Welcome to our Military Families Blog, where we'll keep you up-to-date with new information posted on www.Military-Money-Matters.com, as well as other items of interest to military families.
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John McCain's True Voice
"In the dog days of summer, John McCain's political personality has become so fuzzy that even some Republicans are worrying about his viability. But if you want a reminder of why McCain should be a formidable candidate, take another look at
Indio is a beautiful young Siberian Husky that was rescued from a Tucson shelter last November. He came to us scared, sick and covered with bite wounds in varying stages of healing. He'd obviously had at least one run-in with another dog, or possibly a coyote. He had an intestinal infection and was terrified of everything. When he saw another dog, he would hit the ground. In the course of veterinary visits to treat his problems, we discovered that he's almost blind.
What does this article have to do with military families? Nothing, except that this family of veterans is caring for this handsome dog, and we're asking for your help.
We have had the privilege of serving as a foster home for Indio since November, and he's wiggled his way into our hearts! With lots of love he's regained his confidence, so he’s a much happier dog now. He has a very loving and affectionate personality.
But we've learned that Indio has juvenile cataracts and is almost blind. Since Indio is so young, less than 2 years old, we really want to give him his sight back if possible.
We'd be very grateful if you'd click on the donate button below, which will take you directly to ASHRA's PayPal account, where you can make a donation to help Indio. Even $5, $10, or $20 will help. If you can afford more, that would be wonderful. Your donation is tax deductible.
If you've been following the "Berkeley Marines" situation with us, and the other counter-recruitment nonsense across the country, we think you'll enjoy
It's an age-old question used when describing the uncommon valor found in the American service men and women who defend our freedom on a daily basis, and especially those in combat situations.
It's the question that popped into my mind, along with tears in my eyes, five minutes into this Pentagon Channel special that follows the lives of several severely wounded warriors, to see how they are coping with their lives after combat. These service members were first featured in a Pentagon Channel program several years ago, while undergoing rehabilitation for their life-changing injuries. This program is a follow-up to report on their progress two years later.
The life of Army Staff Sgt. Jay Fondgren was changed forever in an instant in Iraq, when a "platter charge" took both his legs and
The ongoing war on terror is exacting a heavy emotional toll on military families. This is no surprise. The life of the military family has never been an easy one, with frequent upheavals of the family and very little sense of control over their lives, not even the place where they live, even in peacetime. But the emotional toll of the war we find ourselves currently engaged in may be the heaviest of any previous generation of service members.
Brigadier General Jimmy L. Cash, USAF (Retired), was at one time the man with his finger on the nuclear trigger of this country, as head of our missile defense and response complex.
General Cash "was the only person who could initiate a nuclear attack after advising the sitting President of a missile launch by our enemies and our need to respond. No political or civilian type in the US had more knowledge about day to day military actions around the world."
Here, General Cash explains the critical importance of completing our mission in Iraq. It should be noted that he is neither Democrat nor Republican. I hope that you will read it with an open mind, and seriously consider what he says.
The future of this great country depends on enough voters understanding what General Cash is saying, before the election in November!
This article was written before it became apparent that Barack Obama was the presumptive Democratic party nominee for President. But it bears re-reading, especially in light of the recent rise in oil prices.
If you care about the future of America, this is one article you can't miss!
Support American Soldiers is a new initiative designed to encourage Americans to pick up the cost of a meal or snack for service members traveling in uniform as a means of showing our gratitude for their service. It was inspired by a
Military Town Hall meeting apparently is too scary for Obama!
Remember Democratic front-runner Barack Obama's oft-repeated assertion that he'd be happy to debate John McCain "anytime, anywhere" on foreign policy, Iraq, etc.?
Well, a group in Texas has called Obama's bluff, and it turns out that's exactly what it was. Once again, it has been
In a July 4 re-enlistment ceremony in Baghdad, more than 1,200 U.S. military members took the oath for re-enlistment in the U.S. armed forces, double the number who did so last year. General David Petraeus, Commanding General, Multi-National Force Iraq, administered the oath in the rotunda of Saddam's Al Faw Palace. No doubt the former Iraqi dictator rolled over in his grave.
