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" GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!!!"
Welcome, I have designed this board for those of us that have someone that is enlisted in the Service. Be it, US Air Force, Navy, Marines, Army, National Guard, etc., You are very welcome here. If you have someone in Iraq or stationed any where else, this is a place where we can meet and talk about our everyday life. If you need to vent , please do so here, but please no profanity. We can exchange ideas and thoughts of how to get by each day- one day at a time. However, Please no bashing of any kind and no advertising allowed. This is a friendship board. I am in hopes of making many chains of friendship here and we all need someone to talk to- hopefully I will be able to get a chat set up very soon. Anyone have any ideas how to do that??? Please feel very free to post any pictures that you have of you loved ones and any other information that you feel is appropiate to post. God Bless Our Troops and our Men and Women who so bravely are doing what they feel the need to do. God Bless our Parents, Wives, Husbands, Children, Friends, etc who are standing up for Our Country and fighting each day. May He watch over them and bless them from day light to night.Watch over them and protect them from any harms way. Please know that each and everyone of you are in my prayers and thoughts. Niski Mother of Joseph Brett Turner- enlisted with the US Air Force.

**** Happy Halloween**** -- Niski (:)), 13:11:37 10/25/08 Sat [1]

I want to wish everyone a safe and a happy halloween.

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Brett Graduates Next Friday -- Niski, 10:19:42 05/31/07 Thu [7]

I will be on my way to San Antonio this time next week - for Brett's graduation next Friday. I am looking so forward to seeing him....
Niski

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[> My daughter is also in the Air Force. -- Melodie Ditto, 10:40:58 06/05/07 Tue [1]

I wish your son the best and I will pray for him. My daughter has been in the Air Force for 4 years. She has been home from Iraq for 6 months now. I am so thankful she made it home safe. Now she is stationed at Ellington AFB in Clear Lake, Texas. Maybe your son could look into that base as well. He would be very close to you. Well, good luck and may God Bless.

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[> HAVE A GREAT TIME -- BECKY (BE BLESSED), 12:39:28 06/05/07 Tue [1]

HAVE A GREAT TIME IN SA. YOU WILL FIND A TOTALLY DIFFERENT YOUNG MAN WHEN YOU GET THERE. IT WAS AWESOME TO GO AND WATCH MY SON GRAD. MAKE SURE YOU STAY ALL 4 DAYS AND GO TO THE CHURCH SERVICE ON SUNDAY IF YOU GET THE CHANCE IT WAS AWESOME AS YOU WATCH THE ONES GRAD AND THE ONES THAT HAVE ONLY BEEN THERE FOR 2 DAYS. THEY ALSO HONOR THEM THERE. HAVE A SAFE AND BLESSED TRIP I AM SO PROUD FOR YOU. WILL PRAY SAFETY FOR YA'LL
BECKY

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[> wooohoo Brett congrats to you!!! -- Misty, 14:04:40 06/05/07 Tue [1]

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[> [> Thanks so much!!!!!!!!! -- Niski, 19:55:17 06/05/07 Tue [1]

Thanks to all who have posted such nice comments and congrats to Brett. I can not wait to get there and see this. I have heard rave reviews about the graduation ceremony and such!!! I am really excited about this and as you can tell cant wait to see my young guy!!!!!
Niski

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[> [> [> Re Brett -- Celia Stacy (:-)), 09:07:00 10/12/08 Sun [1]

Your children are so nice looking what a very lucky mother you are .What very lucky children they are to have such a caring mother you have to be proud of Brett and all of them. I have grown to love you Niski and I hope our friendship is forever....Love ya Celia

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[> [> [> Josh and Chase and Justin -- Celia Stacy (:-)), 09:13:41 10/12/08 Sun [1]

I know how you feel I have a grandson a nepew and a cousin serving in I raq right now and we are so lucky to have these Yong men and women fighting this war you know my nephew says he feels for the children of I raq they have no "Choices" as we do here they are used I sent them chocolates so they would have Candy to give these little children they love our soldiers and we should do all we can to make it easy for our soldiers to be there God Bless Our Troops.......

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[> [> [> Josh Celia's Nephew -- Celia Stacy (;-)), 09:21:25 10/12/08 Sun [1]

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Specialist Arnold Gonzales -- Anna Gonzales, 13:51:33 09/03/08 Wed [1]

My son's name is Arnold Gonzales II from Longview Texas stationed at Ft Richardson Alaska Parents are Arnold and Anna Gonzales Sisters are Monica And Regina and he is married to a wonderful girl Courtney and a 1 year old son son Averien Terry. I along with 3 other wonderful ladies have put together an East Texas Family support group and would like to extent an invitation to join us at our website http://www.easttexasmilitaryfamilies.com/ it would honors us.

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In Memory Of Jimy Mac Malone -- Virginia Manning (I miss you very much.), 20:21:04 08/31/08 Sun [1]

I know that Jimy is at peace now. He fought hard
for our country and I thank him very much.

Virginia Manning
StepMother

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BABY CHIHUAHUA'S FORSALE -- Niski, 08:22:57 08/07/08 Thu [1]

I have 2 litters of baby chihuahua's that will be available soon, please check out my website at
www.freewebs.com/nparedes

you can see their pics there.
thanks
Niski

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BRETT -- Niski (HAPPY), 12:04:42 04/04/08 Fri [1]

JUST FOUND OUT MY SON -AIRMAN BRETT TURNER IS COMING HOME IN SEPTEMBER FOR A 30 DAY LEAVE!!!!!!!!!!
HURRAY!!!!!!!!!!!

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HTML code for a chatbox -- Tammy H., 17:18:50 11/24/07 Sat [1]

Just stopped by to check out the site. Heres a website where you can get the code for a chat box.
http://www.xat.com/

click the blue box to the right.
Hope this helps!

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My Son and Thanksgiving.... -- Niski, 08:44:41 11/24/07 Sat [1]

Well now that Thanksgiving is over and my Son will leave out Monday morning for Alaska, I am wanting everyone to know that I had a wonderful visit with him. We went to Tyler to my oldest daughers house and the son n law made some good chili last weekend, then we had our traditional Turkey Day dinner in Fairfield at Granny Jo's house.
The Air Force has changed my Son, he is now a grown man who thinks completly differant, you can tell it by the way he talks and carries himself.
The movers came last on Monday and packed all his stuff INCLUDING his WINTER CLOTHES....I asked him what were you thinking, you are going to Alaska not Hawaii....so hopefully he now has him some warm clothes to step out of that plane with.....
Brett will be stationed in Alaska for 3 years, unless unexpected plans occur....but you never know....
I am going to miss him dearly and will need the extra prayers that anyone can pray for me...
I amhoping that you all had a nice Thanksgiving as well...
And God Bless the Troops that didnt get to come home to see their families this year..YOU are all in my prayers and thoughts daily!!!!
Niski

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yellow ribbons -- Karen Martin, 14:28:01 11/07/07 Wed [1]

Can anyone please tell me where we can purchase yellow ribbons for our trees in our yards and neighborhood; in or around Conroe, TX. ? Please email me. Thanxs; Karen

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Update On my Son, AirMan Joseph Brett Turner -- Niski, 18:43:47 10/09/07 Tue [1]

Brett left for Arizona this weekend for 6 weeks, he will then be home for 2 weeks on leave then off to Alaska for the next 2 years.

Please keep all of our Soldiers in your prayers!!
Niski

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FAITH MEETING -- Posted from ITOWN, 18:41:24 10/09/07 Tue [1]

THis Thursday is the monthly meeting of the FAITH group. This is the support group for military families and their hero loved ones serving in the military. We expect to fill somewhere around 200 boxes this month to send out to locally connected men and women serving both abroad and in the states.
If you would like to attend it will begin at 6 PM at Livingston Physical Therapy with a word of prayer, a pot luck dinner and then fellowship and sharing. After that we will fill the boxes.
As always donations of food and supplies are needed and appreciated as is the help in preparing the boxes. So if you have a loved one, or know someone in the military and would like to let them know how much you care we would love to have you.
Just so you are aware in the last couple of days we have lost one soldier from Point Blank and a Marine from Hardin, both were killed in Iraq. Please keep the families of these young men in you prayers in the days ahead.
If you need any further information please feel free to call 327-4084 and ask. If you know of military personnel from our area and would like to get them on our list we would love to add them.
Thanks
Dan Ellis

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MAIL -- Niski, 20:30:07 08/03/07 Fri [1]

Have you sent your favorite soldier a letter lately???

