tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6671495362330393082024-02-19T05:52:53.387-06:00FRG LeadersShare here ... you're among friends!My Army Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574710863836331318noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667149536233039308.post-134612174269484002012-12-14T12:35:00.003-06:002012-12-14T12:37:12.659-06:00FRG Newsletters<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Jen Schwab has been a military kid, a soldier herself, and the spouse left behind to hold down the fort with two small children. She is passionate about the well-being of military families, and lives in the beautiful state of New Hampshire. Her blog is at </span><a href="http://thewell-keptfort.com/" style="font-family: Helvetica;">thewell-keptfort.com</a><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">. </span></i></td></tr>
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<i>Today's guest blog post is from Jen Schwab, blogger, milspouse, military kid, and a former Soldier!</i></div>
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In a National Guard unit, the Family Readiness Group (FRG) newsletter seems to be a deployment anomaly. It springs up when activation orders go out, and trails off as the deployment ends. There’s a natural life cycle to it, but I argue that the <b>FRG newsletter is the best tool during those non-deployment years, to build trust and audience</b>.</div>
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What are the major gripes about FRGs? <i>Catty women. Little or no information. Boring.</i> There is usually very little trust in the FRG from “outsiders” – the two-thirds of family members not regularly involved.</div>
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If you wait until a deployment year to get people involved, it’s almost too late. <b>So how do you involve people, who don’t want to be involved</b>, and earn their trust for when the smelly stuff hits the fan?</div>
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<b>A better, and permanent FRG newsletter. </b></div>
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First of all, it needs to be a permanent feature of your FRG. People value and trust consistency. Monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly – makes no difference. <b>The key is showing that you are dependable.</b></div>
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CONTENT</div>
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<b>Narrow your focus to what only you can provide</b>. It does no good to fill up 12 pages if it doesn’t say anything unique or valuable. I can get a recipe anywhere. What I can’t get is the information on when my soldier will be back from Annual Training, and where I can pick him or her up. I can’t Google that. <i>Good quality information will win you fans every time.</i></div>
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<b>Get close to your information source</b> (<i>Commander, 1st Sergeant, etc</i>), and build a working relationship with them. Make sure they call you when they get new information. Anticipate the needs and make it easy for them to use you to communicate with family members.</div>
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CONNECTION</div>
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<b>Use the newsletter to help people form connections, with you and with each other.</b> Invite <i>(don’t beg)</i> people to come and participate. Share news about the members of the unit – people coming, people going, promotions, births, anniversaries, marriages, etc.</div>
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VOICE</div>
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<b>Use a professional voice when writing your newsletter</b>. It’s not an arena for your personal gripe session. Be personal, and identify with people, but always be aware of how your joke or witty remark will be received.</div>
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<b>Write for your audience, and use a civilian tone.</b> Don’t use unexplained acronyms or military terms, as they can alienate the very people you’re trying to involve.</div>
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Remember that the military continues to evolve with society, and your audience is not all military wives. There are plenty of military husbands, as well as many significant others that are just as affected by military life as spouses. <b>Try not to exclude these other groups in your language.</b></div>
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The FRG newsletter is one of the cheapest and best ways to build camaraderie in the off years. These principles will keep you on track for strong, trustworthy communication.</div>
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**For an example of what I do, check out this <a href="http://thewell-keptfort.com/sample-frg-newsletter/">Sample FRG Newsletter</a>.</div>
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My Army Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574710863836331318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667149536233039308.post-68401065313165417422012-01-24T08:44:00.000-06:002012-01-24T08:44:01.248-06:00Single Soldier Project: Barracks Party!Okay, okay, so it wasn't really a party ... but we did have a good time! Our volunteers gathered at the battalion headquarters to load gift baskets and transport them to the temporary barracks where our Soldiers will be returning. In each room, we did a little minor cleaning, made beds, placed gift baskets, and prepared the rooms for the Soldiers' return. It was freezing cold and we were traipsing up three flights of stairs in two different buildings to make it happen, but our volunteers were fabulous. We finished in record time and are so happy to have prepared these rooms for our heroes. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Fabulous volunteers ready to make up single Soldier rooms!</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My adorable nieces came to help the Soldiers. Here, they look out over the Motor Pools and say, "That's a lot of Army stuff." =) Love them!</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Our note to the Soldiers ... Welcome Home, Heroes!</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Beds made and gift basket prepared.</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QnYSSrcdBfVbAFflToLol6Kysyz5rxd4ZeYGfP2itt7OrCojQKXPOCAkcUOYJfVEZ_MAchOspY5MHDpHINyFlCsP9Dy-JKytpYV0MZUfsTvtE-6gmfr0xzaZTyZE2zWXW02WTAxkmsQ/s1600/100_3560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QnYSSrcdBfVbAFflToLol6Kysyz5rxd4ZeYGfP2itt7OrCojQKXPOCAkcUOYJfVEZ_MAchOspY5MHDpHINyFlCsP9Dy-JKytpYV0MZUfsTvtE-6gmfr0xzaZTyZE2zWXW02WTAxkmsQ/s400/100_3560.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hand towels, wash cloths, hand soap are in place.</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUk42YUecL9M7enYHD0k2MWHuGd08HlKO4sGBETQuMlmfSYkCze4o6HIrx88dY3mBIPdwd2ejdgxYS2RobiJy0O9ZsN08JXeP_zCqGRSmlfSbzV8LgCidm1mwkOO_ujqi7ovxu2_YllJE/s1600/100_3564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUk42YUecL9M7enYHD0k2MWHuGd08HlKO4sGBETQuMlmfSYkCze4o6HIrx88dY3mBIPdwd2ejdgxYS2RobiJy0O9ZsN08JXeP_zCqGRSmlfSbzV8LgCidm1mwkOO_ujqi7ovxu2_YllJE/s400/100_3564.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Snacks and goodies for all.</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DUnyRhauC0vsJuBPa8AUoKa2l0mBXlkosf97IWTFBXpF5H8aXXUJ_s-9rtU8LBPc7yq_6rfAPXTW9ZNW_g_4XRjXa-pYTwj_ATRHG2xmbOLnzwLZ4izlMFZT5gF1U18HHfOrGvzEwuk/s1600/100_3571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DUnyRhauC0vsJuBPa8AUoKa2l0mBXlkosf97IWTFBXpF5H8aXXUJ_s-9rtU8LBPc7yq_6rfAPXTW9ZNW_g_4XRjXa-pYTwj_ATRHG2xmbOLnzwLZ4izlMFZT5gF1U18HHfOrGvzEwuk/s400/100_3571.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I appreciate these amazing volunteers (and a few more not pictured here) that made this day happen. Our Soldiers will feel the love when they return home!</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>My Army Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574710863836331318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667149536233039308.post-32658764608045053882012-01-24T08:39:00.002-06:002012-01-24T08:40:59.120-06:00Single Soldier Project: Basket AssemblyPhase III of our Single Soldier project consisted of taking all the goodies that have been donated and purchased and organizing them into gift baskets. We had a great group of volunteers throughout the day helping with this gargantuan task. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Some super ladies worked hard today to prepare for this redeployment. I'm SO very appreciative of everyone who came out to help today!</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We started an assembly line for creating the single Soldier 'welcome home' baskets. It was a fine-tuned machine by the end of the day ... and we ended up with 181 assembled baskets!</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The assembly line starts with a laundry basket, welcome home poster, and a Ziploc with a few paper goods -- paper plates, cups, and plastic ware.</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmLjKSnxkN1HDhk6JrcG2za9ISdCe37jHSI0lmhQyhTO4DJlLuHA6q0euDzV2i2SkMKo_klQLcBTMru3VrQwBTftJp599foPTbpg_6jLCdwPZ_Uh3vI-xHRZz_C2aY2gO0Ui18KyKF0A/s1600/100_3516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmLjKSnxkN1HDhk6JrcG2za9ISdCe37jHSI0lmhQyhTO4DJlLuHA6q0euDzV2i2SkMKo_klQLcBTMru3VrQwBTftJp599foPTbpg_6jLCdwPZ_Uh3vI-xHRZz_C2aY2gO0Ui18KyKF0A/s400/100_3516.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Next, they get a bath towel and a package of Wet Ones wet wipes.</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Adding hand towels, wash cloths, and an American flag</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51y7jDFE1Mr-KogYXFrkCNPddwmfq5Fdov60TSmpv6NNKPagfP8MYuffQDawM7gfDW5mHjqcy8EpbqQhQUQUPjpdztRlAS2AprXob6Znv2nLzDKDThFn1ij_huGYKtHELyYgnT2QaG_E/s1600/100_3506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51y7jDFE1Mr-KogYXFrkCNPddwmfq5Fdov60TSmpv6NNKPagfP8MYuffQDawM7gfDW5mHjqcy8EpbqQhQUQUPjpdztRlAS2AprXob6Znv2nLzDKDThFn1ij_huGYKtHELyYgnT2QaG_E/s400/100_3506.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Next goes the laundry detergent and dryer sheets</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlu3GCBX-vkeErEmdJRrGwkHLwDDsYsI8oBVA9pYDZGRL_kpkf_vo75ZYc8npZNGP7NIObfGXrt85IQnSkLGUPwCO7nph2jlpwM1KRaeDitQU2DAOHMRbCETPar3b8tsyYY-wlzv9DiI/s1600/100_3507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlu3GCBX-vkeErEmdJRrGwkHLwDDsYsI8oBVA9pYDZGRL_kpkf_vo75ZYc8npZNGP7NIObfGXrt85IQnSkLGUPwCO7nph2jlpwM1KRaeDitQU2DAOHMRbCETPar3b8tsyYY-wlzv9DiI/s400/100_3507.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Two bottles of water, a Cup of Noodles, and a USO kit</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tMazesc8dy70jBfprCSQ1AqA4G2h8WUcwHDOeBkiSr8fyhFp0cAJ5LopT4RNgENHbmXGaH4Pv01kitXU35LrQf2sz8-8PqVMzN9EkY1KfVlLtQ_kLPBl3Laa4l64m6U9JDpHnpZQZjs/s1600/100_3508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tMazesc8dy70jBfprCSQ1AqA4G2h8WUcwHDOeBkiSr8fyhFp0cAJ5LopT4RNgENHbmXGaH4Pv01kitXU35LrQf2sz8-8PqVMzN9EkY1KfVlLtQ_kLPBl3Laa4l64m6U9JDpHnpZQZjs/s400/100_3508.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A book to read, cheese crackers, and Slim Jims</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ljWHDZbWEuEVjX_dOCTM-glMYBaZCSVIszInrzCvripl0kTYxcqzMZeYoh56kj2sUy_gnCOlUgNsNdNWAO59aqgoVPg6Ev1K64fSTwzKF5q4-JzRHo9TmrwBwwzn2N2Tn601VRKfbAQ/s1600/100_3509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ljWHDZbWEuEVjX_dOCTM-glMYBaZCSVIszInrzCvripl0kTYxcqzMZeYoh56kj2sUy_gnCOlUgNsNdNWAO59aqgoVPg6Ev1K64fSTwzKF5q4-JzRHo9TmrwBwwzn2N2Tn601VRKfbAQ/s400/100_3509.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Body soap, body wash, and hand soap</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DlR_kNoyDNRaQBHadz-ZfJFJ8y6FnifMnaRDHsSjsXdt0e-bHh3MWeZB3CfSjEa8qjk-iwHfzIa-Gk00XPFBfjzH0kiyLeJWDjGUlQqiOx5aSyw7_BcCOTXiz056_joOpPLj7UV-d8U/s1600/100_3510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DlR_kNoyDNRaQBHadz-ZfJFJ8y6FnifMnaRDHsSjsXdt0e-bHh3MWeZB3CfSjEa8qjk-iwHfzIa-Gk00XPFBfjzH0kiyLeJWDjGUlQqiOx5aSyw7_BcCOTXiz056_joOpPLj7UV-d8U/s400/100_3510.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Candy bars, granola bars, and a can of Coca Cola</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOuqoNclN_wknJWV-lM9trXy0ChvxLbB61vHso5yukBIj5qG6GlCEYq7bL9oSqR7LTZ4YQUPY40dbRDrZAloXgTShc3ftuGHUnAEugm6-E4n5tMwhjCh9VPeaf2JvZ97O8F35Eg49pb0/s1600/100_3511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOuqoNclN_wknJWV-lM9trXy0ChvxLbB61vHso5yukBIj5qG6GlCEYq7bL9oSqR7LTZ4YQUPY40dbRDrZAloXgTShc3ftuGHUnAEugm6-E4n5tMwhjCh9VPeaf2JvZ97O8F35Eg49pb0/s400/100_3511.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cookies, chips, pretzels, and a package of hot cocoa mix</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hInYZzOI62PDU9yRGHlbVnwknK2dTZYbrYXYGNn3akpmxX3AwwklExEOgzegjTtrms1GUBsk8WpRe0MgPtmFF9_HTT9St2q1RrwuXxBCQYPsNojRtr1ESGrms-Fj0zUfLhQ8Br0eHfQ/s1600/100_3512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hInYZzOI62PDU9yRGHlbVnwknK2dTZYbrYXYGNn3akpmxX3AwwklExEOgzegjTtrms1GUBsk8WpRe0MgPtmFF9_HTT9St2q1RrwuXxBCQYPsNojRtr1ESGrms-Fj0zUfLhQ8Br0eHfQ/s400/100_3512.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A box of Girl Scout cookies, an "IRAQ, I Served" sticker, and a letter from an elementary student are the finishing touches.</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2EGtwN_yZuX3AeU89yunwAOLeLozfYJk2eq-Xd6Ck_EKuwbK93ZZ8Bg7KXsPRBpj89H0LKzQB8VaAF6tO0eW7EQCYqaHSukC1z3d7_4GtLM0QTyu3D5bKSBzKo04YJfE_43Az_atJ9U/s1600/100_3517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2EGtwN_yZuX3AeU89yunwAOLeLozfYJk2eq-Xd6Ck_EKuwbK93ZZ8Bg7KXsPRBpj89H0LKzQB8VaAF6tO0eW7EQCYqaHSukC1z3d7_4GtLM0QTyu3D5bKSBzKo04YJfE_43Az_atJ9U/s400/100_3517.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We took a few breaks to roll towels and replenish stations.</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOK7QtQm3UqYVVNe2ohxkOaDxamgtysqKi05WqPHhJgDezKksoo_FX92dSEeZ2UklXqk5Ns4JC2lZ0wFPTR665GzsgUFn87JamGfeku2Iqbt9njSU5ECrWjTYrEm0JI0jykZpnFc8yMn8/s1600/100_3518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOK7QtQm3UqYVVNe2ohxkOaDxamgtysqKi05WqPHhJgDezKksoo_FX92dSEeZ2UklXqk5Ns4JC2lZ0wFPTR665GzsgUFn87JamGfeku2Iqbt9njSU5ECrWjTYrEm0JI0jykZpnFc8yMn8/s400/100_3518.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Everyone had a job to do and the process went pretty quickly.</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtHpBTXlmaCAiy84VWuLKobJ8FoK_5ycF7cFXYhk3CUvhUNaf0X29lGsVLRue8TUAzXINZU9xk-2zpzO3v3OwGmKD6CnemIv8mZ48D5FcGHVS_8hHh_1S5ZGuWshUpedUZzkZM2XXsb4/s1600/100_3499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtHpBTXlmaCAiy84VWuLKobJ8FoK_5ycF7cFXYhk3CUvhUNaf0X29lGsVLRue8TUAzXINZU9xk-2zpzO3v3OwGmKD6CnemIv8mZ48D5FcGHVS_8hHh_1S5ZGuWshUpedUZzkZM2XXsb4/s400/100_3499.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">An example of a finished basket</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrQl6AXLi-Ngj1lS_a-PF9Jc-XSDfz_Sh-C2NPzZGZRe5pzMoNus0BmkPdcM7qwUW_D5fi-5TmARkg7zWwiSU7trnmAkZrHdF_X0966aujGrQPs05xJj6wkj7dh0pDOJwhtf6Tlvhu0c/s1600/100_3519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrQl6AXLi-Ngj1lS_a-PF9Jc-XSDfz_Sh-C2NPzZGZRe5pzMoNus0BmkPdcM7qwUW_D5fi-5TmARkg7zWwiSU7trnmAkZrHdF_X0966aujGrQPs05xJj6wkj7dh0pDOJwhtf6Tlvhu0c/s400/100_3519.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Some of our finished baskets!</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAOdBzZcBtR3CoTRENIwA51OFpQx4oD6PWRUl5AQM6V_FjzC1J_Cv9TQogdFNIoWZY-sb0t-fKVEh0StGB835Vhygv3e8TdKVVa1ctfsH4Sh6sZy8go_YYnqIM_z_8OXx_Jio4TpAmm0/s1600/100_3520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAOdBzZcBtR3CoTRENIwA51OFpQx4oD6PWRUl5AQM6V_FjzC1J_Cv9TQogdFNIoWZY-sb0t-fKVEh0StGB835Vhygv3e8TdKVVa1ctfsH4Sh6sZy8go_YYnqIM_z_8OXx_Jio4TpAmm0/s400/100_3520.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lots of goodies for our single Soldier heroes!