Much to the chagrin of the anti-war crowd in the U.S., the surge they so loudly opposed is working, violence is down sharply in Iraq, the country is becoming more stable as Iraqis step up to assume responsibility for their future, and the troops are re-enlisting in record numbers to continue the mission there which they so strongly believe in. Too bad the mainstream media in America doesn't find that newsworthy. Thanks to the internet, Americans can enjoy freedom of the press again, where ALL the news can be reported, not just the stories that support the liberal agenda.
Click the permalink below for the story and photo (it's impressive!).
But do it soon! Special expires midnight Sunday, July 6.
Are you ready to declare your financial independence from that grouch of a boss? Save some money by eliminating your commute at today's gas prices? Well, you can! And it's easier than you might think.
We'd like to introduce you to the company that helps us build Military-Money-Matters.com and show you how it can help you escape the rat race and gain financial freedom for your family.
It's not a get-rich-quick scheme -- it's about working hard to build your own business. But it works, and they won't nickel-and-dime you to death with every little add-on. You pay one very reasonable price, and that includes everything you need to build your own web site (even if you're like us, and can barely spell html).
There's no web experience needed. Their set of tools makes it easy for someone with no web experience to build a successful online web site that will generate extra cash for your family. Many build their sites part-time, after work, until it's generating enough income to allow them to quit their "job," and retire into their own business.
There's a step-by-step action guide to tell you exactly what to do, and in exactly what order. If you run into problems and need help, there's an outstanding community forum (more than 60 of them, actually) where you can post your detailed question and get a friendly, helpful answer and encouragement, usually in less than 24 hours -- sometimes in mere minutes.
It's like free tech support, any time, day or night. And it's the most helpful, supportive online community you'll find.
Are you ready to take the first step towards financial independence for your family? If so, click on the image above to go directly to the order page.
Have more questions? Need to investigate a bit more first? Click on the permalink just below and learn more.
Either way, make this the weekend you declare financial independence for YOUR family! Now THERE's a reason to celebrate!
As you celebrate freedom with your family on this Independence Day, pause for a moment of remembrance and thanks for our men and women in uniform, on the tip of the spear, standing watch around the world, keeping us safe at home.
An American Hero Remembered on the 4th of July
Petty Officer Second Class Marc Lee, U.S. Navy SEAL, wrote this letter home just after the Independence Day holiday in 2006, demonstrating a wisdom and maturity beyond his 28 years. One month later, Marc became the first Navy SEAL to die in Iraq, a hero standing out in the line of fire, not once, not twice, but THREE times, to save his buddies. Marc Lee was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his actions that day.
We have had the great honor of getting to know Marc's mom, Debbie Lee, who chose to become Marc's voice and continue spreading his message that our troops believe in their mission and believe that what they're doing is helping to make our world a better place.
We'd like to thank Debbie Lee for granting us permission to share Marc's letter with you, and we ask you to pause for a moment to honor his sacrifice, and that of countless others like him, and their families, as we celebrate our freedom on this 4th of July Independence Day holiday.
Additional Military Families Qualify for Stimulus Payments
Additional military families now qualify for economic stimulus payments from the IRS.
Under the newly-enacted HEART Act (Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008), married members of the military may receive economic stimulus payments this fall, even if their spouses or children don't have Social Security numbers.
USAA, the financial services giant that serves only military members and their families, has announced a new car-buying service. The recent launch of the Online Auto Loan and Car-Buying Service allows USAA members to handle all the steps of buying a car - from choosing the car to financing to arranging insurance - without ever having to leave home. This new service will save members money and create a vast improvement in the dreaded car-buying experience.
This is yet another example of USAA's ongoing commitment to provide its members with the finest financial products and services no matter where they are — in the comfort of their home, in a tent in the desert, or on a ship at sea.
The State of Connecticut offers FREE tuition at any of its state colleges or universities to eligible active duty military personnel and veterans.
In May, the legislature passed, and the governor signed into law, a measure that extends the offer of free tuition to the surviving spouse and children of military personnel killed on active duty.
For more information, please click the link below.
If you missed the historic 8-hour web-a-thon last week by Move America Forward, it's not too late. If you want to join their efforts to send the largest shipment of care packages to US troops in history, click on the link following this entry, but do it today! The shipment goes out on July 2.
