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TalkingWithHeroes.Com
Talk Show Program Schedule
February 10, 2008
Hear from Michigan Based Support Group - The Desert Angel, from A Marine and Iraqis Calling in from Iraq, from two Iraq War Veterans and More!
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 43
Thank you Alan Gray of www.newsblaze.com For making this program possible!
HOST: Bob Calvert
GUESTS:
Louise Downs, Founder
http://thedesertangel.org/
My name is Louise Downs. I, with the help of a very special (and always growing!) group of kind-hearted Americans mail "Miracle Boxes," to our Troops serving overseas. These are care packages that contain a variety of needed items, as well as words of encouragement, hope and love. We also add extra items to share and pass out the native people of the countries that our Troops are stationed in, and throwing insome "fun stuff" or school supplies to give to the children.
In other words we show our Troops they are not forgotten in deeds, not just words. Changing our world, one box at a time... Making a difference one box at a time!!
"And of some have compassion, making a difference..." Jude 1:22
I have been doing this ministry since October 2001. My friend, Brenda Lunsford, her son, Charles Lunsford, (US Air Force) was serving in the sandbox/desert. It was some very primitive conditions and very HOT... Making an air base, one sandbag at a time, with full gear and weapons on their backs...
Every fall I invite the "Young Adults" from my church Walton Blvd. Church of God, Pontiac, Michigan out to my house for hay rides, food and fun, my treat... I wanted that group, the very same age of many of our soldiers, to give back in some way... to show compassion. So, I asked them to make goodies,and write letters and cards to send to our Troops - this is how and why I started sending packages... Yes, it keeps growing and growing... because deep down inside, The American People DO want to make a difference. People sincerely want to show their love and support, and I am very happy to help give that desire some direction. Packing Miracle boxes is simple way to reach out, but it does make such a BIG difference!
Unique in any way? Probably not... Just a simple demonstrations of the Love of God, multiplying over and over and over - making a difference, one box at a time. Making a difference in the sender and the receiver and sharer, (because the Troops share whatever we send).
How many boxes? Everyone asks me this. I have now been doing this for 5 years (October, 2001) so it has been thousands of boxes, but I really do not keep track. The number of boxes is not nearly as important as the number of hearts we touch. To quote from Col.Joe at Brooks Army Medical Center "You are more visible than
you can possibly know." (Col. Joe served at the Baghdad Support Hospital in 2003 and in 2006).
Kind-hearted generosity and Word of mouth is how "The Desert Angel" keeps going. Americans are good hearted people... They really want to do something to support our Troops, I just show how.
http://thedesertangel.org/
Louise Downs with care packages
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MAJOR DAVID B. SANDVOLD
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
Major Dave will be calling in LIVE From Iraq!
Major Sandvold was born in Albuquerque, N.M. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in October 1983. Upon completion of Boot Camp, he was assigned to Communications Platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines until June of 1987. During his initial enlistment, he deployed twice, as part of BLT 3/9 to Okinawa, Japan as part of the Unit Deployment Program (UDP).
In August 1987, Major Sandvold left active duty to attend the University of New Mexico. While attending school, he joined the Naval ROTC unit, and later received a full scholarship. Also, he joined Delta Company, 4th Reconnaissance Battalion out of Albuquerque, NM. While in the reserves he was mobilized with and attached to 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. From November 1990 to April 1991, he served in Southwest Asia during Desert Shield and Desert Storm as an Assistant Team Leader.
Upon return from Southwest Asia, Major Sandvold graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, and was commissioned in December 1992. Upon completion of The Basic School, he reported to 3D Assault Amphibian Battalion (AABN). He served as the 1st Platoon Commander and the company Executive Officer of Alpha Company. In January of 1995 his platoon deployed to Okinawa, Japan and attached to Combat Assault Battalion (CAB) at Camp Schwab during their UDP.
In March 1996, Major Sandvold was assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, D.C. He served as an action officer, focusing on Manpower and related issues such as accession planning for the reserves, and worked many of the logistical issues pertaining the Manpower and Reserve Affairs relocation to Quantico, VA.
In January of 1998, Major Sandvold attended the Advanced Armor Officers Course in Fort Knot, Kentucky. Upon completion, he was reassigned back to 3D AABN as the assistant operations officer, Commanding Officer of Head Quarters and Service Company, and the Commanding Officer of Bravo Company.
In July of 2002 to February of 2003, his Company deployed to Okinawa, Japan and attached to CAB at Camp Schwab during their UDP.
In February 2003, Major Sandvold was reassigned to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Western Recruiting Region, San Diego, California, where he served as the Battalion Executive Officer for First Recruit training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, until July 2005.
