Archive for November, 2010

Thanksgiving wishes to our valiant heroes …

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!  There are so many things each of us have to be thankful for, starting with my Freedom. Thank you to our valiant heroes who have served and those who continue to making that possible. As we sit at our tables with our families and friends, may we each take time to remember the men and women who are spending theirs in firefights, cold and sandy deserts, and missing their families. Also do not forgot those that gave everything for our freedom, and their families that will not have their loved ones. ♥

This photo was sent to me by Spc. Ryan Drahman who I have supported since we met on a flight in July 2010. It is of U.S. and Afghan soldiers look out from their detachment as their colleague injured from a roadside bomb attack is carried on a stretcher for evacuation aboard a helicopter of "Dustoff" medevac team, Task Force Shadow in Kandahar province, Afghanistan September 27, 2010. REUTERS/Erik de Castro (AFGHANISTAN)

This blog entry is for our valiant heroes, and my way of thanking you for the sacrifices you have made and continue to make daily in the name of honor, valor, commitment, and duty.  Below you will find thoughts from random people giving their thanks … may you find comfort in the words, and know this Thanksgiving we are each saluting you, your families and those who love you the most.

“Happy Thanksgiving to all our brave men and women. How can we ever repay you for your sacrifices and service? Please know that we give thanks for you, not just today…. but every day. Stay safe! Stay strong!” Jody

“This is for each and every one of you who have fought, are fighting or will fight to defend our Freedoms and our Country… You might be away from your family during this Holiday Season…. Thank you for ALL you do for us… It is due to your sacrifices that we Stand Tall and are able to live without living in fear… THANK YOU ….” Sheilah

“As we congregate together this week for the Thanksgiving holiday, I wwanted to take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday.  Your service is a shining reflection, a sacrifice that is sincerely appreciated – one that I am so grateful for.  I can’t imagine what you go through on a daily basis – but know you are supported.  Thank you!”  Mary

“God bless you for your dedication and service to our country! Too often we take our freedom for granted but because of people like you, wee can enjoy living in the greatest country in the world” David

“It is a privelege to write a note of thanks through the compassion of The Sky Angel.  Somehow, saying thank you for your dedicated service to our country seems so insufficient.  As we know, freedom is not free … we have to pay a price and sacrifice for our liberty.  I commend you, your service is appreciated more than I can express.  God Bless You!” Retired LE Officer, Ken

“Thank you for the sacrifices you make each and every day for all of us.  I talked to a soldier today that is leaving for assignment for one year.  He had just said good-bye to his little boy.  I felt his pain, however it also made me realize what you give up to serve our country.  I can’t thank you enough or express my appreciation for being so giving – be safe – good luck, and know you are loved.”  Rhonda

“I am an active duty NCO with a son on deployment overseas. He will be away from his wife, 2 year old son and the rest of his family during this upcoming holiday season.  I too have been kept away from my family and friends on deployment over the holidays.  There is nothing I can say to prevent the feelings of isolation and loneliness you will most likely feel.  All I can say is  stay focused on your dutieis and close to yoru brother soldiers and know your friends and family are thinking about you warmly. Happy holidays, and stay strong.” Joe

“The media on this side of the world is full of stories about Sgt. Guinta, his actions, his honor code, and his dedication to his unit.  I was an Air Force officer, so I undesrstand the military, however, I was never in combat, so I can’t imagine what you guys are going through.  Reading about Sgt. Guinta and how he risked his life to save a brother if only to keep the enemy from taking Sgt. Brennan’s body touched me deeply.  You men have an honor that I can’t comprehend.  You will carry scars from combat, scars from lost friends, and the scar from war for the rest of your lives: and we cannot thank you enough.  My son is ten and when I read newspaper or maagazine accounts of your heroism in battle, I read them to him.  I am sure many other American fathers do also.  If not, I am ashamed for them, because they have no concept of duty or honor or love of country.  I don’t know if you have read Gen Eisenhouser’s letter of D-Day?  If not, you should.  He said ‘Americans and the Allied soldiers were fighting the great crusade against an evil the world could not tolerate’.  That is the battle you men are fighting; most of us over here know that.  My son and daughters know.  History will thank you.  May the true God bless you and protect you.  And if the ultimate sacrifice is made may you find peace of Heaven that knows no comprehension. Thank you.”  Someone who cares.

