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May 15, 2010 is Armed Forces Day. Right now volunteer men and woman are everywhere protecting we civilians here at home. And in honor of the troops who do so much to protect us, hundreds of troop support groups across America ship thousands of care boxes each year to them all over the world.Over 90% of Americans have never served in the military. I am one of them, representative of the rest.  And on behalf of all of those they protect, I thank the troops for preserving our liberties, livelihoods, and businesses. Even though the borders of this country are penned with their blood, and even though we don't keep our national house in order, they go forth each day to protect it and give us more time.  Let's hope in the end we can all make them as proud of us as we are of them.Showings of support means a lot to them, and here is an inkling of their gratitude for the bonds between us.
"I wanted to say thank you so much for sending out the care package to my airman. She received the box today and she was literally in tears and could not believe that there are people who cared enough to send her a box. She said she felt like it was Christmas or better because she has not had a Christmas since she was younger. It was great seeing her tell everyone who walked in the office about the box. Again, thank you and your team for taking the time to think of us over here and we truly do appreciate your support! " ~~ SSgt Leticia -----
"Thank you, Thank you, and Thank you so very much for the packages we received. We, the 2025th Transportation Company want you to know how appreciative we are for the phone cards, games, magazines, books, music CD's , DVD's, toiletries, the food and all the other goodies that were sent to us
yesterday. Major H---- was overwhelmed with the packages that came in and he right away distributed the goodies to all the soldiers. It is a hard road for us over here especially during the holiday season. Being away from our families is really tough but with the goodies and gifts it made everyone feel like getting into the holiday spirit. From the 2025th Transportation Company Family we would like to extend our heartfelt "Thank You" for all of your support. We will always have a place in our heart for you. " Thank you. ~~ Major Earnest ----.
Since her inception America has been unique among nations of the world.   We go further to do more good than any other nation on earth.   As acts of freedom, not dominion.  Which is why so many foreigners want their pictures taken with our troops when they encounter them in transit.
I periodically receive emails from people in other countries pining that they wished their people did for their military community the way Americans do for theirs.   You see, America is a charitable nation, with a majority who believes in the personal responsibility of doing good at the individual level.  Hence a voluntary military. And hence the voluntary support for its members from us. Indeed, hundreds of charitable groups have arisen to support the troops' morale and well-being while they are deployed.  Are there amazing people in this country or what? You will find these groups listed at www.SupportOurTroops.Org.
So for Armed Force Day this year go out and find an event to participate in.  Or send a care package.  Or make a donation.  Find the core moral satisfaction in stepping up for those who step up for all of us.
And to all the troops from all of us here at home, I say thank you, and may God bless and keep you safe.
Martin C. Boire
Chairman, Support Our Troops®
Armed Forces Day 2010
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[caption id="attachment_3904" align="alignleft" width="300"]
Expert stoneworker James Lee cleans the work after engraving the name of U.S. Army Lt. Col. Taylor to Panel 7W, Line 81 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., May 4, 2010. Taylor's name is one of six added to the memorial. The new names represent veterans who survived serious injury in the war, but were determined by Defense Department officials to have died as a result of wounds sustained in the combat zone. DoD photo by William D. Moss[/caption]
WASHINGTON This week, the names of six American servicemembers will join the list of other departed or missing troops featured on the intersecting black-granite walls of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Expert stoneworker James Lee cleans the work after engraving the name of U.S. Army Lt. Col. Taylor to Panel 7W, Line 81 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., May 4, 2010. Taylor's name is one of six added to the memorial. The new names represent veterans who survived serious injury in the war, but were determined by Defense Department officials to have died as a result of wounds sustained in the combat zone. DoD photo by William D. Moss[/caption]
WASHINGTON This week, the names of six American servicemembers will join the list of other departed or missing troops featured on the intersecting black-granite walls of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Army Lt. Col. William Taylor's name was engraved at a ceremony today at the memorial on the National Mall here. The names of Marine Corps Lance Cpls. John Granville and Clayton Hough Jr., Marine Corps Cpl. Ronald Vivona, Army Capt. Edward Miles and Army Sgt. Michael Morehouse will be added later this week.The new additions are veterans who survived serious injury in the war but were determined by Defense Department officials to have "died as a result of wounds [combat or hostile related] sustained in the combat zone" that required drastic measures, such as amputation."It's an important honor to pay tribute to our nation's veterans of Vietnam, especially," said J.C. Cummings, the architect of record for the memorial. The main part of the memorial was completed in 1982.
