Support Our Troops This Holiday Season ~ Month of Camo Vehicles

[Charlene]

CAMO!! Lets Support the Military Families this Holiday Season! Share with your friends...Lets Make an Impact!

2012 USPS Holiday Shipping Cut Off Dates for Military Members

>>>> MONDAY DECEMBER 17TH <<<
>>> LAST DAY TO EXPRESS MAIL <<<<​

Reach Out and Send Something to a Friend, Family or Acquaintance in the Military this Christmas...someone that you may not have normally....

The Christmas holidays are almost here, which means you need to act quickly if you have friends or family members who are living overseas on a military installation. Shipping to APO/FPO addresses can take a little longer than shipping in the continental US, especially when the holiday season rolls around.

The following tables list the USPS holiday cut off dates for domestic, MPO/APO/FPO, and other overseas locations. Pay attention to the shipping cut off dates in order to make sure your Christmas gifts arrive on time for the holidays. You should try to beat the cut off dates if possible, as some shipments may require customs checks or may experience other delays.

As Seen at: 2012 - USPS Holiday Shipping Cut Off Dates for Military Members

USPS Cutoff Table: https://www.usps.com/shippingdates/welcome.htm



See All the Camo Vehicles at A Month of Camo…Vehicles | Bower Media

 

[Charlene]

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[Charlene]

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[Charlene]

CAMO!! Lets Support the Military Families this Holiday Season! Share with your friends...Lets Make an Impact!




Why Help our Military Families? ( As Per Operation Homefront )

The statistics are staggering. Hundreds of thousands of military families feel the effects of war: Post-Traumatic Stress; Traumatic Brain Injury; bodily injuries and death; and financial and emotional struggles.

Operation Homefront is here to help. Our mission is to assist American military service members and their families when they have needs associated with financial hardships that arise as a result of their military service. But we can’t do it alone. Your donation will make all the difference for these heroes who serve our country.

How? For every dollar given, $0.94 directly helps military families and wounded warriors. We are proud to have received a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, and an “A” rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy. In addition, we are registered with the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance.

Since 2002, Operation Homefront has met the needs of more than 400,000 families and personnel nationwide and invested $128 million of funding in programs to support them. Much like the military, we have a “no man left behind” attitude to help every possible family and wounded warrior who sacrifices so much for the freedoms we enjoy. When we can’t fill a need, we help families access other organizations that can help, then we take on the role of advocate to make sure they receive the assistance they need.

For More Information go to Operation Homefront: http://www.operationhomefront.net/currentneeds.aspx



This is what Brought me to Operation Homefront Originally.... Cool News Article and Video of Christmas Shopping Spree hosed by Operation Homefront: http://www.okcfox.com/newsroom/top_stories/videos/kokh_vid_8625.shtml




See All the Camo Vehicles at http://bowermedia.com/2012/12/a-month-of-camo-vehicles/

 

[Charlene]

Lets Support the Military Families this Holiday Season! Share with your friends...Lets Make an Impact!




Charlene Comments: Some People ask why I do these monthly campaigns and dedicate time out of every day to create a post.... Good Question. Initially, it was because I don't have much money to donate to a cause, but we all have the power of our voice. This is why I encourage you to share these posts, to use your power of your voice. Amazingly the voice has been heard and conversations like below continue to keep me motivated to research and share!

A PM that I woke up to this morning from an Iraq Veteran 2004 ~ Fresno, CA:

"I came home with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury. Have difficulty concentrating, remembering, have headaches every day, have to do something over and over to learn it, get overwhelmed and can't do anything, among other things. Things came to me easy before, but are a struggle now.
It took me a long time just to find out what was going on. Struggled to do my job, got fired for hitting someone, the wife took the kids and left (she has been back for 3 years now). A lot of crap happened that didn't happen before.

From attending Vet counseling groups I now know that this is pretty common. I hear people come in and say the same things I'm saying.

I've settled into a routine now, not working and the days are still not easy."


When I thanked him for sharing and asked what organizations have helped his family that I could highlight with this story he replied with:



"I think the more people that know what's going on, the better. Especially other veterans that are reluctant to talk about it. They can be inspired by others telling their stories.
Organizations that have helped us:
Our Heroes Dreams ( Wounded Soldiers Families Relief Fund | Our Heroes )
Vision Quest Ranch ( "Welcome to our Jungle" )
Coalition to Salute America's Heroes ( Home - Salute America's Heroes )
American Legion ( The American Legion )

It's tough to pin down one of these, together they are all valuable. But my wife says Vision Quest Ranch and Our Heroes Dreams for giving us 5 days together with our son at the safari ranch."