This photo was sent to me by Spc. Ryan Drahman who I have supported since we met on a flight in July 2010, it is of two soldiers comforting one another after being injured in a roadside bomb attack, Task Force Shadow in Kandahar province, Afghanistan September 27, 2010. REUTERS/Erik de Castro (AFGHANISTAN)

“Thinking of you, my heroes when I count my blessings…I’m grateful and humbled by your dedication and sacrifice. I pray for you, your families and continued safety. May God comfort you while you must be away from all you love and miss. I hope that knowing you are thought of can reach beyond limitations of time and distance and meet you where you are and bring Home to you. God Bless. Your service is a reminder to me that Thanks living is a part of Thanksgiving.”   Dee

“As we all know we can not have the freedoms of Thanksgiving traditions without our troops who fight so hard everyday to make sure that we can. Thank you to all our troops, and those that sacrificed it all just so that we can enjoy our wonderful freedom! Happy Thanksgiving to all our troops and their families♥”  Tracie

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Request from LRMC for Wounded Warrior Ministry

Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010

The Chaplains Closet, LRMC, Jan 2010

Many of you have asked how you can help with the Wounded Warriors at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.  This request just came in from my contact at the hospital.  The needs are ongoing, and it would help me tremendously if you could ship items directly to the Chaplain’s Closet.  The address is at the bottom of this post.   Thank you so much for reaching out to the staff and the Wounded Warriors, for they are each heroes & each of us can make a difference for them by sharing this information with others and doing whatever we can to help them.  Silvia has included her information, feel free to contact her directly going forward, as well.  As I get updates from the hospital, I will continue to share them with you.  (This post is separate from the list of needs for any of the other heroes I am supporting,  the Combat Surgical Hospital in Afghanistan, and visits I plan to make to the Wounded Warriors here in the states.)   Thanks everyone … for helping to make a difference for all of the valiant heroes serving all over the world!

Always, Robin

Wounded Warrior Ministry Center, LRMC

Pastoral Services Division – Landstuhl Regional Medical Center

The Wounded Warrior Ministry Center (WWMC) is an entity within LRMC Pastoral Services that cares for the humanitarian needs of wounded and ill Service Members evacuated from the theaters of operation.  The WWMC provides items of comfort to “fill holes” until the service member’s personal items can catch up with them in the military healthcare system. 

The WWMC services more than 750 service members each month.  Since the WWMC is a non-funded humanitarian entity within the Department of Defense, we rely on the generous donations of fellow Americans and others, both substantive and monetary, to provide these items.  We truly appreciate the efforts of each and every person willing to share “hugs from home” and words of encouragement with those who have given so much for the cause of Freedom in our world!

Below is a list of items Service Members typically request and take from the Wounded Warrior Ministry Center.

This list will be updated periodically. 

  • Winter Coats
  • Unisex athletic shoes, sizes 9 to 11 1/2
  • Phone Cards – United States Domestic Only With No Expiration Date – 120 Minutes
  • Black 30 Inch Duffel Bags (No Logos)
  • Men’s Running Shoes – Size 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5 & 12
  • Bath Towels
  • Blankets (In Preparation For Winter Transport)
  • Long Sleeve T-Shirts/Shirts L-M-S-XL(In This Order)
  • Men’s Boxers L-XL-M-S (In This Order)
  • Men’s Slippers (Slip-On Non-Slip) Sizes 8-14  
  • Men’s T-Shirts L-M-S (Not White Undershirts)
  • Sweat Pants L-M-S
  • Travel Pillows
  • iTunes® Cards 
  • iPod Shuffles®
  • Nail Clippers
  • Men’s & Women’s Deodorant
  • Lip Balm/Chapstick®
  • Travel Size Shaving Cream
  • Travel Size Foot Powder (Ex: Gold Bond®)
  • Brushes (Not Combs)
  • Men’s Pajama Pants Sizes L-M-S-XXL-XL (In This Order)
  • Hand-Held Electronic Games
  • Healthy Snack Bars, Chocolate, And Candy
  • DVDs (No Extreme Violence Or Nudity – No VHS Tapes)

***DO NOT send used items***

 Monetary donations to the WWMC fund for Warrior Programming, high-demand and seasonal items are acceptable (please make payable to: Landstuhl Regional Medical Center CTOF)

 Thank you again for your assistance! Working together, we can make a huge difference in the lives and recuperation of our Heroes! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Updated [22 November 2010]

 * You can be placed on the update email list by request.

Landstuhl Regional Medical Center
Clinical Pastoral Division
ATTN:  MCEUL – CH / Chaplains Office / S. Chabala
CMR 402
APO AE 09180

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Gratitude from 158th CSSB in Afghanistan

Sunday, November 14th, 2010

The Sky Angel & Tigger sending Care Packages to the 158th CSSB

Earlier this year I posted a blog about an US Army unit in Afghanistan who had asked for my help in getting necessary items and boosting morale.  With the support and encouragement, and very kind donations from many sources, we were able to make quite a difference for them.  Here is a letter I just rec’d (sorry to say I still have over 600 emails in my “inbox” and am a bit behind …) that shares my sentiment of gratitude for all we were able to accomplish for the 158th CSSB.  THANK YOU for helping me to make a difference for our valiant heroes!  May none of them ever feel alone on the battlefield, or when they return home …

Always, Robin

Your donations directly impact our troops .... THANK YOU!

