1st Battalion 5th Marines Action Alert

My name is Josh Wright. I adopted the 1st Battalion 5th Marines stationed out of Camp Pendleton Oceanside, CA. during Operation Iraqi Freedom as well as during Operation Enduring Freedom. I know a few Marines that have deployed back out to defend our country, for a third to fifth tour. The Marines understand the sacrifices and are more than willing to make them. However, they are afraid that they will be forgotten while on deployment. I'd like to ensure that this doesn't happen. I have had the honor to meet these brave Marines in person and they are more then HEROES in my book. They are legends!

Through eMail Our Military, we're asking if your friends, family church and co-workers would like help support these Marines by donating some of the following items:

Thick Boot Socks (size 6-12)
Underwear (size 32-36)
Foot Cream
Handwarmers
Heat Packs
Body Wash
Body Lotion
Instant Hot Cocoa Mix
Baby Wipes
Eye Drops
Batteries
Small Flash Lights
Travel Size Snacks
Beef Jerky

You can also see additional suggestions for military care packages here.

These are a few of the items requested and just something to bring a small smile to their young faces to let them know we have not forgotten about them.

Additionally, our Marines and troops always enjoying getting letters and emails of support, the Sunday funnies, jokes, magazines (like Maxim, STUFF, Car and Driver, etc. ) and care packages.

You Can Drop off Items at the Following Locations:

Starbucks Coffee Shops located in Irvine, CA at:
Culver & Walnut,
Sand Canyon & 405 Shopping Center,
Campus Drive across from UCI

American Legion Post #291215
East 15th Street
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Telephone: (949) 673-5070

The Marine Corps Career Center
located right across the street from Downey High & next to PetCo.
8566 E Firestone Blvd
Downey, Ca 90241

Sincerely,

Josh Wright
eMail Our Military's Marine Corps Community Liaison

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.

[ Tags: eMOM, eMailOurMilitary, Military Support, Troop Support, Supporting Our Troops, Messages of Support, Moral Support, eMail The Military, eMailing Our Military, Mail Our Military, Mailing Our Military, Mailing The Military, Military Care Packages, Military eMail, Military Pen Pals, Marine Corps, Marines, Patriotism, eMail Our Military Blog, Honor Duty eMail, 1st Battalion 5th Marines, Josh Wright, Action Alert, American Legion Post #291, Starbucks, Marine Corps Career Center, Camp Pendleton ]

Connect with eMail Our Military on twitter at: @MailOurMilitary or follow the blog feed at: @eMOMs. If you're reading this via email or in your feed reader, stop by and add your comments.

2009 MilBlogging Conference

This year's MilBlogging Conference will take place at The Westin Arlington Gateway on April 24-25. A block of rooms has been reserved for attendees and if you'd like to be there too, you can reserve your room by clicking here.

The registration fee is $50 per person and includes dinner, breakfast and entry to the conference.

This year's conference will feature an eclectic mix of milbloggers who will address some very interesting topics. An extra hour has been added to the Saturday's schedule so that one more panel could be included. Below are the panels for the 2009 MilBlog Conference. Speakers will be announced as soon as they have been confirmed.

Strategy Session: A discussion on military strategy by some of the most prominent thinkers in the milblogging community. Is the War in Iraq won? If so, what now? What about Afghanistan? Plus, thoughts on the way forward in both regions with a new administration in place.

Beyond MilBlogging: Taking the blog to the next level. From book deals to paid writing assignments, documentaries, speaking engagements, television and radio appearances and much, much more, many milbloggers have been able to branch out beyond the blog. We’ll find out how a few of them did it, and what projects they have in the works.

TENTATIVE: The View From the Top: More on this panel later.

Taking Care of Our Veterans: What are the most pressing issues currently facing our veterans, and how will the policy debate be framed in 2009? Speaking of policy, what can we expect from General Shinseki and the new administration with respect to veterans issues?

Back to Our Roots: Some say the “Golden Age” of milblogging has passed. The age when milbloggers were a small, tight community and when bloggers on the front-lines and parents/spouses on the homefront were widely read throughout the blogosphere. Today, there are so many interesting milblogs which are not widely known. We'll meet some milbloggers you may or may not have heard of and get back to the finest tradition of milblogging - celebrating and highlighting the diversity of voices within our community.

