California Soldiers' Angels

April 21st Marine Corp Muster Palo Alto: Volunteers Needed

2012-02-20T20:44:00.000-08:00

We Need Volunteers

VA Palo Alto is hosting a Marine Corps Muster on Saturday, April 21^st.

This will be the first time such a Marine Corps muster will be conducted at a VA in Northern California, although they did have one last year at the San Diego VA. The Marine Corps is inviting 1200 Veteran Marines in a 150 mile radius to Palo Alto, who are still in an inactive reserve status. Once a year, they must meet with the Marine Corps (they will be on orders) and this coming year the Marine Corps would like VAPAHCS to host their muster and we have agreed.

The Marines will be broken into three different shifts – 0800, 1030 and 1300 (1 pm). Their families are also invited. The Marine Corps needs them for about half an hour and the rest of the time is ours. We want to be able to brief them, enroll them, and even Vest them, if possible. We also will have kids’ entertainment outside, along with community vendors. And we will have a BBQ and serve them lunch. In other words, set it up like a Welcome Home – in fact, we can call this our Welcome Home.

To be most effective, we need Volunteers to help with guiding the Marines, working the kids games and helping serve food, etc. Please consider giving up a Saturday to help reach a very deserving group of Veterans.

The Website is up for Volunteers: http://www.paloalto.va.gov/mcmuster.asp.

This will not only be a great event for the Marines – it will be fun for Volunteers, too.

And this is where you, as a Soldiers’ Angel, make all the difference

2012-02-07T19:36:00.000-08:00

From Nick Palmisciano, member, Soldiers' Angels Board of Trustees:

To most people, the benefit of our troops’ contact with Soldiers’ Angels is obvious – our Angels provide comfort to those deployed, to those injured, and to those who have returned and need someone to hear their voice. If these three functions alone showcased the full extent of what Soldiers’ Angels brought to the table, the organization would be absolutely invaluable to our servicemen and women.In the last few years, however, I have noticed another incredible service that our Angels bring to the table – they bridge the military/civilian divide.To the average citizen, this divide is most likely not apparent, and that makes sense, as most people have absolutely no interaction with our Armed Forces. This is a marked change from the experience of previous generations. During World War II, a full 11.5% of all Americans served in the war, which essentially equated to almost every able-bodied man available. Everyone had multiple family members involved in the conflict and the war was very personal. People were willing to sacrifice because they had skin in the game. Limit fuel consumption? Absolutely. It might help dad. Buy war bonds? Of course. My brother needs the money for ammunition. Regardless of service status, nearly every man, woman or child had to sacrifice something, whether it was the loss of a loved one, years of separation, financial loss, or a lack of comfort items. Every American’s life was changed markedly, and when the war ended, it was truly a victory for all.Over time, however, service numbers have dropped, our economy has become more robust, and our politicians have created a system where the average American feels no change in lifestyle due to a wartime stance.

Only 0.45% of all Americans have been involved in the Global War on Terror, and the majority of those 0.45% are the children of veterans, thus we’re seeing the possible beginning of a small “warrior caste” emerge that is even further separated from the population at large. Our taxes have not gone up to compensate for the increased spending necessary to fund the war. We have not been asked to curb our use of fuel, rubber, or steel. We have not been limited in the type of goods we can purchase. In short, while war has raged on for ten years, most of us have had to contribute well…nothing. At the same time, we’ve seen Congress whittle away troop benefits while discussing a large reduction in force, a possible reduction in retirement benefits, and a general disregard for troop quality of life and safety (multiple deployments without rest, lack of proper equipment, insufficient training time and ammunition, challenging ROE, etc.). As there has been no outrage coming from the civilian world (because so few are directly affected), it’s easy for many troops to fall into an “us against them” thought process. This gets exacerbated when the only time any troop issue does get attention and pressure is when there is a lapse in judgment (e.g. urination on the enemy dead), leaving troops feeling that no one cares if they are killed or wounded or live in rough conditions, but God forbid something unpalatable happens in the din of battle that might be distasteful for someone sitting on their couch watching the war on CNN.The last piece of this disconnect comes when troops return home, finally, and rejoin the civilian world. They enter a world that cannot fathom what they have gone through, that worries about insignificant challenges rather than life or death ones, and that views them as “broken” thanks to the media and Hollywood’s constant love affair with post-traumatic stress. This anger and frustration often results in an inability to connect with potential employers and has resulted in the largest veteran unemployment rate in history.And this is where you, as a Soldiers’ Angel, make all the difference. Those letters and care packages sent to our deployed troops remind them that there are people who care for them – that appreciate their sacrifices. Those Angels visiting the wounded in the hospitals and helping to solve their problems and provide them comfort proves to our heroes that there are some Americans willing to still give their time, effort, and money for our men and women in uniform. And those Angels working to rehabilitate troops through our Heroes & Horses program, music programs, and homeless programs are helping provide that bridge back to normal life.

You see, what you may not realize is that receiving a care package isn’t a big deal because of what is in the care package, even though all the items are appreciated and needed. These packages move the troops because they show that someone out there cares. And when you’re sitting out there in a dusty post in the middle of a place you’d rather not be, having lost a friend or two and sacrificed a lot of time away from those you love, you need to know it matters every now and then.

Angels, for many people, you’re the only person letting them know it matters.

Please never forget that.

Thank you for all you do.

May no Soldier walk alone,

Nick Palmisciano

President

RangerUp.com

Nick is a former Army Ranger with post-9/11 service, and is the newest member of the Soldiers' Angels Board of Trustees.

Sacramento: Golftoberfest 2012 - annual charity golf tournament

2012-02-05T19:40:00.000-08:00

To register for Golftoberfest 2012 or for more information regarding the tournament, email Mark Becker at eldoradoipssa@yahoo.com.

El Dorado Independent Pool & Spa Service Association's (IPSSA) Golftoberfest 2011 (annual charity golf tournament at Dark Horse Country Club in Auburn, CA) was another huge success. This year, mostly due to the support of the Sacramento region's swimming pool industry, the golf tournament raised $11,500 for Soldiers' Angels.

Mark Becker said "EDIPSSA is honored to help our nation's true heroes through Soldiers' Angels". The proceeds that were raised last year helped 33 veterans & their families. The cumulative proceeds that have been raised from Golftoberfest in four years exceed $39,000!

Said Patti Patton-Bader, Soldiers' Angels founder, "It is because of the hard work and generosity of the men and women of El Dorado IPSSA that we can work so hard to make sure none of our veterans are forgotten. On behalf of Soldiers' Angels, we thank you from the bottoms of our hearts, Mark and Shawn, for your generous donations year after year." The funds raised will be used in large measure to cover move-in costs for previously homeless veterans enrolled in the VA Section 8 Housing Program.

Congressman Tom McClintock (center) was the keynote speaker and stressed the importance of supporting our veterans. On the left is tournament co-founder, Mark Becker, EDIPSSA Treasurer and on the right, Shawn Panico, EDIPSSA President and tournament co-founder. We would especially like to thank everyone who donated their time and/or money and who participated in Golftoberfest 2011: Chem Quip, HASA, Zodiac Pool Systems, Pentair Water, Greg's Pool Works, SCP, General Pool Supply, Bullseye Leak Detection, Aztec Solar, Hayward, Mike the Poolman, Natural Chemistry, Prestige Valley Gunite, Dennett Pools, El Dorado IPSSA, Elk Grove IPSSA, Sacramento City IPSSA, Solano IPSSA, American Leak Detection, Advanced Labor Leadership Institute, Pool Time, & our Region 1 Director Dave Durkin.

About El Dorado Independent Pool & Spa Service Association (EDIPSSA)

The Independent Pool and Spa Service Association, Inc. exists for the mutual professional benefit and growth of its members and for the continued improvement of the pool and spa industry and the community it serves. IPSSA was formed in 1988 as a result of a merger between IPSA and Cal-IPSA. Those two organizations were a part of the original association founded in 1961 for the purpose of pool service technicians banding together to help each other in times of illness or disability. www.edipssa.com

About Soldiers' Angels - Northern California Chapter

As a bridge between the Northern California VA Healthcare system and the community at large,the mission of the Soldiers' Angels Northern California chapter is to reach out and support local veterans most often overlooked and forgotten: homeless, wounded and incarcerated veterans throughout Northern California. www.soldiersangels.org

Northern California Soldiers Angels Volunteers, support a fellow volunteer

2012-01-28T18:48:00.000-08:00

Northern California Soldiers Angels Volunteers spent the day honoring William Weisgerber "Denny", and his family. Denny, is the 2011 Marine of the Year who has been selflessly volunteering in the community through organizations like "Soldiers Angels" and who as a civilian continued to train Marines. As well, supporting soldiers returning home as amputees; which he also was during the Korean war. Because of his injuries Denny's military status changed and he was not honored with a proper promotion until 2012 as Gunnery Sergeant.

