September 19, 2014
 

 

Did you happen to watch episode three of the television series Saving Heroes on the American Heroes Channel? If not, I guarantee you'll want to be on the lookout for the re-run!

 

In this particular episode, a film crew followed Operation PAL participant Sgt Eddie and captured some pretty awesome moments in the days leading up to and of his blue shark fishing expedition!

 

Since beginning my volunteer work with MarineParents over two years ago, I haven't met any of the Operation PAL participants in person, I have only been able to see photos and correspond with the participants and their families through the mail, via email, and on the occasional phone call.  

 

Seeing Sgt Eddie on the big screen absolutely moved me to tears! To say I was hooked on Eddie's infectious smile and sense of humor would be an understatement. I was amazed by the dedication he displayed to complete his lifelong mission of catching a blue shark--he actually trained in advance, practicing exercises that would help him to use the rod and reel to land his catch!

 

During their visit with Eddie and his family, host Lt. Colonel Michael Kay and the film crew were invited to tour Eddie's "man-cave".  As the camera man panned the room, I saw shelf after shelf of cards and letters that Angela, Eddie's Mom, has been saving over the years. I know that if you have written to Sgt Eddie at any time within the past six years, your correspondence can be found on one of those shelves!  What an amazing testament to how much your support & encouragement means!

 

The creators of the Saving Heroes series want to focus on thanking those who serve our country with more than words. The show intends to cover stories about military veterans, first responders, and everyday people who risk their lives to protect others. I don't know about you, but I have set my DVR to record the entire season of the show. In my neck of the woods, it airs Saturdays at 9 a.m. And, if you happen to see that a re-run of Season 1, Episode 3 (titled "We're Going to Need a Bigger Boat") is going to air, please set aside some time to watch it. You'll be so glad you did!

 

God Bless!

 

Angie Regan

Volunteer Manager
Operation Prayer and Letters™
MarineParents.com, Inc.
Card Writer Focus:
Preschoolers With Big Hearts Send a Little Love to Cpl Casey
 
Cpl Casey received a very special package of colorful construction paper cards from a group of kiddos with very big hearts!   
  
A letter from Dina, a grandmother of one of the preschoolers, that was included with the notes, had a very special message for Casey as well. "I know that this is a really hard time for you and I can only tell you that things will get better, but most of all look at your little girl when things are at their worst and realize that because of you, she will be able to have a wonderful life"  it read.
 
As you can see, persons of any age can offer support to, and boost the morale of, wounded, ill, and injured service members!  To find out how your family can help Operation Prayers & Letters, please click here.
Participant Highlight:
A Special Message to YOU From Cpl Casey's Mom

We would like to pass along this wonderful thank you note CPL Casey's mom, Kelly, wrote to all of his supporters:

 

Dearest Operation PAL -  

I had to write & thank you for forwarding all the kind cards & letters from around the nation.


All the cards & letters will be read by Casey and, someday, little Ava. She will see the love & support for her Daddy.  

I pray nightly for all the kind souls that took the time to write & show support.


Your generosity will be remembered forever!


God Bless.


Kelly

 

To visit CPL Casey's Operation PAL page, please click here... 

Gold Star Family Day:
Will You Light a Candle to Honor and Remember?

Thirty-six Gold Star luminaries glowed on the hilltop from sunset until sunrise.
 
In 2012, I attended my very first Gold Star Luminary event organized and hosted by the staff at Marine Parents. 
 
We joined hundreds of communities across the nation in coming together to light luminaries in honor and remembrance of those who have given their lives in defense of our nation. 

 

Last year, we were extremely honored to have a Gold Star Mother, Sherry Wyatt, in attendance. She shared stories of her son, Army Spc Sterling Wyatt, who was killed on patrol just three short months earlier. When Sherry finished speaking, Marine Parents Founder and Executive Director Tracy Della Vecchia led us in a heartfelt prayer to close out the ceremony. She knew just what to say.   

 

It is very true that heartache does not discriminate. It does not care if you're Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines. It doesn't care if you are on active duty or in the Reserves. It doesn't care if you're a parent, a son, a daughter, or any other sort of relative or friend. Americans of all walks of life are forced to deal with the pain of losing a loved one in defense of our country. In honor of these American heroes and their families, I have pledged to forever mark the last Sunday in September on my calendar to acknowledge their sacrifice.

 

Will you join us this year on September 28th and light a candle to honor and remember? To pledge your support of the Gold Star Luminary Initiative, please click here....

Mission Statement & Thank You

The mission of Operation Prayers and Letters™ is to provide support to wounded, ill, and injured troops through prayers and letters written by people in communities throughout the United States.

Thank you so very much for keeping our wounded, ill, and injured service members in your thoughts when you write and pray. Your kindness is most appreciated!
In This Issue
Total Cards Sent:

91,780
Most Recent Changes:


Added: None

Removed: None 


Operation Prayer and Letters™ Writer Spotlight:

We welcome photos and stories from all our Operation Prayers and Letters writers. Thank you for all the love, support, and encouragement you send to the wounded, ill, and injured participants! You truly are making a difference.

Send Cards and 
Letters to:

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

Spread the Word!



 

Or just text Operation PAL 
to 22828 to sign up!

 

Join Us Online

We hope this week's edition of our email newsletter has been useful for you and your family. If there are topics you would like us to address, or if you have other suggestions for the newsletter, please contact us.  

 

MarineParents.com, Inc., is an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) public charity. MarineParents.com was founded in January 2003 in response to parents' needs to find information and to have a Place to Connect and Share® with one another during their Marine's career. Our free services and connections have expanded to support and educate Marine moms and dads, spouses, families and friends. We've supported more than 400,000 Marine and recruit families during boot camp, training, active duty and deployments. We've shipped more than 39,000 care packages overseas to our Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan, sent 90,000 prayers and letters to injured Marines and served thousands of meals to wounded, ill, and injured warriors and their families at military treatment facilities on the east and west coasts. You've found a Place to Connect and Share.®  


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