A Thanksgiving Blessing
As Thanksgiving approaches, I am reminded of the many families who will be missing a loved one at the table. We will reflect on Thanksgivings past and the joy and laughter they brought to the gathering. On Derek’s last Thanksgiving at my home, there were 14 around our table. I remember breaking down as I said grace and asked everyone to remember our troops and keep them safe. Derek followed me into the kitchen to give me a hug. His eyes were warm and bright when he said, “Just remember, if I go anywhere, I’m going home.” In those words, I have found comfort.
Our blessings go out in particular this holiday to the brave Blue Star families, the PGR, our military, and our loyal troop supporters that have come to our side in mutual understanding and strength. I must confess that I never knew I was a Blue Star parent. Derek was a member of a Special Ops group that number less than 400 worldwide. I didn’t know where or when he was deployed. On our ride across country this summer for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, we found support and new friendships through both Families United and these groups.
Last week, I was offered a wonderful opportunity that has given all of our families’ reason to be thankful. Merrilee Carlson and myself had the joy of experiencing the rewards of our efforts in Iraq. On Wednesday, November 12th, I was invited to DC to take part in a joint wreath laying ceremony. My son is buried at Arlington with three other Americans, and one Iraqi Captain. An Iraqi General stood with an American General and placed the wreath together on the common grave. “Together they fought, and together they died”, were the words expressed by the Iraqi General. A delegation of about 15 Iraqis attended the ceremony to honor all of our sons and daughters that have given their lives for freedom. That evening we attended a dinner hosted by the Iraqis. I consider it a gift that I can now sit between an Iraqi General and the Iraqi Ambassador and share laughter and conversation.
Ambassador Sumaida’ie’s words in an article written on April 10th of this year, ring true to this date. “Having intervened and committed itself so deeply, the U.S. is debating the level and cost of its engagement. I submit that it cannot afford to lose this fight to its enemies. The destinies of the U.S. and Iraq have become intertwined and their national interests very closely linked.”
We stand at a crossroads in our country this Thanksgiving. In honor of my son, and all of our military families, we will pray that our leadership finds the strength and courage they need to allow our troops to complete their mission.
Our Thanksgiving table was always filled with lively debate, and that is the beauty of our freedom. Derek alluded to this in part of an address he wrote to his team. “Our team has not always seen eye to eye. It’s hard for people to agree on everything, actually it’s (darn) near impossible. I know for a fact if I was surrounded by 14 Argels, we definitely would have a hard time getting (stuff) done. I could argue with myself for days on end, but that’s why I’m glad we have such a diverse group of men…Remember your training, your accomplishments, and each other. You will see combat, you will see death, and you will deal it. Take ease in knowing that your country, your friends, your family, your team and myself believe in what you can do. Success!” Our success and continued support depend on the friendships and relationships forged during this time.
This week we will give thanks for those friendships with allies, love from our families, the sacrifice of our troops and the continued successes in their mission. I pray that each of your families find the strength and courage this Thanksgiving that our troops exemplify.
Deb Argel-Bastian
In honor of my son, Capt. Derek Argel Deployed to heaven, Memorial Day 2005
Write Christmas Letters to our Troops!
America Supports You
The holidays can be an especially difficult time to be away from loved ones – Particularly for those fighting for our freedom. Through America Supports You, you have the opportunity to express to our troops just how much you appreciate their hard work and sacrifice. A simple note can brighten the day of our military personnel and there is no better time than Christmas to send encouragement their way! Find out more on how to write your own personal note by clicking here.
Holiday Mail for Heroes - American Red Cross
The Red Cross is partnering with Pitney Bowes this holiday season for the Holiday Mail for Heroes campaign. For the second year in a row, they’re collecting holiday cards to distribute to American service members, veterans and their families in the United States and around the world. Pitney Bowes is generously donating technology, resources and postage to make this holiday card program possible.To find out more, click here.
Hundreds of Service Members Re-enlist During Veterans Day Ceremony
Soldiers and members of a joint color guard render honors before a Veterans Day re-enlistment ceremony for 274 service members on Joint Base Balad, Nov. 11, 2008.Army photo by Spc. Kiyoshi Freeman JOINT BASE BALAD — Nearly 300 service members stationed across Iraq gathered at Holt Stadium, Nov. 11 to re-enlist in what officials said is the largest mass re-enlistment in the base's history. To read more about this story, click here.
Iraqi Soldiers send aid to California fire victims
Story courtesy of Troop Scoop
Story courtesy of Troop Scoop
BESMAYA RANGE COMPLEX - A group of IA Soldiers stepped up to help California residents victimized by recent wildfires raging throughout the state. IA Col. Abbas Fadhil, Besmaya Range Complex cmdr., and his team of “Abbas’ Eagles” raised $500 for wildfire relief. “We want to send a message to the American President and the American people,” said Abbas. “We feel that we are a family—one body. When one part of the body suffers, the other parts suffer too.” This is the fourth donation the Soldiers of Besmaya have sent to the American people recently. In September, they raised $1500 for victims of hurricanes Gustav and Ike. The Eagles also donated $500 to the National September 11th Memorial. To read more updates on the good that is happening in Iraq, click here to access the Troop Scoop Web site.
