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Riders flocked to Legion’s Poker Run

Printed in this week’s North Jefferson News:

What sounded and felt like a small earthquake in Fultondale on Saturday was simply a group of men and women wanting to help others.

More than 200 motorcycles roared in to American Legion Post 255 in Fultondale to take part in the American Legion Riders 9/11 Poker Run.

This is the fifth year that American Legion District 21 has hosted the ride. Each of the six posts in the district takes turns heading up the event.

“This is in remembrance of the fallen police officers and firefighters on 9/11,” said Ron Slay, vice-commander of post 255 and commander of American Legion Riders of Post 255.

Proceeds of the ride benefit the Fultondale Police and Fire Departments.

On hand to receive plaques and recognition from Post 255 Commander Bill Steber and other officials were Fultondale Assistant Fire Chief Larry Adams and Gardendale Police Chief Mike Walker, along with other members of both departments.

Also on hand at the post Saturday were representatives from the Breast Cancer Foundation and representatives of Kendall Thomas, both of whom were taking up donations.

On Sunday, Walker attended a District 21 meeting at Post 255, where he received a $1,000 check for the Kendall Thomas foundation.

Kendall Thomas, a former softball player at Gardendale High School, has been diagnosed with leukemia.

“That’s what the Legion is, helping the community and helping people in need,” said Slay.

The riders stopped at the American Legion posts in Fairfield, Tarrant and Leeds, giving plaques to the police and fire chiefs there.

The group also picked up extra riders at every post before ending the ride at the Birmingham Race Course.

Slay thanks the dozens of sponsors, who donated more than $2,000 in cash and items for door prizes.

Local Military News

Courtesy of The North Jefferson News Shopper:

Congratulations Christopher and Anthony!

Local heroes honored in ceremony

Courtesy of the North Jefferson News:

Newton Duke was honored June 7 at Gardendale First Baptist Church during a ceremony in which he received his Purple Heart medal more than 50 years after he earned it in Korea.

Above, Ronnie Guin of Mt. Olive, a member of the Dixie Division Military Vehicles Club, drives Newton Duke to the ceremony.

In the back seat is Duke’s grandson, Sgt. Chase Duke. During the ceremony, Duke pinned an End of Tour award onto his grandson for meritorious service while serving in Afghanistan.

Right, Lt. Gen. Kevin Campbell, the commanding general of Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, pins the Purple Heart onto Duke.

Local Armed Forces Spotlight

Courtesy of The North Jefferson News Shopper:

Gardendale native completes basic training

Air Force Airman Jarrod A Burns has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

During training, Burns studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship and field training exercises.

In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through Community College of the Air Force.

Burns is a 2007 graduate of Gardendale High School.

Fultondale native completes infantry training

Army Pvt. Johnathan Clevenger has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.

During the nine weeks of training, Clevenger received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions.

Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.

Clevenger graduated from Fultondale High School in 2005.

Lawley named 2007 First Sergeant of the year

Air Force Master Sgt. Joe B. Lawley was named 2007 First Sergeant of the Year for th 71st Fighter Wing in March.

Selection was based on the individual’s exemplary duty performance, job knowledge, leadership qualities, significant self-improvement, specific achievements, notable accomplishments, and community service and support.

Lawley, a first sergeant with 24 years of military service, is assigned to the Vance Air Force Base, Enid, Okla.

Lawley is a 1982 graduate of Gardendale High School.

Great work, fellas!

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Magnolia Festival results and pictures!

Well, for my first “official” event, I think things went very well. I had plenty of fliers made and came home with just a few left. I had a huge stack of cards with the Soldiers’ Angels mission statement and web address on them, and every single one of those disappeared! (I guess it makes sense … those cards are small enough to fit into a pocket or purse without too much fuss or folding, and the fliers had a TON of information on them!)

Mental note: print more cards next time!

With the exception of occasional tent fly-away attempts (the wind was unreal!), things went very smoothly and I’m definitely looking forward to going back next year! I’ve been looking at my calendar of local events and I don’t think there’s anything really going on until August or September, so I’ll be looking for other ways to get the word out about Soldiers’ Angels.

Suggestions are MOST welcome!

I have the pictures up here, so please feel free to hop over and take a peek!

Note: my daughter was in the karate demonstration, so like any proud mama I took lots of pictures!!!

How many go unloved?

It’s no secret I’m a huge PostSecret fan. One of the postcards listed in today’s edition broke my heart:

From hearing from my own adopted soldiers, and friends and family who’ve served or are still serving, I can only imagine how that soldier feels. It’s got to be one of the worst things in the world — feeling forgotten, unloved.

I hope whoever that card was meant to reach got the message. But how many others are out there feeling the same way?

At the Magnolia Festival yesterday, something struck me as I explained to those who came by the booth about Soldiers’ Angels and what we do — there are so many here who want to help, but have no idea where to go or how to get started. I had a large stack of cards with the Soldiers’ Angels web address and our mission statement on them, and gave out every single one.

A few stopped to look at the binder of pictures and testimonials I had. One that the binder contained was this:

“Mail is more important than even hot showers or hot food. When I was in Fallujah, the mail center received about eight shipping containers every two days; three were filled with letters. People at home probably have no idea how much their little cards, letter and goodie bags boost morale. Countless walls around Iraq are wallpapered with cards and letters. Soldiers and marines especially love the cards from kids. There is nothing better over here than reading two-dozen cards from kids who can barely hold a crayon. If a kid sends a card, rest assured that card will be stuck in a wall somewhere, and it will bring a smile to many a soldiers and marine.”

- author Michael Yon, Moment of Truth in Iraq

It’s such a simple thing and yet it means the world to someone a thousand miles away. If you are interested, please visit www.soldiersangels.org and help us support those who are deployed throughout the world defending and protecting the freedoms we cherish.

(x-posted to my personal blog)

Reminder: Magnolia Festival

Good morning! This is a quick reminder that I will be running a booth at Gardendale’s Magnolia Festival this upcoming Saturday, April 19th, from 10am to 5pm. I will be handing out information on Soldiers’ Angels to anyone who’s interested and giving out coloring pages and stickers to kiddies. If you’re so inclined, please feel free to come by and say ‘Hello!’

For information, a schedule of events and directions, visit www.MagnoliaFestival.org

I look forward to meeting some of you!

SA Alabama coming to Magnolia Festival

I filed the paperwork this morning and have already begun gathering the necessary materials, supplies, etc. for the booth (space) I will be occupying at the upcoming Magnolia Festival in Gardendale, April 19th! Any area Angels in the area (or passing through) are welcome to come by and see me!

For information and directions, visit www.magnoliafestival.org