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Talking With Heroes Schedule
2007 TalkingWithHeroes On The Road FROM THE
2007 National Marine Corps Family Conference
www.marineparentsunited.com
“UNITED IN SPIRIT”
Anaheim, California July 27-29, 2007
July 29th - Sunday
The 4th annual Marine Corps Family Conference took place just minutes from Disneyland, and miles from Camp Pendleton. We all witnessed the magic of a remarkable weekend designed for Marine families and friends.
Thank You To The Following for Making this Talk Show Possible:
www.marineparentsunited.com
Joyce Gilmour, Military Mom and Treasurer of
Marine Parents United
Alan Gray Founder of www.newsblaze.com
To listen to this program 24 hours a day/7 days a week click on this URL: http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/19487 then go to Episode 39
Host: Bob Calvert
Filmed By: Canaan Brumley - young filmmaker, his award winning bootcamp documentary: Ears, Open. Eyeballs, Click.
For info: CLICK HERE
Guests:
Joyce Gilmour, Military Mom and Treasurer of Marine Parents United, www.marineparentsunited.com
This journey all began on a Monday evening in March of 2001, when my son informed us at dinner that he was not going to a job interview because he had decided to join the Marines. We had NO CLUE that this was even a consideration. It threw us into a bit of a shock and we realized that we had a lot to learn. He also told us that the recruiter would be coming for a visit on Wednesday evening and taking him for his physical, etc. Oh my…..this was just the beginning to a whole new adventure, or what most Marine moms and dads call “the rollercoaster ride.”
There are many stories I could share, but I wasn’t asked to write a “book.” I guess the next important part of where I am heading, is that I spent the first six weeks of boot camp trying to find out everything and anything that I could about the USMC. I happened onto the Marine Moms and Dads yahoo group and discovered the most wonderful group of supportive people. I could always get questions answered. There was one great dad who we discovered had a son in the same group as mine, and he took the time to type out his son’s letters to me, so I would know what was going on. My son didn’t spend time in the middle of the night in the head writing letters. I became very bonded to a group of parents through this online support group.
From that group, a handful of us decided to meet out west for a weekend gathering. It was at that gathering that the idea for Marine Parents United came to be, and this year we are holding our fourth annual conference. Each year the conference changes a bit, to the point that we are now including workshops for all members of the family. I am honored to be able to be facilitating children’s workshops this year. (In my “other life” I am a third grade teacher.)
Our board has ten members including a Marine wife and a Gold Star Mom. We also have two moms who have branched out and are now Army Moms, as well. We are the moms of active, inactive reserves, and even called back Marines. We are fortunate to have connections with very special folks in the military as our advisors. Please check out what all our conference provides for folks. We have made many lasting friendships. We hope that you will be able to join us this year in Anaheim.
Joyce and Adam Gilmour
Cpl Adam Gilmour
Midwest MPU board members
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Faye Adamson Proud mom of SPC Adam
I met Marcia Gould several years ago and we were brought together because our sons had both joined the Marines around the same time. She had become part of the Marine Parents United group and had asked me two years in a row if I could go to their conference, but because my husband had lost his job, had a truck fall on him requiring six pins and lots of rehab, and had a heart attack, there was no way financially that I could even think about going.
So, last year, she contacted me once again and asked me if I wanted to go and my response was the same as before. She also new at that time that I had not seen my son for over THREE years
because of distance and lack of $$ for both of us! She then informed me that if I wanted to go that the conference would take care of the money part...I just needed to say yes...and I did! I was so excited I could hardly believe it was happening.
The conference was to be in Raleigh, NC and my son was then stationed at Camp LeJeune and I thought that maybe he could get away to come see me. Well, he said that was not going to be possible but, my future DIL would be able to come meet me. I was thrilled...sad that my son couldn't be there but I understood why. Well, to make a long story short...he was at the baggage claim to meet me at the airport! Everyone in my family, church, work, MPU, and on the airplane knew he would be there!!! That is why I call it "The Conspiracy"
MPU also arranged it for us to spend two days totally together...that was wonderful...it still brings tears to my eyes as I write this. He was even able to take me to Camp LJ to see the base and
meet his whole company...it was one of the most precious times in my life. Being able to go to the conference was a blessing beyond my wildest dreams...but to be reunited with my son...words just can't express...Faye Adamson
(and Faye has served on the board of Marine Parents United this year!)
Faye Adamson Proud mom of Spc. Adam
God Loves You!!!