It makes you wonder if he was promoted back than would it have been as monumental as it was today?

At eighty-one years old he was surrounded by eighteen year old Marines - they had the honor of seeing the legacy of a Hero...he was surrounded by community leaders and all of the people he has volunteered with... but most importantly his wife, Marianne, his high school sweet-heart another Soldiers Angel and their great grand-kids..the impact he has had on others far outreaches his Just Rewards.

I love how it looks like a cross behind the flag, it was truly a blessed day, with the SON Shining for sure. And the weather was wonderful for the middle of January.

For Immediate Release: Best Blog Post Winner Announced!

2012-01-23T18:31:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release: Best Blog Post Winner Announced!

Why I am a Soldiers' Angel: Denny Weisgerber from the California Soldiers' Angels blog

Why I love Missouri Volunteers from the Missouri Soldiers' Angels blog

And now, without further ado, our winner is Jeanavive Janssen, the California Soldiers' Angels blogger with her post Why I am a Soldiers Angel: Jeanavive Janssen

For her winning entry, Jeanavive gets to select a VA facility to receive a brand new 40" HDTV. Congratulations, Jeanavive!

Wingtip to Wingtip~

Lisa Luhrman
Blog Coordinator
Soldiers' Angels
www.soldiersangels.org

Northern California Chapter Leader Honored as Angel of The Year!

2012-01-06T18:15:00.000-08:00

The "Angelic" Volunteers of Soldiers Angels are the heart and power behind the mission of ensuring "No Soldier Go Unloved." To honor these amazing volunteers, “Angel of the Year” nominations were accepted in November. The National office wrote that choosing just these three Angels was difficult, as there are so many great Angels accomplishing wonderful things in support of America’s heroes.

Read the Full Story

Angel of the Year: Elaine Hodges. Elaine works with returning veterans in Palo Alto. Her steady, determined work and big heart have a powerful impact on the veterans she encounters and supports there, and her enthusiasm draws many others into her work.

Elaine and two other Angels will be honored at a special event in San Antonio next spring.

Read why Elaine Hodges became a Soldiers Angel - Her Story.

Donate to Extend This Holiday Spirit Year-Round

2011-12-20T19:09:00.001-08:00

“I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars
and open a jar of it every month.”

Dear Angels and Friends,

That quote describes how I feel about the wonderful gifts of money and time and love that have poured out on our troops and their families this holiday season.

But I’ve also been thinking about how the needs of the troops and military families continue year-round. We DO need a jar of that Christmas giving spirit every single month of the year!

Please help Soldiers’ Angels continue to spread that giving, supportive spirit to our heroes no matter the season.

Please donate to extend this holiday spirit year-round.

When the decorations are taken down and our daily schedules resume, American heroes will still be deployed in Afghanistan and they will still need care packages.

Wounded Warriors will still be fighting their way back to recovery.

Veterans will still need help adjusting to new lives.

And some military families will still be struggling.

They all will need to know we remember them beyond the holiday season.

Please donate to extend this holiday spirit year-round.

$5. $10… $50… or more… $5 sends a phonecard to a wounded warrior so that he can check in with her family. $10 is almost enough postage to send a care package to a hero who wonders if anyone other than his mom and dad knows he’s still deployed...

The need is great, but together we can move mountains.

With your amazing support, Soldiers’ Angels can continue to make a difference in the lives of America’s heroes every month of the year.

The need of our military and their families for emotional and physical support continues with the turn of the page on the Holiday Season, but there is still time to mark this Christmas with a gift from the heart.

Please join me in not only WISHING for this “Christimas spirit” to become year-round, but act with your heart to MAKE it happen.

                                Sincerely,

                                Patti Patton-Bader
                                Founder, Soldiers' Angels

P.S. Your support is needed for Soldiers’ Angels to continue its work for America’s heroes and their families.

A donation from the heart will send a care package to a hero far from home, connect a military family through a phonecard, give a laptop to a wounded warrior, and so much more.

Each of these things will not only improve the life of a hero, but extend that loving, grateful, generous Spirit of Christmas to our heroes every month of the year.

Please donate to extend this holiday spirit year-round.

Toys for Vets - CSR Story

2011-12-15T14:11:00.000-08:00

The Northern California Meeting Professionals Internationalchapter on December 14, 2011 – collected exactly, 150 toys for the Menlo Park, VA – “Toysfor Vets” program.

Everyone is very familiar with Toys for Tots who also is acontributor to the “Toys for Vets” program but, Jeanavive Janssen from the San Mateo Event Center a Menlo Park “Soldiers Angels”volunteer and MPINCC member, and MPINCC Outreach Committee member thought to take theannual toy drive to a more personal level in the immediate community.

Jeanavive Janssen, has been volunteering atthe Menlo Park, VA through Soldiers Angeles where she first heard of the “Toysfor Vets” program… in pitching this idea for the drive there was some questionon why vet’s need toys? The toys arefor the families of the vets at the VA who are in inpatient care, in the nursinghome and enrolled in the Post Traumatic Stress unit where Jeanavive spends mosther time volunteering.

On December 20, 2011 – everyone who donated toys are invitedto the VA to wrap the toys for the vets after they have been sorted for the boys and girls. The families ofthe vets will come in that day to receive their gifts and visit with theirloved ones. Jeanavive says; “ Ithought this was the most important part of this community socialresponsibility project, it’s one thing to put a toy in a barrel, it’s anotherto be a part of the actual giving experience”…”I feel every C.S.R event should comewith a story..it really creates so much more impact on the people who are apart of the story – I have my own special reasons why I volunteer at the VA,one of our committees members father was a vet – so it spoke to her as well…andclearly the opportunity to give back spoke to the MPINCC association members”…

There is still time for you to sign-up to participate in theGift Wrapping and giving on December 20, 2011 at the Menlo Park VA; details:

December 20th, 2011

Menlo Park Veterans Administration - Toy Distribution tofamilies of the Vets

795 Willow Road, Menlo Park CA

(334 Core-GYM)

If you would like to have some hands on CSR, you are alsoinvited to participate in the wrapping and distribution of the toys at theMenlo Park VA. details. Morning shift is from 8am-Noon. Second Shift 1pm– 4pm. And some special helpers are needed from9:30am-11am to escort some vets from the onsite nursing home to thedistribution event.

Call Alberto to confirm a shift at 650-617-2753 or if youhave additional questions email Jeanavive@gmail.com

Standing Ovation for Soldier's Angels

2011-12-12T23:09:00.000-08:00

People who volunteer do so because they are led - they have a calling and they do so never expecting anything in return....but those who receive also find a pride and joy in recognizing the individuals who invest their time volunteering...never underestimate the power of just spending time with people...it means so much and it's a reciprocal priceless gift...

Tonight, at the Soldiers Angel's annual PTSD Unit Menlo Park VA dinner (which I will blog more about later) - our group of Soldier's Angels volunteers were surprised when everyone's name was announced, they were invited in front and each person was presented a card by a Vet...

They each took turns reading a part of the following speech to the Soldiers Angels volunteers; which made us shed some tears especially when we received a standing ovation as we walked away...

The speech was written in a card presented to our team leader...the greeting on the front of the card read "Let There be peace in the world and Joy in our hearts". And the hand written sentiment that was shared to the group was the following:

"Soldiers Angels, We just wanted to take a few moments to say, Thank You from the bottom of our hearts for all the time and effort you have given to so many of those who have served and for those who still serve today.

Your kindness has touched us and put smiles on our faces.

Not every Soldier; Sailor, Airman, Marine or Coast Guardsman gets to meet their Angels but we have been Blessed to know and spend time with ours...

Wishing you and your families the Happiest of Holidays from the Men, Women and Staff of the Trauma Recovery Program..."

I personally, waited till I was home in front of my Christmas tree to open my personalized card and it was so special to read all the personalized greetings from our Soldiers...

This holiday season...when your rushing around fighting the traffic at the mall, and trying to get everyone's gifts just in time for Christmas...

Please remember our Soldiers who have been fighting for the lifestyle you enjoy for over a decade, as well as our Vets from many other wars - they have spent many holidays away from their families...consider offering the best gift anyone can give - the simple gift of time...contact your local VA or Soldiers Angel chapter to find out what you can give back that is priceless...TIME.

" MAY NO SOLDIER GO UNLOVED" - Volunteer Today!

Christmas is Coming early for the PTSD vets on the Menlo Park VA

2011-12-09T19:12:00.001-08:00

Some really great things are happening for our Vet's at the Menlo Park VA, in Northern California on Monday.

The Christmas Gift Bags will be loaded with goodie, thanks to some really generous folks!

