I wanted to take a moment to recognize some of the people and organizations that have been particulary generous to the soldiers in the Stryker Brigades, and their families (see list below). I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to visit their sites and learn more about the incredible work they do. Thank you.
Soldiers' Angels - They truly do it all. An Adopt-a-Soldier program, assisting military families with travel expenses, and providing wounded servicemen and women with backpacks of essentials are only a few of their projects. Soldiers' Angels is also sending hundreds of Christmas packages to the soldiers of the 1/25 SBCT. The founder, Patti, has been a great friend to this site and Stryker families in general.
Patriotic Pastime - Liz Jackson's HQ. She has organized a number of projects to benefit the 3/2 and 1/25 SBCTs, the most recent being the Hero to Hero '05 pledge drive.
Operation Support Our Troops - Among many other projects, OSOT recently helped raise approximately $20,000 for a Stryker soldier WIA.
Operation BBQ Northwest - Konrad Haskins and his wife Phyllis have provided free catering (supported by donations) for numerous events at Ft. Lewis, including the recent welcome home ceremony for the entire brigade and their families.
Michael Reagan - A renowned portrait artist and Vietnam veteran, Michael offers free portraits of fallen soldiers for their families. I know several Stryker Brigade families that have asked for, and received, these special portraits.
Fisher House - This organization provides lodging at "comfort homes" located at VA medical facilities around the country. It is estimated that military families have saved over $60 million because of Fisher House's generosity. We know many Stryker families have been able to take advantage of this program.
Wounded Warrior Project - WWP "seeks to assist those men and women of our armed forces who have been severely injured during the conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere around the world." I know they have paid visits to many of the Stryker soldiers that have passed through Walter Reed.
The 14th Cavalry Association - Members of the association who live in the D.C. area have made multiple trips to Walter Reed to visit the troopers and support their families.
The Men's Auxiliary of Post 1146, VFW - This VFW Post in St. Clair Shores, MI has donated and shipped over 2,500 pounds of goods to the Stryker troops and other deployed troops with more on the way.
A special thanks goes to Cindy, Shelly and Barbara for their many visits to Walter Reed to provide aid and comfort for the wounded soldiers. Your updates have helped us all feel more connected to their stories.
The members of The Tea Party on our Bulletin Board deserve sepcial recongnition for the way they have helped each other over the past year. Yvonne in particular has initiated a variety of projects, including the Memory Quilt for Task Force Olympia.
Finally, thanks to Dave & Charlotte Moss (Stryker magnets), St. Louis Sue and Eric Schoolcraft (Stryker design) for helping provide us with the great Stryker gear.
Is there anyone we forgot? Send us an email and we'll add to the list if need be.
Thanksgiving
I wanted to take a moment to recognize some of the people and organizations that have been particulary generous to the soldiers in the Stryker Brigades, and their families (see list below). I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to visit their sites and learn more about the incredible work they do. Thank you.