I added the links above. If you feel like giving or learning more about each of the giving organizations.

Remember, just because someone doesn't have a visibly physical injury that they are not hurting or struggling in many ways.

This doesn't just go for the Military, but respect everyone around you. Everyone has a challenge, and most those struggles get multiplied during the Holiday Season.

--> Yes! This is his vehicle!

This is another picture that he posted of the vehicles in Iraq

See All the Camo Vehicles at A Month of Camo…Vehicles | Bower Media

 

[Charlene]

Lets Support the Military Families this Holiday Season! Share with your friends...Lets Make an Impact!



Today is Wreaths Across America Day: Saturday, December 15, 2012

Find a Wreaths Across America Location Near You: Locations | Wreaths Across America

Join in on their celebration and wreath placing today, or make a visit this week to see all the wreaths.

WATCH THIS...
What is Wreaths Across America | WreathsAcrossAmerica.org - YouTube


More Information: Wreaths Across America | Our Mission: Remember, Honor & Teach

Our mission, Remember, Honor, Teach, is carried out in part by coordinating wreath laying ceremonies a specified Saturday inDecember at Arlington, as well as veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. We also organize a week of events including international veteran’s tributes, ceremonies at State Houses and a week-long “Veteran’s Parade” between Maine and Virginia where we stop along the way to spread our message about the importance of remembering our fallen heroes, honoring those who serve, and teaching our children about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve our freedoms.

This week of events is made possible by thousands of volunteers who organize local ceremonies, raise funds to sponsor wreaths, and participate in the events. We receive no government funding. The cost of our programs is paid by individual wreaths sponsors, corporate donors and volunteer truckers.

We also coordinate veteran services and recognition through a variety of programs, and provide schools with teaching aides for projects throughout the year.

See All the Camo Vehicles and Opportunities to Reach Out at A Month of Camo…Vehicles | Bower Media

 

[Charlene]

Lets Support the Military Families this Holiday Season! Share with your friends...Lets Make an Impact!


On this Sunday....


A Military Family's Prayer

Bless us as we wait, as we move, as we endure,
our service and spirit supports our loved one far away.
War has called them to serve, and us to wait,
in our waiting, we serve too, with strong hearts.
We are the families of those who defend America,
our shared sacrifices are for our country too,
we smile, to keep the spirit of our troops strong,
at home we handle things and hold hope's flame high.

Our families do not complain, we serve,
dedicated to America's freedom and liberty,
we are the keepers of Valley Forge's legacy,
we are the families of America's military.

Bless us, as we bless this country with our lives,
protect our troops and protect our loved ones from harm,
Bless them and bring them home safe.

Abby Willowroot © 2008



See All the Camo Vehicles and Opportunities to Reach Out at http://bowermedia.com/2012/12/a-month-of-camo-vehicles/

 

[Charlene]

Lets Support the Military Families this Holiday Season! Share with your friends...Lets Make an Impact!




Today I break the mold. I use a groups picture without a vehicle. But it is right...Read On...Tell Someone that Needs Help about this Group.

Military Wives Go Artistically Topless To Raise Awareness For PTSD

Article Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/05/military-wives-go-topless_n_1942875.html

Photo Source Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/BattlingBare

"Tired of seeing their husbands struggle with PTSD without getting the care they need, a group of desperate military wives are going topless to get the attention their cause deserves.

One in five veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, a debilitating condition that can lead to violent mood swings, alcoholism and suicide. But, despite the widespread nature of the disorder and its potential risks, vets say they’re not getting proper medical treatment, which is what inspired Ashley Wise to launch "Battling Bare."

All wives of vets suffering with PTSD, the initiative’s members scrawl messages of commitment to their struggling husbands on their bare backs.

"Broken by battle, wounded by war, my love is forever," the vow reads. "To you this I swore, I will quiet your silent screams, help heal your shattered soul, until once again, my love, you are whole."

......Veterans make up 20 percent of suicides in the United States, and ex-soldiers 24 and under take their own lives at four times the rate of other veterans, according to Face the Facts. Some are too afraid to open up about their pain because it could hurt their military record, Wise explained to news outlets.

Soon after her husband's arrest, Wise made a bold move and posted her first nearly nude photo. Wearing nothing but her husband’s camouflage cap and with his assault rifle perched above her head, the dutiful wife bore her naked torso with her vow inscribed in pen. Within minutes of posting the image to Facebook, the image went viral, grabbing the kind of focus that she believes PTSD is sorely lacking."

