Posted on 05/06/2008 9:18:09 AM PDT by concretebob
We would like to thank the people of Northern Michigan for their support and encouragement during the difficult period of the past six months since the tragedy of Matthew’s death.
The communities that have shown support have been a real blessing to us and our extended families and friends. Words do NO justice for our gratitude.
In the past, when Matthew left for deployment, the only thing to bring peace in our hearts was to think about his safe return. We know that won’t be happening now. However, Matthew and us have an extended family that reaches far beyond this place.
We recently learned that there are no plans for any welcome home celebrations for the 173rd, 2-503 Army Airborne Battalion when they return to their home base at Camp Ederle in Vicenza Italy after at least 15 months in Afghanistan, where they lived and fought in horrendous conditions. There is not a local American community in Italy to step up and put on a Heroes welcome for them, as so many would do here in the states. Very few of the soldiers will be returning to family or loved ones there in Italy. By far the majority of soldiers are single, with no family to welcome them back or home support to assist them in transitioning from war and death to peace and recuperation.
Cheryl and I, together with others, have been supporting the 173rd 2-503 Battalion troops, who continue to endure a tenacious tour of duty in Afghanistan that is not yet over, are asking that you join us in raising funds for a proper WELCOME HOME CELEBRATION when they arrive back in Italy. There will be approximately 2000 troops returning and we believe a GRAND CELEBRATION is well deserved. We would love to have banners flying there to show the support from communities throughout this nation in honor of our Sky Soldiers returning as well in memory of our Sky Angels of the 173rd Airborne Brigade.
If we all pitch in, it is no great sacrifice for a few. A minimum of $125,000, is a small amount to do so much for so many soldiers; when added to other amounts raised by other communities around the U. S. of A.. It is hard to imagine the transition of so many Sky Soldiers who, we are sure, think it is “JUST THEIR JOB”.
Please join us in donating for the WELCOME HOME CELEBRATION for the 173rd 2-503 SKY SOLDIERS.
Checks can also be made payable to: 173rd Sky Angels Fund. The funds (100%) will be reserved for that purpose only (Sky Angels are our fallen soldiers of the 173rd Airborne).
Checks can also be made payable to any of the following Family Readiness Groups at Camp Ederle in Vicenza, Italy:
HHC Co 2-503 FRG
Able Co 2-503 FRG
Battle Co 2-503 FRG
Chosen Co 2-503 FRG
Destin Co 2-503 FRG
Fusion Co 2-503 FRG
The Army has rules, no one person or organization is allowed to donate more than $1,000 to any single FRG. So if a person or organization wants to donate more than $1000, (that would be fantastic) they would have to write one check to one FRG and another to a different FRG. The FRG’s are going to pool all the funds designated for the “WELCOME HOME CELEBRATION”. Please mail all checks to: 173rd Sky Angels Fund c/o Terry and Cheryl Blaskowski PO BOX 164 CHEBOYGAN MI 49721
Thank You.
Patriotism: “What do we mean by patriotism in the context of our times?… (A) sense of national responsibility… a patriotism which is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but a tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.” – President Abraham Lincoln
It is always great to hear some more of our men and women returning safe and sound.
Tankerbabe received TWO emails last night from Afghanistan. She says she felt like it was Christmas getting one much less two. One was from a leader of Chosen Company and said, in part, "We are safe, everything is very mellow here with a small firefight every now and again. I am enjoying the peace." And one from Battle Company that said, in part, "Greetings! It's been a while since I've said hello, so I thought I would let you all know how things are going here. TIme continues to go by surprisingly fast here, almost at year already! THank all of you so much for everything you have done for us this past year, it means SO MUCH to us knowning that there are PROUD AMERICANS like you that think about us. I must say, EVERYTIME I see someone from BAttle company, they tell me to pass you THANKS for everything you've all been doing for them. I am certain that nothing any of you have ever sent here has gone to waste! Well, only three months left! I can't think of anything that anyone needs, but I'll let you know if I do"
Ping!
The article is a good reminder that not all US military have the option of returning to families and friends after completing their tours of duty. And I still remember the face of one Marine who returned with my nephew from their first tour in Iraq, that had no one to come home to. That was back in 2004. But surely it can be found to be the case on a hopefully infrequent basis.
Just saw this Bob, and I’m pinging my lists!
Special request — if anyone can help....
BTTT
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