Support Our Troops

#SOT The Warrior Song

A Bond Never Broken – The Travelling Flag

By Angela MacIsaac

A group of over a hundred strong gather at a battalion. Women rock from foot to foot, stand close to one another, as if holding each other up with a type of invisible tie. Men stand, flowers in hand, children, wide eyed in anticipation, posters in little hands that shake when holding “Get out of my way, I want to see my Daddy and my Hero.” Parents hold each other, with tears in their eyes yet smiles on their faces.

The Bay doors open, the silence is deafening, the kit gets brought in, like a kind of unintended cruelty; the buses open their doors. As one, we all take steps closer and closer until that first glimpse of uniform. In a sea of camouflage, the once stoic group breaks and seven months of tears, worry, frustration and exhaustion, cease with an embrace. For a moment in time, the world stops, tears of happiness and two different experiences find a much-needed comfort and combine as one.

A Voice that is Seldom Heard…

This post was written by the wife of a Canadian Soldier and I wanted to share it with you all 

Dave @Thankasoldier

As a military wife I find myself standing back and listening without speaking. In my mind I say to myself that in my heart I know the sacrifice given, and many in the Canadian public don’t share with me the gift of a soldier that I have been given to share life with.

I find myself at odds end, as a social worker and a wife, to listen to other’s opinions of Afghanistan. It’s a continuous fight between the general public’s perception and those of the families, wives and friends of members in the Canadian Forces. During every repatriation, I hear, “This loss was so senseless”, or “Why can’t they just bring them home?” I solemnly nod and keep my thoughts to myself. Or the Face book and Internet groups that have title such as “Hillier is a War Monger”, or “Its Not Our War, Bring Them Home”. To hear the above comments one can’t help but to be hurt, when one of our own falls.

This article is not intended to provoke any heated debates on politics, proroguing of government, democracy, etc… I have always believed that a well-educated, empathetic comment is much more accepted than one based on pure reaction such as those on the mission in Afghanistan.

Why are we in Afghanistan? A question very abstractedly answered by the media and interpretations from the general public. However, for us, as military, it is very simple… We are there to create peace and stability, infrastructure, water, primarily, and to help organize and build the ANA and police forces period. It is our job to be there, we were not forced to be there we want to be there. Thanks to us and all that encompass the UN, communities are re-establishing themselves, terror is less of a factor on their doorstep, ever present but lessened. Women are attempting to be recognized as human and are going within their rights to be educated. That is what we are doing in Afghanistan. Every time we fall, become injured etc, we are making a difference and it never in vain. Our husbands, wives, sons and daughters have seen more than most of us ever will, do not have your typical job and they deserve nothing but the best in response, mission and soldier included.

As a military family we bond together, we all know without speaking what sacrifice we all make and we choose to do so. When one of our own falls or gets injured, all hurt. We understand the sacrifice. When the Canadian public criticizes it hurts us even more. Many never stop to think when they say words what the repercussions will be, such as, “I support the troops but not the war.” What about that soldier that has been out there for 4 months, who just held his best friend while he passed away? Brutal analogy? Yes it is. But by saying the above what do you think it says to a soldier who needs support while still there to continue? He has to carry on and in order to do that he needs us as a country to be behind him, put away our political views and concentrate on why we are there and what he is doing and be there for the remainder. For the fallen, the families need to know there is only one thank you and no “buts” or “what ifs”.

As a country, it seems hypocritical or ironic. We protest impoverished countries, human rights, fighting against genocides, and terrorism, and now that we are there and assisting, that isn’t accepted either?

In summary, and back to support and support. We have 138 fallen, countless have been injured; there are families without sons, daughters, husbands and wives. Was it pointless? Absolutely not, I am so proud of my military family and am very much behind all that they have done for the people of Afghanistan and the ultimate sacrifice, fallen, injured, psychologically etc. I could say for all that they have done for Canada as well, if only to prove that everyone could bring themselves down a level and have some compassion for others less fortunate in other countries. Remember you would not have this if it were not for a soldier.

You can contact Angela at [email protected]

We Will Remember Them

This is one of the most eloquent musical way of expressing gratitude.  Hayley Westenra, Mica Paris, Michael Bolton, Paul Rodgers and Robin Gibb joined in and made this happen but listening to their words reminded me that our American troops aren't fighting alone.  They are joined by allied brothers and sisters dedicated to the same cause and belief. 

While we continue to support our very own, we must also extend the same support to those fighting alongside us.  They too gave their today so we may have our tomorrows.