Whole food in Palo Alto is donating...

We received 4 large boxes from UPS from Dee Jerge in San Diego, she is one of the vice-presidents of Soldiers' Angels...she sent...

Martha who is head of all the Soldiers' Angels Veteran activities sent us goodies...

We have TONS of darling small (10") Christmas Stockings and also Large & Small bags put all of these goodies in!

Then a Veteran friend donated $100.00 to purchase other stocking stuffers...

It looks like our Vets are going to get some nice goodies for Christmas!!!!! (thank God!!)

Soldier 'Happy to be a Mom Again'

2011-11-25T12:40:00.001-08:00

Soldier 'Happy to be a Mom Again'

A single mom of children ages 5 to 22, Stallworth is a symbol of a
generation of warriors who are leaving the battlefield. Tens of thousands of
veterans like her will be returning from duty in Iraq before the end of the
year, and more will be coming back from Afghanistan in 2012.

Full article at
http://www.military.com/news/article/soldier-happy-to-be-a-mom-again.html?col=1186032310810

Happy Thanksgiving America

2011-11-24T12:36:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Wishes, any day can be a day to give thanks!

2011-11-21T22:23:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving Dinner Comes Early to the PTSD Menlo Park VA - what a beautiful evening at the Menlo Park VA, with our dear friends, family and soldiers of the PTSD Unit...

Soldier' Angels, Northern California Chapter, under the leadership of Elaine and her dedicated volunteers fed 50 vets both men and women - vets from the Korean War (some volunteers) to the current theater ...many going home for the holidays but for some they will not be traveling home because of distance and finances...many new faces joining the PTSD program...and some packing their bags to go home for good...it's always a revolving door of amazing people taking some really life-changing steps to re-enter the world that some of us may take for granted...

And, to our soldiers in the field you are in our thoughts and hearts this coming Thanksgiving.

"...We give thanks and honor to those brave and true
Our banners, we will proudly wave
The Red, White, and Blue
We will give our thanks not only to our god
but also to every soldier for our bounties, that be.
For they give meaning to words
Home of the brave Land of the Free.
To the soldiers in the mess hall
Eating their thanksgiving feast,
to the troops in the desert eating another
Meal ready to eat.
May peace, hope and strength
Travel with you along the way
And may these wishes find you
On A Soldiers Thanksgiving day."
By: Marcy Mobley "A Soldiers Thanksgiving"

Thanksgiving Comes early for the Vets of the PTSD at Menlo Park VA

2011-11-19T12:11:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving Comes early for the Vets of the PTSD at Menlo Park VA, Northern California

Here's an update regarding our upcoming Thanksgiving Dinner this Monday Nov 21, 2011, from Elaine:

First I just want to remind you (while our Vets are eating) about each one of us on the Team to take a few minutes to share words of appreciation for our Vets.

Second...GOOD NEWS!!! Remember last year how some well-meaning but misdirected Smart & Final employee convinced me that the Turkey Roll would be delicious for our Thanksgiving VA Dinner?....BUT in reality, it tasted and had the texture Turkey Sponge?

Well, that ain't happening again!!!!!....thanks to a very generous donor who slipped me $100.00 at the last dinner, I went to Costco and purchased 4 HUGE turkeys....so Sunday I am skipping church for a worthwhile cause......turkey-cookin'!!!! (thank God for double ovens!) Once cooked, my son will slice it all up and it will sit in the juice to be reheated on Monday! So the Vets & us will eat REAL meat this year....yahooooo!!

Also there will be....

Mashed Potatoes
Turkey Gravy
Green Beans & Onions
Buttered Corn Kernals
Cornbread Dressing
Ceasar Salad
Cherry-Cranberry Jello Salad
Relish Tray
Cranberry Sauce
Rolls
Butter Squares
Red Velvet Cupcakes
Pumpkin Dessert
Apple Cobbler
Whipping Cream
Diabetic Apple Pie
Punch
Diet Sodas
Bottled Waters

In other words, our Vets will have a feast!!!

##

If, you only had a few minutes to share appreciation for our Vets what would you say to them?

VOW to Hire Heroes Act

2011-11-16T18:48:00.000-08:00

November 16, 2011 Re-Post from IAVA:
http://iava.org/blog/bipartisan-vote-house-passes-vow-hire-heroes-act
..."Today, Congress put politics aside and sent their first jobs bill to President Obama for his signature. VOW to Hire Heroes Act easily passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 422-0. We expect the President to sign this bill in to law as soon as possible, so that veterans can get back to work. See IAVA's statement here.

IAVA's Statement
“The House has stepped up for new veterans in a big way. In passing the VOW to Hire Heroes Act, they are getting vets to work. This bill contains critical provisions that IAVA has been targeting since launching our Combat to Career program at Storm the Hill earlier this year. And with new veteran unemployment rising, the timing couldn’t be more critical,” said IAVA Founder and Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff. “We applaud the House for fighting through the partisan gridlock that has been plaguing Washington. And we're glad to see that Congress has finally realized that the smartest investment they can make is supporting the New Greatest Generation. We call on President Obama to sign this legislation as soon as he gets back from Asia. Veterans cannot wait any longer.”... (Read More)

More Articles on Veteran's and Jobs:
The Next "Greatest Generation" Looking for Jobs

Time Magazine Cover Image (more on the next Greatest Generation / The Cover of Time)...

Soldiers Angels: A little food and a lot of Love goes a long way

2011-11-12T22:58:00.000-08:00

While at the Veteran's Day event yesterday, at the Menlo Park VA, in Northern California a Veteran called the name of our Soldiers Angels, chapters leader, who has been providing meals for the PTSD vets for many years.

He was from the PTSD Unit from way back in 2008 and is now employed with the Federal Government Treasury...and he is doing well.

He made it a point to tell her to pass it on to all of you at Soldier's Angels that our dinners was what kept him going while he was in the program.

He said that the dinners, games, kindness & love that he and the Vets felt were the HIGH-LIGHT OF THE MONTH! (this was before we started holding the additional Movie Nights)...that it meant more than we can ever imagine.

He was so excited that the Soldiers Angels are active with the Menlo Park, CA PTSD Vets and he said over & over...NEVER STOP DOING WHAT YOU GUYS ARE DOING!...so I am sending you all a GREAT BIG (((ANGEL-HUGS))) from our grateful soldier.

SoCal Program: The New Generation of Veterans

2011-11-11T17:59:00.001-08:00

The New Generation of Veterans

Tuesday, November 15, 2011
6:00 p.m. Registration / 6:30 p.m. Program

RAND Corporation
1776 Main St. • Santa Monica, CA

Program

Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan face many challenges, particularly when it comes to health care. Join us for a conversation about recent research into this new generation of combat veterans, including their experience with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance misuse, as well as challenges they face in their physical health, their access to services, and their post-military careers.

Featured Speakers

Terry Schell
Senior Behavioral Scientist, RAND Corporation

Jonathan Schleifer
Policy Director, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

Register for This Program

Register online by November 10. There is no charge to attend, but seating is limited and advance registration is required. For further information, contactevents@rand.org.

The RAND Corporation is a nonprofit institution that helps improve
policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. They are not associated with Soldiers Angels.

Shop and Support Veteran's!

2011-11-10T22:31:00.001-08:00

The eBay auction with items donated to Soldiers' Angels in support of Project Valour-IT is now LIVE! There are 23 items up for bid, with auctions ending anywhere between early Sunday morning and mid-day Monday. Auction items handcrafted jewelry, a handmade camo-print purse and consumer electronics. Go check it out!

Veteran's Day - Call for Volunteers Menlo Park VA

2011-11-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

Veteran's Day - Call for Volunteers Menlo Park VA

November 11, 2011

Menlo Park VA - Recreation Therapy staff are
looking for last minute help for November 11, Veterans Day. They are
hoping to get 15-20 people to help out the program here at Menlo Park.
They are asking if volunteers can come as early as 8:30 to get a
briefing and the event goes on until around 1:30. It is a work day for
most people so it has been a challenge to get volunteers in addition to
getting the short notice. I have been pursuing other groups so we will
see what happens. If there are any questions, anyone can call Alberto Villarreal
directly at 650-617-2753.

November 5, 10th Annual Car Show for the Vets at Menlo Park VA

2011-11-02T13:27:00.000-07:00

10th Annual Car Show for the Vets
Sunday, November 6, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

VA Hospital Menlo Park
795 Willow Road
Menlo Park, CA 94025

RAFFLE ITEMS NEEDED for raffle for the vets:
Hats (no beer or liquor brands or logos, please)
Scarves
Gloves
Socks
T-shirts
Sweat suits
Jackets
Stationery
Stamps
Games, cards, toys for big kids
Radio Control cars
Healthful snacks (for lunch AND the raffle)

POTLUCK BUFFETT LUNCH BRING THESE ITEMS:
Fresh fruit whole or cut up
Chips
Dip
Salsa
Fresh baked goods
*Dietetic and diabetic snacks*
Salads
Pudding cups
Nuts
Anything that makes a good side dish for lunch

If you have patriotic decorations or flags to bring, those are always welcome. Come show your car and show you care.

