Friday, October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween from eMail Our Military


Happy Halloween!

From everyone here at eMail Our Military to you we wish you a very happy and safe Halloween. Enjoy!


- If you've been looking for a way to
support our troops, now you can. You can send holiday greetings to our troops through eMail Our Military. Join us by participating in one of our many projects or register with eMOM and sign up to correspond with service members one-on-one. Learn more about our holiday project to support our troops.

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Using the Internet to Support Our Troops

Big thanks to the following fine folks and bloggers for helping us support our troops. They answered our call to action and are helping to make the holidays that much brighter for our troops by using the power of their networks to spread the word about Holiday Love™.

These great bloggers are truly making a difference in the easiest of ways and you can too. Just grab one of our buttons, banners or badges and add it to your website or blog and we'll link back to you too.

eMOM's Holiday Love™ Troop Supporters
{ In no particular order }

We've got eMOM buttons, banners and badges of all sizes, specific holidays and non-specific. Grab the one you like from us here and when you've added it to your site or written a post about our project, leave us a comment and we'll link back to you!

Thanks so much for actually doing something to help support our troops!

If we missed you, it wasn't intentional. Leave us a comment now and we'll be sure to include you in the next post with all the other great folks helping with this project.

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If you've been looking for a way to support our troops, now you can. Participate in one of our many projects or register with eMOM and sign up to correspond with service members one-on-one. Learn more about our holiday project to support our troops.

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No Combat Deaths in Baghdad This Month

By Charles Levinson - USA Today
Posted : Friday Oct 31, 2008 6:51:45 EDT

BAGHDAD — October could be the first month of the Iraq war when no U.S. service members will have died in combat in Baghdad.

As of Thursday, the Pentagon had reported 13 U.S. troops killed in combat and non-combat incidents this month in Iraq. If the number holds, it would tie July for the lowest monthly U.S. death toll of the 5-year-old war.

Security has improved in the Iraqi capital and elsewhere thanks to truces by sectarian militias, more effective U.S. counterinsurgency strategies, and a dramatic increase in the size and effectiveness of Iraqi forces.

Militant groups such as al-Qaida have shifted their base to Afghanistan, where U.S. fatalities in October were higher than those in Iraq for the second consecutive month.

“What you’re seeing is a migration of the extremists from one area to the other,” said Navy Capt. Jack Hanzlik, a spokesman for the U.S. military’s Central Command, which is responsible for both Iraq and Afghanistan. “They’re not having the success that they had in Iraq, and they’re looking for other places to go.”

Fifteen U.S. troops had died in Afghanistan in October, as of Thursday, all from enemy fire. There are about one-third as many U.S. troops in Afghanistan as in Iraq.

“The main U.S. effort has been in Iraq, and in Afghanistan, we’ve been trying to tread water and buy time until we have the resources to devote there,” said Nathan Fick, a retired Marine officer and a fellow at the Center for a New American Security.

The U.S. will start shifting resources next month when 2,000 Marines originally set to deploy to Iraq will be sent to Afghanistan. In January, the Army will reroute 3,700 soldiers to Afghanistan.

If you've been looking for a way to support our troops, now you can. Participate in one of our many projects or register with eMOM and sign up to correspond with service members one-on-one. Learn more about our holiday project to support our troops.

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My Two Cents On Supporting Our Troops


I've been surfing and found an interesting blog called Honor, Duty, eMail. It's devoted entirely to encouraging people to support U.S. troops by sending them email. One post, Why Americans Should Support Our Troops, caught my attention and really made me think. I decided to put up a banner to encourage readers to join the movement and send some email support during this year's holiday season.

I'd like to add my own two cents on why we should support our troops. They're out there fighting in a war on behalf of this country. Unfortunately, since there isn't much public support for the war, they aren't getting the kind of appreciation that they deserve. They go out there and do their jobs, day in and day out, risking their lives to get them done. In most cases, they didn't have any choice about whether or not to deploy, or where they would be sent. Nonetheless they are there, enduring social deprivation and subhuman conditions to fulfill their duty. Your email could lift their spirits and brighten their dreary days.

It only takes a few minutes to register online. It's free. Snail registration is also available with a $2 donation requested to cover the cost of processing your registration. Please visit eMom and register to support our troops.

By Sexorcism


- This post is part of our Why Americans Should Support Our Troops ongoing series. We encourage you to participate too.


If you've been looking for a way to support our troops, now you can. Participate in one of our many projects or register with eMOM and sign up to correspond with service members one-on-one. Learn more about our holiday project to support our troops.


Thursday, October 30, 2008

Personal Insight on Supporting Our Troops

By Mike Ward

I was asked about my thoughts on why people should support our troops. I don't feel qualified to tell people what to do without them asking me personally, so I thought I would just share some personal insight.

I could restate the obvious, men and women are in harms way, thousands of miles from home, in extreme climates and less than favorable living conditions (most worse off than what prison inmates have here). Most of you, by now know all that already.

Did you know that military members are not only the 24/7 sailor and soldier, but are also the 'citizen soldier.' Fast food employees, doctors, stay at home moms and many others who volunteer their time to support our nations freedom. All of them, full time soldier and citizen soldier, have been taken away from their normal routine and thrown into a completely different lifestyle. They leave their homes, their 9-5 jobs, and their belongings to serve our country, some with no one behind to watch over what they leave. They completely change their lives with little time to really prepare for what is to come. In my case I had 3 days to prepare to leave my 'normal' life behind for a year (maybe two).

All of them, the full time military and the reservist face new challenges. Many leave behind families that are used to having them around, used to having them there to handle 'their share' of the responsibilities at home. They leave not knowing how their families will handle the separation and the added burden of them not being there. They carry with them the guilt of not being home to do their fair share. Some mobilized reservists have to deal with significant pay cuts due to their reserve pay not being equivalent to their civilian pay. I served with a man who lost 40% of his salary due to his mobilization.

And while these men and women are away they hear the news, headlines of what a mistake it is for them to be fighting this war, stories of anti-war protesters who have either forgotten why, or have no appreciation for, the freedom of speech continuously protected by America's military. These men and women continue to do their mission for an apparently ungrateful nation. It's not the entire nation, but unfortunately, it is often the loudest part.

Yet they continue to do the job. They miss anniversaries and birthdays, some times even births. They work in stressful, potentially deadly surroundings, with the only people they can vent to being others in the same situation. Their days are a combination of fatigue, injuries, the threat of death, and the loss of colleagues while 'on the job'; and worries about home, confusion as to why they are even there caused by all the negative press, loneliness and more while they have 'free time', but, they are really always on the job. They have little or no option to hear a kind word, feel a loved ones touch or just get a hug.

I could go on.

So, even though I won't tell you why you should support our military, I would like to ask you for a small favor. Tonight, after you tuck your kids in and kiss your spouse good night, or tomorrow morning while you have a hot Starbucks and plan your day, try to think of a reason why you shouldn't do something to show your support.

Thanks for listening.


Mike Ward
Commander, US Navy, Retired

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If you've been looking for a way to support our troops, now you can. Participate in one of our many projects or register with eMOM and sign up to correspond with service members one-on-one. Learn more about our holiday project to support our troops.


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Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Support Our Troops By Supporting Their Families

By Erin Nash

Since 9/11, our country has seen a re-emergence of patriotism. It's a wonderful thing and as the wife of a U.S. Army Soldier, it's been great to see how many people support our troops.