Let your light shine...
www.marineparentsunited.com
Remember to pray for our troops and our President!
Faye Adamson Son at reunion
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Patti Patton Bader is a Military Mom and Founder of SoldiersAngels.Org and now Author of the New Book
May No Soldier Go Unloved
www.soldiersangels.org
{Patti was unable to attend due to illness. Please keep Patti in your prayers! Lauren Pomerantz from the local Soldiers Angels Group spoke eloquently about Soldiers Angels.}
Patti Patton Bader has the heart of Mother Teresa, the motivational mastership of Vince Lombardi and the mobilization skills of Genghis Khan. She was raised an army brat; the great niece of the famous World War II General George S. Patton, daughter of decorated Vietnam Veteran Lt. Colonel
David W. Patton, and sister of Iraqi War Veteran David Patton. When her oldest son Brandon was sent to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom in the spring of 2003, she decided to send him at least one care package a day and keep a blog of the events that occurred in Iraq and Afghanistan as an electronic scrapbook for Brandon when he returned.
What started out as a mothers small commitment to her son has now turned into Soldiers Angels, an all volunteer organization with more than 100,000 members who aid and assist deployed soldiers all over the world. Soldiers Angels sends care packages and letters of encouragement to those in the field, provides first response backpacks and blankets of hope to the wounded, voice activated laptops to soldier who have lost their hands, arms, or sight and “living trees” to the fallen hero’s families who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Patti has received numerous awards, accommodations, certificates and tons of letters of appreciation from soldiers, airmen, sailors, marines, family members, doctors, nurses, field commanders, sergeants, colonels, lieutenants, generals, the Surgeon General of the Army, the Secretary of Defense and the President of the United States (to name just a few).
The Smithsonian Institute asked and was granted permission to host Patti’s blog she started years ago, brandonblog.com which is still updated daily. Patti Patton Bader is a regular guest on numerous radio shows around the country and the stories of her and other Soldiers Angels deeds and actions are published in local newspapers and magazines almost daily. Her newsletter alone raises several millions of dollars a year in donations.
She takes not even one dime for compensation and does all of this from her bed with a laptop computer, a big screen TV and a cell phone.
Patti has Hepatitis C and fibrosis of the liver and is often confined to her bed. She is in extreme pain most waking hours. I should know - I’m her husband. My wife is an amazing example of selflessness, patriotism, caring and dedication. Like an angel, she has anonymously and thanklessly touched the lives of many people she doesn’t know. She works from the time she gets up in the early morning to the time she falls asleep from exhaustion late at night. Patti Patton Bader is a true American patriot. This is her story and the story of the founding of Soldiers Angels.
Patti bader
Patti Bader Receiving her George Washington Award
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Angelica and Shawn Black
Shawn Black is a Military Veteran with the 82nd Airborne Division and former Federal Agent with the U.S. Federal Air Marshal Service. He is a Pastor, opinion writer and speaker on American Ideals. He recently returned from service in Iraq.
Today, Shawn and Angelica are in involved in Civic leadership and speak throughout the United States concerning the Heritage and History of American Values grounded in Faith and Freedom. Both are dedicated to promoting Freedom and the Hope that Liberty brings to all.
The following are articles written by Shawn:
OC register -
http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/opinion/letters/article_1708724.php
Riverside press enterprise-
http://www.pe.com/localnews/opinion/localviews/stories/PE_OpEd_Opinion_D_op_0527_black_iv_loc.99f11c.html
Angelica Black retired from the United States Marine Corps after 26 years on active service. As a Marine Master Sgt, and mother of two boys, Angelica experienced first hand the importance of receiving support from those at home. Her deployments brought her around the world in the performance of her duties for the United States.
Her assignments have included Presidential Air Field Operation details, overseas deployments in Okinawa and greatly assisted in the Vietnamese airlift at the close of the Vietnam War. Her final assignments brought her to help young marines as a Lead Instructor at various Marine Staff academies.
Project Prayer Flagtm
Project Prayer Flagtm first realized its beginning shortly after the events of September 11th, 2001. During this time of Military deployments and sacrifices, millions of prayers of support went out to our Military men and women. They continue today with those on the front lines, defending Freedom and instilling the hope of Liberty.
Project Prayer Flagtm began slowly as a way of giving comfort and a piece of America, to the troops who so gallantly defend the ideals that we hold dear to our hearts. We began the Project by sending a handwritten card, an American cloth Pocket Flag and a humble gift to a friend of ours serving as a U.S. Marine reservist and deployed overseas.
