CHRISTMAS DAY WITH VETERANS

A day that I will cherish and never forget. Spend several hours at the local VA Nursing Home with some of our Veterans.

HAPPY VETERANS DAY!!!

Thanks to all our Vets, past and present for all your sacrifices that you have made for our Country.

Our veteran is serving his second tour in Iraq on this Veterans Day. Thank you son for making me one proud Mom. I love and miss you very much. Counting the days down until you are home for R&R.

Song by Dustin Evans

This song was on my mind last night when I tried to close my eyes and get some sleep.

Then I found this one...

HAPPY 4TH...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!

This will be the second July 4th in 4 years that Michael will not be with us because he is away serving our Country. He sure makes me so proud. He's got a lot going on today, and if all goes as planned I will be able to tell you about it later tonight or tomorrow.

Please keep all our Soldiers in your prayers today.

D-DAY

A day to remember.

ALL GAVE SOME, SOME GAVE ALL

We will have the honor tomorrow of spending the day with Michael and lots of other soldiers at Camp Shelby. i will be sure and post pictures once we get back tomorrow night. Our days with him are very limited and we cherish each and every one of them. In just a few weeks he will be back in the sand serving our country once again.

As tomorrow approaches, please remember those that gave some, but mostly remember those that GAVE ALL and their families.

TRAIL OF HONORS

Lots of pictures from the past three days. Today is the big day when all the motorcycles come roaring in at approximately 11:00 this morning, then they will head out and make a stop in Meridian, then on to the Wall in WAshington, DC. Lots of Metal of Honor recipients were on hand for the event. What an honor to be able to sit and talk with these fine veterans. 

GOLD STAR DAD GOES TO THE PENTAGON

Thanks to David for this...

My Visit to the Pentagon [Robert Stokely]

My 30 minute visit with the Under Secretary of Defense, Arthur J. Myers, went very well. But, we need to keep the letters coming to say no to changing the Dover Policy (no media at Dover).

Then, I had the opportunity of oppotunities. Besides a one on one personal guided tour of the Pentagon and the Office of the Army Chief of Staff, I was surprised by getting to spend over 15 minutes alone with General George Casey, Army Chief of Staff.

I am still amazed at this opportunity and I can only say that General Casey is a down to earth, genuine person, and he understands what it means to be a Gold Star Family, for he is a Gold Star Son, his father having died when his helicopter was shot down in Viet Nam (General Casey was 21 and had just been commissioned when his father was KIA.) And the guided tour was awesome, especially since I am a big fan of McArthur. But, it was sombering experience to visit the crash impact site from 9 / 11 and to stand where the plane hit the Pentagon.

I have tried to think how to put these opportunities into perspective. I can only say that the footprints and shoulders of my "boy", Mike, have carried his old man to places few see, at least as up close and personal as I have been given the privilege of seeing.

Robert Stokely

proud dad SGT Mike Stokely

KIA 16 AUG 05 near Yusufiyah Iraq

USA E 108 CAV 48th BCT GAARNG

U S Army honored Byram, MS Middle School

The Mississippi Patriot Guard Riders were honored to be a part of this program.

Courtesy of WLBT.

Teacher and students honored for their encouragement to U.S. Troops

Posted: Feb 13, 2009 10:07 PM
Updated: Feb 13, 2009 10:45 PM

U.S. Army honored Byram Middle School

By Bert Case

BYRAM, MS (WLBT)- It is a simple idea, fix up a box from home, fill it with chocolates and items a soldier might need, and send it to those in harm's way and in the hospital, along with a note.

A simple idea that means a lot, according to MS. Adjutant General William Freeman.

"A tremendous boost to morale. And of course they take the candy and stuff and give it to the Iraqi kids over there," General Freeman said.

The lady who came up with the idea was officially commended by the U.S. Army. She is Cheryl Shelton, sixth grade teacher at Byram Middle School. We asked her how the idea originated.

"A friend of mine had a brother that was going to Iraq, and I said my students will write letters and we will send cards and pictures, and candy to him," Shelton added.

Fifty five boxes a month have been sent to the troops for six years and Major Mike Conroy, who works in the Pentagon, came all the way to Byram to say thank you.

"It truly helps our military, accomplish their mission," Major Conroy said.

The boxes from home made those who assembled them, like 11 year-old Kelly Byrd, and 12 year old Austin Partridge feel good.

"It helps everybody like to remember, the soldiers that are in Iraq. It feels good because they know that they are not alone," said Byrd.

One of the soldiers who got a box is now retired S.F.C. Norris Galatas of Meridian, MS.

"We are over here doing something that the world is against, and really people do care, but we like to hear it," said Sgt. First Class Galatas.

One hundred twenty students got commendations from the Army and everybody got a flag courtesy of the Woodmen Of The World.