The goal for this care package drive was a modest $500,000. But because of the generosity of Americans who want to send a message to our troops overseas that we have not forgotten them, and that we honor and appreciate their sacrifices to keep us free as we celebrate this Independence Day weekend, the total as of Monday morning had already topped 1.5 million dollars for care packages for the troops!
You can watch a replay of the video-thon by scrolling further down this page and clicking on the UStream video.
Thank you, America, for letting our men and women know that the loud-spoken left does not speak for us!
We appreciate the safety you have secured for us since the attacks of 9/11. God Bless You all and bring you home safely to your families. We also recognize and appreciate the sacrifices they make so that you can serve.
We've just added a new widget to the right of our blog page that will provide you with the latest news feed from the American Forces Press Service, to help keep you up to date with news and announcements from the Department of Defense. We hope you find it useful!
"location, location, location"
Garcia, from P-town, writes: Well, I see the USMC Captain did a fine job for himself, his branch of The Service and his reasons for picking Berkeley.
I hope you had an opportunity to tune into Move America Forward's history-making web-a-thon today at UStream.tv. It was 8 hours of truly inspiring commentary about our troops and what a great job they're doing, and the gratitude of patriotic Americans for the sacrifices they make on our behalf.
The goal for the web-a-thon was to raise $500,000 to send care packages to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan for the 4th of July holiday. But America wouldn't stop there. By the time the web-a-thon was over, patriots donated more than $1,000,000!
We understand that Michelle Malkin is making arrangements to have the entire 8-hour video available on her video site, www.HotAir.com. So if you missed it today, check out HotAir.
Awesome job, Melanie Morgan, Michelle Malkin, Debbie Lee, and everyone else involved. You make us all proud.
"From the Front Lines" Airs TODAY!
Join us TODAY 4 p.m. to midnight (Eastern, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Pacific) as talk-radio host Melanie Morgan of Move America Forward and blogger-extraordinaire Michelle Malkin host an 8-hour web-a-thon, including clips from our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and a star-studded celebrity lineup (see below, or click on the permalink immediately below), being carried live on UStream.tv, and kindly made available to us by them.
The broadcast is part of MAF's campaign to send the largest shipment of care packages in history to the troops just in time for the 4th of July holiday, to let them know that while many politicians in Washington put partisanship ahead of their well-being, Americans support them and their mission.
We understand the sacrifices they are making to keep us safe, and we want to let them know how much we appreciate them.
Join us here for the broadcast, and donate to MAF's care package drive. Before the broadcast even begins, they're already more than half-way to their goal of $500,000 for care package for the troops! Help them exceed that goal!
Why would a young man of college age choose the austere, hard-working life at a service academy over the life of a "frat rat" at a party college? Here's one young cadet's answer. . . . We're sure you'll be as impressed as we were.
Remember the flap about John McCain's "100 years in Iraq" comment? No doubt you'll hear it again before the election.
During the primary season, the same radical left-wing group responsible for the cowardly smear against General Petraeus aired an ad featuring a mother with her infant son on her lap, asking John McCain, "When you talked about 100 years in Iraq, were you counting on Alex? Because if you were, you can't have him."
See the response from a Marine Corps wife and mom. Click the link below.
Join Move America Forward Chairman Melanie Morgan and conservative blogger Michelle Malkin on Thursday, June 26, as they host a Jerry-Lewis-style 8-hour fund-raising web-a-thon called "From the Front Lines" to support the largest shipment of care packages in history to US troops overseas, just in time for the 4th of July holiday. With the temps well over 100-degrees, those troops will no doubt welcome care packages from home. And with all the anti-war protests, they need to hear from patriotic Americans that they have our support.
The goal for this fund-raising drive is $500,000. Before the web-a-thon begins, the total has already exceeded $275,000. The show will air on UStream.tv from 4 p.m. to midnight Eastern time on Thursday. And check out the celebrity participants!
Don't you hate those annoying automated answering systems you get when attempting to reach a company's customer service department? It seems like an endless loop, and there aren't any options that say "Let me talk to a real person."
Well, we just found a web site that may help solve that problem. The next time you get frustrated by an automated phone system, check out www.gethuman.com.
You can either type in the name of the company you want, or browse their list of companies, for instructions on how to bypass that particular company's automated system and get to a real human person (but no guarantee they'll be polite or helpful)! We're definitely bookmarking this one. You probably will, too.
