Care Package madness for Veteran’s Day …

June 23rd, 2010

Each month my creativity has to kick into gear, in order to deliver laughter to our deployed heroes overseas.  July 4th care packages are a huge success because of the kind donations for sheets and small fans, along with so many other “treats” I was able to collect in my travels. (my work schedule has been insane this summer!)

Veteran’s Day is right around the corner, and the guys (I don’t have any females that I am supporting presently) are going to be receiving treats from my layover in Paris.   However, there are still requests for school supplies and items for the local children in Iraq & Afghanistan, which I will be collecting for September care packages. 

One particular item I will be accepting donations for are beach balls.  When volunteering in Haiti we helped deliver “Peace Packs” which gave me the idea. (With coaching from my friends, I was able to get a deal from xump.com and am hoping to buy 150-200 0f the beach balls to distribute between the units I am supporting.  That means I need to get $350 to pull it off!)   Below you will see a photo of what I am planning to send in September.  My goal is for the troops to be able to blow these up and have some priceless moments between themselves and the local children.

Why not create a summer project with your kids to make cards for our deployed Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, and Sailors?  If you could ONLY know how much a card or letter means to our troops.  How would you feel if you were away from YOUR family and friends AND in a war zone?  Please help me to make a difference for these brave individuals and uplift their spirits!

Please know I appreciate your kind donations so very, very much.  Even $5 helps towards the postage, as I have 10 heroes I am supporting right now and cannot do any of this without your help.   You can send your cards and / or make a donation by simply clicking on the “donate” button on my website ( http://alwayssupportourheroes.com/ ) or send to:

Robin Schmidt

PO Box 122037

Covington, KY 41012-2037

 

From my heart, to our heroes overseas, and to each family member of our Armed Forces, I thank each of you who believe in me, and help to make a difference!  We each can change the world .. one person .. one life at a time.  :o)

Always,

Robin

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Online Journal to our Troops …

June 18th, 2010

Many people continually request me to create a place online where you can make comments to our service members who are either deployed, or who have come home and need encouragement.  This “blog” is going to be that place.

Like I say on the airplane, “please write words of encouragement, prayers, tell jokes, just about anything you would like to read if you had been away from your family and loved ones for any extended period of time”.  This forum is a little different, because anyone in the world could be reading (not just our heroes).  The journals that I do for the troops are not censored, but all comments here will be approved before you will see them on the blog.

May each word shared be a tribute to those who sacrifice so very much in order to serve, honor, protect, and defend our Nation, and make the world a better place.  My heartfelt gratitude those who have worn your uniform with pride in the past, continue to do so in the present, and desire to make that commitment in the future.  May God Bless you and keep you safe from harms way.

Please have fun sharing your thoughts with our brave men and women of the Armed Forces!  :o)

Always,

Robin


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Christmas in July

June 7th, 2010

July is usually a time for outdoor activities and summer vacations.  However, for my orphans in South Africa, it is a different story.  Every year at this time, I do a “Christmas in July” for them, and I would love your help.

If you have any slightly used (look new) hats, scarves, gloves you can donate, that would be fantastic.   The orphans get so excited when they receive school supplies, toiletries (soap, shampoo, conditioner, lip balm), hair coloring, make up and hair clips.  🙂  Then again, you should hear the excitement of the teenagers when I give them cologne or perfume. (if you have any bottles you are not using any longer, please send them as well!).  The favorite item (and most requested) I have ever been asked for is “American Chocolate”…

These kids have all been brought in off the streets of South Africa by loving people who look after them on a daily basis.  Sinethemba is the name of the home, and it means “Hope House”.  There are no better words to describe the love in this house, that is offered by the couple who has taken them all in.

