Ante Up For Our Troops

11/19/2019

Congratulations to our good friend Jim Karol for being recognized for helping those who served and are still serving.

Visit the post for more.

05/24/2019

Memorial Day was born of a different era and a war that saw more lives lost than the American Revolution, World War 1 and World War 2 combined.

Some say Memorial Day was created back on May 1, 1865 by a group of former slaves who wanted to honor 257 Union soldiers that had been buried in a Confederate prison camp. The freedmen dug up the bodies from a mass grave, gave the deceased soldiers a proper burial and then put on a parade.

That's a true story, but it isn't the officially's declared beginning of Memorial Day. Like Veterans Day, Memorial Day evolved from a different holiday.

Three years after the Civil War's end, a war in which nearly half a million American soldiers perished, Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, head of a Union army veteran's group, declared May 30 as Memorial Day.

After several disputes about Memorial Day's birthplace, President Lyndon Johnson officially gave the honor to Waterloo, New York.

"There, a ceremony on May 5, 1866, honored local veterans who had fought in the Civil War. Businesses closed and residents flew flags at half-staff," the VA says. "Supporters of Waterloo's claim say earlier observances in other places were either informal, not community-wide or one-time events."

After World War 1, observance of Memorial Day extended from the loss of life in the Civil War to honor fallen soldiers from all wars in which the U.S. participated.

So while today is fantastic for showing some love to the troops, the veterans will likely be thinking about comrades and family heroes who didn't come back home.

Citation Information

Article Title
Memorial Day 2016: What Is Memorial Day And Its History

Author
Quinten Plummer Tech Times
30 May 2016, 8:12 am EDT

12/12/2018

While the holidays for many of us can be a time for family, festivities, and happy memories, for some of our military veterans it can be a difficult season for our country's most noble men and women.

Older veterans may be spending the holidays home alone, in a nursing home or have few family members or friends remembering them. Younger veterans may be recovering from an injury in a hospital, or may be facing the challenges of returning back to civilian life after active combat.

So many of our veterans may be out of uniform, but they are still fighting battles, and some are completely without support. If you want to do something about that but don't know where to start, here are some ways you can help veterans during the holidays.

There are several easy ways to show your support to veterans during the holiday season, whether you yourself are a veteran, the family of a veteran, or simply a thankful citizen looking to help someone who has given up much of their life to protect our country.

1. Donate your Time to help a Neighbor, Local or National Support Organization.

You can provide companionship for elderly veterans, sponsor Christmas presents for a military family, help serve a meal at a shelter for homeless vets, or help assemble holiday care packages for our service members overseas. This can be a great way to give back, and you may even form life-long relationships with other members of the Greater Military Community while volunteering!

2. Board a Military Pet.

Do you love animals and want to help our troops? Active duty military are often forced to leave their beloved furry friends behind when they’re deployed. While some are lucky enough to be able to leave their pets with friends or family members while they are gone, many without this support have to face the reality of giving up their pets for adoption.

To prevent the separation of pets from their otherwise caring military owners, nonprofits like Dogs on Deployment or PACT Military Foster Program match military pets with foster parents who will care for them until their owner returns. Reach out to become a foster home for military pets and give our service members peace of mind this holiday season!

3. Visit, Donate to a Local Military Hospital.

Knit or purchase a warm blanket to donate to a VA hospital where veterans are convalescing. You can knit one yourself for an added personal touch. You can also contact the facility to learn about any common list of donations most needed. For example, recovering servicemen often can benefit from MP3 or CD players, gloves, socks, DVDs, and more. Be sure to check first to provide the best donations.

Many military hospitals team with nearby temporary housing facilities that allow families to live close by during the veteran’s treatment. These homes appreciate volunteer service ranging from bringing in snacks and meals for residents, helping with household chores, or even babysitting. These houses can also benefit from donations of your unused hotel points, airline miles, and even used cars. Contact your local military hospital to learn more about your area homes.

4. Shop the USO Wishbook.

The USO has made purchasing the perfect gift for a veteran incredibly simple, offering pre-packaged services and items in a range of prices. From a “flight home comfort kit” for wounded troops, to resume and career support, to helping send a military child to camp, the USO ensures your gift goes to a good cause. You can also honor a veteran by buying a gift for an active military member, such as phone calls home, comfort care packages, and special welcome-home events

5. Volunteer to Help Local Disabled Veterans.

Department of Veterans Affairs facilities depend on volunteers to perform a wide range of duties, whether directly with patients – participating in recreational programs and other activities on the wards – or assisting the professional staff, escorting patients, serving coffee, or simply providing companionship to veteran patients. Contact your local office today to see how your spare time can make the difference in the life of a veteran.

There are many other ways that you can help. Get creative and don’t forget our veterans need your help all year long, not just during the holidays.

For more ways to help all year long, read an article published by Military Spouse below. Thank You for helping support our Military Veterans.

25 Ways to Thank Veterans ALL Year Long

https://militaryspouse.com/military-life/25-ways-to-thank-a-veteran/

05/20/2018

HONORING OUR HEROES AND THEIR LOVED ONES THIS MEMORIAL DAY AND EVERY DAY!

This Memorial Day try to remember it’s not all about Barbecues, time off from work, road trips and parties…

No. It’s Not.

Ironically it is because of our military and their families that many of us do not have to face the reality of the true cost of freedom and liberty. Blood and treasure.

It is because of our fallen heroes and the heroes of today who continue to serve that we have the luxury of spending time with our loved ones, taking time off from work and enjoying parties without a thought or concern of the freedom that so many of us take for granted.

Each year on Memorial Day, we continue the tradition of honoring those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We can use this MEMORIAL DAY and EVERY OTHER DAY to honor all those who have fallen, their families and those who continue to serve to keep our nation safe and free.

"The American Flag does not fly because the wind moves past it. The American Flag flies from the last breath of each Solider, Sailor, Airman and Marine who has died protecting it." ~ Author Unknown

11/11/2017

Often, we don’t think about the dangers that face our service men and women everyday as they work to protect our freedom. But, it is there.

Today we honor and celebrate those who are willing to put their lives on the line for millions of Americans through their service in our armed forces.

Let’s be grateful to each and every one of the brave men and women past and present for their service.

The service these men and women have provided should be recognized not only today, but each and every day.

The sacrifices that they have faced should never be looked over. Take a moment on this special day to reflect upon and thank the veterans who committed their lives to the United States of America.

10/27/2016

FINALLY! Pentagon Stops Push to Collect Reimbursements

NBC 7's Bridget Naso reports on the decision Wednesday to stop the process of collecting payments that should not have been sent to some members of the California National Guard.

10/24/2016

Lawmakers condemn Pentagon effort to recover enlistment bonuses from California veterans

Lawmakers on Sunday condemned a Pentagon effort to recoup enlistment bonuses improperly paid to thousands of California National Guard soldiers a decade ago, saying the overpayments were not the soldiers’ fault and calling on the Pentagon or Congress to waive their debts.

10/24/2016

Amazing! Our troops are ending up paying the largest price.

Please Share and Tag a Friend. Let's show how much we care.

Pentagon investigations determined the California Guard handed out bonuses too liberally, giving them to many soldiers who didn’t qualify.