SwiftVets.com

[JannDallas]

My husband and I were talking the other night about what we wanted for Christmas. I asked him if he minded if part of my present be used to be for our adopted soldiers we have in Iraq. My husband said well he didn't mind that if this year we both forgo our Christmas gifts to each other and use that money to buy something good for the unit. We are not including our children in this, even though my son has already voluteered for part of his present to be used the same way.

We are not rich people, but we are fortunate people. We have a hard time coming up with something for each other except buy some doo-dad for the house, etc.

If there is anyone out there who is in a similar situation as us, this is an idea for all of you. If you don't have an adopted soldier, you can donate a small or any amount you want to several of these soldier groups who are trying to gather Christmas goodies to be sent out and there are also wounded projects that could be used the same way.

All I can think about is that my present this year is to be able to spend time in my warm home, with a beautiful tree and very very good food. Those guys won't have that. I am indeed very fortunate.

God bless our troops.

[Fort Campbell]

How about giving a link to adopt a soldier.

[JannDallas]

The one I use is www.soldiersangels.com

I know there are others out there and will be willing to post their links too.

[Mary Ann Parker]

Hello JannDallas!
I have started to think about the same thing.
Cruising these forums I have found so much to celebrate
and so much to lament.

When people are down and getting a little discouraged I
have wanted to post something that always lifts my spirit,
but I traditionally send it as a Christmas greeting.
So...this will be my early Christmas greeting to one and all.
I love you Swiftees. I love whomever loves you.
You are people whom my soul loves.

I am going to take advantage of so many souls to share it
with today. Especially since our soldiers have to wonder on
occastion if their individual life really does make a
difference.

To anyone who is wondering if they are insignificant or if
what they do makes a difference I would like to remind all of
us that it does!

One life has already made ALL the difference.
The manger is empty!
The cross is empty!
The TOMB is empty!
We serve a LIVING HOPE!

Lest we forget;
please share with whomever you wish. I have given the
proper attribution at the bottom.

Make it a loving day of celebration.
Remember that NATIONS AND RULERS RISE AND FALL
AT THE BEHEST OF OUR LORD.

Love,
Mary Ann Parker
**************************************************
ONE SOLITARY LIFE

He was born in an obscure village,
He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty.
Then for three years
He was an itinerant preacher,
He never had a family or owned a house.
He did not go to college.
He never wrote a book, or held an office.
He did none of these things that usually accompany greatness.

When He was only thirty-three
The tide of popular opinion turned against him.
His friends deserted Him.
He was turned over to His enemies,
And went through the mockery of a trial.
He was nailed to a cross between two thieves.
While He was dying His executioners gambled
For the only property He had on earth, His clothing.
When He was dead, He was laid in a borrowed grave.

Twenty centuries have come and gone,
And today He is the central figure of the human race.
All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed,
all the parliaments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned,
Put together
Have not affected the life of man upon this earth as much as this
“One Solitary Life.”
*Attributed to James Allen Francis

One life can make a difference, one life has made all the difference.
He wasn’t just any baby, He was the full revelation of God!
The Manger is empty! The Cross is empty! The Tomb is empty!
We have a living hope!
May God bless you, keep you, protect you and guide you
Throughout this Glorious Season and the New Year.
Love and all good wishes

[no_1_momlandj]

This is a really good link. You can read posts from servicemembers and know exactly what they are needing and wanting.

http://www.anysoldier.us/index.cfm

[Poposwife_Retiredarmywife]

Just signed up for Soldiers Angels.

Thank you for the links.
Lorelei

[You GottaBeKidding]

There is nothing that I need or want that I can't get for myself so I plan to let everyone who might be considering giving me a gift (mainly family and a couple of close friends) that if they insist on giving me a gift for Christmas that they donate to anysoldier (my first choice) or the local animal shelter.

[JannDallas]

I am so happy. Let's keep this alive. Told my best friend to donate to one of the causes and what happens, she adopted a soldier today too.

We send out alot of packages every two weeks and in the last one, my 13 year old son had a ton of Blockbuster gift certificates that he had gotten as birthday presents and he said to me that he didn't need them but wanted to use them to send movies to the troops. We went up there and purchased about 14 pre-viewed movies (as they are cheaper and you can buy more) to send. All recently released movies. He also said that he would like to give a part of what he is going to get for Christmas and give to the troops too AND donate all of his games that he has played and completed instead of turning them in for credits. What a kid. I had to take my son to the doctor this week and my doctor is now adopting a soldier.

I just keep trying to spread the word.

[blue9t3]

Does any one know they distribute the stuff? I mean I know we have men over there who really dont have much family or money. just wondering.
_________________
MOPAR-BUYER

[no_1_momlandj]

Check this site. It explains how they distribute the things you send. The way I understand it, they try to get it to people who don't get much mail.