Pure Surplus

Q: Is it really important to Follow Friday?

noreply@blogger.com (puresurplus) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 13:03:00 +0000

A: Not really.

Follow Friday, #FollowFriday, or #FF isn't essential at all.

It is useful if you are looking for new friends with similar interests. Mostly, it is overused by those just looking to bump up their followers.

Be picky in who you follow and choose to follow back. It's about the quality of tweets, not the quantity of followers.

Forget the numbers, and just enjoy the camaraderie.

Share |

#LettersforLyrics LIVE Widget

noreply@blogger.com (puresurplus) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 19:47:00 +0000

Share |

Why I Blocked @DearCitizen

noreply@blogger.com (puresurplus) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 17:09:00 +0000

I politely asked @DearCitizen not to use #MilitaryMon in conjunction with partisan hashtags here.

I explained why here and here.

The responses received led to this.

Learn more about #MilitaryMon here.

Share
|

Zac Brown Band Concert - Raleigh

noreply@blogger.com (puresurplus) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:26:00 +0000

Team Blomparan (Me, my 10 year old son, and boyfriend - as we all have different last names) had a great time volunteering for Soldiers' Angels last night at the Zac Brown Band concert in Raleigh, NC for Letters for Lyrics.

A huge thank you to all who stopped by to write a letter to a service member; we got over 1600 letters!

Share
|

Remembering Our Matthew - Calling All Angels

noreply@blogger.com (puresurplus) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 01:59:00 +0000

Excerpt from Soldiers' Angels Newsletter, Sept. - Nov. 2009.

PART I

Leaving the restaurant a few months ago, I did not realize that my life was about to take a new course. As I approached my car, I saw a note had been left on my windshield. I removed the paper and started to read...

I spent 3 years in Iraq and came back to my wife and kids and everyone dear to me...gone. I got out 7 months later and was homeless, jobless and dead inside. My hero and the reason I am doing o.k. is a Soldiers’ Angels person that never left my side through this whole thing. Her name is Linda S. Thank you so much for your support. ~ Veteran

Before I go further into this story...you might be asking, how did this veteran know that I was a Soldiers' Angels volunteer? Simple – the magnet on my car. I was excited by the note, I knew that this was going to be an amazing outreach opportunity and was chomping at the bit to get home to search our Angels database to locate Linda. I was thrilled to find her information and then looked at the time. It was well after 10 p.m. but I knew that the powerful message that was left on my car meant that she played a vital role in someone's life and would not be upset with a late night call. I talked to Linda for a half an hour and could hear her love gushing out for the "Veteran" whose name was Matthew. "My Matthew" is what she called him. She then gave me his phone number – I dialed it – once again, hoping that when the phone picked up that he would not be upset with the late night call. The phone rang and went into voicemail. As I started to leave a message, it was interrupted with the call back – It was Matthew. I said, "Hello Matthew. Do you know that note you left on that Angel‘s car?" Silence. You could have heard a pin drop. Matthew finally spoke, "How did you find me?" I laughed and said, "Oh Matthew, you should know by now that Angels know everything." Matthew then laughed along with me. It had been his birthday the weekend before and he agreed to meet me the next day for lunch in honor of his day. I got to meet "My Matthew" and share some good old fashioned "Angeling" with him. So, how did Matthew get to where he was at in life? The next part of this story is a mix of Linda's love for Matthew and his love right back for her.

Enjoy Linda and Matt's story as told by them:

Linda writes: When I reflect on all that has taken place over the past 2 1/2 years, I have to begin by saying that my story with Matthew is far bigger than just the two of us. It is a story about the power of unconditional love. It is a story about community support, generosity and sharing from the heart. And, it is a story about the unexplainable and divine workings of the universe. I continue to stand in awe of it all, and I am humbled.

It actually all started for me several years ago, shortly after our troops entered Iraq and the war began. I had this feeling that I just wanted to do something on a personal level to support our military men and women. That feeling and that desire simmered within me for quite some time until finally in 2006 I could not ignore the whispers of my heart any longer. I started searching the internet for organizations I might contact. I came across the Soldiers' Angels website and saw the words "May No Soldier Go Unloved." I knew I was in the right place.