DRIVERS:
9:15 AM: Arrive at the front lot on Willow Rd. in Menlo Park and detail the cars
9:30 AM: Drivers' meeting and begin parade laps for Nursing Home and Unit 324, Begin ward visits
10 AM to 10:45 AM: Restage vehicles behind gymnasium for main show (Grand Entrance)
11 AM: All vehicles are staged behind gymnasium, blessing of the vehicles
Noon: Lunch begins
1:30 PM: Raffle begins
3:00 PM: (or at conclusion of raffle): Clean up and group departure

MORE INFO:
http://www.facebook.com/CarShowForTheVets?sk=info#!/
event.php?eid=256967457669275
http://www.carshowforthevets.com

Back Home, and Homeless From New York Times

2011-10-26T21:47:00.000-07:00

October 17, 2011 A Menlo Park, VA PTSD May program graduate stopped by to set-up tables for the Soldiers Angels Nor Cal Chapter monthly dinner event for the PTSD unit soldiers and vets. He told our group leader that he had submitted an article that was published in the New York times...it will really touch your heart.

Repost from the New York Times:
October 5, 2011, 12:48 pm
Back Home, and Homeless By Matt Farwell
Mid-June, 2011: I find myself alone in a dark wooded park tucked between million-dollar houses south of Stanford University, looking for a spot in the bushes to stash my bags. Until that morning I’d been living in a cheap weekly-rate motel in Palo Alto. Before checkout, knowing I couldn’t afford the $48 fee for another night, I laid out my stuff on the bed. Over the cigarette burns on threadbare sheets, I scrounged for quarters, dimes and nickels. There was enough for an extra value meal at Taco Bell. I divided everything else I had between three bags; an olive-drab backpack my brother used in the Army Rangers, a black duffel I bought at Goodwill and a satchel for my laptop. This was my life. ..Read the Full Story on New York Times

Photo From New York Times Courtesy of Matt Farwell.

Day of the Deployed - October 26, 2011

2011-10-25T09:42:00.000-07:00

10/18/11

Soldiers' Angels is proud to announce... Day of the Deployed, October 26, 2011was passed with 100% yes votes by the US Senate to become a NATIONAL DAY OF HONOR!

"Day of the Deployed is a day to honor the many selfless actions demanded of military members and their loved ones across the globe serves as a tangible reminder of the sacrifice being made in homes across America every day. Every deployment reflects the deep commitment of not only the deploying member, but of the many friends and loved ones who are left behind to aid in answering our nations call. Selfless men, women and children who are called upon to set aside their personal comfort and convenience to support the heroes they call mom, dad, father, mother, brother, sister or friend." --Patti Patton Bader, Soldiers' Angels Founder

HOEVEN’S NATIONAL DAY OF THE DEPLOYED RESOLUTION PASSES IN THE SENATE

WASHINGTON, October 18, 2011 – Senator John Hoeven announced today that a resolution he introduced to continue honoring the nation’s deployed service men and women with a Day of the Deployed has unanimously passed in the Senate. Hoeven launched the first Day of the Deployed in 2006 while serving as Governor of North Dakota and spearheaded the effort to bring the initiative to the national level this year. The resolution, passed last night, calls on all Americans to reflect on the service of the nation’s deployed service members and to offer support to their loved ones.

“Our U.S. service men and women currently deployed, along with their loved ones, make untold sacrifices as they serve our nation,” said Hoeven. “A national Day of the Deployed pays tribute to their commitment to our country and their work to protect our freedoms. We want to ensure that our military members and their loved ones know of our appreciation and support before, during and after their service.”

On Oct. 26, 2006, then-Governor Hoeven launched the first Day of the Deployed in support of Soldiers’ Angels, a nonprofit organization that aids deployed American military personnel and their families. The effort spread, and in 2010, 40 states had proclaimed a Day of the Deployed.

“Working with John Hoeven on Day of the Deployed since 2006 in North Dakota has been an honorable way to extend appreciation to the deployed service members and their families. Day of the Deployed is recognition for their hard work, dedication and commitment to the United States of America. This day is all about them,” said Shelle Michaels, Soldiers’ Angels Deputy Director of Development.

“More than 2 million Americans currently serve in the Unites States Armed Forces. These men and women are making great scarifies to ensure the safety and security of our great nation.

Next Wednesday, October 26, is the Day of the Deployed. I encourage people in North Dakota and across our nation to take a moment to recognize and celebrate America’s heroes — our men and women in uniform. They deserve our support and the thanks of a grateful nation,” said Senator Kent Conrad, a cosponsor of the resolution.

Currently, more than 2.27 million people serve as members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including those in the active guard and reserve components, with thousands of members deployed each year to 150 countries around the world. The resolution calls on Americans to reflect on the service of the nation’s soldiers and encourages ceremonies and activities on Oct. 26 to mark the Day of the Deployed.

S.RES.295 -- Designating October 26, 2011, as `Day of the Deployed'. (Agreed to Senate - ATS)

SRES 295 ATS 112th CONGRESS1st SessionS. RES. 295

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESOctober 17, 2011

Mr. HOEVEN (for himself, Mr. CONRAD, Mr. ROBERTS, Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. ISAKSON, Mr. BLUNT, and Mr. BOOZMAN) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

________________________________________RESOLUTION

Designating October 26, 2011, as `Day of the Deployed'.

Why I am a Soldiers Angel: Paulette Donovan

2011-10-24T09:45:00.000-07:00

Why I am a Soldiers Angel: Paulette Donovan

When I was laid off in the spring of 2009, I realized I needed to direct
my energy to a cause of some kind.

As my mother used to say: “Pick a cause, any cause and fight for it”
My great-grandmother was a strong suffragette-it runs in the family.

So, I chose to visit patients in a hospital and Soldiers Angels.

The choice of Soldiers Angels was based on my interest in all things
military. The experiences and strength of my father and uncles who
served in WWII and my brother and cousins who served in Viet Nam
was amazing.

As they returned from their wars, I realized how little support they had
for the gap in their souls.

They rebuilt their lives in many ways; they got jobs and bought homes.
But no one ever spoke of the “elephant in the room.” They had
suffered internally from various negative aspects of war; and no one,
least of all themselves, ever spoke of it.

And now there is much more support for our soldiers and especially for
the PTSD that many experience.

Of all the various teams that make up Soldiers Angels, I’m so grateful
that I am on a team that focuses their energies on PTSD.

It’s so satisfying to watch these very brave men and women take that
first hard step in just asking for help; then to see them begin to smile
and laugh again.

I enjoy every minute I spend with them and my fellow Soldiers Angels
team. It feels so much like a warm, loving “family.”

Regardless of what I put into it, I always receive a whole lot more in
return.

November 5, 2011 Mark your Calendar Bakerfield, CA event

2011-10-23T11:32:00.000-07:00

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Calvary Chapel Bakersfield will be holding its first annual "American Heroes Car & Cycle Show" to honor all of our military members and Veterans. The event is on Saturday, November 5, 2011 from 9am to 3pm at Beach Park in Bakersfield, CA.We all know that our veterans' needs are vast while in the military... and they don't end when they come home. The American Heroes Car and Cycle Show will meet some of those needs of our active duty service members and veterans by providing funds for Soldier's Angels and Wounded Heroes Fund.Soldier's Angels (http://soldiersangels.org/) is a national organization of volunteers that help our active duty personnel with something as simple as "adopting" someone overseas, writing letters, sending "goody" boxes, making cooling and sand scarves or taking care of a member's dog or cat while they are serving. Others belong to baking teams and sewing teams while others carve canes for those who have been wounded.

Read More

Heroes Don't Wear Capes They Wear Dog Tags

2011-10-23T11:09:00.002-07:00

Heroes Don't Wear Capes They Wear Dog Tags

December 20, 2011 Toy for Vets - Menlo Park VA

2011-10-23T09:52:00.000-07:00

The Soldiers Angels, support the Menlo Park Veteran’s Administration Volunteer Programs.

They do an Annual “Toys for Vets” event. Since there is so many Vets who are inpatients/ and outpatients with limited mobility they don’t have the opportunity to go out and shop for toys for their families.

“Toys for Tots” and other local organizations brings toys to the VA and they are sorted, wrapped and distributed to these Vets.

The event is December 20^th, and there is shifts throughout the day concluding at 4pm.

