Thinking of Quitting? This New TRICARE Benefit Could Help!
By Shari Lopatin and Diane Mayer
TriWest Healthcare Alliance
Have you ever thought of quitting smoking, but just didn’t feel ready—yet? Or perhaps, you want to quit, but don’t know where to start.
After all, kicking that habit isn’t exactly easy.
That’s why TRICARE now offers a new counseling benefit for smoking cessation. You don’t need to have a smoking-related illness to use the benefit. You just need to receive the counseling from a TRICARE-authorized provider who’s properly licensed or certified for this type of counseling.
The only restriction is this: the smoking cessation counseling benefit is NOT available for Medicare-eligible beneficiaries.
Need a reason to seek more information? Try this: According to the American Lung Association, your lungs will start growing healthier almost immediately after quitting.
Check out any of these resources for more on the counseling benefit, or for help to quit smoking:
We all know change is good, that getting a new outfit, new hair, or a pedicure is life changing, but who knew that getting a "facelift" could be so empowering! No I didn't have surgery..I'm talking about my blog silly's! Doesn't it look amazing? I wish I could say that I did it, unfortunately, I am not that cool! Back in April there was this really awesome "Event" called the Ultimate Blog Party! This "Party" had all kinds of things going on, some of which were giveaways, using many different interfaces, well, I decided I was going to be cool and join twitter so that I would have a greater chance at winning. It sounded logical at the time, but I don't know twitter AT all, i've learned a bit since then, but I really had no idea. So here it is almost a whole month later, i'm playing around on twitter and I see where Crafty Hippo Designs sent me a message congratulating me on winning a blog makeover....ooops. Well Crafty Hippo Designs is so amazing that when I emailed them a month later, they were still willing to do my makeover for me, not only that, she put up with me and my HTML illiterate self through it all. So this is a GIGANTIC THANK YOU to Crafty Hippo Designs! If you have not been to the site, check it out, you will not regret it!
Something that has been weighing on my mind a lot lately is the ability for people to look past so many things that are going on in the world, and just continue like it never happened. I'll admit, i'm guilty too, but it shouldn't be that way, so today instead of filling your minds with pointless ramble, or putting the focus on my life, I thought, I would post some information on how YOU can help the Victims of the horrible Tornados that have destroyed parts of the midwest. You don't have to have a lot, and you don't have to be there to help! Lets pull together and make an already devastating situation at least a little better!
The American Red Cross has opened shelters in Missouri and Minnesota. The shelter in Joplin is located at Missouri Southern State University, and the Red Cross is working to provide transportation to the shelter for those in need. The Red Cross is also distributing food, cleanup supplies and comfort kits, and sending health workers to provide immediate care.
Text "REDCROSS" to 90999 to make a $10 donation, or visit the website to donate, give blood or volunteer.
AmeriCares has sent disaster-relief personnel to Joplin, and it's working with Access Family Care Clinic to help victims. This expands AmeriCares' tornado relief operation, which has been assisting various Southern states as they recover from their own recent tornado outbreak.Disaster-response team with Convoy of Hope is heading to Joplin with a truckload of water, snacks and ready-to-eat meals. It is coordinating with local officials to determine what additional supplies should follow and at what locations they can provide essential supplies.
Those wanting to help can text the word "CONVOY" to 50555 to make a $10 donation. You can also donate online or by calling 1-417-823-8998.
Text "JOPLIN" to 864833 to make a $10 donation, or call 1-573-443-4523.
Heart to Heart International has sent volunteer medical professionals and their mobile medical clinic to the devastated communities in Kansas and Missouri.
Heart to Heart also sends hygiene kits for people displaced by the storms, and their care kit assembly instructions can be found here.
You can donate or sign up to be a volunteer online or by phone at 1-913-764-5200.
The Salvation Army has mobilized four feeding kitchens in impacted areas of Joplin. It is also providing relief to other cities that were hit by the weekend tornadoes in Missouri, Minnesota, Kansas and Oklahoma.
The Salvation Army's disaster-relief efforts in Joplin can be supported by texting "JOPLIN" to 80888 to make a $10 donation. You can also donate through their website or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
World Vision is now expanding its tornado relief to include the Joplin area. It has sent a team there to determine the most urgent needs.
Text"'TORNADO" to 20222 to give a $10 donation. You can also donate online or call 1-888-511-6443 to support World Vision's effort.
Good morning everyone! Hope your weekend was amazing, mine certainly was! Who is ready to find out who won The Voice Library Giveaway???
Before I announce the winners I want to thank everyone who entered, your support means the world to me, and of course I love to give you all amazing things!
So without further ado, the winners of The Voice Library $50 gift card Giveaway are: Rhianna Chelsea Theresa
Ladies, be watching your email for details on how to redeem your prize!
I am looking forward to seeing how you ladies use your prize!
This article submission could not have come at a better time, after pacing the parking garage for two hours, trying to call my husband, the locksmith, anyone, and everyone I could, I was at my breaking point, I know its not THAT big of a deal, but Thursdays are very stressful for me. Wednesday night's i'm in class until 10pm, only to have to finish homework afterwards, and turn around and be in a 4 hour drawing class at 8am, not exactly ideal, but i'm not complaining! Anyways, I was virtually in tears at this point, and as I sat down in the parking garage, all alone, looking like a creeper, this article came to my email,....God Poke? I think so.....