Read More at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/05/military-wives-go-topless_n_1942875.html



See All the Camo Vehicles and Opportunities to Reach Out at http://bowermedia.com/2012/12/a-month-of-camo-vehicles/

 

[Charlene]

Lets Support the Military Families this Holiday Season! Share with your friends...Lets Make an Impact!

You may have heard of Toys for Tots, and have probably given to a toy drive, but do you know what their goal and objectives are?


U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program

MISSION:
The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

GOAL:
The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.

OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of Toys for Tots are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future.

ACTIVITIES:
The principal Toys for Tots activity which takes place each year is the collection and distribution of toys in the communities in which a Marine Corps Reserve Unit is located. In communities without a Reserve Unit, the campaign can be conducted by a Marine Corps League Detachment or group of men and women, generally veteran Marines, authorized by Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to conduct a local Toys for Tots campaign. Local Toys for Tots Campaign Coordinators conduct an array of activities throughout the year, which include golf tournaments, foot races, bicycle races and other voluntary events designed to increase interest inToys for Tots, and concurrently generate toys and monetary donations.


You can still Donate a Toy: Find a Location Near You: http://www.toysfortots.org/donate/toys.aspx


See All the Camo Vehicles and Opportunities to Reach Out at http://bowermedia.com/2012/12/a-month-of-camo-vehicles/

 

[Charlene]

Lets Support the Military Families this Holiday Season! Share with your friends...Lets Make an Impact!

Have you watched the Lifetime Original Series 'Army Wives'? http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/army-wives

"Army Wives,” Lifetime's most successful series in the network's history follows the struggles, dreams and friendships of a diverse group of women — and one man — living with their spouses and families on an active Army post. The series films in Charleston, South Carolina, and stars Kim Delaney (Claudia Joy Holden), Sally Pressman (Roxy LeBlanc), Brigid Brannagh (Pamela Moran), Brian McNamara (Michael Holden), Sterling K. Brown (Roland Burton), Wendy Davis (Joan Burton), Drew Fuller (Trevor LeBlanc), Terry Serpico (Frank Sherwood) and Catherine Bell (Denise Sherwood).

Kelli Williams ("The Practice") joins the cast this season, playing Jacqueline "Jackie" Clarke, the ambitious wife of two-star Major General Kevin Clarke. Television icon Susan Lucci ("All My Children") makes several guest star appearances as Audrey, the wife of a retired Brigadier General, reuniting her with her former "All My Children" co-star Delaney.

The series is based on the book “Army Wives” by Tanya Biank, who serves as a show consultant.

Season 7 Premies March 2013. Watch some highlights from the show here: http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/army-wives



See All the Camo Vehicles and Opportunities to Reach Out at http://bowermedia.com/2012/12/a-month-of-camo-vehicles/

 

[Charlene]

Lets Support the Military Families this Holiday Season! Share with your friends...Lets Make an Impact!

Have you watched the Lifetime Original Series 'Army Wives'? http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/army-wives

"Army Wives,” Lifetime's most successful series in the network's history follows the struggles, dreams and friendships of a diverse group of women — and one man — living with their spouses and families on an active Army post. The series films in Charleston, South Carolina, and stars Kim Delaney (Claudia Joy Holden), Sally Pressman (Roxy LeBlanc), Brigid Brannagh (Pamela Moran), Brian McNamara (Michael Holden), Sterling K. Brown (Roland Burton), Wendy Davis (Joan Burton), Drew Fuller (Trevor LeBlanc), Terry Serpico (Frank Sherwood) and Catherine Bell (Denise Sherwood).

Kelli Williams ("The Practice") joins the cast this season, playing Jacqueline "Jackie" Clarke, the ambitious wife of two-star Major General Kevin Clarke. Television icon Susan Lucci ("All My Children") makes several guest star appearances as Audrey, the wife of a retired Brigadier General, reuniting her with her former "All My Children" co-star Delaney.

The series is based on the book “Army Wives” by Tanya Biank, who serves as a show consultant.

Season 7 Premies March 2013. Watch some highlights from the show here: http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/army-wives



See All the Camo Vehicles and Opportunities to Reach Out at http://bowermedia.com/2012/12/a-month-of-camo-vehicles/

 

[Charlene]

Lets Support the Military Families this Holiday Season! Share with your friends...Lets Make an Impact!



If you are travelling "home" this weekend or to your families home, and are in the airport, watch for the Military folks and don't be shy to say Thank You. TSA has an entire page on how to assist the Military travel easier.

Thank You for Your Service to Our Country!

