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and Jennifer
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We are having another Support or Troops Day at Wal-Mart in Manchester on July 16th starting at 0900. We will be having a car wash, hot dog wagon, and taking collection at the door. If anyone is interested in helping out just show up and join in on the fun.
I want to thank everyone who made the last Support Our Troops Day a success.
Jennifer
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I just wanted to let all the wives of the guys that are at FOB Bernstein that the internet is down again.
If you have a chance to come out to the Support Our Troops day I would love to see everyone. It is at the Walmart in Manchester Friday May 13, 2005 starting at 0900.
Jennifer
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Support Our Troops Day
Family and Friends of the Local 278th Army National Guard Soldiers Fighting in Operation Iraqi Freedom are having a Support Our Troops Day May 13, 2005 at Wal-Mart in Manchester. We will start accepting donations at 9:00am. We will be having a car wash for donations after 3:00pm to help offset the cost of shipping the donated supplies that the soldiers are asking for. Below is a list of things that the soldiers would like to have in their efforts of helping the Iraqi Children have a better way of life.
Hard Candy
Snack Foods
Pencils
Pens
Paper
Soccer Cleats
Soccer Shin Guards
Soccer Uniforms
Soccer Balls
Stuffed Animals
Small Dolls
Little Cars (Hot Wheels)
Small Toys
All donations are greatly appreciated.
COME ON OUT AND SHOW YOUR PATRIOTISM AND SUPPORT OF OUR TROOPS SERVING IN IRAQ
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Just to let all the I troop wifes that if their Soldier is at FOB Bernstein the INTERNET problem should be corrected in the next week or so. I have mailed 2 wireless routers to James. One will be used to fix the issues that they are having with the connection in the bunkers (if they don't get that fixed before the box arrives) and the other will be used so that more than 2 of them can be on-line at the same time. I know it has been hard not getting to talk with them every day or so since the connection has been down in the bunker. KEEP YOU HEADS UP HELP IS ON THE WAY.
For those of us that did not get flowers for Valentine's the guys tried. They had the flowers picked out but could not get the website to connect to the server so that they could pay for what they wanted to order. James went as far as to have our Son Jimmy try to order them via phone. www.1800flowers.com was overloaded and could not process any more orders. It was the thought that counted. The guys are thinking about us.
Jennifer
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As you know, I asked for toys for the Iraqi children over here and several people (Americans that support us) sent them over by the box. On each patrol we take through the city, we take as many toys as will fit in our pockets and hand them out as we can. The kids take the toys and run to show them off as if they were worth a million bucks. We are as friendly as we can be to everyone we see, but especially so with the kids. Most of them don't have any idea what is going on and are completely innocent in all of this.
On one such patrol, our lead security vehicle stopped in the middle of the street. This is not normal and is very unsafe, so the following vehicles began to inquire over the radio. The lead vehicle reported a little girl sitting in the road and said she just would not budge. The command vehicle told the lead to simply go around her and to be kind as they did. The street was wide enough to allow this maneuver and so they waved to her as they drove around.
As the vehicles went around her, I soon saw her sitting there and in her arms she was clutching a little bear that we had handed her a few patrols back. Feeling an immediate connection to the girl, I radioed that we were going to stop. The rest of the convoy paused and I got out the make sure she was OK. The little girl looked scared and concerned, but there was a warmth in her eyes toward me. As I knelt down to talk to her, she moved over and pointed to a mine in the road.
Immediately a cordon was set as the Marine convoy assumed a defensive posture around the site. The mine was destroyed in place.
It was the heart of an American that sent that toy. It was the heart of an American that gave that toy to that little girl.It was the heart of an American that protected that convoy from that mine. Sure, she was a little Iraqi girl and she had no knowledge of purple mountain's majesty or fruited plains. It was a heart of acceptance, of tolerance, of peace and grace,even through the inconveniences of conflict that saved that convoy from hitting that mine. Those attributes are what keep Americans' hearts beating. She may have no affiliation at all with the United States, but she knows what it is to be brave and if we can continue to support her and her new government, she will know what it is to be free. Isn't that what Americans are, the free and the brave?
If you sent over a toy or a Marine (US Service member) you took part in this. You are a reason that Iraq has to believe in a better future. Thank you so much for supporting us and for supporting our cause over here.
Click to visit my website:
http://dandunkel.home.comcast.net/
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I am proud to say that the package pace has picked up. It seems that the guys are getting their packages in about 15 day. But for regular letters it seems that it is taking longer. I hope that all the wifes and family members of our guys are doing ok.
I talked with James today and all of the I Troop guys that are in FOB Bernstein are doing good. Missing home but doing good.
Jennifer
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Middle Tennessee Student Accepted to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum on Defense, Intelligence and Diplomacy in Washington D.C.
James V. Sanders III, Son of Jennifer and Sgt. 1st. Class James V. Sanders Jr. (member of the 278th Regimental Combat Team currently deployed to Iraq in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom) has been accepted to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum on Defense, Intelligence and Diplomacy in Washington D.C.