The Gratitude Project

The Gratitude Project asks members to take a photo of themselves displaying a Thank You message to our troops and include your home town. This way our men and women serving from all over the world will know where the messages are coming from.

So far we have been receiving message everywhere from the USA, Canada, Britain, Australia and even Turkey.

We are asking people to email their photos to [email protected]

The deadline for photo submission is Feb 28th, 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KxmZo-JLQU

How to Support Our Troops #SOT

A Military Christmas

December 25, 2009

A Military Christmas -

Dad was in the Navy, during Christmas we were seldom back home.
We spent our holidays in different states, sometimes rather alone.
We spent Christmas overseas in a number of foreign lands.
Christmas was never conducted according to a civilian plan.

No going over to Grandma's house, to eat a Christmas meal.
In 20 years we got there twice, that was a major deal.
We would drive a thousand miles, to be there Christmas Eve.
Days later it was time to go, dad was out of military leave.

We would drive all night to get back, to the Naval base.
This ended yet another, cross-country Christmas race.
Finish our favorite holiday food, crackers with cheese dip,
Dad would drive out to the pier, to sign back-in to the ship.

We all loved going onboard ship for a holiday meal.
My sisters ate all the shrimp that they could peel.
I would talk to the mess-cooks standing in the chow line.
Dependent meals on shipboard were always a magical time.

During my Air Force career I got home for Christmas only a time or two,
But my Air Force spouse made a holiday of white, not of Elvis blue.
Christmas dinner was with our GI friends, who could not get "home,"
Sometimes over twenty, no one was left alone.

G.I.s and sailors are your family when stationed far from home.
In my day no e-mail and in most cases you couldn't even phone.
Christmas cards went early, because of the long homeward flight.
Anyone's holiday mail was a G.I. shared delight.

Cards, pictures and cookies enjoyed with a Marine cohort.
Moments later defending the line; Christmas can be rather short.
War doesn't stop for the troops because of a national holiday.
Even on the 25th someone is earning their combat pay.

I am an old retiree sitting back in my rocking chair.
But my wife is still active duty performing the mission out there.
We are always on the move, from air base to air base,
In my old age, this military stuff, keeps picking up the pace.

We're at a comfortable "state-side" base this winter holiday.
Somewhere a troop is earning, Christmas hazardous-duty pay.
Please take care of "your" sailor, Marine or G.I. this holiday season.
To appreciate your troops never needs a reason.

We are at an Air Force base, out west this Christmas year.
No grandparents, no siblings, not even my in-laws are here.
It's another military holiday and we are far from "home."
But I have my wife, my daughter and the dogs--we are not alone.

We choose to be in a military, that on holidays takes us far and wide.
But we serve our nation, maybe even with a little selfish pride.
We are doing something right for this wonderful homeland.
She is a military woman and I am a military man.

Enjoy this holiday season, remember who keeps you safe at home.
Think of the Sailor, Marine or G.I. out there feeling quite alone.
They choose to be there, even on Christmas night.
Support your troops, what they do for this country, is indeed right.

Thanks to veterans who have done military Christmas in the past.
The new troops continue the tradition, to make our freedom last.
Sleep well this Christmas Eve, at home in your warm bed.
To our military, defending the nation, full speed ahead.

Major Van Harl USAF Ret.

War On Terror News

via waronterrornews.typepad.com

Ever Wonder What #SOT is?

This site is an extension of but separate from the main War On Terror News site.  You'll note an absence of advertising and a variety of authors different from those on the news site.  It is a benefit of the type of Typepad site we maintain that we can add such additional "blogs" and this one is an informal site to help in the organization and unification of the #SOT Support Our Troops efforts on Twitter.

There are numerous tweeters that should be offered authorships here, that are tweeting Support of Our Troops for the right reasons.  They have strong political beliefs but are willing to set aside politics during #SOT tweets under not only that hashtag, but others.  They don't bicker over authorship of a tag or do it for fame, glory, or money.  They tweet what they do because Our Troops deserve it.

If you know someone that is willing to contribute to the selfless efforts, feel free to ask them if they'd like to contribute here.  If they are willing, we'll send them the "invitation."  If that someone is you, let us know.  More than 500 tweeters send out #SOT tweets.  More than 500 tweeters send out #Military tweets.  Still others use #HonorVets or other tags.  Not all tweets make it into the timeline.  Not all tweeters know about tags nor these tags.  Not all that know that know they are welcome on this site.

A Unified #SOT Effort on Christmas Day

 

These past weeks, I personally have been so pleased with the organized efforts made by many to support our troops, allied forces and their families. Watching the number of people who become involved in wanting to recognize and honor these brave men and women who defend our freedoms grow, has been amongst my greatest blessings.  To witness the dedication and commitment by so many people, in finding useful links, writing positive messages, and individually honoring those who so selflessly risk and sacrifice so much, touches my heart.

