|
On Veteran's Day, a friend and I attended the Blue Star Memorial Dedication and Wreath Laying Ceremony at Memorial Union on the University of Missouri-Columbia Campus. Let me begin by telling you, it was SO COLD! However, it was hard to complain much once I thought about what our troops, past and present, have gone through and go through to keep us safe! The ceremony was awesome. The university's Chancellor, R. Bowen Loftin, spoke, as did the university's Director of Administrative Services and Alice Havard, President of the Columbia Garden Club. They all spoke quite eloquently on behalf of the Garden Club who so graciously donated the Blue Star Memorial marker.
Immediately after the dedication of the marker, the guests walked the short distance to Memorial Tower to witness the laying of the wreath in honor of all veterans. The sound of Taps echoing across the campus gave me goosebumps! In fact, I found out later that afternoon there were buglers in various spots on campus performing Taps in unison.
Rich Grant, founder of the Mizzou Military Veterans Alumni Association, read a letter from a friend of his great uncle who was killed on Armistice Day in World War 1. The heartfelt letter, which was written in the year 1919, was addressed to his great uncle's sweetheart and contained two items his dear friend was returning to her. What a very personal and emotional tribute. The event came to a close with representatives of the Mizzou Student Veterans Association reading the National Roll Call.
This was just one of many events on campus during Veteran's Week that were open to students, faculty and staff, and the general public. My husband and I were able to listen to J.R. Martinez, a US Army Veteran, actor, and best-selling author, speak on Monday evening. He shared his story of being trapped inside a burning Humvee that left 34 percent of his body severely burned - at the tender age of 19! What an amazing and charismatic young man! His humor and passion for life was infectious. His experiences of adapting and overcoming were inspirational. I'm so glad I was able to attend (and YES I voted for him on Dancing with the Stars!).
I hope each of you were able to attend an event in honor of all veterans in your local community. They may not ask for a "Thank You", but that simple statement can mean so very much.
Keep writing and praying.
God Bless!
Angie Regan
Volunteer Manager
Operation Prayer and Letters™
MarineParents.com, Inc.
|
|
 |
|
'Tis The Season:
Thinking of Our Troops During the Holidays.
 Its the time of the year where folks start to ask, "where can I send cards and letters to our troops serving over seas, to troops stationed around the US, or to wounded heroes recovering in hospitals?" In the past, you may have heard to address your correspondence to "Any Wounded Soldier" and mail them to a military hospital. Unfortunately, this is NOT the case. To ensure the safety and well being of patients and staff at medical centers, the Department of Defense the decided to no longer accept packages addressed in that manner. Furthermore, the U.S. Postal Service is no longer accepting "Any Service Member" or "Any Wounded Service Member" letters or packages. Mail to "Any Service Member" that is deposited into a collection box will not be delivered. Marine Parents, however, welcomes all cards and letters for the following outreach programs: Operation Prayers & Letters, the Care Package Project, and the Warrior Support Team. Volunteers from any of these programs will make sure your heartfelt messages of thanks, support, and encouragement are given to those who need it most.Should you choose to show also your support in other ways, I would urge you to do a little research to make sure your well wishes are getting to those you intended them for. SNOPES.com is an excellent resource for checking the validity of information you might read on the internet or on a mass email campaign or hear through the "grapevine". If you'd like to read more on the Do' & Don'ts that Snopes outlines on their website, please follow this link: Holiday cards to military.
|
|
|
|
Participant Update: CPL Joshua
We received a heart-wrenching message from CPL Joshua's mom requesting much needed prayers.
Joshua has been in a very dark place. Even though everyone has been amazed at his outlook, sense of humor, and strength since his injury, apparently he is putting on a very brave front.
In the past year and a half Josh has been dealing with pain so severe that he can not sleep. He has gone several weeks at a time with barely any rest until finally, wracked with pain, he goes to the emergency room. The solution is to heavily sedate him with pain medication so his body can get the rest it needs and the pain can become manageable.
Unfortunately, all pain medication must be approved by his VA doctor and even though his civilian doctor has attempted to advocate for his medical needs, it has been very difficult to get the approval set in motion.
Please, this military family needs all the prayers and good thoughts we can send.
Follow the link to visit CPL Joshua's profile: CPL Joshua
|
|
|
|
Where Are They Now? Cpl. Jed
Now that former participant Cpl. Jed has completed the majority of his therapy, he is ready to move forward and pursue his dream of being a business owner. Owning his own business, with the help of two of his friends, will enable him to support his growing family and, with his military background, he feels it is an occupation that he will truly enjoy.
The men would like to focus in contracting for maritime security in order to defend ships from pirate attacks as well as to train individuals to be knowledgeable and safe around firearms and how to best handle stressful situations.
Fundraising is currently underway in his hometown to help make this dream a reality! There are so many costs involved in a business start up like this: licenses, website design & upkeep, equipment for training, attorney fees, insurance fees, rental space, and more!
Best Wishes to Jed and his friends in their new business venture.
Follow the link to visit Cpl Jed's profile: Cpl. Jed
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
Most Recent Changes:
Added: None
Removed: PVT Mike
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Join Their Fight Campaign
|
|
Send Cards and
Letters to:
Marine's Name & Company
c/o Operation PAL
P.O. Box 758
Columbia, Missouri 65205
|
|
Or just text Operation PAL
to 22828 to sign up!
|
|
|
|
|
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.®
|
|
Copyright © 2014. All Rights Reserved.
|
|
|
|