Stressed Out? Breathe Out
By Brian P. Smith
TriWest Healthcare Alliance
You’re watching the phone, waiting to hear if you got that job. You’re sitting in the audience as your daughter starts her first piano recital. You’re waiting for the daily email from your deployed spouse.
You’re walking through the mall, still trying to get used to crowds after deployment.
These can all be stressful situations. Stress is a part of everyday life for Service members, veterans and families dealing with multiple deployments, homecomings and all the other demands of a military life.
Take a deep breath….
When you are stressed, do you ever focus on your breathing?
Most of the time, it’s an automatic process. Slowing down and concentrating on your breathing can help you react in stressful situations. During stress and times of anger, the body’s first reaction is to inhale and hold your breath. Breathing out slowly helps take the body out of the “fight or flight” mode.
The Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DcoE, www.dcoe.health.mil) work to promote the resilience and recovery of military members and their families. Their research shows that breathing exercises can help decrease the body's “fight or flight” response to stress. Certain types of breathing exercises can also help control anger and anxiety.
There’s an app for that
Your smartphone can help you learn these exercises and improve control over your body’s reactions to stress. The National Center for Telehealth and Technology is a part of the DCoE that develops technology. They’ve created tools to help you to manage your breathing (along with handy phone apps to track your mood and teach you about post-traumatic stress). Visit www.t2health.org/apps to learn more about their tools and apps.
Pace yourself
Find more tips just like this on triwest.com. The Behavioral Health Resource Center (triwest.com/BH) is an online library with articles about stress, parenting, relationships and other issues. You can read articles on a wide range of topics, find links to the latest relevant information and take self-assessments when it’s convenient for you.
So, who has heard of THE VOICE LIBRARY? Anyone? Neither had I, but this is one of the coolest things I have ever seen! So, what is THE VOICE LIBRARY you ask? They are a premier voice archive service, basically a place where you can go and record a message to anyone, anywhere, and they even store it for you! Now, I know if you are anything like me, you can think of a million and one things that you can use this for. Sending stories to grandparents, Deployed Loved ones, or in my case, hearing my husband tell the story of how we met over and over. THE VOICE LIBRARY is an incredibly flexible tool you can use to capture, store and share the voices and stories that mean the most to you. Over time, these stories and clips create the collected soundtrack of your family’s life. Here's a little about how it works:
So, on behalf of THE VOICE LIBRARY, I want to give a few of you the opportunity to try this amazing service absolutely FREE! That's right friends I said FREE!
NEXT, search for and follow The Voice Library on Facebook leave a comment on their page letting them know that "Forgetthedognotthebaby" sent you, THEN come back here and leave me your email address so I can contact you if you win! Too easy right?
Want an extra entry?
Share this on facebook or twitter with a link back to this post! Ill make it easy for you, this will be posted on the Forgetthedognotthebaby Fan Page, as well as my Twitter handle @itsjustKristle, all you have to do is share/retweet!
Giveaway ends Sunday May 22nd at MIDNIGHT!
Three Lucky Winners Will be announced Monday May 23rd!
I cant figure out how to embed it, but here is the link in case you are interested! http://on.fb.me/izpD8O I am grateful beyond words right now, still, it all feels like a dream, and I hope that one day I can help give the same gift that was given to me!
We all know pain. We all know loss. And every time we hear we have lost another spouse or veteran to suicide, we grieve to our core and we are frightened. Because we know what it feels like to be alone and in pain. To feel lost and misunderstood. To be the only ones searching for a way out, and to be so dog tired that we just want to quit. But if you are reading this, you know differently.
Join Her War, Her Voice! and Not Alone in our rally cry. Help us scream from the top of the mountain, "You are not alone." Looking for a way to speak? Here's how:
We are looking for mixed media to reach out to our fellow fighters. We all hav...e distinct voices and we all have strengths to express our fight. Our love. And our stories. We are asking you to join us by letting us know how YOU handled these feelings. Send us your thoughts, your words, your art... If you are willing to talk to us over the phone or Skype, we'd be honored to use your voice. We cannot afford to lose ourselves or another behind this wall of silence. We need you to help us tear it down. It's time that our brothers and sisters learn that they are loved. They are seen. And they are understood.
This will be our battle cry. Across ranks. Across branches. For us. By us.
If you are interested in joining our battle cry, email your contributions to melissa@herwarhervoice.com
If you ever wanted to stand and make your voice heard, this is your chance. Join us.
Please, spread this far and wide and help us rally in a firm stance. No more.
