Thursday, November 12, 2009

After the Ball



Wouldn't you know it? I forgot to take pictures before the Ball so we took some after we got home. Of course, part of the problem was that we were running late and we were supposed to meet 2 other couples to carpool!












In case you're wondering: I'm not on a box or wearing stilts. Stretch is squatting... Feel the burn!

Thank you!

First, thank you to all our veterans. I didn't post yesterday because I was spending the day with my Marine and our girls.

And second, a big thank you to everyone who donated to Project Valour-IT. We raised $102,946!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Happy Birthday, Marines!

Today, our Marine Corps celebrates 234 years since their birth in Tun Tavern. On Saturday, I was privileged to attend a Birthday Ball with my Marine. It is impossible for me to attend a Birthday Ceremony without being affected by the sense of history and fraternity that is a palpable presence.

Our men and women in all the services continue to give their all. You can honor their service and their sacrifices. Please give generously! They already have.

Click on the Valour-IT thermometer on the upper right sidebar to donate. Thank you!

Semper Fi!

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Marines of the Day

Today's Marines of the Day are Aaron and Diana Mankin. You can read more of their story at Villainous Company. The following is an interview with Corporal Mankin:



Please consider donating and spreading the word to others who may not know about Project Valour-IT. These brave men and women have sacrificed so much, it seems the least we can do.

Update: An inspiring story of a group of female Marines.

Monday, November 02, 2009

Call for reinforcements

If you haven't yet done so, please consider a small donation to the Valour IT Marine team. We've managed to assemble a team of over 65 bloggers but it's tough for us to compete with the larger services.

Until yesterday we had a $2000 lead over the Army and a $7-8000 lead over Air Force and Navy. But our position is being overrun. We need reinforcements!

The devices that Valour-IT funds have a profound and visible effect on users/recipients and ALL money donated for Valour-IT goes to purchase and shipping of laptops, Wiis, and GPS devices (that means ZERO OVERHEAD). Valour IT provides powerful tools that help severely wounded vets (not just those with hand problems) speed up recovery and treatment, maintain a support system, and regain a sense of independence.

Valour IT facts:

*in 4+ years Valour IT has provided 4,100 laptops, over 30 Wii systems to VA hospitals, and nearly 100 handheld GPS devices
*Total online funds collected to date: nearly 3/4 of a million dollars
*Every dollar raised goes directly to wounded vets military medical centers and VA facilities nationwide, such as:
  • Balboa Naval Hospital
  • Brooke Army Medical Center
  • Madigan Regional Medical Center
  • National Naval Medical Center (Bethesda)
  • Naval Hospital, Camp Pendleton
  • Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital (29 Palms)
  • Walter Reed Army Medical Center
Here's what your donation can provide:

Voice activated laptops:

1. Help wounded vets connect with still-deployed fellow service members (relieve anxiety about how their friends are doing, allow them to maintain a support system)
2. Allow vets to stay in touch with loved ones who can’t be at their bedside
3. Run therapeutic computer programs that help restore brain/vision function,
4. Can be used to research treatments, keep track of treatment regimen.
5. Retrain for post-military employment
6. Voice control makes using a computer one of the first things they can do on their own

Wii uses:

1. Physical therapists in VA hospitals and major medical centers are using Wii fit systems with their patients
2. Motivation: Wii Sports games key into natural competitive nature
3. Track progress in a fun way

GPS:

1. For those with very severe PTSD or TBI (memory problems, high anxiety, etc), having a GPS increases independence and restores a sense of competence. Short-term memory problems can make it hard to navigate of new locations. A GPS can mean the difference between success and failure.

Please help. These men and women have already given so much. The price of a nice six pack of beer or an inexpensive dinner seems the least we can to in return for their sacrifices.

Let's get the word out!

Although we have a small lead, it's no time for complacency! We need more bloggers to join the team. We need more folks getting the word out to get more people to donate to Valour-IT.




It's time to get motivated!



And, of course, it's November now. Toys for Tots will be in full swing soon. So I'll repost my favorite Marine commercial:


How can you say no to donating to Santa's team? Click on the fundraising thermometer on the top right to donate!

Sunday, November 01, 2009