Any extra donations I recieve go to help Maria at the creche she runs, called Mpumelelo Orphanage & Day Care Centre.  Maria takes care of the needs of 60 children a day.  None of Maria’s children, or Sinethemba have any idea where their next meal is going to come from, and every little thing any of us can to do bring a smile that direction, or show love .. is so very appreciated.  I just want them to know they are valued and remembered!  🙂

If you would like to be a part of this special project (I only ask for help with them once a year, the rest of the time I do it on my own), please send an online donation (  http://alwayssupportourheroes.com/ ) , a check or any of the items requested to:

Robin Schmidt

PO Box 122037

Covington, KY 41012-2037

Deadline for receiving the items will be 25June 2010.  The cost of postage is astronomical, so any cash or check donations are also greatly appreciated.  If I am released by the doctor to travel to a third world country, I will deliver the items myself.  🙂  (I miss my “kids” more than you can imagine!  A special thank you to Gilbert Martin for looking after them for me, and giving them all my love.  They are family to me, and are in my thoughts and prayers daily).

Thanks so very much for helping me to go MAD (make a difference) all over the world.

Always,

Robin

If you would like to go on a volunteer vacation or be a part of a humanitarian mission, please go to http://airlineamb.org/ , sign up to become a member, and see all the places you can get involved in sharing your time and energy with those less fortunate … all over the globe!

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Thank you, thank you, thank you!

May 29th, 2010

As our Nation celebrates Memorial, Flag, Independence and Veteran’s Day holidays, I want to take time to say THANK YOU for your kind donations to help me support our troops.  With your help, there are service members every single month who receive much needed encouragement and supplies as they serve our country far from home.

Whether it be pillows, sheets, toiletries, junk food, homemade goodies, movies, books, games, calling cards, back scratchers, candy, or school supplies (for the local children) .. every single item is so very appreciated.  Recently the orphanage I support in South Africa sent me bookmarks to send to my troops.  They want our service members to know they are thought of and appreciated … all the way from Africa.  That random act of kindness reminds me how simple it is to make a difference for others.

These children feel they have nothing to offer the world, yet they give LOVE in everything they do.  That is exactly how I look at each donation someone provides to me.  Countless times I have had tears of joy from receiving a check to cover postage at exactly the right time, or an envelope of cards written for our Wounded troops at Landstuhl or the Combat Surgical Hospital in Afghanistan.  Thank you for getting your local communities involved in writing to our Armed Forces.  A letter or card makes more of an impact than you can possibly imagine.  It’s the human factor .. after all, I don’t know anyone who would be annoyed with receiving a note of “thanks” or appreciation .. whether they know you or not.  🙂

When asked “what next”, I often tell people it is my desire for NONE of our service members to ever feel alone on the battlefield or when they return home.  With your continued support, I hope to make that dream a reality.  Please feel free to make a donation on my website of http://alwayssupportourheroes.com/  (for monthly care packages) or sign up to adopt your own hero today.  http://adoptahero.us/ .

You can also send cards, donated items, or checks to me at:

Robin Schmidt

PO Box 122037

Covington, KY 41012-2037

Thank you, thank you, thank you .. for honoring our heroes and allowing me to continue to do what I do through your kindness.  You have touched me deeply with your generosity, and I cannot thank you enough for being a blessing to me.  Even if you have not been able to give in a monetary way, thank you for believing in me .. praying for me .. encouraging me .. and guiding me with your love and friendship! 

 Each and every one of you have been an answer to prayer and I cannot end this note, without specifically saying “thank you” to my heroes, for allowing me the honor of serving YOU and supporting YOU.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service and the sacrifices you make daily to serve, protect, and defend our Nation and my life.

Always,

Robin

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Honoring our Heroes … how you can help!

May 4th, 2010

Field of Flags

The entire month of May I will be collecting items for July 4th care packages for our troops overseas. It is imperative to boost moral to the men & women who sacrifice so very much to honor and serve our Nation. 
 
In an attempt to do so, I would like to collect as many thank you & Independence day cards / notes of gratitude to share with them as possible.  While school is still in session, please have your kids classes make cards for our troops.  Get your local church, senior center, rotary clubs, favorite gym … any place you can think of .. to get involved!!  🙂   
 
