Love of Country

Military Hair Bows

2013-01-27T16:19:00.000-05:00

Military hair bows are now on the list of things I create. I have always been looking for something to personalize for my kids and for all my little friends who have fathers in the military. It's an exciting step to be taking and I'm thrilled to be supporting our men and women in uniform. Be sure to keep checking the Etsy shop for new products that will continue to pop up. If there is anything you see that you want in certain colors or have a photo you want added to a bow, feel free to email me! You can find the Etsy shop HERE and the facebook page HERE!!

Veteran's Day... Never Forget!

2012-11-12T07:18:00.003-05:00

First off, this is going to be a long post. So prepare yourself. It's important and it's near and dear to my heart. I'd like to first share an online auction that is going on today. It starts today and ends on the 19th at 9pm. All the proceeds from the sales of the auction go straight to the playground being built in memory of my loving brother. We are getting closer to being done but still have about $15,000 left to raise. Please go take a took at the awesome items and share the link with everyone and anyone you know! We would all greatly appreciate it! The link can be found HERE!

Since today is Veteran's Day I just wanted to state that above and beyond anything else, we should always be thankful for our military. For without them, we would not be the country we are today. They have defended us, fought for us, and died for us. They go to war not knowing if they will get the chance to come back home and they do this for such little pay. They are proud, they are fierce, and they are brave.

I have been a military brat since I was born. My dad served his entire career in the Army. We moved quite often and it was all I knew, but I actually liked it. I had the chance to meet knew friends all the time and some I still keep in touch with. It was a life I wouldn't trade. I also come from a long line of family who have served this great nation. My grandpa served, my uncles served, my counsins served, my sister served, my husband now serves and my brother served. However, my brother died while fighting for this country and it's a loss that can never be replaced. We need to always honor and remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice because way to many of them have gone before their time. They leave behind children, wives, parents, siblings, husbands and friends.

This veteran's day I want to recognize some of the clients I have had the privilage to shoot who have served and still do serve this amazing country. Take a look at these families and give them THANKS. They make up who we are, the freedoms we have and the rights we continue to keep.

I would also like to thank my loving husband. He joined the military at a time when we were at war and most of all, he joined the military right after my brother was killed. He did it for our family, he did it for our country and he did it to honor his brother in-law. He is an amazing father, a wonderful husband and just and all around great person. He supports us and loves us more than anything else in his life. He truly is my other half and stole my heart when he said "I do" 9 years ago. I love him!

I also want to thank the Gold Star Community that I have come to know. They have given me hope, they have stood by my side and they have become the foundation on which I stand. They understand my pain, my loss and the reason I honor my brother. Take a look at these HEROES who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. I am friends with all of their loved ones who mourn their HERO'S loss. Each of these men and women paid the ultimate sacrifice for yours and my freedom. This is not to be taken lightly. They are the heart of this country and we will NEVER FORGET!!

THANK YOU to ALL who serve! Our thanks is NEVER enough!

True heroes never die...

2012-11-07T19:44:00.002-05:00

Where should I even begin? I'm upset with the American people. Mostly for the fact that they just threw the military to the waste side. That they don't find it a big enough importance to keep it strong and large. I've heard many people say that "we should at least be thankful we even had the opportunity to vote because many other countries don't get the chance". Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but without a military, you will not have those freedoms. Many men and women over many years have died protecting those freedoms for you and if we don't have someone to keep protecting this amazing country... you may actually see those rights dissappear. It's saddening.

This past weekend one of my best friends came to visit us here in Williamsburg. We don't get to see them very often beacuse they live in South Carolina. Her friendship means the world to me and our kids get along great. I'm going to first tell you how this friendship came to be.