Tentative Schedule as Follows:

Friday, April 24:
7:00 - 7:45P: Milblogger Meeting* (optional, and open to all milbloggers)
8:00P - Midnight: Party (dinner included)

Saturday, April 25:
7:45 - 8:45A: Breakfast
9:00A - 5:00P: 2009 MilBlog Conference

*The milblogger meeting will be an informal, voluntary meeting to discuss items of interest to milbloggers. Among the items we'll be discussing are how we can help raise money for troop charities, help veterans and families in need and better work together on various issues now that the community has become so large.

Will you be attending this year's MilBlogging Conference? If so, leave a comment. We'd love to meet you live and in person!

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.

[ Tags: eMOM, eMailOurMilitary, Military Support, Troop Support, Supporting Our Troops, Messages of Support, Moral Support, eMail Our Military Blog, Honor Duty eMail, 2009 MilBlogging Conference, Military Blogging, Military Bloggers ]

Connect with eMail Our Military on twitter at: @MailOurMilitary or follow the blog feed at: @eMOMs. If you're reading this via email or in your feed reader, stop by and add your comments.

Patriotic Quotes Wanted

We'd like to start including patriotic quotes as a part of our weekly features. Do you have a favorite patriotic quote? Please let us know your favorite and you just might see it featured on our blog.

We value your input and we couldn't do what we do for our troops without you. Thank you so much.

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.

[ Tags: eMOM, eMailOurMilitary, Military Support, Troop Support, Supporting Our Troops, Messages of Support, Moral Support, Patriotic Quotes, eMail Our Military Blog, Honor Duty eMail ]

Connect with eMail Our Military on twitter at: @MailOurMilitary or follow the blog feed at: @eMOMs. If you're reading this via email or in your feed reader, stop by and add your comments.

A Young Man Saluted Me Today

A young man saluted me today,
As I traveled on my way.
I didn't know him.
We've never met.
But the tag on my car says that I'm a Vet.

He pulled alongside me at a traffic light,
And saluted me for my part in the fight
For the land of the free and the home of the brave.
And for the part of my life that I freely gave

For him and his children,
and more yet to come.
For the courage it takes to take up your gun
And travel o'er land, o'er sea and by air
To the place where the fighting is, and there

To fight for what's right alongside other men
Who say, "Do or die, Semper Fi."

Now, many years later, I remember the faces
Of those I served with who are honored in places

That some go to see... though not in large part.
But today I remembered it's what's in the heart
That makes of a man what a man ought to be
And gives him a personal victory.

Some wonder where all the heroes have gone.
One young man knows.
It's for him that we went.
And for those that don't care...we were also there.
Though scared to the core at the prospect of war...
And remembered no more.

But not today.
A young man saluted me today...

Eric R. Wallace
Copyright 1998

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.

[ Tags: eMOM, eMailOurMilitary, Military Support, Troop Support, Supporting Our Troops, Moral Support, Patriotism, eMail Our Military Blog, Honor Duty eMail, Eric R. Wallace, Military Poetry, Patriotic Poems, Veterans ]

Connect with eMail Our Military on twitter at: @MailOurMilitary or follow the blog feed at: @eMOMs. If you're reading this via email or in your feed reader, stop by and add your comments.

Some Words from our Presidents

We thought we'd put together some quote from our past Presidents to honor them on President's Day. Some you may have heard before and others may be new to you. Either way, enjoy your day and take some time to brush up on your Presidential History today.

"Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth." - George Washington, 1st President

"People and nations are forged in the fires of adversity" - John Adams, 2nd President

"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance." - Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President

"Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost."- John Quincy Adams, 6th President

"The individual who refuses to defend his rights when called by his government, deserves to be a slave, and must be punished as an enemy of his country and friend to her foe." - Andrew Jackson, 7th President

"It is not strange . . . to mistake change for progress." - Millard Fillmore, 13th President

"The goal to strive for is a poor government but a rich people." - Andrew Johnson, 17th President

"The only man who makes no mistake is the man who does nothing." - Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President

"America is best described by one word, freedom." - Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th President

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.

[ Tags: eMOM, eMailOurMilitary, Patriotism, eMail Our Military Blog, Honor Duty eMail, President's Day, Presidential Quotes, Washington's Birthday ]

Connect with eMail Our Military on twitter at: @MailOurMilitary or follow the blog feed at: @eMOMs. If you're reading this via email or in your feed reader, stop by and add your comments.