Cummings said a space on the wall allows Taylor's name to fit the chronological scheme as if his name had been in the database of fallen soldiers when the wall was first built. Of the six names being added to the wall this week, three of them can be placed as such, he said.
When these young men were over there, their units became a family, a military family," Cummings said. "We're lucky because we can put the name where it belongs, with their brothers and sisters in arms."
Taylor's nephew, Thomas Carpenter, was in attendance today, along with family members of the five other servicemembers whose names are being added to the wall. Photos of each man were shown as each family gave a small tribute to their lost relative.
"I'm humbled in front of this wall," Carpenter said, "where they are forever young, strong and brave."
James Lee, a stoneworker whose Colorado-based company has worked at the wall since 1987, said each name takes at least a few days to prepare. Multiple test stones are used to ensure the newly engraved names match the older ones in shape, size and depth.
"Every name that we add to the memorial further completes it," he said.
The engravings for 11 other servicemembers, from the Army and Air Force, will be modified to reflect that they're no longer considered missing in action.
The changes will bring the total number of names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to 58,267 men and women who were killed or remain missing in action. The six new names will become official when they are read aloud during the annual Memorial Day ceremony May 31 at 1 p.m.
May 4, 2010: By Ian Graham-Emerging Media, Defense Media Activity
When these young men were over there, their units became a family, a military family," Cummings said. "We're lucky because we can put the name where it belongs, with their brothers and sisters in arms."
Taylor's nephew, Thomas Carpenter, was in attendance today, along with family members of the five other servicemembers whose names are being added to the wall. Photos of each man were shown as each family gave a small tribute to their lost relative.
"I'm humbled in front of this wall," Carpenter said, "where they are forever young, strong and brave."
James Lee, a stoneworker whose Colorado-based company has worked at the wall since 1987, said each name takes at least a few days to prepare. Multiple test stones are used to ensure the newly engraved names match the older ones in shape, size and depth.
"Every name that we add to the memorial further completes it," he said.
The engravings for 11 other servicemembers, from the Army and Air Force, will be modified to reflect that they're no longer considered missing in action.
The changes will bring the total number of names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to 58,267 men and women who were killed or remain missing in action. The six new names will become official when they are read aloud during the annual Memorial Day ceremony May 31 at 1 p.m.
May 4, 2010: By Ian Graham-Emerging Media, Defense Media Activity
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Easter is a message of love for others, and of sacrifice for others.
And around this world our troops sacrifice daily for the betterment of others.
They risk their lives and health to set others free.
They risk them to protect children.
They risk them for other men.
They risk them for other women.
They risk them for their fellows.
They risk them to build free nations for others.
To build schools for kids.
To protect woman and children from oppressors.
To build people up.
They do great and wonderful Good at risk to themselves.
And they ask nothing in return
It is often said that only two people have ever offered to die for us. Jesus Christ and the American Soldier. One for your soul, one for your freedom.
And therefore I give this Easter prayer for the young men and mature men, and the young women and mature women, who risk themselves daily for me and for you and for others.
May He watch over you.
May He guide you and keep you safe.
May He comfort your soul and give you peace from the things you see.
May His love, kindness and mercy follow you each day in each step.
May He favor you over those who risk little yet expect much.
May He walk with you and protect you by his presence.
May He bless you, wrap you in his presence, and show you the way.
May He make his face to shine upon you in your times of need.
May He grant you peace from the storms within all the days of your life.
Martin C. Boire
Easter, 2010
www.SupportOurTroops.org
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April 1, 2010
$1,100,000 in morale and welfare enhancement is landing it at 70 Air Force bases across America this week.
