New Website

Lubbock Marine Parents now has a new website! Come by and visit us at lubbockmarineparents.org. We will eventually move the blog over, but for now we're staying right here.

We've also added a new program called Adopt a Medic (and added a new 2nd VP in charge of that program). Look for more info to come.

Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve

For those of you who still have some Christmas shopping to do, I encourage you to check the list at esgr.org to find companies that are supportive of our Guard and Reserve members. You can click on your state to see which employers have signed a statement of support for our military.

A 5-Star Employer denotes the following:

Signed a Statement of Support publicly demonstrating support for their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
Reviewed their human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act Law (USERRA).
Promotes training for managers and supervisors to effectively manage their employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
Adopted polices and programs that are “Above and Beyond” what is required by the USERRA Law.
Serves as an advocate for employee service in the National Guard and Reserve and helps to promote the mission of ESGR.

I was pleased to see many Lubbock employers on the list.
34TH ST. CHIROPRACTIC, Lubbock
ALTERATIONS UNLIMITED, Lubbock
AMERICAN STATE BANK, Lubbock (with 5 stars)
APPLEBEE'S LUBBOCK #11, Lubbock (5 stars)
APPLEBEE'S LUBBOCK 2 #40, Lubbock (5 stars)
CASA OF THE SOUTH PLAINS, Lubbock
CITY OF LUBBOCK, Lubbock (5 stars)
CON-WAY (LUBBOCK), Lubbock (5 stars)
CONVERGYS CORPORATION, Lubbock
FRAME MART & GALLERY, Lubbock
LOWES HOME IMPROVEMENT, LUBBOCK, Lubbock (5 stars)
LUBBOCK COUNTY, Lubbock (5 stars)
LUBBOCK COUNTY SHERIFF, Lubbock (5 stars)
LUBBOCK ELECTRIC, Lubbock
LUBBOCK INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DST, Lubbock
LUBBOCK LION'S CLUB, Lubbock (5 stars)
LUBBOCK SATELLITE RETIREE ACTIVITIES, Lubbock
MCLANE COMPANY, Lubbock
MCWHORTER'S, Lubbock (5 stars)
MINNIX COMPANIES, Lubbock
PULMONARY ASSOC. OF LUBBOCK, Lubbock (5 stars)
SECURITY STATE BANK, Lubbock (5 stars)
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION, Lubbock
TEXAS STATE LEGISLATURE, Lubbock (5 stars)
TOWN & COUNTRY FOOD STORES, Lubbock (5 stars)
TRANS HEALTHCARE INC, Lubbock
UMC HEALTH SYSTEM, Lubbock (5 stars)
Lubbock Chamber of Commerce

Please patronize these businesses and let them know that you appreciate what they are doing for our military.

Take Back the Pink

I found this great link today over at Yankee Mom.

Are you upset that a certain nasty group has taken over your favorite color? Well, let's Take Back The Pink!

California Wild Fires

I know we have lots of parents and family members worried about how the Marines and recruits in Southern California are being affected by the fires. Here are some links to keep you up to date on what is going on. Let's keep praying!

Miramar

Camp Pendleton

MCRD (Recruit Depot) San Diego

Communicating with your Marine

When Marines are deployed or stationed overseas, it's always the first thing we moms worry about: how are we going to communicate with them? I am also often asked if phone cards can be donated to ship overseas to Marines. Here are some links to help answer those questions.

SemperComm Foundation
The SemperComm Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charity founded to boost the morale of U.S. military personnel stationed at small, overseas remote bases by providing them with free communications and entertainment equipment, software and services.

Military Phone Card Donation Program
The Department of Defense announced today that any American can now help troops in contingency operations call home. The Defense Department has authorized the Armed Services Exchanges to sell prepaid calling cards to any individual or organization that wishes to purchase cards for troops who are deployed. The Help Our Troops Call Home program is designed to help service members call home from Operations Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Skype Internet Calls

AT&T Global Prepaid calling cards

Recharging the AT&T prepaid card

SPAWAR Calling Cards

MotoMail
US Navy, US Army & Air Force personnel co-located with US Marines are now eligible to receive MotoMails

Shopping Links

I like to shop online and some of the things I have ordered for my sons and for my Soldier's Angel soldier are not available in local stores. The other moms have been asking for some shopping links, so here they are.