Within a matter of hours, my husband and I made the decision to submit our application and adopt a soldier. I vividly remember sitting at the computer on the morning of December 30, 2006 with my finger over the key, waiting for a second, not knowing where pushing that button would lead me but feeling like I just had to take that leap of faith. Little did I know I would forever be changed simply by the push of a key on my computer.

My husband and I left for the day, and when we returned home I immediately went to the computer to see if any information had come through from Soldiers' Angels regarding our application. There was an e-mail indicating we had been approved, and then the name of our adopted soldier came up on the screen, "Matthew."

I know that my personal journey with Matthew is a testament to the power of unconditional love. And, as our connection began to develop and unfold, the power of what love can do changed me in ways I never imagined or expected. My heart expanded wider and wider. I learned even more clearly how to just listen to my heart and let it lead the way. And, I trusted that whatever I was saying or doing was just what Matthew needed. I got beyond trying to understand it; I just felt it in my heart and my soul, and I went with the flow.

When I went to the computer to check my e-mails on January 23, 2007, I could not believe my eyes when I saw in the list of names, "Matthew." I literally began to shake as I looked at the computer screen, and when I began to read his message it was only a matter of seconds before I held my head in my hands and began sobbing and, I mean SOBBING! Big heaving, uncontrollable sobbing that came right from my core.

Over the next few weeks and months I continued sending Matthew weekly packages, which always included long handwritten letters. Matthew sent e-mails periodically, and it became very clear to me that he looked forward to my letters and my way of just laying my thoughts, beliefs and ideas out there, always with the stipulation to take in what felt right to him and leave the rest behind.

Soon Matthew started to share with me about his past and all he had been through as a child, teenager, and young adult. I simply wrapped him in love, held the space for him to share whatever he wanted, and tried to make him feel safe. And so, the bond of trust between us began to grow. Matthew began to share more and more with me about himself, including his love of music, art, photography and writing poetry.

Matthew also called me several times from Iraq and hearing his voice made our connection even more real to me. I clearly remember the first time he called during April 2007. When I picked up the phone, there was a delay, and then a voice said, "Is this Linda?" When I then said, "Yes, it is," the voice at the other end replied, "This is Matt." I can still feel the sensation in my body as I literally screamed into the phone, "Matt....Matthew......my Matthew!" Matthew is extremely articulate and he has a wonderful sense of humor, which made our first conversation so easy and natural.

Matthew shared very little with me about his missions and what he was experiencing in Iraq; however, the small bits and pieces he did share made it clear to me that Matthew was involved in some difficult, dangerous, and emotionally charged situations. Sometimes weeks would go by when I didn‘t hear from him, but I constantly surrounded him with light and love and I just knew he would be safe. I also called upon the community circle of support surrounding Matthew to keep him in their thoughts and prayers, and it gave me such comfort knowing Matthew was surrounded with so much love.

When Matthew returned from his mid-deployment leave during May 2007, I could tell that that things had shifted, even though he made minimal contact with me. I received an e-mail from Matthew, indicating that he had to go to see a doctor and they put him on anti-depressants for combat stress. He tried to make light of it, as he typically would do about things, but I knew he was really struggling. Matthew has been a survivor his entire life, and his survival skills definitely helped him get through all he endured in Iraq. However, a person can only take so much, and I continued to be very concerned about how the stresses of war combined with the turmoil in his marriage and life at home would affect Matthew. His emails were very sporadic, but when I did hear from him it was very clear how emotionally drained he was and how much he was struggling. Then on September 7, 2007, everything came crashing down on him. I received an e-mail from Matthew that day:

“Dear Linda...
This will by far be the hardest email I will ever write to you. My 2 roommates and my other best friend were killed last night by a roadside bomb.”

Every month, Calling All Angels is published in honor of our active duty military and reserves, veterans, their families, heroes killed in action, our sponsors and volunteers. This issue is specially dedicated to our long time friends Dan (deployed), and Mike (promoted), to our new friends Matthew and Linda, and to Matthew‘s fallen comrades. May they rest in peace.

