HeroBracelets

I was going to do a little ditty about HeroBracelets because I just got mine in the mail yesterday but I wanted to add this funny story that I found through NoelBelle's blog about a saving a life with a Tampon!

Anyway, I found out about HeroBracelets through NoelBelle originally.  I thought it was touching that she wears it everyday (with pearls and all! :D) to remind her and her world about her Marine who is currently deployed.

So the day I read about it, I hopped over to www.herobracelets.org and ordered my own "deployed HeroBracelet" and also let some of my MilSpouse friends on Facebook know about it. What a response it got from their families and friends!  "We should all get them" was a resounding response.  I was touched, as I am often, now that I am surrounded by the military family; this is one that takes great pride and joy in the accomplishments and sacrifices our men and women of this country make... I was just touched.

But I digress... I ordered one for my Marine, even though he isn't deployed. 

Mine arrived yesterday and I'm stoked!

Since I come from a liberal-ish (don't hate me!) background, it helps me educate other liberal-ish people about the military and its people.  I loved it when Hellcat Betty said that she realized that the "military isn't just an accessory to war."  If people ask about my HeroBracelet, it will be a conversation starter about this awesome bracelet or about our lovely, proud, strong military, or my Marine.


Awesome things about HeroBracelets:

1. You can wear it all the time! Show off your service member proudly!
2. You can contribute $2 per bracelet that you order to a Military Friendly program.
3. You can educate people about the bracelet or the military when you wear it out!
4. It's just awesome (duh!)!!

Leave me a message about what you think if you've ordered one before... or if you decide to order one because of this blog! mmk Thanks!

Reina

I don't run...

Running is not my friend. The whole wheezing and lack of air in my lungs is not my idea of fun.  I've been compelled to volunteer more than once for various causes that do fundraising through walks, like LiveStrong Challenge.  I've volunteered 3 years in a row with them. I've never walked/run/biked it though... I'm kind of a wuss (like my friend Henry likes to say when I can't swish Listerine because it makes me cry, but I digress).

When my bloggy idol Rachel of A Little Pink in a world of Cammo announced that she would be running in her late husband's (Cpl. Porto's) honor in the 5th annual Run for the Warriors, I was touched. First, to donate.  I rarely donate. Not because it's not important but because there are often too many important causes. Second, to register myself for the 5k.  Then to recruit friends to do it with me so I wouldn't chicken out.

I'll be running my silly self across the finish line on 5/15 with a few friends because this isn't about money or a good cause.  It is my physical effort to prove my gratitude for the people who serve this country.  You can show your support too!

"The mission of Hope for the Warriors® is to enhance quality of life for US Service Members and their families nationwide who have been adversely affected by injuries or death in the line of duty. Hope for the Warriors® actively seeks to ensure that the sacrifices of wounded and fallen warriors and their families are never forgotten nor their needs unmet, particularly with regard to the short and long-term care of the severely injured.

On their own, our service members and their families are awe inspiring in the face of their disabilities and hardships - courageous and resolute. However, it is with the support of a grateful nation that they remain unfaltering in their determination and find hope and purpose beyond recovery. As a united support network, all individuals, whether of great or small means, can find an opportunity to honor those who have willingly sacrificed to defend and protect our freedom. We invite you to take part in the inspirational lives of these young men and women and make it known that they never stand alone."

She has exceeded her fundraising goal of $1,000 but every bit helps. This is Rachel's Run for the Warriors Page.

If you feel compelled to support my entry, I am trying to raise a bit of change for the cause (significantly less than Rachel's).  Please visit my page to show your support!