</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvQDyHdW2esuNuNOnEbbpPqrc09Q7RezSC03miamzTfGHGAdsi9Q5pBvdBV-VDO4Sb3nh6WxB0XlkrsEzhy5-sCVAEnBpiOtRk-L1jjmcSaOSAmmIyhYg-RtlIFf99lD8UO4Yn_fVD2E/s1600/100_3522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvQDyHdW2esuNuNOnEbbpPqrc09Q7RezSC03miamzTfGHGAdsi9Q5pBvdBV-VDO4Sb3nh6WxB0XlkrsEzhy5-sCVAEnBpiOtRk-L1jjmcSaOSAmmIyhYg-RtlIFf99lD8UO4Yn_fVD2E/s400/100_3522.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We filled up the room with completed baskets.</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28M2VX3eDivzz-7qRr-hUDFNLYn_p6sA4pPuv2sLt5v17u2ltoARZuXXuKw2Fv90pXEoHFuGG9KiV0PTr-HKTZBwXWUcgShdyM_LfIFDZOxx4ZKzzgHJ5KAtuP5WlX5NlrRmjTeMyC6o/s1600/100_3524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28M2VX3eDivzz-7qRr-hUDFNLYn_p6sA4pPuv2sLt5v17u2ltoARZuXXuKw2Fv90pXEoHFuGG9KiV0PTr-HKTZBwXWUcgShdyM_LfIFDZOxx4ZKzzgHJ5KAtuP5WlX5NlrRmjTeMyC6o/s400/100_3524.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We worked one poor volunteer into a corner. =)</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcJdZ8LrRf7xzSFOEep0sZqSxsOy08NdWSfusvJKWXwks_0P_nJKt1KP1659L1P4fLL_ut5TuJh3dH3RBB4I28Mu1LCMoz5bBFuuCgSwT8SEI6o_tTkkLJdjqDF-Vc57kLWu7dEEDlsI/s1600/100_3530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcJdZ8LrRf7xzSFOEep0sZqSxsOy08NdWSfusvJKWXwks_0P_nJKt1KP1659L1P4fLL_ut5TuJh3dH3RBB4I28Mu1LCMoz5bBFuuCgSwT8SEI6o_tTkkLJdjqDF-Vc57kLWu7dEEDlsI/s400/100_3530.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We started a Pillow-Toss line to get all of the donated pillows into the storage room.</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlumDXvGwVR0yoJLgcf8RtY6to6Ng9EuxASLK5-Tr_tLg2g30HGgNjgjTEcDK_4cWXUN1zX4rHcAlxSK6DV16fymF1Aehkx9gCp2GAALDA2Jkr673DSS_oQAiFB39vwrmZAI-_4uuMhE/s1600/100_3527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlumDXvGwVR0yoJLgcf8RtY6to6Ng9EuxASLK5-Tr_tLg2g30HGgNjgjTEcDK_4cWXUN1zX4rHcAlxSK6DV16fymF1Aehkx9gCp2GAALDA2Jkr673DSS_oQAiFB39vwrmZAI-_4uuMhE/s400/100_3527.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Our rear detachment commander came in to check on us ... and learned you can't disrupt the flow of a pillow-toss line.</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfb1srdox7j_BHtnXsL3lmOQU1hux_RapKCWRjvOmNTSp2-NRtZZKANo1cj_oxfkGcAgbJACj6zUip7OJqEzeZ96TvzO2r15pvUHPcLHV9zWO4boZpqraB9I4-5753MhNmJ7G1sPIJ_I/s1600/100_3543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfb1srdox7j_BHtnXsL3lmOQU1hux_RapKCWRjvOmNTSp2-NRtZZKANo1cj_oxfkGcAgbJACj6zUip7OJqEzeZ96TvzO2r15pvUHPcLHV9zWO4boZpqraB9I4-5753MhNmJ7G1sPIJ_I/s400/100_3543.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is the end of the pillow toss line.</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwo2rYtXwpf8D6kEzZmj84uDIIzCmDB_157xe1n9vgheCP-Ws8EKCJrwATF_RO0N8ajYSC7jlbAkghVY8SuwaRGGgUYWOxdY0B586lFTdmiLxH3KHjRWPrz1Byjf3Xm_ZY8N16lg6ret8/s1600/100_3536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwo2rYtXwpf8D6kEzZmj84uDIIzCmDB_157xe1n9vgheCP-Ws8EKCJrwATF_RO0N8ajYSC7jlbAkghVY8SuwaRGGgUYWOxdY0B586lFTdmiLxH3KHjRWPrz1Byjf3Xm_ZY8N16lg6ret8/s400/100_3536.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And we had a few moments of pillow-fight fun at the end of the day.</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkzozeyDsu9hU8Y01dRRDpUC5rH0xO-QiSpmUfFY5mFFLYjLPh823OwCG4f4CGWf0if3cvZ_a2w-q-sVYvxh6cZDa2vydztkkceKwvfI2PvViK0tfZ287FxsGrxDKfcrU-b2aynalcNY/s1600/100_3542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkzozeyDsu9hU8Y01dRRDpUC5rH0xO-QiSpmUfFY5mFFLYjLPh823OwCG4f4CGWf0if3cvZ_a2w-q-sVYvxh6cZDa2vydztkkceKwvfI2PvViK0tfZ287FxsGrxDKfcrU-b2aynalcNY/s400/100_3542.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We left the room like this ... ready to be delivered and placed when flights start coming in. Yay!</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvocQgx-8A4liU6MGuip_3etLN2Ya5nEoLieVN1XB5MVivcFmSK-uN6MD2YBeVyPJY2Qo1qBcrKK3Go-ux75v9WOnlxDWXU83UNZI6pzMvcaDYi3OJUFAyhq3UpRtikEtQgO0plG6R-Kw/s1600/100_3526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvocQgx-8A4liU6MGuip_3etLN2Ya5nEoLieVN1XB5MVivcFmSK-uN6MD2YBeVyPJY2Qo1qBcrKK3Go-ux75v9WOnlxDWXU83UNZI6pzMvcaDYi3OJUFAyhq3UpRtikEtQgO0plG6R-Kw/s400/100_3526.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">[Some of] our Volunteer Dream Team ... others came and helped but, unfortunately, I didn't get a group photo of everyone who came today. =(</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>My Army Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574710863836331318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667149536233039308.post-26922544650368401582012-01-24T08:38:00.000-06:002012-01-24T08:38:36.042-06:00Single Soldier Project: ShoppingPhase II of our single Soldier project consisted of shopping for the items needed for our baskets using the funds donated by our Families for this project. On shopping day, six ladies spent six hours going to six different stores to purchase items for 181 Soldiers. It was great fun and we can't wait to get baskets assembled for these heroes!<br />
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*One funny note ... when I told a friend we were shopping for single Soldiers, she said, "That's what I used to do before I met my (Soldier) husband!" ;)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iPy4qLlLyp7tl3W4WGyEJUrRgdTiC22Wg2mVtKFN4KoU7gf1DdCV7rCNnWJxohZB-32ageJU2IbMuO8w1z33JQVnIbF1aVtriYRmyRDXlSAVyg3mEnEnqSCZsCwJQelmXYMqJ1J-UQQ/s1600/100_3472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iPy4qLlLyp7tl3W4WGyEJUrRgdTiC22Wg2mVtKFN4KoU7gf1DdCV7rCNnWJxohZB-32ageJU2IbMuO8w1z33JQVnIbF1aVtriYRmyRDXlSAVyg3mEnEnqSCZsCwJQelmXYMqJ1J-UQQ/s400/100_3472.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Here is our group at Sam's Club where we made great progress toward getting yummy snacks for our Soldiers!</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3iavnTLhdR06c7jvpqDLd5QeD79Bvnv7tcQFZ-0x_9LhQh76DqDiXmq1XmGfLh1q5fHT3ZAShzbbAvwkYwK_8VWsFT1CnukS9DWsRJOhz6k-yzsBL1blueT8b8zeexdRUwa8UZQ9n898/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3iavnTLhdR06c7jvpqDLd5QeD79Bvnv7tcQFZ-0x_9LhQh76DqDiXmq1XmGfLh1q5fHT3ZAShzbbAvwkYwK_8VWsFT1CnukS9DWsRJOhz6k-yzsBL1blueT8b8zeexdRUwa8UZQ9n898/s400/006.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Clearing the shelves at Dollar Tree #3</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdQDv9qZmtWECkQguv1qrfjqS0Qvr5PdTI8E0BCk-knryyEwyIZuLHKxnaZ42BeVfvAmat-NoJXe4qpnu2wrkR6rBiBU8Vnd8QAjDObaoLjChhCfOIn-ALfCC5UshBdhLoY-KqVBpn4k/s1600/100_3463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdQDv9qZmtWECkQguv1qrfjqS0Qvr5PdTI8E0BCk-knryyEwyIZuLHKxnaZ42BeVfvAmat-NoJXe4qpnu2wrkR6rBiBU8Vnd8QAjDObaoLjChhCfOIn-ALfCC5UshBdhLoY-KqVBpn4k/s400/100_3463.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Counting towels ... we cleared most colors and went home with 181 towels!</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGT4hn2ANISXukhLwGYPzNVD-9a8W_4ALD2jLI3I_YN9VtUaR44oV1TDvy1VmHOnzxdyXJHWTnHpMTsfDy8UFjcyphxnU5d0XYgIAUjyoS29iRy6gsAEHtVF1gX2z7k1BBYiI3I-0f6dA/s1600/100_3465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGT4hn2ANISXukhLwGYPzNVD-9a8W_4ALD2jLI3I_YN9VtUaR44oV1TDvy1VmHOnzxdyXJHWTnHpMTsfDy8UFjcyphxnU5d0XYgIAUjyoS29iRy6gsAEHtVF1gX2z7k1BBYiI3I-0f6dA/s400/100_3465.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Piling into four shopping carts</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZw28ihH8i9o8OUWXLKTA6RLL_k5mcTw1GDiM3NnmkN5D1Bdwwd2xhKuFjvyayXMyFB9q3M2YEhM7jA6GipoaVZKuaFCtc8JLlDbliLT7W4Y8Rm9hCQkUceIicmwBVV7oDHo2s_HKloRg/s1600/100_3466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZw28ihH8i9o8OUWXLKTA6RLL_k5mcTw1GDiM3NnmkN5D1Bdwwd2xhKuFjvyayXMyFB9q3M2YEhM7jA6GipoaVZKuaFCtc8JLlDbliLT7W4Y8Rm9hCQkUceIicmwBVV7oDHo2s_HKloRg/s400/100_3466.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Counting wash cloths and hand towels.</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ayvrUix5D_IH_2zJ4BBLAglXidWFXCfPrQRlfi4er-SQ9jCTs9Ry3Ou6TumZE33McH_mQH9tVJgGZAQdt5cQdLGH3DvM-HnX23x5GJdp_1aYfVCuKeAOWisyu8A47eY-aPzdOOL-mR4/s1600/100_3468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ayvrUix5D_IH_2zJ4BBLAglXidWFXCfPrQRlfi4er-SQ9jCTs9Ry3Ou6TumZE33McH_mQH9tVJgGZAQdt5cQdLGH3DvM-HnX23x5GJdp_1aYfVCuKeAOWisyu8A47eY-aPzdOOL-mR4/s400/100_3468.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Keeping running totals is important!</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9x1DZvtPveI9jXXxaf50FIbMrOnGTLsll4VTYDhpPKG6fEjuUQmD_LAigcM3NEruYy-G2_MzsH4Au59GNJSvNI8duORip33RIUVM9bTf1TC0YxqU6tc8dRphdJAdNFKupvGCmexRCT4/s1600/100_3469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9x1DZvtPveI9jXXxaf50FIbMrOnGTLsll4VTYDhpPKG6fEjuUQmD_LAigcM3NEruYy-G2_MzsH4Au59GNJSvNI8duORip33RIUVM9bTf1TC0YxqU6tc8dRphdJAdNFKupvGCmexRCT4/s400/100_3469.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Dish detergents for each barracks room</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hZSeroFKytDZaE163QK9jRrbmZr1lgrk1us0eZefWdTgwlLtvSM6fStzfkDa6DG9-kVyy2B4CeuUOTXReR-CTQZf1FCNMdjBR7I5ttk0-YxtLv5uQDqBC9E35vWv8InA10q4ZeJWIdc/s1600/100_3471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hZSeroFKytDZaE163QK9jRrbmZr1lgrk1us0eZefWdTgwlLtvSM6fStzfkDa6DG9-kVyy2B4CeuUOTXReR-CTQZf1FCNMdjBR7I5ttk0-YxtLv5uQDqBC9E35vWv8InA10q4ZeJWIdc/s400/100_3471.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Time to check out! Walmart even offered a 10% discount, saving us about $100.00</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>My Army Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574710863836331318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667149536233039308.post-76174967717963617042012-01-24T08:33:00.003-06:002012-01-24T08:50:10.315-06:00Single Soldier Project: FundraisingThere are many exciting things happening with Soldiers get ready to come home from a deployment. One of the projects our FRG has taken on is providing gift baskets for every single Soldier returning to a barracks room. When they arrive, exhausted from a long flight and even longer deployment, we want them to feel a warm welcome home. Since they aren't allowed to drive for the first day or so (and many can't get to their stored vehicles anyway), we wanted them to have a few survival items and some yummy snacks to get through those first days home.<br />
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Phase I of this project is fundraising. Because this is for a specific group within our FRG (only single Soldiers), we needed to raise funds for this specific project. Our answer (taken from several other groups at Fort Hood who have hosted similar projects) was to have a "Sponsor a Single Soldier" fundraiser. Our unit Families were invited to sponsor a basket for $35.00 or donate items to be placed in the baskets. It was a HUGE success and we were able to get everything we needed for these heroes.<br />
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*Note: We recommend that you send ALL items to your unit's JAG office before publishing anything. We received written permission at every step ... and would encourage you to do the same. ;)<br />
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We are very excited and cannot wait to welcome these heroes home!<br />
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You can see a copy of our "<b><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/RedDragonFRG/operation-upgrade-tracker-9881164">Operation Upgrade Tracker</a></b>" on SlideShare. It's an Excel spreadsheet that helped us keep track of what had been donated, what we needed to shop for, and items that were still needed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTcMDaoH3ebk4XZtmdvV9jkZvY_uFcbXuqP1sZ8pjaHzceQBeLWJYpkYjnSfeKsb2jAOKxmhgTu5f1necdiUrNO3zLHNfc-A0BDwqs6Pcxu6vPn8AAodEd_yyc2EEeDoX7G6gxaIGQ9XT/s1600/SAMPLE_SponsorSingleSoldier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTcMDaoH3ebk4XZtmdvV9jkZvY_uFcbXuqP1sZ8pjaHzceQBeLWJYpkYjnSfeKsb2jAOKxmhgTu5f1necdiUrNO3zLHNfc-A0BDwqs6Pcxu6vPn8AAodEd_yyc2EEeDoX7G6gxaIGQ9XT/s400/SAMPLE_SponsorSingleSoldier.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">This is a sample of the flyer we used (created on PowerPoint).</span></i></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>My Army Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574710863836331318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667149536233039308.post-25564875000947847262011-11-17T19:29:00.000-06:002012-08-29T11:59:18.820-05:00FRG Meeting: Night Catch<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="276" src="http://www.sdpb.org/buddy/Caring/Night%20Catch%20COVER.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is a fabulous book for kids whose Soldier is deployed.</span></i></td></tr>
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This month, our kids listened to the story, <u>Night Catch</u>, at our FRG Family Night. From the Amazon.com website description:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">When a Soldier's work takes him half-way around the world, he enlists the help of the North Star for a nightly game of catch with his son. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Night Catch is a timeless story that connects families while they are apart and offers comforting hope for their reunion.</span></blockquote>
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The kids each got a bag of "Galaxy Play Dough" which was homemade play dough colored dark blue with glitter in a Ziploc baggie. They also enjoyed using black construction paper, silver star stickers, hole punchers, and chalk to make their own constellations.<br />
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More fun ideas for this theme can be found at this Pinterest board: <b> <a href="http://pinterest.com/myarmylife/frg-meeting-night-catch/">Night Catch FRG Meeting</a></b>.<br />
My Army Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574710863836331318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667149536233039308.post-35117444853427003822011-11-10T21:00:00.001-06:002011-11-11T18:12:57.984-06:00FRG Thanksgiving BannerOne of our FRG Leaders recently came up with the idea to create a "We are thankful for our Red Dragon Soldiers" banner to display in the unit headquarters. She did a great job and it turned out really cute.<br />
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She cut 150 feathers out of cardstock paper in fall colors while another very talented leader drew and cut out the turkey shapes. At our November FRG Family Night (which is basically a battalion-wide FRG Meeting), each person was asked to write their Soldier's name and explain why they were thankful for him/her. The kids did a great job drawing pictures and the spouses had some wonderfully heartfelt words to share.<br />
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The day after the meeting, three ladies met together to put the banner together and display it in our battalion's headquarters. We look forward to our heroes reading the sweet words written about them!<br />