This scam was first reported about a year ago (see below), but the Red Cross has just issued a new warning. Apparently, someone thought it was a good scam and decided to resurrect it with a slight twist. As always, be careful not to give ANY personal information to a stranger, even if he or she claims to be from the Red Cross. Rememember, the Red Cross does not make
I remember that day like it was yesterday -- Saturday, October 14th, 1961, the day after my 18th birthday. On that day, life came crashing down around me as many of the things I thought to be
June 14 is Flag Day, a day set aside to honor our flag, and reflect on all it has meant throughout our history. There are many patriotic Americans, to whom "Old Glory" is a sacred symbol of all the things that America stands for -- personal liberty, the freedoms enumerated in the Bill of Rights, the opportunity to pursue the life you choose.
To those who understand the meaning of that flag, and the
The Freedom to Serve Act, H.R. 6023, introduced by Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.), would make the recent attacks on military recruiters a federal crime. It's about time!
National Review Online called our attention to this Congressional response to the anti-war anarchists attacking our military and its recruiters:
Not all entertainers take their freedom for granted
It's easy to complain today about the ingrates in "Hollyweird" who seem to never miss a chance to denigrate our military and the sacrifices these brave men and women have made to give them the right to pursue the frivolous and insignificant (in the grand scheme of things) occupations they have.
We're happy to be able to report that not all entertainers are ungrateful for the privileges they enjoy. We noticed some traffic coming from this bulletin board, which is a place for musicians to discuss tech gear, so we went to check it out.
We think you'll be pleased to read their postings about D-Day, which acknowledge and appreciate the sacrifices made by service members.
D-Day. The Longest Day. These terms are used to describe what has often been called the turning point of World War II, when American and allied forces mounted the largest amphibious assault in history to free Europe from the occupation of Hitler's Third Reich. Roughly 155,000 Allied troops went ashore that day at Normandy, on the northern coast of France. Three thousand of them gave their lives to free the people of Europe from the stranglehold of German occupation.
The landing was originally planned for June 5, 1944, but because of bad weather, the assault had to be delayed for 24 hours. It had to be
You, as military service members, are admirably and honorably performing your duties. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about our Congress!
Read Blue Star Mom Beverly Perlson's article published today in the National Review Online about Congress' failure to pass the funding bill, which jeopardizes the paychecks of our entire military. Then write your Congressmen/women and tell them to Do Their Jobs! And if you can, head out to support Bev on the corner in front of Nancy Pelosi's office in the Cannon Office Building in Washington, DC. She'll be there through Thursday, urging Congress to do its job.
Live in or near the DC area? Join Bev Perlson, from the Band of Mothers, on the corner in front of Nancy Pelosi's office at the Cannon Office Building this week, asking Congress to fund our troops.
Bev will be on the corner of Independence and New Jersey Avenue from 9 to 5 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, playing patriotic music and carrying signs reminding Congress to do its job and fund the Defense Department so our service members are not put in the position of serving without pay temporarily.
Bev says, "Our Soldiers are really in trouble! Please, if you can make it to the Cannon Office Bldg. corner this week, make it a priority. I know folks have jobs, but even one day can make a difference. God Help Our Soldiers.
Please e-mail this information to anyone you know who might be able to join us and encourage them to do so. I have a permit to be on the Cannon Office Bldg corner.
Please think about our Soldiers over there. The military is going to have to start cutting back if the funding bill isn't passed soon, and this is terrible for these BRAVE WARRIORS. We all have to help them as they help us every day with their lives on the line!
We have got to fight for them like they are fighting for us.
Please help me send a huge message of support to our Soldiers and a "disappointing" message to Pelosi, Reid, Durbin, and Murtha."
Here are some of the messages on Bev's signs:
Front:
Pelsoi, Durbin, Reid Noble Heroes Have Given All For All of YOU!
Back:
Show Respect!
Get Behind Our Soldiers Fund Their Victory in Iraq!
Front:
Nancy Pelosi Works 3 Days Per Week Lowest Approval Ratings in the History of Congress
Back:
U.S. Military Works 24/7 Freed Two Countries Saving The World
Front:
Nancy,
Stop Playing Politics With Our Soldier's Lives Fund The Troops!
