Voice of a Soldier's Mom

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

2007-01-31T17:52:00.000-05:00

Post-traumatic Stress DisorderBy James W. Ralph, M.D. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has become a major problem among veterans. In fact, it has been a problemfor many years, but fully appreciated until after Vietnam. In the past, PTSD has been called by such names as ShellShock, Survivor Guilt Syndrome, Forgotten Warrior Syndrome, and similar terms. As a former DAV NationalCommander

I'll Be Home For Christmas

2007-01-31T17:10:00.000-05:00

This Christmas Season was a very special one for Operation First Response, Inc; (OFR). OFR is a Culpeper, Virginia based, all volunteer, 501c3 non-profit that supports our nation’s wounded Heroes and their families with personal and

LOCAL AMERICA SUPPORTS YOU MEMBER TO MEET WITH PRESIDENT BUSH AT THE WHITE HOUSE

2006-07-10T20:37:00.000-04:00

Operation First Response to Meet with the President Alongside Emmy Award-Winning Actor Gary Sinise to Discuss Efforts of ASY Member Organizations NationwideWASHINGTON—Operation First Response, a Culpeper-based organization, is one of fourteen groups that has been invited by President George W. Bush for a special White House meeting on June 26, 2006 at 10 a.m. of America Supports You team members

Operation First Response, Inc receives grant from the Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation

2006-07-10T20:22:00.000-04:00

CONTACT: Peggy Bakerpeggy@operationfirstresponse.org (540)547-9011FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 6, 2006Culpeper, Virginia – Operation First Response, Inc (OFR) an all volunteer, non profit that supports our Nation’s wounded Heroes received a substantial grant in the amount $50,000.00 from the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) Service Foundation enabling OFR to continue their efforts in

Operation First Response, Inc and Col. Wesley Fox Young Marines Coordinate Efforts

2006-07-10T20:20:00.000-04:00

Operation First Response, Inc (OFR) was contacted by Valerie Stoki; Community Service Officer of Col. Wesley Fox Young Marines of Front Royal, Virginia, in February wishing to offer the services of their Young Marines in helping our Nation’s wounded service members.Plans were made for the children to help pack OFR backpacks on April 22, 2006.Col. Wesley Fox Young Marines were an inspiration to

My Brothers, My Comrades

2006-07-10T20:16:00.000-04:00

By Peggy BakerMother of a SoldierOperation First Responsewww.operationfirstresponse.orgOperation First Response an all volunteer, 501 c3, non profit organization that supports our Nation’s wounded Heroes and their families, partnered with Therapeutic Adventures a non-profit organization committed to providing greater access to adaptive outdoor recreation for persons of all ages who have a

America Supports You: Virginia Group Supports Wounded Troops, Families

2006-02-05T20:05:00.000-05:00

By Paul X. RutzAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2006 – Wounded servicemembers have an extra helping hand thanks to Operation First Response, a group specializing in providing them supplies and funds during their recuperation.Peggy Baker of Culpepper, Va., founder and president of the all-volunteer nonprofit, answered questions from interested troops Jan. 19 at the Washington

Heroes of Yesterday Helping Heroes of Today

2006-02-05T19:42:00.000-05:00

By Peggy BakerMother of a SoldierPresident of Operation First Response, Incwww.operationfirstresponse.orgOperation First Response, Inc (OFR) is an all volunteer, non profit (501c3) organization that supports our Nation’s wounded Heroes and their families. OFR was presented a check from VFW Post 9835 of Warrenton, Virginia on January 26, 2006 for five hundred dollars to help with OFR services

Online Auction of the 50,000th copy of Military Salute to benefit Operation First Response

2005-12-26T18:20:00.000-05:00

The Minnesota Platoon, a group of five disabled Vietnam-era Veterans that distributes “Military Salute” at no charge to active-duty Military units, Veterans groups, family support groups, public safety organizations, church groups, school districts, and students working on patriotic projects, is now conducting an online auction of the 50,000th copy of the video to benefit Operation First