Shifts are typically 8-Noon and 1-3:30pm (there is a break for lunch and time to restock the tables). Usually, about 10 people min. per shift. The busiest times are the first few groups in the morning and again the last group when we open it up to the shelters and clinic. The VA will provide the wrapping paper, scissors, tape. The amount of toys I receive will determine the number of toys per child we allow that year.

There is Free parking on the campus etc.. Also, the shifts throughout the day allow for individuals to help when their work schedule allows.

To sign-up for a shift contact Alberto Villarreal, 650-617-2753
Tell him Jeanavive, with Soldiers Angels referred you.

Note from Blog Follower (and friend)

2011-10-20T12:35:00.000-07:00

An email to Jeanavive: "I want to thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your care and attention given to our men and women military & vets. I don't remember how much I shared with you, but I am a service-connected veteran with PTSD. It has been both a humiliating and humbling disability.

I knew there was something special about you! Now I know why I thought this, as your ministry to suffering veterans tells me more about you than you can ever say. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! And may God continue to prosper you in every way!!!"

Soldiers Angels: PTSD Unit October Monthly Dinner

2011-10-17T12:11:00.000-07:00

"I just want to say a THANK YOU to our wonderful & beloved Team for being there for our Veterans last night!

It was so fun and I know they all had a great time! There was lots of laughter, which is exactly what their hearts need! And I want to say a BIG THANK YOU to Aurora & Erika for their labor of love in providing the meal & dessert!! It was soooooooo delicious!!!! Words can express what a blessing that was!

I know we are all making a big difference in the lives & attitudes of these Veterans and seeing them smile & laugh is the best payback we could ever receive!"

email from Elaine, are Northern California Soldiers Angel's Chapter Leader.
Her neighbor of 20-years volunteered to cook the October meal.

Soldiers Angels News: New Social Media Coordinator

2011-10-11T11:00:00.000-07:00

10/11/11

Veteran Kelli Harmon knows what the support of Soldiers’ Angels means to troops and their families, so she jumped at the chance to join the team in September. Kelli is the Soldiers’ Angels Social Media Coordinator, a position in which she will focus on spreading the message of Soldiers’ Angels through mediums like Facebook, Twitter and other online avenues.

Soldiers’ Angels and Kelli have been partners for several years already. She initially encountered the organization in 2008 when Toby Nunn stopped in at the Fort Hood BOSS (Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers) office while she was the BOSS President for Ft Hood. As a previous Fort Hood BOSS President himself, Toby was interested in supporting Kelli’s efforts in the position. Toby and Kelli worked together on a number of large-scale events that Soldiers’ Angels supported. “During my two years as BOSS President, Soldiers’ Angels was the most supportive organization and they truly showed that they do care about Soldiers,” Kelli recalls.

In April 2010, Kelli was deployed to Camp Marmal, in Regional Command-North, Afghanistan with the 4th Infantry Division, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade and soon became the Brigade’s BOSS Representative. The Camp had no morale facilities when she arrived, so she set to work gathering resources to change that, including Soldiers’ Angels. Her efforts brought about MWR opportunities that included a gym, USO facility, basketball and volleyball courts, a movie theatre and a number of special events. Kelli’s tremendous work during her deployment garnered her two Army Commendation Medals and a Bronze Star.

Giving back to those around her has always been a part of Kelli’s life. Before spending 6.5 years in the military, she chose a career as a firefighter before discovering that she felt as though she still was not contributing enough to her country. “I loved it and will go back at some point,” she says, “but I wasn’t giving back enough as a firefighter.”

With her background and experience, working with Soldiers’ Angels after her military service was a natural fit. “The dedication of Soldiers’ Angels to the average Soldier and Veteran led me to choose Soldiers’ Angels as my next place of employment,” Kelli says. “I’m really excited to be working with Soldiers’ Angels.”

Soldiers’ Angels is excited to have Kelli on the team! Thank you to Kelli for her service—past, present and certainly future!

Soldier's Angels Northern California - Who Can Volunteer?

2011-09-29T22:25:00.000-07:00

Soldier's Angels - Who Can Volunteer?

Anyone, anywhere across the country! meet some of the volunteers of the Soldier's Angels Northern California Chapter...

(volunteers waiting for our soldiers to attend our once a month dinner in their honor at the PTSD unit Menlo Park VA)

...we have Parents, Grandparents....they drive in rush hour traffic from all over the Bay Area to visit our vets twice a month...

Mother / Daughter Teams....

Former Soldiers, Retirees, Business Women...

Even VA staff stay-after hours on their own time to support (there are even special Dogs, trained for PTSD support)

Anyone, can support our soldiers...find out more about volunteering: http://soldiersangels.org/join-or-adopt.html

Check out the California Statewide Chapter on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Soldiers-Angels-California-OFFICIAL/222534684423887

Dolphin Tale

2011-09-20T21:33:00.001-07:00

REPOST From Austin, Texas-area CNC Lisa:

This past Sunday, I had the opportunity to attend a special screening of the new movie Dolphin Tale. I had recently seen a trailer for the movie and thought I'd like to see it: a story about a wounded warrior, a boy and a dolphin...

Then, last Wednesday, Soldiers' Angels Executive Director Toby Nunn posted to his facebook about the Soldiers' Angels premiere in San Antonio. I checked the date: Sunday evening at 6pm - I could go! So, I signed up - seating was limited...

Since I had to drive from Austin, I tried to give myself a little extra time. I arrived at the theater about 20 minutes before the scheduled start time. I stood in line at the box office window, email confirmation in hand, only to be told to go inside to the red carpet. My name was on the list, so I got my ticket and my voucher for a complimentary drink and bag of popcorn. I went in, attempting to avoid the photographers (I think they got me at the table :-P). I discovered I would see the movie in 3D. Bonus! Once inside, I looked around to see where I might want to see. I knew that I would see Angels I knew, in addition to the wounded warriors and their families (including members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart). Was only able to say hello to Toby in passing - he was pretty busy with the business of the night. Ended up sitting with Angel & SA Events Coordinator Twyla. Now that I had a seat, it was time to go grab my concessions!

It was set up Hollywood-style: outside the auditorium was a big movie poster. While returning with my concessions, I saw two people being interviewed on camera, but I didn't know who they were at the time. I assumed they had some connection with the actual movie, and weren't just random people in attendance. Before the movie started, Toby spoke and let us know the director and the actor playing the role of the wounded warrior would do a Q&A session after the movie was over.

I cannot say enough good things about the movie. It is a wonderful family film. The main story, of course, is about the dolphin, Winter. From the trailer, you learn that Winter is rescued after being injured and she eventually loses her tail. How can a dolphin survive if it can't swim? What happened to Winter is true. Winter plays herself in the movie (so you already know she doesn't die...). The rest of the story in the movie - the story involving the human characters - isn't based on actual people or events. In the movie, a young boy, Sawyer helps rescue the dolphin when she is washed up on a beach, tangled in the line from a crab trap: he cuts her free of the line using the multi-tool given to him by his soldier cousin, Kyle. He is there long enough to know where the animal is taken. Later, he shows up at the marine rescue hospital to find out what happened and is eventually invited to help - he's made a connection with Winter...

You might be curious as to how a story about a dolphin has anything to do with Soldiers' Angels. Well, there is the character of Kyle, high school swim champ with Olympic dreams, but he's decided to serve his country and get help with paying for college. He leaves for a deployment, leaving Sawyer with the message "Family is forever". Well, as you can see in the trailer above, Kyle gets wounded and comes back home to heal...

I thought they did a wonderful job in handling Kyle's story line. It shows the sacrifice and horror of war without being graphic: Sawyer and his mother go to visit Kyle at the VA hospital. Real wounded warriors are extras in the movie. Sawyer, having been around a dolphin with an amputated tail takes note of the wounded warriors with prosthetics. They are being active, doing things they probably did before they got hurt.

I won't spoil any more of the story. All I can say is this: go see it. Take you kids. Take your sweetie. Go with friends. But see this movie. It is heartwarming and inspirational. As Toby said, if you see this movie and it doesn't touch you in some way.... It will make you laugh. It may make you cry. I dare you to see this movie and leave the theater unmoved by what you saw.

I wasn't going to miss the Q&A after the movie with director Charles Martin Smith and actor Austin Stowell who portrays Kyle. Mr. Smith wrote the screenplay as well. The character of Kyle is meant to represent the wounded veterans who have come to see Winter and have been inspired by her. When it was Austin's turn to answer questions, one of the things he was asked was how he researched for this role. He said he has friends that are in the service and spoke with them. He also visited a VA facility in Los Angeles. One of the most touching moments of the evening came when a wounded warrior asked him about wearing the leg brace. Austin said it was very uncomfortable: it sometimes pinched his leg, giving him blue blisters and bruises, it would also rub and irritate his leg; he looked forward to being able to take it off at the end of the day, and this gives him a greater appreciation for the real wounded warriors who don't get to take that brace off when filming is done for the day. Toby presented both Mr. Smith and Austin with Crystal Wing Awards.