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Happy Thanksgiving!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinB0gVulKh8PM7580_tOhgYR7tLvqrDEYheD_fb4pyInlBZdjPvGjoHg2vJdIm0B1NDAd48hmln_JTaDbngZKIfQKAldnTuxQKWUFPC1vvVr5ygVKbz43Kb257m7kfTazgSknf_g2dni96/s1600/100_3377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinB0gVulKh8PM7580_tOhgYR7tLvqrDEYheD_fb4pyInlBZdjPvGjoHg2vJdIm0B1NDAd48hmln_JTaDbngZKIfQKAldnTuxQKWUFPC1vvVr5ygVKbz43Kb257m7kfTazgSknf_g2dni96/s400/100_3377.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Kids start the meeting making "I am thankful for ..." mini books and decorating their turkey feathers.</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIIslu4Y7NTJDmeo0yA16PBwSHEuxEYZZAOOPG1m74u0sqZNmGgeaRxoXepyMtGrJ8pBwUvA1fvjKsvFxvcw1xyetEpd_ddszOaYDRhVL8Ncw26zeY4CVV5Hn8k5YyfA8oVACVq2mG0H_/s1600/100_3395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIIslu4Y7NTJDmeo0yA16PBwSHEuxEYZZAOOPG1m74u0sqZNmGgeaRxoXepyMtGrJ8pBwUvA1fvjKsvFxvcw1xyetEpd_ddszOaYDRhVL8Ncw26zeY4CVV5Hn8k5YyfA8oVACVq2mG0H_/s400/100_3395.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Working on the turkey feathers!</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8kTkeWorTsYyMJMKzCaK5MYxwQjAqMQBa9QCI6HYjAXrF7BzkwBpVdoNkvs_QmEa-99gWgOBAXwhKsHgSoh4U2JBrgKSnvBRgG5A9fG0QZIrUDBWOFgJP0wB4wyfolc4fJYbmrAjXoIz/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8kTkeWorTsYyMJMKzCaK5MYxwQjAqMQBa9QCI6HYjAXrF7BzkwBpVdoNkvs_QmEa-99gWgOBAXwhKsHgSoh4U2JBrgKSnvBRgG5A9fG0QZIrUDBWOFgJP0wB4wyfolc4fJYbmrAjXoIz/s400/1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Putting the banner up in battalion headquarters</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7HrOeh7tJ1ESqjnyAmv-6UQBhyCYeuJTy8y0jitD_w6GOXECIhrKPHQJx3VeFDGHUV-dj57J0Ms15LZUksbAnBA7Xlh_VHvDI5pQHGFoN0-zIDLEGfrtR0SzokoDEbExzDlWXFXUss6A6/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7HrOeh7tJ1ESqjnyAmv-6UQBhyCYeuJTy8y0jitD_w6GOXECIhrKPHQJx3VeFDGHUV-dj57J0Ms15LZUksbAnBA7Xlh_VHvDI5pQHGFoN0-zIDLEGfrtR0SzokoDEbExzDlWXFXUss6A6/s400/4.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Close-up of a small turkey</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6m3Sp8OfO7FQo_UIigMsZDEaSIB0RIHw3mGfPx9Em96u5wH-DXiZxeFYwbv0xJI8KkanMkP21Ay5Shj2hqU_S3W4Yw8UhSHCpxh0hRRHCaJGMIy6Hbo-cd3_oiFOnXCh8Ax2QAvusEIP/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6m3Sp8OfO7FQo_UIigMsZDEaSIB0RIHw3mGfPx9Em96u5wH-DXiZxeFYwbv0xJI8KkanMkP21Ay5Shj2hqU_S3W4Yw8UhSHCpxh0hRRHCaJGMIy6Hbo-cd3_oiFOnXCh8Ax2QAvusEIP/s400/5.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Close-up of another small turkey</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zPlcc0aClZvYHQxdV7fbAZ0MBRyGXJyStzfpb2pw9tebB1JfoAqjcBjNu7yO9Zq6x1QrG9gRLV1nPpE84A7zXmDdoCP4TYxOKtnMTTcnPz_unbqYsrDgv-YCwHKWwMNUdWewfTZHIOyq/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zPlcc0aClZvYHQxdV7fbAZ0MBRyGXJyStzfpb2pw9tebB1JfoAqjcBjNu7yO9Zq6x1QrG9gRLV1nPpE84A7zXmDdoCP4TYxOKtnMTTcnPz_unbqYsrDgv-YCwHKWwMNUdWewfTZHIOyq/s400/6.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We are thankful for our Red Dragon Soldiers!</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkpqIdkctOxf7QM9MJcrrG5acWhplcJaBYEFvrf4MTsJM5ZMDRvthbCA9fXswrUevOeRCoTfF2ct1j3q8JDz7lpFqUJc9csdxHKPhG0gXpvIRTLGdB9mOcd420o42KPLASVZ-3VAoamJR/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkpqIdkctOxf7QM9MJcrrG5acWhplcJaBYEFvrf4MTsJM5ZMDRvthbCA9fXswrUevOeRCoTfF2ct1j3q8JDz7lpFqUJc9csdxHKPhG0gXpvIRTLGdB9mOcd420o42KPLASVZ-3VAoamJR/s400/7.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The lovely ladies who made this happen for us!</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>My Army Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574710863836331318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667149536233039308.post-74565065748982015472011-11-10T19:58:00.001-06:002012-01-24T08:16:47.684-06:00FRG Family Night: ThanksgivingFor our battalion's November Family Night (battalion-wide FRG Meeting), we hosted a Thanksgiving potluck, showed a slideshow of photos from downrange, received some great information from our brigade MFLC (Military Family Life Consultant), and met as battery-level FRGs as well.<br />
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For more details, you can visit:<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/RedDragonFRG/november-family-night">SlideShare: November Family Night PowerPoint Slides</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150935657050074.766114.10150100427050074&type=3">Facebook Photo Album: November Family Night</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://frgleader.blogspot.com/2011/11/frg-thanksgiving-banner.html">Blogger Post: FRG Thanksgiving Banner</a></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRHpmvI_2VTtD3QRU8NWIjqKU_2Oth5qbhYq07UKAv0pgv4aW3z0pqfWIWqmtgGBPHf6o5GrhhD6b5975FUWbqmIpQv8nSkdvH7oc9n5pDjd9yRrjCgE2VtNDgP96bNngP5ms_k5JL9CI/s1600/100_3379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRHpmvI_2VTtD3QRU8NWIjqKU_2Oth5qbhYq07UKAv0pgv4aW3z0pqfWIWqmtgGBPHf6o5GrhhD6b5975FUWbqmIpQv8nSkdvH7oc9n5pDjd9yRrjCgE2VtNDgP96bNngP5ms_k5JL9CI/s400/100_3379.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Families enjoy a Thanksgiving Potluck dinner before the meeting begins.</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0Lvc150vMjPUqJo3aZtGdq3rQLxaC06dol_sQJb0uG6jaL1_Mg0JDhS7vremIk0Q1jHZEnexLrYGtipiKyB5mTdxvZtYmrBSYu_wpl7rEvfja6Qf4FlKoBbjlITL15gynLI3b5MQsDCV/s1600/100_3387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0Lvc150vMjPUqJo3aZtGdq3rQLxaC06dol_sQJb0uG6jaL1_Mg0JDhS7vremIk0Q1jHZEnexLrYGtipiKyB5mTdxvZtYmrBSYu_wpl7rEvfja6Qf4FlKoBbjlITL15gynLI3b5MQsDCV/s400/100_3387.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Unit kids enjoying their dinner.</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzV9ggsJH5ImZIeBTDYJIQ-afkagwhi3EKcFlI60nwsP3MM_8ovgOsjbW__df8VH_1g-R4x6LhFZ9s3yaqNIR7nVjX4WRfeJA4ApXP-Oe190aFqYoIad3NnSLw13Z0LZ0KVc0DplflpUa/s1600/100_3392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzV9ggsJH5ImZIeBTDYJIQ-afkagwhi3EKcFlI60nwsP3MM_8ovgOsjbW__df8VH_1g-R4x6LhFZ9s3yaqNIR7nVjX4WRfeJA4ApXP-Oe190aFqYoIad3NnSLw13Z0LZ0KVc0DplflpUa/s400/100_3392.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The meeting begins with a slideshow of photos from downrange.</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Fczu3QpRZBFA91_dCyexTycJ8NKeygiaH7sC6xMIf_mVYzySxPVqH_poRHi3s6UcPY93k2su44szx9miYaUlPcpImNfpMCBq8O6t6VMqK-js-iaynK_mvzPPZ13CpmqGvy993LuAQ659/s1600/100_3395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Fczu3QpRZBFA91_dCyexTycJ8NKeygiaH7sC6xMIf_mVYzySxPVqH_poRHi3s6UcPY93k2su44szx9miYaUlPcpImNfpMCBq8O6t6VMqK-js-iaynK_mvzPPZ13CpmqGvy993LuAQ659/s400/100_3395.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The kids write notes to their Soldier on "feathers" to be added to a Thanksgiving turkey display.</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLNoNMoXyxfyyGJgKOpTVWpqP2iol1MaFqVJSivd3HjeTV5Ev6MajsSF3gK7ejqskDXQIKsf2sa02VrqPCHVlBCoPp6RhTESXwjZ8G39MQ6dcdRjXKy6A1Tyxq2lIMyQsjQaZYbQl16rTm/s1600/100_3403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLNoNMoXyxfyyGJgKOpTVWpqP2iol1MaFqVJSivd3HjeTV5Ev6MajsSF3gK7ejqskDXQIKsf2sa02VrqPCHVlBCoPp6RhTESXwjZ8G39MQ6dcdRjXKy6A1Tyxq2lIMyQsjQaZYbQl16rTm/s400/100_3403.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The Rear Detachment Commander and the unit FRSA draw for door prize winners.</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdDry-JxmDVyO6epBmCAMgX2-GnuqntL5fq57wwf_vGjmno-9bPHdiHjsKkjUK8D11habfc6ibf_WEAVKnMLO4TWD3AnkSE93ZQu50LdAhGixnyt2fczB438I7pbpxKM8EpB7ElcCR8uC/s1600/100_3405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdDry-JxmDVyO6epBmCAMgX2-GnuqntL5fq57wwf_vGjmno-9bPHdiHjsKkjUK8D11habfc6ibf_WEAVKnMLO4TWD3AnkSE93ZQu50LdAhGixnyt2fczB438I7pbpxKM8EpB7ElcCR8uC/s400/100_3405.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">A happy door prize winner!</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwevmCgZO8uaAYk77tiEC6Xkigc5CfwnNb1dMH5i1WxlQ7oWGnmWBUYCeSEt3Ff42892DA0WR0U7y42ZrhRLL2nZ-5_J9aCqbOo0w0ax9jqhLu7GS0nhe8GqJ2YA9-c3QX-pAX_5Lp3BHp/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwevmCgZO8uaAYk77tiEC6Xkigc5CfwnNb1dMH5i1WxlQ7oWGnmWBUYCeSEt3Ff42892DA0WR0U7y42ZrhRLL2nZ-5_J9aCqbOo0w0ax9jqhLu7GS0nhe8GqJ2YA9-c3QX-pAX_5Lp3BHp/s400/6.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The completed Thanksgiving Turkey!</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>My Army Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574710863836331318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667149536233039308.post-88271119854715729462011-10-04T00:03:00.002-05:002012-08-29T11:45:58.631-05:00Super Hero FRG MeetingOur recent FRG meeting was focused on Superheroes. We started with an Italian Night potluck (which was delicious!) and watched a short slide show featuring our heroes in Iraq. The kids always love getting a glimpse of the Soldiers before they head off to their corner of the room for fun kid stuff.<br />
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While the adults heard a report from downrange, listened to a guest speaker, asked questions, and met in their battery/company FRG groups, the kids were having some superhero fun.<br />
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After eating, the kids created a background on construction paper for their paper hero (already on the tables). They added scenery and taped their super hero on the page. We actually found a superhero bulletin board set at a local teachers' store with some cut outs of superheroes to use.<br />
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The volunteer leader then asked the kids what heroes do. <i>They save people, they get the bad guys</i>, and <i>they protect us</i> all came out in the discussion. It was the perfect lead-in to read Hero Dad by Melinda Hardin. This book compares super heroes to US Soldiers! One line from the book reads, "He doesn't wear rocket-propelled boots -- he wears Army boots!" One of the last lines, especially meaningful for our kids whose parent is deployed, reads, "Sometimes he has to go away for long trips, but that's what superheroes have to do."<br />
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After reading the book, one of our Soldier heroes demonstrated his protective gear. The kids really seemed to enjoy seeing the uniforms like their own Soldiers wear and loved hearing about the safety and abilities the different pieces offered.<br />
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Next, the kids colored their own superhero masks and each received a superhero cape! A wonderful volunteer cut simple capes from fabric and added a velcro tab for closure. The kids loved them and enjoyed using their superhero powers.<br />
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We then created "Hero" banners to send to our Soldiers downrange. We previously asked Families to bring a photo of their Soldier and Family to share. We passed out some paper 'speech bubbles' for Families to write their message on, then taped these onto the butcher-paper banners with the photos ... superhero comic book style. A border of ACU-patterned duct tape completed the banners and added some stability to them to alleviate tearing.<br />
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A copy of the movie "The Incredibles" was playing for the kids while parents were preparing to leave and it worked out very well keeping our littlest heroes entertained while the meeting wrapped up. We also made sure every unit spouse left with a Superhero magnet, reminding them of their very own super powers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPLgTdaW9hU0E7o2N5Bq5Sc0w8ewWRBMgZhYhYDtY2h73iNtd4MaZrnqBfd41Dr23d1-TiRj-VOSap5dZ7qaDyOZyEgmqRz4DzBv0Myiae7TX2J9EZZKWAbUJx85bZxTrjbNqTPcTwe4X/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPLgTdaW9hU0E7o2N5Bq5Sc0w8ewWRBMgZhYhYDtY2h73iNtd4MaZrnqBfd41Dr23d1-TiRj-VOSap5dZ7qaDyOZyEgmqRz4DzBv0Myiae7TX2J9EZZKWAbUJx85bZxTrjbNqTPcTwe4X/s400/008.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our Soldiers' wives are heroes, too, and went home with a magnet to remind them of their super powers.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This FRG Meeting started with a Super Italian Night Potluck dinner. A favorite for kids AND adults!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKYPcm195l5nUgVMFjWuiBNOJa2uv40pq4LfJkRCxttiVHUOQrVJQn067Mz0SZ-EFp0bY7_2sH13aQAp4QDOpKjOfpCQ-b_8ireRu-P3dT8-ic-ESQKT_a7ItQfUOkcNE8QzXN0a_HNRs/s1600/FRG3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKYPcm195l5nUgVMFjWuiBNOJa2uv40pq4LfJkRCxttiVHUOQrVJQn067Mz0SZ-EFp0bY7_2sH13aQAp4QDOpKjOfpCQ-b_8ireRu-P3dT8-ic-ESQKT_a7ItQfUOkcNE8QzXN0a_HNRs/s400/FRG3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kids colored a Super Hero background for their paper hero then decorated their own Super Hero masks. Here, kids listen to the book <u>Hero Dad</u>.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NuEHiQKwagS4ldZXGmu3gH5drBKgxuvYXM6BtMfB__6oynp7Jhc62h7FUSeEsr3A7QPJ9dAOipsIdYEM_vSJgWnehApxQJWdB5PI_vATD_g7-XEdVURuWHEoUSRXaWqFWvtnJK6OO6rF/s1600/FRG4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NuEHiQKwagS4ldZXGmu3gH5drBKgxuvYXM6BtMfB__6oynp7Jhc62h7FUSeEsr3A7QPJ9dAOipsIdYEM_vSJgWnehApxQJWdB5PI_vATD_g7-XEdVURuWHEoUSRXaWqFWvtnJK6OO6rF/s400/FRG4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>After hearing the book (that compared Super Hero traits to our Soldier heroes), one of our unit Soldiers showed off some of his 'super' Army gear. The kids loved this.</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx87nMDKyQT3QU5TQ3Sa_Tfm9-5SP2o2crabjSLKm6JxmRdnnyQ-lKNDFr4bbrraidIEHgTBHhtPdDiYpLAxjdX-v2ngrRXjalj6LCmaT0LTCVNlqtU8MPyAfLZwzQ-nexu7OXWQPYmkK-/s1600/FRG5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx87nMDKyQT3QU5TQ3Sa_Tfm9-5SP2o2crabjSLKm6JxmRdnnyQ-lKNDFr4bbrraidIEHgTBHhtPdDiYpLAxjdX-v2ngrRXjalj6LCmaT0LTCVNlqtU8MPyAfLZwzQ-nexu7OXWQPYmkK-/s400/FRG5.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dragon capes for the younger boys.</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3te7QitmRkGEtcHWfeEvVyw0GmrUHOjGHxSEk0b0Ldsj2cZSgjX0PYNrYae83wUPuQUX_YzOVe8oWhW-am25a6WZpnPlAKzbn0nqRiU913RB43X2yqqvaY7hEQbQZqs10oEpw_qWYAqi/s1600/FRG6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3te7QitmRkGEtcHWfeEvVyw0GmrUHOjGHxSEk0b0Ldsj2cZSgjX0PYNrYae83wUPuQUX_YzOVe8oWhW-am25a6WZpnPlAKzbn0nqRiU913RB43X2yqqvaY7hEQbQZqs10oEpw_qWYAqi/s400/FRG6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pink camo for the girls</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Lhh2nfClB7uLtocmprRwDfutjPOJws6Zaqv1Diz8xtRZsR6JmEzGT1ks-UsanWK0gBjWyBHV0zq4wYutt6PguC0GWlDYCmmFfysmdqYa37bho-z8XC6YbSM0G2wro7TshHxJQBWQvs6G/s1600/FRG7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Lhh2nfClB7uLtocmprRwDfutjPOJws6Zaqv1Diz8xtRZsR6JmEzGT1ks-UsanWK0gBjWyBHV0zq4wYutt6PguC0GWlDYCmmFfysmdqYa37bho-z8XC6YbSM0G2wro7TshHxJQBWQvs6G/s400/FRG7.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>And 'dragon flames' for the bigger boys.</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFlNfdG1_iSAkQiBTrNarcqdDecMe_d6wDFu-V9s1jTYnVlR6XP2A8mK3oHMVavw6RQZimc-RiyMvJgllcet2KRFowb3BR3bXLsX2FVfFW_XIImd8iEKnvvCbqyz8WeXrvnFUHqXuYMsX/s1600/FRG2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFlNfdG1_iSAkQiBTrNarcqdDecMe_d6wDFu-V9s1jTYnVlR6XP2A8mK3oHMVavw6RQZimc-RiyMvJgllcet2KRFowb3BR3bXLsX2FVfFW_XIImd8iEKnvvCbqyz8WeXrvnFUHqXuYMsX/s400/FRG2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Here are all of our SUPER hero kids!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJ3vtJLvjZpSl-wQxjlvgNsT76pfrOy8c09oMbjJBUmmBnQWqQ0ZGCI_aA2NtOCoiHWLmZ2en6EOszE0k-p9kW0cxcbMqco3kKfNCsRZs68XeAAH91axQ_szS9nwoddJG2loPz2YmNLdv/s1600/100_2869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJ3vtJLvjZpSl-wQxjlvgNsT76pfrOy8c09oMbjJBUmmBnQWqQ0ZGCI_aA2NtOCoiHWLmZ2en6EOszE0k-p9kW0cxcbMqco3kKfNCsRZs68XeAAH91axQ_szS9nwoddJG2loPz2YmNLdv/s400/100_2869.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Two of our fabulous FRG Leaders with their "Hero" banner, complete with photos and speech bubbles.</i></td></tr>
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Check out all of the Super Hero photos on the <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150797229665074.737193.10150100427050074&type=1">unit's Facebook page</a>.</b><br />
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For more Superhero ideas, check out this <b><a href="http://pinterest.com/myarmylife/frg-meeting-super-heroes/">Superhero Pinterest Board</a>.</b><br />
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For a peek at the meeting's agenda, see the unit's <b><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/RedDragonFRG/september-family-night">SlideShare page</a>.</b>My Army Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574710863836331318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667149536233039308.post-18402838923400656292011-09-10T11:47:00.000-05:002011-09-10T11:47:54.076-05:00Personalizing FRG GiftsIn the world of FRGs, you may encounter the need to give a personalized gift ... welcomes, farewells, new babies, anniversaries, and other events arise and you suddenly something to present. One great resource for this (out of many great resources!) is Personalization Mall.<br />