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Navy Ship's Reunion -- Bob Brockman, 20:00:48 07/14/07 Sat [1]

USS Passumpsic AO 107 will have it's 12 reunion in ST Johnsbury, VT at the Comfort Inn on the 13th, 14th, & 15th of September 2007. All former crew members, wives, and guest are invited. POC Bob Brockman brockman@eastex.net

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From a Chaplain in Iraq. -- From a email I received, 09:13:25 07/12/07 Thu [1]

Subject: From a Chaplain in Iraq.

From a Chaplain in Iraq.

"I recently attended a showing of "Superman 3" here at LSA Anaconda.

We have a large auditorioum we use for movies as well as memorial services and other large gatherings. As is the custom back in the States, we stood and snapped to attention when the National Anthem began before the main feature. All was going as planned until about three-quarters of the way through the National Anthem the music stopped.

Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-22 year-olds back in the States? I imagine there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments, and everyone would sit down and call for a movie. Of course, that is, if they had stood for the National Anthem in the first place.

Here, the 1,000 Soldiers continued to stand at attention, eyes fixed & forward. The music started again. The Soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. And again, at the same point, the music stopped. What would you expect to happen? Even here I would imagine laughter as everyone sat down and expected the movie to start.

Here, you could have heard a pin drop. Every Soldier stood at attention. Suddenly there was a lone voice, then a dozen, and quickly the room was filled with the voices of a thousand Soldiers

'And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?'

It was the most inspiring moment I have had here in Iraq. I wanted you to know what kind of Soldiers are serving you here.

Written by Chapl ain Ji m Higgins on 5/14/07. LSA Anaconda is at the
Balad Airport in Iraq, north of Baghdad"

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FAITH meeting -- Bea Ellis, 12:54:50 07/11/07 Wed [1]

The FAITH (Families and Individuals Thanking Heroes!) Military Support Group will meet tomorrow nite, July 12th at 6pm. We meet at Livingston Physical Therapy, 305 West Mill. Potluck dinner is at 6pm, then we start packing boxes about 6:45 - 7:00 pm. We are planning on packing ~200 boxes! We need help in the late afternoon putting the boxes together (call me at 327 4084). We have requests for "real food" items this month, so all donations are welcome!

Hope to see you! Thanks Everyone!
Bea Ellis

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Yellow Ribbons & decorating your mail box -- Niski, 21:31:37 07/10/07 Tue [1]

I would like to challenge all of you supporters to tie yellow ribbons around your trees and decorate your mailbox -patriotic style, RWB. Please post pictures if you chose to do so,I will be doing this over the weekend and will post pictures when I get them developed.
Thanks
Niski

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PV2 Bearrett Saffel- United States Army -- posting for his Mom, Tammy, 13:28:54 07/07/07 Sat [1]

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

PV2 Bearrett Saffel
United States Army
108th ADAR (ABN)

Parents: Tammy and Bobby Osborne, Longview, TX

Sister: Krista Osborne, Longview, TX

Grandparents: Lane and Sandra Saffel, Waxahachie, TX

Robert and Kathy Osborne, Gilmer, TX

Bearrett will be deployed for Iraq in 2009. He is currently stationed in Ft Bragg, NC.

Bearrett is in our thoughts and prayers!!!

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East Texas Military Family & Friends Support Network -- Tammy Osborne, 17:59:58 07/05/07 Thu [1]

Hello, I have really enjoyed reading the postings on your website and would like to invite everyone to visit ours. Four military famlies here in East Texas have started a support network. Our purpose and goal is to support all military personel and thier families. Only those going through life with a loved one in the military can understand the things you go through on a daily basis. If you have a loved one from the east Texas area serving in the military please join us in supporting them and maybe find a new friend along the way. Our web site address is: www.easttexasmilitaryfamilies.com. We would love to hear from you. I just want to say thank you to all our military and thier families for your service.

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Please Keep this family in your prayers!!! -- Jay, 19:57:26 07/03/07 Tue [1]

Services with full military honors for Staff Sgt. Jimy Mac Malone, 23, of Wills Point are scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 3, 2007, at Wills Point High School with the Rev. Adrian Totty officiating. Burial will be in Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen under direction of Allan Fuller Funeral Home in Wills Point.

Jimy died Saturday afternoon, June 23, 2007, in Taji, Iraq, as a result of an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle, while serving his second tour of duty.

Jimy was born July 27, 1983, in Irving, the son of Martin Ray Malone and Vicky McDowell Malone. He grew up in Wills Point and graduated from Wills Point High School in 2002. He also attended Kilgore Fire Academy. While he was in high school, he was employed by Brookshire's grocery store in Wills Point. Jimy enlisted in the United States Army on June 19, 2002, and trained in Fort Knox, Ky., before being stationed at Fort Hood. On April 9, 2005, Jimy married his high school sweetheart, Leslie Diane Tisdale, in Wills Point. He was deployed to Iraq on Oct. 30, 2006. He was a member of 1st Cavalry Division, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry, Delta Company, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom near Baghdad. Jimy has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart for his service to our country. He enjoyed hunting, playing golf and video games. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Wills Point.

His grandfather, James Mac Malone, preceded him in death on Oct. 1, 2004.

Survivors include his wife, Leslie Malone of Wills Point; daughter, Reagan Allison Malone of Wills Point; father, Martin R. "Marty" Malone and wife Ginger of Wills Point; mother, Vicky Lewis and husband Trenten of Grand Prairie; paternal grandmother, Ramona Malone of Wills Point; maternal grandparents, Richard and Juanita Lee of Heartshorn, Okla.; brother, Pvt. Marcus Malone, stationed at Fort Hood; half brother, Kenneth Hogan of Heartshorn, Okla.; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Debbie Tisdale of Wills Point; brother-in-law, Hudnal Tisdale of Wills Point; aunts, uncles and other relatives.

Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at First Baptist Church in Wills Point.

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[> Jimy Malone -- Lisa Fritcher, 16:34:28 07/05/07 Thu [1]

God love your Fsmily and God speed your healing.

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Copied from the Tyler Texas Newspaper -- Niski, 09:59:02 07/05/07 Thu [1]

Group Supports Families Of Military

(Courtesy Photo)FAR FROM HOME: PFC Allen Milton, serving in the U.S. Army, Airborne Infantry, is currently stationed in Baghdad, Iraq.By STEPHANIE JETER
Staff Writer

When military mom Melanie Poland stands in the kitchen of her Kilgore home she can't get much farther from the ongoing war in Iraq.

But in thought, Mrs. Poland, mother of PFC Allen Milton of the U.S. Army, might as well be bunked next to her son in the secluded, sweltering country, eating prepackaged MREs and dumping sand out of her boots.

She's what her son lovingly calls an "army mommy."

And there are more like her in East Texas, Mrs. Poland is sure of it.

Hers has been a life spent almost exclusively in the military world. She has a service-focused heritage that spans a scrolling list of father, brother, son, daughter, son-in-laws, uncles, cousins, grandfathers and a catalog of great grandfathers spanning back to the 1700s.

With Mrs. Poland's family history, she's had a life's worth of experience in how to live today knowing tomorrow's not guaranteed.

"I've seen my daddy off to war, and then my husband," she said. "I've even seen my kids off."

No doubt it's been difficult, she said, but bathed in the red, white and blue lineage of captains, corporals and lieutenants, she always got her fill of support from the inside.

But that soon changed. She and her husband divorced and Mrs. Poland left a military base in Germany to move near family in East Texas.

She eventually slipped into civilian life, she said, but when two of her four children enlisted, she realized how much she had relied on military support in deployments past.

"I really began to realize that no one knows what I'm going through," she said. "No one knows the stress our family is under because there's not a military instillation."

Mrs. Poland said she had worried about family when stationed on base, but then, "I was attached to a military association. When your loved one goes off, you know that everyone in your community or housing is behind your soldier."

Without that community, she said "you get a lot of blank stares."

And when you're worried about your child's life, blank stares are not what you need, she said.

It's the little things that take her heart to the war zone where her second-youngest is stationed.

Mrs. Poland knows that "reasonable" women aren't scared of the doorbell and that the ding of e-mail doesn't always mean something's wrong.

But when your child is overseas, fighting for another country's liberation and freedom, she said "unreasonable" tags along.

Like lightning, she said memories zap her senses.

One Sunday morning at church, she said the congregation recited a Psalm, and she lost composure.

