Radio, Defined

Radio (noun)

1. The wireless transmission through space of electromagnetic waves in the approximate frequency range from 10 kilohertz to 300,000 megahertz.
2. Communication of audible signals encoded in electromagnetic waves.
3. Transmission of programs for the public by radio broadcast.


Because I'm late posting this, I missed the live broadcast of Patti Patton-Bader, founder of Soldiers' Angels, on My Point Radio. However, you can play back the recording there. Always worth a listen!

And don't miss the Andrea Shea King Show tonight and Sunday night. Mrs. Greyhawk and Beth will be on the show to talk about Valour-IT and "other interesting things".

Tonight: 9:00 p.m. Eastern ASK SHOW
Sunday, Nov. 4: 9:30 p.m. Eastern 580AM WDBO Orlando, FL

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Wednesday Hero 31 Oct 2007

The following is brought to you by the Wednesday Hero Blogroll:

Marine Lance Cpl. Nicholas R. Anderson
21 years old from Sauk City, Wisconsin
1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force
March 13, 2006


Lance Cpl. Nicholas Anderson lost his life after the Humvee he was riding in rolled over as a group of Marines pursued a suspicious vehicle near Jalalabad, Afghanistan. He suffered head injuries in the crash and died as he was being transported to a hospital.

Nicholas Anderson joined the Marines in January 2005 and began a six-month tour of Afghanistan two months ago with the 3rd Marines Weapons Platoon, his father, James Anderson said.

"I just know that he died fighting for what he believed in," he said. "He wanted to be a Marine and even though it was a major risk he just wanted to go."

James Anderson said his son, a 2003 Sauk Prairie High School graduate, enjoyed riding his motorcycle, lifting weights, going fishing and hanging out with friends.

He joined the Wisconsin Army National Guard when he was 18, but an injured shoulder forced him to drop out. He then enlisted in the Marines.

"I was very nervous when he first joined the Marines because two words jumped into my head: Afghanistan and Iraq," his father said. "I just supported him and prayed that it would end before he had to go over."

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your blog, you can go here.

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2007 Valour-IT Milblogging Competition

Tomorrow kicks off the 2007 Valour-IT Milblogging Competition. Once again I will be participating with Team Air Force. We have lots of cool stuff planned, so check back often.

Bloggers, join Team Air Force!

Here's a little plane pr0n to get ya started:


Oh, and don't forget to hit the donation thingy.

If the image above is not visible, click here to donate.

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Wednesday Hero 24 Oct 2007

The following is brought to you by the Wednesday Hero Blogroll.

This Week's Hero Was Suggested By Cindy

Lt. Michael P. Murphy
29 years old from Patchogue, New York
SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1
June 28, 2005

On Monday, Lt. Michael P. Murphy was posthumously awarded the Medal Of Honor. His father was the one who accepted the award. Lt. Murphy will receive the award for his extraordinary, selfless heroism and steadfast courage while leading a four-man, special reconnaissance mission deep behind enemy lines east of Asadabad in the Hindu Kush of Afghanistan June 27 to 28, 2005

"We are thrilled by the President's announcement today, especially because there is now a public recognition of what we knew all along about Michael's loyalty, devotion and sacrifice to his friends, family, country, and especially his SEAL teammates," the Murphy family said in a statement released earlier in the month. "The honor is not just about Michael, it is about his teammates and those who lost their lives that same day."

Murphy was the officer-in-charge of the SEAL element, which was tasked with locating a high- level Taliban militia leader to provide intelligence for a follow-on mission to capture or destroy the local leadership and disrupt enemy activity. Taliban sympathizers discovered the SEAL unit and immediately revealed their position to Taliban fighters. The element was besieged on a mountaintop by scores of enemy fighters. The firefight that ensued pushed the element farther into enemy territory and left all four SEALs wounded. The SEALs fought with everything they had. despite being at a tactical disadvantage and outnumbered more than four to one. Understanding the gravity of the situation and his responsibility to his men, Murphy, already wounded, deliberately and unhesitatingly moved from cover into the open where he took and returned fire while transmitting a call for help for his beleaguered teammates. Shot through the back while radioing for help, Murphy completed his transmission while returning fire. The call ultimately led to the rescue of one severely wounded team member, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Marcus Luttrell, and the recovery of the remains of Murphy and Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class (SEAL) Danny Dietz and Sonar Technician 2nd Class (SEAL) Matthew Axelson.

