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A reminder: Why I do it
December 30, 2008 by Nicki
The following was received from a soldier and was posted to the Soldiers’ Angels Wingtip 2 Wingtip blog:
I would like to take this time to say thank you for all that you have done for me and other Soldiers like me. Thank you for your letters, cards, calling cards, heartfelt prayers and thoughts.
Our force, however strong, needs encouragement, especially when our will is weak. Your kindness has healed our sad souls and our longing for our homes.
With reminders every day that we are not alone …
We have you!
Thank you Soldiers Angels!
It makes my heart smile to see our efforts appreciated by those we love and support. Because of this, I’ll gladly keep doing what I’m doing … as long as it takes.
For what are you thankful?
November 26, 2008 by Nicki
During our Thanksgiving celebratory lunch today at work, someone posed this question: “For what are you thankful?” Most everyone had the same answers: family, work, health, …
The merriment continued, and a good time was had by all. After a round of desserts, I went back to my desk and quietly reflected. I would add one more item to that list of things for which I’m thankful — freedom. My Cotillion sister, RightwingSparkle summed it up nicely in her post earlier today: Freedom. It isn’t free, and it isn’t a gift.
While we were on vacation, I had the opportunity to meet a couple veterans and a soldier who were staying in our hotel, vacationing with their families. As I do here at home, I thanked them for their service and handed them a card with the Soldiers’ Angels information on it. One morning at breakfast, I thanked a Vietnam vet. He looked at me with warm, grateful eyes and stammered a quiet “Thank You.” His wife came by our table and thanked me a few minutes later with tears in her eyes.
No one had ever thanked him for his service.
As I’ve stated before, too often we take our liberties for granted. Sadly, those who have made those liberties possible, along with those who now defend them, don’t get anything near the recognition and thanks that they deserve. It saddens me to think that many never have, or quite possibly, never will.
Tomorrow, when you are thinking about those things for which you’re thankful, please remember freedom. If you get the chance, thank a soldier or thank a veteran. And if you are of the praying kind, please remember those in uniform who are out there defending our freedom.
Prayer request
September 15, 2008 by Nicki
My Uncle Jim passed away last Monday. His wife is my Aunt Bonnie, my mom’s sister.
Uncle Jim’s obituary:
Vaughn V. Bowman, 82, of Jupiter died Monday, Sept. 8. He was born in Kane, Pa., and lived in Florida since 1957. In 1957, he moved to Florida, where he founded Penn Land Company and over the next four years built 100 homes in Jupiter. He worked for State Farm Insurance from 1961 to 1995, receiving numerous company awards including President’s Club, Legion of Honor and the Millionaires Club. From 1957 to 1961, he built 100 homes in Jupiter through the Penn Land Company, which he founded. Before that, he worked for his family’s business, W.W. Bowman and Son Lumber Company. He served in the Army during World War II as a “Jungleer” after attending the Army’s engineering school at Virginia Military Institute. As part of the 41st Infantry Division, he was part of successful beachhead invasions at Mindanao, Jolo and the Tawi Tawi in the South Pacific. He was awarded the Bronze Star. He was one of the founding members of the First United Methodist Church of Jupiter/Tequesta where he served in many leadership roles. He directed the site selection and the construction of all phases of the church. He was active in numerous community organizations including the Kiwanis Club for 40 years; the Elks Club; Chamber of Commerce; the American Legion, serving as post commander; and many others. At the time of his death, he was the president of the U.S. Army 41st Infantry Association, Southeast Region. He was also president of the 5M Company. Survivors include his wife Bonnie; four sons, James Bowman and wife Karylyn, Bill Bowman and wife Beverly, Tom Bowman and wife Holly and Bob Bowman; five daughters, Elizabeth Scupham and husband Peer, Dee Terry, Julie Kincaid and husband David, Judi Archuleta and husband Merdardo and Heather Wieseneck and husband David; 19 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. A celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 13 at the First United Methodist Church of Jupiter/Tequesta, 815 E. Indiantown Road, Jupiter. The Rev. Dr. John Myers and the Rev. Dr. E. Wayne Speakman, former pastor, will officiate. A reception will immediately follow in the Church Fellowship Hall. Private burial will be at Riverside Memorial Park, Tequesta. Memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Jupiter/Tequesta, 815 East Indiantown Road, Jupiter, FL 33477; First United Methodist Children’s Home, 51 Main Street, Enterprise, FL 32725; or The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 789, West Palm Beach, FL 33402. Arrangements were by Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home of Jupiter.