We have fantastic, beautiful submissions coming in for our united stand against suicide in our community. If you have any photography, art, or music you would like to submit, please send it my way. Please help us spread the word and take a stand.No More! melissa@herwarhervoice.com
We all know pain. We all know loss. And every time we hear we have lost another spouse or veteran to suicide, we grieve to our core and we are frightened. Because we know what it feels like to be alone and in pain. To feel lost and misunderstood. To b...e the only ones searching for a way out, and to be so dog tired that we just want to quit. But if you are reading this, you know differently. Join Her War, Her Voice! and Not Alone in our rally cry. Help us scream from the top of the mountain, "You are not alone." Looking for a way to speak? Here's how: We are looking for mixed media to reach out to our fellow fighters. We all have distinct voices and we all have strengths to express our fight. Our love. And our stories. We are asking you to join us by letting us know how YOU handled these feelings. Send us your thoughts, your words, your art... If you are willing to talk to us over the phone or Skype, we'd be honored to use your voice. We cannot afford to lose ourselves or another behind this wall of silence. We need you to help us tear it down. It's time that our brothers and sisters learn that they are loved. They are seen. And they are understood. This will be our battle cry. Across ranks. Across branches. For us. By us. If you are interested in joining our battle cry, email your contributions to melissa@herwarhervoice.com If you ever wanted to stand and make your voice heard, this is your chance. Join us. Please, spread this far and wide and help us rally in a firm stance. No more.
In hopes that this long post doesn't bore you, i'm inserting videos and things to make it REAL for you! So this last week, was crazy busy, between the normal everyday things, midterms, and trying to manage events that Nate was supposed to be at, it was completely overwhelming, from Saturday to Saturday has been Non-Stop. Last Friday Nate went and had dinner with his Hero, Tim Tebow, talk about seeing a man so happy he could burst! I'm convinced that if given the opportunity he would leave me for Tebow, his list of things he loves are as follows: Food, Tim Tebow, His Wife. Hahaha. He went out and bought a new suit and everything! Saturday was the Tim Tebow Foundation Charity Golf Tournament, I took the kids out for a little bit, didn't bring the stroller, biggest mistake of my life, it took us two hours to get to where Nate was, so we missed seeing his opportunity to tee off for Tim Tebow, but if you can imagine, he was on cloud 9, I heard he choked and hit the ball like 50 feet, but lets not tell him I told you! Sunday was Mothers Day, we had a neighborhood barbeque to celebrate, although lately we have a barbeque every time on of us parks our car right, so it was not out of the ordinary, but amazing nonetheless. I absolutely love being surrounded by friends that love and support us no matter what! I think I stayed up a little too late Monday, so I found myself putting my finishing touches on my midterm THAT morning....ooops, I think I still did well though! Monday night I worked my tail off getting the rest of my midterms and homework done because we had known for a while that Tuesday night was a little social event, and since we had been asked to represent Military Warrior Support Foundation at The Players Championship on Wednesday, we were invited to that too! The neighbors watched our babies on Tuesday night, they are incredible, I haven't had this much one on one time with Nate since probably before we had kids. Anyways, we went to Pussers for some drinks and appetizers, and had a chance to mingle with people from Birdies for The Brave, Chase, Military Warrior Support Foundation, and some others i'm probably forgetting. It was a lot to take it. We also got to meet some other families who had been helped by Military Warrior Support Foundation, as well as the family that they were giving a home to on Wednesday night. Now, those of you who have been reading a while know that we applied for a home last year, and we were unable to qualify because we owned a home, and it would have caused more stress in our lives than the stress it would relieve. Yea, I might have been upset, but that's life, and they only want whats best for their families. So, we applied again just a couple months ago when they had posted a home just up the road from where we are now, unfortunately, we STILL owned our home, it closed yesterday! Oddly we weren't really disappointed this time because instead of dropping us off the face of the earth MWSF decided to include us in helping surprise the family who was receiving the home, and unless you are the most cold-hearted individual in America, anyone would be proud to help with such an amazing gift! I was soo excited to part of that! Wednesday morning, we took part in a little Military Appreciation event, at the Patriots Outpost at TPC Sawgrass, Daris Rucker thanks our Military by singing the National Anthem,
they had the 82nd Airborne division choir which was amazing, i'm such a music fan, they sang a James Taylor song, which always gets me, I LOVE HIM.
I could have watched that ALL day! My Day was already made at that point, and then they TOPPED it by giving my husband a Brand New Dell Laptop...i'm going to steal it...he just doesn't know it yet. So at this point the pieces were coming together, we came out to help surprise the Sayo's and we got something too? Incredible! Who just gives away laptops, I mean really, that's kind of a Big Deal! That ceremony was over at 12 so I had to rush out of there to be at school at 1 for my black and white 2 midterm, i'm sure I was running off complete fumes by this point. I could not concentrate at all, I wanted everyone to know that this warrior and his family was getting a home, and it was going to be amazing and they should all watch the golf channel because it might be on there, it didn't feel like midterm day at all! So I take my midterm, leave, I ditched my Wednesday night class.... and try to meet up with my husband at Mayport. Well those of you who know PAM, my GPS know that she fails me ALL the time, this was NO exception. I ended up in some place im sure was another state because there was NO water! When I finally got turned around it took me to a ferry, and there was NO way I was about to drive my car up on a boat. I was soooo frustrated that I almost just went home, but the fact that Darius Rucker was going to be there kept me going! When I got to the course we had to go straight to the stage and get ready for the presentation, Patricia Sayo had no idea, I was so excited to see her reaction, I couldn't see his since we were behind them. There was Military everywhere, Every branch was represented! It was beautiful, they even had a flyover.