My husband enlisted in 1995, fresh out of high school. He has re-enlisted several times, the second time being just one month before 9/11. While I watched our country being attacked, my thoughts and prayers were with all of those affected, but I also knew while I watched the devastation that my husband would leave shortly. He's a special operations Soldier and is always among the first boots on the ground wherever needed in the world. He left Oct. 12, 2001, and returned before the end of the year, but it was a scary time. Not knowing where your Soldier is, what he is doing, and trying to catch a glimpse of him on CNN while at war is not a very reassuring feeling.

Since that first deployment, he has deployed several more times. The first few times was before the Iraq war, so sending him packages was easy-he actually needed stuff like snacks, magazines, baby wipes, etc. The last few deployments were harder-he had everything he needed readily available, which was a relief to me, but also left me scratching my head as to what to send him. I like to try to send a box at least once a week, because I feel like I'm doing my part in supporting him.

I got creative and went to the toy section at a department store and bought all kinds of fun stuff he could do in his downtime. I bought him all kinds of fun kids' stuff to do, like a Slinky, a recorder, and many inexpensive silly things that he wouldn't normally expect.

While he enjoyed getting boxes, what he really wanted was handwritten notes and cards. While I did email him every day, he really appreciated the letters and cards the most. It was great to get my son involved in it also, and I loved to receive his letters in the mail-it was something tangible from him that I could read and reread.

One of the best ways I believe we can support our troops is by supporting their families. My husband constantly worries about my son and I while he is deployed, even though we are always fine. Reach out to the families, because a lot of times just a simple, "How are you?" is a nice thing. Listen to their worries, their hopes, and whatever they feel like sharing. Invite them to supper or a movie - sometimes we feel like we got left out of the real world, of the normalcy of life.

There are many ways to support our troops, whether it's sending a care package or thanking a veteran. Don't let the opportunity pass you by.


This post is part of our Why Americans Should Support Our Troops ongoing series. We encourage you to participate too.

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If you've been looking for a way to support our troops, now you can. Participate in one of our many projects or register with eMOM and sign up to correspond with service members one-on-one. Learn more about our holiday project to support our troops.


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29th Annual Miami Lakes Veterans Day Parade

The 29th annual Miami Lakes Veterans Day Parade is scheduled for Sunday, November 9th. CoSponored by the Miami Lakes Civic Association and the Town of Miami Lakes Cultural Affairs Committee, this year's parade kicks off at 10 AM from the corner of Bull Run Road and Ludlam Road (N.W. 67 Avenue) across from the Miami Lakes Town Hall.

Parade chairman Jack Corssino said the parade will head south on Ludlam Road and pass the main grandstands at Main Street. The parade ends at New Barn Road and Main Street where participants will receive cold drinks and enjoy lively entertainment.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the three best decorated floats symbolizing Veterans Day and American's fighting heroes.


A children's bicycle decorating contest will be available for kids ages 5 and up. Those interested in participating may email their name, age, and parents phone number to mlcaoffice@yahoo.com.

Corssino said the committee needs convertible cars, volunteers and teens needed community service hours. For more information, or to volunteer you can reach him at Corsjac@aol.com.

What local events are going on in your area for Veterans Day? Let us know by leaving a comment. We may include a story about it.

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If you've been looking for a way to support our troops, now you can. Participate in one of our many projects or register with eMOM and sign up to correspond with service members one-on-one. Learn more about our holiday project to support our troops.


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Miami Lakes Seeks Veterans Input

The Town of Miami Lakes and its Veterans Ad Hoc Committee are looking for input, ideas and suggestions from local veterans for its Veterans Memorial that will be built at the new community center at Royal Oaks Park.

All veterans from the Miami Lakes, FL area are invited to attend the next Ad Hoc Committee meeting at 5 PM on Monday, November 3rd, in suite 302 at Town Hall, 15700 NW 67 Avenue.

The Ad Hoc Committee has preliminarily discussed ideas for two memorials, one with an overall general theme to be placed outside of the community center, and another which would feature a tribute to local service members who have died in the line of duty, to be placed inside the community center. All suggestions are being welcomed by the committee.

If you'd like more information you may contact Katya Lysak at (305) 364-6100, ext. 138 or by email at lysakk@miamilakes-fl.gov.

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Have you been looking for a fun and easy way to support our troops? Look no further! Participate in one of our many projects or register with eMOM and sign up to correspond with service members one-on-one. Learn more about our holiday project to support our troops.


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Monday, October 27, 2008

Remember - One More Reason to Support Our Troops

Remember...

"It is the soldier, not the reporter,
Who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,
Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier,
Who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protestor to burn the flag."

Father Denis Edward O'Brien, USMC

- If you've been looking for a way to support our troops, now you can. Participate in one of our many projects or register with eMOM and sign up to correspond with service members one-on-one. Learn more about our holiday project to support our troops.

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Sunday, October 26, 2008

Cute Cards for our Troops



Now this is a great way to kick off our holiday project for the troops this year. Big thanks to Vertical Printing Graphics, one of eMOM's "Holiday Love™" sponsors this year (see our sidebar). They sent us two big boxes of assorted cards to go to out in support of our military service members. We can't thank them enough. THANKS!


If you've been looking for a way to support our troops, now you can. Participate in one of our many projects or register with eMOM and sign up to correspond with service members one-on-one. Learn more about our holiday project to support our troops.


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Supporting our Troops - Three Different Perspectives

Why Should You Support The Military? A One Word Answer
By Jeremy Brown

CHOICE

Yes, that is the answer to the question. Here's how it's the answer from three different perspectives.

The Service Member

This is perhaps the best start of the discussion on why you should support the military. It is because of the Choice of a Service Member that you should. One sunny day a young man, barely old enough for the moniker of man will walk in off the street to a recruiter’s office. Why is he there? It’s unimportant in this particular discussion. He is there, by choice, to sign up to serve his Country. In this time of both great need and peril he makes this choice to serve his Country. He raises a hand and swears an Oath. It is not to a political party, a person or even a particular Divinity. Look at the Oath. They volunteer to go fight, leave their families for long period of time and possibly die on soil that is not their home. Why? Because they made a choice to do so thereby giving you the choice and chance to enjoy many freedoms, rights and privileges.

The Spouse

The next level of exploration is that near and dear to my heart, the Spouse. You can’t choose your Family, but you sure can choose your Spouse. Military Spouses choose to remain with their Service Members. They do this through thick and thin, happiness and sometimes the deepest of anguish. It is not a globe trotting thrill fest of world cuisine and European shopping. It is nights alone with a sick child (or two). It is weeks without contact because of a blackout order on their base in Iraq. It is that conflicting emotion to hug the friend who just lost her Service Member fighting with the relief that this one time it was not yours. It is the joy of Homecomings. It is the the lingering sadness of yet another Leave taking. It is a choice. They make a choice to stay with that life and support that Service Member. They make that choice because they love their Country and their Service Member. They do this so that others can make the choice to live in the same place for twenty years and have their children go to the same school for their entire lives.

You

You may fit into one or both of the levels above, but there are others who may not. Yet even the Service Member and the Spouse have additional ways to support the Troops. Its easy. Choose. Choose whether to read this blog or not. Choose whether to share it or not. Choose to stand for the National Anthem. Choose to salute the flag. Choose to vote. Choose your own path of spirituality. Choose. Remember that your ability to choose does not come cheap nor is it bargained for lightly. That Choice has centuries of ideology, blood, grime, grit and determination on it. Never clean it. Be proud of it. Cherish it. Make a stand and choose. Choose to support the Troops that have made a stand to support you. They made a choice to support you. Doesn’t it seem logical for you to choose to do the same?

