Wednesday, December 31, 2008

MUSIC

For those looking for music online, follow the link shown below. If you don’t see what you like, let me know and I’ll get it for you.

https://www.box.net/shared/91c0buiaqq

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Sending out an SOS

Hi Friends,

I am training for the 2009 Los Angeles Marathon, which will take place on May 25, 2009. I would really appreciate any help you can give...
Please click on the following link to view my webpage:

http://www.aidsmarathon.com/participant.aspx?runner=LA-2555&EventCode=LA09

P.S. Please forward this page to your friends and family; just click "e-mail this page to a friend" near the top left-hand side of this page and this link will be sent to them.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

VFW Post 3787 Party

Reagan RoundUp is having a thank you party on Jan 10th at 6pm at VFW Post 3787 cost to each military person or non military person will be $10.00 this will include a plate of dinner and 2 beers or sodas there will be special priced pitchers of beer and special drink prices for all as well as dancing till 2am

Please pass this information however i am asking for anyone planning to go to please contact me at ReaganRoundUp06@aol.com

Thanks
Dawn G

Monday, December 15, 2008

Military Expo

Start Date 28-JAN-09 End Date 29-JAN-09 ~ Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base

February 4-5, 2009 http://www.marinemilitaryexpos.com/marinecorps/1950/index.jsp

Friday, December 12, 2008

NEWS: Christmas Comes to U.S. Troops in Iraq & Afghanistan

Nationwide Tour to Collect Care Packages
for Troops Serving Overseas this Holiday Season

Sacramento, CA – Move America Forward, the nation’s largest pro-troop grassroots organization, is conducting a nationwide tour to support sending care packages to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan .

“With Americans focused on the economic problems facing our country, we have to ensure that our troops in harm’s way are not forgotten during the Christmas and Hanukkah holiday season,” said Melanie Morgan, Chairman of Move America Forward.

Traveling on the tour will be Gold Star Mom Debbie Lee, - whose son Marc Alan Lee was the first Navy S.E.A.L. killed in Iraq . Lee said, “I remember his feelings of pride for serving our country, but also the loneliness troops endure during the holiday season. Instead of celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah with their families, many military men and women will be spending the holidays this year protecting our freedom in far off lands.”

To show the nation’s gratitude and support, Move America Forward’s Debbie Lee and singer/songwriter Diana Nagy (who will perform her hit song “Where Freedom Flies” at each stop) will be on the road encouraging people to send care packages from December 13 – December 19.

Last year, MAF toured the country during the holiday season to collect holiday cards for the troops with the goal of sending 100,000 holiday cards. They collected more than double that amount and hope Americans will show the same support this year by purchasing care packages in which sponsors can write individual notes to show their support. Packages include gourmet Artisan Coffee and Cornerstone Coffee, Oreo Cookies and Jelly Belly jelly beans made famous by President Ronald Reagan.

For those who are not on the tour route, care packages can be purchased online and individual notes can still be included. Orders can be placed by going to the website: www.MoveAmericaForward.com and clicking on the “Coffee and Cookies for our Troops” icon.

ITINERARY

Sacramento, CA on 12/13
Las Vegas, NV on 12/14
Phoenix, AZ on 12/14
El Paso, TX on 12/15
San Antonio, TX on 12/16
Austin, TX on 12/16
Houston, T X on 12/17
Baton Rouge, LA on 12/18
Mobile, AL on 12/18
Tallahassee, FL on 12/19
Jacksonville, FL on 12/19

“During this emotional and busy time of year, we can’t forget about our troops who are still fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan . Even though the economic news has focused Americans on the home front, we cannot forget that hundreds of thousands of the finest Americans are in combat zones while we’re around the tree with friends and loved ones,” concludes MAF Chairman, Melanie Morgan.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11, 2008
Contact: Kristen Schremp
Kristen@kaspublicity.com or 703.928.5527

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Sears "Heroes at Home Wish Registry"

If you've watched Extreme Home Makeover you have seen the group tell about how with the support of donations Sears is helping to make wishes come true for military families.

