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Letters from Hollywood – Ted Nugent

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Legendary Rocker Ted Nugent’s classic albums include “CAT SCRATCH FEVER,” “SPIRIT OF THE WILD” and of course “TED NUGENT”.  Now a bestselling author as well, his latest book “TED, WHITE AND BLUE” is out in paperback.

Dear Troops:

As Americans living the uniquely wonderful American Dream to its fullest, the Nugent family wishes to xpress our deepest appreciation to the Warriors of Freedom, the heroes of the U.S. Military, for being the greatest soldiers in the history of the world. Your courageous sacrifices to dog the evil voodoo monsters over there, so we don’t have to fight them over here, is the grandest display of good over evil any person could hope for.

We who understand the price of liberty salute you all, and wish you Godspeed, victory and a safe return to your families and your own American Dream.   God bless you all.

Thank you American Blood Brothers,

Ted Nugent and family

Letters from Hollywood – Kenny Albert

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Kenny Albert does play-by-play for FOX Sports broadcasts of the National Football League and Major League Baseball.  On the MSG Network he does television for the New York Knicks and radio for the New York Rangers.

To all of the men and women serving our country:

Thank you so much for everything that you do.   I hope you all realize how much your fellow Americans appreciate all of the sacrifices that you make, and the time you spend away from your family and friends.  My best wishes to you during the upcoming holiday season.

Letters from Hollywood – David James Elliott

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David James Elliot played Cmdr. Harmon Rabb Jr. on JAG for 10 seasons. His other credits include THE UNTOUCHABLES and SCOUNDRELS.

To our Troops:

Growing up, the image I had of what it meant to be a man was gleaned from stories my grandfather  would tell me about his time in the service during World War II. He was an artillery sergeant in  the tank corps and fought in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. T. E. Fielding was an Englishman, and  when England was attacked he immediately joined the army. He finished his service a highly  decorated veteran who fought overseas from 1939 thru 46. He always told us, “He is great who stands  for his country and defends its rights and freedoms.” T.E. Fielding was the greatest man I’ve ever  known!

Myself, my wife Nanci and our children, Stephanie and Wyatt, want to thank you, the men and women  of of armed forces for your courage, your sacrifice, and your dedication to America. You make us  great, you make us proud. May God speed your mission and bring you home safe!

Sincerely
David James Elliott

Letters from Hollywood – Max Martini

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Max Martini’s films include SAVING PRIVATE RYAN and THE GREAT RAID.  He starred for four years on THE UNIT as Mack Gerhardt.

Troops,

I, not too long ago, went to visit my Grandmother in Texas.  She is 94 years old.  I showed up to her house early on this particular day assuming that we would sit and talk before she would have to lay down. Much to my surprise, she asked if I would be interested in looking through a box of my grandfather’s belongings from WWII. While I was laying out photographs of him together with his naval buddies she explained to me how upset she was that he enlisted so soon after they had gotten married. I, knowingly, asked why he did it. She said that he felt an obligation to his country. That the honor of serving his country was something bigger than he could imagine – that he couldn’t allow it to pass him by. I read letters thanking and acknowledging him for his bravery and leadership during his service. I read detailed accounts of combat and how he had gone above and beyond the call of duty. But what I read that had the most impact on me was not a congratulatory note from his higher-ups…it was what was written on my Grandmother’s face. The love and respect she had for my Grandfather, who had bravely risked his life for his fellow Americans…for her.

I wake every day to a free country. I wake knowing that I am safe when I walk out of my home. I wake to my children’s smiling faces. And with all my heart – I humbly thank you.

Max Martini

Indented Quotes and Images – beautiful

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Gold Star Wife runs To Keep Fallen Soldiers Memory Alive

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MilitaryConnection.com is honored to feature this article about Salina Jimenez.  I met Salina through my friend, Bonnie Carroll, who founded TAPS, Tragedy Assistance for Survivors.  TAPS provides supports and grief camps for families of fallen soldiers.

Salina is very special and has an amazing energy, whether she is running *or* talking to you.  She has experienced the horrific tragedy of losing the love of her life but keeps her husband’s memory alive by running marathons.
I have had the opportunity and pleasure to spend time with TAPS widows and I am in awe of them.  These special women are inspirational with their strength and spirits.  They have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and for this I will forever be in their debt.