My Uncle Jim was a very loving and kind man, and I imagine that my Aunt Bonnie feels a little lost right now. Please keep my her and her family in your thoughts and prayers.
RIP: Brave American
Someone once said, “A man’s bone and skin can be burned away into powder and ash, but what’s left is without form. Courage, duty and honor have no permanent home.”
Those words could not be truer in the case of John (”Johnny”) A. Nichols, Sr. He served our country proudly in the Vietnam war, and over the years afterwards in the Alabama National Guard (167 S.C.), retiring a few years ago with the rank of Master Sergent. Everything I’ve heard of this man over the years told me that he was a man of outstanding courage, duty, and honor, as well as discipline, compassion, and love. I see a lot of that man in my friend, his son, John.
His obituary in The Birmingham News read:
NICHOLS, JOHN ALFRED SR., 67, of Birmingham went home to be with the Lord on August 18, 2008. John will be remembered as a beloved father and husband. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 20 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home with chapel services beginning at 10AM on Thursday with Amy Vaughn officiating. Burial will follow in Jefferson Memorial Gardens East. Survivors include his wife, Deborah Martin Nichols; their daughter, Allison Nichols Gault (Geoff); their son, John Alfred Nichols Jr. (Miranda); nephew, James L. McCarty III and niece, Cathy Rogers (Doug); brother, Ed Maske (Marada); his beloved dog, Wiley and numerous friends and co-workers.
The funeral today was lovely. There were songs, fond memories, and tears shared by all who knew him. As we all stood around the grave site, the 167 S.C. — the men with which he had served — saluted, played Taps, and folded and presented the flag which was draped over the coffin to Mrs. Nichols. The service was beautiful.
I humbly ask that everyone please continue to keep John’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.
Hearing it straight from the soldier’s mouth
June 8, 2008 by Nicki
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Over on the Bama Angels site, I had posted information about the 1203rd guard unit from Dothan which arrived home today. The following is an article published this afternoon in the Dothan Eagle about their arrival, and includes an interview with US Army National Guard Spec. Cassie Benefield and a couple others in her unit, citing the importance of their serving in Iraq over the past year:
U.S. Army National Guard Spec. Cassie Benefield looked steadily away as she recalled the story of an Iraqi national she said told her how four car bombings a day had declined to just one a week in the same areas where Iraqi parents and their children could have clinched for the freedom likely known only to the American people.
It was the type of freedom Benefield had signed up with the U.S. military eight years ago to serve for, and from her first tour in Iraq, it was the type of freedom she believed she had shown the Iraqis was possible.
Benefield was one of around 170 national guardsmen of the 1203rd who returned from a year’s deployment to Iraq after completing more than 180 missions, 1st Sgt. Kenneth Moore said.
The tour was the first for soldiers like Benefield and Moore and at least the second for some other soldiers, including Sgt. Ronald Crooks 1st and Sgt. Todd Gibson.
Soldiers said the missions on every tour included the satisfaction of knowing they helped others, but the apprehension of how to go about proving to the Iraqis the U.S. soldiers were not their enemies was a task.
“The war wasn’t near as bad (as the first time). It wasn’t as hostile, but it was still bad enough,” Gibson said as talked of his second tour. “I’m glad to be back.”
Benefield said she believed one of the greatest accomplishments of the unit was the “better” repertoire it gained with the nationals.
“At first they were scared then they realized we weren’t there to take over, we were there to help. It’s an awesome feeling,” she said.
CW4 Mark Mackey said he believed the unit was able to make a difference with the Iraqi children.
“You give them a lot of school supplies, soccer balls, just to show the kids we’re not bad,” he said.
Many of the soldiers said they took from the tour the knowledge of how important America’s success in developments and programs has have been to the entire world.
“Here you can go get water and don’t have to sit around and purify it. I’ve learned you don’t take anything for granted,” said Spec. Jessica Wells, whose two young children lived with her father while she was deployed.
“I appreciate all the freedom we have and the choices we make.”
(Emphasis is mine.)
