A Way to Say Thank You to Those in Uniform

The Los Angeles Times ^ | Feb. 16, 2003 | Helen Evers

[LNewman]

Re: "As Marines Ship Out, Their Pets Put Animal Shelter on Emergency Footing," Feb. 3:

"How very sad that our service men and women must give up so much for us and yet we do so little in return for them. They leave their families, homes and pets to protect our country, yet we cannot maintain one animal shelter at Camp Pendleton to safeguard their pets until they return home.

"We need to step forward. Let these people maintain some peace of mind while they are so far away. Please let us not be so cruel as to just parcel out their family pets as if they were disposable. The shelter is scheduled to close in March. My check is on its way to keep it open.

"Checks should be made payable to ACS/MCCS and sent to ACS/MCCS Box 555020 MCB, Camp Pendleton, CA 92055."

Signed, Helen Evers

[LNewman]

Bonsai, the resident lawn lion, asked that I pass this on. LNewman

[JRandomFreeper]

That's all very nice, but every serviceman has a responibility to ensure that his family, including pets, are provided for should he have to leave.

/john

[just another american]

Another stupid comment by a self-centered fool who has more than likely done nothing in his life to deserve the rights he so indignantly claims as an american just because he was born in this country. You need to watch this link and see what real americans are about. And while you are watching it keep in mind that our marines, airmen, soldiers and sailors are out there defending your right to say stupid things.
http://www.gunstuff.com/america-attacked.html

[JRandomFreeper]

My dogs will be provided for when I deploy. My daughter has also made arrangements for her dog. We should both be on the ground, in theater, when things start.

/john

[JRandomFreeper]

just another american signed up 2003-02-17.

[The Coopster]

Just another ass is more like it.

[Neets]

Yo asswipe....Jrandomfreeper is one of those marines, airmen, soldiers and sailors out there defending YOUR right to lob your personal attack at him.

But as long as I am here I'll call your ass on it.

[Dog]

Hey just another idiot.... being stupid comes naturally for you huh??

The freeper you just insulted......you moron.... has served his country in our nations military with honors........and re-enlisted after 9/11.....what have you done beside sit in your computer chair ....and bitch.

[Capitalism2003]

Everyone should send $5.00

[apackof2]

Pet loving bump

[MozartLover]

"And while you are watching it keep in mind that our marines, airmen, soldiers and sailors are out there defending your right to say stupid things. "

Well, as I'm sure you've gathered by now, John is one of those who has been/will be out there defending your right to say stupid things. Although I'm sure he's not holding his breath waiting for an apology, I think it would be appropriate to at least admit your comments were out of line.

[PeoplesRepublicOfWashington]

I'm a Cub Scout pack committee chairman. I've been wanting to implement a community service project that somehow supports our war on terrorism. I was reviewing the history of national Good Turns that the Boy Scouts have performed since their inception in this country. Most wartime efforts (e.g., planting a victory garden, collecting old tires for recycling) are out of date these days. However, one caught my eye.

During WWII the Boy Scouts collected books that were sent overseas to the troops. Apparently there was a big demand for reading material and a shortage of it. Might such an effort be of value to the troops today? If so, it would not only symbolically support the war effort, but it would also allow our Cubs and their families to express their appreciation to those military personnel on the front lines. I'm thinking that the pack could have a ink stamp made indicating that the book is, with thanks, from the Cub pack. If we took a bunch of such books to an air base would the military accept them and get them to those at the front for us?

Any information or alternative suggestions will be appreciated.

[Mr. Mulliner]

We're still waiting for your apology to John. We won't forget an ungracious idiot like you if you fail to respond.

Enjoy your stay at Free Republic. It won't be long if you keep talking like that.

[JRandomFreeper]

You might contact the Public Affairs office at your nearest base, and see what they say. Personally, I download books to my PDA and read them from there.

/john

[LBGA]

God bless you and your daughter, and your family and pets when you deploy. You might run into my son while over there.

One of the things he hates most about being across the sea is that his childhood friend, our Honey, may die before he gets back to say goodbye. She is getting on in years for a dog.

Thank you for your sacrifice, and know that the majority of the people in this country are thankful.

[mystery-ak]

Are you by a base or know families that have someone activated....how about donating your scouts(or a small fee) to help us ladies left behind with yardwork or shoveling snow....I know I could use the help!

[Riley]

My animals are members of my family. I am no longer in the Corps, but when I was- they had to also have a Deployment Plan in place that involved arranging for someone trusted to care for them while I was away.

I cannot imagine dumping a loyal family pet off at a shelter.

That said, I think that some effort to take care of the animals and allow them to reunite afterwards is commendable and worthy of support. As soon as I get paid, I will see if I can kick a few bucks in their direction.

While we're on the subject of deployments, and military things, I found a new vet's organisation on the net that looks to be worth a look:
http://www.uvofa.org/

[JRandomFreeper]

to help us ladies left behind with yardwork or shoveling snow.

Also a concern for my wife. I've got a few friends lined up for the broken plumbing kind of emergencies, but the day to day load really does come down hard on the dependants. Thank you for your service, and that of your husband.

/john

[LBGA]

LOL! I like your suggestion! Recently, the local high school Student Council came over to rake my yard because a neighbor gave my name as a single mom who was going through chemo and couldn't do all I used to do. I really appreciated the help, but I never would have asked for it.

I hope your community steps in and helps you while your hubby is deployed... and God bless him, too! :-)

[mystery-ak]

I've shoveled snow all weekend...woke up to a dead car battery....found the battery charger...charged it enough to get to Walmart and buy a new one....I can do these things, but I hate it!.....plumbing, my greatest fear..LOL

God Bless you and your daughter.