THE SANDS OF CHRISTMAS

2005-12-03T19:48:00.000-05:00

> >by Michael Marks> >> >> >> >> >I had no Christmas spirit when I breathed a weary sigh,> >And looked across the table where the bills were piled too high.> >> >The laundry wasn't finished and the car I had to fix,> >My stocks were down another point, the Chargers lost by six.> >> >And so with only minutes till my son got home from school> >I gave up on the drudgery and grabbed a wooden stool.>

2005-11-27T14:09:00.000-05:00

The following is a recap of my trip to Columbus, Georgia attending the fourth annual God Bless Fort Benning Day (GBFBD) on November 19th 2005.The weekend started with a meet and greet on Friday night. Last year there was perhaps two dozen guests at the meet and greet; this year it grew and had to be more than fifty guests. The meet and greet was held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Columbus, which is

Busy Times for Groups Offering Tangible Support to the Troops

2005-11-19T16:13:00.000-05:00

By LIA MILLERNew York TimesPublished: November 14, 2005WITH Motown tunes blasting in the background, about 900 volunteers for Operation Gratitude spent Veterans Day and this past weekend getting blisters on their hands and sore backs on an assembly line in the California Army National Guard Armory in Van Nuys, Calif. They were there packing 15,000 boxes for soldiers in Iraq with items like energy

Please remember our Wounded Heroes and their Families in your prayers this Holiday Season!

2005-11-19T14:33:00.000-05:00

www.operationfirstresponse.org

Thank You West Virginia!

2005-11-19T14:30:00.000-05:00

Thank You West Virginia!By Peggy BakerMother of a SoldierPresident of Operation First Responsewww.operationfirstresponse.orgOperation First Response, Inc (OFR) is an all volunteer, 501 © 3 non profit organization that support’s our Nation’s Wounded Heroes and their Families.OFR would like to take this time to thank all of the wonderful residents of West Virginia who have supported our wounded

Group comes through for Soldiers, families

2005-10-30T21:00:00.000-05:00

Melissa HouseBayonet staffWhen her best friend's husband was evacuated to Brooke Army Medical Center, Dawn McMaster went to work finding help. When the Soldier came off his breathing tube, he asked for his parents, who could ill afford more than $2,000 for plane tickets.McMaster got help - in spades - from an organization called Operation First Response, founded by two women from different areas

Operation First Response 1st Annual Fundraiser RIDE & DRIVE Sponsored by the American Legion, Peterson Post 431 and the American Legion Riders of Iowa

2005-10-05T14:58:00.001-04:00

All proceeds donated to: Operation First Response“Supporting Wounded Heroes and Their Families; Serving America’s Finest”For More Information: www.operationfirstresponse.orgRegistration:10:00 – 11:00 AM at the Gowrie City Park Shelter HouseCost:$25.00 per bike or vehicle. (Includes Free T-shirt)$10.00 per passenger (T-shirt not included)Poker Run:1st prize for High Hand $1002nd High Hand $50, Low

She Does Not Speak for Me

2005-08-20T15:17:00.000-04:00

My son died in Iraq--and it was not in vain.BY RONALD R. GRIFFINI lost a son in Iraq and Cindy Sheehan does not speak for me.I grieve with Mrs. Sheehan, for all too well I know the full measure of the agony she is forever going to endure. I honor her son for his service and sacrifice. However, I abhor all that she represents and those who would cast her as the symbol for parents of our fallen

Community supports one of its own

2005-08-18T22:27:00.000-04:00

Wounded 224th soldier returns home for benefit in his honor.By SHAWNA RICHTERsrichter@thehawkeye.comSALEM — Bob Briggs sat near the entrance to the food pavilion in the city park, smiling and talking with those in line — each of them there to support him and his family.His hat read "Purple Heart. Iraqi Freedom. Combat wounded."Briggs, a sergeant with the 224th Engineer Battalion, still wore the

Effort to Help Iraq Wounded Has Local Connection

2005-08-18T21:04:00.000-04:00

WELLSBURG - For more than two years, Americans have mourned their fallen soldiers and welcomed heroes returning home from Iraq, but the spotlight seldom falls on the nearly 7,000 wounded in Iraq - nor the hardships they face. This week, Wellsburg residents learned of an effort to bring comfort and hope to those injured overseas, as a nurse with local ties who works at Landstuhl Army Medical