Source: http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/military-personnel

We salute and appreciate the sacrifice of all of the men and women of the U.S. Armed Services. The following are some helpful hints for screening your person, carry-on bags and checked baggage to help you achieve a trouble-free travel experience at the airport.

We provide information for family members who would like to obtain gate passes to accompany or meet loved ones at the gate and in addition provide comprehensive airport security information for severely injured military personnel.

- Screening of Military Personnel
- Packing Tips for Military Personnel
- Transporting Firearms and Ammunition
- Transport of Weapons by an Individual Soldier

- Accommodations for U.S. Military Personnel

Military Family Member Gate Passes

Family members who want to accompany a military service member being deployed to the boarding gate or greet them returning from deployment at the arrival gate may receive passes to enter the secure area of the airport.

Interested military family members should contact their air carrier representative at the departure/arrival airport for proper local procedures.

- Severely Injured Military Personnel
- Persons with Disabilities Security Screening

For More Information go to: http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/military-personnel



See All the Camo Vehicles and Opportunities to Reach Out at http://bowermedia.com/2012/12/a-month-of-camo-vehicles/

 

[Charlene]

Lets Support the Military Families this Holiday Season! Share with your friends...Lets Make an Impact!



With only 3 days of Christmas Shopping left, here is an option for some Unique and Quality Military Themed Gifts for those in Your Family or a Friend that needs to be uplifted for their efforts: http://www.militarygifts4u.com

ABOUT Military Gifts 4 U:

We at Military Gifts 4 U are retired military members and want to honor our US Military with the best and most unique products we can find in a variety of categories. If you can'f find what you are looking for, give us a chance to research and find it for you. We can also take care of specialized unit requests with certain minimum orders.

Please make us your number 1 resource for military gift items and t-shirts.

Our site is sorted into categories to make it easier to shop. Below is a list of products lines we carry for each branch of the military.

See a HUGE Selection of Products: http://www.militarygifts4u.com



See All the Camo Vehicles and Opportunities to Reach Out at http://bowermedia.com/2012/12/a-month-of-camo-vehicles/

(Of Course there had to be a Camo Limo!!! )

 

[hawkeye 1]

I do have a Question.
Is this just another attempt for commercial gain or truly aimed at supporting our soldiers?
After looking though all these posts, i can't help but seeing this as an advertising for at least two businesses and links to some others.
I am all for supporting our troops, in Country and out. But after all those years of seeing our young Soldiers suffer I have gotten real sensitive about commercial entities who make a profit off of them. Please clarify this for me if you will.

 

[Charlene]

I do have a Question.
Is this just another attempt for commercial gain or truly aimed at supporting our soldiers?
After looking though all these posts, i can't help but seeing this as an advertising for at least two businesses and links to some others.
I am all for supporting our troops, in Country and out. But after all those years of seeing our young Soldiers suffer I have gotten real sensitive about commercial entities who make a profit off of them. Please clarify this for me if you will.

Totally fair question.

First, I have nothing to do with any company on here that have been highlighted...I did just call this last company to make sure they were still in business, if that counts lol

Surprisingly, I have been asking for organizations that people support so I can find out more about them and highlight them, and I have gotten little answers. (Which is honestly interesting to me)


The Background: 'Month of Cause' started as my way of supporting Breast Cancer... I don't have much of any money, but I do have a voice (and so do you). So everyday I highlighted a pink vehicle and posted facts, information and testimonials about Breast Cancer. Then in November we did Light Blue for Prostate Cancer. (See them here: http://bowermedia.com/category/special-interest/monthly-cause/)

December we went Camo for military...and it has been HARD. I will openly admit it. The sites that are out there are very limited, and most of them look like pro-profit groups (like you mentioned) or are so poorly put together that I wouldn't want to highlight them. When I look for sites that are trying to HELP Military...all they want is money. I can't find a GREAT website for Military Families...none of them that I have found have been updated in the last year. It's the 21st of the month and I am posting about buying gifts...yep, HELP.

I am open...help me...whatcha got? What organization or group should we highlight? What information needs to be out there?

Keep one thing in mind, this is a Information Campaign... I am trying to learn something new everyday. :looney:

THANK YOU!!! I do Support the Military, and Love our Freedom!

 

[hawkeye 1]

Charlene,
thank you very much for your reply. I do know how hard it is to find real support instead of monetary interest. We do need to support our soldiers with our hearts and it looks like you are doing it. But always keep in mind that there will be companies out there who just operate on the concept of compassion for soldiers, the poor etc. to make a quick dollar.

 

[Charlene]

Charlene,
thank you very much for your reply. I do know how hard it is to find real support instead of monetary interest. We do need to support our soldiers with our hearts and it looks like you are doing it. But always keep in mind that there will be companies out there who just operate on the concept of compassion for soldiers, the poor etc. to make a quick dollar.