Marine Gear
The Marine Shop
Welcome to The Marine Shop! For more than 40 years, The Marine Shop has proudly offered to its valued customers:

· Marine Corps uniforms and accessories of unparalleled quality workmanship.
· A wide selection of unique gifts, plaques and memorabilia.
· Distinctive tailoring of uniforms and civilian attire.
· Expert advice and personalized service.

USMC PT Gear
This site also has new and second hand cammies.

U.S. Cavalry
This site has field equipment, eyewear, tools, all sorts of military, law enforcement and outdoors items.

USMC Online Uniform Store
Notice: The Combat Utility Uniform in both Desert and Woodland are now available for order in limited quantities. Due to sale restrictions orders will only be accepted by phone. Only active and reserve Marines will be allowed to place orders for the new utilities and sales will be limited to one set of each, desert and woodland.

Sure fire Flashlights
The world's finest compact high-intensity flashlights for outdoors, self-defense, military, law enforcement, and general applications.



Covert Threads t-shirts
Fire Retardant-No Drip-No Melt moisture wicking Battle Zone tee shirt. Shirt helps provide protection from flash fires. Knit with X-Static Silver to kill odor causing bacteria.

Thorlo Socks
Thorlos are designed to help protect you from the damaging forces of impact, shear and blistering that are a threat to your feet in almost any setting in the military. In the field we have you covered with our Combat Boot Thorlos. For training, our Fitness Thorlos help protect and preserve your feet while you maintain top physical form. For cold weather operations, our Level 3 Climbing product protects and keeps your feet warm. For wear with dress or standard uniforms our Dress Thorlos and Uniform Thorlos provide you comfort whenever you’re on your feet. Our aim is to provide the most value to servicemen and women

Shave Mate Razors
ShaveMate is the convenient and disposable all-in-one shaving system with shaving cream in the handle. (I love the music on their site).



Covert Socks
Covert Threads developed a line of military boot socks, physical training socks, and dress socks along with other improved garments for the Marine, soldier or anyone looking for comfortable yet rugged socks that stand up to the rigors of harsh climates and conditions.

Brigade Quartermasters
All sorts of tactical gear. We ordered my oldest son a GPS from them for Christmas one year and they had no trouble shipping to an FPO. They also include some extra little goodies when they ship to an FPO or APO.

Shopping Links for Family Members and Gift Items
Jarhead Clothing
Welcome to Jarhead Clothing, a unique clothing line inspired by the lifestyle and day-to-day training of the United States Marine Corps. These hard core designs are not for the weak. If you think you're tough enough to wear Jarhead Clothing, carry on and browse the rest of the site. If not, don't bother!
Jarhead Clothing is veteran owned and operated.


Deployment Bracelets
Has the military deployed a loved one? With their name on this beautiful patriotic Deployment Bracelet®, you can keep them in your thoughts while showing your support!


Marine Corps Museum Store
We offer you the most complete selection of United States Marine Corps books, artwork, clothing, jewelry, stationery, music, videos, collectibles, games, golf accessories and much more. Please browse through our online shop to find the perfect gift.

USMC Devil Dogs
Marine Family shirts

Custom USMC wood engraving
Done by a Marine veteran.

Gung Ho Steak Sauce
Marines, the same Gung Ho Sauce that you had in Gettysburg during your Battlefield PME and Marine Corps Steaks & Beers (MCS&B) in Corporal Seamus' back yard is now available. Thousands of Marines cannot be wrong! Gung Ho is the best steak sauce on the planet. "Slather Sparingly!".

Military Fabric

eMarine PX

Your One Stop Shop for US Marine Corps Tee Shirts, USMC Clothing, Novelties, Accessories, Collectibles, Commemorative Military Patches, Flags, Toys, Jewelry, Home Decor, Books, Videos, 26th Marines Merchandise and so much more!

Sgt Grit
I think most of us should buy stock in Sgt Grit as much money as we spend there...