Debbie Gregory
CEO, MilitaryConnection.com

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October 31, 2010|By Bethany Crudele, CNN

For some athletes, running the Marine Corps Marathon is about the exhilaration of running 26.2 miles, pushing through one”s physical limits and the thrill of taking those first steps past the finish line. It requires months of dedicated training and grueling discipline.

But for other runners, like Salina Jimenez, it”s about something larger than herself.

Jimenez laced up her sneakers Sunday to pay tribute to her late husband, Army Sgt. David Jimenez Almazan, a combat medic from Van Nuys, California.

Almazan was killed in 2006 by a roadside bomb in Iraq just three weeks after his deployment. He was 27.

Jimenez, a Huntington Beach, California resident who has run two other marathons, says she runs to keep the memory of her husband alive.

“Every mile is a memory,” Jimenez said. “He once said that life is about the memories, so every mile creates a new memory that we”re able to share and experience with other runners.”

Almazan, a native of Mexico, was granted American citizenship posthumously.

As she prepared for the race, Jimenez wanted people to remember her husband for the man that he was. In addition to loving soccer and salsa dancing, Almazan also loved the country he died for, she said.

Jimenez ran as a member of a team fielded by Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), a group that supports surviving family members of loved ones lost in combat. This year, 265 runners ran for TAPS” “Run and Remember Team.”

Like many of her teammates, Jimenez ran with a photo of her husband pinned to the lapel of her jersey, one that she carries for every race.

“I keep it close to my heart,” she says, “David was an amazing man. He was a medic, so he cared about people. He would take the shirt off his back for you even if you were a stranger and that”s what motivates me to get out there and pound pavement.”

Minutes before Jimenez approached the starting line, she shared her angst about the course, which ends with a final hill up to the finish line near the Iwo Jima Memorial. It”s considered the final challenge of the runner”s journey.
Some 8,597 current and former military personnel participated in the 35th Marine Corps marathon, which took athletes through Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. Nearly 22,000 total runners finished the event.

Security was heightened for Sunday”s race due to recent shots fired by an unknown gunman *or* gunmen at various Marine Corps military sites.

In the final leg of the race, Jimenez said she thought about the day she found out her husband was killed. At mile 25, with little strength left, she said she got a rush of energy before making her final quest up the hill. “It was like he was right there. I could hear him saying, ”Are you done yet? Hurry up!””

Like most runners, she admitted to she doubts as she approached the last few miles: “I said, ”I don”t know if I can do this, David. I love you.””

But the hill signified much more. “It”s the journey, it”s the climb, it”s equivalent to the journey we”re on, the grief journey.”

Jimenez says she”ll definitely be back for next year”s marathon, which offers no prize money and is dubbed the “People”s Marathon.”

“Even though that day took away something special, he lives in all these miles,” she said afterward. “It was phenomenal.”

Letter from First Lady Michelle Obama

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Debbie Gregory, CEO of MilitaryConnection.com, was sent this letter from the White House.  We believe that the violent shootings in Tucson are difficult for adults to deal with, and even harder for our children.   We hope these words from the First Lady will help.

An Open Letter to Parents Following the Tragedy in Tucson

Posted by First Lady Michelle Obama on January 13, 2011 at 06:07 PM EST

Dear parents,

Like so many Americans all across the country, Barack and I were shocked and heartbroken by the horrific act of violence committed in Arizona this past weekend.  Yesterday, we had the chance to attend a memorial service and meet with some of the families of those who lost their lives, and both of us were deeply moved by their strength and resilience in the face of such unspeakable tragedy.

As parents, an event like this hits home especially hard.  It makes our hearts ache for those who lost loved ones.  It makes us want to hug our own families a little tighter.  And it makes us think about what an event like this says about the world we live in – and the world in which our children will grow up.

In the days and weeks ahead, as we struggle with these issues ourselves, many of us will find that our children are struggling with them as well.  The questions my daughters have asked are the same ones that many of your children will have – and they don’t lend themselves to easy answers.  But they will provide an opportunity for us as parents to teach some valuable lessons – about the character of our country, about the values we hold dear, and about finding hope at a time when it seems far away.