Shortly after sending the Marine the card and Flag, we received a note of thanks. We were asked if we could send more of these cards, and Flags to the Troops overseas. And thus began Project Prayer Flagtm. As the soldiers carry the small flag and hope in their pocket, they are reminded of the prayers of millions and the hope of Freedom that they inspire.
Today, over four hundred volunteers and families meet in community centers, churches and homes to package "Patriot picks". They consist of American pocket Flags, Inspirational cards, gifts and letters from ordinary Americans who care. Those who receive the flags and gifts are encouraged by the prayers of millions of Americans, and the hope of Freedom that they inspire.
Our newest outreach programs - Operation Christmas CareT and Operation GrandlslamT, respond to the needs of single servicemen and women. Families and volunteers Adopt a Military Veteran and send them care packages, and offer spiritual and emotional support throughout their time in Military service. The project continues to grow and has been blessed with volunteers who have responded with their hearts and hope.
Project Prayer Flagtm continues to respond to personal and spiritual needs by organizing various outreaches, and events which encourage the hope of a better life lived through Faith and Freedom. By working together through Faith, we point to Liberty's light as she shines upon the path of those who yearn for Freedom, and for those who reach for her. We thank you and all of the volunteers for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Shawn and Angélica Black
Project Prayer Flagtm
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Angelica Henry
http://www.ampdupmusic.com
Manager of Adams Attic Band www.adamsatticmusic.com
“I manage and promote Adam's Attic, a pop/rock band from New Orleans, LA. Even though the hours can be long, it is great to have faith and belief in a project. "Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not yet seen." If you can find something you believe in, the work can be really fun and can take a life of its own. I found that I love organizing concerts and sold-out events. It is an awesome to see the fruition of your work, which fosters my fundamental belief that all of life is sowing and reaping.”
Every band dreams of touring the world and sharing their music. For a select few like Adam’s Attic (AA), those dreams materialize. In early 2007, AA tracked singles for their latest EP, which will be mixed by Joshua Hearst (Santana, The Killers) along the side of Mark Linett (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beach Boys). The EP, a spring 2007 release, is bursting with radio-ready singles.
Rising from adversity in the aftermath of 2005 Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, AA relocated from New Orleans to Los Angeles. The band seized one success after another by performing at well-known music halls like House of Blues, Hard Rock Cafe, Roxy, Key Club, and BelAge Hotel and then by booking international concert tours.
That same year, AA released the EP …in the blink of an eye featuring “Autumn,” penned about the sacrifice and hardship of American soldiers who leave behind their loved ones. The five-piece accepted numerous invitations to honor the military on television and at concerts to celebrate patriotic holidays. In fact, the group was flown in by the Soldiers’ Angels and Young Heroes foundations for a Colorado Springs concert, which boasted eleven thousand in attendance.
On the rise of 2006, the original powerpop/rock quintet, embarked on their first 14-day European tour canvassing Portugal, Spain and Italy. In Summer 2006, AA left California for a second international, 10-day tour to Greenland.
On June 28, 2007, the group left California soil for their first Pacific and Indian Ocean tour, where they will perform eight concerts in Singapore and Diego Garcia, a remote British Indian Ocean Territory.
Adams Attic will also perform at the Marine Parents United Convention in Garden Grove, Calif. On July 27th.
Angelica Henry
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Michael Reagan is an internationally-recognized artist and Viet Nam Vet who has dedicated his life's work to honor our Fallen Heroes by creating portraits for their families Free of Charge.
What if all you had left of a loved one was photos and memories? For those that have a family member killed as a soldier in the War Against Terrorism, that is all they have left of them. Using the family’s favorite photo, professional custom hand-drawn portraits are available free of charge to the families of all servicemen and women who have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan in America’s War Against Terrorism from portrait artist Michael Reagan.
Michael Reagan is an internationally-recognized portrait artist who has assisted charities such as the Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center raise over $10 million through his drawn and donated autographed celebrity portraits. As a portrait artist for more than 30 years, Reagan has drawn approximately 10,000 portraits including over 1500 portraits of celebrities, professional athletes, U.S. presidents and other heads of state.
Vietnam vet sketches America’s fallen
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14956590
Michael Reagan
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Linda Garrison
As a quilter, embroiderer, sewing enthusiast, and a long time supporter of the Military, I have been actively involved in a number of Groups who support our troops. My son-in-law is a career Marine - GySgt Charles A Colon, my husband served in the Army, and my Dad is a Navy WWII vet.