- Cpl. Jason J. Hernandez, 21, of Streetsboro, Ohio
- Cpl. Thomas L. Hilbert, 20, of Venus, Texas
- Sgt. Lee Christian (Moose) Wilson, 30, of Chapel Hill, NC

September 2007

PART II

I sat at the computer with tears streaming down my face. I felt such sadness as well as a total sense of helplessness. I immediately typed Matthew an email expressing my feelings. I only had very limited contact with Matthew during the remaining months of his deployment following the death of his friends. He continued to spend a good portion of his time at a remote prison location, and his ability to contact the outside world was limited. He had also received word that his deployment had been extended, and he would be staying in Iraq another couple of months. Matthew was hoping to be coming home in December '07 and I knew with every ounce of my being that I wanted to be there at Ft. Bliss to welcome him home. I shared with Matthew how much I wanted to come to El Paso, and that I would do everything in my power to be standing there when he stepped off that airplane.

My journey to El Paso and all that I experienced at Ft. Bliss was truly one of the highlights of my life. I can't even begin to describe the scene at the airfield as hundreds of people gathered together to wait for the arri-val of the plane carrying Matthew and members of his unit. There were balloons, banners, flags, streamers, and posters everywhere. The excitement in the building was like currents of pulsating electricity, and there was so much joy radiating from everyone that it almost seemed like the entire building was going to lift off the ground! In the front of the large open area where we were gathered was a large screen with the lists of soldiers coming in on each plane and when they would be arriving. I can still see myself standing in front of that screen and seeing "Matthew" on the list when it appeared. I had butterflies in my stomach as I stood there staring at his name and thinking to myself, "Oh my gosh, I am actually going to see and meet "My Matthew!"

We all lined up in rows on either side of a large metal door, which looked like a huge garage door. We waited and waited and then the music started playing. The lights starting flashing and the door began to lift. There were our troops standing in formation! The crowd literally went wild as they started to march in, and I began scanning the faces of the soldiers as quickly as I could as they moved by me. Then all of a sudden I saw Matthew turn his head to the left for just a second. I recognized him immediately, and he instantly caught my eye, smiled, and nodded his head. Oh my gosh! He actually picked me out of the crowd! I could not believe it then, and I still can't believe it now—that out of all the hundreds of people in that building Matthew picked me out of the crowd in that one short instant.

During the first few months following Matthew's return home from Iraq, the situation with his marriage was like a roller coaster ride. I kept some contact with him through text messaging and a few phone calls, but for the most part Matthew was focused on his family, trying to work things out and re-entering life back at home. I just held space for him and surrounded them with love and prayers.

I also started sending Matthew letters and packages at Ft. Bliss on a regular basis. His contact and communication with me increased once again, and then the bottom started to drop out for Matthew. The situation with his wife was getting progressively worse, and I had several conversations with Matthew where I was quite concerned about his mental and emotional state. He was clearly depressed, and he told me he felt like he was fighting a war worse than the one in Iraq.

By early spring '08 Matthew and his wife had made the decision to divorce. It was painful and difficult for him, but this decision did seem to bring him a sense of relief. Jim and I also went to visit Matthew at Ft. Bliss during July '08 and it was not only great for Jim to finally meet Matthew but, it was also wonderful to see that Matthew was feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation about leaving the military and beginning a new life in North Dakota where he could be closer to his children.

Matthew left Ft. Bliss and his military career behind on August 28, 2008. His divorce had become final two days before, and Matthew was literally heading into the unknown alone. He had only his truck and what was packed inside to call his own, and he was certain of only one thing, he was heading to North Dakota. Matthew did not have a job, and he did not know what he was going to do or where he was going to live when he got there. The feelings of anticipation and excitement of being able to set out on a new adventure and create a new life, were soon overshadowed by understandable feelings of uncertainly and fear as well as the sensation of being totally alone.

When Matthew finally reached North Dakota, he contacted me to let me know that he had arrived safely and that he had a place to stay at least for the time being. He continued to look for work each day but the weeks went by without any success. He had some leads which led to a few interviews, but nothing resulted in a job offer that could make him a decent living.