Group provides aid to wounded soldiers

2005-08-18T20:59:00.000-04:00

WELLSBURG - The Brooke County Public Library was visited Tuesday by three women involved in a grass-roots effort to provide assistance and moral support to servicemen and women injured while serving in Iraq. Peggy Baker, president of Operation First Response, said the Midland, Va.-based group has provided more than 1,000 backpacks containing clothing, personal hygiene products and other items to

To all of my friends, family, and associates

2005-08-18T19:51:00.000-04:00

YOU KNOW I AM LONG WINDED. PLEASE BEAR WITH ME AND READ IT ALL. Please go to www.operationfirstresponse.org and read about an organization that I think you will agree with me "Is one of the most NEEDED and NOTE WORTHY things that has come to our attention in a long time. I know the woman who started this and I can tell you that she is for real. ALL "ALL Money that is collected is spent on

Ellington native is "Mom" to wounded soldiers in Germany

2005-08-07T17:58:00.000-04:00

By DONNA FARLEY ~ Staff WriterCigarettes and a soda were the first things wounded Campbell soldier Carl Workman Jr. asked for when he met Carolyn Crossley in May at a Landstuhl, Germany hospital.That's what the Ellington native does -- provide whatever help she can to as many of the arriving wounded as possible.The city of Landstuhl holds the largest American hospital outside the United States.

2005-08-07T17:42:00.000-04:00

The Littlest American

2005-08-07T17:34:00.000-04:00

Operation First Response, Inc. (OFR) is an all volunteer non- profit organization that serves our Nation’s wounded Heroes and their families at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and several other major military facilities located within the states and extended to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.During OFR’s work over the past two years we have become a vehicle for many proud Americans

The Power of Love...Sema Olson

2005-06-25T19:19:00.000-04:00

GCN Exclusive Special FeatureWhile Caring For A Severely Wounded Son At Walter Reed Army Medical Center, This Single Mom Has Lost Her Job, Home, And Car. Though A Muslim, She Proudly Proclaims, “I Am An American, First.”By Perry Hicks- Special to Gulf Coast NewsThe media has made much about the 1600 plus U.S. service members killed fighting in Iraq. What is rarely said is that upward of 90% of

Cpt. Kate Numerick, Pat Rowe Kerr, Missouri Congressman Akin, Peggy and Steve Baker

2005-06-23T08:46:00.000-04:00

Our Nation's Capitol Building

2005-06-23T08:40:00.000-04:00

Operation First Response visits Capitol Hill

2005-06-23T08:32:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday, June 21, 2005, Representatives of Operation First Response, Peggy and Steve Baker had the pleasure of attending a Congressional hearing on Veterans issues. We were invited by Pat Rowe Kerr and were inspired by her passionate speech that clearly showed her love and respect for American Veterans.

America Supports You: First Responders Operate for Troops

2005-06-11T16:43:00.000-04:00

By Samantha L. QuigleyAmerican Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, April 14, 2005 Peggy Baker of Midland, Va., said her son opened her eyes to the big picture of what the military does for Americans.Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Cook displays Operation First Response backpack he received as a patient at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington as OFR's Peggy Baker looks on. Before he was wounded

American Legion Riders of Iowa

2005-06-10T18:51:00.000-04:00

OFR has been blessed to have been taken under the wings of the American Legion Riders of Iowa. You are all very special to us, for not only do you support our cause, but you also share our hearts desire to never let these Heroes know that we do not take lightly the Freedoms they defend. But even more than that, you are the Heroes of Yesterday helping the Heroes of Today. That is an awesome thing

American Legion Riders Memorial Day "Ride For the Wall 2005"

2005-06-10T18:25:00.000-04:00

Thank you, Iowa

2005-04-07T11:27:00.000-04:00

By Peggy BakerMother of a SoldierOperation First ResponseOperation First Response (OFR) would like to express their deep gratitude to the American Legion Riders of Iowa Posts 731 and 121 for their generous efforts to support OFR and by doing so, support our nation’s Wounded Heroes. Through the hard work of these two posts, OFR has received many cash donations that will go to help our Heroes and