Back in April of 2010, a girl emailed me to get a print done from our non-profit "Picture the Fallen." Her husband, TSgt Phillip Andrew Myers, had been killed in Afghanistan on April 4, 2009 while working with a bomb. He was in the Air Force and EOD. She wanted the print to hang in a room that was to be dedicated to him so that her children would always be able to honor and remember the great father that he was. I did the print, sent if off and then we wrote, which turned into becoming friends on facebook. After that we visited Arlington together and our kids met for the first time. It was there that they bonded over a loss that is so devastating and heartbreaking to both of our families. And now here we are Gold Star Family Friends for life. We've spent many nights staying up late and talking about our heroes. She "gets" it and we honor them so that others will never forget. She too is devestated over the outcome of this election. Many things will also change for her because of the way things turned out and not in good ways. After everything they have sacrificed for as a family, wife and children. It really is a slap in the face to so many Gold Star Families who have lost loved ones in the war. They were protecting our rights and then we (the majority of the population) go and forget what they gave.

No matter what though. I have found a friend who understands the pain and appreciates what our military sacrifices for on a daily basis. She and her kids are amazing people that will never let the fallen truly die. They are the heart of what America stands for. We will NEVER FORGET!

We are only the land of the free because of the brave.

taking a break.

2012-10-03T06:56:00.003-04:00

Sorry it's been awhile a bit since we have last posted. Things have gotten rather crazy around here and it's about to get more hectic for the next few weeks. So, there won't be any postings for the next 2.5 weeks. We are leaving for Missouri to go visit family and do some awesome photo sessions. I hope you all enjoy your October and we will be back before Halloween!

For now, just a couple of pics from a photo session I shot a week ago. Jennifer and Tim are engaged, getting married next summer and he serves in the Air Force. They are the most amazing couple! They were so sweet, kind and funny. I loved them. - Jessica Oatman Photography

I miss him.

2012-09-19T00:00:00.000-04:00

I miss him. He was an amazing brother. He was fun and crazy and loving. He was everything you hoped a sibling would be. He helped us to take life less serious. We had the same outlook on a lot of things, with humor being the main similarity. We laughed at a lot and he laughed at me often. Growing up with him was fun and I wouldn't trade any of it for anything. I miss him being here every single day. People think you get over it, you move on and that life just continues. Well it does continue and that's not a choice. 3 years have gone by and he was and is thought of on every single day. I'm not over it. He drives me during my runs, I think of him when I drive, I laugh at the many wild memories and I cry because my heart still hurts from never being able to see him again on this earth. Today he would be 27. Today we would most likely be BBQing with him and he would be making my kids scream. Today he is missed just like he has been for the last 1125 days. That will NEVER change. It's still just so unreal. Happy Birthday Paul. I love you.

Carry the Load

2012-09-18T00:00:00.000-04:00

Here is an amazing organization! If you haven't heard of them, check them out now! Everything they stand for is what America should be known for.. especially on Memorial Day! They are known as Carry the Load.

Their mission at Carry the Load is to highlight the meaning of Memorial Day across America, ultimately driving attention and steering resources towards existing non-profit organization already supporting veteran families and veteran organiztions. Carry the Load offers community members and opportunity to come together in sharing Memorial Day actively remembering our American heroes.

The organization was founded by Clint Bruce who is a US Naval Academy graduate, veteran and former SEAL in Dallas Texas in 2011. He had one goal in mind.. to meaning back into Memorial Day.

They do this by doing walks that share stories of as many possible heroes in each town they pass through. The walk this past year started in West Point, NY and finished in Dallas, TX with it being 1700 mile relay where it is divided into 350 5 mile segments.

Anyone can be involved. Check it out, sign up and help put the actual meaning back in Memorial Day!!

Memorial Monday: Sgt Joseph B Milledge

2012-09-17T21:03:00.004-04:00

Todays Memorial Monday hero is Sgt Joseph B Milledge. Sgt Milledge was killed on October 5, 2007 while serving Operation Iraqi Freedom. Let us not forget the fallen and remember to always honor their heroic acts!

The Associated Press
Sgt. Joseph Milledge, 23, was among two soldiers killed Oct. 5 when a roadside bomb exploded near his unit as it searched for weapons in Baghdad.