Mississippi Gold Star Father lost his battle with Pancreatic Cancer

It is with a heavy heart that I announce that Gold Star Father, Gary Allen, lost his battle with Pancreatic Cancer last night. He lost his son Shane Pugh who gave his life for our country in 2005. Gary was a proud member of the Patriot Guard Riders and a member of the Mississippi Air National Guard.

Gary fought a hard fight over this last year. He was at most all of the missions with the Mississippi Patriot Guard Riders despite his battle with cancer.

Gary is survived by his wife, Gold Star Mother Wilma Allen, five children and several grand children.

You will be missed Gary.

THE SOULE WARRIORS

WTOK, MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI

If you were driving down Interstate 20, west of Meridian Friday afternoon, you may have seen an unusual sight.

A group of five men, all veterans of some branch of service, is on a march to bring attention to the problems of veterans.

The men call themselves 'The Soule Warriors'. They began their march in Louisiana .and are bound for New York City.

They walked Friday from Newton County to Meridian as part of that journey.

"The government of America has promised the vets for so many years, that if you do this for the country, then we got your back," said Soule Warriors member Allen Mullins. "But I've met so many homeless veterans that has been shut out, denied, and lied to by the government. And it's time for somebody to stand up and try to do something and make a change to help those people out."

The Soule Warriors plan to start a foundation to supply housing and medical treatments to veterans.

Packages For Soldiers

Please go here and sign the petition so that we can help get this bill passed and get more packages sent to your troops for FREE...

We ask you to join us in urging our U.S. Senators and Representatives to support the effort to pass a law that would allow for the free mailing of letters and packages to our military personnel in the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters of operation.

Representatives Kathy Castor and Gus Bilirakis have already committed to co-sponsoring a bill that would achieve our goal. They must get the support of the remainder of their colleagues, particularly those in the Senate.

Families and organizations attempting to ship goods to our military have discovered that the cost can be onerous. That should not be a factor in our attempts to make their lives more bearable in the most trying circumstances.

Keep in mind that the members of Congress enjoy the right of free mailing, called “franking” privileges. It is only proper that our fighting men and women who are in harm’s way be granted the same rights.

HAPPY 372ND BIRTHDAY NATIONAL GUARD

The National Guard celebrates its 372nd birthday tomorrow. On Dec. 13, 1636, the Massachusetts Bay Colony divided its citizen-soldiers, or militia, into the North, South and East regiments. 

The Massachusetts Bay colony was seven years old in 1636. About 5,000 men, women, and children had made the two-month voyage to the New World, leaving behind the relative comfort and safety of England. In Massachusetts, they confronted a wilderness of dense forests, wild animals and suspicious Indians. 

The colonists needed a military force for protection, but they had no money to hire a mercenary army, which was common practice in Europe at the time. So they turned to the English tradition of the militia -- citizen-soldiers who gathered for military training and who could fight when needed. 

In Massachusetts, all able-bodied men between ages 16 and 60, except ministers and judges, were required to join the militia. By 1636, the Massachusetts Bay Colony militia was large enough to be divided into three separate regiments. 

Today, the military lineage of these regiments from 1636 is carried on by the 101st Engineer Battalion, the 101st Field Artillery, the 181st Infantry and the 182nd Cavalry, which are all still part of the Massachusetts Army National Guard. These four units, in one form or another, have been in continuous service since 1636, and are the oldest units in the U.S. Army. 

Much has changed in this country since 1636, but one thing has not: citizen-soldiers still gather to train and deploy as they have for 372 years. 

CD For the Troops II

Thanks to Salute to Your Service for a heads up on this great offer for our troops.

Just in time for the holiday, we are giving our thanks to the troops and their families. “For the Troops II” will be available for free download for U.S. active duty service members and veterans worldwide with a valid military ID at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) Web site, www.aafes.com. Additionally, TriWest Healthcare Alliance is producing and distributing 200,000 hard copies of the CD at locations, such as military bases in Iraq and Afghanistan, America Supports You events, USO Centers, Fisher Houses, and others across the nation and overseas.

This CD is the follow-up to the first “For the Troops” released last fall. Songs from the CD “For the Troops” were downloaded more than 350,000 times at www.aafes.com, and another 200,000 service members and retirees worldwide received hard copies of the CD. Ondrasik partnered with AAFES, TriWest and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) to produce and release both CDs.

Please help spread the word about the FREE CD with “For the Troops II” widgets for your blog or web site. Download the widget to add to your site here

HAPPY VETERANS DAY

THANK YOU to all past and present members of our military, but especially this one for making me the proudest Mom...

Remember to thank a Veteran today. I will be headed to our local VA to spend a little time with our Veterans today and to hand out some beautiful hand made blankets made by Soldiers' Angel Blanket Team.

