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WKRG News has a nice story about Allie Maney.
When 12-year-old Allie Maney started Operation Schoolhouse, a project to collect school supplies for Iraqi children, she had no idea how large the response would be.Since its start in October, Allie's project has more than doubled her goal of 1,000 pounds of supplies.
"I'm really excited about it. We got 2,200 pounds," the Shalimar resident said. "It's just great that we got this much and I loved doing it."
Ally started the program after hearing stories and seeing photos from her brother, Army 1st Lt. Drew Maney. In one of his weekly conversations with his family, Drew mentioned the Iraqi children he met on his tour with the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team.
According to Asbury Park Press a local VFW is holding a fundraiser this Saturday for a former 2nd SCR soldier who lost both legs in Iraq.
It looks as if Iraq War veteran Sgt. Michael Minard is more than getting by with a little help from his friends.Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4247 are holding a fundraiser Saturday to help the Army veteran and Keyport native, who lost his legs in battle last year.
The event will be held at the VFW Post 4247 at Third Avenue and Waverly Street between 4 and 8 p.m.
Funds raised will be used to reconstruct Minard's home to make it more accessable for him to move around.
Apparently the event will benefit the 4/2 SBCT.
ROCHESTER, Wash., May 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chehalis Confederated Tribes held a highly successful benefit dinner and theater performance for returning combat veterans at the Lucky Eagle Casino Event Center May 17th, tribal officials announced this week. The fundraising effort, appropriately named "The Return To Honor Veterans Benefit," was created to provide much needed support for the Dragoon Raiders Soldier and Family Fund and the Freedoms Foundation's Return To Honor program. Hosted by television personality Grant Goodeve, the event was attended by an enthusiastic crowd of 250 and raised over $65,000.
"We are pleased with the support and participation we received from the community," said Chehalis Tribal Chairman David Burnett. "It was our belief that people would welcome the opportunity to help charitable organizations that serve our returning combat veterans, and that proved to be the case. We are especially grateful to our key corporate sponsors, Pepsi, Wells Fargo, Uhlmann I-5 Auto Group, Reichert's Distributing and the Olympian."
The benefit featured moving speeches by Major Davina French, veteran of the Iraq War and currently the Interagency Coordination Officer for the North Dakota National Guard, Thomas K. Lee, combat veteran who served in both Afghanistan and Iraq, and Major Daniel Dudek, Iraq War combat veteran who served with the Stryker Combat Brigade team (4th Brigade, 2d Infantry Division).
The bottom line from the following article? Do your research before making a donation to a charity organization, even if it's legit. One organization that I personally donate to is Operation Second Chance, which was founded by our friend Cindy McGrew.
By Philip Rucker, Washington Post
Americans gave millions of dollars in the past year to veterans charities designed to help troops wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, but several of the groups spent relatively little money on the wounded, according to a leading watchdog organization and federal tax filings.
Eight veterans charities, including some of the nation's largest, gave less than a third of the money raised to the causes they champion, far below the recommended standard, the American Institute of Philanthropy says in a report. One group passed along 1 cent for every dollar raised, the report says. Another paid its founder and his wife a combined $540,000 in compensation and benefits last year, a Washington Post analysis of tax filings showed.
The following article profiles the Fisher House facility at Ft. Lewis. I know a number of Stryker families have taken advantage of the organization's housing at Ft. Lewis and elsewhere.
MICHAEL GILBERT; The News Tribune
Like a lot of Army spouses, Sora Oakes figured she’d be better off staying back home with her family while her husband, Sgt. 1st Class Don Oakes, was in Iraq.
So when he deployed in April, she and their son Connor moved out of their quarters at Fort Lewis and in with her folks in Tennessee.
That worked fine – until Oakes got hurt Nov. 9. He suffered a badly broken leg when a wall collapsed onto him during a mission in Diyala province.
Cindy McGrew of Operation Second Chance was one of those invited to the White House. It's great to see her organization being recognized for its efforts.
By Samantha L. Quigley, American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 1, 2007 – Leaders of 10 America Supports You homefront support groups from around the country, and a National Guard family program, accepted President Bush’s invitation to meet with him at the White House yesterday.
America Supports You is a Defense Department program highlighting the ways Americans and the corporate sector support the nation’s servicemembers.
“Whether it be helping the chaplains help kids, or whether it be … helping a family of the injured, whether it be working at Walter Reed or supporting troops getting ready to go into combat, these good men and women really represent the very best of America,” Bush said after yesterday’s meeting.
Artist Michael Reagan has been featured here many times before. He is the founder of the Fallen Heroes Project, which is dedicated to providing custom portraits free of charge of all fallen service men and women. A number of Stryker families have received these portraits. Michael recently gave a very moving speech to the Seattle Rotary Club - a streaming video of his speech available if you are interested.