Milledge leaves behind a wife and 1-year-old son.

“You couldn’t have asked for a better father or husband,” said the soldier’s mother, Carla Milledge, who still lives in Glenwood. “He loved his wife and son. He loved them with his whole being.”

Milledge graduated from Glenwood High School in May 2002 and later moved to Pointblank, Texas. He enlisted in the Army in August 2003 and was sent to Iraq for his first tour about a year later. His second tour began about eight weeks ago, his family said.

Mary Milledge, one of the sergeant’s sisters, said he did not want serve his second tour in Iraq but knew he had a duty to his country.

“He had a wife and child,” she said. “He didn’t want to leave them.”

The soldier’s wife, Amanda, gave birth to their son, Joseph Bradley Ryan Jr., in August 2006. When Milledge was home this summer, they had their son baptized.

“He’ll know his daddy was a hero and died for what he believed in,” Carla Milledge said.
His family said he was not in Iraq to fight a war but to help the defenseless, especially the children.

“Joey would want people to know that the soldiers aren’t just fighting over there,” his sister said. “They bring the kids water, play football, get involved with the schools. He cared about the humanitarian effect.

“At Christmas, he asked us to send toys and clothing for the kids.”

where were you...

2012-09-11T07:08:00.003-04:00

On Sept 11, 2001 we were attacked and it became one of the most watched and documented tragedies in history. On Sept 12, 2001 I witnessed the United States come together like never before. Never before had I seen so many flags hung proudly from homes stating the fact that "we are Americans and we will fight back!" Everywhere I drove I saw red, white and blue. It was a such a sight and made me honored to be an American. It was then that I realized how strong we were and how proud we are to live in the U.S.A. My only wish now, is that Americans would still have that sense of pride and remember the many men and woman fighting every single day for them. Flags are still up but not nearly to the extent of what they were in the weeks following the tragedy of 9/11. Today, my flag hangs proudly from our house and I notice the American flag everywhere I go. It means even more to me today because I now know how many people have died protecting it and my brother is one of them.

Today is Sept 11, 2012. Today we remember the many men, women and children who died on that fateful day and we honor the men and women who have fought since then. We are Americans and we are proud!

I think of 9/11 and I think of this song by Alan Jackson because he sang it right.. "Where were you when the world stopped turning.. ?" If you were old enough when the attacks happened, you will never forget where you were when those planes crashed into the Twin Towers.

Where were you when the world stopped turnin'
That September day?
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Or workin' on some stage in L.A.?
Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke
Risin' against that blue sky?
Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor,
Or did you just sit down and cry?

Did you weep for the children, they lost their dear loved ones,
Pray for the ones who don't know?
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below?
Did you burst out in pride for the red, white, and blue
And heroes who died just doin' what they do?
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself and what really matters?

I'm just a singer of simple songs.
I'm not a real political man.
I watch CNN, but I'm not sure I can tell you
The diff'rence in Iraq and Iran.
But I know Jesus and I talk to God,
And I remember this from when I was young:
Faith, hope, and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love.

Where were you when the world stopped turnin'
That September day?
Teachin' a class full of innocent children
Or drivin' on some cold interstate?
Did you feel guilty 'cause you're a survivor?
In a crowded room did you feel alone?
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her?
Did you dust off that Bible at home?

Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened,
Close your eyes and not go to sleep?
Did you notice the sunset for the first time in ages
And speak to some stranger on the street?
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow,
Go out and buy you a gun?
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watchin'
And turn on ""I Love Lucy"" reruns?
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger,
Stand in line to give your own blood?
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your fam'ly,
Thank God you had somebody to love?

I'm just a singer of simple songs.
I'm not a real political man.
I watch CNN, but I'm not sure I can tell you
The diff'rence in Iraq and Iran.
But I know Jesus and I talk to God,
And I remember this from when I was young:
Faith, hope, and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love.
I'm just a singer of simple songs.
I'm not a real political man.
I watch CNN, but I'm not sure I can tell you
The diff'rence in Iraq and Iran.
But I know Jesus and I talk to God,
And I remember this from when I was young:
Faith, hope, and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love.