USMC Stuff
They have some great Marine mom t-shirts.

Shields of Strength
From the creator of Shields of Strength: As a result of what Jesus did for me, I came to know His grace and strength in a whole new way. A few months after the Nationals, I created a dog tag with Scripture on it to honor Christ in a visible way and to remind me of the truth of His Word. When people ask about the tag I always tell them about Jesus and how they can come to know Him, too. I put the prayer of salvation on the back and often take it off my neck and give it freely to anyone who asks.

All of my friends now carry the tags, too. My little brother named the "Shields of Strength" because the Bible says Jesus and His Word are our shield and our strength.

"As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him." Psalm 18:30

Leatherneck's Marine Corps Mall
Flags, clothing, collectibles, watches, and more.

Deployment Bracelets
Let the world know that your loved one is serving abroad in the United States Armed Forces. These soldier's deployment bracelets are made of highly durable .05 gauge stainless steel and are scratch-resistant. The engraving on the bracelet includes the soldier's name, the unit served in, and the date of their deployment. These bracelets are guaranteed not to fade. Wear it with pride while your loved one defends our liberties and freedom!
FREE shipping for military families!

Camosock Christmas Stockings
The CAMOSOCK® was designed to become a true keepsake for the Soldier, Marine, Sailor or Airmen that receives one. Displaying the stocking will become a wonderful addition to any family's Christmas Holiday traditions.

All sourcing, labor and manufacturing are 100% Made in the USA. The stockings design is simple yet impressive. The workmanship and attention to detail are outstanding.

USMC Semper Fi Cologne
The U.S. Marines – Semper Fi cologne is our symbol of the ultimate sacrifice. The long-lasting spirited fragrance leaves an everlasting impression of bravery, strength and loyalty all citizens should share. Our company American Prestige and Luxury Brands created the U.S. Marines – Semper Fi cologne with a common goal in mind, body and spirit: To honor and support the service of the U.S. Marines and their families.

With every U.S. Marines-Semper Fi cologne purchased from this website a generous donation of $20.00 is made to the Injured Marines Semper Fi Fund . Your donation will benefit injured U.S. Marines and their families in need.

Service Flags
We carry custom and stock products including flags, coffee mugs, t-shirts, yellow magnets, lapel pins, vinyl banners, envelope stickers and more!

Make sure your mail gets to your Marine or Soldier

Military Addressing Tips
Our troops look forward to receiving your letters and packages. That’s why it’s important to make sure your mail gets there, to the right person, in the right place.

The Department of Defense has issued the following guidelines for addressing your mail to military and civilian personnel deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Use the service member’s full name. The Department of Defense cancelled the Any Service Member program so mail must be addressed to someone specific.

Include the unit and APO/FPO (Air/Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office) address with the nine-digit ZIP Code™ (if one is assigned). Click-N-Ship® customers should be advised that the Postal Service and the Military will continue to add and update valid APO/FPO addresses for your online labels.

Include a return address.

For packages, print on one side only with the recipient’s address in the lower right portion. Or print a postage-paid label online with Click-N-Ship® which will automatically standardize your APO/FPO address if it has been added to our database. (Please note that ZIP Codes 093XX and 964XX are currently unavailable for electronic labels. We apologize for the inconvenience.)

Examples:

SSGT Kevin Taylor
Unit 2050 Box 4190
APO AP 96278-2050

SGT Robert Smith
PSC 802 Box 74
APO AE 09499-0074

Seaman Joseph Doe
USCGC Hamilton
FPO AP 96667-3931

SGT Jane Doe
CMR 1250
APO AA 09045-1000

Military Packing Tips
There are certain factors to consider when sending packages to our troops overseas. To make sure package contents arrive in good shape, take these into consideration.

Extreme Temperatures: Desert temperatures typically exceed 100 degrees.

The Box: Select a strong box with room for cushioning. On recycled boxes, cover all previous labels and markings with a heavy black marker or adhesive labels.

Cushioning: Cushion contents with Styrofoam or bubble wrap to keep items from shifting. We recommend fragile items be double boxed, with cushioning inside and between the boxes to absorb shock.