Iowa Legion RIders

2005-04-06T20:48:00.000-04:00

Iowa Legion Riders are huge supporters of Operation First Response and our Wounded Heroes

Peggy Baker (Operation First Response) and Carly Goodwin

2005-04-06T20:35:00.000-04:00

Carly Goodwin sings for Wounded Heroes on Easter Weekend

2005-04-06T20:12:00.000-04:00

It was a real treat for our Wounded Heroes at Walter Reed Army Medical Center when Carly Goodwin visited and sang for them on this past Easter weekend. Carly was a guest invited by Operation First Response, there wasn't a dry eye in the house when she sang her new song"Baby Come Back Home".Below is Carly singing with our Hero Ryan Autrey

Our Wounded and Their Families

2005-03-23T18:13:00.000-05:00

By Peggy BakerMother of a SoldierPresident of Operation First Responsewww.operationfirstresponse.orgOperation First Response has been involved with many wounded Heroes and their families; many are experiencing this familiar story. Your son, daughter, or spouse has elected to join one of our Armed Forces to defend our Country’s people and their freedoms. Many have joined based upon the events of 9

Please take a few minutes and help a wounded Hero!

2005-02-10T10:44:00.000-05:00

www.operationfirstresponse.org

Troops, Families to Benefit From New Center for Injured

2005-02-07T19:40:00.000-05:00

By Samantha L. QuigleyAmerican Forces Press Service February 02, 2005 ARLINGTON, Va. - A new organization is helping to make sure servicemembers with severe injuries have all available resources."One way we can express our gratitude for (injured servicemembers) is by working to make sure that the Department of Defense, the U.S. government and the American people as a whole do everything we can

VA Palo Alto Health Care System

2005-02-07T19:34:00.000-05:00

Goal: Construct a Fisher House to Accommodate Family Members of Veterans and War Wounded Service Memberswww.fisherhousepa.com VA Palo Alto Health Care System - Executive Summary: Thank you for the opportunity to explain the need to construct a Fisher House (similar to a Ronald McDonald House) at the Veterans [VA] Hospital in Palo Alto. This proposed facility would provide temporary living

The Wife of a Deployed Soldier

2005-02-06T20:56:00.000-05:00

I was sitting alone in one of those loud, casual steak houses that you find all over the country. You know the type--a bucket of peanuts on every table, shells littering the floor, and a bunch of perky college kids racing around with longneck beers and sizzling platters. Taking a sip of my iced tea, I studied the crowd over the rim of my glass. My gaze lingered on a group enjoying their meal.

No Relief in Sight for the Lincoln

2005-02-06T20:52:00.000-05:00

By Ed Stanton It has been three weeks since my ship, the USS AbrahamLincoln, arrived off the Sumatran coast to aid the hundreds of thousands of victims of the Dec. 26 tsunami that ravaged their coastline. I'd like to say that this has been a rewarding experience for us, but it has not: Instead, it has been a frustrating and needlessly dangerous exercise made even more difficult by the

"While many Stand Behind Our flag, Our Soldiers Stand In Front"

2005-02-04T13:33:00.000-05:00

"Until He Comes Home" Campaign

2005-02-02T18:57:00.000-05:00

“Until He Comes Home” Campaign

2005-01-29T17:59:00.000-05:00

Mary Ward, author of Letters Home, announces a new campaign to honor her son, Spc. Sean Ward’s, second deployment to Iraq with the 3rd Infantry Division to raise money for Operation First Response (OFR). The campaign will raise money for OFR through the sale of Ward’s book Letters Home – From 9/11 to Operation Iraqi Freedom A Military Mom Shares Her Family’s Story of Patriotism, Courage and Love

Hello All Mom's and Dad's.

2005-01-29T17:52:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I made my trip down to Walter Reed Hospital and the Malogne House to visit our wounded soldiers. It was my first Tunes for Troops donation trip down and a chance to meet a truly unsung hero in the founder of Operation First Response, Peggy Baker. And most importantly a chance to meet and visit with our hero soldiers whom are all staying there recuperating and rehabilitating from their

Ziggy Visits Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital

2005-01-23T19:41:00.000-05:00

2005-01-23T19:27:00.000-05:00

2005-01-23T19:19:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Baker Mother of a Soldier www.operationfirstresponse.org Recently I had the opportunity to meet a wonderful man named Ziggy who came to America from Kosovo more than 25 years ago. Ziggy was an inspiration to meet, watching his eyes glow with pride for our young Heroes recuperating from their battle wounds at Walter Reed. Ziggy stood out among us with his proud display of Patriotism in

The Soldiers Creed!