By Jeremy Brown
Military Life Answers

This post is part of our ongoing series "Why Americans Should Support Our Troops". We encourage you to participate too.


- If you've been looking for a way to support our troops, now you can. Participate in one of our many projects or register with eMOM and sign up to correspond with service members one-on-one. Learn more about our holiday project to support our troops.


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New eMOM Holiday Love 2008 Flyer

2008 Holiday Love™ Flyer .pdf here


You asked for it and now you can get it. The 2008 Holiday Love™ project flyer is here. Big thanks to our printing partner, Vertical Graphics Printing, who designed this clever flyer, everyone can use, in support of our troops this holiday season. If you download it, be sure to leave a comment and tell us how you'll be using it.

Download the 2008 Holiday Love™ Flyer .pdf here.

If you've been looking for a way to support our troops, now you can. Participate in one of our many projects or register with eMOM and sign up to correspond with service members one-on-one. Learn more about our holiday project to support our troops.



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Saturday, October 25, 2008

PFC Levine and Hearts for Hunter - Latest News and Information

If you missed our last update "PFC Hunter Levine - The Power of the eMOM Community" please take a moment to read it now. You'll be amazed at how our community has come together in support of PFC Hunter Levine.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Blake Meaux yesterday in great length regarding PFC Hunter Levine. As you know, Blake is the point of contact for the Hearts For Hunter foundation which was created a few months ago to ensure that PFC Hunter Levine receives the continued care and items he'll most likely need long term.

The outpouring of support for PFC Hunter Levine has been so wonderful that Blake felt it was time to get the Hearts For Hunter site online as the one official source for all his supporters to turn to for news and information on Hunter's progress and the foundation's good work.

Blake, who's know Hunter for several years through his brother, explained that the Hearts For Hunter is going to be a work in progress and everyone involved in the foundation is doing so in a volunteer capacity and on their own time.

In our conversation Blake explained that PFC Hunter Levine had been advised he was going to have to spend another two weeks in the VA hospital. The news had left him quite depressed, especially so close to his birthday.

On the up side, Blake speculated that this two week extension might be because the hospital was going to provide PFC Levine with some of the physical items he so desperately needs to help with his healing and outward apperance.

More Good News

Blake also gave us the inisde scoop on another uplifting surprise for PFC Hunter Levine. This weekend, Gary Sinise, the actor best known for his part as Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump and huge supporter of our troops, will be visiting Hunter at the VA hospital. That's going to be amazing.

Continuing The Support

We appreciate all the support you've shown PFC Hunter Levine to this point and we hope you'll continue to do so through his foundation, Hearts For Hunter one the website is complete.

In the meantime, if you have any questions or are interested in following PFC Hunter Levine's progress we encourage you to contact the Hearts For Hunter's point of contact, Blake Meaux.

We'd also like to encourage you to send birthday cards along with your cards and letters of support to Hunter at:

Hearts For Hunter
#2130
395 Saw Dust Road
The Woodlands, Texas 77380



If you've been looking for a way to support our troops, now you can. Participate in one of our many projects or register with eMOM and sign up to correspond with service members one-on-one. Learn more about our holiday project to support our troops.


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Help a Hero Call Home

Sport Clips Across the Country Partner with VFW's Operation Uplink To Sponsor Service Men and Women's Holiday Phone Calls

Beginning October 19, Sport Clips locations across the country will once again offer clients the opportunity to help soldiers call home this holiday season. Last year's efforts raised $90,000, enough for 800,000 minutes of talk time December 25 for members of our nation's military. This year's effort will culminate with what the company is calling "The Biggest Haircut Day of the Year," a National Cut-a-Thon on Veterans' Day, Tuesday, November 11, when $1 from every haircut service will be donated to Operation Uplink.

Operation Uplink is a Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) program that keeps military personnel and hospitalized veterans in touch with their families and loved ones.

"Our goal this year is to raise $100,000 throughout the Sport Clips system. We've set our sights high in order to increase the time our military men and women will be able to talk with those they're missing back home during the Holidays and the rest of their time overseas. From my overseas tours in the Air Force, I know how important it is to hear the voices of loved ones when you are away from home for months at a time," says Gordon Logan, a Lifetime Member of the VFW and the Sport Clips Founder and CEO. "Last year, our Team Members and Clients across the country raised enough money to purchase VFW Operation Uplink phone cards and internet talk time to connect military families for 800,000 minutes. We are proud that Sport Clips and our Clients were able to make this statement of support and appreciation of our military heroes and their families."


For more information on participation or locations near you, visit SportClips.com. For information on how to make a donation to Operation Uplink

Sports Clips is the "Official Haircutter" of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and offers preferential pricing to veterans.

If you've been looking for a way to support our troops, now you can. Participate in one of our many projects or register with eMOM and sign up to correspond with service members one-on-one. Learn more about our holiday project to support our troops.



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Friday, October 24, 2008

Why I Support Our Troops

By Phyllis Zimbler Miller

Why do I support the troops? The answer is a direct line from the Vietnam War until today. Let me explain:

Growing up in Elgin, Illinois, in the 50s and 60s I didn’t know many young men serving in the military forces. Of course, most fathers I knew had served in the military during World War II, but that was to be expected.

I clearly remember two boys a few years older than I, sons of my parents’ friends, who were drafted and served in Vietnam. But no one I knew volunteered to serve.

And then I met my to-be future husband at Michigan State University, and he was in ROTC. He had volunteered to be a U.S. army officer.

Because we got married before he went on active duty, I was introduced to the world of the military. And as Jews stationed in Munich, Germany, we particularly appreciated being remembered at holiday time by the Jewish Welfare board. I learned first-hand how important it is to know that there are people who care about military personnel serving their country.

Thus it was natural that, when I was the co-author of the 1992 Jewish holiday book SEASONS FOR CELEBRATION (written with Rabbi Karen L. Fox), I included in the book a request for donations to the Jewish Welfare Board “in support for our women and men serving abroad.”

It was equally natural that, when my book MRS. LIEUTENANT: A SHARON GOLD NOVEL came out in April of this year, I included on the website (http://www.mrslieutenant.com/) a section about organizations, including eMOM, that help support military personnel and their families. And this is why I frequently write posts about such organizations for my blog MrsLieutenant.

Recently I was thrilled to participate with Trish Forant of eMOM and Nancy Sutherland of on Operation Soldier Care, and I’m currently sponsoring the Facebook event Honor a Veteran. Please visit the page to honor a veteran you know or admire.

Having experienced what it’s like to be part of the U.S. military, I feel strongly that all Americans should do their part to both support military personnel today and to honor those veterans who have come before.

I believe that eMailOurMilitary is doing a particularly important service by demonstrating to deployed military personnel that people care. And I’m personally in email contact with a National Guard infantryman in Iraq whose blog is on my blogroll.

November 11th is Veterans Day – may we all remember with gratitude the men and women who have served and are serving our country.

Phyllis Zimbler Miller
MrsLieutenant

This post is part of our Why Americans Should Support Our Troops ongoing series. We encourage you to participate too.


- If you've been looking for a way to support our troops, now you can. Participate in one of our many projects or register with eMOM and sign up to correspond with service members one-on-one. Learn more about our holiday project to support our troops.

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New Media Activity Activation

Story Number: NNS081020-07
From the Department of Defense

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Department of Defense announced Oct. 20 the activation of the Defense Media Activity (DMA).