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Coast Guard wife Ashley F. has formed a Support Our Troops® Chapter in Pinellas County, Florida.
Ashley was thrilled to find an easy to access method to help the troops.
According to Ashley, " I was looking for a way that I could give back and let the soldiers know that I stand behind them. I still can't believe how easy it was so start a chapter in my community, I was actually all set up and ready to go in less than 48 hours. I also have nothing but good things so say about the people in the national office, anytime I have any questions or need any help, they never hesitate to get me the information I need. If I ever have to move I will surely start a chapter in that area if there isn't already one. This is truly a great organization and I am very excited to be apart of it.
They had their first meeting Friday the 12th and held a yard sale the next Sunday.
They are getting started on planning a softball tournament. The men are also jumping in and all involved will be mutually exploring the organization of an annual motorcycle Heroes Ride in the area.
Another testament to what good Americans think of their troops!
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March 17, 2010 -
Operation Popcorn Hits $10 Million!
The numbers are now in!   They did it again!  They just can't stop themselves!  Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and good people down most streets in America got together in Fall of 2009 and put together over $10,000,000 worth of trail mix and Trails-End popcorn for SupportOurTroops.Org to send to the troops all over the world.A testament to what Americans really think of their troops.Just look at the amazing history of this program.In 2007, Operation Popcorn launched in the middle of a recession, good Americans sent $5,000,000 to the troops!
Then in 2008 the economy imploded.  So what did the people do? They bought an additional $1,000,000 dollars more stuff to send their troops, for a total of $6,000,000 in 2008!
Next in 2009 the recession and unemployment worsened. They're reaction? Send $4 million more to the troops for a total of $10,000,000 in just that one year! A 66% increase over the previous year!
Are there amazing people in this country or what?We could write a thousand words ourselves about the meaningfulness of this to the troops. But you'll enjoy far more enjoy reading an anthology of a few of their notes and emails:
"Thank you! This morning someone brought me a tin of Trails End Caramel Corn and told me it was a gift from you for my service to our country. Tears came to my eyes! Your gift of recognition was so nice. Thank you!" ~~ SMSgt Paula --- "Hello, Just read the article regarding the Boy Scout popcorn fundraiser. My son is stationed at Camp Lejeune and it was quite a nice surprise in his day when his sgt gave it to him. I received a text within 5 min of him receiving it, telling me about it. Thanks for remembering our troops and my son. You DO make a difference in their lives! With much appreciation" ~~ Deanna G.
"Hi, I am a Soldier in Iraq. We Love Your Popcorn!!!! We Need Your Popcorn!!!! Every now and then we get care packages with [your] Popcorn. We love the Sweet taste of the Kettle Popcorn. The problem is we only had a couple of pack and it is gone. Now we are all craving it. Can you help us out?" ~~ SFC Benjamin ------, Iraq.Â
"Your [popcorn] service makes a world of difference and helps to boost the morale of the service men and women throughout the world." ~~ Robert ----, Admiral
"Thank you for your thoughtfulness to the needs of our troops. The kindness you have shown makes a difference in the day-to-day lives of our service members. God Bless you, and please keep up with the things you are doing." ~~ Lt. Ronald ----, USAF Wing Chaplain
"It is always a great thing when we can show our support and loyalty to our men and women of service, and I thank you for your hard work and commitment to our troops."Â ~~ a state Governor
"My sailors and I appreciate your thoughtfulness and the hard work that went into making your donation possible. Your patriotic support is a great encouragement to all." ~~ Capt. David -----, USN
"Boy Scouts, SupportOurTroops.Org, and Trails End Popcorn Company: A short note to pass on our sincerest gratitude to you all for donating thousands of cases of Trails End popcorn. We received your shipment a couple of weeks ago and have been busy distributing it to the work centers, MWR centers, military Passenger terminals, etc. and have heard nothing but praise for you and the support you have for our US forces. Many of us were Scouts and remember the great things we did as young men & women, it is fantastic to see the Scouting program continuing to support the troops. Again, our sincerest gratitude to you all for the support of our forces both deployed and at home. Our Soldiers, Airman, Marines and Sailors thank you and say "Job Well Done!" Respectfully, ~~ Commander, Baghdad
