Service Before Self

Move America Forward ^ | Friday, February 23, 2007 10:20 AM | Debbie Argel Bastian

[Syncro]

Subject: Service Before Self

My name is Debbie Argel Bastian.  I am the proud mother of Capt. Derek Argel, who was killed in action on Memorial Day, 2005 in the course of his service in Operation Iraqi Freedom.  It would be important to my son not to dwell on the circumstances surrounding his passing, but on his life and his brothers in Special Ops.

I was raised the daughter of a career Marine and a Navy nurse.  I served in the Army, and am a Viet Nam era Vet.  Service before self was a common phrase in our home.  Derek felt that way since the 6th grade.  He knew that the military was his duty, and never questioned that.

The military is our family.  Each and every person who serves this country is my son or daughter.

I am joining Move America Forward's "THESE COLORS DON'T RUN" caravan and the "Gathering of Eagles" event in Washington, D.C. to support our troops at home and out of the country.  My goal is to let them know that I appreciate their service, and all who have served.

We will join with many other groups in DC that carry the same message.

Sometimes I think people forget that their one voice, when combined with those of so many others, can make a real and powerful impact.  Together we can make a difference, but as separate groups or individuals we will not have the same power to truly support our troops and show them that America loves and supports them.  Will you please join with us in supporting this effort?

You can find out how to join our caravan, where our rally stops will be and other important information at the Move America Forward website:  www.MoveAmericaForward.org

And please, if you can join us, bring along a flag or two with you - we will collect flags all across the nation and create a giant "Flag City" of red, white and blue at the pro-troop event in Washington, D.C.  Then we will send each flag to a service member stationed in Iraq or Afghanistan with a placard explaining that this flag flew in their honor as a show of support for them by the American public.

My life now is dedicated to those who serve and the memory of those that died for our freedom.  I look forward to working with you to bring about a positive, powerful, uplifting, and patriotic event to the people of this nation.

Most Sincerely Yours,

Debbie Argel Bastian
Military Outreach Director
Move America Forward

[Syncro]

This email was just sent out by Debbie Argel Bastian, the Military Outreach Director for Move America Forward.

[Syncro]

Thank you Deb

[eyedigress]

You are the Backbone of America.

Debbie Argel Bastian

Prayers for you and your family during these most troubling times...

[stm]

This woman is an inspiration for all of us. All the more reaso for her to be villified by the left.

[rlmorel]

She will be amongst people who not only respect and acknowledge the sacrifice made by her son, but will ensure that memory and sacrifice is not tarred by the antiwar left, whose cynicism knows no bounds when it comes to appropriating the grief of people like her, preying on them and using them as props for their own cynical purposes.

She will be amongst family.

[Islander7]

God Bless You Debbie! I wish so much that I could join you in DC.

[Impeach98]

A wonderful woman who has done so much for our cause and our country. Both she and her son are of the finest character!

[Impeach98]

A wonderful woman who has done so much for our cause and our country. Both she and her son are of the finest character!

[Impeach98]

A wonderful, moving note from Debra Argel Bastian!

[potlatch]

My life now is dedicated to those who serve

What a lovely woman she is. Thank you for pinging me Impeach!

[Impeach98]

Can you make it to any of the rally stops along the way? She'll be riding along the MAF caravan, along with Gold Star Father Joseph Williams, Blue Star Mom Deborah Johns, and Iraq & Afghanistan veteran John Ubaldi.

I know they are looking forward to meeting people at each of the stops across the country!

[Reaganite84]

BTTT!

[RWGuy]

Deborah is really inspiring.

Let's hope that Americans get off their rear ends and show up for the caravan and the rally in Washington DC.

The mainstream media is salivating that this is going to be a big anti-war day. Can you imagine what will happen if we have a sea of flags and thousands of Americans turn out to protect the monuments and support our troops?

[PhiKapMom]

That is wonderful! Thanks so much for the ping!

I used the Bush ping list for this thread -- don't use it much any more but I am sure all of them will want to read this. This truly is an example of character!

[DrDeb]

THANK YOU Debbie Bastian . . . You are truly a GREAT AMERICAN!

[EternalVigilance]

Inspiring.

[tutstar]

bump

[devolve]

[potlatch]

Lovely post devolve. AMERICA is the perfect song for Debbie Argel Bastian!

And, our beautiful Eagles!

[CPT Clay]

Thanks for the ping !!