Matthew ultimately accepted a job offer to work as a federal police officer. He desperately wanted to be out of law enforcement, but this was a steady job and he needed to work. Matthew kept in touch quite regularly, and I knew things were still very difficult for him on many levels. Then the day came when he told me after the fact that he had reached such a bad place emotionally that he called the VA in desperation. They scheduled an appointment for him relatively quickly and he was ultimately diagnosed with PTSD, which was no surprise to me. It was such a relief to me that Matthew was finally receiving the treatment and the medication I knew he needed all along.

Matthew and I kept in contact often through the holidays and into the beginning of 2009. He certainly had his challenges and his ups and downs, but overall Matthew seemed to be making the transition into a new life in Grand Forks to the best of his ability. Then several weeks after the start of the new year I started noticing some real shifts with Matthew. His contact with me decreased, and when I did talk with him his conversation with me seemed different. He became more and more distant, and I simply didn't know what to make of it all. Matthew had told me that he became this way and would pull back from others in his life at times, but he had never been this way with me before and I didn‘t know how to read what was happening or how to respond.

After a couple of months passed and my concerns mounted, I finally decided to write Matthew a letter outlining what I was thinking and feeling and the concerns I had about him. I told him that I knew I was taking a risk and that everything I was sharing with him could change our relationship, but I was willing to take that risk because of how much I loved him and cared about him. I also told Matthew that I had chosen to write to him rather than talk to him on the phone in order to give him the choice of how or if he wanted to respond. Matthew called me the day after he received my letter, which also happened to be Mother's Day. We talked openly, Matthew heard my concerns, and he assured me that nothing had changed between us. I told Matthew he had given me the best possible gift I could have received on Mother's Day.

I had decided right before Mother's Day that I wanted to go see Matthew. It was probably more for my benefit than his, but I just needed to see him, hug him, see where he was living, and get a sense of how he was really doing.

The day after we left home, Matthew called to check on our travel progress and see how we were doing. It was also during that conversation he shared with me that he had just made a big decision he was going to quit his job in a couple of months and fulfill his lifelong dream of going to college! Matthew stated that with the assistance of the GI Bill and his disability from the VA he would be able to make it work financially if he worked a part-time job. As I listened to Matthew talk, my heart was just bursting with joy.

The three days we spent with Matthew in Grand Forks were absolutely magical for me. I was able to see his face and meet and play with his children. His new vision of starting college had given him a plan of moving past the "stuck place" where he had been resting for so long and, he radiated a sense of hope once again. I sensed when we left on the morning of June 16, 2009, that a momentum had been started that would be moving Matthew forward.

The night my phone rang on the evening of June 24th with Shelle on the other end is a memory that I will never, ever forget. I continue to stand in total and complete awe at the orchestration of the timing and details of how the three of us have now been connected and our lives woven together. I also can't begin to say what it means to me to now have Shelle right there looking out for Matthew. Knowing that he is in her loving, caring wings gives me great comfort.

Our story together is but a small part of the story of Matthew. I don't have any idea how it will unfold and what is in store for him, but I know it will happen. All I have to do is look at what has taken place as a result of the push of a button on a computer or leaving a note next to a Soldiers' Angels magnet to know that the universe provides opportunities and connections that are far beyond my understanding and my wildest dreams. I will forever hold Matthew in my heart as I watch his life unfold and, as I stand on the sidelines from my place in Michigan I will be smiling and beaming with pride.

PART III

Matt writes: So I was in Northern Iraq. Back home in the states, I now had a second child and a marraige that was on the rocks. This was not going to be an easy deployment. I recieved my first package from Linda in the second month of being in country and honestly I thought nothing of it. I had received many care packages and been grateful, but that was always the extent of my relationship with the people that sent them.

As soon as I got the first one, I got the second and the third, and I was starting to think I should at least call and say thank you. Linda's letters were very caring and open from the very beginning and truly had the ability to make me feel wrapped in the wings of an angel. So I decided that I would e-mail her just to say thank you, but when I did that I was shocked at how excited she was to hear from me. I remember thinking that this is no ordinary woman.

Since that first care package, my life has not been the same. Linda and her husband Jim and all of their friends back in Michigan have walked with me on my path from then to now, and I have never been alone. They were there for me through all the missions and hardships. When my friends were killed they comforted me from far away. When we got the bastards that did it, they made me feel human again. When I got back from my third year overseas, Linda knew that I would have no one to greet me at the airport so not only did she fly to El Paso, but she brought with her bags of gifts and put me up in a really nice hotel room with a bed that just hugged your soul.