And the greatest is love,
And the greatest is love.

Where were you when the world stopped turnin'
That September day?

Memorial Monday: 9/11

2012-09-10T02:00:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is 9/11 and on that fateful day thousands lost their lives. The attacks of Sept 11 were one of the most watched and documented tragedies in history. It is what has led to the loss of so many soldiers since then. They were mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, brothers, fathers, sons, uncles and friends. They had stories, they had plans and they had a future. It's unfair that it was taken from them and for them.. we went to war. We are a country united and we stand strong. Today we remember their lives, all 2977 people. They are NEVER FORGOTTEN!

Fabulous Find Friday: Kacey's Creations.

2012-09-07T02:00:00.000-04:00

Todays fabulous friday find is Kacey's Creations. She makes the cutest little infant military hats. All the branches can be created to personalize your images. All of her creations are lovingly handcrafted and made to order by her. She can make some larger sizes for older kids as well. I love being able to share handmade things that others make to help support our military. It helps them out as well as allows us to deck out our family in the such amazing items!! Go check her out HERE.

Snowball Express

2012-09-04T08:00:00.003-04:00

Snowball Express Charity

I know many families and children who have gone to Snowball Express. Everyone talks so highly of what they experienced while being there. No tears. Rather laughter, giggles and new friendships were created instead. They get to do fun and great things from seeing famous people, to activities and just hanging out. They all look forward to it each and every year. All these children have one thing in common... they lost a parent to the war. Can you imagine seeing all those children and knowing the suffering and loss they have experienced in the past and current time frame? Snowball Express is an amazing opportunity for the children of the fallen to honor their parent and meet other children who are doing the same thing.

About: (from their website)
Snowball Express is the charity for the children of our fallen military heroes. They started in 2006 with a simple idea: Provide home and new memories to the children of our fallen military heroes who died while on active duty since September 11, 2001.

Today, many of our soldiers are returning home and are being reunited with their families. We must remember that many families will never be reunited with their hero. Many soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and their children will never be reunited with their mom or dad.

We must vow to never forget these military heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, and we must never forget the children of our fallen heroes. These children and their surviving parent have also paid a very high price for our freedom and they continue to sacrifice as they live each day with out their hero.

Memorial Monday: Staff Sgt Jason C Hicks

2012-09-03T08:15:00.002-04:00

Today's hero is Staff Sgt. Jason C. Hicks. I've gotten to know his brother a bit from online and am always blessed to become friends with other Gold Star Families. His brother does an amazing job of honoring and never forgetting. They have a 5k run set up every year in Jasons' memory as well as a scholarship that is given out to a high school student. Please read about Jason below and help us to NEVER FORGET!

(Taken from: Jason Hicks Memorial )

Jason Hicks was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, May 1, 1977. Jason grew up in Pageland and Jefferson, South Carolina. He graduated Central High School in Pageland, South Carolina, where he played varsity football. He was a member of the Pageland Rescue Squad as well as the Highpoint-East Side Fire Department. Jason enlisted in the United States Air Force from Jefferson, South Carolina, May 1, 1996.

Jason attended Air Force Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, where upon graduation he accepted training as an HH-60G helicopter crew chief. After his apprenticeship, Jason received an assignment to Keflavic Air Base, Iceland, where he was introduced to Air Force Combat Search and Rescue. He spent his time learning systems and operations of the HH-60G and decided his talents would be better suited as a helicopter flight engineer. Armed with his skills, attitude and knowledge he aspired and pursued training in aviation operations. Jason received orders to the 41st Rescue Squadron, Moody AFB, Georgia, as a helicopter crew chief, then in 2001 he was approved for cross training as a helicopter flight engineer.