Happy Valentine's Day

We wish you and yours a very Happy Valentine's Day. Have a wonderful day and share the love.

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.

[ Tags: eMOM, eMailOurMilitary, eMail Our Military Blog, Honor Duty eMail ]

Connect with eMail Our Military on twitter at: @MailOurMilitary or follow the blog feed at: @eMOMs. If you're reading this via email or in your feed reader, stop by and add your comments.

Valentine's From The Heart (and for our troops)

UPDATE 2: Today is the last day to register for our 7th Annual Valentine's from the Heart project and receive a service member to correspond with in time for Valentine's Day.

UPDATE 1: You can grab our Valentine buttons, banners and badges here to use on your site.

Our Valentine's Day project for the troops in underway and we're gettng a great response to suppport our troops!

If you haven't heard the 7th Annual Valentine's from the Heart project is going to be a little different this year. This year, instead of having you send eMOM your Valentine's Day cards to have us ship them in bulk to the troops, we're encouraging everyone to follow the new project guidelines and help us extend our circle of support.

Valentine's from the Heart Directions:

1. Register with eMail Our Military.
2. Read the "Welcome eMail" you'll receive
3. Adopt a Military Service Member to correspond with.
4. Send your Military Service Member a Valentine's Day card and/or eMail of support.
5. Encourage a friend, family member or Military Service Member to register too.
6. Leave a comment so we know you'll be participating.
7. Spread the word. Share this post.

Easy right? That's all we ask. Of course, once you've adopted your Military Service Member you can write or eMail them anytime. They'll appreciate the support and you'll be doing something nice for someone else.

Valentine's from the Heart - Just for Kids

Adults can adopt a Military Service Member following the directions above so that kids can make their own Valentine's Day cards for our troops! Kids have the greatest and most creative ideas. Try stamping or using scrapbooking items to create fantastic unique cards home made by you. Another idea is to buy kid's packs of Valentine cards and let them fill them out. Get your children's classrooms or schools involved. This is a great class project and the student drawings and cards can be shipped to the Military Service Member you adopt for distribution to his/her troops.

Directions for Kids:

Parents, teachers, etc. in addition to the directions for adults above, you can help guide children with the simple directions below.

1. Address our troops generically as "Dear Heroes" or "Dear Troops".
2. Place all your Valentine's Day cards in a larger envelope or package.
3. Include your contact info on your cards if you wish to receive a reply.
4. Include "eMail Our Military" on all your cards or drawings. (Adults can print labels to help)

That's it! Naturally, we encourage you to get your schools and local kid friendly organizations involved as well (Like church youth groups, girl scouts, boy scouts, etc.).

We always have fun things going on here for our military community so be sure to subscribe to our blog so you won't miss them!

* Would you like to correspond with a military service member year-round? Register with eMail Our Military (eMOM) today! *

[ Tags: eMOM, eMailOurMilitary, Military Support, Troop Support, Supporting Our Troops, Messages of Support, Moral Support, Valentine's Day Cards for our Military, Valentine's Day Cards for Troops, Valentine's Day Projects for Troops, Valentine's Day Projects Supporting our Military, Valentine's Day Projects Supporting our Troops, Military Valentine's Day Projects, Valentine's from the Heart, eMOM's Valentine's from the Heart, eMailOurMilitary's Valentine's from the Heart, Troop Support Projects, @eMOMS, @MailOurMilitary, Patriotism, Any Service Member Mail, eMail Our Military Blog, Honor Duty eMail ]

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Two More Reasons to Support our Troops

By Brannan Vines

Truthfully, I’ve been debating exactly what I should say in this post for almost two weeks. It’s so hard to put into words the many, many, MANY reasons I believe our nation’s Military and Veterans deserve our support. I wanted to write something moving… something profound… something that would cause each reader to jump up and get started helping our heroes.

While I may not quite accomplish that objective, I’m definitely going to try. As the wife of an Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran I have had the honor to meet many of our living, breathing, combat-boot-wearing, weapon-toting, unsung heroes. So, I thought the best way to inspire you (and to share my passion for helping them) is to put a few “faces” on the more than 2.6 million people who served in our Armed Forces just last year.

Here are two of their stories (with names changed to protect their privacy).