Below is the link. I have to tell you, the stories, wishes and thanks from these military families will have you heading for the Kleenex box - Just another way to support troops at a very hard time of deployment away from their families during the holidays.


http://www.sears.com/shc/s/dap_10153_12605_DAP_Heroes+at+Home+Holiday?adCell=A2&psid=48232578&sid=ISx20070515x00001b

Monday, December 8, 2008

TOYS FOR TOTS

Josh,

I wanted to thank you again for helping us out with our TFT campaign this year. Like we were talking about earlier this week, the economy has really given us a beating. So many more families are asking for help in the form of toys for their children as most have a parent, or two, who have lost their jobs. On the flipside, we also have a lot less organizations and individuals who are able to donate toys or money. As of right now, we have 9 days to raise enough money through donations to purchase 31,000 toys; if we don't, there will be a lot of children who will be passed over by Christmas this year. That's why I wanted to shoot you this short email thanking you, again, for your help. Pat already contacted me and we are looking at collecting the donations tomorrow evening at a dinner. If you happen to know anyone or any business at all who is interested in helping Toys For Tots, please pass the word that we're looking for a few good men and women to help us make our mission this year of putting a shiny new toy in the hands of a needy child. Unfortunately, we can not accept foodstuffs or clothing but only new and unwrapped toys or monetary contributions in the form of cash or check/money order made out to "Toys For Tots" and mailed to the following address:

Toys For Tots Coordinator
3551 San Gabriel River Pkwy
Pico Rivera, CA 90660

A receipt can be provided for any and every donation which is tax-deductible. Give me a call if there's anything we can do to help you out. Thanks again and...

Semper Fi,

Francisco Ulloa Gunnery Sergeant

I&I Staff, Btry N, 5/14
3551 S. San Gabriel River Pkwy
Pico Rivera, CA 90660
(562)695-1981 ext 15

francisco.ulloa@usmc.mil

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Christmas Dinner for Our Troops

An important Christmas message from one of our favorite people ...
Christmas Dinner for Our Troops (Again)

Last year I posted an opportunity to make sure our troops in Hawaii, with many of them deployed, and their families had a wonderful Christmas dinner. That opportunity is available again this Christmas season. That seems fitting to post about today, the day that will live in infamy.

When I realize this need still exists it breaks my heart that our magnificent military families are still in financial need, especially around the holidays. Karen and I felt blessed to provide dinner for a family and many of you were so generous in your donations. Thank you!

I know times are hard this year and if you cannot give to support a family by yourself, what a wonderful opportunity to get your church, workplace, or social group to pool their resources together to provide dinner for our troops many who, as I said, are deployed. Sue Ollar, the wonderful lady who contacted me about this last year, her husband Don is back in Iraq for another year.

The original post and all the details can be found here:
http://davidjeffers.thevanguard.org/150/christmas-dinner-for-our-troops/

Elyse
National Director of Operations
Board Member - Eagles UP!

www.eaglesup.us

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Walker Reed Army Soldier

Hello,

Everyone:I hope this email finds all of you well and in good spirits this holiday season and trust that you've all had a good year. As we look back on 2008, I am sure that we are all very thankful for the blessings we have received during this past year. All of us enjoy the freedoms that we have, and those freedoms are the results of efforts of many who have sacrificed so much so that we may live free in a country like ours. At this time of the year, I would like to ask a small favor of all of you. When doing your Christmas cards this year, please take one card and send it to the following address:

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington , D.C. 20307-5001

The Marines, Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen at Walter Reed Hospital are those that have sustained the most serious injuries while protecting all of us here in the States and defending America. I think that the least we can do, is to let these brave servicemen and women know that they are not forgotten and the we appreciate all that they have done to protect all of us.

I hope that all of you have a wonderful holiday season and best wishes for a joyous and prosperous New Year!

Godspeed always,
RJE

PS- Feel free to pass this message on to anyone you know that would like to reach out and bring some joy into the life of someone who has made a sacrifice for the benefit of all of us.....

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Camp Pendleton Christmas Outreach

Camp Pendleton Christmas Outreach

Armor of Light Christmas Outreach at South Mesa Chapel, Camp PendletonThis is the fifth year that we have an opportunity to bless the Marines, Sailors and their families at Camp Pendleton. On Saturday, December 6 we will serve a Christmas dinner, provide games and crafts for the kids, and give away toys/gifts, non-perishable foods and baby supplies.

http://www.armoroflightcc.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=24&Itemid=0

Thanks to all of you for volunteering to help serve the Marines, Sailors and their families on Saturday, December 6! Please be in prayer for this event, that the LORD will bless all who come.

The following is important information for the event at South Mesa Chapel on Camp Pendleton:

Directions – 5 Freeway south, exit Camp Pendleton Harbor Drive, turn towards the base (away from ocean); at the main gate you may need to show:
Current vehicle registration
Proof of car insurance
Valid Drivers’ License (for the driver)
You may be asked to go to the guard shack and get a day pass.