Once selected for retraining, Jason was permanently assigned to the 41st Rescue Squadron at Moody AFB, Georgia, where he began training as a flight engineer. Soon he received orders to Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, to attend the Basic Flight Engineer Course and then Initial Qualification Training as a flight engineer. He then came back to Moody as a fully qualified flight engineer. While serving as a CSAR flight engineer, he took part in deployments with the 41st RQS to OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM in July 2002 and again in February 2003. He flew on numerous combat support missions, took part in saving the lives of American and coalition soldiers and airmen, as well as performed combat medical recoveries for Afghan local nationals. He was killed on March 23, 2003 in an HH-60 Pave Hawk accident in Afghanistan.

During his career, Jason received numerous awards and honors to include The Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, NCO Professional Military Education Graduation Ribbon and the Air Force Training Ribbon.

Jason was a graduate of the Avionics Systems Technology Course, the Airman leadership School, and was actively pursuing his Associates of Applied Science from the Community college of the Air Force Degree in Aircraft Maintenance Technology.

Jason is missed dearly by his many family, friends, and the Rescue community.

Fabulous Find Friday: Chelsie Dey Designs

2012-08-31T02:00:00.000-04:00

Todays fabulous friday find is Cheslie Day Designs. If you are looking for something to use during one of your photo shoots.. how could would these be?? She makes all the branches and can customize them to your liking. Talk about some glitter and glam!! Awesome! I may need to plan photo shoot just so I can use a pair. :)

Run Event.

2012-08-30T02:00:00.000-04:00

Attention all runners! Do you run, do you walk or maybe even crawl? It doesn't matter which you do but there are all kinds of great runs for you to be apart of that help give back to wonderful organizations. Coming up on September 11 there is an amazing organization known as the Travis Manion Foundation. They have started runs all across the US. Go look at the website and see if there are any in your area, register, honor a hero and give back to those who have given so much. Check it out HERE!!

A little about the foundation... The Travis Manion Foundation is a 501c3 that directly supports veterans, their families, and families of the fallen service members. They do this by providing emergency assistance, scholarships and other direct financial support when a family or veteran is in need. The 9/11 Heroes Run is an international series of 5k runs held to honor the service and sacrifice of all those that have given their all for our today. They honor the fallen by challenging the living. Ask yourself, "if not me, then who.."

How the foundation began:
U.S Marine Corps 1st Lt. Travis Manion was killed in action in Iraq on April 29, 2007. He was serving his second tour of duty while assigned to the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, based out of Camp Pendleton, CA. He graduated from the US Naval Academy in 2004 where he was a 2004 preseason national top 20 wrestler.

Pledge for the Fallen

2012-08-29T07:28:00.001-04:00

Pledge for the Fallen is an organization that vows to always honor and never forget the great service and ultimate sacrifice our fallen military heroes have made while protecting our county. In the summer of 2012, they traveled throughout the US to enjoy the beauty of the lands and the freedoms that so many brave men and women gave their lives protecting. They have met so many amazing people and they realized that they wanted to spend a LIFE TIME and not just a summer honoring the fallen heroes. We pledge to continuously remember our fallen heroes through both words and actions!

Halfway to Heaven Hike:
On October 6, 2012 Pledge for the Fallen will be hiking Pikes Peak in Colorado and anyone who feels they would like to be involved can also hike. If you can not hike up Pikes Peak you can also leave a message on their facebook page HERE that they will carry to the top and let go in a balloon. It is a way for them to honor our fallen and to always remember their sacrifice.

This is a great and amazing organization that has done and continues to do awesome things. Please like them on FACEBOOK!

Memorial Monday: Army Medic Kevin Hardin.

2012-08-27T07:42:00.001-04:00

Today's Memorial Monday hero is Army Medic Kevin Hardin who died January 22, 2012. Here is an Article about him from the Mesquite Citizen Journal. It's amazing how others can be so willing to be so helpful. Thanks to this town for helping out a hero and creating a wedding he would never forget!