There is more than just the movie premiere for Soldiers' Angels. Toby announced the My Wounded Her

Soldiers Angels Northern California - Special Dinner Catered by Just Catering

2011-09-19T22:41:00.000-07:00

Soldiers Angels Northern California - Special Dinner Catered by Just Catering -
Thought Elaine was going to cry over the wonderful food the Just Catering Staff member was professionally delivering for our soldiers / Vets ...Elaine, has been cooking and providing monthly meals for the PTSD vets for over five years....

The guys warm up for dinner with a little basketball - all ages jump up and try to make a shot...

Check out the amazing menu planned and prepared by Just Catering

Ready for dinner!

So much fun and food the PTSD Dog is even worn out from the evening...

The vets at the Menlo Park VA - PTSD Unit were so thankful to Just Catering they wrote them a personal note....

Ironic, since Just Catering and the Soldier's Angels are trying to say THANK YOU to our troops!!

Just Catering : A note from our September 19th PTSD Dinner Sponsor

2011-09-16T09:14:00.000-07:00

A Note from Just Catering

For over twenty years, we have helped to create wonderful memories with our cuisine. From weddings to anniversaries, cocktail parties to corporate events, and every other occasion where superb food and polished, professional staff are part of the mix. This event is a little bit different. It gives us the opportunity to give back to our community by playing a small part in a veteran’s life. We have been inspired by Soldier’s Angels and everything that they do to help our troops. These soldiers have given so much of themselves for all of us, and while a hot meal seems like nothing to some, we realize that it means so much to them. Our chef, Dave Page, is preparing one of our most requested meals for the veterans in the Post Traumatic Stress Unit of the Menlo Park VA. We wish it was more, but we are proud to give back what we have to these men and women, which is so little compared to what they have given.

We are reminded every day of what our military has done for us, just by being able to live our lives the way that that we do. Sometimes we forget how special their sacrifices are, because we are so far removed from the wars that they fight. Lately, we have had a reminder in the tenth anniversary of September 11^th. We hope that Soldier’s Angels will continue to inspire others the way they have inspired Just Catering, TOW to give back to those that give their lives for us. Thank you to our troops. And thank you to Soldier’s Angels for letting us be a part of everything they do.

Jeanavive - Blog Editors Note:

- Check out this video I found about our special Chef Dave Page for this very special dinner.

Just Catering is a preferred Caterer at the San Mateo Event Center where I work. I was very pleased when they volunteered to sponsor this very important dinner!

Find our more about them by visiting their website:

Just Catering

http://www.justcatering.net/

(650) 326-6437

Kitchen Address:

1485 Franklin Street
Santa Clara, CA 95050-4712

Why I am a Soldiers Angel: By Elaine

2011-09-11T00:13:00.000-07:00

The events of Sept 11, 2001 changed my life drastically, as I know it did to millions of others. My life was going well, I was happily married, had 3 great children. I was busy being a wife, mother & home daycare provider. My life consisted of my family, friends & serving God and being involved with Church activities...all was good....in fact it was very good!

Then on Sept 11, I witnessed an attack on my Nation that would forever change my life. The patriotism & love for America, which had laid dormant because of the busy-ness of life literally burst out of my heart, soaked with tears. I think I cried for a solid week after the attacks. From the grief came a feeling of wanting to help, some way, somehow. I just didn't know how to direct my energy, so I went to the store and bought Band of Brothers. I just HAD to watch it! I wanted somehow connect with our Troops and what they did to defend & protect us. So from the 9/11 atacks to Band of Brothers, I felt so compelled to help our Military....but how?

Soon after, as I was listening to Rush Limbaugh on the radio, he had a caller who mentioned an organization called "Operation AC", so I went on the web to check it out. It was all about sending Air Conditioners & Heaters to our Troops in Iraq. It was also about sending them Combat Boots. So I joined "Operation AC" and adopted some troops and our family sent them combat boots. Then it evolved to carepackages of home-baked cookies and "you name it!" We loved doing this!!!

Though I had siblings, relatives & friends who had been in the Military, I myself had never been involved in the Military in any way......but now, things were different. We had been attacked, we were now at war and our Troops needed support from back home.

Then in 2004 while still being involved with Operation AC, I heard about Solders' Angels on the Sean Hannity Show. While Operation AC was a wonderful organization, there was something extra-special about Solders' Angels that grabbed my heart, so I went to their website and signed up to adopt more deployed troops. After our adopted Op AC Troops came home, I was involved exclusively with Soldiers Angels with adoptions.

Then in 2007 my oldest brother, Byron Gavrilis died of heart complications. He was 18 years my senior and was a 2nd father to me. I had never known grief like that before. In fact when he was younger, he was Army...so in honor of Byron, the day after his funeral, I logged on to Soldiers' Angels and adopted an additonal soldier. I had to put my grief into something productive.

But the grieving was still so hard and it seemed that I cried almost everyday, missing him so much. One particular day, about 6 months after my brother's death, I literally got on my knees and asked Jesus to help heal my depressed state of mind, in regards to losing my brother. It was one of the most tearful prayers I had ever prayed. Literally, my heart was broken with grief. I felt God's amazing peace, but the tears didn't stop.

Two days later I got a call from a lady in New Jersey. She told me that she represented Soldiers Angels and that she felt that I needed to get involved in representing Soldiers' Angels in the nearby Palo Alto VA system. I told her that I didn't have the first clue about volunteering. She told me to write down a specific Soldiers' Angels email address and to tell them that I wanted to learn more about heading a Soldiers' Angels Team at the VA.

I told her..."I've never led anything in all my life and that I was really REALLY nervous about this"...but she assured me that there was a great need there and that I needed to volunteer.

So after about 10 minutes, we hung up and I sent that email...feeling like a total incompetent never-been-outside-my-little-home-bubble gal. I mean, byt this time, I was an expert "Care-Package Soldier-Adopter" but volunteering in person???? I felt so ignorant in that aspect. Well about 1 week later I received an email, followed by a phone call from Soldiers Nagels and they sent me a packet of information to take to the Menlo Park VA to present our program and for OUR TEAM offer our services however they may need us.

TEAM???? What TEAM...it was only me...YIKES! I didn't know of another soul in the San Francisco Bay Area who was a Soldiers' Angels volunteer, so "nervous" was now my middle name!

I want to say before I go any further, that in the previous years, I had become aware of the issues of PTSD. An older cousin Michael, who I love dearly, served in Vietnam, had PTSD. Also from my church, another Vietnam Vet , Manny and his son Andrew, who was an Iraq war Vet had PTSD. I met so many other Vets in daily life too who suffered through this. So by the time that I had to present the Soldiers' Angels program to the VA, my heart really went out to these particular types of Veterans.

So the day came when I have to present my Soldiers Angels packet to Sasha who was then, head of Volunteer Services at the Menlo Park VA. Literally my hands were shaking while approaching her office. It was the same feeling of going to your first job interview with absolutely NO resume! I whispered a quick prayer to God to calm my nerves and I went into her office.

Sasha was one of the kindest ladies ever! She put me at ease, especially after I told her that I was terrified! And I didn;'t even know why I was terrified...perhaps because I didn't want to let anyone down...and also for the fact that NO TEAM even existed yet! Anyhow, I spoke about S.A. and asked many questions. While sitting there, in my mind I was reminding God that I wanted to volunteer with the PTSD Vets, but I didn't tell Sasha! This was primarily because I didn't feel it was my place "to tell her what I wanted".....I was there "to do what the VA wanted"

So after my presentation, she showed me a map of the VA Campus and all of the units....Nursing Care, Homeless Shelter, Psych Ward and a few others...but what caught my eye instantly was seeing PTSD!!!.

Sasha then asked me..."Elaine, pick a department that you and your Team (what Team?) would like to help with". Of course, my heart said PTSD!!! But my mouth said..."Sasha, I really want you to tell me where we are needed the most?" Sasha replied....."well Elaine, we need help in the most misunderstood group...this is the group of Vets that many volunteer organizations shy away from dealing with"

Well my first thought was "the Psych Ward" (nothing personal, but that was my first thought).......so I told her, "Sasha, whatever group you're referring to, we'll help with them...but what group do mean?"Sasha then said those 4 very special letters...."PTSD"

Oh my gosh, tears instantly dripped out of my eyes and I did my best not to cry like a baby. She said to me.."Elaine, what's wrong?" I told her how PTSD had become such a passion to my heart and that I had prayed to God that it was THOSE Vets that our Team (what Team?) wanted to help. Well, tears started dripping out of her eyes too and the deal was sealed!!!! It was the PTSD Unit that we would focus on! (and this group of PTSD Vets would soon be the healing of my grieving heart of a older brother who had gone to heaven).