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Here are some ideas:<br />
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<img height="228" id="previewImage" src="http://preview.personalizationmall.com/preview.iglx?igOutput=Jpg85&productid=8265&itemid=25456&value1=Crimson&value2=Julie&value4=3-82+FA+%22Red+Dragons!%22&value3=Chuck&value25=&value25=" width="400" /><br />
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<a href="http://www.personalizationmall.com/Personalized-Canvas-Art-Kiss-Me-Goodnight-Collection-p8265.prod"><strong>Personalized Canvas Art (with optional wooden easel)</strong></a><strong> </strong>~ This personalized art is a great reminder of the unit you're leaving and makes a great farewell gift.<br />
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<img height="400" id="previewImage" src="http://preview.personalizationmall.com/preview.iglx?igOutput=Jpg85&productid=8309&itemid=26395&value1=3-82+FA+%22Red+Dragons!%22&value2=The+Cook+Family" width="400" /><br />
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<a href="http://www.personalizationmall.com/Family-Name-Personalized-Red-Flower-Pot-i26395.item?productid=8309&storeid=15&categoryid=1159"><strong>"Our Family Blooms" Flower Pot</strong></a><strong> </strong>~ Great for a welcome or farewell gift, filled with unit memorabilia or a favorite flower.<br />
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<img height="320" id="previewImage" src="http://preview.personalizationmall.com/preview.iglx?igOutput=Jpg85&productid=10495&itemid=29931&value1=S&value2=HOOAH+and+Cheers!&value3=From+Kyle+%26+Katie&value4=Smith" width="320" /><br />
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<a href="http://www.personalizationmall.com/Personalized-Wine-Bottle-Tags-Holiday-Monogram-p10495.prod"><strong>Personalized Wine Bottle Tags</strong></a> ~ Be THAT person that always has the perfect gift ready to go.<br />
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<img height="400" id="previewImage" src="http://preview.personalizationmall.com/preview.iglx?igOutput=Jpg85&productid=10587&itemid=30081&value1=3-82+FA+Red+Dragons!" width="400" /><br />
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<strong><a href="http://www.personalizationmall.com/Personalized-Bamboo-Cooking-Utensil-Set-p10587.prod">Personalized Bamboo Cooking Utensils</a></strong> ~ Tie on a festive ribbon and you have the perfect hostess gift!<br />
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<img alt="Personalized Gift Ribbon for Birthdays - 9761D" class="product-image" id="ctl00_mainContent_productImage_productImage" name="productImage" src="http://www.personalizationmall.com/cat_image/300/9761D-10172.jpg" /><br />
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<strong><a href="http://www.personalizationmall.com/Personalized-Gift-Ribbon-for-Birthdays-i21502.item?productid=6196&sdest=Search&sdestid=16939737">Personalized Gift Ribbon</a></strong> ~ You can even personalize gift ribbon with any phrase, choose from a variety of colors, and add a graphic from the online graphic list. Great for baby gifts!<br />
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Enjoy browsing at <a href="http://www.personalizationmall.com/"><strong>Personalization Mall</strong></a>!<br />
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We would love to add more resources for gift giving, fundraising, and unit branding. Let us know your favorite places to shop and we'll add those, too!My Army Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574710863836331318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667149536233039308.post-22075076637586332902011-08-22T12:59:00.001-05:002012-08-29T11:42:51.278-05:00Potluck Picnic FRG Meeting<div style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="276" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/72277531_kgwTI6z0_c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Boo Boo Bear's Mission</i></td></tr>
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Our battalion hosted a battalion-wide FRG Family Night in August. It's essentially a combined FRG Meeting, including a potluck dinner, photo slide show of our Soldiers downrange, report from the Rear Detachment Commander, presentation from our brigade MFLC, and battery break-out sessions. </div>
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The kids watched the slide show with us then moved to the back of the room (with a temporary divider) to have some fun with our childcare team. After they enjoyed dinner together, they created their own picnic scenes using <b><a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/design-your-own-picnic-sticker-scenes-a2-57_6607-12-1.fltr?Ntt=picnic">these cute sticker kits from Oriental Trading Company</a></b>.<br />
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A volunteer then read a book titled <u><b><a href="http://www.boo-boo-bears-mission.net/">BooBoo Bear's Mission</a></b></u>, a cute true story of a teddy bear who travels to Iraq to carry a Family's love until they can be together again. Each child then received an adorable "<b><a href="http://opgrat.wordpress.com/2011/05/09/battalion-buddies-supporting-the-children-of-deployed-troops/">Battalion Buddy</a></b>" from the amazing group, <b><a href="http://www.operationgratitude.com/">Operation Gratitude</a></b>. Each box contained a stuffed animal in camoflauge plus two boxes of Girl Scout cookies. If your FRG hasn't ordered these before and your Soldiers are deployed, contact them today! It's a great deal and the kids were thrilled with their gifts!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" height="400" src="http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/267224_10150754477960074_10150100427050074_20541825_5217050_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The meeting started with a potluck "Picnic" dinner.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/283824_10150754477420074_10150100427050074_20541814_2787308_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kids enjoyed a picnic dinner then created their own picnic scene with stickers. Oriental Trading is such a great resource for fun and inexpensive crafts for kids!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/283084_10150754477530074_10150100427050074_20541816_8366124_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"We Love You 'Beary' Much" banner from the kids for their Soldiers.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/262989_10150754480040074_10150100427050074_20541857_3827126_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kids open their Operation Gratitude box ... containing a stuffed animal in camo plus two boxes of Girl Scout cookies. So fun!</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/285114_10150754481195074_10150100427050074_20541871_481250_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kids with their 'battalion buddies' from Operation Gratitude!</i></td></tr>
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See more photos at the battalion Facebook photo album: <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150754477230074.725244.10150100427050074&type=3">August FRG Family Night</a></b>.<br />
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For more ideas on this FRG Meeting theme, visit<b>:</b><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/myarmylife/frg-meeting-teddy-bear-picnic/"><b>FRG Meeting: Teddy Bear Picnic on Pinterest </b></a><b></b><br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/myarmylife/frg-meeting-teddy-bear-picnic/"><b><br /></b></a>
<b><a href="http://pinterest.com/myarmylife/picnic-food-ideas/">Picnic Food Ideas on Pinterest</a></b>My Army Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574710863836331318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667149536233039308.post-5334597433770608272011-07-14T18:57:00.005-05:002012-08-29T11:33:20.404-05:00A Paper Hug FRG Meeting<i>Here's how one FRG recently hosted a battalion-level meeting with a "Paper Hug" theme. Check out lots of fun ideas for this theme at <b><a href="http://pinterest.com/myarmylife/frg-meeting-a-paper-hug/">Pinterest: A Paper Hug FRG Meeting</a></b>!</i><br />
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The childcare team read a book titled, "A Paper Hug" to the kids. It's a must-have book for military kids. You can view it here on Amazon.com: <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Paper-Hug-Stephanie-Skolmoski/dp/0978642503/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312675370&sr=8-1">A Paper Hug by Stephanie Skolmoski</a></b>. <br />
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After reading and discussing the book, all children created paper hugs from construction paper and yarn to send to their Soldiers. Adults assisted the kids in measuring their 'wingspan' and cut yarn to match. The kids traced and cut out the shape of each of their hands then taped it all together to create a paper hug.<br />
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The kids were able to write on and decorate their paper hugs and write on a pre-printed letter for their Soldier. The text of the letter comes directly from the book:</div>
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<b style="display: block; margin: 12px 0px 4px;"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/RedDragonFRG/paper-hug-letter-to-soldier" target="_blank" title="Paper Hug: Letter to Soldier">Paper Hug: Letter to Soldier</a></b> <iframe frameborder="0" height="510" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/8609700" width="477"></iframe><br />
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View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/" target="_blank">documents</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/RedDragonFRG" target="_blank">RedDragon FRG</a> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQCNMXwjLcwFc8H0iMIN5iHVcIBOUMus-vFIGTssXJOXORS7saOmw3E-XuV1QT2De07cw6UzV1JIdzyjDqu_eqjNbbRy50EBRtdUko5mxMkrNbVuvGdNJNYDQEUXWresfH_eBwJKq5bb7/s1600/Hugs1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQCNMXwjLcwFc8H0iMIN5iHVcIBOUMus-vFIGTssXJOXORS7saOmw3E-XuV1QT2De07cw6UzV1JIdzyjDqu_eqjNbbRy50EBRtdUko5mxMkrNbVuvGdNJNYDQEUXWresfH_eBwJKq5bb7/s400/Hugs1.jpg" t="t" true="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Here, a volunteer helps measure the length of one child's 'hug' to create his paper hug for his Soldier.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXG7tp6bQvDEcXHEG5QkPg2jY3KfqNu9thznHDZswd431fIWIjA99-Z91HQ42ZxDBN2VZEp5bAIrqSM8Cat-kCzbaEx4KYKPnDoANELNe7KW861x8WA6fKnLRl-sPBIvz6YIpbrB0tgqtn/s1600/Hugs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXG7tp6bQvDEcXHEG5QkPg2jY3KfqNu9thznHDZswd431fIWIjA99-Z91HQ42ZxDBN2VZEp5bAIrqSM8Cat-kCzbaEx4KYKPnDoANELNe7KW861x8WA6fKnLRl-sPBIvz6YIpbrB0tgqtn/s400/Hugs2.jpg" t="t" true="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>After creating paper hugs and decorating the letters to their Soldiers, the kids were able to write and draw on a "Paper Hug" banner to be sent downrange to the Soldiers.</i></td></tr>
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While the kids were participating in all the paper hug fun, the FRG meeting went on in the adjoining room. The agenda included a letter from the downrange commander, update from forward, photo slide show of Soldiers in action, OPSEC information from the brigade rear detachment commander, and break-outs into small groups (by battery/company). Adults were informed of what their kids were doing and encouraged to also add a note to Soldiers on the banner.My Army Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574710863836331318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667149536233039308.post-48646087917730282832011-06-21T13:46:00.001-05:002011-06-21T13:51:41.635-05:00Success in Sharing StoriesI very clearly remember my first FRG meeting (actually, it was an FSG meeting … back when the title was still “Family Support Group”). I had been married to my fabulous Soldier for several weeks and wanted to see what this Army thing was all about. To start the meeting, the nice lady at the head of the table (whom I later learned was the battalion commander’s wife and the leader of the battalion’s FSG), asked us to introduce ourselves and tell what unit our spouse was in. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, at this point in our Army lives, I had not yet learned … well, … really anything. When my turn came, I remember stammering my husband’s name and informing the group that he was in the Army AND in the Field Artillery! (For those of you not familiar with the Army, ALL of the Soldiers were in the Army AND in the Field Artillery; it was a Field Artillery battalion. My answer just made clear to all that I had no idea about how the Army was organized.)<br />
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My husband gave me a quick tutorial that night and I learned that a Field Artillery battalion was comprised of four batteries and was a part of the division’s Artillery, called DIVARTY. I learned our battery name, our battalion name, and even found out the name of the division we were in. Who knew? Years later, when my husband became the commander of a battery, I knew that I wanted to help every single spouse feel comfortable, invited, and informed. I had learned a lot from that first battalion FSG Leader; she was a wonderfully compassionate, down-to-earth leader who genuinely cared about the Soldiers and Families in the battalion. I knew that was the kind of leader I wanted to be.<br />
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If you are in a leadership position for an Army Family Readiness Group, you likely have the same kind of goals that I did – keep Families informed, support unit readiness, and maintain a flow of communication with your unit members. There are many ways to work toward these goals … taking your local installation FRG Leader training, completing the online <a href="https://www.myarmyonesource.com/skins/aos2/display_ajax.aspx?ModuleID=a53b8c22-018c-40c9-b51f-d6a1263c9889"><b>FRG Leader Training at Army OneSource</b></a><b></b>, and working with fellow FRG Leaders to plan events and activities.<br />
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One of my greatest lessons learned as an FRG Leader was to share ideas with others. Sharing your lessons learned and taking lessons from others is one sure way to get the most of your planning. If you have a story to share, please email <a href="mailto:myarmylife@hotmail.com"><b>myarmylife@hotmail.com</b></a> and submit a blog post today! It will be posted here on the FRG Leader blog to encourage other FRG Leaders.<br />
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If you'd rather not submit an entire post, use the comment section to share ... what was your first experience with an FRG? How did you decide to become a leader? What are your goals for your group?<br />
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Hope to hear from you soon!My Army Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574710863836331318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667149536233039308.post-57374304386084787612011-06-20T01:36:00.000-05:002011-06-20T01:36:13.766-05:00Care Package Idea: Beat the HeatFor Soldiers serving in the oft-oppressive heat of Iraq or Afghanistan, one fun idea for a care package is a "Beat the Heat" collection. <br />
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Start with tucking tissue paper or cellophane in various colors of blue, silver, or white into your care package box. Feel free to decorate with 'cold' themed stickers, too (snow flakes, ice cubes, water drops, etc.). If you have children, they can add paper snowflakes to the box.<br />
