From BlackFive:

A reminder that I'll be on Pundit Review Radio this Sunday at 9PM EST for my weekly Someone You Should Know segment.

After SYSK, Pundit Review will have a special guest, Patti Patton Bader of Soldiers' Angels.

What is Pundit Review Radio?
Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week Kevin & Gregg give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Hailed as "Groundbreaking" by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to your radio every Sunday evening at 8pm EST on AM680 WRKO, Boston's Talk Leader.

As you all know by now, I'm a member of Soldiers' Angels - have been for a couple of years now. It's what led me to meet Patti, and eventually to this blog.

I also head up the "Operation Outreach" team, which helps to offer support to military families here at home.

My favorite posts to do here have always been the "My Hero" posts - pictures submitted by families of their Heroes, or by Soldiers' Angels to honor their adoptees.

Never have I had a response to one of these like the one I got for Maxwell, submitted by his wife, Natalia.

Maxwell is a Soldiers' Angels adoptee. But so many of you requested information on how you could adopt or support Maxwell and his family that I formed an idea, and contacted Patti over at SA.

The result?
Iraq War Today now has an "Official Hero" - Maxwell. And by extension, we have an "Official Military Family" as well, which includes Natalia and little Shawn!

What it Means:
Any of you who would like to send items, cards, letters of support, etc. to Maxwell may do so! And any of you who would like to send cards / letters / etc. to Natalia or Shawn may do so too.

How it Works:
Depending on whether you're a Soldiers' Angel or not, it will work one of two ways:

1. If you are a Soldiers' Angel, and I can confirm that, I will give you Maxwell's info so that you can send things to him directly. I also have Natalia's information, and can give that to you, too.

2. If you are not a Soldiers' Angel, you can send things to the address posted below, and I will see that those things are sent to Maxwell or Natalia.

I will be adding a permalink on the blog for our Hero, and will post updates, etc. as I get them. (More about that farther down)

You can send it to:
Maxwell (or Natalia)
c/o Iraq War Today
P.O. Box 832
Torrington, CT 06790

If you're sending to this address, make sure you include the "Maxwell" or "Natalia" indication - it's also the address I use for my Airman's program for kids in Afghanistan. I'll have some news about that program too, shortly, but that's for another post.

If you want suggestions on items to send, etc., I can certainly give those to you.

An important note on donations:
If you would like to donate funds to help purchase items, please email me so I can get you details on how to do that.

Other Notes:
* I've asked Natalia about the possibility of blogging here, to share her experiences as a military spouse, and to give us updates on how Maxwell is doing.

* Maxwell's status as the blog's "adopted" Hero in no way should be construed as his endorsement of any opinion I post on this blog, or representative of any policy or position of the U.S. Army or any other government entity. This is merely a way to allow readers to support a deployed hero and his family.

* Until I receive specific authorization to do so, I will not be posting Maxwell's last name, APO, specific unit, or location on the blog here. I can tell you he is deployed in Iraq, but will not post any other specific details here due to security concerns. If you are a Soldiers' Angel, or other "SA-known" party (ex. blogger known to SA), email me for further info.

With that info in mind, here are some thoughts from Natalia:

Pam,
yes i have been reading all the beautiful comments and blessing, my eyes teared when i read them. I did not know there was so much support available, I don't know where to look for help, such other heroes families, etc. If you have that information i would truly appreciate it. I told Maxwell over the phone about all the comments of support from people we don't even know, he was very excited and touched...

* Side note here - if you are a military spouse who would like to get in touch with Natalia to offer support, please let me know.

Here's what Natalia had to say to the idea of our blog adoption:
Hi Pam,
Maxwell and I are truly honored about your proposition, he is very excited about been the "official IWT hero". I am so happy he has been assigned to an angel, hopefully he gets a letter soon. I wold like to take this opportunity to thank you! I don't feel alone anymore knowing someone is listening, what you have done for us already is amazing, you have given me hope...

She went on to tell me that they have been married for only 14 months, and were expecting when his deployment orders came through.

Maxwell and Natalia don't have a lot of family support. But despite the difficulties and challenges Maxwell's deployment presents (given the fact that their family includes four kids), Natalia says:

But i know everything happens for a reason and he serves and fight for our country with honor.

And she sent along a few more wonderful pictures.

So, you asked for it - you got it!



------------------------------------------------------------------


Know a Hero in need of support? To submit them for adoption by Soldiers' Angels, click here.

To adopt "your own" Hero, go here.

Want to know what's involved if you adopt your own Hero, or what to expect if you submit a name? Details here, here and here.