"On behalf of the USO, I would tike to thank you for your generous donation of 15,720 packets of Trails-End Microwave Popcorn to Operation US0 Care Package. These items have been placed in care packages for distribution to our troops sending in the war against terrorism. We rely on contributions from companies such as yours to help us lift the morale and meet the many needs of our soldiers here and abroad."Â ~~ Edward P----, President, US0 Worldwide Operations
"On behalf of our troops at the 163d Reconnaissance Wing, CA Air National Guard, we want to say Thank You! Please pass on our sincere gratitude to the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of America for their hard work raising money to donate popcorn for our troops. What a wonderful program and way to thank our men and women and their families for their to our country by providing them with this treat! Your kindness is sincerely appreciated by our members, their families and countless American Troops serving our nation around the world." Sincerely, ~~ Debbie H---- Wing Family Program Coordinator
"For three consecutive years, SupportOurTroops.Org and its affiliates have collected and shipped millions of dollars of product to U.S. service members serving abroad, whether it is the "Warfighter" serving in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait, the war-wounded being treated in medical treatment facilities around the world, or Sailors and Marines serving on ships deployed worldwide. Your organization's can-do spirit and steadfast efforts have improved the quality of life of thousands of troops each year. Through your personal efforts and that of your affiliates, your work serves as a constant reminder to those serving so far from home that they are supported by communities and neighborhoods nationwide. On behalf of troops serving worldwide, please pass on to your staff and your affiliates a sincere 'Thank You' for the unyielding support that they continue to provide."Â ~~Â Bill W----, Navy MWR Command
"Just wanted to pass along my genuine thanks and appreciation for the caramel corn! Very nice surprise to say the least!!!" ~~ Tara ---, USAF
Just click the pic.   It's that easy. Absolutely amazing.
Â
So where does all this popcorn come from? From the American People!  Each Fall the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts go door to door down streets all across America and ask people if they would like to donate $25 of popcorn treats to the troops. And at $25 a pop this many people step up each year.
Who does this? SupportOurTroops.Org, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Trail's-End® Popcorn Company team up to pull this off yearly. Support Our Troops Chairman 
Martin C. Boire say "kids, if you want to know how to pull off something this huge get into Scouting.   If you get into Scouting, you'll get to organize hundreds of things and be ready to do stuff like this your whole life too. That's where I learned to do all this"
Who manufactures it? Nothing but the best for our troops! Trail's-End® popcorn is known as America's Best Popcorn. It is produced by Weaver Popcorn Company, one of the largest producers and manufacturers of popcorn products in the world. An 80-year-old, family-owned company located in Indiana, Weaver Popcorn distributes its products in more than 90 countries.
Visit the Operation Popcorn Photo Gallery.
About SupportOurTroops.Org. SupportOurTroops.Org is a nationwide platform for individuals, organizations, businesses and non-profÂits to bolster America's troops and their families in a multitude of ways.  Built and operated by civilians, SupportOurTroops.Org is a moral covenant with those who serve to protect us and our families.  SupportOurTroops.Org is a resource that was not available to previous generations of troops, and now stands as a permanent living testament to the affection and loyalty good Americans hold for those who do such for all of us.
The free online troop-supporter Community at SupportOurTroops.Org offers simple ways for all of us to thank and show support to American troops (our deployed neighbors) serving all over the world. It is a non-partisan, non-political civilian organization, welcoming civilians, active-duty families, and veterans as members.  Donations at SupportOurTroops.Org help us do wonderful things like this for the troops and their families.
What else are we doing? Chairman Martin C. Boire, said, "we're the license plate people. We have completed state-issuance of Support Our Troops! plates in some 26 states to date, and have more underway. Those plates help us do good things like this for our deployed neighbors. Sign up for your plate today. You can find out the status of the project in your state at www.SupportOurTroops.org."
