When the going gets rough, these folks are there to help….

  Hello friends and readers,

    Time to highlight some of the best of the best..of the best…SIR!   Times have been rough for many of Americans, and not just since the 2008 financial meltdown.  The last few years, and several for many of us troops, have been fraught with uncertainty for the homeless and troops with multiple deployments.

 The first folks I want to highlight are based out of Portland Oregon.  Bridgetown Ministries.  I found them through my brother on Face Book and really got interested in what they do.  On Face Book they are Bridge Town Inc. and post inspiring messages and heartwarming videos of work they do.  Let me copy and paste their Core Values: 

• Relational Approach: We believe the most influential, impactful and lasting way to love others is simply to live and experience life with the people around us. We move to be fully submerged and involved in the culture of the community serve while building raw and intentional relationships with the people we meet.

• Dialogue: Dialogue is the attitude in which we communicate our faith with others. Our communication is a dynamic and open-minded dialogue. A dialogue that is honest, truthful and respectful; never degrading, judgmental or condemning.

• Service/Action/Justice: We see service, action and justice as an act of grace and love to be experienced by those both giving and receiving. Acts of service, action and justice are means through which Love is revealed.

• Adventure/Creativity: We see life as a journey of creativity and adventure; with that we are continually searching for new ideas and possibilities for ways of loving people, because people matter.

• People: We value all people and seek to influence others to do good works, so that together, we may be a blessing to the people of Portland. 

I will also include a link to their site and a short video to show you what I mean….these folks are great!!

http://bridgetownministries.com/index.php?nid=3638&s=hm

   The next three groups work tirelessly…in an effort to make soldiers deployments more tolerable. I have interacted with all three groups during the last 18 years and four deployments….drum roll please..

    The first is Operation Spirit Inc.    Based out of Zanesville Ohio and the brainchild of my dear friend Melodie, her group runs a thrift store and accepts donations from folks to aid in sending soldiers care packages while they are deployed.   Operation Spirit Inc. is a Military Troop Support Ministry.  Their motto is: We support our military without apology, hesitation or reservation.  I had the honor to drive to Zanesville in 2008 and meet Melodie, her family and many of the wonderful people that make her mission a reality!   I will include a link to their site and keeping fingers crossed….a video of when I visited.

http://www.operationspiritinc.com/

   The second is  a group much similar to Operation Spirit, but larger in scope.  I am referring to Sponsor the Troops.  I am good friends with one of the Board of Directors, Jane , who is based out of Pennsylvania.  This group has a website in which you can register or just log on to request certain items that you can’t find in your deployed area.  Let me copy and paste….they explain much better…

   

What is Sponsor The Troops?
Sponsor The Troops (STT) is a 501(c)3 Non-profit organization (EIN No. 57-1236474) whose goal is to provide morale, welfare and recreation items to deployed American troops. The purpose of providing this service is to let the Troops know that people “back home” appreciate their service to our Country and appreciate the sacrifices their families make so that they can serve to keep us free.

   I haven’t had the honor of meeting Jane or any of the other volunteers in person, but we maintain contact on Face Book.  Including a link to their page and hopefully a video.

http://www.sponsorthetroops.org/index.php

   The third, but certainly not least group is the largest single supporter of the Military and it’s troops.  I am speaking of the U.S.O. ( United Services Organization ).  My aunt, Doris has worked with the U.S.O. for more than 30 years and has met countless soldiers..either on their way to or back from a deployed area.  Even I have had the opportunity to volunteer to help at the U.S.O. in a deployed environment.  It felt great to direct troops to the phones, where they could call their loved ones ( FOR FREE )…or set up a movie for them to watch and unwind.  The U.S.O. recently hosted a cartoonist convention at my base camp….they had several well known cartoonists and illustrators in attendance.  It was great to meet these folks and one did a caricature of me. 

   The above picture was  drawn by Paul Combs..he is an Editorial Cartoonist for Fire Engineering Magazine, and a firefighter!!  How cool is that?  Other artists and cartoonists that arrived for the one day event were:
Bruce Higdon ( Punderstatements and Army cartoonist ),  Ed Steckley of Mad Magazine, Todd Clark ( Lola comic ), John Read ( Freelance cartoonist ), T. Lewis ( Over the Hedge comic ), Debbie Shafer ( Freelance cartoonist and caricaturist ), Sam Viviano of Mad Magazine and Bill Janocha of Beetle Bailey fame.


http://www.uso.org/

 

   This is the most comprehensive post I have done thus far.  I hope all my readers, where ever you may be...read and watch the entire post....it's really great how folks make a difference.  If you have similar programs in your state or country that are similar in nature...don't hesitate to comment or send email to:

rozmun1@yahoo.com

I would be happy to showcase great people, no matter where they are from...be sure to include links.  Thank you everyone!!   Hope this makes you smile.....