"I kept thinking that, when my son was here, he'd be standing next to me holding my hand," she said. "Here you are going about your normal life when all of a sudden the reality hits you; someone is trying to kill my son."

She said that's a common thread between army families and friends, as "every one of us has been seized with unreasonable fears. We need each other."

So, she started digging for a support group, but found nothing.

Fast forward several calls from Mrs. Poland and the addition of four other military mommies to the cause, and the East Texas Military Families and Friends Support Network was born.

The group continues to look for a few good moms to join in.

"And family, and friends," she said. "We want anyone who loves a soldier"

The support group had its first meeting a few months ago, and Mrs. Poland said it is becoming what she's dreamed: a place where resources, prayer requests and a strong shoulder are offered.

Eyeing a framed photo of her son, she said he has an often-asked question.

"He asks, "Hey Mom, how's the Army mommy group?," she said. "I get to tell him the good news"

The East Texas Military Families and Friends Support Network meet every second Tuesday of the month from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Pine Tree High School library in Longview.

For more information, visit the group's Web site, www.easttexasmilitaryfamilies.com.

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SGT. DESHAWN RINGWOOD -- Posted for Lisa- His Mother, 08:09:31 06/27/07 Wed [2]

Sgt. DeShawn Ringwood leaves for Iraq in July, please keep him in your thoughts and prayers!!!

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[> GOD BLESS -- KIM SHEROD, 07:38:57 06/30/07 Sat [1]

PRAYERS TO YOU!!!!!!! TELL THE GUYS AND GALS IN IRAQ---SOME PEOPLE REALLY APPRECIATE THEM!!!!!!!

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[> [> To Lisa, -- Niski, 19:49:39 07/01/07 Sun [1]

Lisa,
When does Shawn leave?? Please make sure as soon as you get his address that you get it to me, so we can send him a care package from our town!!
THanks
Niski

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RED FRIDAYS -- Lisa Fritcher, 05:30:16 07/01/07 Sun [1]

Red Friday

Be a part of RED FRIDAY...Support the troops!

Ask a uniformed member of the U.S. military, "What can I do to make things better for you?"
You will likely receive in reply, "We need your support and prayers."

You can show your support of the troops by example:
wear some thing RED every Friday.

Americans who support the troops used to be called the "silent majority". They are no longer silent. They are individually demonstrating support for the troops. They are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing. They get little, if any, news media coverage on TV or in newspapers to reflect their message or opinions.

Many Americans simply want a way to show that the vast majority of Americans support their troops. The idea of civilians showing solidarity and support for the troops with dignity and respect will happen every Friday and continue each and every Friday until the troops come home, sending a quiet but deafening message.

By word of mouth and example every Friday --- Americans can make the United States a SEA OF RED, much like fans support their team at a homecoming football game. If every individual who supports the troops will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in RED ON FRIDAY to let our uniformed military members know that the once "silent majority" is in full support of the troops.

WE LIVE IN THE HOME OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!

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To all the Families that has Someone Special ...... -- Niski, 16:17:31 06/27/07 Wed [1]

These past few days your loved ones have really been on my mind!!!! The bravery that they are displaying for me to have my freedom in this country is overwhelming!!!!
I just wanted to Thank you from the bottom of my heart and I hope and pray that ALL the Soldiers will be Home VERY SOON!!!
May GOd Bless Them and Protect Them!!!
Niski

Mother of AirMan Joseph Turner

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CONGRATS NISKI---GREAT SON! -- KIM HERREN (SHEROD), 11:53:17 06/25/07 Mon [1]

HEY NISKI...
THANKS FOR THE PICTURE OF BRETT! KEPT IT AND I WILL KEEP HIM AND THE REST OF YOUR FAMILY IN MY PRAYERS! GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!

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Thank you -- Lisa Fritcher, 13:54:20 06/23/07 Sat [1]

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=1429848030

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HI BRETT!!!!! -- Momma, 08:21:57 06/21/07 Thu [1]

Hi Brett,
How are you doing??? Was so glad to talk to you last night and find out that you will be stationed in Alaska, after Tech training. What a relief to me now and I feel so much better!!!!
Hope that you like this board and make sure you tell your friends there about it,so they can come and visit us and post!!
All are welcome here that have an affliation with any Service.
Dont forget to let us know how you are doing during Tech training by posting us a message once in awhile ok.
Take care of yourself and stay strong!!!
You are now a AirMan and you will never know how proud of you that I am!!!
ALso tell your friends there Hi for me and that they are doing a wonderful job also!!!!

I love you!!!!
Your Momma :)

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BRETT AND ALASKA!!!!!!!!!!!! -- Niski, 08:16:47 06/21/07 Thu [1]

Brett will be stationed in ALASKA for 2 years after he finishes with his TECH TRAINING. So we will have 2 weeks to visit him (maybe a little longer) before he goes off to the land of the COLD!!!!
My prayers were answered, my Son will get to stay in the USA !!!!!!!! Thank you God!!!

Love Niski

BTW I will be saving my $$$$ to go and see him there in Alaska

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AirMan Joseph Turner -- Niski Proud Mom, 08:38:43 06/10/07 Sun [5]

AirMan Joseph "Brett" Turner

Brett graduated from his basic training with the US AirForce on Friday. It was a really touching ceremony to see all the wonderful kids that have become AirMen and AirWomen. Over 1000 kids graduated this Friday and Brett's Unit graduated with 1st place honors.
Brett will be off to his Tech training on Monday to Wichita Falls.

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[> Pictures from Brett's Graduation- San Antonio Texas- June 8th , 2007 -- Niski, 08:49:18 06/10/07 Sun [1]

Here is Brett's Unit.

331 TRS- Flight 388
1st place Unit

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[> [> Brett's Graduation -- Niski- Proud Mom, 09:08:18 06/10/07 Sun [1]

After 7 long weeks of not seeing Brett or hearing his voice, other then me calling his cell phone - only to hear his voice mail message (LOL) I finally got to see my Son.
We were sitting in the bleachers on the Lackland Airforce base field and it was so very hot and humid at 9am. I was straining my eyes trying to figure out which one of the brave young men that was coming on the field, might be Brett. His was the last Sqaud to come in. I figured that much out by listening to what was being said on the loud speaker. Finally I heard - 331 Training Squad Flight 388. So I then knew he was on the field. As his Sqaud come marching by so handsome and brave, I then saw him, (I marked him on his sqaud picture above to share with you) So you to can see - this was the first time I saw him and wanted to share this with my friends who have supported me these last few weeks. So there he was- really and truely I hardly reconized him. Brett was always slim anyway- but he was really skinny now.
After about a 45 minute parade of units and honors- they were released to us by base pass only until 2pm.
I was then on the field hugging him, but take into mind you can only hug for like 5 seconds, this is not the place to saw emotions. They are in uniform and we have to respect that. ( There is a place and time for that- Private).
Brett shared with us what he has gone thru these past 7 weeks and I know forsure I have a very changed Son- he was always a great kid never in any kind of trouble and so very trustworthy- but now my Son is a Man- who is a Airman with the US Air Force- and I could never be any prouder that I am now of him.
He will be off to his Tech Training for about 5 months and then another graduation there.
But atleast this time- he will hve his cell and computer to be able to call me and I will be able to go and visit him there on his weekends off.

I would like to congratulate all of the Air Men and Air Women, who graduated this weekend in Lackland, they all looked so happy and proud ....and they should be!!!!

Niski

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[> [> [> Graduation Afternoon -- Niski, 13:04:37 06/10/07 Sun [1]

After Brett was allowed to show us his dorm that he had been living in for the past 7 weeks and after a 1 hour briefing of more information, we were able to leave the base after 2pm with Brett. He was really looking forward to visiting OutBack Steakhouse- however, we couldnt find one so Chili's was his next request. We had a nice visit with Brett while he ate, I think he enjoyed the cheese cake the most, the smile on his face after the first bite was worth a million!!! We had him until 7:30 that night and we had to get him back to his dorm by then.
He spent Saturday with his Big Sis, and relaxed mostly and ate good.
Today was basically only base pass- so he couldnt leave.
He will leave bright and early tomorrow morning to his Tech training.
I just want to thank all of you that have emailed me with such nice comments- it means alot. But I think the best prize of all was just seeing my Son and finally knowing that he is happy and content with the choice he made.
I never thought I would say:
My Son- The AirMan.

