Original POST:
TALLAHASSEE (and anybody else from anywhere else that would like to see this happen)!
The Vietnam/Legacy Vets MC M Chapter and the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #96 are spearheading an effort to bring at least 6 (more if the community will support it) soldiers home for the holidays.Their are currently six soldiers identified who based in Germany are currently deployed in Iraq. They have been in Iraq since thanksgiving day, 2008. Some are on their second, third and fourth tours of duty.
The military will fly them back to their stations "IF" they are able to get home. The "IF" is based on their ability to get a ticket home. Tickets home are going for $1200 to $1600 per soldier (and going higher as the holidays get closer) means that if the 6 are to come home they will need YOUR help and like NOW!
It does not matter about how you feel about the war. It is not about the war. It is about standing for those who stand FOR YOU. Yes the economy sucks but THIS IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE.
CAN YOU THINK OF A BETTER CHRISTMAS PRESENT TO GIVE TO YOURSELF THAN TO GIVE BACK TO THOSE WHO GIVE TO YOU??????
So even if you don't live in the Tallahassee area. If you live anywhere and just want to do a good thing send your Tax Deductible checks or money orders to:
Viet Nam Veterans of America Big Bend Chapter 96, 241 Lake Ella Drive, Tallahassee, Florida 32303-5572 VVA 96
Thomas Jefferson
UPDATE:
The following are some communications I (Mrs. Ridley) have received from a few of the soldiers currently deployed in Iraq that we are trying to get home for the holidays. Joe West with the Vietnam Veterans of America has raised over $2,000 so far. He's busting his butt to help make this happen for our soldiers. So far, Joe has received $1,000 from the Vietnam Veterans of America, #96 and $1,000 from the American Legion in Tallahassee. College students from Florida State University are trying their hardest to raise money for this cause and have raised $100.00 so far this week. As far as I know, we've had one private donation from a gentleman and his wife in Carrabelle. The only thing that I can think to say is THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone who is supporting this effort! We've got a long way to go and just a short time to get there, but together, we can bring them home for the holidays. We are planning on purchasing the tickets 30 days before their leave dates which will be some time at the end of the month (October 2009). Your continued support for these soldiers is absolutely priceless and very much appreciated by them all.
Stephen Weber
i cant wait to leave my mom cant wait either but she is doing ok with it i cant wait to go home and see my brother though he is more excited then i am. but i do now plan on visiting you guys in FL sometime in june i think because i will definetly have to thank you for all your doing and i am sure shawn and I would have one hell of a time
Kevin Rhodes
I was in the room the other night you was talking to Shawn. He was on Webers phone in my CHU. I wish Shawn could b my roomate again when we get back to Germany but they want to keep Platoons together this time.
I appreciate what your doing for us on the plain tickets.
Michael Sullivan
hey mama rid told me to get a hold of you as soon as i got in. i had to take an 8 hour convoy back from balad with a different platoon and got hit by a fuckin EFP one of the new IEDs. thank you for all you are doing for us on the plane tickets home. can't wait to get back to the states to see you and my family again.
Shawn Ridleythank ya so much again mama. tell joe and everyone else thank ya to. everyone is fine just tired but we are all good. i will try to call yall as soon as i can. love ya ya son shawn
CAN IT GET DONE?????? WHY NOT??????
GIVE TO THOSE WHO STAND FOR YOU
CONSIDER IT A CHRISTMAS PRESENT TO YOURSELFAdd to Technorati Favorites
I am trying to raise $3000.00 dolars
ReplyDeleteto bring a soldier home for christmas , His Name is George Wilson Biggerstaff, he is stationed in Alaska If you could add him to your list that would be great or contact his sister Jamie Biggerstaff Melton at:www.jamie biggerstaff melton@facebook.com
Please send me a message through Home For The Holidays on Facebook and let me know where Mr. Biggerstaff is stationed and where he wishes to fly in the United States. We were able to get round trip tickets from Germany to various places throughout the United States for much less than $3,000. However, since it is close to the holidays, the $3,000 may be about right. We don't have that much money in the coffers right now, but we are more than willing to look at it and see what we can do.
ReplyDeleteRobin Ridley