2005-01-22T18:40:00.000-05:00

I am an American Soldier. I am a Warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values. I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade. I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills. I always maintain my arms, my equipment

Wounded Heroes Receive Army Coats

2005-01-16T19:53:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Baker Mother of a Soldier Operation First Response Our wounded Heroes at Walter Reed Army Medical and Bethesda Naval Hospital were once again visited by “Wounded Soldiers” a group based out of Wadsworth, Illinois. Anna and Rich Sherony flew in to start the New Year with our Heroes and to present to each of them a gift bag which included a Marine or Army jacket, corresponding hat and a

Local School reaches out this Holiday Season to our Wounded at Walter Reed

2005-01-05T07:25:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Baker Operation First Response Mother of a Soldier Cedar Lee Middle School in Bealeton, Virginia was approached by Victoria Lyon, the mother of two of Cedar Lee’s students, to participate in a fundraiser for Operation First Response. Operation First Response is a group devoted to supporting our wounded Heroes and their families. Mrs. Lyon was in hopes of gathering enough items to put

2004-12-27T16:06:00.000-05:00

www.wildcritterproductions.com

Father of Marine delivers Full Music Jacket with Tunes for Troops Program

2004-12-27T16:02:00.000-05:00

Motivated by media reports, soldier blogs and an email from his marine son’s fiancé, Wild Critter Productions’ civilian Jeffery Lynn took it upon himself to answer the call for music overseas to give our fighting troops a taste of home. His son is on his second tour in Iraq. “My goal is to get music in the hands of any soldier that needs a taste of home - and that's just what our Tunes for

FINDING THE ANSWERS IN MANAGING YOUR FEARS AND ANXIETIES

2004-12-27T13:31:00.000-05:00

© Stan Popovich – All Rights Reserved Looking for all of the answers in how to manage your most persistent fears and anxieties? I deal with fear on a personal level and I found it difficult to find all of the answers in managing my anxieties. I read some anxiety books and talked to various professionals, however I still had trouble dealing with certain fears and anxieties. Eventually, I wrote a

Melanie and Scott Morgan meet Toby Keith

2004-12-27T11:30:00.000-05:00

Danzel Washington visits Wounded Heroes at Brooke Army Medical Hospital and the Fisher House located at Fort Sam, Houston, Texas

2004-12-27T11:16:00.000-05:00

2004-12-27T11:02:00.000-05:00

2004-12-27T10:56:00.000-05:00

2004-12-27T10:03:00.000-05:00

Season's Greetings to US Troops

2004-12-22T19:26:00.000-05:00

© Michele L. FreyDecember 3, 2004 As we count down the days that lead to our holiday season, may we not forget the men and women who are fighting abroad. They are without their families and friends, although within each other, they have found a new family. Our soldiers overseas share a special bond with each other that will strengthen their morale. It is up to America, as a nation, not to let

Merry Christmas 2004

2004-12-21T19:19:00.000-05:00

To our dear Soldiers and their families, I would like to take a moment and thank you each of you for allowing us to share in a very difficult time in your lives. We feel blessed to have been able to help in any way for each of you is a Hero in our eyes. To our Soldiers… You are the rock upon which our Country is built. The courage and bravery of each of you is immeasurable. We have watched as

Operation First Response and several wounded Soldiers were invited to the NBC Holiday Party at their Washington DC station.

2004-12-21T17:43:00.000-05:00

2004-12-21T17:32:00.000-05:00

2004-12-21T17:19:00.000-05:00

2004-12-21T17:08:00.000-05:00

2004-12-21T17:03:00.000-05:00

2004-12-21T16:37:00.000-05:00

Remembering those who serve

2004-12-16T08:51:00.000-05:00

Written by Charles S. Lauer Our men and women in the armed forces are a source of inspiration Story originally published December 13, 2004 I recently spent an emotional and inspirational day in Washington. It gave me a sense of pride in our country and its people, especially those brave, dedicated and loyal young men and women in our armed forces. I was in town for a healthcare conference and

CPL. Canon and Peggy Baker

2004-11-29T10:03:00.000-05:00

CPL. Canon receiving a quilt made by Nancy Gwyn of Shingle Springs, Ca.