Batteries: Battery powered items will sometimes get turned on during shipment. Remove and wrap the batteries separately.

Sealing: Tape the opening of the box and reinforce all seams with 2 inch wide tape. Use clear or brown packaging tape, reinforced packing tape or paper tape. Do not use cord, string or twine.

Include a card describing the contents: Improperly wrapped packages can fall apart during shipment. Including a card inside, listing the sender’s and recipient’s addresses plus a description of the contents, helps in collecting the items.



Click here to find the 2007 Holiday Mailing Cutoff Dates for International and Military Mail

Help for Returning Veterans

Many of our returning Veterans are in a crisis - a mental health crisis. PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), depression and anxiety are just a few examples of the needs that require urgent attention. Some of those especially affected are ones who have been on 2, 3 or even 4 tours. As much as the VA is adjusting and trying to help these Veterans, they have been overcome.

There are two pieces of legislation being considered in Congress related to Behavioral Health Services for Returning Veterans. They are provisions S 38 and HR 2874 in the FY 2008 Mil Con/VA Appropriations bill.

These pieces of Legislation would allow the VA to contract with community mental health centers, especially in rural areas and small towns that the VA has little or no ability to provide mental health services. Some Veterans have to travel long distances to VA hospitals or other facilities to receive care. If there were closer, contracted clinics, many of these Veterans would be able to receive the same or better care closer to home and would be more likely seek that care.

Please take a look at the bills at the following links:

For S 38, go to: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=s110-38
For HR 2874, to: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h110-2874

On July 30, 2007, this bill passed in the House of Representatives by voice vote. The bill now will go to the Senate and then on to the President.

Please, let our Representative know that our Veterans deserve the best of everything that this country has to give. It’s time for us to fight for them after they have fought so hard for us.

Home Front Custom Charm

Look what I found today! You can order a custom charm shaped like a tiny dogtag with your loved one's picture on it. They look beautiful. These would be perfect for families with deployed Marines and Soldiers. One of my sons is deploying soon and I am planning to order one to wear while he is gone.

Order here.

Make room on the pole...

From TXMarineMom:

The Armed Forces Memorial Tribute Flag is a beautiful memorial to honor and remember all our fallen Marines and soldiers.

You can see the story and order one of flags at http://www.neverforgetflag.us. Proceeds will be used for the Armed Forces Family Aid and Relief Fund (AFFAR) which provides aid and comfort to the men and women of any branch of the service and away from home. It also helps survivors who have lost a family member in the line of duty.

This is not a replacement for POW/MIA flag that many fly, but just a way to show permanent tribute to all those that have sacrificed for us.

America Supports You: Foundation Stands Beside New Marines

This is a wonderful service. Marine bootcamp graduation is something that no parent should miss if at all possible. Some of my best memories are from watching my own sons walk across that parade deck.

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service


WASHINGTON, June 27, 2007 – Finances are no longer a reason to keep a Marine's family from attending his or her basic training graduation, thanks to the Marine Graduation Foundation.
"The men and women who choose to serve our country as a United States Marine endure more in one day of boot camp than most of us will ever experience in a lifetime," John Weant, the foundation's president said. "None of (them) should ever have to be alone on the day they can proudly say, 'I am a United States Marine.'"

Weant said it's "just not acceptable" for financial circumstances to stand in the way of families traveling to attend the ceremonies. Thanks to the Marine Graduation Foundation, families who want to attend a son or daughter's graduation at Camp Pendleton, Calif., or Parris Island, S.C., can request a grant from the Missouri-based organization through an online form.

The average grant is $250 and can be awarded to a grandparent, parent or spouse of the recruit, according to the foundation's Web site.

The nonprofit organization accepts donations to help fund the grants. Visit the foundation's Web site, usmcgrad.org, for more information on making tax-deductible donations.

"No donation is too small, and with your help, we can make the Emblem Ceremony, as well as the graduation, a proud, memorable day for a man or woman who has chosen to serve our country as a United States Marine," Weant said on the foundation's Web site.

The Marine Graduation Foundation is a new member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
Related Site: America Supports You

Marine Corps Answering Machine

This is too funny! Give it a listen.