Eight more SEALs and eight Army "Nightstalker" special operations personnel comprising the initial reinforcement also lost their lives when their helicopter was shot down before they could engage the enemy.

Murphy was also inducted into the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon during a ceremony yesterday. His name was engraved beside the names of some 3,400 other service members who have also been awarded the nation’s highest honor.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your blog, you can go here.

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Vote in the Above & Beyond Awards

Microsoft Corporation, in partnership with the United Service Organizations (USO), is recognizing the contributions of the military community - the friends, family, and other individuals who help brighten the lives of U.S. troops throughout the world - with the creation of the first annual Above and Beyond Awards.

Soldiers' Angels founder Patti Patton-Bader has been nominated in the "Effort Award" category. This award recognizes an individual who:

• Offers outstanding support and comfort to our troops.


• Helps enhance morale and personal welfare of our troops.


• Through their mentorship, inspires other groups/individuals to create new and unique ways to show their support of the troops.


• Has impacted the lives of many through their leadership and guidance.

Patti has been doing all of the above, and doing it very well, for a number of years now. Please VOTE HERE!

Other categories include: Medical Attention Award, USO Promotion and Success Award, Everyday Difference Award, and Youth Leadership Award

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Soldiers' Angels Tribute Song

From Angel Joanna:

Okay, I'm very emotional right now so please bear with me. For those of you who were at the convention, you're familiar with Mr.Sylk, John John, and Frank from 1223 Music. Well we announced then (I think) that they were writing a tribute to Soldiers' Angels. Well I'm proud to announce that the song is now done! Right now it's only available for listening as all the legal paperwork isn't finished for them to make it available for downloading but they said within 10-20 days that will be complete. I encourage all of you to visit them at www.myspace.com/1223music and listen to the song on their music player. It's called Tribute To Soldiers' Angels and it's beautiful! Even if hip hop isn't your preferred genre of music you will love this song! I've included a copy of the lyrics for you. Please pass this along to all the angels. Thanks!

Hip hop really isn't my thing, but I do love *this* song. Really, it is easy to overlook the genre because these guys have really great voices, and the subject being so near and dear to my heart... All I can say is thank you, guys! Here are the lyrics:

Intro (Written and Spoken by Frank Herring)

This song is dedicated to all the men and women of Soldier's Angels (we need you)
who stopped to take time out of their busy lives
who may not understand the impact of their contributions
prayers, letters, gifts, and long distance hugs
We Soldiers could never say thank you enough (thank you)
for giving us the one thing that really ever mattered to us...

YOUR SUPPORT!

Hook (Written by Adrian Taylor AKA Mr. Sylk, Performed by Cornelius Whitaker AKA C-Whit)

God sent me an Angel
And I got it in the mail today
It said I love you and I wanna wish you well today
So here's a package and it's showered with love
I sent it to you cause I know you miss the kisses and hugs
though this world can be so hateful
I'm here to tell you that I'm greatful
And let you know you've got an Angel
Cause you're a Soldier
And I know you need an Angel to watch over you

1st Verse (Written by Mr. Sylk. Performed by himself and C-Whit)

Hey, It seems like heaven's many miles away
but man i'm blessed
Cause my Angel's just a smile away
I smile today, somebody had a frown today
But not me, ain't gone be no dark clouds today
I got a letter in the mail, It's my surrogate mom
I got a package in the mail, Oooh I bet it's the bomb
yep, I got a package of DVD's
Some new release CD's to go with my MP3
I got a pack of white socks and white T-Shirts
Hanes, it really ain't my style, but thats's gone work
(man) I'm so grateful to have an Angel
Because it's painful, to watch a man go
Unloved and to never get a thank you
When he should get his love committee of a rainbow
(Hey) It's the American Way
Thank you Angel, I'ma have a great American Day
Betsy Ross she made the flag, I'ma raise the flag
I'm bout to head up out the gate so pray for me and wave ya flags
If you committed to a Soldier MOUNT UP!
Man we need support, so put your pound up
Help us get the count up
And don't be scared cause we're a nation at war
cause all of those that died before us makes the nation we are
My Angel will carry me, If they should go bury me
I'M COMING HOME TO LOVE......
PEOPLE THIS NATION WON"T WORRY ME ... NAW