Borne out of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission's 2005 conclusions, the DMA places internal information programs -- the Army Broadcasting Service, Soldiers Radio/TV, the Soldiers Media Center, the Naval Media Center, the Air Force News Agency, Marine Corps internal information assets and the Army/Air Force Hometown News Service with the American Forces Information Service -- into one activity which will be located at Ft. Meade, Md., in 2011.

"This transformational change in public affairs will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of DoD's internal communications capabilities while continuing to provide unparalleled support for those who serve our nation," said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Robert T. Hastings.

"Ensuring the continued free flow of timely and accurate news and information to our military personnel is the primary mission of DMA. I think it is one of the most exciting things to happen to DoD Public Affairs in a long time. It's our opportunity to change the way we deliver news and information to our internal audience," said Hastings.

DMA will work under the direction of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs.


- If you've been looking for a way to support our troops, now you can. Participate in one of our many projects or register with eMOM and sign up to correspond with service members one-on-one. Learn more about eMOM's holiday project to support our troops.

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Thursday, October 23, 2008

PFC Hunter Levine - The Power of the eMOM Community

Thanks to our wonderful community and network of eMail Our Military supporters, friends and followers some amazing things have taken place for PFC Hunter Levine since we were first contacted by our Military Liaison in California on his behalf.

First, PFC Hunter Levine immediately had care packages and cards sent to him and the response was overwhelming. One group alone, a contact through our printing partner, sent over 300 cards from their community group. Then, PFC Levine received visitors, if I'm not mistaken, the very day after eMOM sent out our "call to action".

Also, we received hundreds of requests to support PFC Levine through our website and those supporters will be sending cards and letters of encouragement his way. Even 1st Sgt Disque sent an email to eMail Our Military President, Trish, saying:


"Thanks for supporting us and for taking the time to care for our wounded Soldiers. Hoah!!!"


V/R,
1SG Brian M. Disque
C CO 2-30 IN
"Our Country, Not Ourselves!"


Additionally, PFC Hunter Levine's story was picked up across the internet by our milblogging community and has been reposted over and over by bloggers who support our troops along with other organizations that do similar things. Michelle Malkin, syndicated columnist and author, even reached out to her readers and asked folks to get involved.

PFC Hunter Levine's story even ran in his home state of Texas in Texas Magazine as a special eMOM Action Alert. All this through the power of the eMail Our Military network of support. Truly amazing and awe inspiring. What phenomenal people you are and what big hearts you have.

We placed a call to action for one of our own and you responded in a flash, without a moment of hesitation. Better still, you told your friends and they told theirs and what began as a blog post has now swelled into something so much bigger.

The outpouring of support for PFC Hunter Levine has become so great that a foundation has been created in his honor. Hearts For Hunter should make its debut on Monday, if all goes well, and his friend Blake Meaux will be the executor of his foundation. The hope is that they will get the necessary items he'll need for his return to Houston.

We appreciate all the support you've shown PFC Hunter Levine to this point and we hope you'll continue to do so through his foundation, Hearts For Hunter.

If you have any questions or are interested in following PFC Hunter Levine's progress we encourage you to visit his site or contact Hearts For Hunter's point of contact, Blake Meaux.

You may also send your cards and letters of support to:

Hearts For Hunter
#2130
395 Saw Dust Road
The Woodlands, Texas 77380


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On a side note, though we sincerely appreciate how deeply you feel about the support eMOM's provided our troops over the last 7 years, we kindly ask that you don't leave negative comments on the sites that republished our post in full but did not attribute the original "Call To Action" to us.

If you've been looking for a way to show your support to our troops, now you can. You can participate in one of our many projects or register and sign up to correspond with service members one-on-one. Register with eMOM or Learn more about our holiday project to support our troops.


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Supporting Our Troops Is Good For The Soul

By Thom Allen

Imagine being 17 or 18 and feeling enough patriotism to voluntarily walk into a recruiting station and make a life changing decision.

That's what I did. And I can honestly say it was the best decision I ever made. The Woman and Men who make up our Military forces work harder than any of us can imagine. To be in a constant state of readiness is exhausting. The American people need to show their support as often as possible. Gratitude goes a long way.

When I was a young Marine, mail call was the best part of the day. I always hoped for a letter from home, a letter from a friend or family member, something to connect with the outside world. Anything to keep me motivated. With technology, you can reach our service members much easier than in the past. Whether it’s electronic or on paper, the result is the same.

No matter how you may feel about governmental decisions, our military personnel believe they are doing the right thing in protecting our freedoms. They need our support. The next time you see someone in uniform, stop and thank them. Shake their hand. Let them know you appreciate the sacrifice they are making on your behalf.

The media is usually content with reporting the faults in our military. Instead, they miss all the wonderful things our service Woman and Men do every day in their communities. Take for instance, the Marine Corps supporting Toys for Tots, a program that accepts donated toys for children who are in need at Christmas time.

While you consider what you are thankful for over the next few months, please keep our military folks in your thoughts. Make some kind of gesture by participating in programs like those of eMail Our Military. This program works hard to send gifts and letters to those serving in the various branches, improving moral, and giving you an opportunity to show your support.


Thom Allen
Former United States Marine
http://thomallen.com/

This post is part of our Why Americans Should Support Our Troops ongoing series. We encourage you to participate too.

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If you've been looking for a way to support our troops, now you can. Participate in one of our many projects or register with eMOM and sign up to correspond with service members one-on-one. Learn more about our holiday project to support our troops.


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Why Americans Should Support Our Troops

It never ceases to amaze me that people continue to equate supporting our troops with supporting war. I can't even begin to tell you how many times a day I have to say "Supporting our troops isn't a political statement" or "Supporting our troops has nothing to do with politics" and I really mean it.

H.J. Armstrong summed it up nicely today when she said "People forget that our troops play a vital role in disaster response and humanitarian efforts too." She's right, our troops do more than fight our wars, our troops serve our country in so many ways both at home and deployed so why shouldn't they have our support. They've volunteered to serve our country unselfishly and I think showing them a little support is the least we can do.

I could go on. However, I thought that instead of me telling you all the reasons why I think Americans should support our troops I'd open it up to you, our readers, to let us know.

I want to know why you think it's important for Americans to support our troops and why you think patriotism is still important. Why you do it?


Tell Us


Write a blog post linking back to this article and add your comment here when it's up. We'll surf over, read your post and link back to you. Feel free to put your own spin on it too, maybe you want to tell us why people should support our troops for the holidays for example.

It's all about you and why you believe we should all support our troops. As long as it's a positive post, and non-political we'll be happy to feature it here as a guest post and link back to your site.

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If you've been looking for a way to support our troops, now you can. Participate in one of our many projects or register with eMOM and sign up to correspond with service members one-on-one. Learn more about our holiday project to support our troops.


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Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Postage Patriots - Ensuring Happy Holidays for Troops

We're sure to receive many cards and letters to support our troops this holiday season, now all we need are Postage Patriots™ to help us get all that mail shipped out!

For just $5, we'll ship 1lb of holiday mail to a service member and let them know it was sponsored by you. That's right, every $5 we receive is 1lb of mail to our troops. Will you help us?

How To Become A Postage Patriot™

You can become a Postage Patriot™ by sending a check or money order to us or by using the PayPal button at the bottom of our sidebar or our ChipIn widget (which also uses PayPal) to add your funds.