Special requests for 4th of July care packages are: 
* Twin Sheet Sets
* Sweat Pants (Combat Surgical Hospital)
* I-Tunes Gift Cards
*Anti Fatigue Mats (guards on duty)
* Plastic Soap dishes
* Stress balls
* Coffee
* Coffee Creamer
* Band-aids
*Asprin/Tylenol
* Cold medicine
* Anti Diarrhea meds (Immodium)
* Small (8-10″ electrical fans)
* Bug spray
* Suntan Lotion
* Aloe cream / gel
* Toiletries (shoe powder, deoderant, shaving cream, … etc) 
* Blank stationary (cards or paper w/ envelopes so they can write to their loved  ones back home .. stamps are not needed, as they can mail for free from their base while on deployment)
* Junk food (beef jerky, fruit snacks and Gold Fish have been specifically requested for my next packages)
 
If you would like to send gift cards, rather than shipping the items to me., that would be GREAT!!   Wal-Mart, Costco, Big Lots and American Express gift cards are the BEST!  🙂  
 
Please ship cards or any of the above donations to:
 
Robin Schmidt
PO Box 122037
Covington, KY 41012-2037 
 
Thanks so much for helping me to make a difference for our troops … and remind each of them how grateful we are for their service! PS.  You can also click on the “donate” button on my website and make a donation instantly .. http://alwayssupportourheroes.com/ (or you can mail a check to the above address as well!)  Money for postage is always needed and appreciated!!   THANKS AGAIN! 
 
Always, Robin 

Gulf Company in '09

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Time for some “Spring” love to our troops!

May 2nd, 2010

Sharing laughter with our troops ...

 
Since 2002 I have been “adopting” military members during their deployments overseas.  Since most of them are in war zones and far away from their loved ones, my goal is to provide them with small comforts of home and bring a bit of laughter to their days.
 
Currently I am working on care packages for May.  Since it is beginning to be very hot in the desert, I am sending them “cool” items and some “Spring” love.  :o)  Today I purchased the contents for the parcels; which include “fun” items to make them laugh … along with the typical wet wipes, hygiene products, and other items the troops have specifically requested. 
 
If you would like to donate towards the postage for my care packages this month, please do so by clicking on the “donate” button on my website http://alwayssupportourheroes.com/ .   Currently I have 5 guys (and their units) I am supporting, plus the Combat Surgical Hospital in Afghanistan (they asked for sheet sets this month), and continue collecting items for the Chaplain’s Closet at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center … also, if you want to help for June packages, please send me gift cards for WalMart, Costco, or Big Lots as I will purchase hot climate items to help them for the summer months .. and of course, their favorite junk foods.  🙂  Any donation you can make (big or small) would be GREATLY appreciated. 
 
Also, please remember this is National Military Appreciation month and Memorial Day is coming up .. please take time to thank a service member and their families for the many sacrifices they make daily to serve and protect our Nation .. and make the world a better place.
 
It is my goal that none of our service members ever feel alone on the battlefield, or when they return home.  If you would like to adopt your own service member, please go to http://adoptahero.us/ and sign up.  Please remember many of our troops DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO THE INTERNET regularly, and it is vital to their well being to receive mail during mail call.  (US Mail delivery to their military base overseas).
 
Please send gift cards, or if you don’t have money and want to write cards to thank our heroes for their service for Memorial Day (or for any wounded members at the Combat Surgical Hospital), please send them to me:
Robin Schmidt
PO Box 122037
Covington, KY 41012-2037
 
Thanks so very much for your support and kind donations, and for helping me to make a difference for our valiant heroes.  Just look at this picture above, and know how much they appreciate what we do to encourage them!
 
It is my belief, we can each make a difference .. one person .. one life at a time!
 
Always,
Robin

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“Showing up”

May 1st, 2010

Orphanage in Haiti

It is an odd transition, coming back into the States after being in a third world country.  Especially one where there is so much devastation and destruction.  One thing I can never describe accurately, will be the smell or the sounds.  The first afternoon I was in Haiti, I went out with a couple of the guys to see what it was like on the streets of Port-au-Prince.  There are tents everywhere, and people walking around with what seemed to me, no sense of where they were going. 

It struck me in an odd way that as the day became night, the streets became busier.  We are all so accustomed to having a home to go home to, at the end of the day.  These poor people are lucky if they have a tent or any form of shelter over their heads.  They are on the streets at night because they haven’t got the comforts beyond a nylon cover to protect them from the elements.