Friday is Christmas; a day on which many of us will be celebrating a glorious, meaningful day with our loved ones. Most will have the blessing of surrounding around a table to share a meal, pleasant conversation and prayer.  Most will feel the warmth of hugs from those whom they love so much.  Many will open gifts chosen carefully for them, by a person who loves them.  Most of us will be warm and safe; and even surrounded by the splendor of the Christmas season. Our senses will be delighted as we will feel the joy  associated with the sight of decorated trees, wreaths, mistletoe, dancing flames in a fireplace and fanciful decorations.  Most of us will experience the pleasant smells associated with holiday cooking; the sweet scent of candles burning.  Most of us will experience the touch; the warmth associated with the embraces of our loved ones.  Most of us will experience the taste of delicious food.  Most importantly, many of us will experience the feelings in our hearts associated with seeing the faces; hearing the voices of those whom we love. Our hearts will surge with joy; as we recall past holidays spent together, and we will cherish the new memories being made on this Christmas Day.

What is described above will sadly not occur for all of us.  It is far too easy to forget how many thousands of families will be missing somebody on that glorious day; how many families will have an empty seat at their dinner table, that should be occupied by one of their loved ones.  That seat will be empty for their loved one is in a distant land; risking and sacrificing for each one of us.  They will be putting their comfort, safety and very lives at risk to defend you and your family; the freedoms you enjoy each day; the very thing that allows you to be together to celebrate a joyous holiday.

There is a group of dedicated individuals on Twitter who joined together to discover many ways in which they could consistently recognize and honor these brave men and women who raised their hands when our country needed them; who left their families to proudly defend us.  Each day, my heart is touched when I see the number of positive messages being delivered to these valiant souls.  Some people on Twitter spend hours searching for the perfect video, poem or song to tweet; praying their message reaches these brave men and women who sacrifice for us. They support our troops and allied nations consistently; with dignity, pride and sincerity.  I feel blessed to know many of them; and look forward to getting to know so many more. 

As heartbreaking as it is sometimes to hear stories from the family members who miss their loved ones; to hear stories from the brave men and women who have left loved ones behind on our behalf, it is also a blessing.  Why?  Because it is a reaffirmation to me that my own efforts to do whatever I can to support our troops is the right thing to do.  I do so from the heart, and feel a great sense of pride for the efforts of each person who does the same.  Each military supporter I know who takes time to #SOT on Twitter is sincere.  They do so for all the RIGHT reasons; they care, and want these brave men and women and their families to know they are appreciated and valued for their great sacrifices.

Please allow yourself to feel the feelings of our troops and their families this Christmas.  Allow yourself to understand how it must feel for a mother, father, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, friend, spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend and especially the child of a deployed soldier.  How much must they miss their loved one?  How much must they desire to embrace their loved one?  How much must they dream that their loved one was occupying that empty seat at that table on Christmas Day?  We all know the answer to those questions.  Please don't ever take your freedom for granted.  Remember from where it is it comes; that if not for our honorable veterans, our valiant soldiers, our remembered Fallen, you, nor your family would enjoy much; for you might not have your freedom. 

Please consider joining a huge group effort on Christmas Day; an organized effort to support our troops and allied forces.  Find your best tweets from the past; write new ones especially for Christmas Day; find useful links to videos, poems and information.  Above all; please be positive.  Save your politics for another time, and tweet only positive, uplifting messages of support to these brave men and women and their families. Let them know they are loved, valued, appreciated; that you understand you are free for their valiant efforts.  Above all, please let them know you pray for their comfort; their happiness and their safe return to the loving embraces of their families.

God Bless each and every person who supports our troops with pride and conviction...

To get started; anybody may cut and paste anything listed below.  Please tweet these messages directly without being concerned about authorship or RT credit.  By doing so, you will be allowing for maximum RT potential.  The most important thing is that our troops and their families receive the messages; and that the result might be that they feel just a little less lonely on Christmas Day.

