Posted in Uncategorized
Camden Doerer stands with his mother, Tammy, and younger sister, Casey, outside the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus before the April 9, 2009, show begins. The performance was in celebration of the Month of the Military Child, and more than 300 military families received free tickets. DoD photo by Sharon Foster
In observation of the Month of the Military Child Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus has brought a lot of fun and joy to some military children. Following the article below is some information on how you can obtain special tickets to a Ringling Bros. Circus in your area.
Circus Salutes Military Children, Families
By Sharon Foster/American Forces Press Service
EXCERPT
WASHINGTON, April 10, 2009 - The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus invited more than 300 military families to their show at the Patriot Center here last night for “thrills and chills” under the big top in recognition of the Month of the Military Child.
“This is so important, because the kids serve alongside their parents,” circus spokesman Bob Swaney said. “The kids go through deployments and meeting new friends when their military parents are constantly moving. They deal with a lot, and they take it all in stride. Tonight is especially for them.”
Ringling Bros. hosted the children of veterans and currently serving troops from the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, the Believe in Tomorrow’s Children Foundation, Our Military Kids, the National Military Family Association and the Coast Guard Morale, Well-being and Recreation Program.
The lead Ringling elephant, endowed with her military dog tags, joined the children for photos in the center ring as the Military District of Washington Armed Forces Color Guard kicked off the night’s festivities.
The National Military Family Association selected 12-year-old Camden Doerer from northern Virginia to be guest ringmaster for the performance. The sixth grader is the son of Army Col. Robert Doerer, a helicopter pilot currently assigned in Germany who has been deployed to Iraq several times. The family plans to join him in Germany in June.
“This is a great experience,” Camden said. “I’m here representing the Army, my dad and other kids like me. I can’t wait to see him later this summer.”
Here’s further information on how you may be able to get special tickets if the Circus is coming to your town:
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® is a proud supporter of the Department of Defense’s “America Supports You” Program, an ongoing initiative that communicates America’s support to men and women serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
As a long-time supporter of America’s military community, Ringling Bros.® appreciates the sacrifices made by our U.S. Armed Forces and their families. As our way of saying thanks, we are pleased to provide special events and promotions for military families in each city our tours visit.
Purchase America Supports You Special Offer tickets through Military ITT/ITR offices (in select markets), at the arena box office with valid Military ID (Active, Reserve, National Guard, Retired) or online using Code “ASY” (excludes Circus Celebrity, Front Row and VIP seating).
To see promotions in your area and to buy tickets for The Greatest Show On Earth®, go to THIS SITE to find out details.
Posted in Spouse and Family
“I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.” – Oath of Enlistment
“I, _____ (SSAN), having been appointed an officer in the Army of the United States, as indicated above in the grade of _____ do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter; So help me God.” – Oath of Commission for Officers
These are the oaths taken by all military personnel, enlisted or officers, as they join the military. These oaths are taken freely and without coersion. And they are specific. I’ve highlighted what I believe is the most important aspect of those oaths – an allegiance to the founding father’s vision of this nation in a document called the Constitution of the United States of America.
The Consitution is a document that mandates limited government, fiscally responsible spending, and “general welfare” of its citizens. As you all know, things have changed since the 1780′s when the Constitutions was drafted and approved. The government has not done a good job of “insuring domestic tranquility” much lately. The Tax Day Tea Parties are a perfect example of a citizenry pissed off at government excesses. The Constitution mandates that this government “promotes the general Welfare” of its citizens – to allwe every citizen of this great nation to benefit from what the government can provide. Instead, we get laws that are directed specifically towards the rich, or the poor, or the middle class, or blacks, or Native Americans, or women, or gays!
But, not only do Soldiers take an oath to defend and protect the Constitution and all it stands for, we also strive to live by individual creeds. The following are just a few examples:
“I am an American fighting man. I serve in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.” – The Code of Conduct
“In all my actions I will put loyalty to the highest moral principles and the United States of America above loyalty to organizations, persons, and my personal interest.” – Officer’s Creed
“I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.” – The Soldiers Creed
So, here’s a question for all of you out there. What is the “American way of life”? It wouldn’t be stretch to say that this phrase has obviously changed over time. Just contrast today’s family environment with the familiar environment of the 50′s.
Does the “American way of life” where we are bailing out private companies and taxing some individuals differently than other, where we are different opportunities to different people based solely on their skin color or nationality, conflict with the principles of the U.S. Constitution? And if it does, where does that leave the American military?
H/T to one of my former Soldiers for the idea for this post. You know who you are!
Posted in Uncategorized
On March 29, 2009, Cpl. Jonathan R. Ayers was awarded posthumously the Silver Star for his actions in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, on July 13, 2008.
In a predawn raid, 200 Taliban insurgents struck at Combat Outpost Kahler, near Wanat, a village in the rugged foothills of the Hindu Kush. Cpl. Ayer picked up an M-240 machine gun and laid down continuous fire. He drew heavy enemy small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire in return. A round grazed his helmet and knocked him back, but the 24-year-old native from Snellville, Ga., regained his ground and resumed firing against a determined enemy. Those who saw him said, “He just kept rocking on that 240.” He remained in contact with the enemy until a bullet struck him. He was among nine U.S. Soldiers who died that day, but the enemy suffered at least 100 killed or wounded. Cpl. Ayers’ actions contributed to keeping the enemy from advancing on his unit’s command outpost.
