May 28, 2012

Dear Members and Friends, 

As many of you know, last Wednesday we celebrated Dom Giordano's 

birthday with an intimate affair at Andriotti's Viennese Cafe in Cherry Hill.

Various members and friends, such as Gene Shusman and Marshall Perlman, were on hand to give Dom best wishes on the occasion of his 39th birthday :)

Everyone enjoyed Dom's line of fine wines, a delicious three course dinner, and congenial conversation.

This week, as we commemorate Memorial Day 2012, we hope to do more than just remember those who fought and died for America over its 235 year plus history.  

In our region, we are fortunate to have several organizations committed to keeping the memory of our fallen heroes alive and well -- 365 days a year. 

We seek to honor two such organizations, today, by holding a Memorial Day Money Drop to assist them in sustaining their respective missions.

Both the American Sheepdogs and the Travis Manion Foundation will

reach their five year milestones within months of each other.

On every consecutive Saturday since the first week of September, 2007, the American sheepdogs, under the direction of Rich Davis, have rallied at the West Chester County Courthouse in support of our troops. 

On most weekends, they are opposed by a group of peaceniks.  The Sheepdog mission:  Keep our troops in the consciousness of all who pass

by the rally -- whether on foot or by car.

The Sheepdogs, however, have done more than just rally.  Their activism 

helped spawned the Pennsylvania Conservative Council and provided needed moral and volunteer support to the Independence Hall Tea Party

Association.

In a similar vein, The Travis Manion Foundation, begun by Janet Manion shortly after her only son, 1st Lt. Travis Manion, was killed in Iraq (April 29, 2007), has inspired so many with its theme -- taken from a quote uttered by Lt. Manion just prior to his fateful deployment -- "If not me, then who..." 

The Foundation has a threefold program: Honor the Fallen; Character Does Matter; 911 Heroes Run.  Its mission:  "Assist our nation's veterans and the families of Fallen Heroes..."

Last month, we sadly reported on the death of Janet Manion who had succumbed to cancer on April 24, 2012 -- almost five years to the day of her heroic son's death.  (Unbelievable as it may seem, Janet's own mother died just a few hours earlier -- also on April 24, 2012.)

During our 48 hour Money Drop, we hope to raise at least $1000 to assist these worthy organizations.  The money collected will be divided equally and then sent directly to the organizations. 

If you would be willing to make a $5 or $10 donation towards our goal, we would be most appreciative.  We will provide you with timely updates along with other important news.

God Bless all of you, our fallen heroes and their families, and the entire military who have served, or are currently serving, our great nation.

On behalf of the Association Board of Directors,

Teri Adams