In July 2005, Major Sandvold received TAD orders, for a 6 month tour of duty, and was assigned to the G-3, II MEF FWD, Multi National Forces West (MNF-W).
In March 2006, Major Sandvold was reassigned back to 3D AABN and assigned the billet as the S-4 Logistics Officer for the Battalion. He mainly focused on the maintainability and accountability of the battalions weapons, wheeled vehicles, and amphibious assault vehicles.
In August 2007, Major Sandvold received TAD orders, for a 7 month tour of duty in the Multi National Forces-West, Al Ambar province, Iraq, as a Team Leader for a 15 man military transition team.
Major Sandvold’s personal decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal w/two gold stars, in lieu of 3rd award, Navy Achievement Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon.
Operation Lion's Attack
Maj Ali promotion to LTC
Day at COP N
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LtCol Abu Safe
LtCol Abu Safe is the Battalion Executive Officer. He has been with this battalion for just under two years. He also served in the old Iraqi Army as well. He served as an officer in the Desert Storm and OIF. He is from the central Iraq.
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Sami
Translator Samď was also in the old Iraqi Army. He served as an Jundee (Iraqi enlisted solider) in the Iran-Iraq war and Desert Storm. After Desert Storm received a work visa and now lives in the USA on the east coast. He is also from the central Iraq.
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SGT Jonathan
After my last tour to Iraq I left active service and went into the Reserves. I am just finishing up my tour of DUTY with them as well. I am working these days as a network engineer for Microsoft and enjoying what you would call the civilian life for the first time in a long time. It took some time to adjust from warrior to every day Joe and sometimes I didn’t think I would make it. My Desert Angel has been there to help me through a few dark times in my transition and for that I am forever thankful to her.
I started conversing with the Desert Angel while I was in Iraq serving as a Commo Chief for an Infantry Company. We were the 3rd Battalion 21st Infantry part of the 25th Infantry Division and primarily strikers. We were stationed in Mosul, Iraq for give or take a year. During my time there the Desert Angel sent me gift boxes to keep my spirits up. If you know anything about a soldier then you know that mail is a vital role in his or hers life. It’s like a lifeline back to a normal life, a morale booster and a gentle reminder that there is more to life then 24x7 Army and the combat/support roll that one would provide while serving.
I remember like it was yesterday the very first box that I got from my Angel. I had had just spent about six hours in the sweltering hot sun on patrol and was headed back to base to rearm and refuel. I knew that I had about thirty minutes till I had to head out again. I was in a foul mood as the hot sun and heavy gear had made me sweat through all my clothes including my boots and the wind was blowing sand in our face and sticking to my sweat soaked uniform. I had a choice to make - race up to the chow hall and hope to grab some hot food before we rolled out again and remain in my sweat and sand soaked clothing or grab a change of clothes and go without food for another patrol. I chose to change so I headed to my room/shop in a huff and rush.
On my way there was a private trying to talk with me. I passed him by without glance and headed towards my room but he started to chase me. As he almost got caught up I was stopped dead in my tracks as what he had just yelled down the hall to me. What did he say I remember asking myself, mail did he say mail? Then again he said SGT G you have mail, it’s a box for you. It was as if the whole worlds problems suddenly vanished and a weight had suddenly been lifted from my shoulders. I had a surge of energy as I felt almost like a giddy school boy. I turned around and asked mail for me? He tossed the box my way (time slows, as the box sails through the air towards me). Mail for me, who can it be from, what could it be and why, the feeling of hope suddenly creeps back into you washing away all that bone deep weariness that comes from long hours that wear away at your resolve turning it into despair.
I catch the box and yell back “thanks man”. I finish opening my door, set down my rifle, strip off my armor so it might have a second or two to dry out, but I can’t wait to open the box so standing there in my sweaty uniform I look at the little box slowing things down a bit, savoring every second. I roll the box over looking at it, no indications of what’s inside so I turn it over again to get a look at the address. Yup it is to me.
The return label says Desert Angel. Hmm nobody I know. Strange I say to myself but on with it, I open it up, like a kid on Christmas. I tear into it. First inside is a letter, this will give me a clue as to who and why. But the kid inside of me got the better of me. I set the letter aside and dug into the box, granola bars and beef jerky, a couple of stuffed animals and a package of baby wipes.
Whoever this Desert angel was she was for one thing properly named. I had chosen to forgo food in order to get out of my sweat and sand soaked uniform. She had provided a meal that I could eat on the go to sustain me though the next patrol and baby wipes so I could freshen up instead of just change. It was truly a miracle box. I remember leaving for the next patrol feeling excited and refreshed with a granola bar in my stomach and a pocketful of beef jerky. I had the best of both worlds food and a fresh change of clothes.