So I left her office, completely joyful & sooooo excited and full of new-found energy & ideas.......THEN it hit me again...."WHAT TEAM???" It's just me! I got in my car and started to stress again, but it was like God told me to square my shoulders and have faith...so I did just that! (at least, the best I could) and I drove home, not even knowing how all of this "Team Volunteering" was to come about.

I arrived home, checked my email and in my inbox was a list of names & contact info of Soldiers' Angels in the S.F Bay Area!!!! Oh my goodess, the timing could not have been more perfect (Elaine, oh ye of little faith!) So I called & emailed and out of about 20 people, 5 wanted to join the VA Team. That was in 2007 and we are still going strong!!

Our Team members have increased, PLUS we are blessed to have Denny & Lore and their wives Marianne & Martha, from the Marine Corps League, who join us at every event and they are such a blessing & huge support!

Our original Team was Bonnie, Martha, Dan, Dani & Jim....and though a few of them have moved to other cities, we still have Martha, Bonnie and added to them are Paulette, Lorraine, Mary, Margene, Lonya, my daughter Janey and our most recent Angel is Jeanavive and today on 9/17 I just got a call from a wonderful lady named Barbara who is also going to join the Team! LIFE IS GOOD!

Volunteering for the PTSD Vets has brought such joy to our hearts. Their smiles, laughter and even at times, their tears, bring so much meaning to our lives. They are always telling us how much we are helping them, but they have no idea how much they are blessing us! They are FAMILY to my heart.

Our Team has received so much encouragement from various leaders of Soldiers' Angels! Patti Patton-Bader for starters! (she has a Heart of Love, the size of Texas!)........then 2 very special ladies who I love (and need) dearly >> Twyla Choate & Martha Neyman who have been in charge of the Soldiers' Angels VA Teams. (without them, I would be a complete & total mess!) I can't forget Amber Hagaman...she was there in the beginning and is still a great encourager!

I am so honored to be a part of Soldiers' Angels & everybody involved, especially our wonderful Team! They are THE BEST! (I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!)

So the reason why I am evening sharing this (extremely extra-long) story with whomever is reading it, is because I, along with others on our Team was asked....."Why did I join Soldiers' Angels?"

Well, Martha Neyman has a statement at the bottom of all of her emails and it just about says it all....

"A Veteran, whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve, is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America" for the amount of 'up to, and including his life."

We owe these brave men & women all the love and support we can give... and now it's our turn to serve them for their service. And that is why I am a Soldiers' Angel..."TO SERVE"

I just want to end my story with this.......

Soldiers' Angels Headquarters was originally in Pasadena, California and now it has relocated to San Antonio, Texas. SO, remember the lady from New Jersey who called me back in 2007 and gave me a particular Soldiers' Angels email address to submit an application to head a Team for the Palo Alto VA system?

Well, all she had said was, "she represented Soldiers' Angels" She never even gave me her name.(I realized that after we had hung up) Since then, I have asked several people at S.A. Headquarters, which Soldiers' Angel in New Jersey would have had access to my home phone number?.....the answer over & over is "nobody." All I know is, I prayed a prayer and 2 days later, the answer came.

Was it a Soldiers' Angel or was it an Angel who called me? Only GOD knows and I am so grateful.

Thank You Jesus, and thank you Patti, Twyla, Martha, our Team, the incredible VA Staff and thank you DEAR VETERANS for your great service. We are free because of you!

Why I am a Soldiers Angel: Denny Weisgerber

2011-09-09T21:47:00.000-07:00

Why I am a Soldiers Angel: Denny Weisgerber

You ask me why I volunteer as a Soldiers Angel. I believe that I have something to contribute to the welfare and recuperation of my fellow veterans. You see, some 59 years ago I was in similar circumstances. We knew what we had done, but we wondered if anyone really appreciated what had been done.

It was through visits similar to what we “Angels” do today that helped me “Make it through the night”.

Everyone has a different set of circumstances surrounding their place in society after the “conflict’. It is through the visits, the meeting and getting to know one another, knowing that someone really cares and loves them.

I have had the good fortune to know people and associate with people who really care, including my loving and caring wife, Marianne. And this I try to bring to my fellow veterans who need help. I guess you could say it is my way of repaying GOD for the blessing HE laid upon me over half a century ago.

What little I can do to make their life a better one is my goal in this endeavor. All too frequently we forget the names and deeds of those who fought and bled to keep America “The Land of The Free and The Home of The Brave”. It’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you; it’s what you leave behind you when you go.

Semper Fidelis,

William “Denny” D. Weisgerber, SSGT (Ret.)
Item Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment,
1st Marine Division, Korean War

Marine of the Year 2011
_________________________________

Jeanavive Janssen, TheNetworkGirl Editorial Note: I am proud to be able to volunteer with Denny and his wife every month; he is living history and a testament to a soldiers legacy. He is much more than an Angel read more about Denny Weisgerber -

"Chosen few" honored during 1st Marine Division 70th anniversary

Vice President 1st Marine Division Association

Korean War Veterans Honored During 1st Marine Division 70th Anniversary

Common Sky War from the inside out

From Common Sky:"Denny Weisgerber grew up in Idaho and served in Korea where he led his men through a number of combat actions until he lost his leg during an assault on a fixed Chinese position. He was awarded the Navy Cross for returning to rescue a fellow wounded Marine and carrying him down a hill while under heavy fire and while wounded himself. He received the Purple Heart for his wounds and his unit received a Presidential Unit Citation and a Navy Unit Citation. Denny adjusted well after the war and lives with his wife in Milpitas, CA. He has remained active with the Marines. "

NO MARINE LEFT BEHIND - VIDEO (Watch it, it's wonderful)

Marine Of The Year 2011 S/Sgt Denny Weisgerber, USMC (Ret.)

The US Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Northern California proudly presents the MARINE OF THE YEAR AWARD to Denny Weisgerber for his outstanding performance, steadfast loyalty, integrity and devotion to duty. His life is a reflection of his service to his country and Corps, from Navy Cross award to three-time Mayor of Milpitas, California.

This has been done in the very best interests of the United States of America, U.S. Marine Corps, Marine Corps league, The First Marine Division Association, and the U.S. Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Northern California.

"THANK YOU MARINE, YOU SET THE STANDARD."

Semper Fidelis

Why I am a Soldiers Angel: Martha Rosellini

2011-09-08T21:26:00.000-07:00

Why I am a Soldiers Angel: Martha Rosellini

I was an active member of Blue Star Moms. Although it was a wonderful experience, I felt I wanted and needed more of a hands on experience.

My son was in the 82nd Airborne, Special Ops, serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. My son was the first member in our family to join the military and I wasn't sure what to expect. I felt working at the VA would help me better understand these soldiers and what these soldiers were going through.

It has been an amazing experience. These men and boys have been through so much. I still wish I could get more of a hands on with PTSD"therapy assistance" but the vets really do enjoy the movie night and dinner nights.

For more information about becoming a "Soldiers Angel" visit:
http://www.soldiersangels.org/

Why I am a Soldiers Angel: Jeanavive Janssen

2011-09-05T11:39:00.000-07:00

Why am I a “Soldiers Angel”? Because I was a soldier’s wife; I spent the formidable years of our relationship being reminded of impending deployment and what that would mean…and I was secure enough to carry on into a marriage. I became active with the Family Readiness Group and our unit attended a large scale conference organized by the Army in Denver, CO. I got to hear first hand from families who have been through deployment multiple times and I was prepared in my mind how I was going to manage…staying involved closely with the FRG – and my extended Army family, my family, my husbands family and staying active with my hobbies (and making sure I kept my husbands lawn green as he would have kept it). Unfortunately you can never really be prepared for everything…my husband with an impending deployment filed for divorce.

Ironically, almost a year to date I was back in Denver, CO for a work event and the entire trip relived that Army Conference – it wasn’t until mid event of that Army Conference that I realized we wouldn’t have been there if there wasn’t a rotation impending…my husband took much of the burdens on his shoulders in a way to protect me but that was too much for anyone. I was surrounded by the military at the airport and I bought Sebastian Junger’s book called “WAR”. My habit in life is if there something that may be scary or uncomfortable that I must push on through it and engage it - I had questioned why I would want to read about our soldiers experiences and shortly to be my husbands...but I knew I needed to understand in order to not be scared and to be able to RESPECT anyone who is in the experience. I read it entirely on the trip from Colorado to California.

I realized there is a calling for me that actually started way before my husband. My father’s brother was in the Pacific theater during WWII and my father didn’t go to war because of his health at the time. This led to running a ship shape home regardless – my bed could bounce a quarter on it and we would ritualistically put the flag out and fold it properly at night.