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[> [> [> [> Congratulations Brett on a job well done!!! I know that you parents are proud -- Renee, 20:06:41 06/12/07 Tue [1]

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[> [> WOOPS!!!!!!!!! -- Niski, 08:14:17 06/21/07 Thu [1]

Dont know what I was thinking, or my eyes are playing tricks on me again LOL
But that isnt BRett who I circled.....

Finf the TALL guy on this side facing us.....Brett is RIGHT BEHIND HIM....
Sorry Brett that I circled the wrong guy, Brandi pointed that out to me...
MOmma :)

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**** HAPPY FATHERS DAY**** -- Niski, 09:44:02 06/17/07 Sun [1]

I just want to wish all the Father's out there a Happy Fathers Day!!! Take time to step back , take a brief look at what you have and feel very Blessed. Being a good father itself is a great gift to any child!!! SO I am sure that your Child is a great gift to you!!! IF you havent seen your child in awhile- pick up the phone and call them, one never knows what it is really like not knowing anything about your Father until you have experienced it!!! And I am sure the feeling is the same the other way around too!!!
Have a great Day

Niski

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Update on Brett -- Niski, 15:57:38 06/15/07 Fri [1]

Well Brett has been in sick bay since he got to the base in Wichita Falls, and so has the other AIrMen that came in from Lackland- looks like there was a virus epidemic and they had those young guys kinda quetentined until yesterday!!!
So please say alittle prayers for those AirMen ok.
Brett is feeling better now!!!
Thank Goodness!!!
Niski

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Something I found on the Internet- wanted to share (From Ohio) -- Niski, 11:05:44 06/13/07 Wed [1]

Messages sought for U.S. troops

Wednesday, February 27, 2002

KATHY EVANS
Record Contributor

Those who would like to thank U.S. military personnel for their service to the country now have a chance.

Amy Shaw, public information officer for the Southwest Public Libraries, said tables have been set up at both the Grove City Library, 3359 Park St., and the Westland Area Library, 4740 W. Broad St., to collect messages for members of the Armed Forces.

"We're sending postcards to our troops overseas," Shaw said. "People can write a note of encouragement or thanks on a postcard, and we're sending them through Military Moms, which is a group that ships out packages to the troops each week."

About 200 postcards have been filled out so far. Blank cards are available at the displays.

"I had a teacher come in and get 52 of them for a class project," Shaw said. "There have been families that have come in and picked them up to do around the kitchen table.

"We took the display to the state of the city (of Grove City on Feb. 14). There was a lot of interest there. There has been a lot of interest from a lot of different people in the community."

Shaw said the cards will continue to be collected as long as area residents continue to fill them out.

She said the messages have been "uplifting."

For instance, one woman who identified herself only as Mary wrote the following on a postcard:

"I'm so proud that you are serving our country. 'Thanks' seems like such a small thing to say, but it is from my heart."

Another woman, Denise, wrote: "Thank you so much for serving our country. I am so proud of all our service men and women. I pray that you will be safe from harm."

Finally, Tonia tells military personnel that "we who are left behind in our homes will never be able to express our appreciation to you."

Shaw said she learned about Military Moms on the Internet.

"We thought it would be very easy to do something like this, but we had to do research to find someone who could help us with it," she said. "We had a lot of people come in who wanted to do it."

Military Moms was founded last August by Amherst, N.Y. resident Wendy Petit.

"I started the site after my son, Jeremy, left for basic training in Fort Benning, Georgia," Petit said. "I searched the 'Net looking for some kind of support for moms. I knew if I was feeling this way, surely there must be other moms out there feeling the same way I was.

"So in what felt like my darkest hour of worry for my son, Military Moms was born. I soon found out that I'm not alone."

Petit said the organization's members have sent "thousands of letters, cards, candy and Girl Scout cookies to our troops."

"They have gone to Kuwait, Korea, Kosovo, Germany, Bosnia and to the U.S.S. Roosevelt in the Arabian Sea," she said. "This past week, we sent 256 pounds to the front lines in Kandahar, Afghanistan. We have another shipment to go out this week again about the same size."

In addition to supporting U.S. military personnel, Petit said the organization provides support to their families through its Web site, www.militarymoms.net.

"Military Moms is a way to reach the mom who has questions about her loved one who just started basic, to the mom whose loved one just got deployed, to the mom who is feeling heartbroken and missing her son or daughter," she said. "We provide support and encouragement to each other. We share our joys and sorrows."

She added that the organization is not only for mothers.

"We are not just moms," she said. "We are dads, wives, grandparents, aunts and uncles, sisters and brothers."

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FAITH MEETING***THURSDAY***6-14-2007*** 6PM -- Copied from Dan's post on another board, 10:36:41 06/13/07 Wed [1]

Good Morning Everyone, I just wanted to post a reminder that tomorrow night is the night for the FAITH meeting. This is the military support group. Meeting time is 6 PM at Livingston Physical Therapy. As usual we will have a pot luck supper then roll up our sleeves and go to work.
This month we expect to send out approximately 100 boxes to the men and women in the military with ties to Polk Co. We are always looking for donations and help with postage. Postage is now $9.15 per box so as you see we will be spending close to $1000 just in postage.
We would love to have donations, volunteers to help pack boxes and anything that you would like to send. Also if you have names of men or women with ties to Polk Co. that are serving we would love to have them. We don't wish to leave anyone out of this program.

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Email I received from a friend -- Niski, 12:55:28 06/12/07 Tue [1]

The HOTTEST ORIGINAL graphics on the NET at Sparkletags.Com

WwW.SparkleTags.Com

>. FRIENDS ARE BORN, NOT MADE
>
>This is a poem being sent from a Marine to his Dad.
>For those who take the time to read it, you'll see a letter from him to his
>Dad at the bottom.
>It makes you truly thankful for not only the Marines, but ALL of our
>troops.
>
>THE MARINE
>We all came together,
>Both young and old
>To fight for our freedom,
>To stand and be bold.
>
>In the midst of all evil,
>We stand our ground,
>And we protect our country
>From all terror around.
>
>Peace and not war,
>Is what some people say.
>But I'll give my life,
>So you can live the American way.
>
>I give you the right
>To talk of your peace.
>To stand in your groups,
>and protest in our streets.
>
>But still I fight on,
>I don't bitch, I don't whine.
>I'm just one of the people
>Who is doing your time.
>
>I'm harder than nails,
>Stronger than any machine.
>I'm the immortal soldier,
>I'm a U.S. MARINE!
>
>So stand in my shoes,
>And leave from your home.
>Fight for the people who hate you,
>With the protests they've shown.
>Fight for the stranger,
>Fight for the young.
>So they all may have,
>The greatest freedom you've won.
>
>Fight for the sick,
>Fight for the poor
>Fight for the cripple,
>Who lives next door.
>
>But when your time comes,
>Do what I've done.
>For if you stand up for freedom,
>You'll stand when the fight's done.
>
>By: Corporal Aaron M. Gilbert, US Marine Corps
>USS SAIPAN, PERSIAN GULF
>
>March 23, 2003
>Hey Dad,
>Do me a favor and label this "The Marine" and send it to everybody on your
>email list. Even leave this letter in it.
>I want this rolling all over the US; I want every home reading it. Every
>eye
>seeing it. And every heart to feel it.
>So can you please send this for me? I would but my email time isn't that
>long and I don't have much time anyway.
>You know what Dad? I wondered what it would be like to truly understand
>what
>JFK said in His inaugural speech.
>"When the time comes to lay down my life for my country, I do not cower
>from
>this responsibility. I welcome it."
>Well, now I know. And I do. Dad, I welcome the opportunity to do what I do.
>Even though I have left behind a beautiful wife,
>and I will miss the birth of our first born child, I would do it 70 times
>over to fight for the place that God has made for my home.
>I love you all and I miss you very much. I wish I could be there when Sandi
>has our baby, but tell her that I love her, and Lord willing,
>I will be coming home soon. Give Mom a great big hug from me and give one
>to
>yourself too.
>Aaron
>
>Please let this marine (and all our military) know we care by passing his
>poem onto your friends even if you don't usually take time to forward
>mail...do it this time!
>Thanks,
>
>FREEDOM isn't FREE Someone pays for you and me.
>
>God bless you!

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Prayer For our Troops -- Niski, 12:42:12 06/12/07 Tue [1]

The HOTTEST ORIGINAL graphics on the NET at Sparkletags.Com

WwW.SparkleTags.Com

Prayer wheel for our soldiers...please don't break it

Please send this on after a short prayer.

When you receive this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our troops around the world

"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen."

