Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a time of remembrance for those who have died in service to our country. We honor American veterans and soldiers by visiting monuments, attending parades, and observing a nationwide moment of silence at 3 p.m. Often times we have forgotten the true meaning of this day and simply take the well deserved long weekend and have BBQs, go to the beach, spend time with our loved ones and friends. I ask that you each take a few moments this weekend to simply remember. Remember those who risk their lives so we can have ours, those who have fallen, those who served in the past and those who currently serve and those who love a Servicemember. Those children who have lost a parent , the parents who have lost a child. Throughout your weekend talk about it to your families. Make sure they know and that they never forget.

"Rest easy, sleep well my brothers.Know the line has held, your job is done.Rest easy, sleep well.Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held.Peace, peace, and farewell.."

God Bless our Troops , past, present and future .

Seward Combat Fishing for the Troops

May 21, 2009 Speciality Truck and Auto along with the Armed Services YMCA , with the help of over 30 Fishing boats who honorably donated seats on their fishing boats hosted over 200 recently deployed Troops. The day started at 12:30 pm as they were bused down with a police escort for the 4 hour ride . Upon arrival to Seward were greeted by people lining the road to clap and welcome our Service members.

They spent the day out catching halibut, rock fish and numerous other surpise fish! The winner , whose halibut was 184 lbs was awarded $10,000.

When they all arrived back safe and sound on land the city hosted a large dinner mc'd by Bob and Mark from KWHL radio station with a special surprize visit from Gov. Sarah Palin whose loyalty to our Troops is never in question. She graciously stood and took photos and talked with all of our Service members and their Families.

The day was completely full and by 8 pm I couldnt last one more minute and we started the long road back home.

Thank you to the beautiful city of Seward for hosting such a wonderful event. And thank you to all the sponsors and boat captians who so kindly took our Troops out for a great day.

TAPS

Military support group founded by Alaskan featured in People <http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=10392922> by Ted LandANCHORAGE, Alaska -- A grief support service for military families dealing with the loss of a loved one is featured in this week's People magazine.Alaskan Bonnie Carroll started the group TAPS -- Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.Her husband, Brig. Gen. Tom Carroll, was killed in 1992 when his Army plane crashed near Juneau.Since then she's organized a team to help more than 25,000 people who've lost a loved one in the military.Part of the article is a large photo of Bonnie Carroll and some other survivors."One of the other survivors in the photograph in People magazine is a survivor of an Alaskan out of Fort Richardson who was killed a few years ago," Carroll said in a phone interview from Washington, D.C., where she is hosting a seminar and "good grief" camp this Memorial Day weekend.

Year of the military Family

I am so pleased to be working with the National Military Association to help celebrate this year as the year of the military family. The trials and tribulations these families have endured has given them a strength unlike no other. I am proud to support and advocate for these amazing families. Please join me in thanking them not only throughout this year but always.

Year of the Military Family 2009‘

Year of Military Family’ declared

By Rick Maze - Staff writerPosted

: Wednesday Mar 11, 2009 17:08:00 EDTA bipartisan resolution declaring 2009 the “Year of the Military Family” was passed by the House of Representatives on Wednesday on a unanimous vote after a flurry of speeches about how families are just as important to national security as uniformed service members.HConRes 64, approved by a 422-0 roll call vote, provides no new benefits, no boost in pay, no improvements in living or working conditions and does not create or expand upon any family support program.What is does is “urge” President Barack Obama to issue a proclamation designating 2009 as a year to hold ceremonies and events that point out the sacrifices made by the 1.8 million family members of active-duty troops and the 1.1 million family members of National Guard and Reserve troops.Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Mo., the House Armed Services Committee chairman and chief sponsor of the resolution, said families are sometimes overlooked when talking about sacrifices made during deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.“Over the last several years, military families have faced months of separation, some as long as 18 to 20 months,” he said. “With over a million children between the ages of birth and 23 years of age who have parents in uniform, there have been many missed birthdays, graduations, holidays, and a child’s first words and other major life accomplishments that are all too common as troops continue to experience back to back deployments.”Skelton said he expects such a proclamation to be issued, because Obama and first lady Michelle Obama already have made clear that military families will be a priority in this administration.Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colo., said support from families — including spouses, parents, children and siblings — is a big factor in recruiting and retaining service members. “Military families have an uncanny resilience,” he said. “They are some of the strongest citizens in this country.”

Anderson's Brides

Military Appreciation Day!

May 16th was Military Appreciation Day . It was an amazing day all over town with tons of local businesses showing their support for our Past and present veterans and families.

My day started very early visiting several VFWs and American Legions. Sharing with them my goals and accomplishments over the last 12 years.

Then I was off to the Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run benefiting Special Olympics.

Anderson's Bridal was hosting a free wedding dress give away for all military brides. It was so wonderful to get to help these women find their dream dress, and so amazing of Jennifer and the crew at Anderson's for making it all possible.

Then we were off again tot he Northway Mall where there was face painting, clowns, pony rides, Sen. Begich speaking and live music for everyone.

My last stop of the day was American Legion Post 29 , where I joined the Ladies Aux. And signed up every one in our house!

Torch Run for Special Olympics

This morning over 226 racers ran for the annual Torch Run with the Police Dept. They raised over $220,000 for special Olympics! Michael was my favorite kind of runner.. His mom pushed him the whole way!