(Straight from the Mesquite Journal)
Slightly more than a year has passed since the storybook wedding in Mesquite of former Army medic Kevin Hardin to the woman who cared for him at Walter Reed Army Hospital after he was severely injured when a rocket propelled grenade slammed into his Humvee during combat operations in Samarra, Iraq in 2007.

Hardin spent two years in the hospital and was forced to undergo 32 surgeries and a lengthy, painful rehabilitation.During his recovery, Hardin met Lillian May who cared for him through the painful times. Over the course of two years Hardin was receiving medical treatments, the couple fell in love.
In August, 2009, Hardin proposed to May but the reality was he was severely injured including injuries to both arms, a fused wrist and loss of fingers. He also had several pieces of shrapnel in his brain which were inoperable. After being medically retired from the military, he was without a job.
Understanding their financial situation and with big challenges ahead, the couple knew that an elegant wedding was not in their future. Instead, they eloped and were married in a convenience store turned courthouse on April 16, 2010.

Fate was due to step into their lives however when Hardin's mother contacted a renowned group whose mission is to help wounded warriors. Christmas Can Cure was originally founded by Andre Carrier's family and is generously supported by Greg Lee of the Eureka Casino. Carrier is the Chief Operating Officer of the Eureka Casino.

The organization is designed to recognize the sacrifices of wounded warriors and remind them they are not alone. Hardin's mother wrote of her son and daughter-in-law's circumstances and asked “Is there anything Christmas Can Cure can do?”

“I was driving back to Mesquite when I read that email asking for help,” said Carrier. “I knew this was a special cause and immediately called Greg (Lee). Within two hours we hatched a plan to give them the wedding they had dreamed of.”

“It is a great privilege for us to host their wedding in Mesquite, a small town that values and honors the contributions of our servicemen and women,” Lee said at the time, a year ago. Funded almost entirely by the Eureka, the couple and their families were flown to Mesquite, provided accommodations, food and ground transportation and a pre-wedding community reception on Veterans Day. Their beautiful wedding was followed by an all-expenses paid honeymoon in Hawaii.

“We are grateful for the generosity of Christmas Can Cure, the men and women of the Eureka and the entire community of Mesquite,” Hardin's mother said after the wedding.
Hardin continued to suffer through the pain and havoc that his critical injuries forced him to endure. Despite treatment, his medical problems did not get any better. The couple moved to Texas near Ft. Hood Army Medical Center. “Kevin felt such a bond to his army buddies that even though he was medically retired from the army, he wanted to make Ft. Hood his home so that he could be close to them,” said his mother.

Due to the injuries he received in combat, Hardin passed away in the hospital on Jan. 22. He was buried Jan. 27 with full military honors at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery. Hardin is survived by his wife of one year and several family members. He was 25 years old.

In an interview with the Mesquite Citizen Journal, Carrier commented in a solemn voice on the tragedy that had befallen the Hardin family. “It is difficult to know what to say. We (Greg Lee, myself and the staff of the Eureka) have been in constant contact with Lillian Hardin (Kevin's widow) and his parents.”

Pausing to collect his thoughts, Carrier said in a sometimes broken voice, “this is so very sad for Lillian to have lost someone that was so clearly the love of her life.It is so sad for Kevin's parents who thought they might have lost their son, only to rejoice when they got him back, and then to lose him again. And it is so sad for our friend, Kevin, who had gone through so much and had so many possibilities ahead of him. And finally, it is so sad for our community in Mesquite who opened up their hearts and gave the gift of hope to someone they didn't know, only to feel the loss of his passing.”

Carrier went on to explain that the whole community had come together to make the wedding a success and so many people gave of themselves unselfishly. Greg Lee, the staff of the Eureka, the people of Mesquite, and the Christmas Can Cure Foundation, all joined together as one to help someone less fortunate.