There is nothing attached.... This can be very powerful.... Just send this to all the people in your address book. Do not stop the wheel, please...

Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine & others deployed in harm's way, prayer is the very best one.

Prayer wheel for our soldiers...please don't break it

Please send this on after a short prayer.

When you receive this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our troops around the world

"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen."

There is nothing attached.... This can be very powerful.... Just send this to all the people in your address book. Do not stop the wheel, please...

Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine & others deployed in harm's way, prayer is the very best one.

I noticed that as I forwarded this...another eagle was added!! Neat!!

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Brett and Big Sis, Brandi -- Niski, 08:54:20 06/10/07 Sun [1]

I took this picture right after graduation ceremony. We were so happy to see Brett, after 7 weeks of his basic training.
Brett is in the middle with his big sis, Brandi and Jason her hubby.

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SOLDIER WALL -- Niski, 11:57:08 06/05/07 Tue [1]

http://www.soldierwall.com/wall.php?action=showWall&segmnt=27&status=added

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See what's free at AOL.com.

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*^*^*UPDATE ON BRETT ^*^*^* -- Niski, 10:20:08 05/21/07 Mon [1]

Brett called home and talked to his Dad over the weekend. He sounded pretty good and in good spirits. He said they now have alittle more time to eat up to about 7 minutes from 4. He said that his TI has been to Iraq 3 differant times and said that they are getting them ready for and if he (they) gets deployed over there. That is why they give them only a few minutes to eat, I guess to get them ready and to know that eating is a luxury. ;(
I think Brett is the oldest in his flight and most are straight from high school. Brett is 22 years old.
I hope that everyone had a nice weekend and please remember to keep our troops in our thought and prayers.
Momma and I hung the Flag yesterday in my yard and it will stay flying until our troops come home!!!

Niski

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If I Die Before You Wake -- Sarah, 09:02:49 05/17/07 Thu [1]

This is so wonderful. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

http://www.flashdemo.net/gallery/wake/index.htm

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My Son , Brett -- Niski, 07:29:19 05/15/07 Tue [1]

Well today is May 15th and I have until June 8th to see my Son. I am having a hard time these past couple of days. I am use to talking to my Son once a day most of the time. I am really missing his voice, guess this is basic trainong for me and his Dad also. Just needed to get this off my chest.
Brett, I love you and miss you!!!
Love Momma <3

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My Uncle - Who was in the Marine Corps passed away -- U.S. Marine Corps in 1943, 11:49:32 05/14/07 Mon [1]

C. Ray Stokes, 93, passed away Friday, May 11, 2007, in Fort Worth.
Funeral: 2 p.m. Tuesday at Faith United Methodist Church. Burial: Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Mount Olivet Funeral Home.

Active pallbearers: Dr. Shelley Howell of Temple, Dr. James Frolick of Bonham, Dr. Roy Lowry of Fort Worth, Dr. Mark Baker of Fort Worth, Dr. Jay Beckwith of Fort Worth.

Honorary pallbearers: Faithful Followers Class of Faith United Methodist Church, Texas College of Osteopathic Medical Alumni, Dr. Carl Everett, Jack Morton of Dallas, John Williams of Shreveport, La. and Tommy Hawks.

Memorials: can be made to the Faith United Methodist Church, where Mr. Stokes taught the Christian Homemakers Class for over 50 years, and the Ray and Edna Stokes Scholarship Fund.

C. Ray Stokes, a retired employee of the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and, more recently, a consultant for the Osteopathic Health System of Texas, was born Nov. 25, 1913, in Farmer, Young County.

A Fort Worth resident for more than 65 years, Mr. Stokes lived his early youth with his paternal grandmother in Chattanooga, Tenn., before moving to Fort Worth in 1931. He and his mother lived near Mulkey Memorial Methodist Church where he met his bride-to-be, Edna Dixon. They graduated from Central High School (now Paschal) in 1932. They celebrated their 72nd anniversary on Christmas, 2006.

It was said of Mr. Stokes that he wore many hats during his working lifetime. He worked for 16 years with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram as a carrier salesman, city district manager and county circulation director before entering the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943. He served as a combat correspondant in the Central Pacific, Okinawa, Japan and China.

Following his military service, Mr. Stokes earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from TCU while operating the Stokes-Morton advertising agency. He later became director of sales and customer relations and director of safety at B.F. Walker Inc., an oilfield transportation company.

Stokes' affection for the Methodist Church began in Electra, and continued in Chattagooga, then Fort Worth where he served as president of the Methodist Youth Fellowship, member of the board of stewards, chairman of the board at Riverside Methodist Church, Fort Worth District lay leader and associate conference lay leader. In January 1963, he accepted an offer by conference leaders to become the executive director of the Wesleyan Home, in Georgetown, an assisted-living retirement center owned by the Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church.

The job Mr. Stokes enjoyed most was his association with the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM). He was the first employee hired and his commitment to the institution lasted more than 35 years. He was hired in 1969 to conduct a feasibility study to determine if the D.O. Texas profession would support the college financially. Besides being its first employee, Mr. Stokes also was director of development, public information officer, first registrar, business manager, purchasing agent and student financial aid officer. His last assignment with TCOM was as creator of special collections and archivist for the Gibson Lewis Memorial Library.

Although he and Edna never had any children, they had almost 2,000 "kids" as Mr. Stokes called them -- graduates of TCOM, now the medical division of the University of North Texas Health Science Center. In 1990, Mr. Stokes co-authored the "History of TCOM," which was written unlike a textbook.

Mr. Stokes' honors were numerous. He served as president of the Riverside Civic League from 1950 to 1952, president of the Lions Organ and Eye Bank of District 2-E2, president of the East Fort Worth Lions Club and was named "Lion of the Year" in 1976.

He was the recipient of the Meritorius Service Award from TCOM in 1974, a Founder's Medal recipient from TCOM in 1984, and named executive director emeritus of the TCOM Alumni Association. Mr. Stokes was awarded an associate life membership and honorary membership in the Texas Osteopathic Medical Association. He also was a member of the Osteopathic Medical Center Guild of Texas and chairman of the guild's scholarship committee. As a hospital volunteer, he earned more than 5,000 hours in eight years. When he retired the medical school dedicated a conference room and named it "The Ray and Edna Stokes Conference Room."

Additional honors include Who's Who in Methodism, Who's Who in Texas, 1985-86, and a meritorius service award presented to both Ray and Edna by the Texas Osteopathic Medical Association Board of Trustees in 1994.

Mr Stokes was preceded in death by his Sister Lorraine Cooper and Mother Nina Pat Thor.

Survivors: Wife, Edna Stokes; nieces, Darla Holland and husband Tyler Texas, Bill, Sylvia Autrey, Cheryl Renick and Margaret Gist; nephews, Wyndell Boggs and Carroll Ray Cooper, Tyler Texas. Great Niece, Niski Paredes, Livingston Texas..

�

.
,

.

-

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Please keep this family in your prayers -- Betty Jean, 20:30:09 05/08/07 Tue [1]

Bishop, Ryan Alan

A strong sense of duty and desire to help anyone in need led Ryan to become a member of the United States Army. It was this calling that placed Ryan in Baghdad, Iraq, where, on April 14, 2007, he lost his life defending the freedoms that led him to enlist.

Ryan Alan Bishop was born in Tyler on May 2, 1974. He was a 1992 graduate of Marshall High School, where he played on the 1990 State Championship Football Team. Ryan then attended Tyler Junior College, where he graduated in 1994 with a degree in surveying, then worked as a surveyor for 12 years, most recently with Marshall Lancaster and Associates.

Ryan enlisted in the Army in February of 2005 and began his basic training at Fort Benning, Ga. At Fort Benning, he was awarded the excellence in marksmanship medal for shooting a 40 out of 40, which set the camp record. After basic, he was stationed at Fort Drum, N.Y., before being sent to Iraq in August of 2006.

As mentioned, Ryan was an excellent marksman and very knowledgeable in weaponry. His abilities were well noted and he often ended up teaching classes on weapons, even as a private. His expertise was as weapons specialist. He greatly wanted to work in Explosive Ordinance Disposal and later as a land surveyor for the military.

For those who knew Ryan, he was larger than life, witty, sharp and full of charisma. He was a great storyteller, even though he was known to embellish from time to time. He loved to cook, listen to music and do anything outdoors.

Ryan's desire in life was to help those in need. He saw the good in everyone, even when most people couldn't. In all, Ryan's life was volunteering. He gave completely, yet asked nothing in return. The emptiness we have now is softened by all the good things he has done and we are forever grateful for what he meant to us and everyone that he touched.