Check Back

Be sure to check back often and watch our progress on this Holiday Love™ campaign. We've got quite a long way to go to reach our goal but we're optimisitc we can get it done for our guys and gals in our Armed Forces. They sure do deserve all the holiday cheer we can give!

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If you've been looking for a way to support our troops, now you can. You can participate in one of our many projects or register and sign up to correspond with service members one-on-one. Register with eMOM or Learn more about our holiday project to support our troops.

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Military Trivia - Did You Know...

This is part of eMail Our Military's ongoing series called Did You Know?

This series, which you can follow by clicking on the labels/categories in our sidebar, will give you interesting facts about all things military.

At eMOM we want to do more than help support our troops, we want to educate people and give them a better understanding about all things military. We realize that when you know more about a specific group of people, you'll be better able to understand them and in turn be better equipped to relate to them.

Military Trivia

Did you know that country music star Craig Morgan was a Paratrooper and and EMT before pursuing a career in music?

If you've been looking for a way to show your support to our troops, now you can. You can participate in one of our many projects or register and sign up to correspond with service members one-on-one. Register with eMOM or Learn more about our holiday project to support our troops.

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Febreze and Family Dollar Give Back to Support our Troops

Febreze has joined forces with Family Dollar stores nationwide to send bottles of Febreze To Go to deployed troops! The donation — a direct response to military requests — will eliminate odors on military gear and uniforms and bring the troops a refreshing piece of home.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

For every Febreze item purchased at Family Dollar stores from now through Veteran’s Day - November 11, 2008 - Febreze and Family Dollar will send one 2.8 ounce bottle of Febreze To Go to a deployed servicemember. They also partnered with Operation Gratitude to facilitate distribution to deployed military servicemembers.

For a listing of your nearest Family Dollar stores click here

If you've been looking for a way to show your support to our troops, now you can. You can participate in one of our many projects or register and sign up to correspond with service members one-on-one. Register with eMOM or Learn more about our holiday project to support our troops.

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Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Use Your Computer to Support Troops

You can send a message of support to a service member this holiday season as a part of our Holiday Love™ project and you can do it right from the comfort of your computer chair.

At eMail Our Military we've made it as simple as possible to support our troops with very little effort. It's something everyone can do this holiday season.

Use your computer and write a letter of support and encouragement to our troops. Add some great seasonal clip art and you've got a masterpeice. You can also use holiday themed stationary and envelopes too, most popular office supply stores have them as well as places like Target and Walmart.

The photo on the left is just one example of a letter we received from student.

Your letters don't have to long or complicated. Just a simple "Thank you for serving" along with a little about you and your family is enough to bring a smile to a service member's face.

Once your letter is complete, print off as many copies as you'd like to share (example: 1 letter supports 1 service member and 10 would support 10) and send them to us in one big envelope. You don't have to buy envelopes for each letter but if you have them they would be helpful - just don't seal them.

If you'd like to send store bought holiday cards, those are great too!

Send all your holiday correspondence to us at:

eMail Our Military
Holiday Love™ Project
8004 NW 154 Street, #344
Miami Lakes, FL 33016

Spread the word, get all your friends and family members involved and most of all, have a great time.


See All The Photos

You can see all the photos from our Holiday Love project on the eMOM Flickr Page


If you've been looking for a way to show your support to our troops, now you can. You can participate in one of our many projects or register and sign up to correspond with service members one-on-one. Register with eMOM or Learn more about our holiday project to support our troops.


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Sunday, October 19, 2008

Supporting Our Troops this Holiday Season

For 7 years, eMail Our Military (eMOM) has been supporting U.S. troops for the holidays through our Holiday Love™ campaign. Each year we receive thousands of cards both handmade and store bought, each one special in its own way.

This year we'd like to encourage you to help us send and show your support to our troops. It doesn't matter if you're a democrat, a republican or an independant - it's not about politics. It's about supporting those who volunteered to serve our great nation. We're non-partisan and our members are from varying backgrounds and come from places all over the world. We come together here, at eMail Our Military, with one simple goal - to support our troops.

How You Can Help

Helping is easy. You can take part in any number of projects we have and you don't need to register to do so. Of course, if you do want to register you'll be able to correspond with our troops on a one-on-one basis and take part is special year round campaigns and projects.


Most importantly, we want you to take part in our Holiday Love™ 2008 Campaign!


More Ways to Help

It's not enough to slap a sticker/ribbon on your car telling the world you support our troops if that's where the support stops. It's not that our troops don't appreciate the show of support it's just we want you to really get involed. Here are some great ways to do that:


Whatever you decide to do, grab your camera and take some photos and we'll add them to our flickr photos!

These are just a few simple and easy projects you can take part in from the comfort of your computer chair. If you've got some great ideas for us, we'd love to hear them. Leave a comment and let us know.

If you've been looking for a way to show your support to our troops, now you can. You can participate in one of our many projects or register and sign up to correspond with service members one-on-one. Register with eMOM or Learn more about our holiday project to support our troops.



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Grab Your Troop Support Holiday Buttons and Banners

We've got eMOM's Holiday Love™ buttons, banners and badges so you can show your support for our troops this holiday season. Please feel free to grab one and use it and link back to our website eMailOurMilitary.com and help eMail Our Military support our troops!

Avatars


eMailOurMilitary


eMailOurMilitary


eMailOurMilitary



Square Banners

eMailOurMilitary


eMailOurMilitary


eMailOurMilitary



Horizontal Banners

eMailOurMilitary


eMailOurMilitary



Small Banners

eMailOurMilitary


eMailOurMilitary


eMailOurMilitary


eMailOurMilitary

To get a better look at these banners, feel free to check them out on our Project page. Big thanks to the team at Brainstorm Brand for the great logo and to Nathan Carnes for creating this wonderful buttons, banners and badges for our Holiday Love campaign.

If you've been looking for a way to show your support to our troops, now you can. You can participate in one of our many projects or register and sign up to correspond with service members one-on-one. Register with eMOM or Learn more about our holiday project to support our troops.


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Supporting our Troops - Messages from Home

Sending prayers up for you all to be strong and to have the endurance it takes. Thank you for all you do for us!! - Ginger R.




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Friday, October 17, 2008

Corporal Candy Corn Headed to Next Duty Station



When I said eMOM had a wonderful community of caring and supportive followers I wasn't kidding. Here's the latest package headed to PFC Hunter Levine recovering in California from injuries he sustained in Iraq.

This wonderful package was put together by @KRob who is a part of our twitter community. We know that PFC Levine is going to love Cpl. Candy Corn.

Big thanks and big hugs to you all. We couldn't do what we do for our troops without kind and caring folks like you.


If you've been looking for a way to show your support to our troops, now you can. You can participate in one of our many projects or register and sign up to correspond with service members one-on-one. Register with eMOM or Learn more about our holiday project to support our troops.



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Twitter the Teddy Bear Ships Out



We have such a wonderful community of supporters here at eMail Our Military. We asked for a little help to show support and encouragement to PFC Hunter Levine, injured in Iraq and recovering at the VA hospital in California.

We asked you to send your cards and letters, helping him hold on to hope. What you did though was spread the word across your social networks linking people back here to his story, creating an outpouring of amazing support.

Just one example of this support is @Annetteyen who is part of our eMOM twitter community and founder of Critters Who Care. She's sending the Critter pictured in the photo above, dressed in cammo, to PFC Hunter Levine. Additionally, she recorded "I love you Hunter" which will play on the bear's soundchip when his foot is squeezed. Perfect for PFC Levine who currently cannot see due to his injuries.