Update 2/22/07: Rachel has an update on her site. Okon apparently is awake and improving.
Former 1/25 SBCT soldier Jason Okon is in critical condition recovering from stab wounds he received in Arizona. His family is asking for assistance. A fellow milblogger has all the details surrounding the incident, and offers information on how you can help.
Cindy McGrew is a good friend of this site. She has helped a number of Stryker families. To learn more about her organization please visit the Operation Second Chance website. I hope those responsible are found.
GAITHERSBURG, Md. -- A woman trying to do a good deed for a soldier wounded in Iraq is stalked and robbed at Lakeforest Mall in Gaithersburg on Monday.
Cindy McGrew runs Operation Second Chance, a business that helps wounded soldiers being treated at Walter Reed. On Monday night, McGrew was buying presents for a soldier to take home to his children. She bought an xBox 360 and a PlayStation Portable, but when she took the items to her truck at about 7:30 p.m., she was attacked.
MCMINNVILLE, OREGON, JULY 15,2006: Jeff and Vicky Fairbanks, owner of Liberty Labradoodles announces a puppy dubbed Libertys Freedom will be given to one lucky supporter of Operation Second Chance from her August litter. Vicky stated anyone donating twenty dollars or more and completes the application process could be an owner of a special multi generational Australian Labradoodle. The winner will be selected August 20th, 2006.
An adoption form and details are available online at Libertylabradoodles.com. Donations made to Operation Second Chance are tax deductible.
Jeff and Vicky have a 21 year old son currently serving in Iraq with the 172nd Stryker Brigade Infantry. I first found out about Operation Second Chance through Strykernews.com; a gathering spot for family members of Stryker Soldiers. Operation Second Chance assisted the family of a soldier in the 172nd shot by a sniper in Mosul, Iraq. I followed closely the pains, shock, and waiting for information the family faced while the injured soldier was flown to the states. Operation Second Chance was amazing during critical times such as the initial arrival of the family and their comfort. As time went on I watched them assist injured soldiers at Walter Reed Medical Center with personal visits, care packages and social activities for those able to travel.
The following article was sent to us by Brad Blauser, a civilian contractor in Mosul, who is working with the military and people back home to provide wheelchairs for Iraqi children in need.
Link to Full Article
By Gary Sheftick
WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Jan. 20, 2006) Among more than 900 Soldiers watching the Washington Capitals beat the St. Louis Blues, 5-4, Thursday night in an overtime shootout, was a wounded warrior who aspires to one day play competitive hockey again.
Spc. Tim Taylor played hockey 14 years in high school and city leagues before most of his left hand was blown off in Iraq. Now he says Walter Reed Army Medical Center will provide him with an adaptive hand so he can compete again....
We've been a long time supporter of the Soldiers' Angels organization. One of their latest campaigns is Project Valour IT, which is working to provide "voice-controlled software and laptop computers to wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines recovering from hand and arm injuries or amputations at major military medical centers." We've learned first hand how important these computers can be during the recovery process. Soldiers' Angels is holding a friendly fundraising contest for this project through Veterans Day, November 11. Please visit their site to learn more about this project or to donate to the cause.
SOCCER STYLE: If you are a kid in Iraq you grow up playing soccer, even if you have to use a rock or a piece of trash as a ball.
Some soldiers from Fort Wainwright are trying to improve the situation.
Soccer balls are being collected today and Sunday at two local churches and are to be shipped to Iraq next week by the Army.
The 2nd Battalion 1st Infantry Regiment of the Stryker Brigade has collection boxes at the Door of Hope Church and the Friends Community Church....
Here's a great chance to help with the homecoming for the 1st Brigade 25th Infantry Division (1/25).
MAKE A BED FOR A SOLDIER - The Chamber of Eastern Pierce County, as part of its Community Connector program with the 1/25 Stryker Brigade, is working with the businesses in the community to support the single soldiers who are returning from deployment. We are starting a campaign called "Make A Bed For A Soldier" to collect donations of new twin-sized sheets, light weight blankets, pillows and cases, as well as Welcome Home cards. The 1/25 Stryker Brigade has approximately 2,000 single soldiers that will be coming home late this summer. Please help us in saying Thank You to them for their dedicated service and sacrifice. If you are a business that would like to be a drop off point, please call The Chamber and we will provide boxes and a sign to hang advertising that you are a participant. If you are unable to do the shopping, we can do it for you! To sponsor a soldier, please send your donation of $25 per soldier to The Chamber of Eastern Pierce County, PO Box 1298, Puyallup, 98371. Please call the office to donate using a credit card. For more information, please contact Connie Buschman at: 253-845-6755. All items and monetary donations are needed by August 31st. Campaign Sponsors: Wal-Mart Store #2403, Holiday Inn Express, Apex Moving & Storage, LLC, Candace Blancher, Korum Automotive Group. Drop locations: Western Washington Fair, Holiday Inn Express, AustinCina Architects, Valley Bank Main Street Branch, Harborstone Credit Union, The Chamber office, Korum Automotive Group, ERA Premier Realty, The Building Family Fun Center in Orting, Trout Lodge U-Fish, Carl W, Youngquist DDS PS, Around The Corner Caf, Jones Family Chiropractic, Valley Signs, Northstone Real Estate.