Now if you all are anything like me, you get lost in this stuff, it makes me so proud to be an American, so proud to be part of the Military Family, I just get so emotional! So after that Wounded Warrior Project was presented a 10,000 dollar check, and they began to prepare for the presentation of the house. Jim Furyk who is like a really amazing golfer according to my sources, was the presenter. He had both the guys come up next to him, and he told them how they are heroes, and to be completely honest I was watching Patricia to get her reaction so I missed the rest LOL, anyways, he says something along the lines of the real reason we are here is to award a warrior a mortgage free home, now remember, we KNOW its Anthony, so we are anticipating reactions from both him and his family, so Mr. Furyk hands Anthony the key to his brand new home, and instantly Patricia is crying, i'm hugging her, telling her i'm so excited and everything, and Nate is hugging Anthony, and then just as Nate goes to sit back down, he says, but wait, we have a surprise for you too, and whips out another Key, I was still so caught up in excitement for the Sayo's that I didn't even hear that part, I looked up and Nate had a key in his hand too, and the waterworks began, pretty sure my mascara ruined everyone's white shirts, and I almost fell out of my chair! The amazing individuals from Chase and MWSF were all right there to hug me, and to add an extra bang, they started planning this 5 months ago, can you believe that, they did an amazing job of planning, and keeping the secret. I am still in dream mode, I feel like any second i'm going to wake up. I don't know if they know just how much this means to me and my family, and I don't know that I will ever find a way to appropriately thank them, but I do know this much, the gift does not stop here!
It has been an incredibly emotional, and exhausting week,( Ill post details soon.) I chose a Darius Rucker song this week because I absolutely Love him, and this song is our life to a T, this may not be THE "ideal" life, but we wouldn't change a single thing. Enjoy, and be sure to stop by Goodnight Moon, to check out everyone else's songs, and show them some love! :)
Oh an here are a few pics from his performance at TPC Sawgrass on Wednesday, i'm not obsessed with his booty, but I was behind him, so its all I could get haha!
What are the TRICARE choices for a college student who turns 23? What about for 21-year-olds who lost their eligibility due to age? These young adults now have an option for TRICARE coverage.
TRICARE Young Adult
TRICARE Young Adult is medical and pharmacy coverage for dependents. An eligible enrollee has a TRICARE-eligible sponsor, is unmarried, is not yet 26 years old and is not eligible for their own employer-sponsored healthcare coverage. Each enrollee pays a monthly premium ($186). Eligibility, coverage, cost and enrollment information is at triwest.com/TYA.
Coverage
TRICARE Young Adult currently provides the same coverage as TRICARE Standard. The sponsor’s status will determine the catastrophic cap, deductible and cost shares. Dental coverage is not included.
Cost
A payment covering the first three monthly premiums ($558 total) is required with the initial enrollment. Automatic recurring monthly payments by credit/debit card or electronic fund transfer are required. You can set up recurring payments on the enrollment application.
Premiums may not be paid via sponsor’s allotment. TRICARE Young Adult Premiums cannot be combined or paid with the sponsor’s other TRICARE premium or fee. Bill payments set up and made through a bank will not be accepted.
Enrollment
1.Download and fill out the TRICARE Young Adult Application (www.tricare.mil/TYA).
2.Choose a coverage start date–either the first day of the next month (or the first date of a month up to 90 days in the future) or a date in the past (retroactive or continuous coverage).
·Submit (see step 4) the enrollment form, with premium payment, to your regional TRICARE contractor before May 31, and you can request a May 1or June 1 start date for coverage. Beginning June 1, you have to submit the application and payment the by the last day of the month before coverage starts.
·The first date of a month up to 90 days in the future.
3.Print the application. The young adult enrollee must sign and date the application.
4.Submit the signed application along with premium payment. For West Region beneficiaries, submit to TriWest:
·Fax: 1-866-259-0419; Mail:TriWest Healthcare Alliance, PO Box 43315, Phoenix, AZ 85080-3315; or submit at a TRICARE Service Center.
·For other regions, visit www.tricare.mil/TYA for your region’s contact information.
Coverage retroactive to January 1, 2011 (or the first date of eligibility if after January 1, 2011) is available during initial enrollment. If purchasing retroactive coverage, you will have to pay the monthly premiums dating back to the start of your retroactive coverage in addition to the initial three-month premium payment. Retroactive coverage will not be available for enrollments after September 30, 2011.
In October 2011, a TRICARE Young Adult Prime option will be available. Enrollment into this option will also require a monthly premium.
Want to stay updated with TRICARE Young Adult information? Follow TriWest at www.facebook.com/TriWest, for all things TRICARE–including the Young Adult program.
Everyone needs to at least look in to this opportunity, whether you are a veteran, family member, military supporter, this opportunity could change the life of a Veteran!
U.S. Military Veteran Gives Returning Iraq and Afghanistan Soldiers a Chance to ‘Earn their Stripes’ Jack Child, Founder of YELLOW DAWG STRIPING, Launches Operation Stripes for Veterans Franchise Giveaway Promotion
GOFFSTOWN, New Hampshire- With unemployment rates for Iraq and Afghanistan military veterans significantly higher than the national average, one U.S. military veteran is making it his personal mission to give back to his comrades.