It's been awe-inspiring and heart-warming to see how people have taken this action alert and made it their own.

Thank you, so very much!


If you swing by Critters Who Care let them know we sent you! If you've been looking for a way to show your support to our troops, now you can. You can participate in one of our many projects or register and sign up to correspond with service members one-on-one. Register with eMOM or Learn more about our holiday project to support our troops.



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Thursday, October 16, 2008

Help PFC Hunter Levine with Messages of Encouragement

This is a special eMail Our Military Action Alert, we received an email from our military liaison in CA about a wounded warrior in need. We'd like to ask for your help in getting PFC Hunter Levine cards and letters with messages of hope and encouragement. Get well cards are a wonderful pick me up. Be sure to remain positive when writing your messages to PFC Levine.




From 1SG Brian M. Disque

I know a young man who is in desperate need of help. His name is PFC Hunter Levine. He is 20 years old and hails from Houston, TX.

He was in my company and was wounded on 9 May, 2008 while conducting combat operations in East Baghdad. He received a very serious injury to his face, resulting in the loss of his entire bone structure, mouth, nose, and vision.

He was evacuated to Walter Reed Hospital where the doctors performed numerous surgeries to repair his face. I was fortunate enough to attend a Purple Heart Ceremony at Walter Reed while I was home on leave in June. I was also able to meet with Hunter's father Beau.

Hunter was then transferred to a VA hospital in Palo Alto, where the best care for his vision would be available. He is a true fighter with a heart of gold.

Bad News

Unfortunately, I received some bad news from the hospital doctors. Lately, he has been resisting treatment and being somewhat combative with the hospital staff. He has had a few outbursts and the staff is real worried about him. It seems like a serious case of depression is setting in.

Although his wounds on the outside may look bad, they may never compare with the wounds he has on the inside.

I spoke with him on the phone this evening, and he seemed real down. The reality is that he still has a long road to recover and may never see again. This young man has everything to live for and is a true inspiration. He is exactly the kind of person we would all want in a brother, son, or friend. I feel obligated to try and rally some support for him. I know we have a lot of caring people out there who would love to do something special for an outstanding American who gave his all for his country.

Call to Action

If you know of any church groups, school room classes, or other benevolent organizations that would be interested in assisting this brave young man, please forward this message on to them.

He is a pretty typical young man, so he likes sports and other typical young men stuff. A small care package with some goodies and such would mean the world.



Again, please forward this message to as many people as you know. It would be so great if we can all give way together and show Hunter that his country will never forget his sacrifices or service. He is down and needs our help.

Thank you for your support, it means everything.

V/R, 1SG Brian M. Disque
C CO 2-30 IN
"Our Country, Not Ourselves!"

To send your card or letter of support, encouragement and well wishes to PFC Hunter Levine, please contact eMail Our Military. If you prefer to send an email of support to PFC Levine you may do so at eMail PFC Levine and we'll be happy to mail it to him in our packages. Or, drop a comment here and we'll print and mail that too.

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UPDATE:

The Latest News and Information for PFC Hunter Levine can be found here



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eMail Our Military Update






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We have tons of great news in and info and we just launched our holiday project for the troops! Website is: http://www.emailourmilitary.com/

Blog is at: http://emailourmilitary.blogspot.com/

Mobile post sent by eMailOurMilitary using Utterli. reply-count Replies. mp3


Don't Let Them Down

That's all we're asking, don't let them down.


If you've been looking for a way to show your support to our troops, now you can. You can participate in one of our many projects or register and sign up to correspond with service members one-on-one. Register with eMOM or Learn more about our holiday project to support our troops.


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Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Holiday Mail for our Troops


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Mobile post sent by eMailOurMilitary using Utterli. reply-count Replies. mp3

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Supporting our Troops - Messages from Home

Men and ladies of our great nation,

I feel very proud of each and everyone of you out there where ever your sent you go to keep me and my family safe even though I dont know anybody in the services I send my love to each and every one of you and pray God keeps you safe as you are doing to us.

God bless!

Elaine in the United Kingdom



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Send Troops Halloween In a Box

You can send Halloween to our troops in a box! Whether you have a special service member on your list or not you can send our troops some treats for Halloween.

If you already have someone special that would really appreciate a care package then just place your order. Don't forget to select eMail Our Military as the affiliation and we'll receive a portion of the proceeds to so we can keep supporting our troops.

If you'd like to support a service member but don't know one personally, just choose the the Patriot Pack you'd like to send, add it to your shopping cart and select soldier service from the drop down menu.

When youre ready to make your purchase just click checkout and add your gift tag message. Continue checkout as usual, but enter your address as the shipping address. Beyond Bookmarks will change this to the APO/FPO address of a military service member provided by eMail Our Military.

Choose USPS as your shipping carrier, then select Priority Mail as your shipping method. You can also call Beyond Bookmarks, toll free, at 1-866-746-5133 to order your care packages if it will save you a little time. The team at Beyond Bookmarks is happy to take your orders M-F from 9-5 CST.


Military Care Packages and Gifts




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Monday, October 13, 2008

7th Annual Holiday Love Project for our Troops




7th Annual Holiday Love™ Project

Each year we send holiday cards to our troops for Christmas and Hanukah. This year’s project starts October 13th and ends December 1st to ensure that all cards and letters can be shipped to meet the holiday deadlines. Mail your holiday cards for our troops to us and we’ll ship them to our military in time for the holidays!

Get everyone involved! Here are some great ideas:




Adults

  • Place a drop box in your office or place of business and get everyone involved in bringing in cards.
  • Put a notice in your apartment’s newsletter about our project or put up this flyer.
  • Get your church, synagogue, or place or worship to add our project in their announcement letter this weekend.
  • Visit local retirement homes, VFWs, Moose Clubs and get the folks involved. This is a project that will make them feel really special and give them the opportunity to hear back from our troops too!
  • Buy holiday stationery and create your own personalized holiday letters.
  • Make a banner using a vinyl tablecloth (red, white or blue) and sharpies to create a thank you or support banner. Have friends, co-workers, family, church members, etc. sign it with their message.
  • Make a poster using poster board (red, white or blue) and colorful markers to create a thank you or support poster. Have friends, kids, classroom, co-workers, family, church members, etc. sign it with their message. It's easy to ship too, just stick it in a mailing tube to us!
  • 3 x 5 or 4 x 6 cards (like the kind you can get at any office supply store) are great to write a short note on or for a motivational quote. Colored ones are very festive and great if you just want to say "I support you" or "I'm proud of you". Dress them up with holiday stickers. Include your contact info on the back too with an address label or stamp.
  • Include phone cards for our service members to call home. The best cards to purchase are the AT&T phone cards as they can be used internationally as well as nationally.
  • Introduce a friend to eMailOurMilitary.com and have weekly card writing sessions for fun! Get creative, go ahead, use the glitter and the glue just like you used to when YOU were a kid.
  • We always need stamps. Ask your company to donate a roll of stamps to eMail Our Military; when they do, we'll give them some free publicity in our monthly newsletter as a thank you.
  • Even more ideas...

Corporate Sponsors

You can get your company involved. Get your community relations team to schedule a day for employees to get together to sign holiday cards then ship them to us. Our troops will be proud to see the companies back home that support them.

Donate holiday cards for our volunteers to sign. When you do, we'll add your company name to our list of sponsors, blog about your participation and promote it across our social networks. Great publicity for your company!