As most of you know Stryker Brigade News (SBN) is maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers, but the cost of hosting and managing the site, in terms of time and money, can be significant for our contributors. Consequently, since many people have asked what they can do to support the effort we thought it would be helpful to put together the following list.
We wanted to take a moment to recognize a few organizations that have been particulary generous to the soldiers in the Stryker Brigades, and their families. We encourage everyone to take a few minutes to visit their sites and learn more about the incredible work they do. Thank you.
Lynda Pheasant sent us the following report on the homecoming of SGT Mike Buyas, and the community's fundraising efforts on his familiy's behalf. Also included are links to two articles in the Wenatchee World newspaper. This is an inspiring story to lead us into the Memorial Day Weekend.
Back in March we posted an article about SGT Mike Buyas, who was seriously injured in Mosul before Christmas. While he's still recovering at Walter Reed, his local community is holding a fundraiser to assist his family. Lynda, a former "Stryker Mom", sent us the following press release the group put together, which includes donation information if you would like to help.
We are very excited to announce that Cindy McGrew has formalized her mission to assist wounded service men and women through the creation of a non-profit called Operation Second Chance. She and her group of volunteers have done so much to help the wounded at Walter Reed, including many Stryker soldiers. If you have been following the stories of Michael Oreskovic, Scott Thorne and Travis Majors, then you know what Cindy has done for them and their families.
Please follow the link above to learn more about her new organization, or to offer a donation. We will be adding the site to our Links Page as well.
The following AFPS article highlights the efforts of an organization we recently added to our Links Page - GI-Bracelet.org. All proceeds from sales of its "For Those Who Serve" bracelets go to charitable organizations that support military members and their families.
Link to Article
By Gerry J. Gilmore, American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, April 6, 2005 Freedom isnt free, asserted San Diego-area businessman James Lee. Thats why, Lee said, hes promoting the sales of G.I.-styled bracelets to assist families of servicemembers whove been killed or wounded while serving in the war against terrorism.
The silicon-rubber bracelets bearing the inscription For Those Who Serve go for $1 to $5 on Lees Web site. The bracelets are the color of the militarys Purple Heart Medal.
Steve Thorne forwarded the following photo taken by Rob Moschetti on February 2nd at the Seven Brothers Fundraiser in New York. For background on the event, which raised money for these 1-14 CAV soldiers and their families, see this previous entry.
UPDATE: We have the correct caption now.
The News Tribune wrote a story highlighting Norma & Jorshua Melo's music project we mentioned last week.
Link to Full Article
KATHLEEN MERRYMAN; THE NEWS TRIBUNE
Slammed with the violent or unexpected loss of a loved one, wise people often turn to action.
They cannot replace the loss, but they can try to repair the situations behind it. The work, they discover, has healing properties.
Norma Melo, the wife of SSG Julian Melo, and her son Jorshua have decided to raise money for a very special project. Since SSG Melo loved children and music, they will be raising money to purchase musical instruments and sheet music that will donated to school children in Mosul.
Included below is a full description by Norma, which she originally left as a comment to a previous entry. With her permission we wanted to highlight it separately here.
The following article describes a fundraiser to benefit the soldiers, and their families, that were injured or killed in an attack on September 14th in Mosul. The names of Jacob Demand, Scott Thorne, and Travis Majors are familiar to most of you, but the article provides updates on the other soldiers involved in the incident as well.
Link to Full Article (Photo included)
By: James Montalto
Mark and Barbara Vogl, originally from Long Island, will be hosting a charity fundraiser for Barbara's son, Sergeant James Wingate, and six fellow soldiers of the First Squadron-Fourteenth Cavalry of the United States Army who were ambushed and injured by insurgents in Mosul, Iraq on September 14, 2004.
In the wake of last week's events we've received a number of emails asking if anything can be done to assist the affected families. We've included links to a number of organizations that accept donations below, but please feel free to share your ideas in the comments section as well.
As I mentioned previously there are a couple ways we can help Michael Oreskovic as he begins his recovery. Click below for all the details.
(edited in May 2005 by Mike Oreskovic)