Go through the gate; turn right at the light, which is Wire Mountain; at the top of the hill turn left at the stop sign (San Jacinto); go about ½ mile and you will see South Mesa Chapel on your right (it is also called Blinder Memorial Chapel). Please be sure to obey all traffic and speed laws.

Parking – The South Mesa Chapel parking lot will be used for the carnival this year, so volunteers need to park in the large parking area just past the South Mesa Chapel parking lot.

Volunteer Check-In - All volunteers need to check in at the Volunteer Table and get a name tag. The table will be near the entry to the event, right next to the parking lot. You will see us under the burgundy canopy.

Those who are working in the Carnival area should check in between 7:45 AM and 8:00 AM. For those who have a scheduled start time, please plan to check in 10 to 15 minutes before that time. If you do not have a scheduled time, or do not know where you will be serving, please come to the Volunteer Table as soon as you arrive.

Volunteer Prayer - The first volunteer prayer time will be at 8:15 AM in the carnival area; the second prayer time will be at 10:15 AM in the social hall.

Other Notes - Consider bringing sun screen and/or a hat, and a sack lunch or snack. Also, there will not be a secure area to keep your belongings, so please plan to keep these things in your car.

If you have any questions, please let me know!

Monday, December 1, 2008

Political Irish Rockers Black 47 Campaign for Iraq

Stars and Stripes
Johnnie was just a kid. I mean we were all kids but he seemed younger, less sure of himself. Anbar changed that. Grow up or die. It only took one mistake but Johnnie didn't make any. That's what I liked about him. Guy had eyes in the back of his head. I guess his luck ran out. It was the longest hour of my life. Waiting for that chopper. Begging him to hold on. I still remember the last thing I said to him, “when we get back to Bragg, I'm gonna drink your ass under the table.” Yeah…

Downtown Baghdad Blues
One weekend a month! That's what they said when we joined the Guard. Two full tours later, I'm almost used to this hellhole. Everyone's got their problems. One guy can't take the heat, another the dust, the smell, the flies, the dogs howlin', the call to prayer. And I got you… readin' between the lines of your email, wonderin' why you can't be bothered writin' a letter. Nothin' over her makes any sense but you make even less. As soon as we're gone the sand will cover up everything - just like we'd never come. So, what the hell am I doin' here in the first place?

Sadr City
Gunner was crazy before he hit Baghdad - out of his head fixating on old movies. Nothing seemed to affect him - except Mookie. Swore Moqtada Al Sadr was a dead ringer for Orson Wells. Taped both their pictures over his bunk and stared at them for hours. Was sure Mookie was out to get him personally. Didn't help that he spent most of his tour in a Hummer cruising Sadr City - red-hot Mookie turf. Last time I saw him down in Walter Reade, wouldn't you know it, he was still staring at those two pictures on his wall.

Sunrise on Brooklyn
I should have said something, anything, not just let you walk away. Maybe it was just another kiss to you, nothing to write home about, but you did say you cared. Was it just because I was leaving the next day? Doing your duty - feeling sorry for another jarhead off to the sandpit? Then I remember the way you melted against me, lips open, tongues touching, with the Verazanno lit up like a string of pearls in the night. And then your friends shouted and you had to go, but I can still feel the print of your body… man, it's too quiet out there, muezzin should be praying and, oh shit, something just moved up on that minaret…

No Better Friend… No Worse Enemy
The US Marines have long been a first step up the ladder for poor and working class youth. They leave behind much blood in the sands of Iraq.

Ballad of Cindy Sheehan
The gutter press, the talking heads on TV, the DC chicken-hawks, they all did such a job on this woman that I was a bit leery meeting her. Was she really just another egomaniac looking for attention? But those planted fears faded away in the warmth of her smile and the firmness of her handshake. All I saw was an American mother trying to stop this madness before another women loses her son.

The Last One to Die
If there's one thing this war has given me, it's perspective. Not about over here. I'll never understand these people. Talk about two different worlds - more like universes. No, I mean back home. I know it's hard for people to have any idea what we're going through. But I know exactly what they're doing because I used to be just like them: watching TV, going to the mall, rooting for the Brewers - a great big ball of nothing! The country is as flabby as a politician's ass; we're lied to and led by those who keep us stupid to make money off us. Over here, bad as it is, we're lean and mean and rely on each other - not in some bullshit television way, but for real. When I go back I'm going to do something about it.

The Fighting 69th (on the road to the airport)
The 69th Infantry Regiment of the New York National Guard gained its reputation at Antietam and Fredericksburg. In 2004 the Fighting 69th was deployed to Iraq where it guarded the infamous Route Irish, linking the Green Zone to Baghdad International Airport, often called “the most dangerous piece of real estate in the world.” Nineteen members were killed in action, and seventy-eight seriously wounded.

