[Billie]

Can you hit your ping lists with this?

Will do, Aeronaut - know many will be pinged multiple times. (Please don't yell at us! It's for a good cause!) :)

[Dubya]

Church responds to troop deployment, puts ministry to military families into high gear

The church is able to help the community in other ways, not just in ministering to military families. Retired Lt. Col. Dick Chapin operates the church's food distribution center, providing groceries, food baskets and clothes to families on low to moderate incomes.

Of those families, about 35 to 45 percent are military families. Last year the church distributed 1.2 million pounds of food, helping more than 400 families a month. The church uses several part-time employees and about 35 volunteers. "We get the food from a variety of sources, including Wal-Mart, food banks like Second Harvest in Chicago and Capital Food Bank out of Austin."

Chapin said the church is able to also provide financial counseling assistance to a number of families, especially when the husbands are gone and the wives need assistance in taking care of the bills.

Soldiers who are in combat get a small increase in pay, but many of the soldiers lose the part-time jobs they hold during peacetime. As a result, sometimes the family income actually decreases when soldiers leave for the battlefield.

"The combat pay is tax-free, but it's amazing how many soldiers qualify for welfare," Rich stated. "The salary of the military personnel is not that great, especially for the non-officers. Someone who is an 'E-4' (an enlisted man with two stripes) still qualifies for welfare. It's a hardship in many ways."

President's passion President Bush joins in a patriotic moment with soldiers at Fort Hood during a January visit to Killeen, Texas, where Memorial Baptist Church and other local congregations have provided support to deploying soldiers' families. courtesy of Fort Hood

Care for the troops At Fort Hood in January, President Bush greets troops readying to deploy. Memorial Baptist is among the churches in Killeen, Texas, seeking to help soldiers' families. courtesy of Fort Hood

Side by side Patriotism and faith are evident at Fort Hood - both in the Texas military base's outdoor museum adjacent to its chapel and in the ministry to soldiers' families provided by Memorial Baptist and other churches in Killeen. courtesy of Fort Hood

[humblegunner]

Consider it done, and that's just a start!

[mountaineer]

Thanks for the ping, B.

In addition to sending letters to the President, I believe we should find out where the anti-U.S. crowd will be gathering, and counterprotest to the best of our ability. This lefty site lists protests by state. If possible, go there with a sign (or with several friends carrying signs) and just hold it where people can see it. You don't need to argue, and certainly shouldn't put yourself in harm's way.

[Cool Guy]

BUMP!

[MeekOneGOP]

[glock rocks]

worthy cause?

[MeekOneGOP]

I ordered this Tuesday and it arrived today !!

[Cool Guy]

BUMP!

[Aquamarine]

Thanks for the ping Billie!

[knighthawk]

Freeping action list

If people want on or off this list, please let me know.

[JustAmy]

Thanks for the ping, Billie!!!

Am pinging some FResno Freepers to ask for help with this.
If you can join a rally, please do! If not write a letter to the President. Show your support.

[ST.LOUIE1]

Thanks for the ping, BillieBlue! : )

Way to go, Aero!

[dansangel]

Two letters will come out of our household....one from me and one from .45MAN.

Excellent idea....thanks for the ping, Billie!

[Freedom2specul8]

Thank you for the ping!

[nicmarlo]

Can you hit your ping lists with this?

know many will be pinged multiple times?

In the words of Billie: Please don't yell at us! It's for a good cause! :)

[The Mayor]

Will do!

Write GOD BLESS AMERICA on the back of the envelope : )

[azGOPgal]

Thanks Billie.

Maigrey, did you get this one?