Ryan was preceded in death by his mother, J. Lynn Bishop, and his grandfathers, Egbert H. Bishop and Clifton T. Carter.

Survivors include his wife, Melanie Bishop of Tyler; father, Charlie Bishop of Tyler; grandmothers, Freddie Ruth Bishop of Slocum and Phyllis O'Neal Carter of Garland; and his brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Wendy Bishop of San Antonio.

Services paying honor to Ryan will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Tyler with Dr. Shawn Corzine officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at Strong Cemetery between Elkhart and Slocum under the direction of Burks Walker Tippit Funeral Directors.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Burks Walker Tippit Funeral Home, 215 E. Front St., Tyler.

Online condolences may be sent at burkswalkertippit.com.
Published in the Tyler Morning Telegraph from 4/20/2007 - 4/21/2007.

Bishop, Ryan Alan

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Replies:

[> Ryan Alan Bishop -- May he Rest in Peace, 07:43:55 05/10/07 Thu [1]

myspace layouts, myspace codes, glitter graphics

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God Bless Our Troops -- Niski, 07:42:26 05/10/07 Thu [1]

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Update on my Son, Brett -- Niski, 07:39:33 05/10/07 Thu [1]

Brett called his Granny Jo, last Wednesday and told her he is doing ok. Only has 4 minutes to eat and stuff like that. Those drill sargents are being drillers...lots of yelling going on, but other then that he is making it. I am counting the days until June 8th for his graduation, the Family and I are planning of making a little vacation out of the trip to San Antonio.

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Son Being Deployed Tomorrow (05-07-2007 -- John & Rebecca Sawyer, 10:08:30 05/06/07 Sun [1]

Steven Tidwell our son leaving for uban warfare traing snd then to Iraque.

Son may God be wih you.

We Love You
Dad & Mom

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Replies:

[> John and Rebecca -- Niski, 13:07:08 05/06/07 Sun [1]

Your Son, Steven is a brave young Man. He is in my prayers and thoughts and I will be thinking of you all!!!
May God Bless you and take care of you in this time!!!
Niski

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misty thacker wife to ssg thacker -- this is awesome, 15:17:40 05/04/07 Fri [1]

Military Spouse Appreciation Day is May 11 ... this is
to you

I would like to recognize these often underestimated,
unseen, and unheard heroes.

This is for the sad military wives, the angry military
wives, and the strong military wives.

This is for the young women that are waking up at 6
a.m. every morning, laying out clothes and packing
three lunches for those small precious children that
they have been left alone to care for.

This is for the pregnant military wife wondering if
her husband will make it home in time to watch their
miracle happen

*This is for the childless military wife, living in a
town or on a base alone where she is a complete
stranger to her surroundings.

This is for the women that feel like a third leg when
they go out with their friends and their husbands.

*This is for the military wife that canceled all her
plans to wait by the phone, and even though the phone
broke up and cut off every time you spoke to him you
waited anyway.

*This is a pledge to the women that cry themselves to
sleep in an empty bed.

This is to recognize the woman that felt like she was
dying inside when he said he had to go, but smiled for
him anyway.

*This is for those of you that are faithfully in that
long line at the post office once a month, handling 2
large boxes and 2 small children like a pro.

*This is for that woman that decided to remodel the
house to pass time, and then realized that she had no
idea what she was doing and sighed and wished she had
a little help.

This is for all the lonely nights, all the one-person
dinners, and all of the wondering thoughts because you
haven't heard from him in days.

*A toast to you for falling apart and putting
yourselves back together. Because a pay check isn't
enough, a body pillow in your bed is no consolation,
and a web cam can never compare.

This is for all of you no matter how easy or hard this
was for you. Our marines/soldiers/airmen/sailors/coast
men are brave, they are heroes, but so are we.

So the next time someone tells you that they would
never marry a military guy, don't bother explaining to
them that you can't control who you fall in love with.
*Just think of this and nod your head, know that you
are the stronger woman.*

Hold your heads up high, hang that flag in your front
yard, stick 100 magnets on your car, and then give
yourself a pat on the back.

If you are a military spouse or know a military
spouse, PLEASE REPOST THIS

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need your addresses -- Bea Ellis, 20:19:32 05/01/07 Tue [2]

We are constantly updating our mailing list for care packages for our FAITH group. If you have an address for us, please send it to my email address. We will be meeting next Tuesday, May 8th and then have a fund raiser on Thursday, May 10th at Sonic.

We are planning on sending out about 100 boxes again, and can use some more donations of wet ones, food/snacks, or hand sanitizer.

Thanks everyone!

Bea Ellis

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Replies:

[> Hi Bea, I will be there to lend a helping hand. -- Niski, 08:42:07 05/03/07 Thu [1]

Can you please suggest what I can bring for the Pot Luck?
I am also hoping that my Mother from Tyler will join us .:)

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[> [> FAITH meeting -- Bea Ellis, 18:55:56 05/03/07 Thu [1]

well, our dinners are truly potluck. we usually have some fried chicken, and some type of beans....really, whatever you bring will be eaten! We provide drinks and paper goods, so just come one and bring what you want.

I will actually be at school board meeting that night, but Dan will be there and keep things running. I'm at my office all day though, so if you are in town and want to stop by, that would be great. If not, I'll see you next time.

Don't forget our Sonic fundraiser on Thursday, May 10th.

thanks for all you are doing!

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my brother a navy seal will be going back in july -- sarah wallace, 12:44:20 05/01/07 Tue [1]

hi everyone my brother matt is a navy seal. he will be going back in the service as an active duty sailor in july after being in the reserves for a little more than a year. i am so proud of him and his accomplishments. he has spent 4 of the last 7 years in iraq off and on and he fought in the war against afghanistan. please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
sarah

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Replies:

[> Hi Sarah Wallace -- Niski, 09:03:08 05/03/07 Thu [1]

I will keep Matt and your family in my thoughts and prayers!! He is a very brave young Man and I know that you are so very proud of him!!!

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2 Livingston Men added to our prayer list!! -- Niski, 19:02:36 04/27/07 Fri [1]

Please add Richard Tatum from Big Sandy to your prayer list...He just went back in Iraq about a week ago. His Mom, Michelle works for the City of Livingston as a dispatcher & his Dad is a Livingston Police Officer...We should all pray for these kids that are fighting for our freedom!!!

Also BoBo Wiggins from Big Sandy, just finished his basic training before Christmas, we do not know where is he now, but if anyone has he location, please post here!!!

2 more area heros added to our prayer list!

Thanks KiKi for your information that you gave me on these 2 men.

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Replies:

[> I'm sorry, but... -- Derek Inman (sad), 15:25:25 05/01/07 Tue [1]

I'm sorry, but our kids or not fighting for our freedom, they are fighting because Bush and Cheney SMELLED money and Bush wanted to finish what dad did not. We went after Usama Bin Laden in Afg. why r we in Iraq?? Insein suddam kept these idiots under control. Now look!! And by the way my son is a SGT. in the U.S. Marine Corp. So I've got my reason's for my thoughts. Bush will not be happy untill he brings America down. Watch Fareinheit 911, EVERY business that Bush was in charge over went under, now he's running our country-----in the ground.

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God Bless All Our Troops -- Vicki Woods, 16:59:54 04/27/07 Fri [1]

I'm new to this board but glad to be a part. I put my full name because already a Vicki. My son Grady was and they say always a Marine. He is home and has finished his enlistment. He spent 12 month on deployment that includes his trip over to Japan. Then on a ship for to Iraq. He was in the invasion of Fallujah, inbedded with the 1/3 as a field radio operator. He had allot of bad times, seen allot of bad things. I do know this that it made him feel better when he could call if I was in a good mood not sad and talked about good things happening at home. He told me that if I sounded really worried that it would take his mind off of his job and that could cost him his life. He told me the morning he when into the city he thought to himself, I'm never going to make it out alive and my mother is going to be so sad. Thank God through prayer he made it out alive. My hope was in God's word, I wrote to every family member, all the churches in town. To pray for Grady. I joke with him sometime and tell him. God would say who is this Grady Woods I'm hearing about all the time. I'm going to take care of him. Anyway thanks for inviting me will pray for your loved ones along with you. Vicki Woods

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Replies:

[> Hi Vicki -- Niski, 11:04:41 04/29/07 Sun [1]

Thank you for sharing your touching story with us. We are so glad that Grady is back home and safe!!! Cant wait for all the troops to be back home and safe.

