Received by Soldiers' Angels:
Dear Mrs. Patti Patton-Bader,
First of all, please thank your son, Sgt. Brandon Varn, for his service in Iraq.
Secondly, thanks for your efforts in founding Soldiers' Angels. The organization has some great programs.
I wanted to let you know that Jon Judy and I will be swimming from Alcatraz to San Francisco on September 30 to raise awareness for Soldiers' Angels. Jon's son, Chris, is a Marine who is leaving for duty in Iraq this month. The attached flyer gives a full explanation. Please print, edit if needed, and distribute as appropriate.
We wanted to make sure you approve of this project. We will share the flyer with Scouts, Sunday School, neighbors, Masters Swimming, American Legion, a Euchre group, the West Point Society, etc. with the goal of getting people involved.
I am happy to say that I have adopted a soldier - [rank removed] Alan [last name removed]. I am actually doing something productive!
Best regards,
Russ Allen
West Point 1982
Dear Mrs. Patti Patton-Bader,
First of all, please thank your son, Sgt. Brandon Varn, for his service in Iraq.
Secondly, thanks for your efforts in founding Soldiers' Angels. The organization has some great programs.
I wanted to let you know that Jon Judy and I will be swimming from Alcatraz to San Francisco on September 30 to raise awareness for Soldiers' Angels. Jon's son, Chris, is a Marine who is leaving for duty in Iraq this month. The attached flyer gives a full explanation. Please print, edit if needed, and distribute as appropriate.
We wanted to make sure you approve of this project. We will share the flyer with Scouts, Sunday School, neighbors, Masters Swimming, American Legion, a Euchre group, the West Point Society, etc. with the goal of getting people involved.
I am happy to say that I have adopted a soldier - [rank removed] Alan [last name removed]. I am actually doing something productive!
Best regards,
Russ Allen
West Point 1982
***********************************
From the event flyer:
Escape From Alcatraz Swim
for the benefit of
Soldiers’ Angels and Unmet Needs
for the benefit of
Soldiers’ Angels and Unmet Needs
We Can Do Better
As of September 2006, there are approximately 138,000 U.S. Troops in Iraq and another 18,000 in Afghanistan. They are the home team. They are the Americans.
Here I sit – a West Pointer and former U.S. Army Captain, supposedly a true-blue, red-blooded American, – doing nothing. Absolutely Nothing. I am ashamed.
There are 24.5 million veterans in America.
There you sit - a former officer or NCO, or soldier, taught to "look after your people" - doing nothing. Absolutely Nothing.
There are over 300 million Americans.
You, a “concerned” American citizen, sit there watching from your armchair - doing nothing. Absolutely Nothing.
In the first days following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, an unprecedented number of Americans contributed over $2.7 billion to assist the families of victims. The average award to each family of a deceased victim was $1,463,936.
Forget the Politics.
Sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces, neighbors and coworkers; our countrymen are in harm’s way and need our support. They must be doing something right. Since 9/11, there have been over 5,745 deadly Islamic terrorist attacks in 30 countries worldwide - not a single one on U.S. soil.
It’s Time To Do Something
The “Fatman of Alcatraz”
I’m Russ Allen. In my forties and out of shape, I have decided to do something. I will be joined by John Judy, the father of a Marine serving in Iraq. We have decided to swim from Alcatraz to San Francisco in 59º water to promote participation in two programs that help soldiers and their families: Soldiers’ Angels and Unmet Needs. These 501(c)(3) charities are a call to personal action rather than simply solicitors of donations. To get involved. please refer he flipside of this flyer or visit www.soldiersangels.com and/or www.unmetneeds.com.
“Where are the people willing to devote themselves to causes larger than themselves?
. . . They are in uniform in Iraq, straddling the divide between insanity and order."
Soldiers’ Angels
Soldiers' Angels is an all-volunteer organization whose mission is to provide aid and comfort to U.S. Armed Forces and their families. We may not be able to fight on the front lines but we can make sure that neither our soldiers nor their families want for anything.
Join the Fray - Adopt a Soldier!
To adopt a soldier you must commit to sending a card or letter a week and at least 1 or 2 care packages a month. Care packages do not have to be expensive and you can put together your own. Duration of adoption is usually 6 to 8 months.
Soldiers’ Angels Projects for Your Involvement
> Provision of Kevlar blankets for our soldiers protection
> Handmade blankets for the wounded
> Small backpacks to carry the wounded’s necessaries
> Knitted items for Soldiers’ children
> Outreach and support for military spouses and families
> Phone cards for deployed soldiers
> Handmade sand scarves for soldiers
> Desert Boots for soldiers
To sign up or learn more, visit www.soldiersangels.com or call (615) 676-0239
Unmet Needs
When Americans go to war, more than soldiers fight...
Visit www.unmetneeds.com and donate online.
Make out checks to “Unmet Needs Program”.
Mail to:
The Academy Group
Peachtree City, GA, 30269.
Donate time and skills at www.unmetneeds.com.
Be sure to cite “Project Alcatraz” when donating.
Questions? Call 1-800-789-Need
Donate Money
The average military household makes less than $25,000 per year. The Unmet Needs Program, created to provide emergency financial support to families of military personnel, has received $1,140,858 in donations since its launch in June 2004. Funds are dispersed to meet the pressing needs of military families. Note that the nationwide total is less than the average award to the families of 9/11 victims! We can do better!
Since Vermont American (power tool accessories) has covered all administrative and promotional expenses for the next five years, 100% of your donation will go to a military family in need.
Donate Time
Everyone has a skill to share. If you're skilled in auto repair, carpentry, or simply babysitting or yard work, you can help a military family in need by donating your time and skills.
Please pass along electronic or hard copies of this flyer to encourage others to participate.
HOOAH to Russ and everyone participating in this wonderful effort!
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