Humvee Gift for Soldiers' Angels

Quite a donation to Soldiers' Angels that was announced today:

Soldiers’ Angels proudly announces receipt of the unique and historic Iraq Confidential Humvee from Jesse James, host of Monster Garage and owner of West Coast Choppers, Austin Speed Shop and Cisco Burgers. James recently donated the restored, combat-damaged Humvee, which was rebuilt in Iraq as part of James’ special visit with the 181st Transportation Battalion in 2006. The Humvee’s rebuild, conducted by James and the soldiers as a morale-builder, was documented on a video titled Iraq Confidential and later broadcast on the Military Channel.

When West Coast Choppers closed its California facility, James mentioned to a friend and Soldiers’ Angels staff member that he was looking for a way to use the Iraq Confidential Humvee to help the troops. Presented with the idea of donating it to Soldiers’ Angels, he welcomed the opportunity.

“Going to Iraq to do that build with the troops, being able to shake their hands and to tell them ‘thank you,’ was one of the most rewarding and humbling experiences in my life,” James says. “With all of their different programs providing support to the troops, veterans and their families, donating the Humvee to Soldiers' Angels brings it full circle, allowing it to continue to benefit those guys and gals and let them know how much I appreciate their service. "

In addition to the Humvee, James donated a semi-truck full of new copies of Garage magazine and sets of West Coast Choppers window stickers, which will be included in care packages for deployed troops. Donors to Soldiers’ Angels can also receive one copy of the magazine and sticker set as a gift with each online $10 donation when they enter “JJ” in the comments line.

Interested parties and potential buyers of the Humvee may contact the Executive Director of Soldiers’ Angels at tobynunn@soldiersangels.org.

Love the Troops with Free E-cards!

From the main Soldiers' Angels website:

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Thanks to PhotoCardsDirect.com, patriotic Americans can send a free Valentine's Day e-card to anyone and make money for Soldiers' Angels care packages at the same time! Keep reading for more info...

America appreciates and remembers our troops on Valentine's Day, and now Americans across the country can send a free e-card making sure those troops hear that message loud and clear. PhotoCardsDirect.com and Soldiers’ Angels are expanding their partnership in support of America’s Armed Forces with free Valentine’s Day photo e-cards for the troops that also generate donations for care packages.

Anyone can thank and support the troops with a free Valentine’s Day e-card from PhotoCardsDirect.com. For every 10 cards created, Soldiers’ Angels will receive $1 towards care packages for deployed military personnel.

Soldiers’ Angels Founder Patti Patton-Bader explains, “There’s nothing like being able to put a face to the name of a supportive American back home. With these photo e-cards, we can ensure our motto ‘May No Soldier Go Unloved’ becomes a reality this Valentine’s Day.”

Combat veteran and Soldiers’ Angels Executive Director Toby Nunn adds, “If half your heart is in Iraq or Afghanistan this Valentine’s Day, you can bridge that gap and make it whole for a moment with an e-card. With just a couple of mouse clicks, every patriotic American can let the troops know how much they are loved and appreciated, that they are not forgotten.”

The free Valentine’s Day e-cards can be sent to any email address. Americans who do not have the email address of a service member can send their cards to Valentines2011@soldiersangels.org and Soldiers’ Angels will pass the Valentine to a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine who needs a boost.

For full details, click here.

Elroy Herbert Boysen

Today, the 36th Infantry Division still serves the state and the nation. Many Texas soldiers are currently activated and deployed with the 36th ID in Iraq and Afghanistan. In World War II, soldiers from The Fighting 36th, served with distinction in Europe. Last Thursday, we lost one of those soldiers:

Elroy Herbert Boysen
April 7, 1920 - February 3, 2011
Elroy Herbert Boysen received the gift of life on April 7, 1920 in Shiner, TX.
...
On November 25, 1940, Elroy age 20 left his home in Gonzales, TX and activated at Camp Bowie, Brownwood, TX with the Texas National Guard 36th Infantry Division. The Fighting 36th, who's record is outstanding in the annals of America's military history, were the first to invade Hitler's Europe at Salerno, Italy on September 9, 1943. Elroy fought the following; Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, Anzio, Southern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe Campaigns and made amphibious assault
landings at Salerno and Southern France. The 36th suffered over 27,000 casualties, the third highest of any World War II division. Elroy received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, American Defense Service Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, Good Conduct Medal, and Combat Infantryman's Badge. Elroy served his country as First Sergeant and returned home from the front line for a 30 day furlough. While on leave Elroy married Anna Marie nee Tieken in the Lutheran Church in Gonzales, TX on December 8, 1944. After leave he returned to his unit in France. In 1945 Elroy was discharged after the end of World War II and he and Ann made their home in Houston, TX. Elroy is a Life Member of the Houston Chapter and National Chapter of the 36th Division. Elroy is also recognized in the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, New Windsor, NY, www.thepurpleheart.com.

If you feel moved to do so, go read all of First Sergeant Elroy Herbert Boysen's obituary and leave a note of condolence for his family and friends.

Your support makes a difference

Help us continue to support our troops. We appreciate the donations of time, talent and treasure that allows us to let them know we honor their service.

Thanks from Afghanistan

Soldiers' Angels recently received this note from a Staff Sergeant on a PRT (Provincial Reconstruction Team) in Afghanistan.

Dear Soldiers' Angels,

Thank you all very much for the package, especially the movies and MOOSE MUNCH (which was gone in less than a minute).

There are some times we get sad over here and think that people in the States don't really care about us, so when we get something like this it really boosts our morale. So this package, it really means a lot. On behalf of PRT Panjshir, we'd like to say thank you and God bless.

Attached is a picture of us for the greatest organization ever--Soldiers' Angels. You guys are the BEST! Thank you.

--SSgt R., US Air Force

PRTs are military teams that work with local government officials, U.S. government civilians and local military/police personnel to assist people in rebuilding or improving their neighborhoods. They spend a great deal of time away from the main bases and out in the countryside among the locals. This PRT, which is very isolated, received a large package from Soldiers' Angels while waiting to be adopted by individual Angel volunteers.

As of this writing, there are 1106 Heroes waiting to be adopted. You can help.