-------------------------------------------

UPDATE:

To donate funds through PayPal to help send care packages to Maxwell, click here:

To donate to help support Maxwell's family, click here:

If you would like to donate funds, but are sending a check, please DO NOT USE THE MAILING ADDRESS ABOVE - please email me for information on where to send your check.

A U.S. Navy sailor, assigned duties as a landing signalman enlisted, signals to a pilot from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 4 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, in Persian Gulf, May 6, 2006. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Kevin S. O'Brien


U.S. Navy sailors prepare for flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, in the Persian Gulf, May 10, 2006. The aircraft carrier and embarked Carrier Air Wing 14 are deployed as part of a routine rotation of U.S. maritime forces in support of the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Airman Kathleen Gorby


U.S. Navy sailors stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan reach to retrieve and secure cargo from a sliding pad eye during an underway replenishment with the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Rainer, in the Persian Gulf, May 11, 2006. Reagan and embarked Carrier Air Wing 14 are currently deployed as part of a routine rotation of U.S. maritime forces in support of the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Dominique M. Lasco


After servicing the engines of an F/A-18C Hornet, U.S. Navy Airman Thomas Lamotte, assigned duties as a plane captain, departs the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, in the Persian Gulf, May 11, 2006. Reagan and embarked Carrier Air Wing 14 are currently deployed as part of a routine rotation of U.S. maritime forces in support of the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Kevin S. O'Brien


U.S. Navy sailors assigned duties as cryptologic technicians monitor electronic emissions in the Electronic Warfare module aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, in the Persian Gulf, May 19, 2006. Reagan and embarked Carrier Air Wing 14 are currently deployed as part of a routine rotation of U.S. maritime forces in support of the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Dominique M. Lasco


U.S. Navy sailors assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 22 perform routine maintenance on an F/A-18E Super Hornet aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, in the Persian Gulf, May 21, 2006. Reagan and embarked Carrier Air Wing 14 are currently deployed as part of a routine rotation of U.S. maritime forces in support of the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Marc Rockwell-Pate


A U.S. Navy sailor, assigned duties as a plane captain aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, gives the "start-engine" signal to an E-2C Hawkeye aircraft assigned to Airborne Early Warning Squadron 113 during early-morning flight operations in the Persian Gulf, May 21, 2006. Reagan and embarked Carrier Air Wing 14 are currently deployed as part of a routine rotation of U.S. maritime forces in support of the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Marc Rockwell-Pate


U.S. Navy Seaman Kelly Caccamise signals the passing of cargo from the Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force Combat stores ship USNS Niagara Falls to the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan while the two ships conduct an underway replenishment in the Persian Gulf, May 22, 2006. Reagan and embarked Carrier Air Wing 14 are currently deployed as part of a routine rotation of U.S. maritime forces in support of the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Kevin S. O'Brien


U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class James Conrad Yabut fills a tank with liquid nitrogen aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, in the Persian Gulf, May 23, 2006. Reagan and embarked Carrier Air Wing 14 are currently deployed as part of a routine rotation of U.S. maritime forces in support of the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Airman Christine Singh

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A U.S. Marine AH-1 Cobra helicopter crashed in an insurgent stronghold in western Iraq on Saturday, and two crew members were missing, the U.S. military said. Hostile fire was not suspected as the cause.

The helicopter was on a maintenance test flight when it went down, and search-and-rescue efforts were under way, the statement said.

"We are using all the resources available to find our missing comrades," Marine spokesman Lt. Col. Bryan Salas said...


Read the rest - and please keep these Marines in your thoughts and prayers.

by Petty Officer 1st Class Marvin Harris
May 26, 2006
Doug Carrington, District 1 commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars (center), one of the many volunteers at the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center in Balboa Park, San Diego, assists a veteran who is looking for a name on the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall.

A photo rests against the headstone of U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Robert Joseph Mogensen at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. May 25, 2006. The photo bears Mogensen's daughter Leilani's note: "Daddy, I love and miss you so very much. Love Always."

Defense Dept. photo by William D. Moss

Special

News of Note
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Iraqi Tennis Coach, 2 Players Killed for Wearing Shorts

Homeland Security / War on Terror
Bush: U.S. Will Never Back Down to Terrorists

Troops on Trial
Analysis: U.S. braces for Marine scandal

Other Military News
Bush urges cadets to 'extend freedom'

Immigration / Border Control
Minuteman Group Begins Building Border Fence

NSA / CIA
US asks for dismissal of NSA wiretapping suits

Politics / Government
President's Radio Address- Democrats' Radio Response
Threats Followed Search of Congressman's Office
Cheney addresses graduates of his old H.S.