There you have it, straight from those who see it and live it on a daily basis — we ARE doing good over there! It’s not the first time I’ve heard or read that from a soldier … but I’m glad to that I’m seeing more and more of it in print and reported by the media!
Never underestimate those Seabees
June 6, 2008 by Nicki
My pal Cookie recently informed me of a project he’s been involved with. Working with the TSA, he noticed that “many active Military personnel who had been dropped off at the Airport to catch their flights to whatever duty station they were bound for, sitting in the terminal for many long hours, sometimes overnight.” It became obvious pretty quickly that during these long waits or delays, our fine troops could not even get a bottle of water, soda, or a hot cup of coffee. And certainly there was also NO entertainment (TVs, etc.) with which they could occupy their time. The USO was soon contacted to see about getting a “Military Hospitality Center/Lounge” for military personnel to use in the airport. Unfortunately the USO was unable to help.
Well, never tell a Seabee that something CAN’T be done!
With the Seabee motto, “Can Do” in mind, Loren (Commandant Marine Corps League, Emerald City Detachment), Leroy (US Army Retired) and Cookie (Navy Seabee Veterans of America, Island X-19) set out to change this!
Cookie details so much in his post, so please continue to read about this amazing project there!
Thanks to material donations and assistance rendered from many organizations, the Military Hospitality Room is slated to open July 3rd. I’ve no doubt the Grand Opening will be well-received and GREATLY appreciated by those in the military who have to pass through the Syracuse, Hancock International Airport in Syracuse, NY!
Great job, Cookie! Keep us updated!!
Sewing, Angeling, and a car update
June 4, 2008 by Nicki
Things have been pretty quiet … or mostly quiet. Jessie’s mother is on vacation, so she’s spending the week with her. I miss her terribly, but I’ve had time to devote to a couple projects that I’ve been wanting to give attention to, so it works out for that.
Sew, sew, sew…
When I was younger, I loved to sew. I used to cross-stitch, make stuffed animals and various clothing items for myself and friends. I haven’t stitched anything in years, with the exception of a couple of costumes that Jessie needed for school about 3-4 years back. I had been wanting to start it up again, but wasn’t sure how or if I would have enough time.
A post on the Soldiers’ Angels blog yesterday has really kicked this need into high-gear. There are several sewing projects on the Soldiers’ Angels site, and several of them are various Blanket teams/projects — the newest being Blankets of Belief.
Now, I know I don’t have the time to commit to quilting or sewing blankets and such by hand, but there was a link on the Blankets of Belief page on how to make a “no-sew” blanket. These are basically fleece blankets that are constructed in such a way that no sewing is involved — if you can tie a knot, you can make one of these!
Sounds perfect!
As soon as I’m able, I’ll be stocking up on materials to make one of these. If it turns out well (read: pretty!), I’ll post pics on here. :mrgreen:
Bama Angeling
I’ve been doing a lot of work on the Bama Angels site and have started expanding my “pimpage” to a few social networking sites. So far, it’s up on MySpace, Twitter, Pownce, Facebook, and FriendFeed. I’ve had a LOT of positive response from area Angels and now I need to work on finding information to post to Bama Angels.
I usually get announcements via word of mouth or The Birmingham News, but it would be nice to get all that other Alabama and military related news that gets missed!
If you know of anything, please feel free to send it my way! 
Car Update
It’s in the body shop and I was told yesterday that they’ve ordered parts and will begin taking it apart and working on it hopefully today or tomorrow. Realistically speaking, I’ll be lucky if I get it back before the end of this month. 
Not thrilled with that, but what can I do? ;P Have otherwise been going back and forth with the insurance company regarding other stuff that’s still unsettled and may need legal handling, but can’t really post about that yet. (will update when able)
I know I’m lucky that we don’t have to pay for all this stuff out of our own pockets (or rather, out of our savings accounts), but honestly, this whole process is enough to drive anyone bonkers!
Another soldier goes unloved
June 1, 2008 by Nicki
I talk about Soldiers’ Angels all the time. Anyone who has spent any time around me knows how much my volunteer efforts for this great organization means to me. I’ll happily talk the ear off of anyone willing to endure my pestering. Most everyone listens politely. I figure even if they aren’t interested in joining, I want to at least reach them and convey that no matter what side of the fence they are on, they must realize that our soldiers need our support — whether or not they agree with the reason those soldiers are over there in the first place!