Starting April 4, 2011, Jack Child, the founder of YELLOW DAWG STRIPING, a leading pavement marking franchise, will launch a social media Facebook campaign – Operation Stripes for Veterans - that will offer one honorably discharged U.S. military Iraq or Afghanistan veteran the chance to become a small-business owner of a YELLOW DAWG STRIPING franchise. YELLOW DAWG STRIPING works with businesses to create clean, crisp lines and traffic markings to enhance safety, comply with laws and make parking lots more attractive.
“As a U.S. military veteran myself, I understand firsthand the hardships and challenges veterans can face as they transition into civilian life,” said Child, a former Army soldier and Air Force pilot. “We hope to relieve the burden of transition for at least one returning serviceman (or woman) and feel that it is equally as important to bring awareness to the high rate of unemployment among the Iraq/Afghanistan veterans in our country. It is the least we can do as a franchise system to show our troops the support they deserve.”
The Facebook promotion allows honorably discharged Iraq and Afghanistan U.S. military veterans to upload a 250 words or less essay and/or video testimonial to the YELLOW DAWG STRIPING Facebook fan page explaining why they want to become a small-business owner. Each contestant is encouraged to share his or her video with friends and family on the social media platform to obtain as many ‘Like’ votes by May 20, 2011, Armed Forces Day. The top 10 videos with the most ‘Like’ votes will be reviewed and considered by a panel of seven judges, and the winner will be announced on Memorial Day, May 30, 2011.
In addition to waiving the $7,500 franchise fee, YELLOW DAWG STRIPING will provide a customized enclosed equipment trailer worth $5,500, hands-on training, business support systems and miscellaneous tools and uniforms. Several select vendors have also donated to the giveaway. GRACO has donated a LineLazer IV 3900, state-of-the-art line striping machine worth $8,640. The Sherwin-Williams Company has donated premium traffic paint valued at $2,100. Dan Zurcher, a pavement marking industry expert and author, has provided a stencil starter kit valued at $1,500. And, Cygnus Business Media is granting two exposition packages to the 2012 National Pavement Expo inMemphis, Tennessee, worth $1,250. The total retail value of the giveaway exceeds $28,000 in value.
“Our vendors have been highly supportive of our franchise giveaway campaign and we couldn’t thank them more for their kind contributions,” added Child. “Without them, we wouldn’t be able to give away the YELLOW DAWG STRIPING franchise opportunity.”
Panel representatives include Child and his business partner, Brian Hayes, Dan Zurcher, Allan Heydorn, Editor of Pavement Magazine, representatives of the Sherwin-Williams company and Graco, and Mark Murphy, an Army veteran and owner of Southern New Hampshire’s YELLOW DAWG STRIPING franchise, who is also a YELLOW DAWG instructor.
In 1975, Child joined the United States Army and afterward attended college on the GI Bill. He was commissioned into the Air Force and served seven years as an Aircraft Commander and Instructor Pilot responsible for flying C-141s. Having received numerous commendations for his hard work and dedication, including the Air Medal, Child transitioned into civilian life as a pilot and captain for a major airline. It wasn’t until he lost his medical certificate that he decided to pursue entrepreneurship. After dabbling in his own start-up commodity-based business, Jack realized that driveway sealcoating was a highly fragmented industry with no real branding or standardization practices. He founded BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT, quickly grew it to 13 locations serving nine states and added complementary franchise concepts that include YELLOW DAWG STRIPING, BLUE DAWG POWER WASH, and RED DAWG INFARED, all operating under the BLACK DAWG Franchise Group umbrella.
“I wanted to bring uniformity and professionalism to an industry that lacks standardization,” said Child. “Today’s customers have come to expect interactions with highly skilled crews that are neat, friendly and professional. We pride ourselves on knowing that our customers feel secure that the job will be done the right way, the first time.”
YELLOW DAWG STRIPING offers new business investors the opportunity to start small and grow their business with other BLACK DAWG franchise concepts at 50 percent off the franchise fee. The home-based business opportunity is also a perfect add-on for individuals seeking to diversify their portfolio as well as take advantage of, and capitalize on, cross marketing and sales of a multi-brand concept. An ideal YELLOW DAWG STRIPING franchise owner is an individual who likes to work outdoors, understands adherence to standards, is mission driven and wants to grow a business and eventually run it, not work it. BLACK DAWG Franchise Group also offers a 30 percent discount on its franchise fees for any honorably discharged U.S. military veteran.
About BLACK DAWG Franchise GroupBLACK DAWG SEALCOAT was founded in 2005 by Jack Child, a U.S. Army and Air Force military veteran. BLACK DAWG began offering line striping services in 2006, and demand quickly outpaced capacity. To better manage the line striping needs of customers, BLACK DAWG formed YELLOW DAWG STRIPING in 2009. Today, YELLOW DAWG STRIPING has six units operating in eight states with 50 new locations planned to open during the next four years. YELLOW DAWG STRIPING prides itself on its professional attitude and behavior while performing jobs and treats clients’ property with respect and the utmost care. The company works with a high degree of environmental consciousness and in accordance with all safety procedures. Additional BLACK DAWG Franchise Group concepts include BLUE DAWG POWER WASH and RED DAWG INFARED. For more information, please visit www.FranchiseDawg.com <http://www.franchisedawg.com/> or visit us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/YellowDawgStriping<http://www.facebook.com/YellowDawgStriping> .