Donate your products or services. When you do, we'll add your company name to our list of sponsors, blog about your participation and promote it across our social networks. Great publicity for your company!

Promote the Holiday Love™ troop support project throughout your company using your website, blog and intranet. Your clients will be pleased to know that you support our troops.

Finally, consider contributing funds to the project.


Kids and Teens

Kids can make their own holiday cards for our troops. Children have the most creative ideas and this is a fun, family project you can enjoy together.

  • Try stamping or using scrap booking items to create fantastic unique cards home made by you.
  • Let the kids create their own holiday cards adorned with holiday stickers.
  • Get your children's classrooms/schools involved making drawings and cards. We have hundreds of schools participating each year and we want your school too! This is a great class project.
  • Make a banner using a vinyl tablecloth (red, white or blue) and sharpies to create a thank you or support banner. Have friends, co-workers, family, church members, etc. sign it with their message.
  • Make a poster (or a giant card) using poster board (red, white or blue) and colorful markers to create a thank you or support poster. Have friends, kids, classroom, co-workers, family, church members, etc. sign it with their message. It's easy to ship too, just stick it in a mailing tube to us!

What You'll Need To Know

We screen every piece of mail prior to shipping for safety and security reasons. Therefore, all cards and letters MUST BE left unsealed. Place your unsealed items into a larger shipping envelope with your return address on it. Envelopes or packages received without return addresses will be refused for safety reasons.

Please include eMailOurMilitary.com somewhere in or on your envelopes, cards, letter, notes and postcards or sign your name with "Proud eMailOurMilitary.com Member. This ensures our troops will be able to contact us should they need our support in the future.

Please DO NOT put stamps on your unsealed envelopes or postcards as we ship all correspondence to our troops in bulk. To help us with shipping costs, please include the stamps in a separate envelope aside from your letters or sponsor a shipment by becoming a Postage Patriot™.

Do not address individual cards, letters and notes to a specific branch. Address your correspondence to "Dear Hero", “Dear Service Member" or “Fellow American”. Keep in mind, they aren't all soldiers and they aren't all men. Remember, we ship in bulk.


DO's

  • Do include your return address on your package to us
  • Do place all your unsealed correspondence in a larger envelope or package
  • Do include your contact info if you wish to receive a reply
  • Do address your cards generally (like Dear Hero, Dear Service Member, Dear Fellow American)
  • Do try to include "eMail Our Military" on all your correspondence (it is a huge timesaver for us)
  • Do tell everyone you know and spread the word! Blog it, tweet it and keep sharing the news. The more the merrier.

DONT'S

  • Don't seal your correspondence
  • Don't put postage on your correspondence
  • Don't date your correspondence
  • Don't specify a branch (like Army, Navy, etc.)
  • Don't address your correspondence to a particular branch (like Dear soldier)

Holiday Love's Postage Patriots ™

For every $5 payment we receive, we'll ship one of our "Holiday Love™" packages stuffed with morale boosting holiday mail to our troops. Imagine the excitement our service members will feel as they receive packages of holiday mail sponsored by you. To participate, send a check, money order, use the pay pal button on the sidebar of our site or the chipin widget below and sponsor a package today!


Please send your holiday mail and or payments to:

eMail Our Military
"Holiday Love"
8004 NW 154 Street, Suite 344
Miami Lakes, FL 33016

Your packages must be received in our office by December 1st, 2008 to make it to our troops by Christmas. If you miss the deadline, ship it anyway and we’ll mail it out. You may sponsor shipments as a Postage Patriot ™ year round.


More Goodies/Resources

There are many more Holiday Love™ goodies and resources on the sidebar of our blog. Plus, you can use the Holiday Love category to view all of the posts tagged with Holiday Love™.



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Supporting our Troops - Messages from Home

Dear soldier,

I cannot imagine what it must be like where you are. I am the daughter of a RET LTC. It has got to be incredibly hard being so far away from home. I have always had a soft spot in my heart for the military personnel. I write to the military personnel that I personally know, but also write the ones I do not know. In my eyes every soldier is special and important. Every soldier needs to know that they are cared for. Even if it is not a person of kin, they need to know that they are cared about by others. So on this day soldier, and every other day to follow, please know that you are cared about, loved, and prayed for by people who do not know you personally.

God bless you soldier for risking your life for our freedom and your country. I pray that all may go well with you.

Sincerely,

Melina S.


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Saturday, October 11, 2008

Patriot Packs, Care Packages for our Troops

Military Care Packages and Gifts


We've partnered with Beyond Bookmarks so you can send Patriot Packs to military services members at home and deployed. If you have someone special who is serving in the military, now you have another great option to get goodies to them. If you don't have someone special in the military but you'd still like to send care packages to someone serving, we've made it possible for you to do that with our Unknown Soldier Service! eMail Our Military has a confidential database of service members serving in places like Iraq and Afghanistan who could use a little love and some goodies from home.

Every care package you order gives back to the troops! Select eMail Our Military as the affiliation and we'll receive a portion of the proceeds to so we can keep supporting our troops.

Just order the package you want to send and Beyond Bookmarks and eMOM will take care of the rest.

Here's how:

Order your Patriot Pack by calling Beyond Bookmarks toll free at 1-866-746-5133. They're happy to take your order over the phone Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM CST.

OR if you prefer to do it yourself online:

1. Add the Patriot Pack you'd like to send to your shopping cart and select soldier service from the drop down menu.


2. Add any add on items you'd like to include to your shopping cart.

3. Click checkout and add your gift tag message using the button to the right of your Patriot Pack that reads add gift tag message.

4. Continue checkout as normal, but enter your address as the shipping address. Beyond will change this to the APO/FPO address of a soldier provided by eMail Our Military.

5. Choose USPS as your shipping carrier then select Priority Mail as your shipping method


Military Care Packages and Gifts




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Latest News from the Armed Forces Press Service

Armed Forces Press Service

Four Iraqi Citizens Killed, 18 Injured in Terrorist Bombing in Mosul

Sunni, Shiia Reconcile Over Eid, Release Prisoners

Cartwright Urges Improving Technological Advances

Top Rating Confirms What Retirement Home Residents Knew

All Services Meet Fiscal Year Recruiting Goals



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The Latest News from the Military Times

Military Times - News

Kansas atheist soldier dropping lawsuit

Bush signs two vets’ benefits bills into law

Congress to review NSA eavesdropping charges

Shaky economy helps recruiting, retention

Ukraine: No force against Somali pirates



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The Latest DoD Press Advisories

The Latest DoD Press Advisories

Star-Tides Demonstration Announced

Year-End Recruiting And Retention Results To Be Briefed

Brigade Commander to Brief Live From Iraq

U.S. Forces Korea Commander Briefing Announced

DoD To Recognize AbilityOne Program


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Today's Army Headlines

Army News

Army operationalizing reserve component

Schoomaker portrait unveiled at Pentagon ceremony

Secretary of the Army Pete Geren - Address to the 2008 AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition - October 6, 2008

Guard, Reserve Soldier named Army's best warriors

AKO Hits 1 billionth Log-on, continues enhancements

Today's Navy Headlines

Navy News

SECNAV Sends Birthday Message to Fleet

Supreme Court Hears Navy Sonar Case

MCPON Sends Birthday Message To Fleet

100th Anniversary of the Great White Fleet Commemorated in New York

Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Group Arrives in Cape Town, South Africa