When I met PFC Eric Wright in 2002, he was a thirty-five year old Private that all of the other (much younger) people in his unit called “Pop.” PFC Wright made the decision to join the Army and leave an established career (and much higher pay) because he felt his nation needed him. He had been an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) and wanted to serve by helping the wounded and injured on the battlefield. Eric, his wife, and four children, left a comfortable, “safe” civilian life and embraced their new home within the military. They took single soldiers into their home for holiday meals and weekend football games. They reached out to counsel younger families and help them as they faced the challenges of repeated deployments and separations. They struggled to make ends meet, but did so (without complaint) for the greater good of their country and loved ones. When PFC Wright deployed for the second time to Iraq, he did so by volunteering to go back. He had been offered a cushy “Rear D” (the soldiers who stay at home to handle unit needs) position, but couldn’t stand the idea of sending his “brothers” back without him. After eight, hard-fought months, Eric returned home mentally and physically injured after his vehicle was struck by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device). He has faced years of surgeries, setbacks, and challenges. But, still to this day, I’ve never once heard him complain or wish he hadn’t made the choice to go back with his unit. He’s a hero that keeps going, keeps fighting to get better, and still, despite many hardships, exudes a patriotism that is unfaltering and inspiring.

1SG Tom Winston & his wife were the first family to welcome us into the military. He and my husband were from the same hometown and as soon as he heard of my husband’s enlistment, called to see how they could help us get “squared away”. He was jolly and kind, but still every bit a rough and tumble soldier. He had served in the Gulf War and had worked his way up through the NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) ranks. By the time our country entered the war in Iraq, he was a First Sergeant, in charge of a company of more than 160 soldiers. He took the responsibility of caring for those soldiers, many of whom were barely 20 years old, seriously. His wife often joked that all of their (very limited) phone time from Iraq was devoted to the things he wanted her to send for his soldiers… or which soldiers had wives that needed extra support… or which soldiers he was worried were struggling with the mental effects of combat. His concern and care for “his” guys was evident in every action. Half way through his second deployment to Iraq, 1SG Tom Winston’s love for his soldiers became evident to the world when used his own body to shield a group of them from an RPG (Rocket Propelled Grenade). Thanks to his efforts, every soldier… every hero… every life was spared, except his own. He’s a hero that lives now only in the hearts and minds of those who loved him and those who served beside him... a hero who sacrificed himself and life with the family he loved to protect his soldiers and to serve his beloved country.

The sacrifices of these soldiers (and the 2.6 million like them) are made daily for each of us. They each willingly offer their lives, their comfort and their futures to protect and defend you and me. For the most part, they’ve never met us… will never meet us… but still offer this incredible, priceless, awe-inspiring gift. When someone shows you and your country such a measure of devotion, how can you help but support them?

So, if I’ve done my job and made you want to jump up and get started, don’t delay! Our heroes, those currently serving and those who are Veterans, need us. They and their families need our support, understanding, help, and encouragement. The need for each of us to decide to stand up and serve them. And, they deserve no less!


[ Brannan Vines is the proud wife of an OIF Veteran and a passionate advocate for Veterans & their loved ones. She's also the Founder of http://www.familyofavet.com/, a site dedicated to helping heroes & families survive and thrive after combat. ]

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.

[ Tags: eMOM, eMailOurMilitary, Military Support, Troop Support, Supporting Our Troops, Messages of Support, Moral Support, Patriotism, eMail Our Military Blog, Honor Duty eMail, Brannan Vines, Family of a Vet, Support Our Troops, eMOM Guest Post ]

Connect with eMail Our Military on twitter at: @MailOurMilitary or follow the blog feed at: @eMOMs. If you're reading this via email or in your feed reader, stop by and add your comments.

Did You Know...

Did you know? Any plane the President flies on is called Air Force One, and any helicopter is called Marine One.

AIR FORCE ONE
No matter where in the world the President travels, if he flies in an Air Force jet, the plane is called Air Force One. Technically, Air Force One is the call sign of any Air Force aircraft carrying the President. In practice, however, Air Force One is used to refer to one of two highly customized Boeing 747-200B series aircraft, which carry the tail codes 28000 and 29000. The Air Force designation for the aircraft is VC-25A.

Air Force One is one of the most recognizable symbols of the presidency, spawning countless references not just in American culture but across the world. Emblazoned with the words “United States of America,” the American flag, and the Seal of the President of the United States, it is an undeniable presence wherever it flies or docks.