Oddities
Father Throws Kids From Hotel Balcony to Their Deaths
Naked on Everest: a peek on the peak?
Fifty ways to rock the right way

Other News of Note
Search for survivors as Indonesia quake toll tops 3,000
Tragedy in Indonesia
Quake kills thousands; many more injured or missing
FOX Facts: Earthquakes in Indonesia
Video: Deadly Quake
Photo Essay: Indonesia Quake
First Tropical Storm of Season Forms in Pacific

Fox News
Brazil Bus Crash Kills 18
Teen Denies Berlin Knife Attacks That Injured 28
37 Million Expected to Travel for Holiday Weekend
Search Continues for Hoffa
GM Recalls 30,000 Corvettes
Pope Visits Poland Ahead of Auschwitz Visit
'Most Wanted' Couple Could Face More Charges
East Timor's Capital Under Attack by Rival Gangs
U.S.-led Strike Kills Taliban Leaders in Afghanistan
Space Center
Video Gaming Center

Reuters: Top News
US sends $2.5 mln aid for Indonesian quake victims
Ariane rocket orbits satellites for Mexico, Thailand
Pakistanis try confronting shame of honor killing
Children with Down's slowly gain voice in Africa
Memories of 1918 flu pandemic haunt 21st century
WHO delays decision on smallpox virus destruction
Pitt and Jolie have baby girl: People magazine
Dollar's impact on US import prices limited: Fed
Working around the new kiddie tax
AARP returns to the mutual fund business
HSBC's outlook encouraging, bids farewell to Bond
US FDA approves Merck vaccine to prevent shingles
EchoStar, Universal Music settle channel dispute
Stocks to be volatile; inflation, jobs eyed
Stocks end higher, buoyed by banks and data
US Air shares gain on strong summer outlook
Icahn group prepares KT&G bid: brokerage - Video
Arcelor/Severstal deal sends steel stocks soaring - Video
Renting to own -- the market
On the Radar: Volvo

AP World News
1 dead in Oklahoma City mall shooting
Internet jukeboxes offer countless tunes
Wade sends Heat to 2-1 lead over Pistons
Makeover could turn Coney Island tony
Lance Armstrong to drive Indy pace car
Schumacher stripped of pole position
East Timor violence raises civil war fear
Bad heroin sparks a series of overdoses
Town teed off by Trump golf course changes
Jackson in 1st appearance since acquittal

CENTCOM: News Releases
IRAQI OIL TERMINAL FIRE BURNS ITSELF OUT

COALITION FORCES CAPTURE SIX TERRORISTS IN RAMADI

Department of Defense
Bush Says Troops Sacrifice for Freedom - Story
Bush: West Point Graduates Will Clinch Victory in War
Official Discusses Way Ahead in Baghdad - Story
U.S. Governors Visit Troops in Afghanistan - Story
Troops in Baghdad Remember Friends - Story - On Assignment
U.S., U.K. to Increase Interoperability - Story
International Community Must Unite, Blair Says

ON THE GROUND
'Fighting Deuce' MPs Patrol Afghan Mountains - Story
Iraqis Adapt British Military Academy as Model - Story - On Assignment
Center Helps Iraqis Shape Military Culture - Story - On Assignment
Troops Restore Base to Hand Back to Iraqis - Story
U.S. Army Mechanics Train Iraqi Counterparts - Story

IN IRAQ
Training Ensures Marines Ready for Combat
Injured by Bombs, Iraqi Gets Prosthetic Hand

IN AFGHANISTAN
Afghan Border Police, Villagers Secure Border
Abizaid Visits 'Mountain Lion' Battlefields

IN THE HORN OF AFRICA
U.S. Admiral, African Traditional Leader Meet

DefendAmerica Week in Review
Sunday - Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday - Thursday - Friday - Saturday

AMERICA SUPPORTS YOU
Troops Find Gratitude at Indy 500 - Story
Utah Group Donates Soccer Gear

TOP NEWS
IRAQ
Taliban Leaders Hunted in Strike
Iraqi General Commits to Reform
Security Forces Taking Larger Role
Morale 'Absolutely Tremendous'
Forces Detain 21 Terror Suspects
Bush, Blair Reaffirm Commitment
Oil Terminal Fire Burns Itself Out
Renewal In Iraq
Fact Sheet: Progress and Work Ahead
Report: Strategy for Victory in Iraq
Iraq Daily Update
This Week in Iraq (PDF)
Multinational Force Iraq
State Dept. Weekly Iraq Report (PDF)
'Boots on the Ground' Audio Archive
Iraq Reconstruction
Maps

