Our Soldiers

[Bartman]

Been thinking alot, and praying alot for our men and women in harms way, so I just wanted to ask you all to throw out a prayer for the brave men and women of our armed forces.
May the Gods watch over the brave Warriors, comfort their families and provide for them while their loved ones are away!!
Hail the Soldiers!!
Hail their Families!!

[joemomma]

Thanks Bartman, even as a veteran, I need to be reminded of this every now and then. Here I sit, fishing doing whatever, enjoying my freedom that is not free! Praying here for our Marines, soldiers, Navy and Airman! Godbless all of you! :pray:

[samiam]

I know when I get skunked and frustrated out on the river I just think about all the good people elsewhere in the world with kevlar helmets on, and I put my head back in proper perspective. our lives back here at home could get lots worse, but the folks out doing the duty couldn't be any better! :applause:

[feisty]

I also feel for the soldier's, and for the familie's. I also feel for us, when we can no longer express an opinion as to the right/wrong of a "war" that is costing us, as a country, so much...especially in term's of loss of freedom, you can NEVER purchase "security" at the cost of freedom.Oh, wait...I forgot, good ole boy from :bricks: :bricks: :bricks:Texas is here to help us.Yeah, right.I see many kid's, every day, who wonder when/if Mom or Dad is coming home, or if they will LOSE the home they have, cause Dad has lost the job he had, due to being at "war".GHU.

[Airborne]

Thanks for the prayers, and the fact that people still remember that we are over here. This is the first time in a long time I have been able to get on the net. It does suck being over here and not fishing with you and my wife and 5 kids (yep 5 of them) I serve because I can, and more importantly for those who can't. I also salute you that came before me and served as well. May god continue to bless you all and fill your baskets with fish and mine when I get home. Best wishes from Kandahar Afghanistan and the brave men of the 41st Infantry...

[litch dog]

Thanks Airborne and all of you Guys and Gals serving in these not so good times I'll be thinking of you and praying for your safe and speedy return home. :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

[Bartman]

. Best wishes from Kandahar Afghanistan and the brave men of the 41st Infantry...


Airborne and the 41st Infantry,
My Family and I send you our thanks :applause:
tonight, we will ask that the Gods watch over you, and your fellow soldiers of the 41st,that your families will be wathced over and blessed,until their brave warriors return home to them!!
Bart

[RidgeRunner]

My prayers were answered just a few hours ago. I got to see a buddy of mine for the first time since his deployment to Iraq. We had a great few hours together talking about his time in the Mid-East. God Bless our men and women in the milatary.

[jokester]

AMEN!! :cheers: :applause: :bowdown: Thank you all for your service!

-jokester

[DAB]

I salute all the Men and Wemen of the armedservices that have served === are serving === and will serve.
SALUTE.
DAB

[Pete]

Rol,
I think about you and the men and women you are serving with almost every day. Thank you for the work you do. May God keep his watch over you, as you keep your watch.

[Bartman]

Over the last couple days we have laid to rest a couple of oregon soldiers, my prayers go out to the family they leave behind, may they find comfort in the priceless sacrifice given by their loved ones. may these brave warriors be greated in the Halls of Heaven as the true heros that they are!!
Hail the Fallen Warriors!!!

[WestsideGal]

May the lord bless all our soldiers brothers, sisters, mothers, children who are serving and bring them home soon. I don't have any friends or family members fighting in combat right now so I can only imagine what some must be going through who do have family serving. We need to pray for the families also for their comfort. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about our soldiers.

If your in a restaurant or any other public place and you happen to see a soldier walk up to them and tell them "Thank-you" I'd even go so far as to buy their meal if I have the extra money. They deserve far more than the compensation they actually get for laying their lives on the line for us. They need to be honored all year round, not just Veterans Day.

Of all the things you can do for a soldier right now, prayer is the very best one.

:pray::pray::pray:

[Bartman]

So thanx again Bartman , These modern day Hero,s need our prayer to the upmost.

Firecat,this is one thing that we're on the same page on:flowered:
and thank you for your sacrifice for this nation and its people:applause: :applause:

[samiam]

Thanks for the prayers, and the fact that people still remember that we are over here. ..... Best wishes from Kandahar Afghanistan and the brave men of the 41st Infantry...
Oregon's own Soldiers are over in Afghanistan and elsewhere in the world. :smash: If you have a desire to contribute time or money to sending care packages or to support the families, check out this website for the USO http://www.operationusocarepackage.org/site/pp.asp?c=ikLVJ7MSKvH&b=569653. There are many groups organizing care package "rodeos" all over the state where donated supplies are physically placed in packages and prepared for shipment overseas. A quick Google search can get you a dozen phone numbers to formal and informal organizations. Also, to specifically get in touch with the Oregon Army National Guard to support the Soldiers and Families of the 41st Brigade Combat Team in Afghanistan (and other units), call the Oregon Military Department (503-584-3980) and ask for the Family Program Coordinator Office, or the Public Affairs Office. The Public Affairs Office might offer you ideas where you can attend an upcoming ceremony to shake some Soldiers' hands just hours after they've returned from deployment. It's a powerful feeling, expressing gratitude face to face, on both the giving and receiving end! I have been speechless at a ceremony while I watched a Vietnam veteran in his old olive drab hat hug scores of returning Iraq combat veterans, and at the same time some kids are sitting in the bleachers waving a homemade sign that says "Thank You". Donations go a long ways towards making ends meet for some struggling military families, but also provide support for family-centered events i.e. where kids talk to deployed soldier-parents over the internet. Some donations are earmarked to pay utility bills and airline tickets for Soldiers returning on emergency leave. The possibilities are nearly endless. One last thought, many units within the Oregon National Guard are constantly operating fund raisers to benefit Soldiers and their Families. They might sell hats, or perhaps those ribbon magnets for your car or fridge (or boat?)The Oregon Military Department would love to steer you in the right direction to get the most results for your time and money. When you read the news that a Soldier has died, consider attending the memorial ceremony. Those ceremonies are the right time and the most intimate place to convey your support for the military, simply by attending, and they are the result of countless hours of devoted and loving planning to honor a Soldier AND their Family. Thankfully, our country's leadership enacted laws prohibiting protesting at military funerals so we don't feel inclined to pack our weapons along as we pay our respects. Interestingly, those protesters are often driving off in their snobby cars with "support our troops" stickers on the bumper. Don't get me started on war protesters........ We all need to pray for Soldiers, Families, and our leaders.