It saddens me deeply that people are living under such horrible conditions.  My heart breaks at the thought that hurricane season is right around the corner, and the tents will blow away with the first strong wind.  It troubles me that sustainable housing has not yet been provided.  What troubles me more, is the fact there are still communities that have seen NO AID since the earthquake occurred.  How these people are surviving on no food, water, or medical supplies is beyond my scope.  It has to be by the sheer grace of God and their individual human spirit.  There are no words to describe the suffering .. or the resilience of these people.

Although entire families were wiped out in a short thirty seconds, their loved ones are pressing on and finding ways to survive.  When Sammy (he lost his mother, wife and children in the earthquake) told me he did not have a hard life because people like me come, and give him hope, I had no words to respond.  You see, I am the first one to admit that I sometimes get caught up in my own problems.  Things that trouble me deeply and make me sad or insecure. 

But what Sammy and so many others that we met did, was make me reflect .. on what I do have .. and on how great it is to share my smile and laughter with another person.  How beautiful it is to know that I can make a difference, just by showing up.  As I go about what I need to do today, I am thanking the stars above, for what I do have .. and the fact that I have a car to drive and a house to clean .. and loved ones who are all over the world .. encouraging me to be the best I can be.

Thank you all for your encouragement .. it just is weird, being back home ..

Always,

Robin

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The Fixer …

April 30th, 2010
The Fixer …

 Each day in Haiti, I asked someone “what is our motto today”?  The last day I was told “The Fixer” … which was so appropriate for what needed to happen.  If I have not explained previously, life for the Haitian people is extremely difficult right now.  Don’t get me wrong, I believe life in Haiti was difficult before the earthquake.  But what happened in 30 seconds on 12 January 2010 was devastating.

 
Imagine your life as you know it .. the house you live in .. the car you drive .. the people you interact with on a daily basis.  And just put yourself in an environment you are used to .. some place you thing of as ordinary.  Then imagine having the earth shake .. and every person you know, die before your very eyes.  Or your house crumbling to pieces.  That is what happened to so many of the people we met.
 
One of our “fixers” is an English professor.  But the need for someone who speaks English is on a much different level presently.  He uses his talents and contacts to help people like Eric Klein make a difference in Haiti.  Without the “fixers” to literally coordinate fuel, trucks,, workers on the streets … or  accomodations and transportation for the volunteers .. nothing would get done.
 
Many places in the world call a “fixer” different names.  Now that I am back in my comfortable home, where I have electricity and running water, and all the modern conveniences … I am thinking of how much a fixer would come in handy. 
 
Not so much to handle my day to day needs, but someone who knows how to bring communities together to work for the common good of every person involved.  We can all learn from them.  Zoe shared the beauty of taking me to church with him on Sunday.  I was the only white woman in attendance.  Yet I felt so at peace and a sense of belonging.  You see, it doesn’t matter what your religious beliefs are .. and it doesn’t matter what country you are from .. if we each can reach out to one another with love and acceptance, it equates to HOPE.
 
Today, I want to take time to thank Zoe and Andre for not only giving their own people hope .. but for sharing the gift of who they are with each person they meet.  May you be blessed for your kindness and tenacity.  Thank you for giving each member of the CAN DO team peace of mind, by knowing you will fix anything … or give us the ability to make a difference!  
 
Remember, Hurricane season is nearing .. and the need for sustainable housing is extreme in Haiti.  Please make a donation today to https://secure.can-do.org/ to help with relief efforts and keep CAN DO on the ground, giving the people hope and the ability to survive.
 
Always,
Robin

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Smiles from Heaven

April 28th, 2010

Love around the World ...

Everything in Haiti is done on THEIR time. It doesn’t matter if you are in a hurry … everything just takes time. Which can be extremely frustrating, especially when we (as Americans) have learned to constantly be in a hurry and have things so instantly. However, even this week I witnessed the negative when someone rushes. Words are not said that need to be said, people do not do what they are supposed to do, and even a project is not completed in a manner worthy of a stamp of approval.