On this blessed day, we salute you for all you do for us #SOT #XMAS

For your honor, valor and great sacrifices made for our freedom #SOT #XMAS

Because today, you are in our thoughts and our hearts #SOT #XMAS

You are part of so many beautiful Christmas memories; so many more in store for you, #HERO #SOT #XMAS

God Bless you for all you do in defense of our liberties #SOT #XMAS

Merry Christmas from us to you; we salute you for your great courage, strength and willingness to defend our freedoms #SOT #GBOT #XMAS

Thank you for "raising your hand" #HERO when our country needed you #SOT #XMAS

Wishing for you JOY on this Christmas Day; we are humbled by you #SOT #GBOT #XMAS

To let you know you are loved and appreciated this Christmas Day and always. #SOT #GBOT #XMAS

Your families are in our thoughts and prayers, too, as you defend our freedoms #SOT #GBOT #XMAS

Huge group effort being planned to #SOT on Christmas Day. Please let them know they are in our hearts and prayers on that blessed day

God Bless all #military #HEROES who defend our freedoms! Merry Christmas #SOT #XMAS

Because you are Heroes to all, we salute you this Christmas and always #SOT #XMAS

Because you are so vital to our safety and our greatness as a nation. #SOT #XMAS

We only have PEACE if we have FREEDOM. So grateful for you this Christmas and always! #SOT #XMAS

Our goal: To never let a day go by that we don't express our gratitude for all #HEROES #SOT #GBOT #XMAS

For the many sacrifices you make for our families; God Bless you #HERO #SOT #XMAS

Gratitude is an understatement. You are #HEROES #SOT #GBOT #XMAS

Saluting all #military families for their great sacrifices #SOT #XMAS

Your loved one is a #HERO for defending our freedoms; YOU are so appreciated for your great sacrifices #SOT #xMAS

Our greatest blessing is our FREEDOM and we know from where that comes #SOT #HERO #GBOT #XMAS

Saluting all brave men and women who sacrifice for us #SOT #GBOT #XMAS

Honoring all #HEROES this Christmas and always #SOT #GBOT #XMAS

For your great sacrifices, we honor you and your families #SOT #GBOT #XMAS

YOU are #HEROES to us; The sacrifices of your families are understood and appreciated #SOT #GBOT #XMAS

Knowing what you do for us and our families humbles all of us. #SOT #GBOT #XMAS

YOU and your families are in our thoughts and prayers this Christmas and always #SOT #GBOT #XMAS

For serving "God and our country" we salute you. #SOT #GBOT #XMAS

We all smile upon you this Christmas Day and always. God Bless you for all you do for us. #SOT #GBOT #XMAS

For your heroism, valor and selflessness, we honor you this Christmas and every day #SOT #GBOT #XMAS

Many blessings to the #HEROES who serve "God and Country" this Christmas and always #SOT #GBOT #XMAS

Christmas love and hugs to all brave men and women who so valiantly defend our freedoms #SOT #GBOT #XMAS

Definition of FREEDOM:  We are because you raised your hand for our country. God Bless You #SOT #GBOT #XMAS

For your selfless dedication to protecting our FREEDOM we salute and honor you #HERO #SOT #XMAS #GBOT

Merry Christmas to Our Troops

Happy Holidays to Our Troops!

Until they come home?

So today as I was browsing through some Twitter posts under a military related hashtag I saw the following posts. 

"Wear read on Friday to show your support for our troops until they all come home"- Username removed

this got a lot of thoughts going and I need to get them off my mind.

I have quite a few military friends that are deployed all over the world and here at home as well.  I recently sent some friends of mine some letters and goodies who were stationed in Canadian Forces Base Alert.  If you've never heard of this well its right up by Santa Claus aren't these soldiers worthy of our support?  I have a friend who is with the National Guard in the USA and he was called in to help prepare for hurricanes, and help with conflicts of various kinds that broke out on our home soil, is he or she not worth of our thoughts and prayers?

A few years ago in Montreal they had some really bad ice storms and people were without power for long periods of time and stranded.  The Canadian Forces launched  "Operation Recuperation" in Quebec and New Brunswick.  Total number of military personnel deployed (AT HOME) was 15,875 including 3700 reservists.  They were also deployed at the 1976 Olympics and Manitoba floods back in 1997.

I have a lot of friends who are in the reserves and ready to go when needed.  Reservists in my mind are just as amazing as they not only juggle a regular career but are ready to defend us, or help when needed.

Is someone from a little town on the East Coast that is working at a base on the west coast not deployed?  They are away from their families for long periods of time and have to up and move whenever they are needed elsewhere.  Yes this is there choice but this "Support Our Troops in harms way" sentiment personally bothers me.  No this is not a shot at any group of people or anyone with a similar slogan about showing our troops support until they are done in Iraq or Afghanistan.  Someone emailed me and asked me if I was going to keep Thank A Soldier going after our troops were pulled out and I simply respond why wouldn't I.  If we only included troops in those deployments maybe but not a chance.