Tonight, I spent the evening talking to an amazing person, Linda Freedman. I met her via twitter, she is a Troop Supporter through and through, and an inspiration to so many. This is an article she wrote for HeroBracelets.org about her involvement with AdoptaPlatoon.org.
The weekday morning began like so many others. Finishing my coffee while getting ready to go to work, I was only half listening to a morning news show on television. I thought I heard a woman say, adopt a soldierâ€. Adopt a soldier? People adopt children and some people adopt pets, but soldiers? OK, I was intrigued! I had been looking for a way to help our soldiers. I sat down and watched the rest of the interview. A woman was talking about AdoptaPlatoon.org, a non-profit organization that matches volunteers (supporters) with our soldiers. She explained that although mail call is the high point in a soldier’s day, unfortunately some soldiers do not have the support of loved ones at home while they are serving our country. They can only watch while other soldiers rejoice in news from home and open care packages filled with necessities and treats. Having witnessed this in his own unit, one soldier asked his mother if she would send a few cards and goodies to nine soldiers in his unit who waited every day for mail, only to receive none. His mother Ida Hagg, an 11th grade school teacher, wanted these eighteen, nineteen and twenty year old soldiers to experience the joy of receiving letters and packages from home, too. She decided to ask a few other mothers if they would each “adopt†one of the soldiers and soon the soldiers began to receive letters and goodies from their “momsâ€. This seemingly small gesture made a profound difference in the morale of these formerly forgotten soldiers. So much of a difference in fact, that their sergeant felt compelled to write and thank the soldier’s mother and her helpers on their behalf. He then asked her if she would expand her efforts to include more soldiers. By enlisting the help of clubs, schools, churches, businesses and civic organizations, more soldiers were adopted. In less than two years, the number of adopted soldiers increased from 10 to 10,000. This simple act of lovingkindness blossomed into the phenomenon that has become AdoptaPlatoon, aptly named by its first “adopted†soldiers. As I continued to watch, I learned that becoming a supporter of AdoptaPlatoon, or AAP is simple. After filling out an application online at www.adoptaplatoon.org, an AAP volunteer interviews the applicant by telephone. Once approved as a supporter, a Soldier Delivery Letter arrives via e-mail containing the name of your soldier and where to write to him or her. I filled out the application, was interviewed and approved. After I received my soldier’s information, I was expected to write a letter once a week and send out a package once a month.
I couldn’t wait to write my first letter to my soldier. I checked my e-mail every day, sometimes twice or three times, while I waited to receive my Soldier Delivery Letter. Being a mother, it reminded me of waiting through a pregnancy, only for a shorter duration! Who will my soldier be? What branch of service? How old? Male or female? My family and co-workers were also swept up in the excitement and anticipation and asked me every day if I had heard anything yet.One day, on my second e-mail check, there it was – my “Soldier Delivery Letterâ€! My soldier’s name was Jason! Included in the e-mail were Jason’s mailing address in Iraq, his birthday and a “wish list†of items. I called everyone and proudly announced, “It’s a boy! And he’s a Marine!â€
And so my journey with AdoptaPlatoon began. It was finally time to write my first letter to Jason, my adopted soldier. At the risk of embarrassing myself, though at the same time injecting some humor into my story, I must confess that I was extremely naïve about all things military. The extent of my personal military knowledge was that my father was in the Air Force in World War II, long before I was born. I always thought that when you “joined up†everything was provided for you. I had a lot to learn – and I was about to learn it.
OK, so how do you write a letter to someone you don’t know? The AAP guidelines suggest that you begin your letter by telling your soldier that you received his or her name through AdoptaPlatoon and assure your soldier that you will not share any of his or her personal information. I started with that and then wrote a paragraph describing myself and my family and a little about my town. I included the events of a typical day in my life and asked him to describe a typical day for him. I closed by thanking him for working so hard to keep us free and that I would send out a package very soon.
Walking proudly into the post office with $20.00 in hand, I was ready to pay any amount necessary to get my first letter to my Marine in Iraq. I placed my letter on the counter and inquired about the postage. The woman behind the counter smiled and informed me that one first class stamp would get my letter to Iraq. Really? Well, in that case, with $20.00 in available funds and looking ahead to future letter writing – I bought a book of stamps. Empowered by my new postal knowledge (and not wearing my glasses) I proudly peeled off a stamp from the sheet and put it on my letter – upside down! Who cares? I had accomplished what I had waited so long to do – I mailed my first letter to my adopted soldier.
An AAP supporter writes to his or her soldier in the spirit of patriotism and support. Your soldier may not be able to write to you for long periods of time, or may not be able to write to you at all. You join AdoptaPlatoon in order to support the soldier, not the other way around. Mail delivery time varies and it may take two weeks or more for mail to reach your soldier. If your mail is not returned to you in a few weeks, you should assume that your soldier has received it. Of course, I hoped that Jason would be able to write back to me, but I also accepted the possibility that I might never receive a letter from him. Either way, I would continue to write to him and send care packages for as long as he was deployed.