We can teach our children that here in America, we embrace each other, and support each other, in times of crisis.  And we can help them do that in their own small way – whether it’s by sending a letter, ****or**** saying a prayer, ****or**** just keeping the victims and their families in their thoughts.

We can teach them the value of tolerance – the practice of assuming the best, rather than the worst, about those around us.  We can teach them to give others the benefit of the doubt, particularly those with whom they disagree.

We can also teach our children about the tremendous sacrifices made by the men and women who serve our country and by their families.  We can explain to them that although we might not always agree with those who represent us, anyone who enters public life does so because they love their country and want to serve it.

Christina Green felt that call.  She was just nine years old when she lost her life.  But she was at that store that day because she was passionate about serving others.  She had just been elected to her school’s student council, and she wanted to meet her Congresswoman and learn more about politics and public life.

And that’s something else we can do for our children – we can tell them about Christina and about how much she wanted to give back.  We can tell them about John Roll, a judge with a reputation for fairness, about Dorothy Morris, a devoted wife to her husband, her high school sweetheart, to whom she’d been married for 55 years, about Phyllis Schneck, a great-grandmother who sewed aprons for church fundraisers, about Dorwan Stoddard, a retired construction worker who helped neighbors down on their luck, and about Gabe Zimmerman, who did community outreach for Congresswoman Giffords, working tirelessly to help folks who were struggling, and was engaged to be married next year.  We can tell them about the brave men and women who risked their lives that day to save others.  And we can work together to honor their legacy by following their example – by embracing our fellow citizens, by standing up for what we believe is right, and by doing our part, however we can, to serve our communities and our country.

Sincerely,

Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama is the First Lady of the United States

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/01/13/open-letter-parents-following-tragedy-tucson

The Hero

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The holidays are a time of joy and reunion for many.  It is also the time of year when we reflect back on the passing year.  All of us at MilitaryConnection.com would like to express our thanks and gratitude to those who serve our country, past and present. To the families who have a loved one deployed, we say thank you from a grateful nation for your sacrifices as well. To the parents of our service members, we thank you for raising a patriot who understands the importance of fighting to preserve the freedoms we hold dear. By doing so, you also have contributed to keeping America safe. We invite you to listen to a wonderful song by our friend, Micaela Bensko, called The Hero. Be safe, and have a healthy and prosperous New Year.

Debbie Gregory and the Staff at MilitaryConnection.com

Obama Reaches Out to Veterans: You Earned It

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MilitaryConnection.com is pleased to bring you this positive news that the deadline for you to apply for Stop Loss Pay has been extended to December 18th. We cannot agree more with the President that those who serve and served again deserve this pay. Please apply and this is legitimate and not a trick or gimmick. This will put dollars in your pockets and as much as $3,500 depending on your circumstances. Where you are active duty or Guard and Reserves, you are entitled to $500 for each month you were extended between September 11, 2001 and September 30th, 2009. YOU EARNED IT!. In these challenging economic times, this money can come in handy for everything from gifts, paying bills, helping meet your needs if you are seeking a job or supplementing benefits for education. Please don’t procrastinate and apply NOW. The link to apply is: www.defense.gov/stoploss

Debbie Gregory, CEO
MilitaryConnection.com
The Go To Site

Obama Speaking

Obama Reaches Out to Veterans: You Earned It

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 15, 2010 – President Barack Obama wants to make sure veterans and current servicemembers who were involuntarily retained in the military under the so-called “Stop Loss” program get the retroactive pay they deserve.

“You served with honor. You did your duty. And when your country called on you again, you did your duty again. Now, it’s time to collect the special pay that you deserve,” President Barack Obama said in a public service announcement released by the White House today.

Military members whose service was involuntarily extended or whose retirement was suspended between Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept. 30, 2009, are entitled to a retroactive payment of $500 for each month of extension. While by law, service members who received a bonus for voluntarily reenlisting or extending their service are not eligible, it is strongly recommended that all who may be eligible submit an application before the deadline, according to Defense Department officials. The application deadline is Oct. 21. It has now been extended by Congress and the President to December 18th. Information on the special pay and links to the application are available at http://www.defense.gov/stoploss.