But yesterday, it was all about timing. The tears streaming down my face at various times, were because I believe it was and is … God’s perfect timing. For those of you that may not realize it … I was not supposed to be in Haiti this week. Let me give you a little recap …

Because of a volcano, I was not able to spend my vacation in Germany visiting and volunteering with the USO Wounded Warriors. Eric asked me a month ago to find a way to get the Peace Packs delivered to him in Haiti. When I helped Ruthie package & ship the Peace Packs in S. California 10 days ago, I had NO plans of being in Haiti right now. Every day since shipping those boxes, I have been on the phone with Fed Ex to make sure there were no issues. Funny thing … the minute they hit Haitian soil, there were issues.

As I explained previously, the government is corrupt. The government wanted us to pay duties and taxes on these little back packs that were literally filled with love and prayers from children in America to the children here in Haiti. The fact of the matter is, it took alot of work, tenacity, and resolve to get those boxes out of customs without having to pay duties and taxes. It was a God moment when they let us put the Peace Packs in the car.

But yesterday, it wasn’t just one moment … it was a culmination of knowing how hard I worked to get the Peace Packs here … and seeing Ruthie’s project come full circle for her. She would not have been here, had one of my friends not given me a buddy pass for her to use. If I had not gone through, the hoops with the translator that I went through … we would not have made the contact we needed to, in order to get a much larger and vital shipment into the country (more on this later).

You see, God can see the big picture … we can’t. And although there is death, starvation, dehydration, and tents all around us … I can see the beauty of us making a difference. If different steps had been taken, the result may not have been the same … and I am thankful that I listened to that still, small voice inside … that told me to “come” … because the beauty of following … is hearing God say “well done” … and that is far better than any words can really describe …

And for those of you who don’t believe in God … take a situation where you feel a tremendous amount of JOY. Where the universe has aligned, and you are just brimming from ear to ear. That is how I felt several times yesterday. Where the love you feel inside .. the admiration .. the gratitude .. is so enormous that you explode with emotion. When you look yourself in the mirror and really like who you see.

Now that my friends, is a really good day.

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“I believe I can fly … “

April 26th, 2010

A very beautiful moment ...

This blog is dedicated to an amazing “fixer” (and translator!) of all things necessary in a third world country. This morning we were having coffee, discussing our plans for the day, and this song came on the overhead speaker.  He decided this would be our motto for the day! It seemed perfect, because we knew we had unsurmountable odds against us, with what needed to be accomplished.  At one point, Andre told me “I believe we will touch the sky” … which is what kept me going as we drove through the streets where we saw nothing but destruction. It is very sad, seeing how these people are living. Yet, there is something to be said for their resilience. Children were still in school uniforms and carrying book bags. It seemed so out of place amongst the rubble.

On 17April, I was in Southern California, and helped ship 5 boxes of “Peace Packs” to Haiti for arrival. Ironically, the only two people who could “clear” them through customs here, was either myself, or Eric. (Neither of us knew this at the time of shipping … and keep in mind, I had no intention of being in Haiti right now … as I was supposed to be in Germany with the Wounded Warriors).

So I kept thinking today “this is a God moment” … or a divine appointment … or the universe is aligning. Put any definition on it that you want … but know it was a miracle in the works.  🙂  If you have never been to a third world country, let me explain that many people are just out to scam you. They lie to get what they want and then deny what they said. The governments are often corrupt, and there is no one around to police the police.

The odds that were against us as we started out, was to get those Peace Packs out of Customs, without paying duties or taxes. Without a lengthy explanation … just know the “fixer” and myself completed that task. As I sit here typing this, the Peace Packs are in the corner of the room. Tomorrow morning we will set out to distribute them. You never know who you will meet … or who will help you along the way.  Today, I felt “accomplished”, because I never knew what I was doing with helping Ruthie with the shipping, would be such a testimony of faith.  These “Peace Packs” are literally a symbol of Peace and Love to the children of Haiti.  It is my honor to have been a part of the project … and I can’t wait to tell you what tomorrow holds.  

Thanks so much for your prayers and encouragement.  Although I would like to stay longer, I will be departing in a couple of days.  Thanks so much for your kind donations!  You are so awesome for helping me to make a difference to others.

Always, Robin

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