I recently sent a box of goods and letters from school kids to a few ships on guard in Somalia with the pirate situation.  I would like to share an email I got back from one of the guys:

"Dave, Thank you for the package, me and the guys really appreciated it.  We were actually kind of shocked as too often us sea pigeons are forgotten about and wanted to thank you for thinking of us"T. Walters HMCS Halifax (Posted with permission)

Last year at the Calgary Stampede they had a Military display setup with men and women from the Air Force, Regular Force, Navy and reserves I thanked every single one of them and one of the guys says to me "I've done nothing I'm just a reservist" I responded with "You sir are ready to defend my freedom at the call of order and for that I say thanks" he nodded his head back to me and I can tell it meant a lot.

So I guess my two cents here is, in my opinion whether you're a airman, seaman, marine, Canadian Forces, American Army, USMC, British ministry of defence you deserve our support.  If you are deployed at home, overseas, on guard at a embassy from home, sitting in a office as a reservist ready to go, you deserve our support.  When 2011 comes or whatever date our men and women are brought home, I will continue to do as I do now.

People are entitled to their opinion but to me as soon as you come out of basic training and dawn the full rank of a soldier you have earned my respect.

Spotlight on #SOT Palingirl

Some people just talk about supporting our troops and some people find a way to use their talents to show it.  @Palingirl has no personal connection to the military but she felt she needed to show her respect of them in some way. So she started http://honorthem.net/ and builds digital scrapbook pages to honor our troops. It's a young site but she has done a wonderful job with it. She told me that by doing these tributes she feels like she is getting to know each man and woman personally. If you have a military service member you would like for her to tribute I am sure she would be happy to do so.

Spotlight on #SOT @Beanies4Baghdad

There are few things that are more representative of why or how to Support Our Troops than Beanies  For Baghdad.  Set up by a Soldier, this organization is designed as a means to put toys in the hands of Troops who get the pleasure of putting them in the hands of kids in Iraq and Afghanistan.  While this may not seem like the most direct means of Troop Support, there are few things a Troop likes more than bringing a smile to a kids face.

That parents everywhere enjoy seeing their kids smile and that brings a smile to their face as well means that not only is it beneficial to the morale of Our Troops and a benefit to kids, but also increases good will towards Our Nation and Our Troops.

These folks are always upbeat and selfless.  Meanwhile, you can support their efforts while cleaning out the toybox of your house.  This is such a great cause that even the original maker of Beanie Babies has gotten on board, but that doesn't mean they don't still have a role for you and a place for those old toys your kid no longer plays with.

A Special Messenger in Atlanta

Last week I was in Atlanta, Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer.. I immediately turned around and witnessed One of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen.

Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. As they began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.

When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and Cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red-blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.

Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.

Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our Service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said 'hi.'

The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her.

The young soldier, who didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.

The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter's name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter Courtney missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up

When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it.

After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, 'I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you.' He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying 'your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and He is coming home very soon.'

The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event.

As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness, turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.

We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.

Spotlight on #SOT @OpGratitude #Gratitude

When it comes to selfless service and non-partisan Support of Our Troops, few do so with greater efficiency than Carolyn Blasheks's organization Operation Gratitude.  It does so with near 100% reliance on the diverse backgrounds of Americans in California and has done big things while packaging more than $100.- in donated goods to send to Our Troops for the cost of the postage imposed by the Government.

This tweeter, this organization does great things while asking for little.  It's a true pleasure to count them amongst our contacts, and to have had the opportunity to have highlighted them on our primary site.

Christmas Card from LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, from Iraq

Since 12-14-05

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Wednesday, December 14, 2005 9:28 AM
To: undisclosed-recipients:
Subject: Christmas Card from LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, from Iraq

Subj: Christmas Card from LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, from Iraq
Date: 12/14/2005 11:53:53 AM Eastern Standard Time
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Sent from the Internet (Details)

I received this Christmas poem from a military member and wanted you to have a copy. May we never lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas or the sacrifices of our brave men and women. Harry Piaczynski SM1 USN Ret.
"It's a Red White and Blue thing"

Merry Christmas

A Different Christmas Poem

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,

I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."

My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..

Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."

"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.

PLEASE, Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people
as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our
U.S.servicemen and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities.
Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make
people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us. .

LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN
30th Naval Construction Regiment
OIC, Logistics Cell One
Al Taqqadum, Iraq

A Marine's Wish for Christmas "Just tell us you love us, and never forget..."

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
 I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
 My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
 My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
 Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
 Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

 The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
 Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
 My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
 Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
 In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
 So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

 The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
 But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear..
 Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
 sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
 My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
 And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

 Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
 A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
 A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
 Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
 Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
 Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

 "What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
 "Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
 Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
 You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
 For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
 Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..