I got many more “ miracle boxes” but that was the very first one and I will always remember that one the most. I have always told Louise "Desert Angel" Downs that the words thank you will never truly describe what or how I feel for her support but until they come up with my feelings in words they will have to do.
Jonathan SGT US Army
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SGT Christian Paesano
I enlisted out of New York in 2000. I originally signed up for 4 years but since I have reenlisted twice, both times in Iraq and I may get out in 2011. I repair radios and computers. I am in charge of 3 soldiers, where my duties mainly lie with training them on the equipment we use and basic soldiering tasks that we have to maintain, recognizing cold and hot weather injuries, first aid, drill and ceremony etc... I've been to Fort Gordon, Fort Benning, Fort Irving and Fort Hood. 1st Cav is my first duty station. I've been here about 7 years.
I've been married to my wife Rita for almost 7 years, We have 3 boys together. Danny who is 11, Nicolas who is 4 and Lucian who is almost 2. I went to Iraq in 2004 where I first started getting packages from Louise Downs.
At the time I didn't know who she was but my wife filled me in. She's sent me hundreds of packages. When I was in Iraq in 2004 she was sending me toys and hygiene items that I passed out to the kids. They went nuts over things like shampoo and deodorant and candy. They speak English really well and they taught me a lot of Iraqi words and phrases. Also there were other bases that didn't have a lot of luxuries like magazines and soda and junk food so a lot of the boxes she sent me went to them.
SGT Christian Paesano
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Cindy Beckowitz Author of “Desert Angel”
www.desertangelbook.com
My husband served in Panama and Desert Storm and because of the challenges our military families face, we wrote Desert Angel.
Desert Angel is a child-appropriate explanation of the War in Iraq and a dedication to our "Guardians of Freedom" serving around the world. The heart-felt story finds a young man missing his family while serving in the Middle East. He finds unexpected comfort in a small child he rescues.
We pray that we offer comfort and encouragement to our military and their families and to point them to "The Great Comforter," Jesus Christ our Lord. It is our goal that every military family have a copy of this story.
For military families, we offer the book at our cost of $3 each. For orders over 25, the cost is just $1.50 per copy.
You can contact us at www.desertangelbook.com or 231-378-4439
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The Following is a Letter back home to Louise Downs from Major Dave from Iraq:
Louise,
Wow!! Several Care packages came in yesterday. I will pass them out to
the Marines today. Also, thank you so much for the Care package for the Iraqi children. I really do believe that we can plant the seeds for peace to the Middle East by embracing and respecting the children of Iraq. Below is my latest letter home.
Well another morning is upon us. I can hear the shrill sounds of whistles blowing as the Iraqi Army sounds reveille. What will today bring? Will the Iraqis take a step forward, step backwards, or no progress at all? What does it take to bring this battalion to the next level?
Sure, we will continue to teach them and at the same time develop a sincere friendship based on trust. However, everyday at one point or another I feel as if I am banging my head against the wall! Do they hear what I am saying? Do they even care? Also, as they ask for logistical support I continue to remind them that it is an Iraqi problem that requires an Iraqi solution. Kind of like when I was a teenager asking for a drivers license, and my dad saying as soon as can pay for fuel and insurance you can drive. The only problem was, I didn't have a job, and of course, my dad knew that. It is conversations like this, that continue to test our friendship. I have no carrot on stick to entice them along, only my reassurance that we will work through this together. The only way one can feel my pain and frustration is to get assigned to a Transition Team. Other than that you never know.
Despite my frustration the Team continues to teach, train and mentor with measurable success. The areas that I have seen a significant improvement in are intelligence gathering and dissemination, the orders writing process, and the timely execution of those operations orders. Most if not all of the Iraqi battalion works hard at what ever job is at hand. However, one of our biggest challenges is logistic support. The Bn here mainly has a defeatist mentality regarding Logistics. Brigade continues to feed this mentality as most of their requests from the battalion level goes largely unfilled. I agree that problem rests at the Ministry of Defense (MoD). However, the challenge is to convince them that the procedures and requests must continue to be adhered to and submitted on a regular basis even though they will go largely unfilled.
No matter how I look at things, my mind constantly wonders back to my home in Vista, CA, where my family patiently waits for my return. Sometimes I have to remind myself that we are all tired and homesick. Even after 7 deployments the intensity of missing your loved ones never gets any better. I attempt to remove the thinking of separation by spending some of my time working with the civilian population, mainly the children. When asked by the many caring Americans what can they provide, I constantly hint at items that will keep my Marines healthy and any and all items that will increase the quality of life for the
children of Iraq. Being able to provide some joy to these children that seen
and lived though the horrors of war helps me cope with the 7 month
separation away from my family and the constant frustration of the task that is at hand.
Take care, and Semper Fi,
Maj Dave"
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