“There is a lesson in this,” said Carrier. “After we mourn, we have to pick ourselves up because there is a lot of work to do. Kevin would have wanted us to do more, to pay attention and to be part of the answer. He would have wanted us to care for our community and for our veterans. To care for the 35,000 injured and traumatized veterans returning from this war and the tens of thousands who have returned from previous wars. We have a lot of work to do but we can do it.”

People wanting to make a donation to the Christmas Can Cure Foundation can visit the Web site at www.ChristmasCanCure.com

Fabulous Find Friday: Bears by Amanda

2012-08-24T10:24:00.003-04:00

Today's Fabulous Find are these super adorable bears by Amanda. She can personalize them in pretty much any way you would like. She can use the shirts you send her to create unique one of a kind items. Head over to BEARS BY AMANDA and tell her that Love of Country sent you. *She may not be taking as many orders right now due to pregnancy. Just ask.

God Bless the Troops.

2012-08-23T07:50:00.001-04:00

Sorry it's been awhile since I have posted. My entire family and I have been sick with pneumonia for the past month. Yes, every single one of us went to the doctor, had an x ray and was confirmed to have pneumonia. Not fun!! So... I think we are on the mend and I can maybe get caught up on a few things we have not posted about. yay!!

I would like to introduce you all to this amazing organization called God Bless the Troops. Two years ago I was able to meet the founder Mark Titre after the loss of my brother. He has been so helpful and such a blessing in a time of complete despair. He and his wife are the kindest people you will ever meet.

"God Bless The Troops is a local Chicago area organization whose primary outreach is to our military heroes and their families, in recognition of their bravery, service and sacrifice for our country. It is our mission to provide a complimentary personalized America's Valor print to as many families possible around the country who have lost loved ones in the fight for freedom." - Mark Titre

God Bless the Troops is self-funded and all proceeds from internet, in-person orders and fundraisers returns directly to the production and shipping costs for their mission, as well as to support other organizations that serve our military men and women.

Last year, my family and I were able to meet Mark and his wife at Arlington National Cemetery for the first time on my brother's birthday. It was there they presented us with a framed print of America's Valor... gorgeous. Well, now they are able to take those prints and personalize them with your fallen heroes information. They do all of this from the goodness of their heart. They are truly kind and heartfelt people. So please go look at their website and see what it is they actually do. Anyone can purchase any of their prints as well. They make great Christmas and Birthday gifts. Remember, all the funds go back into the organization that help to make it possible to send a free print to the families of the fallen.

Shirt for a HERO.

2012-08-14T17:45:00.000-04:00

As many of you know, this blog was started all because of my love for this country and because of my brother dying for it. There are many memorials around the United States that honor our fallen and a huge one is going to be built in Missouri. I can not wait to go see it. They are currently in the process of fundraising for it. One of their ideas is to have shirts with our heroes on them. Well, we couldn't pass up the idea of not having my loving brother who willing died for this country to not be on a shirt. So, here is the design they came back with for us to share and purchase. 24 shirts need to be sold in 2 weeks in order for them to print them. If not, they will refund everyone their money and no one gets a shirt with Paul on it. $6 from each shirt sold goes to the memorial. So, if you need a HERO shirt for a run, a bike rally, an adventure race, a memorial event or anything else. Please purchase a shirt honoring my brother. He is missed each and every single day! Follow this link. Thank you! May we NEVER FORGET!!

Memorial Monday: Staff SGT Keith R. Bishop

2012-08-13T09:32:00.000-04:00

Todays Memorial Monday hero is Staff Sgt Keith R. Bishop. May we NEVER FORGET!!! He has a very loving family whom I got to know online and in person. Hugs to them all.

NORTH CAROLINA - Staff Sgt. Keith R. Bishop, 28, died on Oct. 26, when the helicopter he was aboard crashed while conducting a combat mission in the Afghan city of Darreh-Ye Bum, Afghanistan while serving with Company B, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne).

He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom July 2009 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan. This was his second deployment in support of the War on Terror.

