Tuesday, June 28, 2005

America Supports You News-6/28/2005

ASY from Coast to Coast and Across the Ocean
* Five-year-old Lydia Townsend, of Rockford, Mich., shows her appreciation for the troops by transforming ordinary rocks into "Freedom Rocks" by painting them with American flags. "This project is Lydia's way of saying 'Thank you for our freedom,'" said Susan Townsend, Lydia's mother. Lydia sells the rocks at various events to raise money to purchase phone cards for troops stationed overseas. She also used $250 of the proceeds for the production and installation of a billboard emblazoned with the America Supports You logo in the Grand Rapids, Mich., area. Lydia's older sister, Christie, helped launch a nonprofit organization called "Kid Expressed," which is dedicated to enabling kids to express their appreciation for U.S. military members and their families. Read more.

* The cheers of civilians, service members, and wounded veterans erupted from the Bowery Ballroom as actor Gary Sinise and his band, the Lt. Dan Band, played classic rock songs at a fundraiser concert for the Wounded Warrior Project June 10. The project assists service members who have been severely injured during conflicts in areas like Iraq and Afghanistan by helping them adjust to everyday life. Sinise, renowned for his role as Lt. Dan in the movie Forrest Gump where he played a Vietnam veteran wounded during battle, has always felt close to service members. When he learned of the Wounded Warrior Project, he wanted to do something to contribute to the efforts of the organization. Read more.

ASY In the News
* The Associated Press ran a story on the Pentagon's efforts to connect families with loved ones overseas through America Supports You and highlighted the Cardstore.com/ America Supports You Father's Day promotion. The piece was picked up by nearly 60 online publications.

The Fort Wayne News Sentinel (IN) ran print and online features on a member of Gold Star Wives of America who is one of two Indiana ambassadors for America Supports You.

The Bismarck Tribune (ND) ran print and online stories on the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdale's "Here's to the Heroes Tour 2005," a noted America Supports You partner.

The Arizona Republic featured the America Supports You/Montblanc Father's Day letter-writing campaign to the troops.

Fox News and CNN Headline News featured America Supports You and Fox Military analyst Colonel Bill Cowan strongly endorsed the program. CNN also mentioned Cardstore.com's involvement with America Supports You during Father's Day and featured the America Supports You website every hour on the hour on June 19 for a total of 16 broadcasts.

Team Member of the Week
"A Soldier's Wish List" fulfills the needs and wishes of our adopted troops to make life overseas easier and more comfortable in whatever way possible. The organization provides care packages to 1,100 Army, Marine and Air Force service men and women in 40 military units from across the United States. Items in care packages range from carpenter's tools for a unit in Iraq to Cocoa Puffs for a homesick soldier. Please visit www.ASoldiersWishList.org to support soldiers with a requested item.

"Thank You's from Soldiers"
I would like to say thanks to everyone who has shown support through prayer, banners, lapels, letters, etc. Every time I receive a package, letter or e-mail, I am reminded of why my family and I have chosen to make the sacrifice. There aren't words to show how much we appreciate the support that all of you provide us with. Thank you!"

SGT Keith A. Pearson/US Army, Anoka, MN

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"Thank you America for supporting us while we are over here in Iraq. I know that the guys and I feel that your messages, care packages, and phone calls help us make it through these tough deployments. We are so thankful to have such loving and caring people back home to take care of us while we are away. To all our families and friends, thank you and we love you!"

SPC Saylor/Delta Co 1-3 ABR AVIATION/3 ID, Camp Taji, Iraq & Saylor, James SPC US Army, Scottsville, KY, AE

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To read more messages, Click here.

Our troops deserve to be applauded, and so do you!