I am at the conference representing The HUGS Project (So. Nevada Chapter- with some So. California helpers), with which I have been involved since 2005. I will be hosting a GROUP HUG on Friday, and we have a table set up for Saturday, as well as a Workshop. We will be teaching how to make neck coolers, and helmet liners, along with talking about the great work the HUGS Project does.
I am also a member of Marine Families On-Line and have made many condolence books for our fallen heroes, as the So Nevada Blue to Gold Liaison, I support our Gold Star Families as well.
I am also a Soldier's Angel - sewing Blankets of Hope, and a member of the Marine Comfort Quilts - to which my mom and I and a neighbor have contributed well over 100 blocks to the project, and have completed four quilts. I currently have adopted a unit of 42 Marines from Las Vegas who are serving in the Anbar province, as well as a Marine 1st Lt., two Army Captains, and an Army Sergeant.
Linda Garrison
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Jan Lang, Marine Mom
Founder of: www.marinecomfortquilts.us
I am Jan Lang, Proud Marine Mom of Sgt Alex Lang now IRR. Alex is my middle son; he has an older brother Mark and a younger brother Andy. I work full time outside the home.
I am not a quilter but I do know how to sew a straight line. I started Marine Comfort Quilts in 2003. Alex's unit 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, Charlie Company deployed in January of 2003 for Iraq with 180 Marines. On March 23, in the town of An Nasiriya, they lost 18 of their brothers. During this time my son Alex was listed as missing.
We had the 2 Marines come to our door and for 24 hours we did not know if he would be among those that were killed. At the time when we were informed that he was alive, of course we were very relived but I also wondered why we were so fortunate. At the same time I want so badly to reach out to the other families who were less fortunate but did not know how to do reach out to these families. Only later when the idea to make these quilts present itself to me did I understand why God allowed my son to be safe. God knew that I had the skills to start and keep this group going.
We their extended Military family wanted them to know we understand the sacrifice your family has given. We just want them to know that we don't take it lightly and are there to support you. While we first start out just doing the 18 quilt we quickly went on to do a quilt for all the Marines, from there we went on to include all branches of service.
I have made numerous guest appearances in spreading the word of Marine Comfort Quilts. This has given me the opportunity and honor to meet many Vets from WWII to our current conflict. We have been so fortunate to have people from the very young (to young to sign their name but left their hand print) to those in their 90's sign quilt squares for one of our many quilts. I have assisted in 2 projects of bring the Viet Nam Wall to St Louis, Veterans Week in Branson Mo, Memorial Day Services in Edina OK, The State of IL Welcome Home the Troops Celebration, Military Conference in New Orleans and have participated in all Marine Parents United Conference plus numerous Sew In around the county. Marine Comfort Quilts have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, US News and World Report, The BBC and many local TV, Radio and print media.
In Conclusion Marine Comfort Quilts have completed to date have completed 2932 quilts of these 860 Marines, 1999 Army, 24 Air Force, 48 Navy, 1 Coast Guard. To date we have lost 3574 military personal in Iraq only.
Jan Lang
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1SGT Patrick Tracy And
Author of "Street Fight in Iraq"
Patrick Tracy was born in 1967 and raised in Pittston, PA. A 19 year career infantry Marine, stationed in Scotland, Japan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington D.C., Hawaii, Colorado and presently resides in San Clemente, California with his wife Janet and daughters Sonia and Danielle.
Patrick reported for duty at Camp Pendleton in September of 2003 and deployed to Iraq in August of 2004 as the Company Gunnery Sergeant for Fox Company 2nd Battalion 5th Marines.
In December of 2005, Patrick was promoted to First Sergeant. Currently he is on active deployment.
1SGT Patrick Tracy
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SSGT Michael W. Nichols, USMC
Senior Drill Instructor in the Marine Boot Camp Documentary film called “Ears, Open; Eyeballs, Click."
In Feb 1995, I joined the Marine Corps with my brother Boe who had been in the delay entry program for about a year. Two weeks prior to him leaving for boot camp, his recruiter offered me a 1000 dollar signing bonus and off to boot camp I went with my brother. Three days into boot camp, my brother slipped a disc in his back and could no longer continue training. I had the option to leave with him, since we were on the buddy program but he asked me to stay and make it through for both of us. Well, I did and graduated May 5, 1995.
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