A week passed and it was time to write a second letter. This was a little more challenging. My first letter was still en route to Jason. It would take at least another week to reach him. In my second letter I wrote about the day-to-day events of my week, what the weather here had been like, what types of books I like to read and a few funny stories I had heard. I ended my letter with a wish for his safety and my gratitude for his bravery. I also included my e-mail address in case he had access to the Internet. I mailed my letter and continued to wait, which I was quickly learning is the hardest part of supporting a soldier.
Having mastered international letter mailing, I was eager to send out a package. The AAP guidelines suggest using a Flat Rate Box, available at the post office. I returned to the post office, located the custom forms, grabbed a Flat Rate Box and waited in line to pay for it. The same postal employee who helped me with my letter spotted me in line and informed me that the Flat Rate Boxes are free. Oh…Two steps forward and one step back. But I was learning! Now I had a box and it needed to be filled.
In a flash I was off to the store, shopping for items to make Jason’s life in Iraq a little easier. I bought a travel pillow, some toiletries, batteries, stationery supplies and non-perishable snack foods. In fact, I came home with more than enough to fill the box. Gathering supplies was fun, but as I chose each item, I thought about Jason, so far away. I had only minimal information about him. I wondered if he was in danger. The news from Iraq affected me personally now. I didn’t know Jason’s location in Iraq and every mention of casualties worried me. When the broadcasts included Marine casualties, it was even worse. How do the soldiers’ families cope with this uncertainty every day? I hoped that by easing the life of these soldiers, their loved ones might be comforted, too. I packed the box and sent it off with a prayer for Jason’s safety. One Saturday, almost one month to the day of mailing my first letter, I received a letter from Jason. I felt like a kid at Christmas, opening a present. His letter was a gift to me, actually. When I became a supporter I didn’t know if Jason would be able to write to me. But he did. I grabbed my glasses and ripped it open. In his letter he told me how much he appreciated my patriotism and support and said it meant even more to him, coming from someone who didn’t even know him. He said that sometimes soldiers feel forgotten and then a letter like mine arrives and it makes them feel really good and they fight even harder. Wow! I did all that with a letter?
Jason, twenty years old, was the driver of a humvee in a Mobile Assault Platoon, or MAP. They provided security escorts and carried out searches and assaults. While providing security for the supply trucks along the main supply routes, they also searched for mines and IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) that were placed by the insurgents and disposed of them when they found them. IEDs were particularly dangerous since they can be detonated remotely. I wondered how the soldiers could ever get used to that! Can you ever get used to that?
He also described the types of weapons he used and what they were capable of in great detail. Our lives were so different! I have never even fired a handgun. I re-read this part of his letter several times. This was the real thing, not the Hollywood version of war that until now had been my only reference. He also mentioned how much he loved to pass out candy to the Iraqi children. This helped to balance the harshness of war.
After reading about his life in Iraq, I understood the magnitude of what he was doing. I wrote back immediately and thanked him for his very detailed letter. I included some funny stories about my friends and family and interesting things in the news. I ended my letter with my appreciation of his personal sacrifice and with my family’s wish for his safety.
As I wrote about these ordinary things, I was struck by how complacent we are about our freedom and security. Every night I sleep peacefully and then wake up and move through my day, secure in the fact that I am – and will be – safe. There is a lot of talk lately about stepping out of one’s “comfort zoneâ€. Jason had certainly stepped out of his. What about my own comfort zone? I doubt that I have even been to the edge of it. By opening up my life to include an unknown soldier, I also opened the door to a world that I only vaguely knew anything about. In corresponding with Jason, I learned how it felt for him to face danger- real danger- day after day and to be willing to face it again and again because the end result is worth everything it takes out of you. It may even take your life. How many of us can say that?
I now looked at life through new eyes. Most television ads seemed like glamorous vignettes for absurd and unnecessary “creature comfortsâ€. Our soldiers are living far from home and loved ones for extensive periods of time (sometimes years) without many of the things we take for granted or feel we are entitled to have. When a co-worker recently told me that she found a great pair of designer shoes at a trendy store for half price, I excitedly told her about my own recent successful shopping trip. Toothbrushes were on sale at Stop & Shop, 10 for $10.00. I bought 20 of them to send to the troops! Let’s just say I got “a lookâ€.
More time passed and I continued to write letters to Jason, hoping that I might receive another one. In one of my letters I suggested that since there was such a large difference in our ages, maybe he would like to think of me as an “auntie†he didn’t know he had, instead of a friend. I also sent out another package to him. A few more weeks passed without receiving a letter from him.
Again, on a Saturday, I received a letter from Jason. I was so happy to hear from him and know that he was safe. He had been sleeping on the ground recently and said that he couldn’t wait to sleep in his own bed again. He thanked me, his “Auntie Lindaâ€, for the package I sent and said that the travel pillow was much more comfortable to sleep on than his own bunched up clothing. He signed it, “your nephew, Jasonâ€. I was becoming quite attached to my “adopted†Marine. Was it just me, or does this happen to all supporters?