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Next, look for some of these items to complete your "Beat the Heat" box. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0KEr0ldZED7zY2BCccBoceuNRBqMuWQyy0dm0gfz6xI_Eyy4ofaBq7i5sDaDHMkX1IJUm7cBjA2ly8vHoPDtpUZrhVRWF0gVP9NQxAKvcS0kTtX0QKjbbChQNDdbTJzayHyLqChVK-Q/s1600/Heat4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0KEr0ldZED7zY2BCccBoceuNRBqMuWQyy0dm0gfz6xI_Eyy4ofaBq7i5sDaDHMkX1IJUm7cBjA2ly8vHoPDtpUZrhVRWF0gVP9NQxAKvcS0kTtX0QKjbbChQNDdbTJzayHyLqChVK-Q/s200/Heat4.jpg" t8="true" width="147" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Unscented, non-greasy Sport sunscreen</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1zrY2WuXVn1CXgPNh_bsf85EqPExZBPqmRtzPotc7ZRqsr9POXT-5LBUB87iechltUoqix3GD9aSpo4lpPTA4ul7gJjSieSRMaYQmAjfwzIXonJVRCV15nLrB3plFxYBNEe5rvFGM_4/s1600/Heat3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1zrY2WuXVn1CXgPNh_bsf85EqPExZBPqmRtzPotc7ZRqsr9POXT-5LBUB87iechltUoqix3GD9aSpo4lpPTA4ul7gJjSieSRMaYQmAjfwzIXonJVRCV15nLrB3plFxYBNEe5rvFGM_4/s200/Heat3.jpg" t8="true" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Sport lip balm with SPF</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEoK7OEtc2y6sDqivvxkAbn3QGOddY4JMkO2HFPH0zIe6nqiBesnsl3QU-x592Vid0eckqQ9vxRrohN8mWE3U6tRf_8duxrQrADulIUXAPyhhARvkDxvmaWfzpN6oVqClYOrhKN_ZJbw/s1600/Heat11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEoK7OEtc2y6sDqivvxkAbn3QGOddY4JMkO2HFPH0zIe6nqiBesnsl3QU-x592Vid0eckqQ9vxRrohN8mWE3U6tRf_8duxrQrADulIUXAPyhhARvkDxvmaWfzpN6oVqClYOrhKN_ZJbw/s200/Heat11.jpg" t8="true" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjR7Rj_D7LqrFRxIVjEZCjHlWsi4kls3OWlloGGLCVMPaYGuuCQ6mZIuAFHDKqStHJMQj6i5TPx9CMqbdDmbsGxxyHwHDN2zFkT84AsdwW3IwHoD96dKo12Tdph-E_100bGBwWjTltzds/s1600/Heat6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjR7Rj_D7LqrFRxIVjEZCjHlWsi4kls3OWlloGGLCVMPaYGuuCQ6mZIuAFHDKqStHJMQj6i5TPx9CMqbdDmbsGxxyHwHDN2zFkT84AsdwW3IwHoD96dKo12Tdph-E_100bGBwWjTltzds/s200/Heat6.jpg" t8="true" width="200" /></a> </div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Water flavors like Propel or MIO</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-9EWLeJ2-Hl4na7bCAKE8twnuJGmaIA9wEEG4lGkSZrqbmCev0LIEq6r4GdgeX92OF1Yu08kkZEYzJdof3Wb9DigfDFT5GA8wbWbmFnY5y3eXaD-svnBB5seM4fOSIuSweebbRIVlAw/s1600/heat13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-9EWLeJ2-Hl4na7bCAKE8twnuJGmaIA9wEEG4lGkSZrqbmCev0LIEq6r4GdgeX92OF1Yu08kkZEYzJdof3Wb9DigfDFT5GA8wbWbmFnY5y3eXaD-svnBB5seM4fOSIuSweebbRIVlAw/s200/heat13.jpg" t8="true" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FrkWDn5AI8xw53IlBxh_XfZ80wSajr778fwizdj7FxzfQQSYlmll7gJvpZKqfP8hEia5DIyDmGyN7wA9SdIFYdX6aaTwonXf5bQhnLD1iJNJngBNVxPbVZKS5sHLvCkkuZtbc0H6ad8/s1600/heat12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FrkWDn5AI8xw53IlBxh_XfZ80wSajr778fwizdj7FxzfQQSYlmll7gJvpZKqfP8hEia5DIyDmGyN7wA9SdIFYdX6aaTwonXf5bQhnLD1iJNJngBNVxPbVZKS5sHLvCkkuZtbc0H6ad8/s200/heat12.jpg" t8="true" width="200" /></a> </div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Dentyne ICE or Ice Breakers Ice Cubes gum</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqS5UtdWpBj8ScGikHb2cLSyCFJ28mSHBsi-shVEV_2CXqrLuRtViCohfV4OJDpSOsKeBssivouxg60KCSVj5341tpDseOGzptiUBuv98zX8LMvqV3aHR-wBKloIZX7fZiNOrKEARvZYw/s1600/Heat8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqS5UtdWpBj8ScGikHb2cLSyCFJ28mSHBsi-shVEV_2CXqrLuRtViCohfV4OJDpSOsKeBssivouxg60KCSVj5341tpDseOGzptiUBuv98zX8LMvqV3aHR-wBKloIZX7fZiNOrKEARvZYw/s200/Heat8.jpg" t8="true" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>USB or battery-operated personal fan</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vBUWFNU3GFWCHnEDy5j-nAxnfdaHgHviUKo0vvcTxwXVtflDuLJ0cbzDpHudzwB4l_o_D38u0dtERfmugpDfluP7uhGoQrgdGdLs_tPBPuVevid4HPDk90YwunfdEPbQAR03I6BN3C0/s1600/Heat10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vBUWFNU3GFWCHnEDy5j-nAxnfdaHgHviUKo0vvcTxwXVtflDuLJ0cbzDpHudzwB4l_o_D38u0dtERfmugpDfluP7uhGoQrgdGdLs_tPBPuVevid4HPDk90YwunfdEPbQAR03I6BN3C0/s200/Heat10.jpg" t8="true" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Personal mister like this one from MISTYMATE</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpiAKf0XQBo0n5MUbB2o1lRTZFOTO6uk5qtiBvRPcxuJnoTnyq15NtskDbgOIXUDkArBK6KyxwR_b-rGLqc4lCv5L74fk6mBRtRbPNVCOsmhqcpCvCcOryqzBLFeSb38uqqDEFvHDROYI/s1600/Heat1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpiAKf0XQBo0n5MUbB2o1lRTZFOTO6uk5qtiBvRPcxuJnoTnyq15NtskDbgOIXUDkArBK6KyxwR_b-rGLqc4lCv5L74fk6mBRtRbPNVCOsmhqcpCvCcOryqzBLFeSb38uqqDEFvHDROYI/s200/Heat1.jpg" t8="true" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Disposable "Cool Off" towlettes</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJQaaGdQjwTOx1lGK4NAhqyhFbfNz1LGDJ0tLp6fm60bJ314TK7gBmu_qrh8XNSeDSqbB-E5wr6oJcM8v_mXuHmUw1qxqDFGeKzJdj5Uk-gFYjegizbwwBveSPrtKHk629Y3-acMz6vg/s1600/heat14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJQaaGdQjwTOx1lGK4NAhqyhFbfNz1LGDJ0tLp6fm60bJ314TK7gBmu_qrh8XNSeDSqbB-E5wr6oJcM8v_mXuHmUw1qxqDFGeKzJdj5Uk-gFYjegizbwwBveSPrtKHk629Y3-acMz6vg/s200/heat14.jpg" t8="true" width="189" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Rubik's Ice Cube game</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSAXE2-FdwEm-lZfaljqpDWZMv0UYjjZZJr2ry3HWo35qNqRlV1P-7t0YUKVT2wZbJw6kA2W4-t4pO_Z3q-v75B1o93styKlT3GP1VxhKGmIIqVjGan4qeVb2BHB0pS1PiBtR57cLnLo/s1600/Heat16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSAXE2-FdwEm-lZfaljqpDWZMv0UYjjZZJr2ry3HWo35qNqRlV1P-7t0YUKVT2wZbJw6kA2W4-t4pO_Z3q-v75B1o93styKlT3GP1VxhKGmIIqVjGan4qeVb2BHB0pS1PiBtR57cLnLo/s200/Heat16.jpg" t8="true" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Hockey Ice Dice game</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmBVAVFENxzPdFMUtWjZ3PbEK9hevf2bud-6rF9HBsjtlKi9vdWurjhkaKKshf9W6bmk6bIZ848QO6R5L5otN5OmbYK5i6EXMW3osaBYFMr3bHYFxrWZZxx8iFgpwAkL98HBV-VVobFo/s1600/Heat22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmBVAVFENxzPdFMUtWjZ3PbEK9hevf2bud-6rF9HBsjtlKi9vdWurjhkaKKshf9W6bmk6bIZ848QO6R5L5otN5OmbYK5i6EXMW3osaBYFMr3bHYFxrWZZxx8iFgpwAkL98HBV-VVobFo/s200/Heat22.jpg" t8="true" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Supersoaker Arctic Blast Water Blaster</em><em></em></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7JpyOnHMOAJDHOcRR6o6q_6XoOJXgnweFeZCzT79LPozOTX2QxQ_vWKRJwEJsHT1D9PwXo7sUN0aJ47NTYnXwu-kdvfs9aNjUaixWEUCsUly0L8bhW5oYc9GBESTyH74JLISPF82-dY/s1600/heat3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7JpyOnHMOAJDHOcRR6o6q_6XoOJXgnweFeZCzT79LPozOTX2QxQ_vWKRJwEJsHT1D9PwXo7sUN0aJ47NTYnXwu-kdvfs9aNjUaixWEUCsUly0L8bhW5oYc9GBESTyH74JLISPF82-dY/s200/heat3.jpg" t8="true" width="141" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Movies like: 2012 Ice Age, Cool Runnings, Cool Hand Luke, Ice Castles, The Ice Storm, The Cutting Edge, or Ice Age</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>You can Google "ice" or "cool" to find book titles to send as well. I like to try <a href="http://www.amazon.com/">http://www.amazon.com/</a> and see what they have; there were lots of book options there! <br />
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Here are a few more fun ideas to add to your "Beat the Heat" box ...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoxTxx1snMcf2ie1z8zEQfuQpF0ULLEguRebErXn_ecb1iLVcDg5oTkkhF0QFc-1F-VHCmZR7Sl531XlUvRi2c7yoPwPoKQOQBosGwCGIvDxoIzmGzUEHwCotGqhX2Y8PuWq21j4RCus/s1600/Heat9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoxTxx1snMcf2ie1z8zEQfuQpF0ULLEguRebErXn_ecb1iLVcDg5oTkkhF0QFc-1F-VHCmZR7Sl531XlUvRi2c7yoPwPoKQOQBosGwCGIvDxoIzmGzUEHwCotGqhX2Y8PuWq21j4RCus/s320/Heat9.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://www.polar-products.com/index.php?p=view_product&product_id=142">Cool Military Combo at Polar-Products</a></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">For military duty in hot climates comes a combo with tan neck and wrist wraps, a helmet liner, and a canteen cooler! No ice needed.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjei2SR-fwQJ2lnWjnJZn6rr30PPEMttPq2-8USSBasLF1N183jhcV24HLjrMJZ8_DZ9kNk20bKHf68MXHJFPu4AfXnFYxY2v9ZG69X6faHlYU_hKrvnqQp1OGttcw2ISj-mfXCSZDVGH4/s1600/Heat1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjei2SR-fwQJ2lnWjnJZn6rr30PPEMttPq2-8USSBasLF1N183jhcV24HLjrMJZ8_DZ9kNk20bKHf68MXHJFPu4AfXnFYxY2v9ZG69X6faHlYU_hKrvnqQp1OGttcw2ISj-mfXCSZDVGH4/s1600/Heat1.jpg" t8="true" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>The Chilly Pad from <a href="http://www.froggtoggs.com/#cooling/details/CP100/">Froggtoggs.com</a></strong></div><br />
The <strong>Chilly Pad<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">®</span></sup></strong> provides an innovative way to cool down while enduring outdoor heat and/or high levels of physical activity. Perfect for anyone engaged in sports or work, the <strong>Chilly Pad</strong> is made from a hyper-evaporative material that retains water while remaining dry to the touch. When wet, the towel begins to evaporate and cool, providing cool, soft comfort to the user. When it stops cooling (about 1-4 hours, depending on conditions), you simply re-wet the towel in hot or cold water and wring it out. Within minutes, it's cool again. It's also machine washable, and comes in its own storage container for years of reliable use. Handy size: 27" x 17"<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/37/CF4EFEEDFB7F7A87D81D0503978D080D.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>My Army Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574710863836331318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667149536233039308.post-16317298269855061152011-06-09T01:41:00.001-05:002011-06-20T02:54:14.751-05:00Caution: Deployment Challenges AheadOur battalion recently hosted a FRG Family Night (aka battalion-level FRG meeting). Our theme? Caution: Deployment Challenges Ahead. Our message for the evening was that challenges are sure to arise during the deployment but we're all in this together. We want our FRG to provide as much information and share as many resources as possible to cope with the challenges that are to come.<br />
<br />
During the meeting, we showed photos of our Soldiers from downrange, shared information with Families, and earned our "Self Care Cards" from the hospital representative (which allows card holders to receive free over-the-counter medications from on-post pharmacies). After the formal part of the meeting, we split into company-level FRGs so that FRG Leaders could talk company business with their Families. Our Family Readiness Support Assistant (FRSA) and Rear Detachment Commander (RDC) made rounds to each group to answer questions and record any issues that needed further review.<br />
<br />
For the kids, we wanted to create a memory-making craft. Hopefully, it would also serve as a tool for the kids to deal with some of the emotions they will experience during this deployment. Our volunteers started by having the children sculpt with homemade play-dough. Suggestions were given for the kids ... "Make two hearts with your play-dough ... Now try to create a red dragon!" This turned out to be a really good "filler" activity until all the kids arrived.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/254883_10150641241775074_10150100427050074_19384605_3212961_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>One of the play-dough red dragons!</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Volunteers led the kids in a discussion of our theme for the night, "Deployment: Challenges Ahead." Each child had a set of peel-and-stick stickers (found at Hobby Lobby) that matched the traffic signs on the worksheet below. As a volunteer read the worksheet, kids were peeling and sticking traffic sign stickers onto their page. It was an easy, hands-on way to make sure kids got the message that they always have somewhere to turn when they experience deployment challenges.<br />
<div id="__ss_8359706" style="width: 477px;"><strong style="display: block; margin: 12px 0px 4px;"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/RedDragonFRG/caution-deployment-challenges-ahead" title="Caution: Deployment Challenges Ahead">Caution: Deployment Challenges Ahead</a></strong> <iframe frameborder="0" height="510" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/8359706" width="477"></iframe><br />
<div style="padding-bottom: 12px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;">View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/">documents</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/RedDragonFRG">RedDragon FRG</a> </div></div>Next, a volunteer read from the book, <u>The Wishing Tree</u> by Mary Redman.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/1934617024/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="AmazonHelp"><img alt="The Wishing Tree" border="0" height="400" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51npdP6NjyL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>The Wishing Tree is a wonderful story about a girl who stays close to her deployed dad by writing to him on yellow ribbons that she attaches to her "wishing tree." </em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Afterwards, the kids all chose their very own "wishing tree" and decorated a strip of paper cut to fit the soup can that served as the base of the tree. For decorations, we provided crayons, markers, and a variety of peel-and-stick stickers.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/260230_10150641243850074_10150100427050074_19384656_6363567_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Children working on their "Wishing Trees."</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotoTheaterCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248781_10150641247450074_10150100427050074_19384769_6797546_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>The kids really enjoyed tying on notes to their deployed Soldiers.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>It seemed to be a hit with the kids and they enjoyed writing notes on yellow ribbons then tying them to their trees. We provided enough ribbon for each child to get started, but Families will have to add to that for the kids to continue to utilize their wishing tree.<br />
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<strong>This is how we made our "wishing" trees:</strong><br />
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Items Needed:<br />
<ul><li>sturdy branches</li>
<li>empty, clean soup cans</li>
<li>Plaster of Paris or "Pottery Plaster"</li>
<li>bucket or bowl to mix the plaster, water, wooden or metal spoon</li>
<li>construction paper, scissors</li>
<li>clear tape</li>
<li>decorations for the construction paper wraps: crayons, markers, stickers</li>
<li>strips of yellow ribbon (big enough to write a short message on)</li>
</ul>A volunteer cut branches from her back yard and donated 35 sturdy tree limbs for us to use. One afternoon, a couple of us got together and used empty soup cans and something called "Pottery Plaster" to create the base. (I went to Hobby Lobby in search of Plaster of Paris but this is what I found instead.) We followed the directions on the "Pottery Plaster" container to create a pancake-batter-like mix, poured the mix into the clean soup cans (to a little over half full), then inserted one tree limb per can. It dries fairly quickly so we had to make sure the trees were standing straight as they dried.<br />
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Before the meeting, we cut several strips of construction paper to fit around the soup cans. At the meeting, we let kids pick their strip and decorate it before wrapping around the soup can base. We also cut yellow ribbon into strips so the kids could leave with 3 - 4 yellow ribbons on their trees. <br />
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Other ideas for Families to do on their own: add stones, glitter, marbles, or other decorations to fill up the rest of the soup can; add more decorations to the construction paper wrap; add more ribbon or tie notecards to the branches with notes to the Soldier on them.<br />