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The Sutterfield Family of Livingston -- Cindy Phillips (PRAY FOR), 09:49:02 04/27/07 Fri [3]

Their grandson Mitch has been home on 2 weeks leave and goes back to Iraq Sunday...A Fine Young Man! His grandmother Georgia brought him to meet me yesterday.....AWESOME! Please Remember HIM also in your prayers....thank you!~!
The Faith program is selling t-shirts for whoever wish to buy them....$20.00 for a GOOD CAUSE!!!!!!!!! Call Livingston Physical Therapy (info. per Bea Ellis).....in message thread.
Continue to PRAY for them also! Thanks, and GOD BLESS AMERICA

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[> Thanks Cindy!! -- Niski, 09:52:48 04/27/07 Fri [1]

Thank you for the information Cindy!!
I will be getting My mother and I a T-Shirt. I think that is a wonderful idea to show our support and help out our Brave Amercians.
Mitch is a brave awesome young man, I have never met him nor his family, but with him serving for our country, he is a Hero!!! He and his family are in my thoughts.
Niski

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[> [> FAITH Group -- Sarah, 10:08:27 04/27/07 Fri [1]

I have been to the FAITH meetings several times and its most heartwarming to help pack those boxes and knowing what joy it will bring to the soldiers.

I wanted to say how the name of FAITH came about. I think it was Dan Ellis who "coined" the acronym. It stands for:

F - Friends
A - And
I - Individuals
T - Thanking
H - Heroes

We are indeed friends and individuals thanking heroes and I am privileged and honored to do that. Please come to the meetings. I promise your heart will be warmed and you will feel like you have contributed.

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[> Mitch Sutterfield -- Posted for Cindy, 10:20:16 04/27/07 Fri [1]

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Thank You! -- Sarah, 09:37:28 04/27/07 Fri [1]

I appreciate the invite to this board. I am in full support of all of our young men and women fighting for my freedoms. Having lost a nephew in this war, it's especially close to my heart. Thanks for the opportunity to have a place to express our feelings. I feel somewhat out of place since I have no one in harm's way, but please know that all of you and your loved ones in the military are in my thoughts and prayers.

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[> Hi Sarah, Thank you so much for your beautiful posting!!! -- Niski, 09:47:03 04/27/07 Fri [1]

I just want you to know that you are very welcome here and I am so very sorry about you Nephew. Please dont feel out of place because you have a spceial place with us also!!!
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers also!!
Have a good day and come back soon!!
Niski

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Niski and Brett at his going away party on Saturday -- Niski (:)), 19:32:13 04/24/07 Tue [2]

a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"> Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Hope this posts!!!

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[> This is my Son Brett and myself!!! -- Niski, 21:56:31 04/24/07 Tue [1]

I am so proud of my Son, Brett. However I do have mixed emotions about all of this. Saturday was bitter sweet you might say. But I know he is proud and very content with his decison to join the Air Force and that is what matters most!!
Everyone that I have told of his joining said WOW, you should be proud of your Son!! He has done something not everyone would do, hold you head up and smile big for your Son!!! So I will.
I am very proud of all 3 of my beautiful children. Brandi who is 26 is a RN and Ashley 24, is considering furthering her education. And now my Son belongs to the Air Force- how could I not be proud of that???

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[> [> Thank you for this board -- Brenda, 09:41:19 04/27/07 Fri [1]

Thank you for starting this board, we really appreicate there is a support group and now a board

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Bless Them All -- Niski, 20:10:04 04/25/07 Wed [1]

Courtesy of SparkleTags.com

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[> Good morning everyone!!! -- Niski, 09:08:09 04/27/07 Fri [1]

Just wanted to wish everyone a nice weekend and remember our troops and keep them close to your heart and in your prayers.
Niski

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To Dan and Bea Ellis -- Niski, 17:37:58 04/26/07 Thu [1]

I was sitting here and started thinking of you 2 and also Sean. I know today has been a very emotional day for all of you, and I wanted you to know that I have you in my thoughts!!! Sean is a very brave young man and I know that you both are very proud of him.
Will see you 2 at the meeting.

Courtesy of SparkleTags.com

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[> thanks...it has been a hard day -- Bea Ellis, 22:18:52 04/26/07 Thu [1]

thanks Niski! this has been a long, hard, and emotional day. for the first time, Dan and I have absolutely no control in what our son encounters, and wow.....but, after spending the last few days with him and getting to know some of his Marine buddies, we are confident in them and our son! Our God is good, and He has a plan, and we are certain that Sean and his Marine brothers will be home safely!

God Bless all our Marines, Soldiers, Seaman and Airmen and Women too!

Bea

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New to the Service -- Dysteny Atkinson, 18:50:17 04/24/07 Tue [6]

I see not many people have posted here. I'm in the U.S Army and waiting to be shipped to Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri for 28 weeks and I can't wait. I'm hoping to be stationed in South Korea.

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[> Re: New to the Service -- Niski, 18:55:25 04/24/07 Tue [1]

I wish you the best of luck and you are a special young lady to enlist!!! My son, left this weekend for his basic training in San Antonio!!!
Niski

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[> [> To Niski -- Dysteny Atkinson, 19:21:58 04/26/07 Thu [1]

Thank you for your prayers and congrats to your son for choosing to serve his country,it was the best decision I've made so far.
God Bless Our Troops and their Families.

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[> reply to Dysteny -- Cindy Phillips (Proud of OUR TROOPS!~), 14:01:03 04/26/07 Thu [1]

May God Be With You and KNOW HOW PROUD I AM OF YOU~~~Thank YOU! My son Matt is at Bragg...U.S. Army Cindy

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[> [> Cindy, your sone Matt is in my thoughts and prayers as well!!! I know you are proud of him also!!! -- Niski, 14:15:56 04/26/07 Thu [1]

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[> [> New to the Service -- Dysteny Atkinson, 19:16:33 04/26/07 Thu [1]

Thank you all so much for your concern.
I am oh so proud to serve my country.
God Bless Us All!

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[> South Korea -- Vicki, 16:14:58 04/26/07 Thu [1]

I am proud of you. My son served his first year in Korea, now serving in Iraq.

May you stay healthy and safe.

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Son serving in Iraq -- Vicki, 16:12:45 04/26/07 Thu [1]

My son, Sutton, has been serving in Baghad since October 2006. Will not be coming home until January 08.

He is with the Cavalry, job: Gunner.

May he and all other men and women serving for us be safe.

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[> Hi VIcki, I have added Sutton to my prayer list also!!! -- Niski, 17:20:07 04/26/07 Thu [1]

Glad you found us!!!

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I am getting my daughters shirts made with this on it and on the front -- I am putting my daddy my solider my hero, 15:17:27 04/26/07 Thu [1]

Got Your Back

I am a small and precious child, my dads been sent to fight..

The only place I'll see his face, is in my dreams at night.

He will be gone too many days for my young mind to keep track.

I may be sad, but I am proud. My Daddy's got your back.

I am a caring mother. My son has gone to war...

My mind is filled with worries that I have never known before.

Everyday I try to keep my thoughts from turning black.

I may be scared, but I am proud..my son has got your back.

I am a strong and loving wife, with a husband soon to go.

There are times that I'm terrified in a way most never know.

I bite my lip, and force a smile as I watch my husband pack...

My heart may break, but I am proud..My husbands got your back.

I am a soldier..Serving Proudly, staanding tall.

I fight for freedom, yours and mine by answering this call.

I do my job while knowing, the thanks it sometimes lacks.

Say a prayer that I'll come home. It's me whose got your back.

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Wanted to share this nice peom with everyone here -- Niski, 20:00:00 04/25/07 Wed [1]

""~ MOMENTS IN LIFE ~

There are moments in life when you miss someone
so much that you just want to pick them from
your dreams and hug them for real!

When the door of happiness closes, another opens;
but often times we look so long at the
closed door that we don't see the one,
which has been opened for us.

Don't go for looks; they can deceive.
Don't go for wealth; even that fades away.
Go for someone who makes you smile,
because it takes only a smile to
make a dark day seem bright.
Find the one that makes your heart smile.

Dream what you want to dream;
go where you want to go;
be what you want to be,
because you have only one life
and one chance to do all the things
you want to do.

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet,
enough trials to make you strong,
enough sorrow to keep you human and
enough hope to make you happy.