My mother was a Nurse at the VA in Palo Alto. My mother also welcomed soldiers into our home locally for leave when it was too hard to get home…I don’t know if it was because she was a nurse, or just a wonderful Mom figure but they would always share their stories with her – I as well have also proven to be a women who people feel comfortable sharing themselves with.

Growing up I wanted to be a Medic – Mom said, “I would never be able to take orders”…I said, “I could just to prove I could”…(never pursued it once I learned to be with the Marines you actually trained with the - Navy). I thought, about nursing but Mom wouldn’t have wished that on me either. I fell in love with the TV series “China Beach” – the nurses and all that they did during Vietnam was amazing…there was a portion of the series when McMurphy returned home for a visit, and she assisted at a VA - there was a scene were she and one of the Vets were dancing in his wheel-chair…that has always stuck in my head – that in that moment the Vet felt whole.

( China Beach Video on YouTube- note: there a very specific VA rules related to dancing etc., so this isn't something you would see today...but it's a powerful moment of the entire series...)

With all this back-story I realized that I have a calling to be a care-giver, in one form or another - and that with my husband no longer being in my life that I shouldn’t rob others of my honest, respectful, empathy for soldiers who go totally beyond one’s self to serve. Apparently, life was in agreement because just after my trip that same week at my work during the San Mateo County Fair - "Soldiers Angels" had an information booth!

I chose to work specifically with the local VA's PTSD unit because I think it is so important for our soldiers to decompress before being expected to jump back into the demands of what in comparison to war are trivial things – from gassing up the car, to paying the bills…in conjunction that the heighten awareness and adrenaline in the field is now compressed to four-walls of living – surrounded by so many people who can’t even imagine how to relate – and they are truly also leaving men and women who had become their family during their deployment. The “Soldiers Angel” team has become my family, in my time of transition – and I have become an ear and a smile for soldiers in transition wanting to feel home again.

Find out more about becoming a "Soldiers Angel" in your area by visiting: http://www.soldiersangels.org/

You can find out more about my "home front" efforts here: http://thenetworkgirl.wordpress.com/category/home-front/

Obama: We Can't Cut Services to Vets

2011-09-04T14:38:00.000-07:00

Obama: We Can't Cut Services to Vets

While addressing the American Legion, President Obama declared his support and admiration for America's servicemembers and veterans. In an effort to alleviate vet's fears about budget cuts, the president told the American Legion audience, "As a nation, we're facing tough choices as we put our fiscal house in order. But I want to be absolutely clear--we cannot, and we must not, balance the budget on the backs of our veterans. And as Commander in Chief, I won't allow it."

Read more on the Military Advantage Blog.

Just Catering Volunteers to provide food for September Dinner

2011-08-29T00:08:00.000-07:00

A note from our Soldier's Angel Team Leader Elaine

"Dear Team!!

I have WONDERFUL NEWS.......Jeanavive, our newest Team member has obtained a generous donation from "Just Catering" to provide the September Dinner for our beloved Vets & Staff!

THANK YOU JEANAVIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(and THANK YOU to "Just Catering!")

See the DELICIOUS menu below...WOW, my mouth is watering already.

DINNER BUFFET for 55

~ Mista Salad with Shredded Carrots, Cucumbers, and Tomatoes with Balsamic, Vinaigrette

~ Grilled Paillard of Chicken Marinated in Garlic, Lemon & Rosemary.

~Garlic Mashed Potatoes

~ Seasonal Roasted Vegetables

~ Artisan Bread and Butter

All we need to provide is the paper goods, desserts, punch & bottled water!

Menlo Park VA

2011-07-18T12:08:00.000-07:00

The Soldiers' Angels VA Support Team has groups of volunteer Angels all over the country who work their wings off to make sure that our veterans are supported and appreciated for their service--whether it dates all the way back to WWII or ended just a few months ago. The team at Menlo Park VA medical facility is truly a standout, as this letter demonstrates...

Dear Soldier's Angels,

We are writing your team to express how much your consistent support has meant to us and to the Veterans we both serve. We also want to acknowledged how wonderful it is to work with you. Your flexibility, kindness, and generous offerings to the men and women in our program never goes unnoticed. We know that your team comes to us with purest of intentions, and it shows...

We hear every month the excited "Yes!" and "Oh good, I can't wait!' from the veterans when we announce that you will be here on the following Monday. We all agree that everyone really enjoys the birthday celebrations each month. Birthdays are not often on our radar, but everyone knows how nice it is to have someone say happy birthday to you. We do not celebrate birthdays in any other way, so to have your team acknowledge the men and women during their birthday month means a lot to them, and to us.

Of course everyone's favorite part is the wonderful homemade food you serve. The dining hall serves institutional food, is often a brunt of jokes, and typically is a sore subject. The men and women really appreciate the food you bring. Eating healthy food that tastes good really helps their mental status as well, and it always seems that they are happier after your meals. We know movie night does not come with dinner, but again, the veteran's look forward to seeing your team, and the treats you bring.

We have seen many men and women become attached to your team members, and we have heard many times how they will miss you, or that they are disappointed they won't be able to see you one last time. Apart from the food, presents, and celebrations, your team often connects with our patients and they enjoy your company and support. Many of our patients have difficulty hearing "thank you", or receiving compliments and positive support. Your team provides a perfect opportunity for them to rethink what "thank you" means and find a sense of pride in themselves.

In the end, we really just want to thank you for the years of constant and honest support for us and for the Veterans. We know it means a lot to them!

Thank you!

Ashley, Melissa, and the entire TRP Team

P.S. Here are a few notes and verbal thank you's we have heard over the past few months. Enjoy!

Thanks for everything you have done. We enjoy the meals and the gifts. We appreciate it all very much. Thanks for the gifts on my birthday!
Thank you guys for all you do. You truly care and as a Vet I just want to say thank you.
You guys are the best! Thank you for what you are doing!
I would like to thank you for your support and for a great dinner; you really make our day.
Thank you for all that you are and everything that you have done. Deepest appreciations.
I feel important when you treat us with a great meal. I really appreciate all the hard work you do. I think you are all great. Thank you!
I sincerely appreciate the love that you have shown for me and the PTSD community during the brief time I have been here. Love you all.
Having your Soldier's Angels group donate your time, money, and food means a lot to me. You are always very warm, kind, and giving. You can tell that everyone really cares about us and that you love what you do. I always look forward to it. I want to thank you all for what you do and let you know that it is greatly appreciated. You really make us feel at home.
I am truly grateful that there are people like your team who appreciate us veterans. Thank you so much for the dinners at Menlo park!
Thank you so much for caring. I am from Minnesota so I don't have much company. It was especially great on my birthday! I hope someday I can repay you for your kindness. Thank you very much!
Thanks for being here for us! Thank you for the birthday gift and personalized card; it means so much.
I would to thank you all for being so caring. Your kindness, love, comfort, care, and faith has enlightened my life greatly. Thank you!
I wish to thank you for your good music and for the meal. I got busy with the biscuits and enjoyed the lovely smiles of the hosts. Wonderful, wonderful, I was refreshed!
I think you guys are awesome and very supportive! Thank you!
Thank you so much for all that you do for Veterans. As a combat vet, I cannot express how grateful for all that you do.
I think you are wonderful people that have really helped me. I appreciate the clothes and socks that were really needed. You treat us very well! Thanks a lot for being here for us!
I really enjoy it when you come to our campus. It makes me feel like someone cares about us.
Thank you very much for the wonderful meal that you always have for us!
It was fantastic to have a home cooked meal (especially the biscuits). I had a wonderful conversation with a couple whose son was a West Point Graduate. You definitely took my mind off of the program for an hour. Thank you for your support.
Thank you so much for your kindness and support. It is great to know you care enough to be here for us!
I appreciate your hard work and commitment. I know it’s a big commitment and I feel really valuable when someone cares like you do. Thank you.
Some of us with PTSD have not had the luxury of feeling safe. You have helped us feel safe and have shown us the love. Thank you.
The beauty and compassion of your program is very evident in the way you care for and treat all of the current and past soldiers. I can't imagine any other group being as supportive as you are. Thank, Angels. You truly are angels!
Thank you for the wonderful meals and loving presence. I am very new here and you made me feel very welcome and at home. God Bless You.
Thank you, you guys are great! I'm grateful for everything you do for us!
Thank you very much for taking the time to be with is twice a month, The food it great and I really appreciate you all! God Bless You!

National Soldiers' Angels VA Coordinator Martha Neyman writes, "Elaine Hodges and her team do an OUTSTANDING job with these folks. Wish we had 100’s more like this team."

If you'd like to be one of those "100's more," check out the VA Support Team page and join the effort!