There was one particularly group of ladies I spoke with, one told me that she wished she had my energy. I wished she had my conviction. She wanted to help out, but said she didn’t have the time. I used to think that too. If you truly WANT to help, you find a way, you make time. Helping out in SA doesn’t have to mean you spend a lot of money. Sometimes it’s as simple as sending a postcard or a letter to someone thousands of miles away that is desperately waiting to hear from someone, anyone, back home!
Not everyone can do this, I get that … but there are so many OTHER ways to help out!
Anyways, what prompted this little rant was the following image posted to PostSecret this morning:
Click to enlarge
It absolutely breaks my heart to think of anyone over there feeling unloved, forgotten, neglected. You don’t have to agree with why the troops are over there, but appreciate them and their efforts!
A Memorial Reminder
Shared by Shelly in the Soldiers’ Angels forums, this piece is a poignant reminder to remember the real meaning behind this holiday:
Please Remember
By SSgt David H.
Saturday May 5, 2007. Day 87 of about 400 on my third trip to the sandbox. It is 0500, I am 5 hours into another 12 hour shift. A full moon is in the air, covered slightly by some passing clouds. It is about 75 degrees with a steady breeze. The moon is bright enough to see off into the distance and the breeze has the sand kicked up a bit so it looks like fog is in the air. I am sitting on the bench outside my maintenance van enjoying the wonderful morning. As I am sitting there I get an uncomfortable feeling.
There is something amiss, it is quiet. Too quiet for being in the middle of two runways at a major logistical base, right smack in the middle of major military operations. Where is the sound of rotors slicing through the air as helicopters take off for their nightly missions? Where is the cargo planes bringing in supplies for the base and surrounding area? The only thing I can hear is the hum of the generators that run all the equipment at our site.
I get up and walk around the protective barriers surrounding my maintenance van so I can get a clear view of the airfield. Once I turn the corner my eyes catch something that is out of place. 500 meters from me I see headlights lighting up the backside of an airplane. As my eyes focus I can make out the outline of a C-130 sitting on the taxiway with all its exterior lights and engines off. I look to the back of the plane to see what is going on. My body tenses up and my heart jumps as I realize what I am looking at. It is what we call a fallen angel ceremony.
At the back the C-130 the tail ramp is lowered all the way down to the ground. On both sides of the ramp is 5 Marines standing at the position of attention facing inboard towards each other. Just past the Marines a van sits. Its back doors open and 8 more Marines standing there in two lines of four facing the airplane. In between the Marines is a big sliver box covered by an American Flag. It is the body of a Marine who died and is now on his way back to his family over 7000 miles away.
I watch as the Marines slowly march the casket to the back of the plane, up the ramp, and into the cargo area. I find myself standing at the position of attention holding back the tears. I do not know who is in that steel box but the fact that another brother or sister in arms has made the ultimate sacrifice so others can live free has hit me hard. This is not the first time I have seen this ceremony nor will it be my last. I am not sure why this particular ceremony is effecting more than the others I have watched but it has. The 8 Marines return from inside the plane, marching slowing, just as they came in but without the precious cargo they carried. The detail of Marines stop, face each other and then all the Marines present take one step backwards, turns about and walks away. Lights on the airplane come on. The ramp on the back of the plane is raised and closed. The engines come alive as the crew in the plane are preparing for the next leg of their mission. Somewhere back in the United States a family waits for their loved one to be returned to them.
I stand and watch as the plane completes its pre-flight checks and taxies to the runway. Behind the C-130 the sky is getting brighter. The sun will soon rise and it is the beginning of a new day. The C-130 reaches the end of the runway, turns around, powers up its engines and rolls down the runway. A couple thousand feet later it is airborne and passes in front of me at about 50 feet off the ground. Goodbye, so long, thank you.
