beginning of the design process we solicited input from the wounded and the medical staff to ensure that SMC clothing meets the broadest needs of the injured.

•Seamstresses use copyrighted patterns and instructions created by SMC to create our custom adaptive clothing.

•Sew Much Comfort provides adaptive clothing to all branches of the military and national guard serving in current conflicts.

•Sew Much Comfort is the only organization providing adaptive clothing at no cost to our wounded service members.

•Since we organized in November of 2004, SMC has provided 115,000 plus pieces of adaptive clothing to military hospitals in the United States, Germany, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Here is a Thank you Letter from a Soldier that also helps explain how they help:::::

I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart

My name is Antonio. You probably don't remember me or my story but, I remember you every time I open one of my clothes drawers. I received some of your clothes during my stay in Walter Reed Medical Center, as I was there recovering from wounds I received in Afghanistan. I was very badly wounded and your clothes with the Velcro sides allowed me to change my clothes with less pain than I would have been able to otherwise. When I left Walter Reed for Palo Alto my wife Veronica contacted your group asking for help again. I am very happy to say that your group was able to once again help me and sent me more pants, shorts, and drawers which I still use today. I just want to thank you and your group for all your help I had broken my pelvis, shattered my foot and broken both my legs. Without your fine clothes I don't I would have been able to be dressed without being in terrible agony so I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you and the volunteers who help you do it really means a lot to me and my wife. If you can thank everyone there it would mean a whole lot to us. By the way I came though fine my pelvis was fixed, my legs healed and I lost my foot. Don't worry about the foot though it was my left one which I never liked anyways and I have a prosthesis already so I am walking already. Once again thank you and keep up the good work. ~Antonio



Read More and see how you as a Seamstress or donator can help contribute: http://www.sewmuchcomfort.org/



See All the Camo Vehicles and Opportunities to Reach Out at http://bowermedia.com/2012/12/a-month-of-camo-vehicles/

 

[Charlene]

Lets Support the Military Families this Holiday Season! Share with your friends...Lets Make an Impact!


The PURPLE HEART is awarded to members of the armed forces of the U.S. who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action. It is specifically a combat decoration.

The organization now known as the "Military Order of the Purple Heart," was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received the decoration. Composed exclusively of Purple Heart recipients, it is the only veterans service organization comprised strictly of “combat†veterans.

Funds for welfare, rehabilitation and/or service work carried on by the organization are derived through the collection of used household items, the operation of thrift stores, through the donation of automobiles and, at the community level, from the annual distribution of its official flower, the Purple Heart Viola. Violas are assembled by disabled and needy veterans, many of whom receive little or no compensation from other sources. Thus, your contribution to our programs serve are two-fold. First, they help the veterans who participate in these endeavors and, secondly, they enable the organization to do many things on behalf of hospitalized and needy veterans and their families.

Wives, mothers, daughters, step-daughters and adopted daughters of Purple Heart recipients are eligible to belong to the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, which also does important work nationally and locally in veterans' hospitals.

...As of August 2012...

The National Headquarters of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) is located in Springfield, Virginia.
The Order now includes about 45,300 total members, organized into 6 geographical Regions, 50 State Departments, and 478 Chapters.
The Order’s annual operating budget is approximately $9.7 million of which nearly $6.4 million goes to support the Service Program.
The majority of the funding is received from the MOPH Service Foundation through either restricted or unrestricted grants.
The Service Foundation receives their money through various fundraising activities, such as thrift stores and a vehicle donation program.

The Order has a number of national programs which are described below.
READ MORE: http://purpleheart.org/DownLoads/MOPHFactSheet.pdf

Learn more about the Purple Heart, their Programs and how to Become a Member. http://purpleheart.org



See All the Camo Vehicles and Opportunities to Reach Out at http://bowermedia.com/2012/12/a-month-of-camo-vehicles/

 

[Charlene]

Lets Support the Military Families this Holiday Season! Share with your friends...Lets Make an Impact!



This is a completely different look at Supporting our Troops. Spirit of America: Make the troops safer and more successful at their jobs in other countries. Helps them get home quicker and safer.


Watch Video that explains the Spirit of America by the CEO Jim Hake. http://bloom.bg/HNDdMd#ooid=02MnRoNDqMVWUsHHNeh_mxEovnrfHqiP




Spirit of America is a non-profit organization: a 501c3 public charity. Our mission is to help Americans serving abroad assist people in need.

We were founded in 2003. Since then we have provided millions in targeted assistance to help US troops to help local people in the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa: Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Iraq, Pakistan, Djibouti and Kenya.

We've established a groundbreaking model for partnership of a nonprofit organization with the US military. Our support is fast, flexible and decentralized. It improves conditions and relationships on the front lines. It makes our troops safer and more successful in their mission. And, it helps people in remote areas that official aid programs don't often reach.

Examples of our support

Goods: we've provided sewing machines, school supplies, tools, water pumps, solar lights, midwife kits, winter jackets, sandals, medical supplies and much more.