[Bartman]

samiam
WOW!! thank you for the great info and ideas :applause: :applause: :applause:
I will be making contact and seeing what our family can do towards the care packages. I have wondered at times about attending one of our fallen heroes memorials, this may sound "lame", but I didnt know if it was appropriate, you just helped me know that, not only is it apprproiate, but a good way to honor their ultimate sacrfice.
THANK YOU
Bart

[samiam]

It's my pleasure to pass along just a little info. I suppose I'd be wrong if I didn't mention that we should pray for those war protesters too........ everyone needs some prayer.

[Airborne]

I don't always get a ton of free time on the computer, but when I do I try to jump on IFISH to see whats going on at home. You guys and gals, and fish tellers of tales are a great bunch and thanks again for all the post. One of the Heros of which you speak was/is a good friend of mine. His name "SSG Brad Lindsey" I worked with him daily and we will all miss him for the rest of our lives. If there are any IFISHERS who wish to send a care package, my address is:
Roland Howard
205th RCAC
APO, AE 09355
what ever is sent will be shared with and enjoyed all the guys who work with me, (except smoked salmon):jester: , not to beg or anything....hint hint
I look forward to my leave in jan home for 2 wks and then back to the desert yea.... will be home in June or Jul of 07

[WestsideGal]

Thanks Samiam! I have not done a care package yet but would love to do that.

So what are some of the most requested items that our soldiers could use or want in a care package?

Cheers,
Kelly

[samiam]

I can't say enough that by linking up with an established organization is the smartest way to get the most mileage for your efforts.
Here's the link to a Salem-based group who have supported lots of Oregon Soldiers - lots of great photos! http://www.loveboxesforourtroops.com/ (http://www.loveboxesforourtroops.com/)
Here's another very good one, very reputable, and they have a calendar of events, with some coming up this month!!!! Coalition of Troop Support http://www.cotsupport.org/ - look under Partner Projects for lists.
Here's the link to the war memorial being built in Salem - they are seeking skilled and unskilled volunteer help working on the memorial! http://www.freedomisntfreeoregon.org/

Wow, I'm getting myself all worked up to attend that packing party on the COTSUPPORT site..... October 28th in Portland. Awesome experience for kids, too. They usually have some coloring books and blank cards set up so kids can write and draw for soldiers and place them in the boxes.

[3riversBob]

My son works with http://www.cotsupport.org/in Portland. If you want to get involved it's a great group doing fine work.

My prayers are daily for all of those serving past and present.

Bob

[samiam]

More from Coalition of Troop Support! Salem Troop Support Benefit to be held November 11th at 7pm. Salem Red Lion. Local Soldiers, Families present. Food and music. Dancing and an auction. Contact Dustin Caldwell at 503-881-1420. Tickets $10. Sportsmans Warehouse is among the sponsors. I wonder what they might donate to the silent auction. :) http://www.cotsupport.org/Freedom2006.pdf

[Bartman]

as our country moves into a new era, I pray to the Gods that our soldiers and there well being will be put first!!
Hail the Warriors!!
Hail the Warriors Families!!

[samiam]

Here's some information about a portland company trying to raise funds to assist with an orphanage in Afghanistan. The company is co-owned by a Soldier currently serving with the 41st Brigade (Oregon National Guard) over there.
Family and Friends of the 141 Spt. Battalion Family Program: Our soldiers have a humanitarian mission in Afghanistan to help the children in the orphanages in and around Kabul. As winter approaches, our help is desperately needed. If you can donate even just a few dollars toward the mailing costs incurred in sending donations of clothing to these children, your generosity and kindness will be much appreciated. Please take a few minutes to read the email we received from Posh Baby's owner, Natalie Martin. She is the wife of one of our soldiers, Erik Martin, who is working at Camp Phoenix and has started a program called Friends of Operation Outreach. There are also some great photographs and letters shared by Erik at the Posh Baby website. If you would like to donate, please contact Posh Baby, the information is provided below.

Thank you!

___________________________________________



Posh Baby did a clothing drive and a silent auction for Friends Of Operation Outreach ("FOOO") and received lots of clothing donations and raised over $1,400. We have already shipped some of the donations, but it is so expensive and we do not want to use the funds raised for the orphanage for postage! www.poshbaby.com/fooo (http://www.poshbaby.com/fooo)

Cheers,
Natalie
Posh Baby LLC
Posh Boutique
www.poshbaby.com (http://www.poshbaby.com)
Tel: 503 478 POSH
Fax: 503 228 8600