2004-11-28T18:13:00.000-05:00

Please reach out to our wounded and their families!

2004-11-23T19:29:00.000-05:00

Our Soldiers make a difference in many ways!

2004-11-23T18:12:00.000-05:00

Liz Kehrer, SPC.Craig Olander, Anna Sherony and Peggy Baker

2004-11-20T18:39:00.000-05:00

Thank you, Illinois

2004-11-20T18:35:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Baker Mother of a Soldier Operation First Response www.operationfirstresponse.org I am Peggy Baker, President of Operation First Response, a group devoted to supporting our wounded Heroes from the War on Terrorism. On the weekend of November 13th, Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. was visited by Anna Sherony and Liz Kehrer who belong to a group called Wounded Soldiers

Just a few of the Heroes who care for our wounded at Landstuhl

2004-11-17T10:20:00.000-05:00

Give2thetroops

2004-11-14T21:40:00.000-05:00

Please check out this site to help our deployed troops. http://www.give2thetroops.org/

Guy Gilchrist visits Walter Reed Army Medical Center

2004-10-30T20:45:00.000-04:00

By Peggy Baker Mother of a Soldier Operation First Response Guy Gilchrist the syndicated cartoonist of Nancy, The Muppets, Your Angels Speak and much more made a memorable two day visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Center on October 27 and 28. Mr. Gilchrist graciously accepted an invitation from Operation First Response to visit the heroes who fill the halls and rooms of this great military

The Blanket

2004-10-22T13:48:00.000-04:00

by Peggy Baker Mother of a Soldier Operation First Response has a special mission to reach out to our wounded Heroes and their families. One of our first experiences with the wounded was with a dear friend of ours, through her experience with her son and our involvement we were able to see some of the most important needs of our families during this traumatic time in their lives. We were able to

What Will I Do Now?

2004-10-22T13:46:00.000-04:00

By Peggy Baker Mother of a Soldier Walking through the halls of Walter Reed there are many feelings one might have. I am often nervous upon entering the hospital, how will I act, should I show emotion, what if I cry, will my empathy for our heroes seem as pity to them? For pity is not what they want or even what I feel. I feel a great honor to be in their presence, to be with them during a

The Parallel

2004-10-22T13:44:00.000-04:00

by Peggy Baker Mother of a Soldier I was thinking the other day about the great parallel between the relationships of Soldier/Country and Mother/Child. They are interestingly similar. A Soldier will lay down his life for his comrades and country … A Mother will lay down her life for her family and home. A Soldier is on call or working 24/ 7… A Mother is on call or working 24/ 7… A Soldier's

That Call

2004-10-22T13:35:00.000-04:00

by Peggy Baker Mother of a Soldier Late one night the call came in, you know that call none of us as parents ever wants to receive. We have made a commitment to the soldiers and their families to go through this war hand in hand. So when a parent receives that call, there are several of us who do as well. We were notified that we had a soldier down and his mom needed to know if we had a person

Long Days

2004-10-22T13:31:00.000-04:00

by Peggy Baker Mother of a Soldier Some days are longer than others for the Mom’s of a Soldier. Not to take away from all you Dad’s out there, that I know love your soldiers dearly, just looking at it from a Mom’s perspective. How is it that you can be so proud and yet be unable to catch your breath at the same time? My son is in Korea and I know he is in a safer place than those that are in

Stand Strong In The Face of Adversity

2004-10-22T13:28:00.000-04:00

by Peggy Baker Mother of a Soldier There is so much to be said for the look in someone's eyes. Eyes are the mirror to one's soul some say, and I do believe that's true. Have you ever looked into a baby's eyes and seen their innocence? How about a new mother when she is looking into those precious eyes of her newborn child for the first time? There are even those of us who can look into ones