In the months to follow I went through a divorce and prepared for the fact that when I got out I would have to move to North Dakota if I wanted to be in my kids lives. I definately wasn't ready for what was going to come. You better believe Linda was though - hahaha.

On August 28th of 2008, I signed out on terminal leave, packed everything I could fit in my jeep, threw the rest away and I started my journey to North Dakota. I had no idea what was waiting for me I just knew that I had no job, no place to live and wasn't even that scared on my most dangerous missions.

Linda talked with me for hours while I was parked at a gas station in Oklahoma crying and lost in the dark, watching everyone walk around as if they had no clue of the evil that exists in the lives of those that keep them safe.

I found a place to stay until I could get on my feet, and within 3 months I had a semi-normal life. Linda's care packages never stopped, in fact, they kept me alive. I was no longer getting just snacks and hygiene items. Now, I was getting checks from Linda, her family and friends. Checks well over the thousand dollar mark. I was on the verge of bankruptcy and homelessness once again, and Linda wouldn't hear of me suffering like that. They supported me financially for months.

Now, for the worst part. Since I got out, I have been fighting with extreme PTSD and severe depression. I have never known the darkness that I have lived in for the past year. The lonliness and solitude of spirit and mind that has swallowed me and spit me into a pool of nightmares and flashbacks, unable to relate to ordinary people. I am truly alone in the world, except for one bright light, Linda and her Army of Love.

I will be okay and I know that now, but the only reason I am still alive today is because of Linda and her Army. Linda took the title Soldiers' Angel and truly transformed. She has walked with me hand-in-hand through the valley of the shadow of death, and her loving words have been the food that has sustained me through my sojourn. She is my Hero; she is my Angel. She pulled me from a raging firefight when I was badly wounded and on the verge of death and said, "YOU WILL NOT DIE." Linda is my soldier and my companion, and I will never be able to repay her for all she has done in my life.

I wish every combat soldier could have an Angel like Linda.

Sadly, "Our Matthew" recently ended his own life. We remember him with fondness and are eternally thankful for the many hearts he touched. Rest in peace with your brothers, "Our Hero."

Make a difference. Become an Angel. Adopt a Hero today.

#Veterans and #Suicide - We Must Overcome #PTSD

noreply@blogger.com (puresurplus) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 16:20:00 +0000

The need for care is urgent. The time for action is now. Support America's Veterans by spreading the word. Online petition here.

Share
|

Ram Truck Brand and Zac Brown Band Launch 'Letters for Lyrics' National Letter-Writing Campaign to U.S. Soldiers

noreply@blogger.com (puresurplus) — Sun, 09 May 2010 01:36:00 +0000

Ram Truck Brand and Zac Brown Band Launch 'Letters for Lyrics' National Letter-Writing Campaign to U.S. Soldiers: "Ram Truck Brand and Zac Brown Band Launch 'Letters for Lyrics' National Letter-Writing Campaign to U.S. Soldiers"

Love Your Feet

noreply@blogger.com (puresurplus) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:55:00 +0000

I bought a pair of ABF Crocs at the beach over the weekend. Wore them all day today for the first time. I am a huge fan of flip flops to begin with, but these are the best pair I have ever owned! A must have for only 30 bucks.

2010 #MILBloggies Kick Off March 31st!

noreply@blogger.com (puresurplus) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 01:03:00 +0000

The Milbloggies Award recognizes military bloggers for their contribution to blogging, news and information, and to the military over the past year.

Please click here for more information and instructions on how to vote.

Nominees may be military blogs that belong to the following branch categories in the Milblogging.com database:

U.S. Military Parent
U.S. Military Supporter
U.S. Air Force
U.S. Army
U.S. Navy
U.S. Marine Corps
U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Military Veteran
U.S. Military Spouse
U.S. Reporter
Foreign National Military

Voting will close on Wednesday, April 7th at 11:59 PM EST.