What is Support Our Troops®? Support Our Troops® is a patriotic family organization aimed at bolstering the well-being of the troops and their families. They Support Us Let's Support Them! Civilian-led, SOT enthusiastically welcomes civilians, active-duty families, veterans, and folks from all political parties. We offer simple, easy, everyday methods through which folks can stick up for those who stick up for all of us. Support Our Troops is a nation-wide 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with chapters in 37 states to date.
How does SupportOurTroops.org get all of this done? Through our free online community forum at SupportOurTroops.Org, and a lot of hard work by a lot of good kids and adults across America.
CFC (Combined Federal Campaign) Member #31529. Support Our Troops®Â is an authorized private civilian national and international nonprofit in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). It is the largest and most successful workplace charity campaign in the world. Federal employees can help Support Our Troops® by designating to code 31529.
Martin C. Boire
Chairman, Support Our Troops®
Nationwide News Release, not PSA: Permission is granted to reprint and further ditribute this article and graphic in manner favorable to the troops.
"Your [popcorn] service makes a world of difference and helps to boost the morale of the service men and women throughout the world." ~~ Robert ----, Admiral
"Thank you for your thoughtfulness to the needs of our troops. The kindness you have shown makes a difference in the day-to-day lives of our service members. God Bless you, and please keep up with the things you are doing." ~~ Lt. Ronald ----, USAF Wing Chaplain
"It is always a great thing when we can show our support and loyalty to our men and women of service, and I thank you for your hard work and commitment to our troops."Â ~~ a state Governor
"My sailors and I appreciate your thoughtfulness and the hard work that went into making your donation possible. Your patriotic support is a great encouragement to all." ~~ Capt. David -----, USN
"Boy Scouts, SupportOurTroops.Org, and Trails End Popcorn Company: A short note to pass on our sincerest gratitude to you all for donating thousands of cases of Trails End popcorn. We received your shipment a couple of weeks ago and have been busy distributing it to the work centers, MWR centers, military Passenger terminals, etc. and have heard nothing but praise for you and the support you have for our US forces. Many of us were Scouts and remember the great things we did as young men & women, it is fantastic to see the Scouting program continuing to support the troops. Again, our sincerest gratitude to you all for the support of our forces both deployed and at home. Our Soldiers, Airman, Marines and Sailors thank you and say "Job Well Done!" Respectfully, ~~ Commander, Baghdad
"On behalf of the USO, I would tike to thank you for your generous donation of 15,720 packets of Trails-End Microwave Popcorn to Operation US0 Care Package. These items have been placed in care packages for distribution to our troops sending in the war against terrorism. We rely on contributions from companies such as yours to help us lift the morale and meet the many needs of our soldiers here and abroad."Â ~~ Edward P----, President, US0 Worldwide Operations
"On behalf of our troops at the 163d Reconnaissance Wing, CA Air National Guard, we want to say Thank You! Please pass on our sincere gratitude to the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of America for their hard work raising money to donate popcorn for our troops. What a wonderful program and way to thank our men and women and their families for their to our country by providing them with this treat! Your kindness is sincerely appreciated by our members, their families and countless American Troops serving our nation around the world." Sincerely, ~~ Debbie H---- Wing Family Program Coordinator
"For three consecutive years, SupportOurTroops.Org and its affiliates have collected and shipped millions of dollars of product to U.S. service members serving abroad, whether it is the "Warfighter" serving in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait, the war-wounded being treated in medical treatment facilities around the world, or Sailors and Marines serving on ships deployed worldwide. Your organization's can-do spirit and steadfast efforts have improved the quality of life of thousands of troops each year. Through your personal efforts and that of your affiliates, your work serves as a constant reminder to those serving so far from home that they are supported by communities and neighborhoods nationwide. On behalf of troops serving worldwide, please pass on to your staff and your affiliates a sincere 'Thank You' for the unyielding support that they continue to provide."Â ~~Â Bill W----, Navy MWR Command
"Just wanted to pass along my genuine thanks and appreciation for the caramel corn! Very nice surprise to say the least!!!" ~~ Tara ---, USAF