To make a secure donation towards care packages online, please click on the main page of this website http://alwayssupportourheroes.com/ .  Please remember you CANNOT write off your donations for these care packages on your taxes as I still haven’t gotten the 501(3)c status for non-profit, as all the monies are going directly to our troops and not towards administrative stuff.  (anyone want to file for me or pay the $750 fee?  haha).

Any donations you want to make of items, cards for our heroes, cash, gift cards, or checks can be sent directly to me:

Robin Schmidt

PO Box 122037

Covington, KY 41012-2o37

Thanks again!!

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Thank you and thoughts from Sarah Jane …

Saturday, November 6th, 2010

Last night I felt compelled to share my excitement and gratitude for the chain of events and people who have allowed me to make such a huge impact on our valiant heroes overseas.  This is the email I shared with my contacts, and one of the responses to that email.  With Sarah Jane’s permission, I am posting her thoughts at the bottom of this blog post.  May you be touched by her sentiment, as she brought tears to my eyes and filled my heart with her kindness and compassion.

(PS.  Sarah, if you are reading this, I PROMISE I will do as you have asked, and give the next Wounded Warrior or service member I come across on my next visit or flight an extra hug of gratitude from YOU! )

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you!
Date: Friday, November 5, 2010, 10:49 PM

The Sky Angel @ Rockefeller Center on her way to "Stand Up For Heroes"

Since returning from vacation to Australia in September, life seems to have been a bit of a whirlwind.  Now that I returned “home” for a few hours, I found myself compelled to take time to THANK those who have given such tremendous support to me over the years, along with taking a moment to salute our service members.  What started out as something very small for me eight years ago, continues to grow with each passing day. (Earlier this year I was dubbed “The Sky Angel” and found the necessity to start a web page with a blog.  Tigger became my mascot and way of honoring our troops in my travels.  Whenever they see him, they know I am saluting them.) Although I have learned a great deal, I truly believe God has a bigger plan for me, and I am open to whatever path He sets forth.  What I feel inside is absolute gratitude for those individuals who sacrifice so very much on a daily basis in order to keep me safe, and protect my freedoms.  It is in that light, that I have had such a fantastic week in visiting with, and honoring them.
Please click on the link to read the blog I wrote about visiting our Wounded Warriors at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland this past weekend. http://www.alwayssupportourheroes.com/WordPress/?p=268

In reading it you I hope you see how my week turned full circle by being invited as a guest by remind.org (Bob Woodruff’s Foundation) to the event “Stand Up For Heroes” in New York City on November 3rd.  The entire week has left me full of energy, gratitude, and asking myself how my life experiences will have the greatest impact for the greater good.  My life was forever changed by being interviewed a year ago by this inspirational man, and the stories of survival I have heard from our Wounded Warriors ever since.  The greatest compliments I will ever receive were given to me by Bob Woodruff by naming me “Person of the Week” last October, and by Steve Flairty including me in his book “Kentucky’s Everyday Heroes 2” this past summer.

The sky is the limit, but I know I could not get there without your prayers, donations, and encouragement.  In all that I do, I pray I honor those brave and valiant heroes, because I truly hope none of them ever feel alone on the battlefield, or when they return home.  If you or anyone you know wants to adopt a service member, please go to my website to learn how … http://alwayssupportourheroes.com/adopt.html.
Thanks so much for your donations towards my causes, and believing in me every step of my life journey.  May each of us continue to make a difference, in our own ways, every day.  The next two weeks will be filled with sending out the Christmas trees, decorations, and care packages for the various units I am supporting for the holidays.  None of this could have been done without the kind donations from people such as yourself.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Angel
Always, Robin