Capable of refueling midair, Air Force One has unlimited range and can carry the President wherever he needs to travel. The onboard electronics are hardened to protect against an electromagnetic pulse, and Air Force One is equipped with advanced secure communications equipment, allowing the aircraft to function as a mobile command center in the event of an attack on the United States.

Inside, the President and his travel companions enjoy 4,000 square feet of floor space on three levels, including an extensive suite for the President that features a large office, lavatory, and conference room. Air Force One includes a medical suite that can function as an operating room, and a doctor is permanently on board. The plane’s two food preparation galleys can feed 100 people at a time.

Air Force One also has quarters for those who accompany the President, including senior advisors, Secret Service officers, traveling press, and other guests. Several cargo planes typically fly ahead of Air Force One to provide the President with services needed in remote locations.

Air Force One is maintained and operated by the Presidential Airlift Group, part of the White House Military Office. The Airlift Group was founded in 1944 as the Presidential Pilot Office at the direction of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. For the next 20 years, various propeller driven aircraft served the President. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy became the first President to fly in his own jet aircraft, a modified Boeing 707. Over the years, several other jet aircraft have been used, with the first of the current aircraft being delivered in 1990 during the administration of President George H. W. Bush.

* Would you like to correspond with a military service member year-round? Register with eMail Our Military (eMOM) today! *

[ Tags: eMOM, eMailOurMilitary, Air Force, Airmen, Marine Corps, Marines, Patriotism, eMail Our Military Blog, Honor Duty eMail, Did You Know, Military Trivia, Air Force One, Marine One, President of the United States ]

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Multi-Media Messages for our Troops

You no longer have to be a techie to send our troops multi-media messages of support.

If you've got a mobile phone you can send a message of support to our troops just by calling them in! You can also use your home phone, webcam, or computer too. Messages can even include photos and videos too.

Visit Utterli.com and register for a free account, join the eMail Our Military "Supporting Our Troops" Group, then start calling in and creating your messages of support. When you do they'll play on our website and blog on the widget we've embedded.

Military service members will hear your messages when they click "play". We'll also share some of the best messages across our social networks and may even feature them here on our blog. So what are you waiting for? Jump in and have some fun supporting our troops.

The eMOM Utterli Profile can be found here
The eMail Our Military "Supporting Our Troops" Group can be found here.

Send in Your Messages of Support

Call in number: 1-712-432-6666
Text or eMail to: SupportingOurTroops@utterli.com
Visit on the web: www.utterli.com/SupportingOurTroops

* Would you like to correspond with a military service member year-round? Register with eMail Our Military (eMOM) today! *

[ Tags: eMOM, eMailOurMilitary, Military Support, Troop Support, Supporting Our Troops, Messages of Support, Moral Support, eMail Our Military Blog, Honor Duty eMail, Muli-Media Messages of Support for Troops, Muli-Media Messages of Support for Military, New Media for Military, Utterli, Texting the Troops, Text Messages for Troops ]

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PCSing - One Military Wife's Experience

By Erin A. Nash

My husband, son and I just PCSed (Permanent Change of Station) in early January. No big deal, right? Military families do it all the time. But this was our first PCS. I know, those of you who have PCSed are thinking, “So what, lady, we all have a first PCS, followed by many, many more.” What made it different for us was that we had been at our first and only duty station for more than 12 years.

When I tell people we were at one post for 12 years, I always get the same question – “How did you do that?” Long story short, we are part of the special operations community, and that enabled us to have stability.

When I first found out we were moving, I was sad - sad because Fort Benning had become home to us. We moved on post as newlyweds, and left as parents. I was able to have a job at the post newspaper, The Bayonet, for 10 years. I gave birth to my son at Martin Army Community Hospital. We watched friends and neighbors come and go, knowing that some day it would be our turn to be the ones to leave.

That day came when my husband was offered a job at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah. Well, I thought, if we have to move, at least it’s to a gorgeous city. Having grown up in Massachusetts, I was never far from the ocean, so I would once again be just a drive away from the beach.

We took advice from others who had been stationed in the area and bought a home in an adjoining town with a good school system for our son. It is very, very strange to not be living in military housing. I am glad, considering all the stress I went through, to be a homeowner. I do miss the camaraderie of living among other military families, and the support system they provided.