See our Nevada co-state leader, Chere’ Pedersen, in an interview courtesy of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Chere’ is also the president of the Blue Star Mothers of Southern Nevada. Watch the video here.
Saluting Veterans’ SacrificesSouthern Nevadans express thanks, love to those who served nation
There was a tank, and Humvees with machine guns, and restored military Jeeps. There were World War II veterans and Vietnam vets and veterans in black leather flying big U.S. flags on their big motorcycles.There was a replica of a Navy ship, as well as rows and rows and rows of marching high school students in junior ROTC programs. There was even a bullwhip-cracking Indiana Jones impersonator.But the focus of the Las Vegas Veterans Day parade was a group of more than 40 wounded veterans from the Naval Medical Center in San Diego who were brought to town for four days in recognition of their service.
"It's really wonderful, the benevolence of the community to take them in," said Brig. Gen. Gary Cheek, who heads the Army's Warrior Care and Transition Office. "It's a big part of their recuperation."It really means a lot. The thing that is so great right now is the love shown for returning soldiers."
Support the Troops Rally in New Jersey!
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS RALLY AT FORT MONMOUTH
Saturday December 6, 2008 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The Eagles of Fort Monmouth New Jersey invite you, your friends and family and all patriots to join us at their annual Christmas Rally on Saturday, December 6th from 12pm to 2pm. You are invited to join everyone afterwards at Redheads to continue the holiday celebration. This year, they are once again focused on getting your wishes of good cheer and support to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, so they will be collecting cards on that day to be sent overseas. Also, they will be sending cards to wounded soldiers in Germany, Hawaii and Texas with their coalition partners at Homefront Hugs. Homefront Hugs also has a terrific program for the wounded called "Adopt a Duck"! You can learn more here.
They’ve added other ways to help our troops, too. They will be collecting for the food pantry every Saturday at Fort Monmouth for the Toms River Armory in collaboration with their coalition partners, American Recreational Military Services (ARMS). Unfortunately, frozen foods cannot be accepted at this time. They will also be collecting school supplies for the Bamiam Charity School in Afghanistan. Pencils, paper, crayons – Anything that would be suitable for a school age child to work with is great. This particular school is in an extremely remote area of Afghanistan and has become the focus of support by our troops stationed there. For more information on this effort, email John at jpg25@comcast.net and check the website at www.eaglesup.us for photos of these beautiful children and their country. So come one come all….they’re looking forward to seeing you and making this year’s celebration as much fun as they’ve been in the past. Feel free to bring your children, friends – Everyone is welcome! Directions to Fort Monmouth can be found here. If you need more information about this event, please contact either Elyse Buongiorno at USMCdaughter1@aol.com or Karl Singer at KSinger18@comcast.net
Honoring our Heroes
Families United will be honoring a hero in each of our Newsletters. If you wish to share your hero’s story, please email it to Heroes.FamiliesUnited@gmail.com.
My Heroes – My Soldier’s Family, by Angelia Phillips
On Nov. 11th we packed our car and loaded up the family to head to Ft. Campbell. The men my son served with were on their way home from Iraq and I was finally going to get to meet and hug these men who have become so important in my life.
As we drove on Veteran's Day, I thought about how lucky the people in this country are to have the men and women of our military. Between it being Veterans day and where we were heading, I had no choice but to see things from a perspective most Americans fail to look at. We drove without fear of IEDs. There were no check points. We could stop along the way and not fear snipers or suicide bombers. When we were hungry, we had a multitude of options. And I knew without a doubt that these freedoms and this security are due fully to the fact we have such an outstanding group of people who made the choice to wear the uniform and defend these things.
I realized also…we have WON in Iraq. Yes we are still there. Yes there is still some fighting, but it is safer in Iraq for American troops than civilians in Chicago these days. The foundation of what we set out to do is set. Our goals met and the lives of the Iraq people will be better. They are now tasting freedom. And anyone that wants to argue and diminish that victory and take that from these men and my son can try, but facts are facts. No one but these men and their leaders can claim that victory.
As I watched the plane filled with America's finest land, my heart leapt and broke all in the same moment. I knew that from my son's Company, he would be the only one not walking off that plane. But in a way few will ever comprehend, the last part of my son did get off that plane. His spirit is in each of them and with them he came home too.
The one thing that stands out the most from this trip is as I stood standing and talking to one of the men of my son's platoon, I felt a tap on my shoulder. As I turned, I saw them all. They had gathered together to find me. There was a line of men who had smiles and hugs for me. I was introduced to family members as their "Army Mom". They still have no idea what a gift they are to me. There will be more meetings and more stories to share. There will be laughter and tears. But once again I saw the strength and selflessness of these men. My heroes…my soldier family. Angelia PhillipsGold Star MotherSPC Micheal “Pokey” PhillipsKIA, 24 Feb. 2008Baghdad, Iraq Thank you to our hero:Micheal “Pokey” PhillipsAnd to all of the soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.
To view an article on this homecoming from Stars and Stripes, please click here. (Used with permission from Stars and Stripes. © 2008 Stars and Stripes.)