 To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
 Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
 I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
 "It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
 That separates you from the darkest of times.

 No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
 I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
 My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
 Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
 My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
 And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

 I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
 But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
 Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
 The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
 I can live through the cold and the being alone,
 Away from my family, my house and my home.

 I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
 I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
 I can carry the weight of killing another,
 Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
 Who stand at the front against any and all,
 To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

 "So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
 Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
 "But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
 "Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
 It seems all too little for all that you've done,
 For being away from your wife and your son."

 Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
 "Just tell us you love us, and never forget
 To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
 To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
 For when we come home, either standing or dead,
 To know you remember we fought and we bled.
 Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
 That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

PLEASE, would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.

  LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN
 30th Naval Construction Regiment
 OIC, Logistics Cell One
 Al Taqqadum, Iraq

Someone to Inspire You

The Reawakening of Capt. Greene:

Canadian army Capt. Trevor Greene is talking. Really, it’s hard to overstate how amazing that is. He’s sitting in the big easy chair in the den off the kitchen of the Nanaimo home he shares with his fiancée, Debbie Lepore, and their 3½-year-old daughter, Grace. The voice is quiet, for a big man of six foot four. The thoughts are clear and unflinching. Words are rationed; the sentences short, stripped of extraneous weight for their march across the wounded terrain of his brain. Like when he describes first meeting Debbie in 2001, at what he calls a Vancouver bar and she prefers to think of as a restaurant. They were with separate groups at separate tables. “I looked across the room,” the infantryman says, “and she captured me.” That says it all.

Lepore, smiling, arches an eyebrow at his hyperbole. “Across the room,” she says, “wasn’t it about five feet?” He shrugs. “It was her smile,” he continues, “and her laugh.” Whatever the distance, they’ve been closer ever since. Except for his deployment to Afghanistan, of course. She wasn’t there on March 4, 2006, when the platoon he was part of visited the village of Shinkay, when they sat with a circle of village elders under the trees, in the shade by the river. It was his last memory of Afghanistan. The Canadians had their helmets off as a sign of respect. Greene’s job was civilian-military co-operation, to help villages in Canada’s area of responsibility with access to clean water, medical facilities, electricity and schools.

The sad irony is, he was waging peace when 16-year-old Abdul Kareem stole up behind him, an axe hidden in his robes. He pulled it out in one fluid motion and with a cry of “Allahu akbar” (God is great) he buried the blade into the top of Greene’s head, propelled by the sort of two-handed swing you’d use to split a log for the fire. Greene’s eyes rolled back into his head; his blood, and, yes, some of his brain matter, spilled all over the Afghan ground. His brain was almost split in half, and yet he was breathing. Kareem reared back for another blow before three platoon members opened fire, killing him with a fusillade of bullets. Chaos reigned: the villagers fled, the platoon came under fire, medic Sean Marshall worked to staunch Greene’s blood loss during a 40-minute wait for a rescue copter. An incredulous radio operator at the Kandahar base asked to repeat the type of injury. “I say again,” responded platoon commander Kevin Schamuhn, “the nature of the wound is an axe to the head. Over.”

By the time Debbie caught up with him, days later, he was in an American military hospital in Germany, in a coma, with much of his skull cut away to ease the pressure of his swelling, fractured brain. The prognosis was awful: the doctors said that if he didn’t die, he would be in a coma; if not in a coma, then in a vegetative state.

They might know brains, but they don’t know Trevor, thought Lepore, who has been at his side ever since. Greene’s aim was to aid in the wartime reconstruction of Afghan villages. Lepore’s goal is to aid in the wartime reconstruction of her fiancé, and the father of their child—two near-impossible jobs.

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Spotlight on #SOT @JShelton2000

It's not a requirement to have a Blue Star to be included in Spotlights, but it seems that those that have them are much more likely to be avid Supporters of Our Troops.  Julie is a Blue Star Mom but it is not just her son that she Supports.  She is dedicated to supporting all of Our Troops and in shining a light on others that do.

If you want to be part of building a strong SOT community in the Twitterverse, Julie is a must have for your contact list.  She's just a great person all the way around!

Spotlight on #SOT @RockingTheRobin

Sometimes humorous, sometimes a tweeterchatterer, Lisa is always fun.  It doesn't take long to find yourself enchanted by the sweet tweets of this awesome woman.  She's been on my contact list for near as long as I've been on Twitter and she's always been positive and a strong Supporter of Our Troops. 