The moving process is not one I care to repeat anytime soon. I’m very thankful that the Army provided movers to do it all – they were a lifesaver, although their fondness for wrapping up everything in paper still boggles my mind. I have gained such a great respect for military families who have to move every few years. I can’t imagine how unbelievably hard it must be, and I give many kudos to the other wives who do it all and hold it all together, through moves, deployments, kids, jobs, etc.

Moving is a reality in the military world. I had been in denial that we would ever move, but now that we have, I realize it was a very good thing. I know in a few years we’ll do it again, and am much more prepared for it!

* Would you like to correspond with a military service member year-round? Register with eMail Our Military (eMOM) today! *

[ Tags: eMOM, eMailOurMilitary, Military Support, Messages of Support, Moral Support, eMail Our Military Blog, Honor Duty eMail, PCS, Military Moves, Military Wife, Military Wives, Military Spouses, MilSpouses, MilBloggingm Military Lifestyle Blogging, Erin Nash ]

If you're reading this via email or in your feedreader, be sure to stop by and tell us your thoughts.

Thanks to the Following Fine Folks

We wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the following fine folks for helping us spread the word and support our troops. This is only a partial list so if we missed you it wasn't intentional so, be sure to add your info in the comments so we can update the post to include you.

Big thanks to:

CJ and Troy
YankeeMom
Mrs. Lieutenant
Smart Girl Politics
Airman Mom
Sue Fitz
AAFES Salute to Your Service
Head Over Heels
Three Stairs
Red, Right and True
Mile High Semper Fi Moms
Politics of a Patriot
Chandler's Watch
Operation Valentine
April Braswell
JusBeachin
StarGardner
A Stone's Throw
BriskUSMC

Thanks again for blogging, tweeting and sharing the message to support our troops! We appreciate it and so do our troops.

* Would you like to correspond with a military service member year-round? Register with eMail Our Military (eMOM) today! *

[ Tags: eMOM, eMailOurMilitary, Military Support, Troop Support, Supporting Our Troops, eMail Our Military Blog, Honor Duty eMail ]

If you're reading this via email or in your feedreader, be sure to stop by and tell us your thoughts.

Valentine's Buttons and Banners

We've got our "Valentine's from the Heart" buttons and banners for you to use on your websites and blogs. Leave a comment on this post when you've got them up and we'll link back to you too.

Thanks for supporting our troops and be sure you sign up for our Valentine's from the Heart project.

242 x 68

140 x 160

125 x 125

120 x 600

120 x 240

* Would you like to correspond with a military service member year-round? Register with eMail Our Military (eMOM) today! *

[ Tags: eMOM, eMailOurMilitary, Military Support, Troop Support, Supporting Our Troops, Messages of Support, Moral Support, eMail The Military, eMailing Our Military, Mail Our Military, Mailing Our Military, Mailing The Military, Military Care Packages, Military eMail, Military Pen Pals, Patriotism, Any Service Member Mail, eMail Our Military Blog, Honor Duty eMail, Military Valentine's Day, Valentine's Day for our Troops, South Florida Supports Troops, Valentine's From the Heart, Operation Valentine ]

If you're reading this via email or in your feedreader, be sure to stop by and tell us your thoughts.

And the Winners Are...

We gave you all weekend to get your entries in and now it's time to announce the winners of eMOM's Valentine's Giveaway!

We'd like to thank everyone who entered the eMail Our Military Valentine's giveaway featuring flowers, gift baskets and goodies from ProFlowers.com.

The following five winners were picked randomly and have each won a $70 gift certificate to ProFlowers.com. Congratulations!!

1. TheHooahWife
2. Kristen
3. BearTwinsMom
4. Military Mom
5. Velvet Hammer

Please contact us before midnight (EST) on Tuesday to claim your prize. In the event that one of our winners fails to contact us in time, we'll draw another name from the list.

Thanks to everyone for taking part in our contest. We hope you all stick around for all the other exciting goodies we have in store for you along with plenty of excellent blog posts. We wish everyone a wonderful Valentine’s Day!

Note: We think you're all winners so, we've got something special for ALL our visitors, readers and troop supporters. An exclusive eMail Our Military offer of 20% off on ALL ProFlowers orders PLUS a FREE glass vase, but you'll need to use THIS LINK.

