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(IMRF) Applications
Enclosed with this month's newsletter is an application form for the families of our soldiers in the 933rd. The IMFRF fund has been set up to provide some financial assistance to the families of deployed soldiers. Granted, it may bot be a great deal of money, but every little bit helps, especially during the holidays. If you haven't completed this application, please take a moment to do so. There is a phone number listed on the application to the Illinois National Guard, should you need assistance completing this application. That telephone number is:
1-866-524-4654. The amount of money a soldier's family can receive will range from $500 to $2,000. Please take advantage of this opportunity. Just a word of caution, you will need to include a copy of your soldier's orders with your application. For additional information regarding this fund and other Operation Homefront programs that protect the families of our deployed soldiers please contact the office of Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn. Call toll-free 1-866-417-8889. Operation Home Front protects the rights of the men and women who serve in the National Guard and Reserves from Illinois.
The children of military members may be eligible for a scholarship program administered by the Fisher House Foundation and funded by the manufacturers and cendors that sell groceries and perform services in the commissary system. Historically, the program has awarded nearly $2.5 million in scholarships to nearly 1,500 children of active duty, retired and Guard and Reserve families. If you would like additional information regarding this program, you should logon to their website at:
http://www.militaryscholar.org
This website can also be used to make donations to the fund. Applications are available online or at any commissary worldwide for the 2004 program. The application period runs until February 18, 2004.
There is also another program available for those families who shop at commissaries. As members of the National Guard, our families have access to all commissaries. The "Gift of Groceries" program provides the families of our deployed soldiers with commissary gift certificates. These certificates are available through the USO, Air Force Aid Society and The Fisher House Foundation. For more information, please logon to:
http://www.commissaries.com
or call toll free 1-877-770-GIFT.
The information for both of these programs has been provided to the FRG by the Defense Commissary Agency in Fort Lee, Virginia. Their telephone number is (804) 734-8061.
Recently, Marge Walsh received the following note from the family of SPC James Dexter. "Your display of kindness, caring, and respect through tokens of appreciation and personal acts of affection will forever remain in our hearts. Every soldier is a star to us! May peace and strength remain in our hearts as we journey together hoping and praying for a bright tomorrow."
-The Dexter's
"ANYTIME ANYPLACE!"
$12 Tickets
for military personnel and their families
to select performances of
Charles Dickens'
A Christmas Carol
Wednesday, Dec. 03, 2003 at 7:30p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2003 at 7:30p.m.
Get your advance tickets today!
This offer is available by phone at 312-443-3800 or in person at The Goodman Theatre. "Rush" Tickets are also available. However, there is a 2 ticket limit per military I.D. for these performances. These tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis, and are available only at the Box Office window
Our next Family Meeting will be held in February. We plan to meet at the Donnelly Armory to discuss the current status of our soldiers and the celebration we are all anxiously awaiting, the 933rd Homecoming Party. We welcome all who are interested in planning for this celebration. There will be several committees formed to share in the planning for this celebration. There will be several committees formed to share in the planning excitement for this event. Although a date has not yet been set for this party, we hope it will take place sometime in the early part of May 2004. Meeting information will be mailed out in January. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact your FRG Representative.
'Twas the night before Christmas, they lived all alone, in a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone. I had come down the chimney with presents to give, and to see just who in this home did live. I looked all about, a strange sight I did see, no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No stockings by the mantle, just boots filled with sand, on the wall hung pictures of far distant lands. With medals and badges, awards of all kinds, a sober thought came through my mind. For this house was different, it was dark and dreary, I found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly. The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone, curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home. The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder, not how I pictured a United States soldier. Was this the hero of whom I'd just read? Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed. I realized the families that I saw this night, owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight. Soon around the world, the children would play, and grown-ups would celebrate a bright Christmas Day. They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year, because of the soldiers, like the one lying here. I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone, on a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home. The very thought brought a tear to my eye, I dropped to my knees and started to cry. The soldier awakened and I heard a rought voice, "Santa don't cry, this life is my choice; I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more, my life is my God, my country and my corps." The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep, I couldn't control it, I continued to weep. I kept watch for hours, so silent and still, and we both shivered from the cold night's chill. I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark night, this guardian of honor, so willing to fight. Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure, whispered, "Carry on Santa, It's Christmas Day, all is secure." One look at my watch, and I knew he was right. "Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night."
Name: Adriana Vargas
Email: [email protected]