Operation Prayers and Letters Newsletter
December 2013
In This Issue
Total Cards Sent
Recent Changes
Card Writer Focus
Where Are They Now?

  

Total Cards Sent:

      87,062

Most Recent Changes
  
Added: Cpl. Craig
Removed: None
 
Visit us online! Click here to view the current list of names any time.

 

 

Card Writer Focus:

  

A very special thank you to the students and teachers of Thornfield Elementary School in Thornfield MO for their fantastic letters and pictures this month. It always brings smiles when letters come from the kids!
Send Cards & Letters to:

Marine's Name & Company
c/o OperationPAL
P.O. Box 758
Columbia, Missouri  65205 

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Greetings!

blackmore card May the joy and wonder of the holiday season fill your days and love and laughter fill your home.

 

May the new year bring you hope and happiness. 

 

May peace be with you always.

 

Happy Holidays, 

 

Angie Regan

Volunteer Manager
Operation PAL™
MarineParents.com, Inc

 

 

 

Wishing you a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year! 

 

Credit to Caregivers:
Recognizing Those Who Care For Others

HM2 Anthony with wife, Ivonne, and son, AJ.
Did you know that November was National Family Caregivers Month? It's a time to recognize, thank, and honor the selfless men and women around our country who make it their life's work to care for others.

 

However, here at OPPAL, we feel that while it's wonderful that caregivers are recognized in November, it's important to remember that what they do is a year-round job, and that every day is a good day to keep them in our thoughts and prayers.

 

Through trials and tribulations most can't even begin to fathom, these mothers, fathers, spouses, siblings, family members, and/or fellow veterans take on the roles of caregiver, physical therapist, and champion, among others, all without a second thought, and all while trying to balance their duties as a caregiver with the duties and demands of everyday life.

 

As we can see from any of the OPPAL participants' profile pages, these caregivers all have lives of their own, in addition to their role as caregivers. Some are also trying to raise a child (or children). Some have to work out of the home and can't be present at all times. Some may be dealing with illness, either their own or that of a loved one. Trying to find a balance between caring for a Wounded Hero and the responsibilities of life can be an incredibly difficult, frustrating task. I, for one, do not know how they do it, but it is truly inspirational!  

 

Anytime you are writing to one of our OPPAL participants, please feel free to send a note of encouragement to his or her caregiver as well. While no one takes on this role for recognition, it's always nice to know that what you're doing is appreciated, and I'm sure your kind words will bring a smile on what might otherwise be a long and hectic day.

 

In the spirit of thanking and honoring caregivers for all that they do, I wanted to share a wonderful article with you. Reading it reminded me to stop and be mindful of our military families and their Wounded Heroes. This article mentions one of our OPPAL families, HM2 Anthony & his wife, Ivonne.  Please click here to read the article!

 

Where Are They Now? 
Cpl. Larry 2/3 Golf Company 

 

A snowstorm in Cpl. Larry's home town had him in the spotlight recently being hailed as a hero after he used his pickup to pull three stranded motorists out of a ditch along an icy stretch of the road near his home, but he humbly denies any heroism. Cpl. Larry said he said he felt compelled to help because the motorists are a part of the community that has blessed him so much. Despite his insistence that he wasn't being heroic, an elderly couple that Cpl. Larry rescued insists they will still call him their hero for his thoughtfulness and efforts to help them in their time of need. 

 

To read the news story, please click here...

 

Cpl. Larry was a part of the program from August 2009 until September 2012. For Cpl. Larry's full story, please click here to visit his profile...

 

Mission Statement & Thank You

 

OperationPAL provides support -- through prayers and letters from the general public -- to military members who have been injured or become ill while serving in combat zones. This outreach program encourages support of our wounded heroes in communities throughout the United States.

 

Thank you so very much for remembering our wounded and ill when you write and pray. Your kindness is most appreciated!