2004-03-30T17:26:00.000-05:00

High-tech prosthetics keep Soldiers moving

2004-03-30T17:24:00.000-05:00

By Spc. Lorie Jewell March 25, 2004 WASHINGTON (Army News Service, March 25, 2004) – Advances in prosthetic technology are keeping Soldiers in the mainstream of life – and in some cases, on active duty – more than ever before, health care officials contend. Soldiers benefiting from technological wonders like the Otto Bock microprocessor C-Leg knee unit or the myoelectric Utah 3 arm marvel

2004-03-16T12:28:00.000-05:00

You can hear Hank Brake's tribute song to our troops by visiting the website asoldiersmom.com

2004-02-24T12:49:00.000-05:00

Wounded soldier remains optimistic

2004-02-24T12:46:00.000-05:00

By Joyce Shannon TRIBUNE-REVIEW Sunday, February 8, 2004 A group that helps injured soldiers asked Jeremy Feldbusch what it could do for him. Instead, he offered to assist its mission. Despite living without sight for nearly a year, Feldbusch's outlook on life is optimistic. Feldbusch, 24, was blinded after being injured in Iraq. As the first anniversary of the day he was injured approaches,

The American Soldier

2004-02-11T18:53:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Baker Mother of a Soldier When my son joined the Army almost a year ago now, I believe our entire family joined with him. Our lives have changed so much. My youngest son can almost always be seen in his camouflage attire and my daughter spends many hours writing out cards and helping to pack care packages. Never a day goes by that there isn’t something going on pertaining to “The

Wounded Soldiers

2004-02-08T17:52:00.000-05:00

In our recent correspondences with the hospital we have found them to be in great need of the following list for our wounded… · Sweat shirts and pants (sizes M, L, XL) · T-shirts (sizes M, L, XL) · Pajama/lounge pants · socks · Stationery and envelopes · Calling cards · Blanket throws If you would like to donate please visit www.operationfirstresponse.org

2004-01-30T16:51:00.000-05:00

Prayer For Troops... God, Please protect our soldiers overseas. Guide their every step with your love and light. Give them the strength, courage, and fortitude to fly through the difficult days ahead. Instill calm where there's anxiety, hope where there's grief, and comfort where there's pain. And bring them safely home to their loved ones.

This Is Why

2004-01-25T13:27:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Baker Mother of a Soldier Operation First Response is a group of Americans who reach out to our troops. I am part of this group and have never felt more honored. Many people ask, just what it is that we do… We reach out to the wounded and their families by visiting them at the hospital, bringing comfort, gifts and cash donations to help in this difficult time. Some might ask us…why

MY OWN SPECIAL HERO

2004-01-24T13:22:00.000-05:00

2004-01-24T13:20:00.000-05:00

2004-01-24T12:53:00.000-05:00

PFC Joshua Nickel Josh was a 1994 graduate of Athol High School. He went on to become an electrician for M.C.Dean Inc.of Chantilly, Va. Just before 9-11-01, Josh had completed designing and installing a high security conduit system at the Pentagon, in Washington, D.C. After 9-11 Josh felt the need to help defend our country. He joined the Army in April 2003. He attended basic training at

WALKING AMONG HEROES

2004-01-23T21:14:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Baker Mother of a Soldier I recently went with my family to visit some of our wounded Soldiers at Walter Reed Medical Center. From the moment you enter the front gate of the hospital you realize you are not at an ordinary hospital. The presence of the Military is every where. The Main Lobby had more hustle and bustle than I had ever seen in a hospital before and the

Good News from Iraq

2004-01-18T11:15:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Baker Mother of a Soldier As the mother of a soldier, I often flip through the news channels searching for good news from Iraq. I have to tell you, such news is hard to find. If you are looking for negativity however, that abounds. If you have a soldier fighting over there right now then you probably already feel this, but if you don’t, then imagine how it feels to hear nothing but bad

How American Heroes Are Made

2004-01-16T18:13:00.000-05:00

by Peggy Baker, mother of a Soldier In a day and age where there is no draft, how do we accomplish having the mightiest military force in the world? When you think about the fact that each American Soldier has elected to enlist, you have to wonder what kind of person is willing to sacrifice their