About 58,000 of 145,000 eligible claims have been paid, and $219 million has been disbursed of the $534 million appropriated, Defense Department officials said.

While tens of thousands of veterans already have received retroactive pay averaging nearly $4,000 each, the president said many others may be reluctant to apply.

“I know there’s been some confusion and skepticism out there,” he said. “Some veterans think this is some sort of gimmick or scam, or that it’s a way for the government to call you back to service. Nothing could be further from the truth.

“As your commander in chief,” Obama continued, “I’m here to tell you that this is no gimmick or trick. You worked hard. You earned this money. It doesn’t matter whether you were active or reserve, whether you’re a veteran who experienced ‘Stop Loss’ or the survivor of a servicemember who did – if your service was extended, you’re eligible.”

The military services are promoting the retroactive pay through direct mail, veteran and service organizations, websites, phone lines, print and broadcast media. The president’s message underscores the effort to spread the word.

“Share this video among your fellow veterans,” the president urged. “Help us get our ‘Stop Loss’ veterans the pay to which they’re entitled. Help us make sure that America is serving our veterans and your families as well as you’ve served us.”

Deadline Extended to Dec. 18, 2010

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2010 – The Department of Defense announced today that the deadline for eligible service members, veterans and their beneficiaries to apply for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay has been extended to Dec. 18. The last deadline was Dec. 3.

The Department of Defense announced today that the deadline for eligible service members, veterans and their beneficiaries to apply for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay (RSLSP) has been extended to Dec. 18. The last deadline was Dec. 3.

To apply, or for more information on RSLSP, including submission requirements and service-specific links, go to http://www.defense.gov/stoploss .

The deadline extension is included in the continuing resolution signed by President Obama on Dec. 4, providing funding for federal government operations through Dec. 18.

RSLSP was established to compensate military members whose service was involuntarily extended under Stop Loss between Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept. 30, 2009. Eligible members or their beneficiaries are required to submit a claim to their respective military service in order to receive the benefit of $500 for each full or partial month served in a Stop Loss status.

When RSLSP began on Oct. 21, 2009, the services estimated 145,000 service members, veterans and beneficiaries were eligible. Because the majority of those eligible had separated from the military, the services have engaged in extensive and persistent outreach efforts throughout the year. Efforts including direct mail, engaging military and veteran service organizations, social networks and media outlets, will continue throughout the period of eligibility.

“I am the one with a Frayed Yellow Ribbon”

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As I celebrated this Thanksgiving, I gave thanks to so many.  All of the men and women who wear our nation”s uniform and serve so that we can be safe and free.  I also thank their loved ones and all of the amazing people who support those who serve in thousands of different ways.  You truly make a difference.

My friend, Mary Ellen Salzano is one of them.    Her 2004 article is timely.  Mary Ellen”s son returned home.  She is a valuable advocate for Veterans and Wounded Warriors and their family members.  Mary Ellen is amazing and truly a force of nature.  She accomplishes so much and we are in her debt for her support and compassion.  I think that we need to think more of the Mothers, Fathers, Sisters, Brothers and of course the Spouses of those who serve.  They serve too and make many sacrifices.  It is hard for everyone and more difficult during the holidays.

Debbie Gregory, CEO
MilitaryConnection.com

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I am the one with a frayed yellow ribbon

Mary Ellen Salzano is the the mother of a Marine who has recently returned from Ramadi, Iraq. She recently wrote this op-ed for her local paper and has given permission for a reprint here. Her words capture the essence of what a military parent experiences during the holidays and during the other days of the year.

The days are long, yet the years are short. These words have been resounding for me this past week, as I look over the days of 2004 and the year of 2004. Often I wonder, where did the year go…seems just like yesterday that we were putting up decorations and baking cookies, yet I know that 300 and some days have passed. My perception of time changes from moment to moment. Some moments take forever like waiting to see our Marine at the gate in Hawaii for the first time since his return from Iraq, to the moments that are over in a heartbeat, like the two weeks we spent in Oahu on his turf, his permanent duty station. 2004 has been a year of personal and spiritual development and I am certain 2005 will be the same in diverse ways, ways I have never dreamed possible *or* probable.

