SwiftVets.com

[shawa]

Just read this story,
The last part of it moved me to put a check in the mail,
in honor of our neighbor's son, a young Marine who was killed
in Fallujah on November 17,2004.
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.......Many times the number of Americans killed in Fallujah, were wounded. Bethesda Naval Hospital and Walter Reed Medical Center in the Washington area have become long-term homes for these wounded and for their families to help in the healing.

That's where you can make a big difference this holiday season and make a statement like the Gaskills. Maryland chapters of the Marine Corps League — a nationwide organization of former active-duty Marines — are providing support to these families like money for food and lodging besides extras for their Marines.

For instance, the League will distribute presents Dec. 22 to the wounded who won't be able to go home for Christmas. Little things such as a phone card, for instance, mean a lot to raise spirits. And you can help play Santa Dec. 22.

Marine Corps League chapters across the country are helping their Maryland counterparts with this financial burden through a fund-raising drive called ''The Bethesda Project''. Locally, contributions are being collected by the Stones River chapter in Smyrna. I know the guys in Smyrna. They are dedicated to this cause.

You can join this cause by sending a donation to: The Bethesda Project, c/o Rob Law, Am South Bank, 301 S. Lowry Street, Smyrna, Tenn. 37167. Make checks to ''The Bethesda Project''.

Also, the family of the Capt. Brent Morel has established a scholarship fund in his honor to educate the children of other fallen Marines. Send checks to: Marine Corps Scholarship Fund, 121 South Saint Asaph St., Alexandria, Va. 22314-3119. Be sure to put Morel's name somewhere on the check.

Your contribution can brighten the lives of Gold Star families that have given the ultimate sacrifice in preserving the light of liberty for others. Your donation tells them that their sacrifice matters, that their loved one's heroics in fighting the darkness will always be cherished.

Full Story at:

http://tennessean.com/opinion/columnists/chavez/archives/04/11/62380015.shtml?Element_ID=62380015