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We were pleased with the outcome of our wishing trees and look forward to more fun projects in the future!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/37/CF4EFEEDFB7F7A87D81D0503978D080D.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>My Army Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574710863836331318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667149536233039308.post-3432199267557283782011-05-20T01:37:00.000-05:002011-06-20T01:38:19.575-05:00Care Package Idea: Comforts of HomeWhen deployed far away, Soldiers can really miss all of the comforts of home. Sending a few items to make your Soldier more comfortable in his 'home away from home' is one way to show your support. Here are some ideas for enhancing their living space.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B003V562AS/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=1055398&s=home-garden" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="AmazonHelp"><img alt="Dorm Bedding Set: Dorm-Room-In-a-Box: Comforter, Sheet Set, Mattress Pad, Pillow, Towel set - Navy Red - Twin XL 10 Pc SET" border="0" height="200" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Rp54BewrL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>This is a "Dorm" Bedding in a Bag set, complete with Twin XL comforter, sheet set, mattress pad, pillow, and towel set. Most Soldiers can utilize bedding provide for them, but finding a neutral bedding set to send is an easy way to boost morale and make sleeping a little more comfortable.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sleep-Better-Iso-Cool-Memory-Pillow/dp/images/B000ZK5UVY/ref=dp_image_z_1_0?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&img=0&color_name=1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="AmazonHelp"><img alt="Sleep Better Iso-Cool Memory Foam Pillow" border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31w0Sm%2B8TcL._AA300_.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>This "Sleep Better Iso-Cool Memory Foam Pillow" adjusts to body temperature and will help keep your Soldier cool at night. A good pillow can go a long way to ensuring your Soldier gets the quality sleep he needs.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crane-Drop-Shape-Cool-Humidifier/dp/images/B004A7ALT4/ref=dp_image_z_5_0?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&img=0&color_name=5" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="AmazonHelp"><img alt="Crane Drop Shape Cool Mist Humidifier" border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31Ou2voFTqL._AA300_.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>This Cool Mist Humidifier by Crane provides moisture for dry cough, sinus irritation, and dry skin. It can also relieve congestion from allergy and asthmatic type symptoms.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<img height="105" id="main-image" rel="" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31My6RxjgJL._SX342_.jpg" style="display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Is your Soldier conducting a lot of night missions? A sleep mask may help him get the rest he needs, even if he needs to sleep during the day.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Home-Dynamix-Area-Rugs-DT520-450/dp/images/B003X3TWKK/ref=dp_image_1_0?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&img=0&color_name=1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="AmazonHelp"><img alt="Home Dynamix Area Rugs: Tivoli Indoor Outdoor Rug: DT520-450 Charcoal Black" border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51YhAUNXxqL._AA300_.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>An area rug can catch (some of the) dust from the outdoors and provide a comfortable reminder of home.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B001H35NWY/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=1055398&s=home-garden" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="AmazonHelp"><img alt="Stacking Wire Storage Cubes - Set of 4 in Silver" border="0" height="200" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51v-yTC3ItL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Easy to ship, easy to assemble storage cubes are the perfect place to organize military gear and personal items in your Soldier's living area.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Brand New Motorola 7 Dual Digital Photo Frames With Slideshow Supports Multiple Memory Card Formats" border="0" class="prod_image_selector" height="200" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31RgAS27yIL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>A digital photo frame filled with snapshots of loved ones is the perfect way to keep your Soldier feeling the love from home.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<img class="prod_image_selector" height="200" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31rzPyi9HgL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>A battery-operated lamp can be handy for late-night reading, writing letters, or catching up on emails.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Lysol Neutra Air Freshmatic Automatic Spray Kit, Fresh Scent" border="0" height="200" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/414Dny%2BnXFL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Battery-operated air fresheners can help your Soldier's living space smell a little more like home.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Senseo 7810 Single-Serve Gourmet Coffee Machine, Black" border="0" height="200" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31YxlruxhHL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>If your Soldier is a coffee-lover, this single-serve coffee maker by Senseo is a must.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I hope this list sparks some ideas for you to help your Soldier feel more at home while he is away. I would love to hear YOUR ideas, what you've sent, and what your Soldier loves to receive!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/37/CF4EFEEDFB7F7A87D81D0503978D080D.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>My Army Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574710863836331318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667149536233039308.post-47386821062800700452011-04-20T01:39:00.001-05:002011-06-20T01:40:43.004-05:00Care Package Idea: Keeping It CleanAny deployed Soldier can testify to the amount of dust and dirt that accumulates during their time away. Here are some ways to help your Soldier keep clean while he is away. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><img height="200" id="main-image" rel="" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/415qc1MbECL._SX342_.jpg" style="display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><em>A hanging toiletry bag is a convenient way to organize personal items when sharing showers.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Sea To Summit Dry Lite Towel" border="0" height="200" id="ctl03_AUTO_0_ctlProductImage1_imgProductImage" src="http://www.snsimg.info/Image/Product/Large/STSDT.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>This "Sea to Summit Dry Lite Towel" is extra-large and extra-absorbent yet packs easily.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="200" id="main-image" rel="" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41UKas0NfLL._SY395_.jpg" style="display: inline; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>This is the SM102BK New Balance SM102 Shower/After Sport Sandal, important for keeping your Soldier's feet off of the shared shower floor.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B0019CU2GU/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=3760911&s=beauty" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="AmazonHelp"><img alt="Ace Fogless Shower Mirror 1 ea" border="0" height="200" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31ZXtwmDkUL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em> A Fogless Shower Mirror could prove useful for getting that Soldier-close shave.</em></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dove-Care-Body-Count-Ounce/dp/images/B004AQW68E/ref=dp_image_1-2_0?ie=UTF8&s=beauty&img=0&color_name=1-2" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="AmazonHelp"><img alt="Dove Men and Care Body and Face Bar, 8 Count (4.25 Ounce Each)" border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41uHHd4VsoL._AA300_.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Bar soap is another way to make sure your Soldier gets nice and clean.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B000R9XMU4/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=1055398&s=home-garden" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="AmazonHelp"><img alt="Travel Soap Dish - Blue" border="0" height="200" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31kOHq6qqOL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Don't forget a travel soap dish!</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B0030GVS2U/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=3760911&s=beauty" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="AmazonHelp"><img alt="Dove Men+Care Active Clean Shower Tool 1 ea" border="0" height="200" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61S5eEsjg8L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Shower soap and "shower tool" will help scrub away caked-on desert dust.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B002VA4FVM/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=3760911&s=beauty" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="AmazonHelp"><img alt="Axe Dual 2 In 1 Shampoo + Conditioner, 22-ounce Bottles (Pack of 2)" border="0" height="200" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31YeyCQNDuL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Any 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner combination is great for guys on the go.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Dry Dark Temptation Invisible Solid Deodorant Stic AXE 2.7 oz Deodorant Stick For Men" border="0" height="200" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/311DfAd1S2L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Be sure to include your Soldier's favorite anti-perspirant/deodorant in your care package kit!</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B0018C1K58/ref=dp_image_z_0?ie=UTF8&n=3760901&s=hpc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="AmazonHelp"><img alt="Violight iZap UV Toothbrush Sanitizer (Colors May Vary)" border="0" height="200" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41rtHzc1fdL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>A toothbrush sanitizer keeps your Soldier's toothbrush clean and ready to go.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>These are some starter ideas for lots of great things you can send to your Soldier. Other "keeping it clean" items might include: shower gel, toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, shaving gel, shaving razors, body powder, hand sanitizer, hand wipes, nail brush, nail clippers, loofah brush, or washcloths.<br />
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What are your Soldier's favorites? Please share your ideas!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/37/CF4EFEEDFB7F7A87D81D0503978D080D.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>My Army Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574710863836331318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667149536233039308.post-86783530946569799772011-02-13T21:39:00.004-06:002011-02-13T21:46:44.440-06:00Dog Tags for Kids ProjectAll information for this blog post was taken directly from the <a href="http://www.dogtagsforkids.com/"><b>Dog Tags for Kids</b></a> website. Visit today!<br />
<br />
<div style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></div><div style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img class="floatRight" height="229" src="http://www.dogtagsforkids.com/photos/Ian_with_dog_tag.jpg" width="200" /> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The Dog Tags for Kids Project is dedicated to helping United States Service men and women in most harm's way connect with their children at home. Specially engraved Dog Tags in the appropriate service color are provided FREE to the service members for their children. Dog tags are engraved "With Love From Dad, U.S. Army, Iraq 2011."<br />
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The dog tags must come from the parents so all dog tags are sent to Iraq, Kuwait, or Afghanistan at the request of the service members to send to their children; from their hearts to their children’s hearts. We are a grassroots project depending entirely on volunteers and donations to continue this mission. All donations go through the <a href="http://kidscharitiesoftheav.com/"><b>Kids Charities of the Antelope Valley</b></a>, a 501(c)3 charity. Our goal is to see the every parent soldier in most harm's way who wants a dog tag for his/her children receives one at no charge to the service member or their families. </div><h4>Our Values</h4><ul><li>We never sell, share, or disclose any information received from military members requesting dog tags.</li>
<li>We never quote any military member, family member, or other interested party unless they give us direct permission.</li>
<li>We never sell or share donor information.</li>
<li>Donors have the option of making anonymous donations.</li>
<li>Donors names are never passed on to other organizations.</li>
<li>We do not publish any photos without written permission and all names are removed to protect the privacy of each individual.</li>
<li>We are absolutely committed to maintaining this project as apolitical.</li>
<li>We respect everyone’s right to free speech but we will not condone ANYONE treating the military with less then the complete respect they deserve.</li>
</ul><h4>The Story Behind The Effort</h4>We heard a story about a Soldier who was in Iraq, and he wanted to sent his kids a package. They were so excited to receive it because they got something from Dad who had been away for some time. He sent the only things he had access to: a couple of band aids and some sun screen. The kids didn't care, after all, it came from Dad!!<br />
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We tried to think of something we could send Mom or Dad that they could easily send back to their kids. What soldier's child doesn't want a dog tag of their own, especially one like Mom or Dad wears?<br />
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The older kids can put it on their key rings, the little ones can put it on their back pack or jacket zippers and the middle kids can actually wear it since we are sending them all with chains.<br />
<h4>100% of Your Donation Delivers Smiles</h4><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.dogtagsforkids.com/photos/CIMG2187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" class="floatRight" height="264" src="http://www.dogtagsforkids.com/photos/CIMG2187.jpg" width="200" /></a><strong>Help us send dog tags to troops in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan so they can send them to their kids back home! </strong><br />
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This is a grassroots effort to show our support for the troops and their families. We tried to think of something we could send Dad or Mom that they could easily send back to their kids. This is something easy to ship and <a href="http://www.dogtagsforkids.com/samples.php">something the kids can hang on to</a> until Dad or Mom gets back home.<br />