If she's not on your list yet, it's because you've ignored my previous recommendations.  She is what we mean by "Southern Belle:" Courteous, Kind, Beautiful, and generally just someone you want to be around.  Some day, the right guy is going to get lucky when he discovers this wonderful woman, but until then, her heart belongs to a WWII Cartoon!

Spotlight on #SOT @AutsMama98

A leader in Supporting Our Troops, Lea Ann complains of one thing: being cut off by Twitter for tweeting too much Support.  Not one to be stopped by a challenge, she set up a 2nd account to drive on when the twitter limits are reached.  Lea Ann does it with conviction, with dedication, without regard for self.  You'll find her in the top10 tweeters of more than one tag dealing with Troop Support, not because she's concerned with the recognition of being a top 10, but because she's that dedicated to getting the message out.

Spotlight on #SOT @AundrayC

Aundray is an upbeat, positive tweeter who constantly tells of the good in others.  And while that alone is enough that anyone would want to follow her, her dedication to Supporting Our Troops means that Our Citizens will be treated to not only an uplifting experience but an educational experience in how Honorable Our Troops are!

As is so often discovered, she too has a Blue Star.  Hers is the hardest job in the Army, that of the wife and it doesn't come with a paycheck in her name. 

When it comes to #SOT, she's a superstar, no matter the tag used.  Follow her for the Troops or follow her for your own selfish reasons of having a positive message in your timeline, but you'll certainly want her on your contact list!

Spotlight on #SOT @FingerTipNews & @AllMilitaryNews An 11 year #USAF #Veteran

The Military, amongst others, have often complained of media bias.  In fact, the MSM slant is a large part of why the War On Terror News main site was created.  In follow-up to that, a close associate of mine, said to me: "If you think the media is so unfair, why don't you start your own?"  The "you" of that included others that didn't participate, but the speaker of it has been less than happy with the amount of time it takes for such endeavors.

FingerTip found a different way to do similar things.  An 11 year Air Force Veteran, FingerTipNews has been so successful that a spinoff @AllMilitaryNews was created.  In the latter endeavor, many milbloggers and Supporters of Our Troops have benefitted by an aggregate of the many sites tweets being put in one spot, in one timeline

But FingerTip was also the leading source covering the Iran Election aftermath. 

With all of that going for such an awesome tweeter, one would expect widespread support for someone going up against an MSM Giant that epitomizes  the complaint such as CNN.  But such is not the case and this is an area that the #SOT community can tip the balance.  Voting in the Motorola  Mashable Open Web Awards is running at a breakneck speed of about 60 votes a day.  Recent sampling shows that about 1/3 of those are voting for FingerTip and another 1/3 for CNN.

As such, it's possible that one big push could put FingerTip over the top, but the daily dedication of those that Support Our Troops would certainly bring greater awareness to the effort.  Seems like a no-brainer to me.  If you're a part of SOT, particularly if you have benefitted from FingerTip or AllMilitary  News, you should be voting every chance you can.  That means daily, Chicago Style!

And while you're there, don't forget to vote for @ThankASoldier in Best Non-Profit Use of Social Media.

Do You Know Someone that deserves the #SOT Spotlight?

Whether you know more that should be said about someone in the Spotlight or know someone that should be in the Spotlight for their dedicated Support of Our Troops, you can help bring attention to them by saying so in comments.  If they've already been put in the Spotlight, comment there so all can see what great things they're doing.  If the spotlight has not yet shined on them, say so here, so we can put it on them.

By demonstrating the great people that Support Our Troops and how they do it, we hope to encourage more to do so.  By demonstrating the great qualities of the people that do Support Our Troops, we hope to help build the community of those that do, by giving a little more background on why we appreciate the tweets from those we count among the best of the best doing the right thing for the right reason.

We hope that we can introduce you to others that SOT and that others will join in spotlighting those that do, that we will find others previously unknown to us, as we already have on Twitter.  That is the true benefit of this great new means of communication, not in knowing what some celebrity had for lunch or that some self-proclaimed leader used his partisan connections to get lunch at the White House or to meet a celebrity.

So tell us in comments here who deserves the SOT Spotlight and why.  Tell us in the specific SOT Spotlights the positive impact that tweeter has had on you or SOT, whether with that tag or another.  There are so many and we know only so much about so many.  Supporting Our Troops takes teamwork and YOU are a part of that team.

Spotlight on #SOT @ArmyMom101

There's only been one message I've ever seen Virginia tweet: Support Our Troops.  She's done so with conviction, with dedication, without regard for tags, with multiple tags, but always selflessly.  Life doesn't always deal the cards we want or fairly, but her Support never waivers.