A Pittance of TIme

HONORING ONE OF OUR OWN...

Today we said good-bye to one of Mississippi's finest Veterans and a Permanent Ride Captain for the Mississippi Patriot Guard Riders.

I am not sure what the head count and bike count was today, but it was a lot. Usually the Mississippi Patriot Guard Riders are standing on the outside of the Chapel, but today, we were on the inside as we attended the funeral of on of our own.

Rest in Peace Mr. Ron. You will be missed.

LEX-GRAND MARSHALL OF VETERANS PARADE

KNXV-TV in Phoenix, AZ

Military dog honored for staying by his handler's side.

A bomb-sniffing dog who once worked in Iraq is being honored during a reception at the Arizona State Veteran home.

The German Shepherd Marine, Lex, and his handler, Marine Corporal Dustin Lee, suffered shrapnel wounds in Karmah, Iraq in March 2007.

According to Lee's family, an IED exploded and launched shrapnel into Lee's body and his dog's body.

"There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of him," said Rachel Lee, Dustin Lee's mother.

According to Lee's family, Lex refused to leave Lee's side during the incident, as Lee waited for transportation to a treatment facility.

"Lex did not want to leave Dustin because that was his partner," said Jerome Lee, Dustin Lee's father. "He was going to stay with him no matter what."

"Lex laid on top (of Dustin)...and didn't want to be removed," recalled Rachel Lee.

"He actually had to be pulled way from Dustin," added Jerome Lee.

According to the Lee's parents, Lex attended Lee's funeral in Mississippi after receiving his own treatment at a veterinary hospital in North Carolina.

Lee's parents told ABC15 they adopted Lex after the incident. However, the process was not easy.

"When we lost Dustin, we knew we wanted a part of Lex to be with us," said Jerome Lee. "No matter what," he said.

Lee's parents said Lex was a working military dog, and had already served several years in the military. He had approximately two years left of duty.

Lee's parents said they believe Lex is the first military dog to be retired from service early.

"Lex is like a member of our family," said Jerome Lee. "I'm not going to say it fills a void, but we know that Dustin wanted Lex to be with us," he said.

Rachel Lee said looking at Lex helps her see her son's soul.

"It's like having the spirit within," she said.

Rachel Lee said dogs like Lex are helping military troops all over the world.

"They may be just a dog," she said, "but they're a soldier, and they're a partner with another mother's son to protect."

The reception honoring Lex happened Saturday at 2:00pm at the Arizona State Veteran Home.

Lex, who already has been honored with a commemorative purple heart, will also be an honorary grand marshal at the VA Veteran's Day Parade in Phoenix.

azfamily.com

Iraq Veteran Honored by AZ Vets

HONORING A VETERAN

Heading out to meet the Mississippi Patriot Guard Riders so that we can honor a Retired USMC Veteran at the Naval Air Station in Meridian, Mississippi.

Ronald William Looney

Ronald William LooneyRetired Memorial services for Ronald William Looney will be Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at the Naval Air Station Meridian Chapel. Barham Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Looney, 72, of Collinsville died Tuesday, Nov. 04, 2008, in Meridian. He was retired from the U. S. Marine Corps and Civil Service. He was a member of the Marine Corps League, Patriot Guard Riders serving as the Ride Captain, Gold Wing Road Riders Association “Queen City Wing” serving as the Chapter Director and the Armed Forces Officials Association. He will be remembered as one who enjoyed being a grandpa. Survivors include his fiancée Nancy Grace Skinner of Collinsville; a daughter, Dr. Deborah Ashcraft-Olmscheid, Major U.S. Airforce of Lenexa, Va.; step-daughters, Amy Grace Pomeroy and April Faith Smith; a son, Sean Looney of Meridian and a step-son Aaron Skinner; his aunt, Matilda Looney of Midland, Texas; granddaughters, Ashley Looney and Amber Looney; step-grandchildren, Logan Skinner, Cody Pomeroy, Shelby Smith, Chelsea Smith, Jameigh Skinner and Olivia Molly Grace Pomeroy. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dora Joed Looney. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.

Rest in Peace Top-Dawg

The Mississippi Patriot Guard Riders has lost one of it's Permanent Ride Captains for the East Central Region today. Mr. Ron Looney, Retired U. S. Marine was one of the finest you would ever meet. Always there for our soldiers and veterans. Up until these last couple weeks, I can not recall a mission that he was not at. If he was not there, it was because he was sick.

Rest in peace Mr. Ron. You will be missed so much here in Mississippi.

GOLDEN CORRAL

Golden Corral restaurants nationwide in partnership with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) are offering free meals and drinks to Veterans and Active Duty Military on Monday, November 17, from 1700-2100 as part of their annual Military Appreciation program.

Cross post @ Mississippi Soldiers' Angels