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Your <a href="http://www.dogtagsforkids.com/donate.php">donation</a> will help send a tag in the appropriate service color to an appreciative service member. There is NO charge to the service member or their family for these tags. As of January 2011, we have sent 608,575 tags to the troops overseas to send home to their children. Please help us make a difference and thank our troops by putting a smile on their kid's faces!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP185p5-DMr__ArrN6tJbjyGRwXeiogZyiS9xdJYz8QQtNyB4p2ix4hVgWKA1LjyfAI7gZtTLa2yo1v4Jf_5RawRALI1c8SFUpo4IUrucg7Y6PByXAlC4_uWO-Z0NkiaOWrqnjs3k4sxKt/s1600/Dog+Tags+for+Kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP185p5-DMr__ArrN6tJbjyGRwXeiogZyiS9xdJYz8QQtNyB4p2ix4hVgWKA1LjyfAI7gZtTLa2yo1v4Jf_5RawRALI1c8SFUpo4IUrucg7Y6PByXAlC4_uWO-Z0NkiaOWrqnjs3k4sxKt/s400/Dog+Tags+for+Kids.jpg" width="356" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/37/CF4EFEEDFB7F7A87D81D0503978D080D.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>My Army Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574710863836331318noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667149536233039308.post-88204994806971573532011-02-09T10:39:00.003-06:002011-02-12T18:41:47.447-06:00Gifts for Families of the Fallen<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZ5yLc8ur5MV-YNLeHt5paLVlxf5VGAYz2DR-TiODJ0VPp6VSqS-asMVaH2lBkgW223Yz8JQSmLaDLLyGzKGyFYv1SBTlvzvBp7bq4gmrDRS5BVKwOVNLz0N36YOiUWuK8eYM4_7Ccyed/s1600/Always+in+our+hearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZ5yLc8ur5MV-YNLeHt5paLVlxf5VGAYz2DR-TiODJ0VPp6VSqS-asMVaH2lBkgW223Yz8JQSmLaDLLyGzKGyFYv1SBTlvzvBp7bq4gmrDRS5BVKwOVNLz0N36YOiUWuK8eYM4_7Ccyed/s320/Always+in+our+hearts.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>From Operation Remembrance</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>A small token, a simple gesture means so much to someone in the aftermath of the death of a loved one. It allows them to know you are thinking of them and remembering their hero. TAPS is pleased to provide the following links to gifts for Families and loved ones of our men and women in uniform who devoted their lives in service to their country.<br />
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<i>The list below is not a complete listing and does not imply endorsement by TAPS. Please check the websites below for further information and specific details of eligibility.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.angelsoflove.org/"><strong>Angels of Love</strong></a> provides a stained-glass, gold-plated Angel that is branch specific.<br />
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<a href="http://www.projectneverforget.com/"><strong>Project Never Forget</strong></a> provides the family one personalized 3-D photo charm memorializing their loved one.<br />
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<a href="http://www.operationthankfulnation.com/"><strong>Operation Thankful Nation</strong></a> provides personalized porcelain keepsake ornament and Comfort CD.<br />
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<a href="http://www.marinecomfortquilts.us/"><strong>Marine Comfort Quilts</strong></a> provides handmade quilt to families of the fallen in any branch of the military.<br />
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<a href="http://www.heropaintings.com/"><strong>Project Compassion</strong></a> provides free hand painted portraits, framed and shipped.<br />
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<a href="http://www.fallenheroesproject.org/"><strong>Fallen Heroes Project</strong></a> provides a free portrait of fallen Soldier by artist Michael Reagan.<br />
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<a href="http://www.soldiersangels.com/"><strong>Soldiers Angels' Living Legends</strong></a> offers each family a wreath or live memorial tree and coordinates Portraits of Memory.<br />
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<a href="http://www.operationremembrance.org/"><strong>Operation Remembrance</strong></a> provides memory boxes to the Families of the fallen.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sacrificeforfreedom.org/"><strong>Sacrifice for Freedom</strong></a> offers a small hand built memorial sculpture for Families of fallen Soldiers.<br />
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<a href="http://www.soldiersportraits-mwilcox.net/"><strong>Soldiers Portraits</strong></a> provides pastel portraits by Martha Wilcox for the Families and friends of fallen heroes.<br />
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<em>Source: <strong><a href="http://www.taps.org/gifts.aspx">TAPS.org</a></strong></em><br />
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<strong><em>Thank you to Melissa Hermosillo for this information from TAPS.org!</em></strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/37/CF4EFEEDFB7F7A87D81D0503978D080D.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>My Army Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574710863836331318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667149536233039308.post-51120010017619208502011-01-24T08:08:00.001-06:002011-01-24T08:11:22.958-06:00Craft Bags for KidsTo organize the activities for kids during our Family Nights (essentially battalion-wide Family Readiness Group meetings), our volunteers created "craft bags." The craft bags contained a short note of instruction for the kids and materials for all of the activities for the night. Gallon-size Ziploc bags worked well. Here is an example of what was in our last Family Night bags ...<br />
<ol><li>Note of Instruction (see photo below)</li>
<li>Booklet (see blog post:<strong><a href="http://frgleader.blogspot.com/2011/01/i-love-us-army-soldier.html"> I Love a US Army Soldier</a></strong>)</li>
<li>small book ring for the booklet</li>
<li>snack-size Ziploc bag with a length of stretchy string and two heart beads (see blog post: <strong><a href="http://frgleader.blogspot.com/2011/01/invisible-string.html">The Invisible String</a></strong>)</li>
<li>snack-size Ziploc bag with a ball of homemade red play dough</li>
</ol><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3AijqJeQUS6Cj16O7nX90IuBmq_4x8lTwlvtbhs62uRHOXSn42ssxGKhYWR4bkATs-bGLatfCeEyuOmanzrVoV3pOT7LhBiHdMTjoEs48Gni-DftMdVGCWMKqh8ZBPNicK1sjAc7tQjl/s1600/Kid+Craft+Bag_Jan+2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3AijqJeQUS6Cj16O7nX90IuBmq_4x8lTwlvtbhs62uRHOXSn42ssxGKhYWR4bkATs-bGLatfCeEyuOmanzrVoV3pOT7LhBiHdMTjoEs48Gni-DftMdVGCWMKqh8ZBPNicK1sjAc7tQjl/s400/Kid+Craft+Bag_Jan+2011.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Note of Instructions for the kids</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-v3kWMddzEzEOVhkNUI731dyAwl2JHQvN5npNoGPjNSYURHQyf8uG2Y-13sE58FGrxRhwsJoalKlcZyulbrCTOst8iF4DmZ6yQVRXShPltQs_UI45Qqc6zET-XLnGYZ-cLoOI02Qz-fat/s1600/IMG_0114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-v3kWMddzEzEOVhkNUI731dyAwl2JHQvN5npNoGPjNSYURHQyf8uG2Y-13sE58FGrxRhwsJoalKlcZyulbrCTOst8iF4DmZ6yQVRXShPltQs_UI45Qqc6zET-XLnGYZ-cLoOI02Qz-fat/s400/IMG_0114.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Snapshot of the kids' Craft Bags</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>It takes some prep work before the meeting, but really helps out the volunteers working with kids, and the large Ziploc bags give the kids an easy way to get all of their things home.<br />
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<strong><em>~ Traci Cook</em></strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/37/CF4EFEEDFB7F7A87D81D0503978D080D.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>My Army Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574710863836331318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667149536233039308.post-55512892178701366132011-01-23T23:39:00.002-06:002011-01-24T16:57:27.233-06:00I Love a US Army SoldierThe kids at our recent battalion Family Night completed a short booklet to explain more about where their Soldier is currently training. It's a simple Word document that we printed in two columns then cut right down the middle.<br />
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The kids punched one hole in the top left-hand corner of the page then used reinforcement stickers around the holes (not essential but fun for the kids). Then, they connected all of their pages with a small book ring. Here are the pages:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRDjikI05WYML97hpKeaaD9kw9Nlio0-T0gqC6WBhL91MlGlAYcVnGNiCWpuWTvlmFVquIOj-lACIKOThP2pvoyoRwz5i4IG88sdb6SaRsBAuPQ_hfxkBDBj2Wm8890IfYlaJOhiFBwqs/s1600/PolkBooklet1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRDjikI05WYML97hpKeaaD9kw9Nlio0-T0gqC6WBhL91MlGlAYcVnGNiCWpuWTvlmFVquIOj-lACIKOThP2pvoyoRwz5i4IG88sdb6SaRsBAuPQ_hfxkBDBj2Wm8890IfYlaJOhiFBwqs/s320/PolkBooklet1.JPG" width="215" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfhRLwdebsZcI7RxK0lz3Z6-D6Wgb6_-WO_w0xJfWWkxRU80gQTBpa_U2BatUKsHRw3opsj56gTRbHmruNifJyE3IY2cRG7pGiN7tFbjywWsi7NP7XceaQs2wgId6DSUoeoexMc2mgucC/s1600/PolkBooklet1A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfhRLwdebsZcI7RxK0lz3Z6-D6Wgb6_-WO_w0xJfWWkxRU80gQTBpa_U2BatUKsHRw3opsj56gTRbHmruNifJyE3IY2cRG7pGiN7tFbjywWsi7NP7XceaQs2wgId6DSUoeoexMc2mgucC/s320/PolkBooklet1A.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8C_Pcj5uzrmEMNvCin4WlM6z7K-McsJnwxjBJQS7NcPLCxUgkG0OdKnQXmGA9uyDeXYDxi0iYJTgav7tFZptvkiq9TopfbBx2lNJqAZCT3wcwW-5Az3XMjEcYdVa7vF2ZckSR5DgTqnL2/s1600/PolkBook2A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8C_Pcj5uzrmEMNvCin4WlM6z7K-McsJnwxjBJQS7NcPLCxUgkG0OdKnQXmGA9uyDeXYDxi0iYJTgav7tFZptvkiq9TopfbBx2lNJqAZCT3wcwW-5Az3XMjEcYdVa7vF2ZckSR5DgTqnL2/s320/PolkBook2A.JPG" width="205" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtS3suid-qnclzwpPSkgR23rRHP89fdFwsul1jVtyaB0yjQ89OV7iC_swrjCTmCHrU77a92y7aNyoufBcjPpa4uN97wP6SXHfIB4-wLrEZe-IFbPousaZVLjtakh1jbciXTBifgSt7fE3/s1600/PolkBook2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtS3suid-qnclzwpPSkgR23rRHP89fdFwsul1jVtyaB0yjQ89OV7iC_swrjCTmCHrU77a92y7aNyoufBcjPpa4uN97wP6SXHfIB4-wLrEZe-IFbPousaZVLjtakh1jbciXTBifgSt7fE3/s320/PolkBook2.JPG" width="205" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDS1vj3Le7-uODL_AXsnMj4sq4oUuZ_6wgnMSfw0RYEjr5SGNKbdVeGXUMwmGl2Xbz3CSpezpObA2_nRHdI3Wq7VETMdlgqYFykeb2esPe9w2sTTCpP6_2U28GBXEsUOXIg-S43fArC0J/s1600/PolkBook3A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDS1vj3Le7-uODL_AXsnMj4sq4oUuZ_6wgnMSfw0RYEjr5SGNKbdVeGXUMwmGl2Xbz3CSpezpObA2_nRHdI3Wq7VETMdlgqYFykeb2esPe9w2sTTCpP6_2U28GBXEsUOXIg-S43fArC0J/s320/PolkBook3A.JPG" width="206" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZrfYaWSogW0QarAIpJmZhXBIQ4cwpxJigl1XK9sevcv0mwK0cQY-7loP1v1zHaEtc6_HbnzMLka53AizPTt2QnUdp0e9EjYN7JyAw0oNk7S1W7dMXGvX1Jh95N0K-Q1QBY2RyGv-wo5i/s1600/PolkBook3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZrfYaWSogW0QarAIpJmZhXBIQ4cwpxJigl1XK9sevcv0mwK0cQY-7loP1v1zHaEtc6_HbnzMLka53AizPTt2QnUdp0e9EjYN7JyAw0oNk7S1W7dMXGvX1Jh95N0K-Q1QBY2RyGv-wo5i/s320/PolkBook3.JPG" width="205" /></a></div><br />
If you'd like a digital copy of the booklet, visit me on SlideShare!<br />
<br />
<div style="width:425px" id="__ss_6688876"><strong style="display:block;margin:12px 0 4px"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/TraciAdkinsCook/booklet-i-love-a-us-army-soldier" title="Booklet: I Love a US Army Soldier">Booklet: I Love a US Army Soldier</a></strong><object id="__sse6688876" width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=iloveausarmysoldierbooklet-110124165515-phpapp02&stripped_title=booklet-i-love-a-us-army-soldier&userName=TraciAdkinsCook" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><embed name="__sse6688876" src="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=iloveausarmysoldierbooklet-110124165515-phpapp02&stripped_title=booklet-i-love-a-us-army-soldier&userName=TraciAdkinsCook" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><div style="padding:5px 0 12px">View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/">presentations</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/TraciAdkinsCook">Traci Adkins Cook</a>.</div></div><br />
... Add your own unit crest and it's all yours!<br />
<br />
<strong><em>~ Traci Cook</em></strong><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/37/CF4EFEEDFB7F7A87D81D0503978D080D.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>My Army Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574710863836331318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667149536233039308.post-83056356782449748102011-01-20T16:46:00.003-06:002011-01-23T23:41:07.770-06:00The Invisible String<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpSFu4RC5qA9RepaO9MYvwaXB-QgEOK0Ht5HGQ57YqeCK3XSYhi0nRWip1NEZDUnd8cU86EFnJ-A3nPxXfTdKv6h9azEsxa525LRsVps4LMAUJG0qqP37Ogqko-fZClizJYRQMzpdW23GN/s1600/The+Invisible+String.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpSFu4RC5qA9RepaO9MYvwaXB-QgEOK0Ht5HGQ57YqeCK3XSYhi0nRWip1NEZDUnd8cU86EFnJ-A3nPxXfTdKv6h9azEsxa525LRsVps4LMAUJG0qqP37Ogqko-fZClizJYRQMzpdW23GN/s400/The+Invisible+String.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>A wonderful story about the invisible string that connects loved ones. Whenever one thinks about another member of the family, the string gives a tug and you feel it.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Our battalion used this book at a recent Family Night event. All the kids were together in one corner of the room with volunteers helping them with a few crafts. One of the volunteers read this book aloud to them before crafts began. <br />
<br />
It's a sweet story; from the <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Invisible-String-Patrice-Karst/dp/0875167349">Amazon.com</a></strong> description: <em>Specifically written to address children's fear of being apart from the ones they love, The Invisible String delivers a particularly compelling message in today's uncertain times that though we may be separated from the ones we care for, whether through anger, or distance or even death, love is the unending connection that binds us all, and, by extension, ultimately binds every person on the planet to everyone else. Parents and children everywhere who are looking for reassurance and reaffirmation of the transcendent power of love, to bind, connect and comfort us through those inevitable times when life challenges us!</em><br />
<br />
After reading the book, the kids all made an 'invisible string' bracelet. Here are the items we used (found at our local Hobby Lobby store, but also available at other craft stores, jewelry stores, even Wal-Mart):<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFnCT5cs1SkfTSUD7z94Y5pFKc4Xj0SPYldabSvfo9PCuvMViGX9McjAuZI0Fy7UWiLT1FkWvtVsyDz0OsLIdqb9jGdTdl9I1Kk5aaU7Qh-jVCwrkW_L7WxdjcucIpMKiLpBfJLzbXpOlH/s1600/heart+beads2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFnCT5cs1SkfTSUD7z94Y5pFKc4Xj0SPYldabSvfo9PCuvMViGX9McjAuZI0Fy7UWiLT1FkWvtVsyDz0OsLIdqb9jGdTdl9I1Kk5aaU7Qh-jVCwrkW_L7WxdjcucIpMKiLpBfJLzbXpOlH/s200/heart+beads2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plastic heart-shaped beads</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBj-7xv5YZNe_2qQXrhGG_kkjWdLck-8EEo1JVSEmUUkMtrNQkVBpNbPbiC16UCAKoR7gDYGiI862r0PGtEaBDo3bnpwvA5_idjCwZ9hj8iQMmgKtOEcgK1R6PPwxIxBw0UlPZAyPCGf6_/s1600/stretchy+cord.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBj-7xv5YZNe_2qQXrhGG_kkjWdLck-8EEo1JVSEmUUkMtrNQkVBpNbPbiC16UCAKoR7gDYGiI862r0PGtEaBDo3bnpwvA5_idjCwZ9hj8iQMmgKtOEcgK1R6PPwxIxBw0UlPZAyPCGf6_/s200/stretchy+cord.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Stretch Magic" Bead & Jewelry Cord, .5mm</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
We simply cut a length of cord for each child, added two heart beads -- one to represent the child's heart and the other to represent the Soldier's heart -- and tied the cord in a knot. We trimmed any leftover cording afterwards. One volunteer pre-cut the cord and placed one length of cord and two different-colored beads into a snack-size Ziploc before the meeting which made it very easy to hand out supplies to all the kids.<br />
<br />
This was a simple, inexpensive, and fun craft to do for a large group of kids. The kids really seemed to connect with this idea and were very proud of their bracelets.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhshtqarA2fzXPk5RHkhgY4oy31qSPZ1Dd7Pi2go2wucyPMhsQV4qJPu6c3G-LwGnMlcG5UuOuIpYHEaJ4Nj06JFdypyVyr01CSUPP5tDgxVZswmHz9cbNKmOfFwK1FzSrVMQFGE5Hiab/s1600/Invisible+String.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhshtqarA2fzXPk5RHkhgY4oy31qSPZ1Dd7Pi2go2wucyPMhsQV4qJPu6c3G-LwGnMlcG5UuOuIpYHEaJ4Nj06JFdypyVyr01CSUPP5tDgxVZswmHz9cbNKmOfFwK1FzSrVMQFGE5Hiab/s400/Invisible+String.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Two boys with their red and yellow "Red Dragon" heart beads.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
