Giving!

Hi Everyone-

I just got back from the states where I had a chance to see my old Army roomate and brother-in-law. How my old Army roomate became my brother-in-law is a long story, so I'll just stick to a short one.

He was on R&R from Iraq and came home for our family reunion. My wife, sister, b-in-law, and I went to Target late one night to do a bit of shopping. Since we live in Germany and he is in Iraq right now, shopping at Target was a treat. We probably stayed there for an hour and a half before we made our way to the car in the parking lot.

On the drivers side mirror, there was a note taped to it. Inside the card was a $60 gift certificate to Target and a note that read. Thanks for all you do. Thanks for your service.

My sister has a bumper sticker on the car that reads, "Half my heart is in Iraq". We figure that's how this Santa Clause knew that he was in service and what my sister was going through.

What a blessing. What a great day.

Remember, people in America appreciate what you do. What you do for your country. What you do for your family.

Stay focused, stay active, and stay hopeful.

America does support you!

Iron Spouse Combat Badge

Taken from AFN Hessen in Germany:

Being a soldier isn’t an easy job, but neither is being the spouse of a soldier who is deployed. That’s why spouses of 1st Armored Division soldiers in Wiesbaden attended a day of training to see what it feels like to be a soldier for a day. The Iron Spouses didn’t just put on the uniform, they took a modified Physical Fitness Test, learned Basic Rifle Marksmanship Skills, low-crawled through the mud and even ate MRE’s.

Great Job Ladies. Stay Busy and Stay Focused!!!!!!!

Thank you!!!!!

SPC Ross McGinnis - Medal of Honor: Operation Iraqi Freedom

Thank you for your service.

Thank you for protecting my daughter, my wife, and the rest of my family members.

May you arrive in peace.

We love you.

Do they think we're STUPID?!?!?

Hi everyone-

A few years ago, I was visiting my parents house in Corpus Christi, TX. I stopped by the Trade Center (a huge fleamarket) with my nephew to look for some old baseball cards.

When we arrived, we went directly to the cotton candy and snack shop, got our fill and headed over to the sports memorabilia booth. My nephew took it all in and asked if I would buy him a 1984 George Brett card. Of course being a huge Royals fan, I couldn't tell him no. As I was paying for the card, I noticed a sign that took me back.

The sign above the unopened packs of 1990 Fleers read, "50 cents each OR two for $1.00" ?!?!?

I just about lost it. I caught myself before laughing hysterically.

At first I was a bit insulted. Did they really think that I couldn't add 50 cents to 50 cents. But then I calmed down and thought that it may be that there are alot of children that come through and some of them haven't mastered addition yet.

But then it happened again in Hanau, Germany last week. I was helping close down the post Education Center (base closures) when I went to the AAFES Shoppette (think 7-11 or Circle K) to get a soda. On the front of the window, there was an ad for Spunkmeyer Cookies. It read "50 cents each or three for $1.50"?!?!

I couldn't believe it! Does AAFES think that military family members, servicemembers, and DOD civilians can't add? I only thought this stuff happened in my hometwon fleamarket.

Has this ever hapened to you????

Army Wife Talk Radio - Interview

Hi everyone -

I had my interview the other night with Tara Crooks and Star Henderson at Army Wife Talk Radio.

The interview went great and I really enjoyed myself. These two ladies were fantastic!!!!!

If any of you out there are looking for an entertaining show, check out their site at www.armywifetalkradio.com.

If you want to hear my interview, please click over to www.survivingmilitaryseparation.com/Media.htm

Best regards,

Marc

Volunteer Recognition!

Hi Everyone -

Last night was the USAG Wiesbaden Annual Volunteer Recognition ceremony. The event was hosted by the Army Community Services.

What a great event. The gathering recognized each organization in our Garrison and the volunteers that make our community excel.


The guest speaker for the event was my wife Christine. Her speech concentrated on Leading by Example and suggested that we strive to get our children to volunteer as well to set a foundation for our future. I know I'm biased because she's my wife, but I thought her speech hit all the right notes.
After the event, she presented her book "The Ultimate Volunteer Guidebook for Young People" (http://www.ultimatevolunteer.com/) to the Wiesbaden Youth Volunteer of the Year. This little girl recorded over 120 hours of volunteer work.... AND she's only 10 years old!!!!!!

In our community alone, our volunteers logged in over 79,000 hours of community services which saved our local command over $1,000,000.

Remember, by volunteering, you become the backbone of the community. Without this type of support, our schools wouldn't excel, our servicemembers wouldn't be taken care of the way they should, and our mail wouldn't be delivered on time... to name a few.

Please consider volunteering in your community. If your family member is deployed, this is just one more way to help pass the time until they return to you.

Best regards,

Marc

"The Unit" visits Iraq!

Talk about a morale booster!

The actors from the hit CBS series "The Unit" took time out of their busy schedules and visited our men and women in Iraq to shake hands and sign autographs.

The USO set up the event.

Click here to visit "The Unit"'s official website.

One of the soldier's downrange sent me this great picture of the group. In a place like Iraq, it's hard to find things to smile about, but when a group of supporters comes through, it sure changes attitudes fast.

It's amazing what the USO does for families and servicemembers. From free concerts given by Toby Keith and Gary Sinise to NFL and NBA stars signing autographs to Morgan Freeman shaking hands and Cher "turning back time", the USO has our servicemembers connected. Visit the USO to check out what they can do for you and your hero. In return, see how you can volunteer to be a USO helper!

Regards,

Marc