The happiest of people don't necessarily
have the best of everything;
they just make the most of
everything that comes along their way.

The brightest future will always
be based on a forgotten past;
you can't go forward in life until
you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

When you were born, you were crying
and everyone around you was smiling.
Live your life so at the end,
you're the one who is smiling and everyone
around you is crying.

Please send this message to those people
who mean something to you (I JUST DID);
to those who have touched your life in one way or another;
to those who make you smile when you really need it;
to those who make you see the
brighter side of things when you are really down;
to those whose friendship you appreciate;
to those who are so meaningful in your life.....

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Request List for Care Packages -- Niski, 11:21:26 04/25/07 Wed [1]

I found this list on the internet of items that are now being requested for care packages and wanted to share!!! Lets get all involved!!!

UPDATED April 3, 2007:
In many locations, there is an abundance of toiletries. Please consider donating from the "most requested" items list here:
(see below for specifics on these most requested items)

Snacks and non-perishable food items, particularly tuna kits, beef jerkey, canned fruit, dried fruit, nuts and other healthy snacks
Undershirts (white, short sleeve)
Socks (bootcut, black, green, or white)
Cigarettes, Coppenhagen and Skoal
Single-use cameras (disposable style)
Pre-sweetened flavored beverage mixes
Letters of support
(letters from you, from children, or from your business, office, school, or other organization in support of our troops)
AT&T Global Pre-Paid Military Calling Cards
(calling cards to work in Iraq and Afghanistan must be these specific cards; click here to purchase)

Gum, Lifesavers, Mints (blister pack gum is best because of the intense heat)
Fruit: individual serving size cans of fruit, dried fruit
(Note: Plastic fruit cups with the plastic seal are not recommended as they can open in transit; individual-size cans are preferred.)
Nuts, sunflower seeds, peanuts, trail mix
Power bars, protein bars, nutritional bars
Beef jerky, beef summer sausage (non-perishable; labeled USDA Beef)
Single-serving bags of snacks, crackers, chips, snack mixes
Pop Tarts, cereal bars, "milk & cereal" bars, granola bars
Ramen Noodles, Cup-O-Noodles serving cups
Ravioli and other canned ready-to-eat meals (canned or styrofoam single serving are best)
Tuna lunch kits (includes foil pouch of tuna, crackers, and condiments in each single-serving kit)
Canned sardines, smoked oysters
Torengos� nacho-style chips and canned nacho cheese dip
Jalepeno Velveeta� and crackers
Taco Bell� Sauce Packets
Seasoning salts, flavoring salts

Pork and pork by-products are not allowed to be shipped to most Middle East combat locations. Please send non-perishable foods only. Single-serving package sizes are preferred; large packages won't stay fresh and are harder to ship. If you can stuff it in your pocket and it's not going to spoil or melt during the summer season, it's a good thing to send!

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our son leaves for Iraq Thursday -- Bea Ellis, 22:31:03 04/24/07 Tue [2]

Thanks for starting this board. Our son is a LCpl in the USMC, and leaves for Iraq Thursday of this week. Dan and I are in California spending these last few days with him. The last 14 months have certainly been a rollercoaster of emotions, but the Marines have been good for Sean. We are so proud of him!

also, I'd like to invite everyone to become a part of FAITH (Families and Individuals Thanking Heroes). this is a support group we started last August. We meet on the 2nd Thursday evening of the month at Livingston Physical Therapy at 6pm (except for May...we will meet on the 2nd Tuesday as we are having a fund raiser on the Thursday). we have potluck dinner at 6pm, and then fill care packages for our soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, all who have a tie to Polk County. We currently have about 65 service people on our list. We sent out 110 boxes this month. Polk County and God have been great...we run this solely on donations of stuff and money. Folks can drop their donations off at the Livingston PT at any time. I'm available to speak to groups about our project, so if anyone would like me to do that, just call at 327 4084.

Dan and I have a saying at our house..... We Will Pray You Home! we started this for our son, but it applies to ALL of our service people around the world!

Thanks for starting this site. Let us know if we can be of any help!

God Bless Our Troops! and their families too!

Dan and Bea Ellis

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[> Hi Bea!!! -- Niski, 08:26:22 04/25/07 Wed [1]

Thank you so much for posting this information, you can count on me to be there now!!! I have a wonderful idea for a fund raiser that we can talk about on the meeting on Tuesday, I think it can really help out!!!
PLease pass the word of our new message board or I can make some cards and pass them out at the next meeting.
Thank you also so much for starting the support group, I am looking forward to doing as much as I can to help out also!!!
Thanks
Niski

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[> [> glad to have you in the family! -- Bea Ellis, 09:49:25 04/25/07 Wed [1]

Thanks Niski! Glad to have you on board! Dan and I are very passionate about taking care of our troops in any way that we can. We are learning first hand just how much our kiddos are responsible for purchasing, and the things they don't have access too. Please bring cards about this site to our meeting. I'll be sure and pass it on to folks I run into next week before the meeting. We will be home late Saturday nite, and then play catch up next week at work and home. Looking forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks! bea

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Our Story -- Betty Hoffman, 08:29:14 04/25/07 Wed [1]

Our story - Our daughter in law was called back into army reserves after being out since December 2003 being pregnant with their first child, a girl. She has since had a son and her youngest girl now 8 months old was 2 months old when called back last year. The children are 3yr(will be 4 in a couple of weeks),2yr and 8 months. Pam has been going once a month to reserves in Conroe. She leaves on May 18 for a month to Fort Bliss. She was formerly stationed at Ft. Hood.

We will be helping my son Curt with the grandkids while she is gone along with her family. Pam also has a friend in Iraq that she corresponds with frequently.

This board is great. Thanks, Niski! Did not realize how many from this area were in service.

Betty & Curtis Hoffman

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[> Hi Betty!!! -- Niski, 08:51:14 04/25/07 Wed [1]

Thank you so much for your story!!! I Hope that you enjoy this board and I am hoping that we can offer each other support as well. You have a wonderful daughter and I know you are very proud of her!!! Have fun taking care of those grandbabies!!!
Niski

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Please post your pictures!!! -- Niski, 08:46:22 04/25/07 Wed [1]

Please post your pictures that you have of your loved one or friend that is serving, enlisted or waiting for deployment. We would love for you to share them with us. If you have trouble getting them posted you can email them to me and I will be glad to get them up for you!!!
Have a great Day!!!
Niski

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My husband received his warning orders a few weeks ago. -- Tonya, 20:26:38 04/24/07 Tue [1]

He is about 99% sure that he will be deployed by feb. That does give us a little more time together. I am used to him being gone alot, but he has never been out of the states before. We have three small kids, 2 girls that are 4 and 3, and a 11 month old baby boy. I really like the idea of this board. My husbands unit is almost 2 hours away so it is not easy for me to be involved with the family readiness group.

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[> Hi Tonya, I am so glad that you found the board!!! Welcome!!! -- Niski, 21:04:24 04/24/07 Tue [1]

Always know that you are in my prayers also!!!
Please pass the word of this board to any of your friends also. I am hoping that we can be a support board as well as friends to share our feeling, thoughts, concerns,and beliefs with!!!
Niski

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Update on my Son Brett -- Niski (:)), 19:00:02 04/24/07 Tue [1]

My oldest daughter called me a while ago and said Brett's flight from Shreveport La, was cancelled due to the bad weather they are having up there, so he will leave about 6:35 tomorrow morning. I was able to talk to him one more time before he leaves. Seems like he has already been gone for a while, I am really thankful for that phone call we had!!
Niski

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a little info on me c/i -- Misty, 15:05:36 04/24/07 Tue [1]

I have been checking this and since no one has posted i will.... hehe... My name is misty I am married to the love of my life Tim. We have 3 wonderful children Tristan, Bryson and Cameron.... we are stationed in Tx at Fort Hood Army base. Tim is currently deployed for 15 months. I do have a myspace pg if anyone wants to go take a look http://www.myspace.com/armywifeandmomx3

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[> Hi Misty!!! -- Niski, 18:47:31 04/24/07 Tue [1]

Thanks for sharing your infomation!!! I remember beautiful Cameron when she competed in a pageant here in Livingston!!! Anyway, I wanted to start this board so we can support each other and just be friends!!! I hope that you come back to visit !! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!!!
Niski Paredes

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I am asking each of you to please pray for the safe return of our Soldiers, who are so brave. We should all show respect to each and everyone of them.Let them know we are so proud of them.[ Contact Forum Admin ]

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