Hook

2nd Verse (Written and performed by John Kirk AKA John-John)

They say angels have wings
Yours are just hidden
But its more than a package
Its your heart that you're given

When you're living with a purpose
Always moving never stopping
So no soldier goes unloved
So no soldier is forgotten

Sometimes life is rotten
It can seem so tangled
Soldiers need weapons
But they also need angels

Pattie Patton Bader
Sent a gift to her son
That one act of kindness
Has been multiplied by tons

You can hear it in my lungs
I'm singing this to ya'll
To think you for the support
And answering the call

Cause if all play a part
Ain't no way that we can stop
So many have been supported
So many have been adopted

Now I know I ain't know profit
Cause family can do it better
With an uncle named Sam
You know that we come together

Cause forever seems short
When you're living right
You make a dark day seem bright
My Angel

Hook and Outro (performed by C-Whit)

VISIT THE WEBSITE AT WWW.SOLDIERSANGELS.ORG

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Bake Me A Wish

Soldiers' Angels and Bake Me A Wish! JOIN FORCES To Support U.S. Soldiers Serving Overseas

Pasadena, CA October 15, 2007 – With thousands of our U.S. troops deployed overseas, Soldiers' Angels and BakeMeAWish.com now give Americans – individuals and corporations - a unique way to show our nation's defenders we remember them on their special day. Operation: Birthday Cake, created and sponsored by BakeMeAWish.com and administered by Soldiers' Angels, delivers delicious gourmet gift cakes with a personalized greeting to service men and women. In sending cakes to our soldiers deployed overseas, BakeMeAWish.com pledges approximately 5% of all earnings through the end of the year to Operation: Birthday Cake .

"We are delighted BakeMeAWish.com has chosen Soldiers' Angels to partner with in these appreciation efforts," said Soldiers' Angels founder Patti Patton-Bader, great-niece of General George Patton, and proud mother of a second son now serving in Iraq.

"Cakes have the power to turn the simplest gathering into a celebration and evoke/create strong memories," said Josh Kaye, President, BakeMeAWish.com.

"Everybody knows somebody who has been away from home on their birthday," Kaye continued. "BakeMeAWish.com is proud to work with Soldiers' Angels. Together, we continue to do so much to keep the morale high among the troops by delivering gourmet cakes to loved ones celebrating a birthday away from home."

Each handmade cake is made to order, and topped with the finest imported Belgian chocolate plaque, inscribed with a choice of a personalized message including: " Happy Birthday," "Best Wishes," "Congratulations," " Seasons Greetings" or "Thank You." Each cake is delivered in an elegant gold gift box, and specially packed to guarantee freshness. "By working together we can recognize the men and women serving overseas on a very special day, and hopefully bring a little extra joy to their lives, by giving them the opportunity to celebrate life and good times with their comrades," she concluded.

People interested in participating in Operation: Birthday Cake can visit Bake Me A Wish's website . To make donation by credit card, call 888-987-9474 (YUR.WISH) or mail in checks to Bake Me A Wish, Attention Operation Birthday Cake at 211 East 43 rd Street, Suite 305, New York, New York 10017. Gourmet cake purchases and delivery can also be made online and sent directly to soldiers, starting at $75. Delivery can take between 7 and 14 days to arrive, depending on final destination. Funds for the project will come from donations. As Soldiers' Angels is a non-profit 501( C )3 organization, all contributions are tax-deductible.

About Bake Me A Wish!

BakeMeAWish.com is a premiere on-line bakery shop founded in 2004. Each cake is handmade from the freshest ingredients, using award-winning, time-tested, family recipes, perfected by Master Pastry Chefs. www.BakeMeAwish.com offers a diverse selection of decadent cakes, shipped directly to the consumer, ready for any occasion, be it an elegant anniversary, chic dinner party, office birthday party, casual gathering, sophisticated New Year's Eve extravaganza or family holiday gathering. All cakes are packaged in a customized box at the bakery with a personalized note. BakeMeAWish.com offers corporate loyalty programs for organizations to reward customers or employees with gourmet cake gifts. Bake Me A Wish! can be found online at www.BakeMeAWish.com, or by calling 888-987-9474.

