Posted on 12/16/2002 3:34:06 AM PST by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub
A partnership between the USO, CertifiChecks, and the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) lets every American make a contribution to the morale and well being of military personnel and their families at home and across the globe, especially during the holiday season. Americans can buy Commissary gift certificates for loved ones stationed abroad or send a gift certificate, through the USO, to a member of the armed forces they don't even know, just to show their support and say thanks!
For Americans who would like to do their part to support our troops but don't personally know anyone in the military, CertifiChecks will forward the gift certificates to the USO for distribution to non-specific service members. Through its worldwide military support network, the USO will ensure that the gift certificates are appropriately distributed directly to military personnel. The entire program is operated at a nominal cost to the USO.
Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines can use the gift certificates just like cash to buy groceries and other basic necessities at any commissary worldwide. The gift certificates can be purchased online at www.commissaries.com or www.certifichecks.com, or by calling toll-free 1-877-770-4438. The purchaser pays only a small processing fee to cover the costs of printing, shipping and handling, and the gift certificates are available in denominations as low as $25, making this an affordable way for every American to support our troops and brighten their holidays.
Always nice to read each morning. God bless our troops. Thank you, ms feather.
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to the USO Canteen Freeper Style, where we honor, daily, our troops, veterans, their families, and our allies. Thank you for stopping in today and helping to honor them. Please join us often.
SQUAD TACTICS — U.S. soldiers of the Airborne Parachute Riggers, 24th Quarter Master, Detachment Aerial Delivery, refine their squad tactics and combat procedures around the flight line perimeter at Aviano Air Base, Italy, to build stamina and endurance they will need when facing a threat. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Isaac G. L. Freeman.
Daisy Dedeaux, director, Marine Corps Community Services, and Sgt. Maj. Steven Clarke, Combat Center Sgt. Maj., present free tickets to fly home on American Airlines to Pfc. Christopher Smith, infantryman, C Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, and Lance Cpl. Adam Glielmi, crewman, D Company, 3rd Amphibious Assault Battalion, Tuesday, Dec. 10, as a part of MCCS's Operation "Santa's Sleigh." Photo by: Sgt. Kristen A. Bennett
Two marines hitch a ride on Santa's sleigh
Submitted by: MCAGCC
Story Identification Number: 20021213184154
Story by Sgt. Kristen A. Bennett
MCAGCC, Twentynine Palms, Calif.(Dec. 13, 2002) -- Two Combat Center Marines received tickets for a special ride home on Santa's American Airlines sleigh Tuesday.
Pfc. Christopher Smith, infantryman, C Company, 3/7, and Lance Cpl. Adam Glielmi, crewman, D Company, 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, were given round-trip, first-class tickets from Palm Springs to anywhere in the continental United States with American Airlines as a part of Marine Corps Community Services' Operation "Santa's Sleigh."
"The Kraft/Nabisco Championship and American Airlines gave Marine Corps Community Services the tickets in return for advertising aboard the base," said Beth Birchfield, sponsorship and special events coordinator, MCCS. "We pursued this because we felt it would be a great opportunity to get Marines home who otherwise would not be able to see their families for Christmas."
Birchfield said MCCS tapped its Single Marine Program to find worthy recipients of the free ride home. She, along with the SMP director, Deanna Simpson, went to each battalion's sergeant major to get nominations based on leadership ability, military character, volunteerism, award and recognition, and extenuating circumstances.
"All of our nominees were outstanding Marines," said Birchfield. "This is MCCS's way of thanking the dedicated Marines that work endless hours all day long. The tickets definitely went to people who truly deserved them."
After receiving all the nominations, Sgt. Maj. Steven Clarke, Combat Center Sergeant Major, chose the two Marines who excelled both on and off the job.
"I based it on a combination of good performance as Marines, commitment to values off-duty, community support and just a touch of humanitarian need as well," said Clarke.
Clarke added that both Smith and Glielmi demonstrated outstanding military character and a special need to get home to their families. Smith distinguished himself as a member of 3/7's Super Squad. He chose to use his ticket to visit his mom in Cambridge, Mass., before his battalion deploys in February.
"My mom is sick, and I'd really like to see her before I go on deployment," said Smith. "The Marine Corps has always been good to me, but it means a lot that they're now getting me home when I need it."
According to Clarke, Glielmi has also proven himself to be a dedicated Marine as the assistant training NCO. He is flying to Nashville, Tenn., to be with his family of six for Christmas. He hasn't seen them in more than 10 months-the longest time he's been away from home.
"It's really important to my mom for me to get home, and if it's important to her, it's important to me," said Glielmi. "My family is everything to me."
From the Arizona Republic
Dec. 13, 2002
It is not only the men who serve in the armed forces. Daughters are also proudly standing up for what this country means to some of us.
For those who spend their lives criticizing America, remember it is my daughter and many like her, with pride in themselves and their country, who defend it. It is their dedication that allows you to live in a society that accepts your right to speak out.
My daughter is currently going through Marine boot camp at Paris Island, S.C.
In high school she was an honor student and model with plans to enter college. She was not athletic, and in fact she did not even take PE in school because it was hard for her to keep up.
But when Sept. 11 occurred, she was determined to try to give back to a country she loved. As with all kids, there were things about America she did not agree with, but to her it was more important to do something more than just sit around and complain.
When she came home and told me she wanted to become a Marine, I laughed. After she convinced me that she was serious, I tried to talk her into going into another branch. I felt the Marines would be too tough for her.
With the dedicated help of her recruiting sergeant, she was able to get in the physical shape needed to be sent to boot camp. She will graduate at the end of January. I am one very proud parent.
Bob Leary
Phoenix
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