James has been a member of the A.F.J.R.O.T.C. program under the direction of Master Sergeant James Loveland for three (3) years. He also has been a member of the award winning Coffee County Red Raider Marching Band for three (3) years.
Only students that display academic accomplishments with interest in the national security of the United States of America are considered for this honor.
Each student that is accepted must receive a security clearance.
About The Forum
The National Youth Leadership Forum on Defense, Intelligence and Diplomacy provides an intense and stimulating exploration of the field of government service for high school juniors and seniors. This six-day program introduces students to challenging careers in national security, intelligence, the diplomatic corps and more.
Students participate in thought-provoking question and answer sessions with highly respected, internationally recognized civilian policy makers and senior military officers, who provide rich insights into current issues and discuss the strategies that helped them succeed. The government's leading academic institutions also open their doors to the students, where they are educated in diplomacy, international affairs and military strategy.
During the course of the forum, students take part in a national security strategy simulation that draws on their program experiences and teamwork. They employ a crisis decision-making process similar to that employed by the nation's top policy makers, giving them an opportunity to use critical thinking, leadership and public speaking skills to tackle the complexity of national decision-making.
After graduation from Coffee County Central High School in Manchester, TN in May of 2006 James plans on attending Middle Tennessee State University to major in the Aerospace Professional Piloting program and minoring in Military Science. After graduating from MTSU he plans on joining the Army with hopes of becoming a member of the Army Special Forces to fly the AH-6J Little Bird Defender 500 helicopter.
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Thank You Justin for the pictures you sent to Jennifer. I am sure alot of the Soldier's loved one's will enjoy seeing a little of what you guys are seeing over there.
Jennifer
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I just want to wish everyone a Happy New Year.
What a turn out for the Candle Light Vigil last night at the McMinnville Armory. It was great.
I spoke with James today and he has received 2 of the boxes and one of the letters that I sent to him. Good sign! Maybe now that the Holiday's are over the mail will pick up speed getting to them.
James says that all of the I-Troop guys that are at FOB Bernstien are doing good.
Frizzy, If you are reading this it is nice to know that you are there at the FOB with James.
Jennifer
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I received an email from James today and he still has not received any of his packages or mail that I have sent to him.
Jennifer
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A DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS POEM
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light, I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest, My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white, Transforming the yard to a winter delight
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe, Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep, Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem, So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near, But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear, And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night, A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old, Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled, Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear, "Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve, You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift, Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right, I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line, That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me, I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December," Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam', And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while, But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag, The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
"I can live through the cold and the being alone, Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet, I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another, Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all, To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright, Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least, "Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done, For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret, "Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone, To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead, To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust, That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.
WE ALL NEED TO PRAY FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL EVERY NIGHT!
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I just spoke with James and he wanted me to let everyone know that they are all doing fine. They are working on getting Internet access in the barracks. He said the lines are pretty long to get on the inner net. He will start his blogging when he gets the access on his laptop. He finely received his first care package, it was from his Mom in Florida, which was mailed out 4 days after I sent out my first one.
Frizzy if you are reading this James said to tell you Hello and was wondering how things are at FOC Cobra.
Jennifer
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A SOLIDER'S WIFE
I am asked everyday by people who care about me what it is like to be a solider's wife.
There is no easy answer to that question because unless you are one of us you can not fathom what we deal with every second of every day.
Close your eyes and imagine a nightmare so terrifing you can not breathe......and you can't wake up
Imagine a world where your best friend is in danger.......and you can't help them
Imagine being afraid to leave your telephone.....because it is your life line to sanity
Imagine sitting in a small room watching a computer screen...as you pray today he will be able to come on line
Imagine turning on a radio and hearing about bombings and deaths and no knowing where your husband is today
Imagine going for days and weeks with no communication as sometimes they just can not get to a telephone
Imagine hearing your husband's voice and you hearing the fear as he tells you he is about to convoy through a war torn country
Imagine waking up everyday knowing that there is no end in sight...
Imagine a Christmas morning where your four year old is concerned as to whether or not Santa can find daddy at "work"
Imagine the very best part of yourself is gone and you don't know where it went or if it is coming back
Imagine waking up in a warm house house and knowing that your soul mate is sleeping in a metal box
Imagine having no where to go to find peace and quite
Imagine praying for nothing more then the safe return of you true love
Imagine not being in control of your own life as your world is suddenly subject to a war
Imagine not being clear on why we are still in conflict yet knowing you can lose everything at somone elses whim
Imagine losing your day to day life and the world you once knew.....
Imagine a home that was once full of laughter and love suddenly darkened by tears and grief
I am a hostage of terrorist activity......
I am captive to fear and loneliness...
I am a victim of war...
I am a solider's wife.......
Virginia Stephens
wife of Sgt. Wayman Stephens 3/278th
Gigi
Posted by Jennifer
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I just wanted to let everyone know that James and his guys have arrived at their new home away from home. FOB Bernstein. Thanks to ArmySteve he will now have this blog to update all of us on his adventures while he is in Iraq.
Jennifer
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