About Soldier's Angels

Founded in 2003 by the mother of a U.S. soldier, Soldiers' Angels is a non-profit internet community dedicated to ensuring that members of the military know they are loved and supported. To date, more than 105,000 individuals have adopted soldiers worldwide. These "angels" provide aid and comfort to the military and to their families. Soldiers' Angels commit to writing their adopted soldier once a week, and to sending small care packages to him or her twice a month. Soldiers' Angels currently works with over 50,000 military units. Nearly 6,000 blankets have been given to injured service men and women, both in Landstuhl, Germany and in U.S hospitals. During the Christmas holidays in 2006, more than 90,000 individual gift bags were sent to U.S. soldiers. All donations to Soldiers Angels are tax deductible. The organization can be reached at www.soldiersangels.org or by calling (615)-676-0239

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Wednesday Hero 17 Oct 2007

The following is brought to you by the Wednesday Hero Blogroll.

Sgt. Robert M. McDowell
30 years old from Deer Park, Texas
2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division
April 01, 2007


Sgt. Robert M. McDowell was a military police noncommissioned officer assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion.

Originally from Deer Park, Texas, he joined the Army in February 1998 and completed training at Fort Benning, Georgia.

In June 1998 he was assigned to Fort Hood where he served until being reassigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment at Katterbach Kaserne in Germany in January 2003. While a member of 1st Infantry Division, he served as an AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter repairman.

McDowell was assigned to Fort Drum in March 2006 after completing military police reclassification training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

He was deployed to Bosnia from February to September 1999.

His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Valorous Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge and the Army Aviator Badge.

Sgt. McDowell was killed when and IED struck his vehicle in Baghdad, Iraq. He is survived by his wife and son, of Evans Mills, N.Y., and a daughter, Madison McDowell, of New Mexico.

Also killed in the attack were Staff Sgt. David A. Mejias, Staff Sgt. Eric R. Vick and Sgt. William G. Bowling. You can find more information about them at this site.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your blog, you can go here.

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Wednesday Hero 10 Oct 2007

The following is brought to you by the Wednesday Hero Blogroll.

This Weeks Hero Was Suggested By Beth

Her name is Holly Holeman. Her job is working at a flower shop. And her mission to make sure soldiers are never forgotten. Which is why she's out at Arlington National Cemetery every week putting flowers around the headstones. She usually does this alone, but on a bitter cold day in February of 2007 she was met with family members of fallen soldiers buried in Section 60 of the cemetery who helped her to place the roses.

To read the rest of Holly's story, you can go here.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your blog, you can go here.

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Wednesday Hero 3 Oct 2007

The following is brought to you by the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. Apologies for the late posting, today you get two for the price of one.

This Weeks Hero Was Suggested By Greta, Who Is Herself A Soldiers' Angel

May No Soldier Go Unloved

Back in 2003, self-described "ordinary mother", Patti Patton-Bader, started an organization called Soldiers' Angels because her son, Sgt. Brandon Varn, wrote her a letter from Iraq in which he showed concern that some of the brave men and women there weren't receiving any mail or support from back home. Well, she wasn't going to allow this. She called a few friends and family asking them if they would write to some of the soldiers. They'd never met them. Didn't know who they were, but they wrote. And in a few short months, Soldiers' Angels went from an idea an "ordinary mother" had to having chapters all over the country and thousands of angels all over the world letting soldiers know that they were loved and respected by writing hundreds of thousands of letters, sending care packages, medical supplies, body armor and lending comfort and support to military families. Soldiers' Angels and the people who run and support it are heroes in the truest sense.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your blog, you can go here.

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Holidays for Heroes

Help us bring a holiday gift to 140,000 deployed troops this season. Each gift bag contains either a Soldiers' Angels stainless steel mug or a Christmas stocking, with white socks, a 150 minute International Pre-Paid phone card, hot cocoa mix, hot cider mix, power bar, candy, and a hand-written Christmas card.

How can you help? Make a donation to buy one or more gift bags here.

Help spread the word... blog, e-mail, or download fliers to hang in your community.

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