Winners will be presented awards at the 2010 Milblog Conference on April 10th. Winners are not required to attend the conference in order to receive their awards.

Twitter Hashtag: #milbloggies

Vote for Cooper's Elementary - Harris Teeter Sing My Jingle Contest

noreply@blogger.com (puresurplus) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 23:52:00 +0000

Please help my son's elementary school win $10,000.

REMEMBER: YOU CAN VOTE EVERY DAY THRU MARCH 31!

Anyone can vote, so share this video with all your friends and get them to vote for Cooper's. Three winners will be selected at random to win $500 in Harris Teeter gift cards, just for voting.

One TIE school will be chosen by Harris Teeter and receive $10,000 cash for their school.

One TIE school will be chosen by YOU, through on-line voting and will receive $2,500 cash for their school.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

Once you enter the site, click FACEBOOK CONNECT.

(If you do not use Facebook, just click LOVE IT and follow instructions).

Remember to share via Facebook, Twitter, and email.

Please also leave a comment to encourage our school in the comment section.

LET'S GO COOPER'S!

♥ THANK YOU ♥

Girls Night In Amaretto Slush

noreply@blogger.com (puresurplus) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:13:00 +0000

1 - Large can of pineapple/mango juice
1 - 2 liter bottle of (cherry) 7up
1 - Large can of orange juice concentrate
1 - Can full of water
1 – Large jar of cherries (halved)
1 cup sugar & 1 cup water = Syrup
3-4 cups Amaretto (I just throw in the whole bottle!)

Mix juice, 7up, and water in a large container. Make simple syrup by bringing 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water to a boil. Combine first mixture and simple syrup. Add amaretto and cherries. Freeze flat for 24 hours in gallon size ziplock bags. Take out 1-2 hours before using; slushy when served. Recipe makes 1 gallon.

#hugaGIday

noreply@blogger.com (puresurplus) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:48:00 +0000

Tomorrow, Thursday, March 4th, is believed to mark the 14th anniversary of Hug A GI Day. It is the only calendar date that is also an order: March Forth. The creator remains unknown, but the holiday was originally established in 1996.

Please use the hashtag #hugaGIday to give a virtual (((hug))) to all our brave military men and women presently serving to protect our freedoms. Honor them with a special Tweet!

Tough As Nails

noreply@blogger.com (puresurplus) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:10:00 +0000

Watch my friend, Cindy Stumpo, on HGTV! Premiere is March 18th at 8:30/9:30 Central.

HGTV Promo Video

Cindy Stumpo, star of HGTV’s Tough As Nails, is one of the most successful residential contractors in Massachusetts. Known for building high-end, multimillion-dollar luxury homes, Cindy is a strong, independent woman who has made a name for herself during her 18-year career by being tough as nails in a field known for its male bravado and wise-guy antics.

At age 23, Cindy decided to pursue a career in construction after her father warned her that “girls don’t build houses.” Compelled to prove her dad wrong, Cindy soon passed the general contractors test and founded the C. Stumpo Development company.

In the beginning, Cindy and her team remodeled condos and small properties. Within just a few years, the company began building high-end custom homes worth millions and winning business awards — including "Builder of the Year." Today, Cindy still enjoys running the day-to-day operations of her thriving business and visiting job sites to ensure the guys building the houses are doing things her way.

Cindy resides in Boston with her daughter and son.

Facebook - Official Fish Face Week

noreply@blogger.com (puresurplus) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 22:44:00 +0000

Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye. My Facebook friend, Kary, and I decided to declare this week Official Fish Face Week. So update your profile picture immediately to your most fishy face, and change your status to HAPPY #FISHFACEWEEK!

Ranger Up & Help Soldiers' Angels

noreply@blogger.com (puresurplus) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 07:52:00 +0000

Ranger Up is donating 20% of ALL sales on February 17th to Soldiers' Angels!

Click and buy. Tell your friends. Go ahead. Retweet it. You know you want to.

Fort Bragg ASBP Soldiers' Angels Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (puresurplus) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 01:13:00 +0000

Soldiers' Angels plaque to be awarded to command with the most donors.

WHO WILL WIN?

Did you know that you can get promotion points for donating? Click here for details.