She is one dedicated Blue Star Mom that never allows politics to taint her tweets.  She honors the Troops and those that Support Our Troops, apologizing when she can't do more than she already does, when life prevents her from doing what she does, and never asking anyone for anything for herself.

She has been missed while she attends to things she must these last few weeks.

Spotlight on #SOT @Leo_Pusateri

Leo is an avid Supporter of Our Troops, in word and in deed, and it should come as no surprise that he is himself a Blue Star Father.  While it may also not be surprising that Leo has strong opinions on the politics of the Nation, he demonstrates the proper relationship of politics to Troop Support by encouraging others of his political views to #SOT rather than using Troop Support as a platform for political debate.

Many on Twitter have a blog and so does Leo.  And like so many, he uses his to provide a regular spotlight on the Heroes of this Nation.  Each Wednesday, he posts an article that demonstrates the Honor and Valor of Our Nation's Veterans and Troops.

Leo is an educator in Minnesota and demonstrates the manner in which those of strong political opinion can urge their party and politicians to Support Our Troops and the use of multiple hashtags to encourage it.

Though the most ardent of Troop Supporters come from Families of Troops and Veterans, it is raising awareness within others of the things they can do to Support Our Troops and reasons why they should.

Thank you Leo for providing a shining example!

Spotlight on #SOT @CharPrincessa

Charissa caught my eye early.  Her kind words belied an inner strength and will to fight that is likely to surprise any that underestimates her.

She's a Corpsman in the Navy, which itself is a contrast.  Short of SeALs, Navy Corpsmen are one of the most likely positions to find themselves in the middle of a firefight.  Loved and protected by the Marines they are surrounded by, their role is to keep Our Warriors alive, patching holes made by bullets, even while the bullets pierce the air around them.  It takes a complete dedication to the task at hand when ignoring the enemy to patch up the friendlies.  And that does not even take note of the fact that most humans would be balled up in the fetal position or running for their lives during such an event.

But her stories don't celebrate herself, but demonstrate an honor and gratitude for others.  She's attempted to stay out of the spotlight and has regularly chastised me for swinging it on her, but on her site she tells of how the Elderly Veterans have touched her while picking up medications each week, for perhaps the last time.

My favorite cartoonist, @DeltaB5 found himself in the crossfire of Charissa and myself, after he committed to including her in his strip.  I imagine there was also the pressure of a stilletto heel in the mix as @KneeDeep's watchful eye anticipated the results.  While I argued for angelic wings for the caring Princess, the subject argued for razor sharp claws representative of her ability to protect with force.  As is so often the case when men encounter such smart and strong-willed women, the two Army Veterans lost the battle: there were no wings.  It's hard to be certain whether Damon felt deeper impressions from the stillettos or razor sharp claws.

She was also the subject of an ezine article and has her own blog.  She is certainly someone you'll want on your contact list and has a blog you'll be rewarded by reading.  Her gracious attitude and focus on others is a breath of fresh air.

Incredulous! Some Refuse to Support #SOT Nominees

It is not surprising that some don't like me.  I've never attempted to compete in a popularity contest.  Just not my style.

But what is surprising to me, is that some that claim to Support Our Troops refuse to help others do the same.  I've sat on this for a few days, but some well-known tweeters who claim to Support Our Troops, including a well known charity that regularly asks others to do for them, flat out refuses to do the same for others.  I can only speculate on the motivations for the answer when a Tweeter asked the question if they would, but the answer did not offer it: "Nope."

Let's consider this: Two tweeters that have done big things in the effort to Support Our Troops have successfully moved from the nomination stage to the voting stage in the Mashable Awards.  Neither have competition from others that Support Our Troops.  Both have an exemplary record.  And yet, there exist some that actively refuse to support them in gaining attention for the Twitter Community that does Support Our Troops?

Twitterverse: Not just a way to know what celebrities eat for lunch #SOT

When I first heard of Twitter, it was through news commentators bragging about their new connectivity and begging for people to follow them.  I was far from impressed with their vanity.  Not long after that, a respected milblogger and I were discussing various ways that the world could find out about websites, what raised awareness and what did not.

He was directly responsible for what I learned initially about twitter and for convincing me that we needed to be here.  But what we knew in those days was fortunately not what the future of Twitter would prove to be.  It's a good thing too, because I really don't think my eating habits are all that interesting nor that anyone would want to know nor even that they should want to know.

I got on Twitter in time to see the race to a million followers between a "news" agency and a celebrity.  The vanity was less than impressive, but by the time the Iran Election came around, I had learned enough to play a minor role.  I still have contacts from that event.