*One safety tip: be sure parents know you've sent their children home with the bracelet. The beads are small and could be a choking hazard if the child removes the bracelet and takes off the beads ... not likely, but still worth mentioning to parents.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>~ Traci Cook</em></strong><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/37/CF4EFEEDFB7F7A87D81D0503978D080D.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>My Army Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574710863836331318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667149536233039308.post-26428191754774795272011-01-04T18:25:00.002-06:002011-01-23T23:41:47.015-06:00Mock Deployment for Kids<i>This guest blog posts comes from the blog <a href="http://fabulousarmylife.blogspot.com/2010/06/mock-deployment-on-fort-hood.html"><strong>This Fabulous Army Life</strong></a>. The mock deployment described here was hosted by Fort Hood, but could be modified as an FRG event for kids as well. Let us know what you think ... and if you decide to plan one of your own!</i><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0xQ9e8Jz3fPj9-PrU_rWF-euY376ShciZKO0zWgIXFRieIV3y_qvf6ocN92C5BOs2v84_HKrZlzAVy4LKQIPz6jrIYcc7Isaapk3lju_dG6fVpPr2XSvRbTlcf6wPAP2wuoEnTwaSzvN/s1600/June+2010+544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0xQ9e8Jz3fPj9-PrU_rWF-euY376ShciZKO0zWgIXFRieIV3y_qvf6ocN92C5BOs2v84_HKrZlzAVy4LKQIPz6jrIYcc7Isaapk3lju_dG6fVpPr2XSvRbTlcf6wPAP2wuoEnTwaSzvN/s200/June+2010+544.jpg" width="200" /></a>Fort Hood hosts a "Mock Deployment" for children, an event designed to educate our kids on a little of what our Soldiers encounter when they prepare to deploy. I was interested right away and signed up my two boys -- ages ten and seven -- for the event. The kids were encouraged to dress in their best Army or camoflauge summer clothes for the event. Our boys immediately took out their battalion t-shirts and camo shorts and were ready for the day. After a flurry of sunscreen and final preparation, we were on our way.</div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3_XH6dVGlP9ArYSNGOLjZE2fOQN4UJMD8k7hLxskox2bG-b6lJ8Z92KGdFr7RNfB1zWOY4GVnvo-yDIQZ46ut2fpR1GfcuZhiYoBVV6_Ws0d-BJgmedB09C0RN4rr7BqY26u9LwS_-AX/s1600/June+2010+560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3_XH6dVGlP9ArYSNGOLjZE2fOQN4UJMD8k7hLxskox2bG-b6lJ8Z92KGdFr7RNfB1zWOY4GVnvo-yDIQZ46ut2fpR1GfcuZhiYoBVV6_Ws0d-BJgmedB09C0RN4rr7BqY26u9LwS_-AX/s200/June+2010+560.jpg" width="200" /></a>Upon arrival, the boys checked in at the registration desk for their deployment packet ... a backpack full of fun stuff: camo binoculars ("bi-nos" for our experienced kids), dog tags, water bottle, and lots of great booklets and information for them. They were given new identities for the day: PFC Cook, N. and PFC Cook, J. After being assigned to "Echo Platoon," we headed outside so the boys could fall into their formation. A military roll-call ensued followed by a few quick lessons on right-face, left-face, about-face, forward march, attention, and at ease.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUb71rulsrFiQjPhHYXVuREBG6xjCzPR6ijmCk6CvUmO0NHrac777tSUiV3BQd0RbHKDGNq0nQIn6xeXnhoS5v0MUemAvefCYxEzHeqq-4ukTuVuXvDDV3KfqUQgZFi2lypaqrVsXd64dX/s1600/June+2010+566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUb71rulsrFiQjPhHYXVuREBG6xjCzPR6ijmCk6CvUmO0NHrac777tSUiV3BQd0RbHKDGNq0nQIn6xeXnhoS5v0MUemAvefCYxEzHeqq-4ukTuVuXvDDV3KfqUQgZFi2lypaqrVsXd64dX/s200/June+2010+566.jpg" width="200" /></a>As the new troops stood in formation behind their platoon guidon, the Army Community Service (ACS) coordinators welcomed the troops and the III Corps Command Sergeant Major gave a brief overview of the day then taught the kids how to shout out a proper "HOOAH." The formations then all marched into our first briefing of the day. The introduction brief was all about what it's really like during deployment, complete with a slide show. From there, the kids moved through several fun stations.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqO-lhkNW1HkfyMu5kucAvsV80sRjP4b458eJY8YBXC2XKSWW_Hy5ts8NZLvtuRptMixITdMH-2Zx2dP6ac3JVMEqN8btVNfTf2BKG0IlhuKXreTKFRZ-euXHRqITmWqq3y6e8n1OlsrQ7/s1600/June+2010+578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqO-lhkNW1HkfyMu5kucAvsV80sRjP4b458eJY8YBXC2XKSWW_Hy5ts8NZLvtuRptMixITdMH-2Zx2dP6ac3JVMEqN8btVNfTf2BKG0IlhuKXreTKFRZ-euXHRqITmWqq3y6e8n1OlsrQ7/s200/June+2010+578.jpg" width="200" /></a>A first step in the process was getting throug the Medical station. The kids all received 'shots' ("Thank goodness THOSE were fake," says one of the boys.) from medical personnel then moved through dental (receiving new toothbrushes and toothpaste) then taking an eye exam where their vision was deemed fit to deploy. The next few stations were definitely among the most fun of the day. First, all participants were face painted in camo then allowed to try on a variety of real Army gear with Soldiers standing by to assist. The kids could try on: kevlars, bullet-proof vests, protective masks, gloves, boots, and more.</div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYrj-KQaIm-9F7OO4xEfUDUAhOyYBsGEJWjEugE0CCXhhjwV0QtcQ3QMlXEUmi-kpKRwoWarfW7bCyW02jcspFizX0TkTgYZdmVUm3IxgvSKOWuYPVzp1arBgW0wGqtvLQY2a5UBKqgna/s1600/June+2010+596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYrj-KQaIm-9F7OO4xEfUDUAhOyYBsGEJWjEugE0CCXhhjwV0QtcQ3QMlXEUmi-kpKRwoWarfW7bCyW02jcspFizX0TkTgYZdmVUm3IxgvSKOWuYPVzp1arBgW0wGqtvLQY2a5UBKqgna/s200/June+2010+596.jpg" width="150" /></a>Just like in a real preparation for deployment, the kids participated in several briefings throughout the day. They heard the In-Country brief where they learned about the cultures of Iraq and Afghanistan, some "dos" and "don'ts" of dealing with the people of those countries, and saw lots of photos of what the area would look like when they got there. The participants also talked about all the things they needed to do before they left the country, including age-appropriate descriptions of Powers of Attorney, financial requirements, and the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). They even participated in the Family Readiness Group (FRG) brief where they talked about things like "What is an FRG anyway?" Next, the troops moved outside for a mini-road march complete with cadences then a training obstacle course. The course contained tires to step through, a water grenade qualification range, low crawls, and a zig-zag speed course. My boys had a blast doing this!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXMCcuZbiSASgLCOmWWkqpEspp0U2dfFg9PNdZNC-KNBfGhtmHiKs8LIf4LArs-8X0fCpQ-tND3cHSRn8cSTN2Ovg5UDulN8VE7Q2sQ-8FQbu8tCMIL5LfJidSF5ZkDD9BWHYWaI6wj2j/s1600/June+2010+641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXMCcuZbiSASgLCOmWWkqpEspp0U2dfFg9PNdZNC-KNBfGhtmHiKs8LIf4LArs-8X0fCpQ-tND3cHSRn8cSTN2Ovg5UDulN8VE7Q2sQ-8FQbu8tCMIL5LfJidSF5ZkDD9BWHYWaI6wj2j/s320/June+2010+641.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<em>Water Grenade Qualification Range</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-fWKHEEHt3ywn13WHAmzjcvXG47igI38ulOdzHfPtSc4BNJ3jXQ_3Hi-9zeHfApmeSHjDRtjAjlKRmia5aQYn1fbdhlgaMfmddgnDONSvjkwgmxHM838rOL77Dg7qJJBwxf3pbPRQ_8B/s1600/June+2010+643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-fWKHEEHt3ywn13WHAmzjcvXG47igI38ulOdzHfPtSc4BNJ3jXQ_3Hi-9zeHfApmeSHjDRtjAjlKRmia5aQYn1fbdhlgaMfmddgnDONSvjkwgmxHM838rOL77Dg7qJJBwxf3pbPRQ_8B/s320/June+2010+643.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<em>Low Crawl</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTgSKXPPOfj0dHT4XFRGa9VgudLfArMCediAIJRFKGgDTE4eTn3kojSI6ivT1W0Op0F8r45n8N5Fe5mou6QOJakh2T3pzgoe6D5exvJEfCWoPRbA_F4_shtCJye85aWzFL-HnUETpsTie/s1600/June+2010+647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTgSKXPPOfj0dHT4XFRGa9VgudLfArMCediAIJRFKGgDTE4eTn3kojSI6ivT1W0Op0F8r45n8N5Fe5mou6QOJakh2T3pzgoe6D5exvJEfCWoPRbA_F4_shtCJye85aWzFL-HnUETpsTie/s320/June+2010+647.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<em>The Final Run</em><br />
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After the obstacle course, the military police from Fort Hood demonstrated their amazing working canines. We watched some of their training techniques and enjoyed the dogs showing off their skills. Once that was complete, each participant was given a Meal Ready to Eat (MRE, certificate of completion, and said farewell in a final formation. After the event was over, we went back to the static displays of various Army vehicles and equipment. Our unit had some Soldiers there showing participants through a Howitzer. It was a huge hit with the kids and my own boys spent a good amount of time crawling in and out and asking a million questions. All of the participating Soldiers were fabulouse ... informative, friendly, and eager to show off their prize equipment. It was a great time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdgKvod94RNmT_ucc8zsW45AsfJPU5NWt31xizHBNOVw9CNnEJnpM88UFGhNoubzQ4Gov0QeWKXT_XvZBKJ_KKnuYhGpQT6BaNNz3GyN2Z0Mb4U8I0Qn31Xw6fGzwIqTmRdKVK4KgR9dY/s1600/June+2010+574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdgKvod94RNmT_ucc8zsW45AsfJPU5NWt31xizHBNOVw9CNnEJnpM88UFGhNoubzQ4Gov0QeWKXT_XvZBKJ_KKnuYhGpQT6BaNNz3GyN2Z0Mb4U8I0Qn31Xw6fGzwIqTmRdKVK4KgR9dY/s320/June+2010+574.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWSyMWBPtrmIu6DMSlpvYAnTDaTkA_acPIOt7CFdd2CgLXcGCYXp3WHd0cIxT4_YVIyget_u03OKdUw-52diAv1EtnmFi1E92Ev_WTITjahkB79ifEyszKnWhr_xe9ZIFerRfSlNgIuHy/s1600/June+2010+657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWSyMWBPtrmIu6DMSlpvYAnTDaTkA_acPIOt7CFdd2CgLXcGCYXp3WHd0cIxT4_YVIyget_u03OKdUw-52diAv1EtnmFi1E92Ev_WTITjahkB79ifEyszKnWhr_xe9ZIFerRfSlNgIuHy/s320/June+2010+657.jpg" /></a><br />
<em>Here, the boys spend lots of time quizzing Soldiers about the Howitzer.</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBLNuZyXsj6V-F5c3Prbs4rs0Ddq7JJOm4eSE_RYco1Zs6c1VWI4PPrmDl9Xfmhu-KIKiYV_MafOS2NSBkSAkBLtG83XCdt4_QwY1TM87jRz3TYe5ghiq8SkwZuIumlAIs7ps19wGuCUg/s1600/June+2010+675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBLNuZyXsj6V-F5c3Prbs4rs0Ddq7JJOm4eSE_RYco1Zs6c1VWI4PPrmDl9Xfmhu-KIKiYV_MafOS2NSBkSAkBLtG83XCdt4_QwY1TM87jRz3TYe5ghiq8SkwZuIumlAIs7ps19wGuCUg/s200/June+2010+675.jpg" width="200" /></a>Later that evening, my Soldier demonstrated the finer points of preparing MREs to the boys. They opened up their packages and were eager to eat "just like Daddy does in the field." We brought home Chicken & Dumplings and Spaghetti with Meat Sauce. The boys were very good sports, trying all of the different items. My favorite quotes of the night? "Daddy, is this a chicken or a dumpling?" and, in response to me telling them that Daddy had eaten lots of MREs throughout his years in the Army, "Poor Daddy."<br />
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<strong><em>~ Traci Cook</em></strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/37/CF4EFEEDFB7F7A87D81D0503978D080D.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>My Army Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574710863836331318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667149536233039308.post-28921763054989314072011-01-03T20:08:00.000-06:002011-01-03T20:20:40.745-06:00Hapy Military Monday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7u4ZQbzXJcOaS0AVOpIMTrQGw7YV4yfhw7EEcbNwNMD0CZF_zWQbkv3M0lwK75hIiX37Cx40JaETJtNKoGNHQ8-7uVxZcUBQSY3kX_J50YmQKCDees7nw7jum8o4ZjYVjn6xV_J5VHWU/s1600-h/Military+Monday+Twitter.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446283893083357042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7u4ZQbzXJcOaS0AVOpIMTrQGw7YV4yfhw7EEcbNwNMD0CZF_zWQbkv3M0lwK75hIiX37Cx40JaETJtNKoGNHQ8-7uVxZcUBQSY3kX_J50YmQKCDees7nw7jum8o4ZjYVjn6xV_J5VHWU/s200/Military+Monday+Twitter.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>Happy Military Monday to all of our service members and their Families out there! Don't you just love all of the initiatives that have sprung up on social media sites to honor our service member heroes! <br />
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How can you celebrate "Military Monday," you ask? These are a few ways to get started!<br />
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<strong>Twitter</strong><br />
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If you're on Twitter, just add the hashtag "#militarymon" to any tweet about the military on Mondays ~ <em>Honoring our military one tweet at a time each and every Monday on Twitter starting at 0001 Kabul. This is a non-partisan place to honor the military with no official affiliation to an organization or non-profit.</em><br />
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For a little more on the #militarymon hashtag, see: <strong><a href="http://wthashtag.com/Militarymon">http://wthashtag.com/Militarymon</a> </strong><br />
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Also, you can watch all the #militarymon tweets on: <strong><a href="http://hashtags.org/tag/militarymon">http://hashtags.org/tag/militarymon</a> </strong><br />
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<strong>Facebook</strong><br />
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Join the <strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?id=222534685127&share_id=284430674896&comments=1#!/militarymon">"#MilitaryMon" fan page on Facebook </a></strong>to keep up with all the great things happening on Mondays.<br />
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You can also participate in the Moment of Silence ~ <em>Honor our fallen heroes from the week every Monday at 6 pm CST. Tweet out #militarymon #mos.</em> <br />
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For more information, join the <strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=94218089354">"Moment of Silence" Facebook fan page </a></strong>.<br />
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<strong>Bloggers</strong><br />
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A wonderful Army wife has initiated a "Military Mondays Carnival" on her oh-so-fabulous blog, <strong><a href="http://armywiveslives.com/">Army Wives’ Lives</a></strong>!<br />
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To find out how to join all the military spouses blogging about life in the military on Mondays, visit here:<br />
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<a href="http://armywiveslives.com/category/military-mondays-carnival/" target="_BLANK"><img alt="Military Mondays Family and Spouse Carnival at Army Wives' Lives" border="0" src="http://armywiveslives.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/military-mondays-300x238.jpg" /></a><br />
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Please let us know of other initiatives as you find them. We'd love to participate ... and help spread the word. Here's to a marvelous Military Monday to all of you!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/37/CF4EFEEDFB7F7A87D81D0503978D080D.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>My Army Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574710863836331318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667149536233039308.post-62181175273921770512011-01-03T19:38:00.000-06:002011-01-03T20:21:11.281-06:00Share YOUR Family Readiness stories!This blog was created for the simple purpose of sharing ideas among leaders of Family Readiness Groups in the US Army. Leading an FRG is a challenging job at any level ... and the hope is that sharing stories will result in shared support, encouragement, and ideas. <br />
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Want to contribute a blog post? Email: <a href="mailto:myarmylife@hotmail.com">myarmylife@hotmail.com</a>!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/37/CF4EFEEDFB7F7A87D81D0503978D080D.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>My Army Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12574710863836331318noreply@blogger.com1