Robin Schmidt
PO Box 122037
Covington, KY 41012-2037

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Date: Sat, 6 Nov 2010 06:09:48 -0700
Subject: Re: Thank you
To: supportourheroes@live.com
Ms. Robin,
It took a lot of effort to hold back my tears while reading your blog and e-mail. Your level of pride, devotion and gratitude match the overwhelming pride, devotion and gratitude I feel for this country and those who serve. I often tell the troops that I adopt that, even though we have never met before, they are my family and I love them and am so proud of them.
When I saw you on ABC News as Person of the Week, I knew God had answered my prayers; I was raised in a military community and when we left that community, entering “typical civilian” life, I knew I had to stay connected to “my” military some how because as many troops would tell you…. there is a great, unexplainable difference between civilian and military friendships.
So, I thank you for representing our country and those of us whose hearts beat with that pride, devotion and gratitude mention previously. You are representing us well.  I hope someday I too will be able to visit Wounded Warriors so, I can personally thank them… I so often long to hear their stories.
It is frustrating to hear on the news or in my classroom, the everyday “concerns” about which celebrities are getting divorced, which state is wanting to legalize paraphernalia, and the list goes on. I listen to those daily “concerns” of my classmates and I can not help but want to cry and shout in frustration because “how soon we forget.” So many of us go about our daily lives, taking for granted that each second someone is dying or becoming wounded in order to save us and to make it possible for us to sit around discussing tomorrow’s fashion, tomorrow’s game, tomorrow’s school day… we fail to realize that without God and without those serving in the Middle East, tomorrow would not be so guaranteed.
So in closing I would like to ask you if, the next time you visit a Wounded Warrior or even a Non-Wounded Warrior, could you put in a word for me?  Tell him/her that I can not express my gratitude in words but that my gratitude is evident through my watery eyes whenever I hear the National Anthem or the sound of Taps or even when I see the flag flying at half-mass? Could you let them know that I, and so many others like me, love them and are proud of them, please? I would appreciate it so much if you could spread that simple message.
May God continue to bless you and all our heroes!
Take care and I look forward to hearing more about your efforts!
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Sarah Jane

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Wounded Warriors @ Bethesda Naval Hospital Halloween Weekend 2010

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010

This past weekend I was able to travel to visit our Wounded Warriors at Bethesda Naval Hospital. As I was traveling back and forth on train, I decided to capture my thoughts so I could share them with you. Hopefully you will be enlightened from my experiences. It was absolutely a magnificent day in the life of the Sky Angel. J

The Sky Angel brought TIGGER for Wounded Warriors

 

04:04am 30Oct 2010

Yesterday I flew in to Philadelphia amidst concern from all the employees at the Cincinnati airport because there was a terrorist plot onboard cargo aircraft. Apparently cargo shipped out of Yemen to different continents supposedly had bombs onboard. One of the ticket agents told me they actually did find explosives on a jet bound for the states, but I am uncertain where they ascertained the aircraft. Something like that could shut down airline traffic again, like 9/11 did.

The thought of that makes me appreciate the efforts of our military all the more. So many sacrifices are made daily to protect each and every one of us. Getting up at 3am to catch a 4am train out of Trenton, NJ seems like nothing in comparison. The heavy bags I am carrying containing the cards made by the students at Taylor Mill Elementary School students, along with stuffed TIGGER toys I purchased for the Wounded Warriors seem like nothing in comparison to what the troops carry on a daily basis.

What a blessing it is to be able to finally see my friend again, as it has almost been a year since I met her in Southern California. Her ability to comfort families who have lost service members to war is amazing. The characteristics she holds to be able to handle the grief is more than what I believe I am capable of, on a regular basis. Her husband, is a Marine and I will be meeting him today along with two of their friends. We are all going to volunteer together, and I am thankful for the support of others on an adventure like this.

My heart truly goes out to those who have been injured in the line of duty. It will be interesting to see the differences between visiting the troops in Germany at Landstuhl, compared to them now having been at home and seeing their families. May the day be blessed and God use my body as a vessel of His light and love.

~~~

0600 30Oct 2010

The train is packed full of folks heading to the “Sanity Rally” held at the National Mall at our Nations’ Capital. Not sure what it all means, but people on here are from all over the country. They said there will be over 400,000 people in attendance to bring sanity back to our dysfunctional country. Just curious, do they really think a rally is going to do that? Lol

~~~

0900 30October 2010

Arrived at Bethesda Naval Hospital and unable to go in without an escort. Although I was supposed to be on the “list”, my name was not there. My friends called ahead and got some guy to come get me at the guard shack. He was so funny because he said “we don‘t allow average civilians in to visit the Wounded, so you must be something special“. Some might say I am “special” alright (hehehe) , but in this case I actually think it is just because I will be with a couple of Marines and that is what gives me access. hahaha