Bishop a native of Smithtown, N.Y., enlisted into the U.S. Army in April 2003 as an Infantryman. He was assigned to 1st Bn., 506th Infantry Regiment, Camp Grieves, Korea. He later served with 1st Bn., 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division before deciding to pursue the goal of becoming a Special Forces Soldier in 2007 by attending the Special Forces Selection and Assessment. He completed the Special Forces Qualification Course Oct. 2008 and earned the coveted "Green Beret" as a Special Forces weapons sergeant. He was then assigned to 3rd Bn., 7th SFG (A).

Bishop's military education includes the Warrior Leader’s Course, Basic NCO Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Basic Airborne Course, Air Assault Course and Special Forces Qualification Course.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal for Valor, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Air Assault Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Special Forces Tab.

Fabulous Find Friday: Petal Chic Boutique

2012-08-10T02:00:00.000-04:00

Check out this fabulous find. These hats are just adorable and I love them!! What a perfect way to support our troops in style. Petal Chic Boutique is where you'll find frayed fabric embellishments for military hats, fedoras and cowboy hats and youth/teen hats. All embellishments are personally hand-cut and frayed, to make a unique, one of a kind statement. So hop over and check out Petal Chic Boutique!

R & R session: Genesa Richards Photography

2012-08-08T02:00:00.000-04:00

Today we are featuring this lovely session done by Genesa Richards Photography. Kevin was home on R&R (rest and relaxation from war) and what a great time to capture those family smiles. Here is what Genesa had to say about this adorable family.

The special bond I have with this family is priceless. From photographing them from the time little Jax was in Melissa's belly, through several other memories. I truly love every session with this family! Come back home safe Kevin!

Thank you for your service Kevin and exactly... COME HOME SAFE!!!

Purple Heart Day: Aug 7, 2012

2012-08-07T08:24:00.001-04:00

Today is Purple Heart Awareness Day. Thousands of men and women have received this honorary medal because of being injured while in combat. Today we honor them and remember the sacrifices they have made while in service to our country. Remember, at this very second they are fighting for our freedoms and are in harms way. Until they all come home, we will pray for their safety.

About the Purple Heart:
The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the armed forces of the U.S. who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action. It is specifically a combat decoration.

The organization now known as the "Military Order of the Purple Heart," was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received the decoration. Composed exclusively of Purple Heart recipients, it is the only veterans service organization comprised strictly of “combat” veterans.

Memorial Monday: The 6472 Heroes & 31 Fallen from the Chinoook Crash

2012-08-06T08:46:00.001-04:00

It's Memorial Monday. I like to have family or friends write about their hero so that we get a more personal story and so that we feel like we know who they were. If you know anyone who would like to share their HERO with the world please have them email us and we would be honored to share their story.

So for today we are going to honor the 6472 Heroes who have given the ultimate sacrifice. They died defending our country. They left behind so many loved ones who miss them daily. In 2011, we lost 466 men and women. The largest age group of our fallen is between the ages of 20-24. That's the age that most college kids are in school. So when they are partying and hanging out with buddies there are soldiers their age dying for our freedoms. I know that not everyone can be a soldier.. heck I wasn't. But we can at least give them credit for what they do for us. It is NOT to be taken lightly. Look at these men and women .. give them a word of thanks and then remember their families who are left behind to carry on their memory. (These are just some of the men and women)

We are also going to honor the 31 Heroes who died on August 6, 2011 when their helicopter was shot down by Afghan insurgents as it was rushing to aid troops in a firefight. On board where 25 American Special Forces personnel, 5 US Army National Guard and Reserve Crewmen, and a US Military Dog. May we NEVER FORGET the lives lost.. EVER!!

Fabulous Find Friday: Cheery Kiri Designs

2012-08-03T02:00:00.000-04:00

It's Friday and that means awesome people who make some really cool things!! Check out Cheery Kiri Designs. I just love these dresses for little girls. They are perfect for homecomings and other such unique events. Any girl would look just lovely in one!!