* Would you like to correspond with a military service member year-round? Register with eMail Our Military (eMOM) today! *

[ Tags: eMOM, eMailOurMilitary, Military Support, Troop Support, Supporting Our Troops, Moral Supportl, eMail Our Military Blog, Honor Duty eMail, Tags: ProFlowers, Flowers, Valentine's Flowers, Valentine's Day, Valentine's Gifts, Military Discounts, MilSpouses, Military Families, Military Community, MilBloggers ]

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Update 2: eMOM's Free Flowers to Honor our Troops

Update: Remember, Friday Sunday the 8th of February is the deadline to enter our contest. But, that’s not all we've got for you. We have a special offer for ALL our visitors, readers and troop supporters that you can only get right here. An exclusive eMail Our Military offer of 20% off on ALL orders PLUS a FREE glass vase, but you have to use THIS LINK.

ProFlowers.com and CJ of Soldier's Perspective and YouServed.com have teamed up with eMailOurMilitary.com for an incredible Valentine's Day offer. ProFlowers wants to thank our troops for the amazing work they do day in and day out and came to us to bring our military community together to help give back.

To show their appreciation and say thanks, Proflowers.com has given us FIVE FREE $70 Gift Certificates to give away. That means our five winners will each will get a $70 gift certificate to use at ProFlowers any way they choose.

ProFlowers has a ton of choices like flowers, wine, spa baskets, chocolates and so much more. So, this makes it a great gift for both men and women. We'll send the winners a gift code that can be applied immediately just in time for a Valentine’s Day delivery.

We're going to make it fun and easy to win these 5 FREE gift certificates and help support our military community. We can only pick 5 winners. However, since you're all so deserving we're going to do something special for everyone who enters so be sure to participate and spread the word!

Contest Rules:
The contest officially begins on February 2nd and ends on February 8th. There are 10 different ways to participate!

1. To enter our contest, leave a comment between 2/2 - 2/8 telling us how you're connected to our military community (i.e.Military service member, spouse, veteran, troop supporter etc.). Your comment is worth one entry. Winners will be announced February 9th.

Additional Ways to Add Entries:

2. Register with eMailOurMilitary.com (eMOM) to support our troops. Leave a comment here when you do. = 10 entries

3. Sign up a service member for support. Leave a comment here telling us who you signed up. = 10 entries

4. Blog about our contest and link back to this post. Leave a comment here when you do. = 5 entries

5. Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/MailOurMilitary and leave a comment with your twitter name or link to your profile = 5 entries

6. Tweet our contest = 5 entries (3 tweet max per day) Post a link to your tweets here in the comments so we can calculate your entries correctly. Copy and paste this tweet to twitter: eMOM's Free Valentine's Day Flowers to Honor our Troops - http://snurl.com/b55mb

7. Join our Facebook Group: http://groups.to/emailourmilitary/ = 5 entries

8. Join eMOM's Utterli Troop Support Group: SupportingOurTroops = 5 entries

9. Social Bookmark the contest (Digg, Stumble Upon, Yahoo Buzz, Delicious, etc.) = 3 entries per bookmark (5 bookmarks max) Leave us a comment when do and let us know which service you used i.e. "I Dugg and Stumbled the post for 6 entries"

10. Subscribe to the Honor, Duty eMail RSS = 3 entries

When you win, consider this:

66% of men think women prefer red roses on Valentine's Day, but in reality only 24% of them really do. Red roses aren't even the most popular flower choice according to a group of women surveyed. The survey said women prefer:

Mixed Bouquets - 27%
Red Roses - 24%
Other Flowers - 12%
Mixed Roses - 9%
Lilies - 6%
Orchids - 5%
Yellow Roses - 5%
Tulips - 4%
Pink Roses - 3%
Purple Roses - 2%
Other Roses - 2%
White Roses - 1%

It's true! I'm a woman, trust me.

Please feel free to share this contest with as many people as you like. Let's help build and support our military community.

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Valentines Service Day for Veterans

Veterans Administration Center of Tamarac is looking for volunteers to help in the distribution of Valentine's gifts and refreshments to Veterans at the Veterans Administration Center, in the City of Tamarac. This service event is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, 2009 from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM.

Volunteers do not have to bring gifts or refreshments, unless they wish to; these items and refreshments will be provided for distribution.

Please contact Tina Bridgeman (Volunteer Coordinator) of Miami VA Hospital at 305.575.3140

Time: Wednesday, February 11 from 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Host: Adam ATTAH
Contact Phone: 305.575.3140
Location: Veterans Administration Center (Tamarac, FL)
9800 West Commercial Blvd.Tamarac, FL 33351
Maps: Google Maps - MapQuest - Yahoo! Maps
Directions: From I-95 exit at Commercial Blvd. at go West, crossing St. Rd. 7, University drive, Pine Island road, then look for 9800 or the VA Center to your left (or South).