Expertise: we provide troops access to private-sector know-how through our partnership with GLG Research. Troops only need ask us a question. We've connected troops with experts in flood control, road construction, business creation and more.

Solutions: Our School Partners program pairs American schools with schools in countries where US troops serve. Students videoconference and US schools assist their overseas partner.

How we are funded

100% of every dollar you contribute goes directly to the project, or use, that you choose. We are supported solely through private contributions from individuals, foundations and businesses.

We do not receive funding from the government or military but each private gift dollar to Spirit of America builds upon investments already being made by the United States.

Why people support us

Some see Spirit of America as a way to support our troops and help them be safer and more successful in their mission. Others see us as a way to help directly people who have suffered from repression, conflict and war. And others see Spirit of America as a way to improve the position and image of America in the world and advance freedom and peace.

Read and Learn More: http://www.spiritofamerica.net/



See All the Camo Vehicles and Opportunities to Reach Out at http://bowermedia.com/2012/12/a-month-of-camo-vehicles/

 

[Charlene]

Lets Support the Military Families this Holiday Season! Share with your friends...Lets Make an Impact!



Another Opportunity to support our Troops: Operation Homefront

MISSION: Operation Homefront (OH) provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded warriors.

VISION: Through generous, widespread public support and a collaborative team of exceptional staff and volunteers, we aspire to become the provider of choice for emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded warriors. Where there is a need we do not provide, we will partner with others for the benefit of our military families.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In 2011, we met 155,984 needs for military families, including active duty, Guard and Reserve members from all branches of service. Since its inception, Operation Homefront has provided more than $128 million dollars of funding to programs to benefit military families. Moreover, it has served more than 4,200 wounded warriors and their families.

KEY SERVICES: Operation Homefront provides direct services to alleviate a military family’s or individual’s actual/complete emergency financial burden, as well as counseling and/or recovery support. Emergency financial assistance is in the form of checks paid directly to mortgage lenders, auto mechanics, contractors, hospitals, doctors, dentists and other providers. Other emergency funding assistance, which an applicant receives within 24 to 72 hours, includes the following:

• Financial assistance
• Emergency food
• Emergency home repairs
• Critical baby items: formula, food and diapers
• Home and appliance repair
• Furniture and household items
• Local moving assistance
• Community events
• Wounded Warrior Transitional Family Housing

Read more: http://www.operationhomefront.net

QUICK AND SIMPLE - Looks like they have an opportunity to receive $250,000 with votes. Here is the link, it's simple: http://www.operationhomefront.net/highlights.aspx?id=15654



See All the Camo Vehicles and Opportunities to Reach Out at http://bowermedia.com/2012/12/a-month-of-camo-vehicles/

 

[Charlene]

Lets Support the Military Families this Holiday Season! Share with your friends...Lets Make an Impact!


Good news starting Jan 1st for the Military, a 1.7% pay increase for 2013.

2013 US Military Basic Pay Charts

December 27, 2012, President Obama signed Executive Order 13635 "Adjustments of Certain Rates of Pay" that increased the rates of monthly basic pay by 1.7% pay raise per ECI for members of the uniformed services per U.S.C. 37 203(a), and made it effective January 1, 2013. When the NDAA for 2013 is signed, the funding will be available for the raise. If the NDAA is not signed in time for the Jan. 1 effective date, pay will be made retroactive.

On December 21, 2012, reconciled and approved by both the full Senate and House, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2013 is now on its way to President Obama for final signature. Because there is no change to the mandate of U.S.C. Title 37 in the bill, the 1.7 percent military pay raise based on ECI will be approved via Executive Order (same procedure as last year) -- the effective date of the raise will be January 1, 2013. Provided the president signs the NDAA before the New Year to provide funding for the pay raise, it should be part of the first check of 2013.

Read More and See Charts: http://www.navycs.com/2013-military-pay-chart.html




See All the Camo Vehicles and Opportunities to Reach Out at http://bowermedia.com/2012/12/a-month-of-camo-vehicles/

 

[Charlene]

Another month has come to an end. The Month of Military Family Awareness took a couple different turns after some researching.

What did I learn?

I learned that for most people the words “I support the Military†is easily said, but there are very few actually “doing something.â€

I learned that there are many websites that are built to “support the military†but only a handful have actually been updated in the last 12 months, much less even more recent.

I learned that most of the organizations that are asking to support the Military are asking for Money, not necessarily good faith or work.

I learned that as of December 31st, 2011 – there are 1,414,000 Active Military and there are more than 312 million Americans. In doing the math that is less that a half of percent of Americans are in the Active Military.

I learned about PTSD and the long term effect on not only the person, but also on their families.

I decided that I want to be part of the Wreaths Across America Day next year and have already put a note on my 2013 calendar.

I learned that there are only a handful of Camo Vehicles!


To see all the Camo Vehicles from this month (Plus more from the file!) and review the different organizations that we highlighted, be sure to visit: http://bowermedia.com/2012/12/a-month-of-camo-vehicles/