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Today's Air Force Headlines

Air Force News

24-hour Tinkering: Maintenance around the clock

SECAF visits Ramstein, discusses leadership priorities

Building dedication honors Airman killed on 9/11

Oct. 8 airpower summary: A-10s engage anti-Afghan forces

Airmen to support presidential inauguration



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Today's Marine Corps Headlines

Marine Corps News

A Marine Corps POETT Empowers Iraqi Security Forces

Every Marine is a Radio Operator

2nd LAR Bn. concludes successful tour in Iraq

Blue and Green mixing together for more than a color combo

TF 2/7 fights with ‘ACE in the hole’



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Today's Guard and Reserve Headlines

Guard and Reserve News

Data: Reservist VA claims more often denied

Biden: Obama would include Guard in JCS

Casey: Continued Guard deployments essential

McCain: Guard has risen to post-9/11 challenges

Ind. corn maze shaped like Guard insignia


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Friday, October 10, 2008

Latest News from the Armed Forces Press Service

The Latest News from the Armed Forces Press Service

Park in Afghanistan Provides Vehicle for Long-Term Change

Program Works to Ensure Absentee Voting Opportunities

New Army Operations Manual Leverages 'Soft Power' Assets

NATO Ministers Discuss Afghan Problems, Challenges

Defense Ministers Seek Ways to Halt Taliban's Drug Money




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The Latest DoD Press Advisories

Today's Latest DoD Press Advisories

Year-End Recruiting And Retention Results To Be Briefed

Brigade Commander to Brief Live From Iraq

U.S. Forces Korea Commander Briefing Announced

DoD To Recognize AbilityOne Program

Multinational Division - North Commander to Brief Live From Iraq


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2008 Military Children's Scholarship Handbook

2008 Free Military Children's Scholarship Handbook

A college degree has become the essential tool to unlock doors for future success. This handbook contains all the latest information about getting a college degree, including: types of higher education, resources for finding the right college, entrance exams, financial aid resources, paying for college, applying for federal student aid, Pell Grants, Direct and Federal Family Education Loans, PLUS loans, Consolidation loans, Federal Work-Study Program, U.S. Armed Forces and ROTC, and much more!

» Click here to request your FREE Handbook



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2008 Getting Uncle Sam to Pay for Your College Degree

2008 Guide to Getting Uncle Sam to Pay for Your College Degree

This unique handbook, written for active military personnel, covers everything you need to know about: the G.I. Bill, tuition assistance, scholarships, veteran benefits, student aid, selecting the right degree for you - why some degrees might be better for you than others, finding the right military-friendly school, tips on staying ahead of the curve, and much, much more!


» Click here to request your FREE Handbook



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Thursday, October 9, 2008

The Latest DoD Press Advisories

DoD Press Advisories

Year-End Recruiting And Retention Results To Be Briefed

Brigade Commander to Brief Live From Iraq

U.S. Forces Korea Commander Briefing Announced

DoD To Recognize AbilityOne Program

Multinational Division - North Commander to Brief Live From Iraq


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Latest News from the Armed Forces Press Service

Armed Forces Press Service

Program Works to Ensure Absentee Voting Opportunities

New Army Operations Manual Leverages 'Soft Power' Assets

NATO Ministers Discuss Afghan Problems, Challenges

Defense Ministers Seek Ways to Halt Taliban's Drug Money

Iraq Security Sustainable, Challenges Remain, Commander Says



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Thanks from Spc. William Bechtel

A message from Army Spc. William Bechtel


"Just want to say thank you for all your support and encouragement. It inspires us to be all we can be. God bless you for your efforts and it is appreciated. I am proud to be an American and love serving our great country, thanks again."


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2008 Benefits for Veterans & Dependents Handbook

2008 Benefits for Veterans & Dependents

This complete benefits handbook, written for veterans and their dependents, covers: health care benefits, disability compensation, pension, vocational rehabilitation and employment, education and training, home loan guarantees, life insurance, burial benefits, survivor benefits, women veterans, homeless veterans, overseas benefits, small and disadvantaged businesses, appeals, workplace benefits, miscellaneous programs, and much, much more!

» Click here to request your FREE Handbook


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Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Free 2008 U.S. Military Retired Handbook

2008 U.S. Military Retired Handbook

The United States Military Retired Handbook is designed to help all U.S. Military personnel who have retired - or who are planning to retire. This unique guide covers everything from the nuts and bolts of computing your Retirement Pay to the detailed explanations of retired military Healthcare, TRICARE, Social Security, VA, SBP, taxes, insurance, travel, survivor benefits and much, much more!

» Click here to request your FREE Handbook



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2008 Base Installation Directory - NEW

2008 Base Installation Directory

The Base Installation Directory, one of the newest handbooks, provides contact information for every military installation in the United States. From information about military housing to the commissary to the base dental clinic, youll find the contact number and addresses you need in one easy to access guide

» Click here to request your FREE Handbook




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Virtual Veteran's Day Parade - Bloggers Unite

A special request from CJ @ soldiersperspective.us:

Greetings Fellow milbloggers and assorted opiners of liberty!!

For those that don't know me, you haven't had your head in the sewage much and I applaud you for it. For those that do, I apologize again. I'm contacting a limited group of distinguished ladies and gentlemen... hang on.... whew..... okay, done laughing... I'm contacting a limited group of distinguished ladies and gentlemen to arrange a virtual Veteran's Day Parade that will be hosted on the YouServed blog and I would like to enlist your help (yes, even if you are/were commissioned, you're being enlisted for THIS cause!).

Here's what I need from you. First, of course, is participation. This hasn't been done before and if we pull this off I may have a shot at being the next Blackfive blogger during the upcoming television series "So You Think You Can Blog For Blackfive"!!

We'd like to get at least 30 participants for the "parade", but the more the merrier. For every participant I can get, the VA Mortgage Center will donate $20 to VALOUR-IT. That's right, for EACH participant.

Second, I need you to contact other milbloggers and ask for their participation. If they aren't included here, it's not because I don't love them, it's because I used up all my brainpower RAM and couldn't think of others. For blogs like ASP, Mudville Gazette, and Blackfive where there are multiple authors, each participant will count as a separate person for this purpose.

Finally, I need each milblogger to provide the following information:

1. Name or screennameBlog URL
2. Character "float" you'd be and why you picked it (for example: Snoopy because he was the Red Baron - a veteran like no other!!)
3. Personal thoughts about Veteran's Day.

You can either send me the picture you'd like to use for your float or we can make one to use. The picture can be something you create or just an image you like that reminds you of Veteran's Day and speaks to your "float". Please forward this post to your favorite milbloggers and have them contact me if they're interested. Share this on YOUR blogs and snatch this up into emails to milbloggers as well. The deadline for this is November 4th - one week prior to Veteran's Day.


Even if you aren't a military blogger, we'd really like you to show your support for our veterans and participate in this virtual event.

(photo credit: ronnieb)


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Latest News from the Armed Forces Press Service

Armed Forces Press Service

Former POWs Now Eligible for Posthumous Purple Hearts

Army Reservist to Receive Silver Star for Heroism in Afghanistan

Gates Urges Southeastern European Nations to Send Troops to Afghanistan

Gates Reaffirms U.S. Commitment to Ukrainian NATO Membership

Armed Forces Retirement Home Receives Prestigious Accreditation


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Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Supporting our Troops - Messages from Home

To any and all of you,

I thank you more than you will ever know. As I sit here in front of my computer awaiting today’s college football game of the day, I couldn’t help but think of all the brave men and women that are in harms way. I hope you all come home soon and safe.

Sincerely,
Lance G., son of a former paratrooper.



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