For My Country

Pat Boone has a new CD and DVD coming out called For My Country. I get emails from Paralyzed Veterans of America (a great charity), and they sent me an email about it today. I'm going to order it. I have sort of eclectic tastes in music. I like everything from bluegrass to Christian contemporary to classical to swing, and I happen to like Pat Boone. I have a song of his on a CD that a friend made for me called Everybody's Gonna Have Religion in Glory and I love it. I like to turn it up real loud in the car and sing along. Does that make me white and nerdy? :) Pat Boone has done so much to support our troops and I really appreciate his efforts.

Pat Boone (featuring the singing group Valor) pays tribute to the United States National Guard and our troops in this moving music video. Also includes touching interviews with the families of brave soldiers overseas. A major portion of the proceeds will aid the Paralyzed Veterans of America.
$14.98

Orderhere.

Also check out PVA's article about the first ever GI Film Festival.

On Memorial Day weekend 2007, the Paralyzed Veterans of America sponsored a GI Film Festival. This film festival was the first in the nation to celebrate the successes and sacrifices of America’s military. The festival presented films from new and established international and domestic filmmakers that honor the heroic stories of our military. Prizes were awarded to winners of three categories: feature, documentary, and film shorts.

Read it here.

Extra Income

If your Marine or soldier needs to earn extra income, there is a website where members of the military can sign up to do civilian jobs by the day in their off time. You can locate their base on the website and see what jobs are available in that area. Sometimes they can do things like work security for sporting events or concerts. My own sons are single and if they run out of money it's no big deal, they just eat at the chow hall. For Marines who are married and are supporting children though, I thought this might be something they need.

www.hirepatriots.com

Soldier Wall and other links

Soldierwall.com is a great site. You can add your Soldier or Marine if you want to and you can leave comments. It is a great way to show our thanks and appreciation. I have tried to comment on as many of them as I can.

In case any of you are interested and are in the area, here is information on the Navy's Fleet Week in New York City May 23rd through 30th.

My oldest son spent this past weekend in Virginia and Washington D.C. He visited the monuments in D.C., the National Museum of the Marine Corps which he said was awesome, and attended Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington D.C. He said he wished I could have been there to see the Evening Parade, but that I would have probably cried the whole time. He knows me so well. He also went to Arlington National Cemetery and said it was very sobering and inspiring. I would have cried there too. I'm so glad he had such a good weekend and was able to visit all these places. I hope to be able to see them all someday too.

Here's a short video of the Silent Drill Team.

Roll Call

Please visit Gunz Up Roll Call. It is so important that we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Read the names and pray for the families.

Taps

There will be a great encampment
In the land of clouds today.
A mingling and a merging
Of our boys who’ve gone away.
Though on earth they are
disbanding,
They are very close and near,
For these brave and honored
heroes
Show no sorrow, shed no tear.
They have lived a life of glory,
History pins their medals high,
Listen to the thunder rolling,
They are marching in the sky!

Arta Nottingham Chappius

Music Video

This is a great music video. I finally found it on YouTube so I could post it! Here are the lyrics to the song:

"Fight For Me"

You stand to fight and we agree
Until we see your brothers bleed
You give your life to hold the line
And then we change our minds

Afraid to say that you'd
Come home this way

I stand to give you my applause
How could you fight for a better cause
Opposed by those that you set free
Still you fight for me

We hold our signs of war and peace
They seem to change so easily
While passing judgment from our homes
In foreign lands you roam

Afraid to say what you'd
You'd die to save

Chorus:
I stand to give you my applause
How could you fight for a better cause
Opposed by those that you set free
Still you fight for me
To all the soldiers don't you know
You'll always be the world's hero
As long as we have enemies
Still you fight for me

Chorus

©2007 Citizen Reign, All Rights Reserved http://www.CitizenReign.com

New Links

If you will notice in our sidebar under "Links", I have included links to some of the units that our Marines are with, including the local reserve unit. We have Marines in other units besides the ones I have listed so far. I will get the rest up soon.

The Best Essays

These links were sent to me by another Marine mom. My only comment is that they are must reads!

Seeing the Unseen Part 1

Part 2