* Would you like to correspond with a military service member year-round? Register with eMail Our Military (eMOM) today! *

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The Latest Military Benefits & Legislative Updates

Benefits & Legislative Updates

• 2008 Tax Statements are Coming
  
• 2009 Fitness Guide: Lose the Love Handles
  
• Army Combat Zone Re-enlistment Options
  
• Army Redesigns Official Website
  
• Avoid Excess PCS Costs

* Would you like to correspond with a military service member year-round? Register with eMail Our Military (eMOM) today! *

[ Tags: eMOM, eMailOurMilitary, eMail Our Military Blog, Honor Duty eMail, 2008 Tax Statements, 2009 Fitness Guide: Lose the Love Handles, Army Combat Zone Re-enlistment Options, Army Redesigns Official Website, Avoid Excess PCS Costs ]

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Latest New from the Armed Forces Press Service

Armed Forces Press Service

• Cooperation Provides Key for Central American Security, Southcom Leader Says
  
• Alaska Army Guardsman Prepares for Iditarod
  
• Iraqi, U.S. Soldiers Detain Suspects, Find Weapons
  
• Army-issued Body Armor Safe, Effective, Official Says
  
• Coalition Forces Disrupt Kandahar Bomb Network

* Would you like to correspond with a military service member year-round? Register with eMail Our Military (eMOM) today! *

[ Tags: eMOM, eMailOurMilitary, eMail Our Military Blog, Honor Duty eMail, Alaska Army Guardsman, Army-issued Body Armor Safe, Coalition Forces Disrupt Kandahar Bomb Network ]

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Thank You from Sgt. Casey Charles & the Medics of C Company

This is what makes all that we do for our troops that much more worthwhile. Below is a message we received from Sgt. Casey Charles regarding the support his unit has received from eMOM.

You can be proud of the support you've provided. Together we make a difference in the lives of those who support our freedoms. Thank you!

Hello, just wanted to say thank you from the Medics of C Company 2/113 INF
NJANG, Camp Bucca, Iraq - Sgt. Casey Charles

* Would you like to correspond with a military service member year-round? Register with eMail Our Military (eMOM) today! *

[ Tags: eMOM, eMailOurMilitary, Military Support, Troop Support, Supporting Our Troops, Messages of Support, Moral Support, eMail The Military, eMailing Our Military, Mail Our Military, Mailing Our Military, Mailing The Military, Patriotism, Any Service Member Mail, eMail Our Military Blog, Honor Duty eMail, Messages of Thanks from our Troops, Messages of Thanks from our Military, Letters from our Military, Letters from our Troops, Medics of C Company 2/113 INF NJANG, Camp Bucca, Iraq, Sgt. Casey Charles ]

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Thank You from 1st Lt Glenn Cruz Cancel

This is what makes all that we do for our troops that much more worthwhile. Below is a message we received from 1st Lt. Glenn Cruz Cancel (USMC) regarding the support he's received from eMOM.

You can be proud of the support you've provided. Together we make a difference in the lives of those who support our freedoms. Thank you!

I simply wanted to say thanks to your organization and all the fine folks who have taken and continue to take time out of their days to help make our time away from home and our loved ones easier to cope with. America has every right to be extremely proud of its sons and daughters out here as they are capable of the most amazing things I have ever witnessed. I am proud to lead Marines and consider it an incredible privilege to have been given this opportunity. Thanks once more.

1st Lt Cruz Cancel, Glenn A. USMC!!!

* Would you like to correspond with a military service member year-round? Register with eMail Our Military (eMOM) today! *

[ Tags: eMOM, eMailOurMilitary, Military Support, Troop Support, Supporting Our Troops, Messages of Support, Moral Support, eMail The Military, eMailing Our Military, Mail Our Military, Mailing Our Military, Mailing The Military, Marine Corps, Marines, Patriotism, Any Service Member Mail, eMail Our Military Blog, Honor Duty eMail, 1st Lt Glenn Cruz Cancel, USMC, Messages of Thanks from our Troops, Messages of Thanks from our Military, Letters from our Military, Letters from our Troops ]

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