RAFFLE & PRIZES:

Facebook/Twitter Friends = RangerUP 82nd Airborne Tee
First 20 Donors = FREE Spaghetti Dinner from Fazoli's

RAFFLE $1/TICKET = Gift Certificate from Smokin' Guns Tattoo

MORE PRIZES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON - STAY TUNED
- The Mash House
- Smokey Bones

Soldiers' Angels Give Love Give Blood National Campaign

noreply@blogger.com (puresurplus) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 02:15:00 +0000

On Friday, February 12th Soldiers' Angels is hosting a blood drive across the entire country to honor those that have shed their BLOOD for us. In coordination with Red Shirt Friday and also Valentines' Day weekend, please take time out of your busy schedule to give a pint. If you can't give RED, you can always give GREEN.

Here are the confirmed details for Eastern North Carolina locations:

Womack Army Medical Center
Donor Center
Bldg 8-2809 Scott Street
Fort Bragg, NC 28310
Recruiter: Linda Ellerbe
Time: 0730-1600
1 (910) 396-4222

Link to schedule an appointment at Bragg: https://www.militarylifeforce.com/index.cfm?group=op&expand=19166&zc=28310

US Naval Hospital - Camp Lejeune
Staff Parking Lot
100 Brewster Blvd, NH-100
Camp Lejeune, NC 28547-0100
Recruiter: Calvin Glazier
Time: 0900-1300
1 (910) 450-4628

Link to schedule an appointment at Lejeune: https://www.militarylifeforce.com/index.cfm?group=op&expand=20455&zc=28540

Please contact me directly if you wish to volunteer in North Carolina.

All campaign questions from the general population can be directed to: campaign@soldiersangels.org

More details coming soon...

Copper River Salmon Dip

noreply@blogger.com (puresurplus) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:17:00 +0000

1 can of kippered Copper River salmon
1 pkg. cream cheese
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp. minced garlic
6 shakes of Worcestershire sauce
Few squirts of lemon or lime juice
Dash of pepper

Mix to a smooth consistency. Dig in!

~ Recipe provided by Jason Barnes

Sandy Cross Vineyards Muscadine Review [Video]

noreply@blogger.com (puresurplus) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 22:09:00 +0000

I still give this wine a solid FIVE stars. Looking forward to creating some Sandy Cross Sangria this Summer!

People Puppy Chow

noreply@blogger.com (puresurplus) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 05:36:00 +0000

My niece in Bend, OR asked for this recipe via Skype tonight. This one's for you, Carla!

6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate bits
6 oz. almond bark (white)
1/2 c. oleo
3/4 c. peanut butter (add more if you like)

Melt together all of the above in a double boiler. Pour over 1 box of Crispex cereal. Stir well; let cool. When set, pour into brown paper bag with 1 cup powdered sugar. Shake and serve.

Gingerbread Sugar Scrub Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (puresurplus) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:58:00 +0000

I have decided to make gifts this holiday season. You might, too. Enjoy!

Things You Need:

2 cups brown sugar
2 cups natural cane sugar
2 teaspoons cocoa
2 teaspoons ginger
2 teaspoons nutmeg
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

2 cups almond oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Glass mixing bowl
Wooden spoon
Plastic wrap
Small glass canning jars (5)
*Double recipe for 10 gifts.

Instructions:

Combine all dry ingredients in a large glass bowl. Using a wooden spoon, blend thoroughly, breaking up all clumps. Evenly fold in liquid ingredients. Stir well. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator overnight. Spoon scrub into canning jars.

Optional Finishing Touches:

Add unique name tag with ribbon.
Add tiny wooden spoon or loofah to hinge.
Add gingerbread man sticker or custom label.

Veterans Day

noreply@blogger.com (puresurplus) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:25:00 +0000

This is the first time that I won't be able to call my Dad on Veterans Day to thank him for his service.

Please help me honor his memory by making a donation to the:

Cloral L. Lovell Youth Fund
American Legion Post No. 17
P.O. Box 717
4509 Moulton St.
Greenville, TX 75401
903-455-1717

The Life & Experiences of Cloral Lovell from Amber Lovell on Vimeo.
Cloral Lovell describes being a POW during WWII.