TIGGERS negotiating over which hero gets to keep them ... hehehe

Inside the building there is a lot of excitement because the Marine Corp Marathon is going on tomorrow. In addition, there are several patients here receiving Purple Heart medals today. Currently I am sitting in the Marine Corp holding room at the hospital. I guess this is where they keep track of their branch of the service and those who are volunteering, or special programs. There is one person here right now, who is trying to coordinate the days events, so I am hiding out in the corner and not being a nuisance with all my questions. J

~~~

4:25pm 30October 2010

Just got on train from WA DC to head back to Trenton, NJ. There are police EVERYWHERE because of the rally and the Marine Corp Marathon tomorrow. The police were rude and abrupt, but I get it they are all just trying to keep us safe on the transit systems.

The visit today with the Wounded Warriors was limited to Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland, as with all the traffic we simply ran out of time. We were able to visit with probably 20-30 wounded, and it was amazing to hear their stories of valor, honor, and courage. Every single one of them was grateful to us for taking the time to visit with them. Even the ones who seemed withdrawn, lit right up when they saw their stuffed TIGGERS I found and the cards I brought from the students at Taylor Mill Elementary School. There really are no words to describe how it felt to have someone who just had their legs amputated looking at me with a smile of gratitude for taking the time to see them. Every single guy responded with “it is my honor” when I thanked them for their service and sacrifices. I’m just humbled!

The experience was completely different from what was experienced at the USO at Landstuhl. Here the heroes have the support of their loved ones and family members surrounding them. That is the intermediate stop of their treatment before going on to the states, after their injuries. A couple of them shared with me the stories they could remember about being treated at the Combat Surgical Hospitals “in theatre”. It was reassuring to be told that supporting the staff at those hospitals and the Wounded is as important as I have thought it was over the years. Many of them also seem to find comfort knowing their battle buddies being in the bed next to them, or in the next room. There are many here from the same unit, from an ambush that injured 11 out of 15 of them (if I got the story right). It was sad to hear the stories, but I have to admit that I never once felt a twinge of pity. It was more a sense of loss … of what they sacrificed … mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Thumbs up to a Wounded Warrior ...

One of them actually told me that he willingly would go into battle again and get blown up by another IED, if it meant the bomb could not harm me or those I love. He said “if we were not in the hell hole over there, we would be living in hell over here.” Most people just don’t get it, but I do. All I have to do is think about 9/11.

As we were walking the halls, putting on sterilized gowns and gloves, I was told the Commandant of the Marines was on property. Later in the afternoon, he walked over and asked about my dog tags. I explained they actually contained my medical alert information, and he said “if I was allergic to all that stuff ma’am, I would just ask one of my commanders to shoot me on the spot”. (hahaha) His wife, Bonnie and him both were fascinated to find out why I was there, and offered to take a photo with me. How cool is that? Commandant Amos, was just sworn into office, and he is talking with me just a few days later? God moments, I tell you. Blessings we never would have been able to imagine.

The Sky Angel with Commandant Amos & his lovely wife, Bonnie

 

To top it off, I text messaged LCPL Max Bernstein (one of the heroes of the USMC I became friends with after he contacted me when he saw me on the news, and I have supported the past year) to tell him I met the Commandant. He texted that he was in DC and we were able to meet at the train station. Whooo whoo … how awesome … we got to meet face to face. It was beautiful! AND because we didn’t go to Walter Reed, I had a TIGGER I could give to him. Yeah! Nice surprise to share with him! J

The Sky Angel with one of her heroes, LCPL Maxwell Bernstein, USMC

The time spent visiting the troop and Max was priceless. There is so much blood, sweat, and tears that is shed every single day in the name of freedom.

As someone who has traveled the world, I have a true appreciation for the ability to walk freely through the streets without having to show identification or the constant fear of imminent harm. However, I realize danger does exist in the world. Looking into the eyes of those who have paid significant prices to ensure the terrorists are dealt with in far away lands, brings me comfort. How ironic is that?

The reason I go to visit, is to bring them comfort and encouragement. They are laying in a hospital bed, with wounds that may or may not be seen by the human eye, and am given a sense of purpose and enlightenment that is probably much greater than anything I could ever give them in return. My heart is full of gratitude for the plethora of blessings … and without a doubt, I will continue to honor the service of our brave men and women in uniform, every single day of my life.

One of them said today “not everyone could come in and see the stitches and staples in my leg, or not be bothered by how I look right now, thank you for having compassion and caring”. Funny thing was, I never saw his injuries at all.

As I said to each family member and Wounded Warrior, I will continue to pray for endurance for each of them. There is a long road ahead with prosthetics, pain management, and the psychological effects these types of traumatic injuries bring. It is virtually impossible for me to fathom what it is like to be injured by a roadside bomb or IED. As I said to the General, it is not about the war, it is about supporting the warrior … and my mind is filled with every spectrum of the day, as my heart is full of gratitude.

~~~

The Sky Angel at Bethesda Naval Hospital, Maryland

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