Battle of Fallujah
If they'd let us finish it in April we wouldn't have had to go back again in November. By then Zarqawi had the joint booby-trapped and laid thick with IEDs, snipers hanging out of the goddamn moon. We plowed through that town, rubbling everything in our way; and when we reached the desert, we had to turn around and fight right back through again. Zarqawi knew we were coming and was history. Only the loonies stayed behind. Ever fight someone who wants to die and take you with them? That's what it was like. Still, we blew the hell out of them and everything else too. Now we got to pay Halliburton or some bunch of crooks to rebuild the whole thing. What a war!

Ramadi
Goddamn smoke grenades did it. One minute I'm running down an alley behind the Lieutenant; next I'm half blind, slippin' on broken glass and rollin' over assways. Now I'm pinned between a wall and a burnt out Toyota. The Lieutenant will come back for me but there's a Haji on the roof got my number. It's too quiet. Jesus! Just some mortars goin' off over by the river - far away, nearly as far away as you and your emails and cold kisses and how come you never write a real letter and is he still around and don't tell me you don't run into him and I know he wants you so bad that it's driving me out of my head and I can feel that Haji zeroin' in and…

Southside Chicago Waltz
He was just another Southside kid at the Gaelic Park Festival. I didn't pay him much heed, though his favorite song was American Wake rather than James Connolly or Funky Ceili. It didn't surprise me when he enlisted after 9/11 - all those kids wanted to do their part. Iraq changed him. That wasn't surprising either; most of them were quieter, more serious, bending over backwards to mask their feelings. What did surprise me is that he re-enlisted and went back. Said it made more sense over there. This one's for you, kid. See you Memorial Day…

Whatever…
The catchword of our times… The general disengagement in the country is staggering. Whatever one's politics, there is little doubt that this war was unnecessary. And yet it drags on, hemorrhaging the nation of blood, money and morality. A very small percentage are doing the fighting and dying for us. Are we so over-entertained, so under-informed that we can't see the forest for the splintered trees? Despite all the spinning and dissembling of the last five years, we're a bigger country than that, a greater people, ill served by flaccid words like whatever…


NEW YORK CITY, NY – Steadfast in its opposition to the war since before the invasion, Black 47 presents a dry-eyed view of life in combat on IRAQ its debut for new model indie, United For Opportunity (release date: March 4, 2008). The band hits the campaign trail in February performing across the U.S. and culminating with a St. Patrick's Day release party on their home turf, New York City, at BB Kings.

Recorded at Coney Island's Cyclone Sound in July 2007, IRAQ includes a batch of new songs along with several composed by Larry Kirwan over the course of the war. Inspiration for the characters and stories are very personal, many coming from the point-of-view of fans that served in Iraq and shared their experiences with the band.

Black 47 rarely plays to the converted and their shows have often seethed over the last five years. “Because of our background, we've always had as strong a fan base of right wing cops, firemen and conservatives, as of left wing students, radicals, and the working disaffected; neither side has been afraid to vent its views,” Kirwan dryly notes. “We also take pride in keeping in touch with our fans, many of whom traditionally join the Service as a way to fund their college education or mortgage. Add to that the many who enlisted in response to 9/11, and it's easy to see why we have had no shortage of information from those actually doing the fighting in Iraq.”

“Stars and Stripes” tells the story of two young men waiting for a chopper to rescue them from an ambush in Anbar Province, while “Downtown Baghdad Blues” has another serviceman wondering, “what the hell am I doing here in the first place?” “Sadr City,” is black-humored blues with the hero fearful that Moqtada Al Sadr's Mahdi Army has his number; and on “Ramadi,” a young man, despite his desperate situation, can't rid his mind that his girlfriend may be “cruisin' down Main Street hangin' with your old squeeze.”

The band employs an ever-broadening mélange of New York styles: rock, reggae, hip-hop, folk, Irish traditional, downtown noise and Jazz and have adopted a somewhat harder sound to reflect the nature of the war.

With a pedigree for controversy, Black 47 first raised its voice in protest to the political and economic systems in the North of Ireland in 1989. Led by Larry Kirwan (guitar/vocals), Black 47 is recognized as the premier Irish-American rock group who paved the way for the current Irish punk/roots explosion led by such bands as Flogging Molly and The Dropkick Murphys.

Black 47 begin the first leg of their U.S. tour February 1 through St. Patrick's Day. Additional tour dates to be announced.