Bald Angels

noreply@blogger.com (puresurplus) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:07:00 +0000

Of course everyone knows about bald eagles...

...but have you heard of bald angels?

Hairless for Our Heroes - Soldiers’ Angels Leadership Vow to Shave Heads for $100,000!

Pasadena, CA November 3, 2009 – Members of Soldiers’ Angels’ volunteer leadership have raised the stakes on this year’s online Valour-IT Veterans Day fundraising competition, which helps provide America’s wounded soldiers with voice-controlled laptops and other technology that supports their physical and psychological recovery.

Divided among four “virtual teams,” a wide variety of bloggers and other New Media mavens have been competing online since October 26 to inspire the most donations to help wounded troops by Veterans Day, November 11. If the teams of online fundraisers can blast through their collective goal of $140,000 and bring in an additional $100,000 in donations, founder Patti Patton-Bader and National Communications Director Shelle Michaels have promised to shave their heads in honor of the achievement.

In just over four years, Project Valour-IT has given 4,100 voice-controlled laptops to severely wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, and has supplied additional items that may be a surprising fit in a recovery regimen--Wii game systems and handheld GPS devices.

“This project changes lives,” says Patton-Bader. “Wounded heroes say that being able to use a laptop helps them feel whole again. Physical therapists are actually designing therapy sessions around Wii Sports! And something as normal as a handheld GPS reduces stress and helps a hero cope. With all that this project can do for our heroes, I’m happy to shave my head if it will motivate donations!”

Each of the devices Valour-IT supplies helps restore confidence and independence. Voice-activated laptops reconnect the wounded with the world and develop self-confidence by showing soldiers they can continue to be engaged and productive despite their injuries. Physical therapists report Wii Sports and similar programs are extremely beneficial when used in physical therapy settings. Wounded personnel with short-term memory loss due to TBI and severe PTSD use GPS systems to keep from getting disoriented when they move on to more independent living.

Details of the current fundraising competition are available here.

Donations can be made online at Soldiers' Angels or by sending a check or money order to:

Soldiers' Angels
Valour-IT Fund
1792 E. Washington Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91104

Established in 2003, Soldiers' Angels is a volunteer-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing aid and comfort to the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, veterans and military families.

Click here for more information or call 623-570-3903.

Tax ID# 20-0583415

Leftover Candy

noreply@blogger.com (puresurplus) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

After Halloween has come and gone: the costumes are put away, the kids have come down from the sugar high, the jack-o-lantern is starting to wilt...and there are still pounds and pounds of candy all over the place! What to do?

Our military men and women deployed around the world always enjoy candy in their care packages, and this is the perfect time of year for shipping chocolate--the cooler weather means it's less likely to melt! Patriotic kids and parents can send extra Halloween candy to Soldiers' Angels, who will make sure it brightens the day of a service member far from home.

Might as well start that diet now before the holiday season is in full swing!

If you live EAST of the Mississippi, please ship your Halloween candy to:

Soldiers' Angels
112 Greenhill Road
Ramseur, NC 27316
(Dropoff avail. M-F, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

If you live WEST of the Mississippi, please ship your Halloween candy to:

Soldiers' Angels
914 Tourmaline Dr
Newbury Park, CA 91320

♥ Thank You ♥

My Momma's Hot Potato Salad

noreply@blogger.com (puresurplus) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 17:06:00 +0000

Now that it's cold and rainy, I figured it was time to bust out this old family favorite. Enjoy!

8 Potatoes
1 Stalk Celery (Diced)
2 Hard Boiled Eggs (Chopped)
1 Onion (Minced)
4 Slices Bacon
2 Eggs (Beaten)
1 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup Vinegar Diluted with 1/2 Cup Cold Water
1/4 Tsp. Dry Mustard
1/2 Tsp. Salt
1/4 Tsp. Pepper
1 T. Parsley (Minced)

Boil potatoes in their jackets; cool, peel and dice. Add celery, eggs and onion. Fry bacon until crisp, reserving grease. Mix together remaining ingredients and pour into hot bacon grease; cook, stirring until thickened (about 10 minutes). Pour over potatoes and mix. Serve immediately. Garnish with crumbled bacon.