Oh, I know. I think those sites have outweighed the sites that I have found to be beneficial. When we were in October I was trying to find the Industry Dollars associated with Pink Ribbons...Amazingly I couldn't...but you know it's huge. I see the Military as the same type of target. Everyone has a good intention, but... That is why I have chosen an Information Campaign, not a Monetary Campaign.

Search around and see if you can find something that I can add...I am serious and open to help. Can PM me if you would like. Thanks!

 

[Charlene]

Lets Support the Military Families this Holiday Season! Share with your friends...Lets Make an Impact!


We know that Animals have healing power. Their unconditional love that greets you at the door. The Soldier's Best Friend program is an excellent opportunity available to Military with PTSD or TBI. Tell someone who may benefit from this service: http://soldiersbestfriend.org/


Soldier's Best Friend

Our Mission: To provide United States military veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with a trained Service or Therapeutic Companion Dog, most of these dogs of which will be rescued from local shelters.

Our Goal: To help our war heroes improve in their symptoms of PTSD, adjust back into civilian life, lead a more productive life and help them build self esteem. This is accomplished by pairing the veteran with a dog and training the two together. We also want to help the pet overpopulation problem by helping place shelter or rescue dogs into good homes.

We are devoted to helping our veterans and the pet overpopulation problem.

Once a veteran or active military member is accepted into our program they will be paired with a dog adopted from a local shelter or with a dog already owned by the vet.

Depending on the individual need of the applicant we will train them with 1 of 2 types of dogs; a Certified Service Dog or a Therapeutic Companion Dog / Emotional Support Animal.

A Certified Service Dog is allowed by law to enter public places such as the veteran’s work place, restaurants, buses, stores, etc. These are rights set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

A Therapeutic Companion Dog / Emotional Support Animal will not be allowed to enter most public venues. This dog is fully obedience trained. These dogs by law are allowed to board airplanes and live in non pet friendly environments.

Read More and See Full Application Process: http://soldiersbestfriend.org



See All the Camo Vehicles and Opportunities to Reach Out at http://bowermedia.com/2012/12/a-month-of-camo-vehicles/

 

[Charlene]

Lets Support the Military Families this Holiday Season! Share with your friends...Lets Make an Impact!



I just found an Awesome Website! Soldiers' Angels ~ May No Soldier Go Unloved

This is their History and over the next couple days we will look at some of their projects and ways to make sure that Every Soldier is Loved!

Soldiers' Angels was started by a self-described ordinary mother of two American soldiers, Patti Patton-Bader. Her eldest son, Staff Sergeant Brandon Varn, deployed to Iraq from 2003-2004, and her youngest was deployed in 2008.

In the summer of his 2003, Brandon expressed concern that some soldiers in his deployed unit did not receive any mail or support from home. Being a loving and caring mother, Patti decided not to allow a situation like that to continue. She quickly contacted a handful of friends and extended family and asked if they would support a soldier or two. Within just a few months, Soldiers' Angels went from a mother sending a few extra care packages and letters, to an Internet community with thousands of Angels worldwide.

With more and more merchants donating services, money and items for packages, Soldiers' Angels reorganized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in 2004. Soldiers' Angels currently supports tens of thousands of American military personnel around the world and here at home. Today our hundreds of thousands of volunteers are led by an all-volunteer Board of Trustees as Soldiers' Angels works around the world to address military-related needs ranging from deployed support to wounded care, to remembrance of the fallen and a wide variety assistance for military families.

Read More: Soldiers' Angels - May No Soldier Go Unloved




See All the Camo Vehicles and Opportunities to Reach Out at A Month of Camo…Vehicles | Bower Media

 

[Charlene]

Lets Support the Military Families this Holiday Season! Share with your friends...Lets Make an Impact!


Happy Christmas Eve! I have found another site that has a lot of great opportunities for Supporting Soldiers - Wounded Soldiers participate in sports and work on cars!

Operation Comfort - It didn't allow me to copy and paste their objectives so please click here: http://www.operationcomfort.org/about-us/

They have 7 different programs (listed) including Amputee Surfing, Automotivation, Hand Cycling and Bike Riding, Swimming, Skiing, Sled Hockey, Softball and general Family Financial Assistance. http://www.operationcomfort.org/programs/

Just another way that others are Supporting a Soldier.

See All the Camo Vehicles and Opportunities to Reach Out at http://bowermedia.com/2012/12/a-month-of-camo-vehicles/