Since 9/11 every single American has been touched somehow by the war on terrorism. Everyone has a family member, a friend, a neighbor, or knows somebody that has had to leave their lives back home to come fight for the right to live without fear. Memorial Day is just a few weeks away. The official start of summer. Pools open, people have BBQ’s, hit the beach, go for a motorcycle ride, go camping, maybe watch a race. Summer time is here and it is time to have fun. Most do not realize or take the time to think of the true meaning behind the holiday. It is holiday created as a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all. Please set aside a few moments and remember those who have fought to give us our freedoms. Remember those who are away from their families continuing the legacy of our great nation to help those in need and protect our right to live without fear. Thank a Veteran, maybe say a prayer. Anything to keep the spirit of this holiday alive.
(cross-posted to Bama Angels)
What Soldiers’ Angels means to me
May 24, 2008 by Nicki
When I’ve shared my experience with Soldiers’ Angels with people I’ve met and explained how much our efforts make a real difference with the troops, several times I’ve been asked, “But what has Soldiers’ Angels done for you?” I answer simply, “Everything and more.”
Looking back, I don’t even remember HOW I initially found Soldiers’ Angels. This would have been 2, maybe 3, years ago. Things were hectic in my life — but then again, things are always busy. After the wedding, I had some time off from everything to think about what I was doing with my life. I thought to myself, “I have a great family. I have a great job. We lead a pretty simple life, but … ”
Part of me felt as if I wasn’t doing enough — I was missing something. Sure, I did a little charity work here and there, but nothing that felt really meaningful to me. I never felt needed, or as if I truly belonged to a particular cause.
You know, you hear it all the time from various inspirational stories printed online or emailed around via chain letters and such — “one person can make a difference.” I can honestly say that I never FULLY believed that until I joined Soldiers’ Angels. I can honestly say that this is the most rewarding and humbling experience. I’m constantly wow’ed by the awesome men and women in our military that I’ve spoken to and corresponded with over the past year.
I’d like to share a few examples that I have run across only recently:
A thank you from my first adopted soldier:
“I just wanted to say thank you so much for mailing me the letters they mean a lot to us over here. We all look forward to the mail that any Soldiers Angel send us. It is always nice to receive a caring work from home.”
“Mail, believe it or not, is the biggest part of our day; at home we make no time to go look at the mail box, but here we make nothing but time to go and see what we got.”
Comments from another grateful soldier:
“I just want to thank you in your support. It means a lot to the Army and a lot to me as well to know that there are people who support what we do. I think the biggest request would have to be phone cards. Other than that, the simple things are the greatest things such as Hygiene products, snacks, and moral support. Again, I thank you.”
An email from Anthony:
“Hey this is Anthony, the soldier you once wrote. I just wanted to let you know I stumbled upon the letter you sent me and reading it over made me rethink why I enlisted. Again I just wanted to say thank you for taking your time to write.”
A quote from a soldier who received some TLC:
“This Soldiers’ Angel thing is crazy and cool at the same time. We just got mail today again and I got 26 Angels that sent me cards and packages. It was almost overwhelming, but it kept me busy most of the morning. One of my sergeants was trying to screen my letters for inappropriate stuff but I know he was just looking for the single females that live near his home town. He was cracking me up this morning … everyone wants to be my friend now because I have enough candy and hygiene products to make a small army really clean and have no teeth! LOL But it’s nice, I think my mouth was like four different colors yesterday from all the candy I was eating.”
Another hero tells us:
“Thank you for everything you do for us. It is so great to get something from the US, no matter what it is.”
Our heroes aren’t the only ones affected. When I received my first “thank you” from one of my adoptees, I cried. Nothing hits closer to home than true, honest appreciation. I have always admired the brave men and women in our military and wholly appreciate their efforts with all of my heart. It never once dawned on me that someone may appreciate my efforts (however small I thought they were!).
I know I am not the only one. Take this post from PeggyV just before Mother’s Day:
“One of my adoptees is a hero who has been silent since I adopted him in September 2007. Each letter is a struggle since I know nothing about him. Imagine my surprise this week when I received free mail from Iraq and it was Zach! The letter only contained the following, “Happy Mother’s Day. I know you don’t have kids, but you have been like a Mom to me this past year.”
“Wow, let’s all remember that the silence may be hard sometimes, but they really do need us. His few words are priceless to me.”
There are so many more stories like the ones I just posted. Perhaps you have one you’d like to share? Feel free to post to the Soldiers’ Angels forums, or if you’d prefer, the comments form below. I’d love to hear them.
(cross-posted to Bama Angels)
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