AFGHANISTAN
Taliban Leaders Hunted in Strike
Forces Detain Two Suspects
Forces Kill 24 Enemy Fighters
Afghan Progress Frustrates Taliban
Up to 80 Taliban Believed Killed
Forces Kill 20 Enemy in Firefight
Afghanistan Update
Maps

WAR ON TERRORISM
Cheney: Navy Grads to Know Enemy
Rumsfeld: War's Sacrifices Tragic
U.S. Ops, Basing in Europe Change
EUCOM Supports War on Terror
NATO Sheds Cold War Mentality
Nations Focus on Homeland Defense
Fact Sheet: Budget Request
Fact Sheet: War on Terror
Fact Sheet: Terror Plots Disrupted
Waging and Winning the War on Terror
Terrorism Timeline
Terrorism Knowledge Base

Weather
Iraq
Al Azamiyah Al Basrah Al Hillah Al Karkh Al Kazimiyah Al Kut
An Nasiriyah Baghdad Baqubah Mosul Najaf Nineveh Tall Kayf

Afghanistan
Bost/Laskar Ghurian Herat Kabul Qandahar

Gitmo

This Day in History
1349 - In Breslau Silesia, sixty Jews are murdered.
1539 - Hernando de Soto lands in Florida.
1674 - German Parliament declares war on France.
1754 - George Washington defeats the French and Indians at Fort Duquesne (PA).
1774 - The first Continental Congress convenes in Virginia.
1830 - Congress authorizes Indian removal from all states to the western prairie.
1851 - Sojourner Truth attends the Women's Rights Convention.
1863 - The 54th Massachusetts, the first black regiment leaves Boston to fight in the Civil War.
1919 - Armenia declares its independence
1923 - The Attorney General says it is legal for women to wear trousers anywhere.
1940 - Belgium surrenders to Germany; King Leopold III gives himself up; British-French troops capture Narvik, Norway
1942 - 1,800 Czechoslovakians are murdered by the Nazis during their attack on Heydrich
1959 - Monkeys Able & Baker become the first animals retrieved from a space mission, after soaring 300 miles into space in a Jupiter missile.
1961 - After nearly eightly years, theOrient Express makes its last trip (Paris to Bucharest)
1964 - The Palestine National Congress forms the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) in Jerusalem.
1971 - The first spacecraft to soft-land on Mars, the USSR's Mars 3, is launched.
1974 - Italians fascists bomb demonstrators in Brescia, killing 6.
1975 - Soyuz 18 launches.
1985 - David Jacobsen is taken hostage in Beirut, Lebanon.
1987 - The Civil War Ironclad Monitor is discovered by a deep sea robot
1991 - Ethiopian rebels seize Addis Ababa
1997 - Linda Finch completes the around-the-world flight Amelia Earhart failed to finish.

Birthdays
1371 - John the Fearless, Duke of Burgundy/warrior
1660 - King George I of England
1738 - Dr. Joseph Ignace Guillotin, French physician/inventor (guillotine)
1759 - William Pitt the Younger, English PM
1818 - Confederate General Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard St-Bernard known by Confederates as the Hero of Sumter
1819 - Union Brevet Major General William Birney
1828 - Confederate Brigadier General Alpheus Baker
1830 - Union Major General George Lucas Hartsuff
1831 - Eliza Ann Gardner, underground railway conductor
1838 - Confederate Bridadier General Basil Wilson Duke
1914 - W. G. G. Duncan-Smith, fighter pilot
1940 - Thomas E Petri (Representative-WI)
1944 - Rudy Giuliani (Mayor-NYC)
1957 - Walter R Tucker (Representative-CA)

Passings
1259 - King Christoffel I of Denmark
1357 - King Afonso IV of Portugal
1863 - Union Brigadier General Edmund Kirby, Jr., of injuries
1864 - Union Brigadier Henry H. Giesy, in battle
1972 - Duke of Windsor, who abdicated British throne
1972 - King Edward VIII of Great Britain / Northern Ireland

Reported Missing in Action
1968
Hill, Joseph A., USMC (IL); Killed / BNR

Ingvalson, Roger D., USAF (MN); F105D shot down, released by DRV March, 1973 - retired as a Colonel - alive and well 1998
***After release, was awarded Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, of Merit, DFC with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters, POW medal ***

1971
Chavira, Stephen, US Army (CA) ; OH6A shot down (w/Urquhart) - KIA / BNR

Urquhart, Paul D., US Army (PA) ; OH6A shot down (w/Chavira) - KIA/BNR