For his gallantry in action, Cpl. Ayers is this week’s Warrior-Soldier.
Posted in Life in the Military, Military News, Top Posts
U.S. Army Spc. William Neal takes cover after Iraqi army Brig. Gen. Abdul Razzaq fires a 120 mm mortar shell during a combined mortar training exercise with Iraqi soldiers from 1st Battalion, 46th Brigade, 12th Infantry Division at the Saber Range in the Diyala province of Iraq April 4, 2009. Neal is an indirect fire infantryman attached to Golf Platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division out of Fort Hood, Texas. (DoD photo by Sgt. Gustavo Olgiati, U.S. Army)
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Tonight we’re speaking with Eli Williamson who is the Executive Director of “Leave No Veteran Behind” (www.leavenoveteranbehind.org). They are a 501(c)(3) non-profit service run by veterans that works to relieve the educational debt of veterans who are serving and have served in the US Military.
Currently, many service members who receive higher education during, before, or after their service have to take out costly loans to pay for their education. While there are military educational programs that help relieve this educational debt, not all veterans are covered under these programs. Leave No Veteran Behind addresses this issue by taking private donations and applying them directly to veterans’ student loan accounts. After receiving aid veterans are required to give back 100 hours of community service. “While our main goal is to give veterans what they deserve; free access to an education, we also want to allow these same veterans the ability to give back to their community. Providing them educational debt relief will remove any roadblocks that may impact their ability to use the skills that they learned in the military and higher education to improve the lives of others.”
We will also be talking with Brittany McKee who is a military spouse and also works for the Sierra Club. She will be discussing the world premiere of a new documentary called Red, White & Green at the DC Environmental Film Festival. The film highlights children of military families as our nation’s youngest heroes and showcases the benefits of outdoor experiences. The documentary shows the journey of military kids who came together last summer at Operation Purple® summer camps, which are designed to provide a bit of brief outdoor respite and support-building for military kids dealing with the deployment of a parent. The film tells moving stories of kids learning to cope with a parent’s deployment, and also highlights the ways in which the healing power of nature helps the children grow and bond. Together with the National Military Family Association, they will provide over 9000 military kids with a free week of summer camp at over 60 different week-long camps across the country this summer. http://www.dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org/films.php?FilmID=362
So be sure and join CJ and Troy tonight at www.blogtalkradio.com/youserved for another jam-packed and exciting show.
Posted in Podcast, Spouse and Family, Veteran Benefits
This is from a Canadian Soldier, but I think the principles apply to US troops as well. Blood of Heroes, a Canadian milblogger, gives 15 reasons why you should date a Soldier. Here’s a teaser:
15. We aren’t afraid to get down and dirty
13. We have at least a 12 inch barrel
11. We always wear protection
I think you get the idea! You have to check out the rest of this very well thought out post at the Blood of Heroes blog. It comes with pictures.
I would add a few more reasons:
1. We’ve been beating the bush for hundreds of years.
2. Army Strong isn’t just a slogan.
3. Our Privates work hard.
4. We do lunges just for fun every morning.
5. We like hummers more than most people.
Posted in Uncategorized
Our first Blog Talk Radio, Spouse and Family Edition will be aired this Saturday at 1:00pm EST. For this first show we will air an interview with Colleen Saffron. Five years ago Colleen got a call from Iraq that her husband had been severely wounded. Her husband had taken a direct hit from an IED, and sustained life changing injuries. Colleen, with the help of her partners and the support of her husband, through faith has responded by reaching out and changing the lives of those around her for the better.
I wrote about Colleen and OLT HERE at You Served in March. I included a video of Colleen receiving an award from President Bush for her work with Spouses and Veterans.
Please join us on Saturday at You Served Spouse and Family edition Blog Talk Radio! I hope you tune in!
Posted in Spouse and Family
If this doesn’t piss you off, nothing will.
Vandals in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan have, for the second time, targeted a memorial to LCPL Justin Ellsworth, KIA Fallujah, Iraq- 2004. (Before and After Pictures Below) The first time the vandals ripped the American flag off the pole, poured gasoline on it, and burned the flag atop the boots, rifle, and helmet.
Justin’s father, John Ellsworth, has been a vocal supporter of our troops and is now the President of Military Families United, the nation’s leading military family advocacy organization in Washington, DC. Military Families United has been an outspoken voice for our troops and their missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as advocating for strong national defense policies and increased funding for our troops.
We need your help to stand up to the politically motivated dishonoring of America’s heroes. Families United has started a fund that will collect money to repair memorials vandalized by those that seek to disgrace the service and sacrifice of our American Heroes. The Families United Memorial Restoration Fund will work to quickly repair and restore the monuments to our Fallen Heroes, not just Justin, but every fallen Hero. Families United is committed to making sure that the American people know about these heinous and disgraceful acts.
If you’d like to help Families United fix this memorial, CLICK HERE to donate to the fund.
BEFORE and AFTER:
Posted in Uncategorized
This video brought a few tears to my eyes. This is why I am a country fan!!
Posted in Uncategorized
You Served's Claire talks about the life of a military spouse - the hardships, the joys, and everything in between.
Join the discussion in our new Spouse and Family section!