The next time I heard from Jason was through an e-mail and it included a few pictures of him. Now I had a face to go with his letters. He was back at a base for a brief period of time and we were able to communicate more often. I told him that I had framed his picture and put it on my desk at work, next to my kids’ pictures. I proudly showed Jason’s picture to everyone who had asked about him and had sent their good wishes to him through my letters.
In another e-mail, he wrote that at times he found it hard to put the horror of what he saw behind him and being able to write to me about these things was a great comfort to him. He knew his parents worried about him and he didn’t want to upset them. He missed his family and friends very much and was looking forward to going to school.
After that, he was out on patrol again and I heard nothing from him for quite some time. His picture on my desk reminded me everyday that there are many young soldiers like Jason who volunteer to fight for freedom and who may someday even make the ultimate sacrifice.
There was enough time to send one more package to Jason before he prepared to return home. I wanted it to be a special one. I wrote a letter that said, “Since I just found out that I’m your “Auntieâ€, it occurred to me that there have been many birthdays and holidays that I have missed sharing with you.†Keeping the family theme in mind, I bought things that he needed and fun things, too. I made copies of photos of “his†family and friends and I even included photos of our pets. I put them into a little photo album and included an explanation of each photo to go with it. Then I wrapped everything I bought, even toiletries, in birthday or holiday wrapping paper and tied them with ribbons. I even gave him socks for Christmas along with a toy. The box was huge! He received it just before his mail cut off date. The e-mail he sent me after he was received it was long and full of gratitude for all I had done for him while he was in Iraq. He said it was great to return from a long, difficult patrol and read my e-mails of support. Receiving the box full of presents was just like celebrating Christmas in the summer.
Jason is home now and fulfilling his dream of attending school. He continues to write to his “auntie†and his “auntie†enjoys hearing how her “nephew†is doing.
There are so many soldiers like Jason who would also enjoy receiving the simple things that remind them of home, like magazines and snacks and extra socks. I am not a wealthy person. The cost of a stamp brings immeasurable comfort to a soldier. It’s not the length of the letter you write that is important – it’s the sincerity of it. If you don’t think you’re a great letter writer, send funny cards and articles from magazines and newspapers. Filling a care package doesn’t necessarily mean spending a lot of money. I shop for specials and “two for one†sales. You’ll be surprised how quickly you can fill a care package. And stores always have cardboard boxes available for free. I use my bottle and can deposit money toward postage costs.
Adopting a soldier can also be a group effort. Let your friends and family help. That way you can support a soldier and share the fun with others. There are many continuously running support campaigns on the AdoptaPlatoon website where you can help in ways that match your talents and time.
As word of AdoptaPlatoon spreads among the soldiers, their requests to be matched with supporters have far exceeded the current number of supporters. Whenever possible, AAP supporters are volunteering to be matched with more than one soldier. I am currently supporting five soldiers. The soldiers who have been able to communicate with me have been a wonderful gift. And the ones who have not been able to contact me remind me of my pledge to them – my continued support whether or not they can ever respond.
Jason will always be special to me because I learned so much about the process of adopting and supporting a soldier by supporting him. Matt, the second soldier I was matched with, provided me with an excellent overview of Iraq and a history of the Camp where he was stationed. He has a great sense of humor, too. He will be leaving Iraq soon.
I am currently supporting Cassidy, a young married sergeant and the first female soldier I have been matched with. We have been able communicate often through cards and letters and e-mail. She has sent me some wonderful pictures, too. I also support a young married infantryman. The only information I have for him is where to write to him and that he goes out on long patrols. I don’t even have his first name. I was told in my Soldier Delivery Letter that it might be quite some time before I hear from him. As of this writing, several months have passed and I have not heard from him yet. I continue to send letters and packages to him and I hope that he is enjoying them. Three others soldiers are relatively new matches for me (at the time of this writing). I have heard from John, a married sergeant at a Forward Operating Base, but I have not yet heard from the other two.
Although AdoptaPlatoon began as a way to support soldiers who are alone, supporting married soldiers gives them another connection to home. Some of the soldiers I support write to me about things that are disturbing to them, even if only in mostly general terms. They are grateful to have someone other than family members to listen to their concerns.
My adopted soldiers, whether presently supported by me or supported by me in the past, have each taught me something about personal sacrifice and spirit. They have truly given me so much more than I can ever give them. They face the tremendous challenges of each day with courage, determination and fortitude. I can never match that with a letter or a package.
While cleaning out the garage last week, I found an old bumper sticker that suggested we should practice random acts of kindness. Please do. Join www.adoptaplatoon.org. One person can make a difference. You can be that person.
A soldier is waiting.
Talking to her this evening, and seeing the passion she has for helping our trroops re-inspired me. I know first hand what a little support from a perfect stranger can mean, take a few minutes out of your day, and get involved.
This is the cover for the documentary that was done on my family. I am looking forward to seeing it! :) the film crew are all such incredible people, I know they did an amazing job telling our story. If you happen to Live near Hamden, Conneticut, and don't know already, not sure thats possible, but im going to say it anyways, they are having a Screening Saturday at 8pm Echlin 101275 Mount Carmel Ave.Hamden, Connecticut. It would be worth your time to check it out!
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