Back:
Safe Since 9/11 Thank You Troops! We Are Grateful For Your Service!
We've had the privilege of meeting Bev on that corner. She's an amazing person. The tag line for her web site is "Warriors come from Warriors," and in Bev's case, it's certainly true. Bev's son just recently returned from his 4th tour of duty in Afghanistan. She mans her station on that corner in front of Pelosi's office on a regular basis, despite the fact that she lives in Chicago, and she pays the expenses to be there out of her own pocket.
Bev is a fierce warrior in support of our troops. Get out there and stand with her to let Congress know we want our military funded!
Hello, my name is Debbie Lee, and my son, Marc Alan Lee, was the first Navy SEAL killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom, so you can imagine that days like today - Memorial Day - are tough days for me.
I miss Marc so deeply, yet I am so proud of my Hero, my Mighty Warrior! He loved his country and was so proud to serve in the military and to dutifully undertake the missions he served on - he understood how important it is for America to win the war on terror.
As Americans fire up the grill, or head to the lake or the ballpark for this Memorial Day, we ask that you stop and take a moment to remember those members of our armed forces who gave their lives to buy us the freedoms and privileges we enjoy. Take a moment to post your message of thanks to the troops (using the form at the bottom of that page).
There's a national Moment of Remembrance scheduled at 3:00 p.m. local time, wherever you are. Major League Baseball will suspend play for one minute. So whatever you're doing at 3:00, please stop and dedicate one minute to remembering and appreciating the sacrifices that have been made to give us lives of freedom and relative peace.
Memorial Day is set aside to remember those who have given their lives for the cause of freedom in service to the United States of America. But if you happen to see a (living) veteran today, please take a minute to thank him or her for serving. We, as a nation, can never repay the debt we owe these fine men and women who keep us free.
The Greatest Generation, who changed the course of history with its defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, is dying at the rate of 2,000 veterans a day. We've so little time left to thank them.
Sam Bierstock, a Palm Beach eye doctor, felt it important that we let them know how much we appreciate the horrors they endured on our behalf, while we still can. He and John Melnick, a member of Dr. Sam's Managed Care Blues band, have written a song called Before You Go to say thank you to the veterans of World War II and Korea. Click on the link above to listen. We think you'll enjoy the song and the photo montage that accompanies it. A new version has recently been recorded to honor the veterans of Vietnam. You'll also find a link to that version on his website.
Simelius, of Washinton [sic] says, I am certain there will be no 2008 presidential election, martial law will be declared by Nov 2008 to postpone elections
The Defense Authorization Act of 2008, signed by President Bush in January, includes a change to previous law that now makes it permissible for veterans and service members not in uniform to render honors to the flag with a
Be a part of RED FRIDAY...Show your support for our troops!
If you ask a uniformed member of the U.S. military, "What can I do to make things better for you?" one of the most common replies is, "We need your support and prayers."
Join a nationwide grassroots effort to show your support of the troops by example: wear something RED every Friday.
Be a part of RED FRIDAY...Show your support for our troops!
If you ask a uniformed member of the U.S. military, "What can I do to make things better for you?" one of the most common replies is, "We need your support and prayers."
Join a nationwide grassroots effort to show your support of the troops by example: wear something RED every Friday.
Oregon Offers Full Tuition Waiver for State Universities
The Oregon University System offers full tuition waivers for dependents (children, adopted children, stepchildren, spouses) and un-remarried surviving spouses of U.S. military members who:
died on active duty after 9/11/01;
died from service-connected injuries or condition sustained after 9/11/01; or
are rated 100% disabled by the VA for a service-connected disability sustained after 9/11/01.
The applicant must meet Oregon residency requirements. An eligible child must be 23 years of age or younger at the time the child applies for the waiver.
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USAA, the financial services giant that serves only military members and their families, has announced a new car-buying service. The recent launch of the Online Auto Loan and Car-Buying Service allows USAA members to handle all the steps of buying a car - from choosing the car to financing to arranging insurance - without ever having to leave home. This new service will save members money and create a vast improvement in the dreaded car-buying experience.
As Americans fire up the grill, or head to the lake or the ballpark for this Memorial Day, we ask that you stop and take a moment to remember those members of our armed forces who gave their lives to buy us the freedoms and privileges we enjoy. Take a moment to 
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