Would enjoy seeing a reality show of soldiers and Marine”s loved ones back home. Meeting people and sharing about our son”s military service is always a unique experience. Never knowing if this revelation will bring out the wrath *or* the respect of the person I am speaking with Sometimes I am asked, “How do you do this?” So, for a slice of reality, I”ll share how many military parents feel on a day to day, minute by minute basis. I received portions of this in an email, and the author is unknown….I have changed bits and pieces to reflect my life, my thoughts and emotions.

You see me everyday going about my life as usual, *or* so it appears to you. I am your co-worker, your neighbor, the person sitting next to you at church, *or* at a ball game. I shop at the same grocery stores and fill my car at the same places you do. You can find me anywhere, you might see me anywhere, but do not be deceived by the normalcy of my actions and words. I have not been “normal” for months. I am the mother/father of an American soldier/Marine.

I am the one with the frayed yellow ribbon *or* photo of my son/daughter pinned on my clothing. It was fresh and new when our loved one first deployed months ago. We know the war is not over and will not be over…the war on terrorism is with us to stay. My child is in a place where bullets and grenades are as common as the birds singing outside your windows. I am dedicated to wearing my ribbon *or* pin until he comes home, because this reminds me and others to pray for him. So please, when you see someone wearing a yellow ribbon *or* a support your troops pin, whisper a prayer for their child *or* children and for all the others still protecting our country while facing the holidays and birthdays and celebrations without their families and friends.

My house is the one with the faded yellow ribbons and the United We Stand placards. Always remembering how our lives were changed on September 11, 2001. There is an American flag on a pole attached to the front porch, and black ribbons get attached on days of rememberance. A small red and white banner with a blue star in the middle hangs in a window. We were presented with this by our local American Legion. Gold Star parents are the ones whose sons *or* daughters do not return home. Our hearts are in a constant ache for them and a piece of our heart and soul is with them.

When you drive by a house with a banner *or* military flag waving, please pray for the family and the son *or* daughter who may be overseas *or* homeland choosing to defend our ways of life, which we take so very for granted.

My heart is warmed each time I pass a home *or* car with a yellow ribbon *or* support your troops magnet as I know you have an idea of the sacrifices being made. Thank you. For many emails are received sporadically as well as phone calls, yet at times, there are no calls *or* letters for weeks at a time, and the papers are filled with stories of wounded and casualites *or* negative comments and it pierces our souls.

When I read of a soldier *or* Marine that has been killed and the name has not yet been released by the Department of Defense pending notification of family, restlessness, depression, insomnia and even physical illness can rule my life until 24 hours have passed and the men in dress uniforms have not appeared at my door. You learn how to scan your neighborhood before you pull into your driveway, hoping there are no government cars parked outside your door. You then feel guilty as the relief turns to grief as you know others will be getting a visit. The days of taking a full breath are long passed, we sometimes need to remind ourselves to breathe.

Going to the store is a chore that many of us avoid until the cupboards run bare. If you see someone standing in front of the snack foods, with tears streaming down their face, stop and give them a hug. If you see a man and woman at the store buying tuna and crackers, beef jerky, hand sanitizers and baby wipes take a moment and see if they are filling a care package, and if you can, ask what you can provide. If you see a woman buying more than 3 sympathy cards at one time, and tears rolling down her face, know she is a part of an online support group who sends cards to those parents whose child has paid full price.

I am here among you, trying to carry on a semblance of a normal life and my holiday table will have a place setting and chair ready for our loved one whom we know will not be with us. Like so many others I am the parent, the mother of an child serving in the military. Because of their sacrifices, we sleep in our bed at night safe and free. Your prayers and words of love mean the world.

May your holy/holly/holidays be filled with the Light of Spirit, the love of the Divine, the Joy of Creation, and the Compassion of the Eternal. As always, I am grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts with you and look forward to sharing a new year filled with wonders and joys. May each moment of your life be overflowing with blessings, prosperity, love and grace.

She may be reached at maryellen_salzano@yahoo.com


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