USO Girls

Bye Bye

2011-01-28T17:17:00.007-06:00

It's been a great ride but USO Girls will be no more. Many of our girls have had some exciting life changes and are not volunteering at the DFW USO anymore. Doesn't mean they don't love the troops and America, they're just loving them from a different city or state. Baby Corn has her blog over at Change is Consistent. Kati is over at XOXO Frogs where she has the most awesome dating stories I have ever heard (have you ever been on a date with twins?) and Caro has started her own blog about life as a Texan in the foreign land of the Midwest called "I still need a coat? "

Thanks to all our readers for following our blog and supporting the troops with us the last few years, and all the comments too!

Girl Scout Cookies for Everyone

2010-12-07T12:14:00.005-06:00

Usually the R&R flight leaves before our shift starts but this weekend it was delayed so we were very busy which I love. All the seats were filled and lots of fun people to chat with. We had 3 guys at the counter who we were feeding and I found out they pretty much became BFF's on the way to the states for their R&R, now they were on the way back and it seems they have missed each other these past two weeks and were glad to be hanging out again. They had been at the airport a pretty long time so good thing they had a shared love for Thin Mints. I said they should have a contest who could eat their box of cookies the fastest. I learned that pretty much if you say "dare" or "eating contest" guys will do it, even if there is no prize. I told them the winner will get to have their picture taken by our Christmas tree. Who wouldn't want that? It ended up pretty much being a tie. One kind of cheated and I won't say who but it was fun watching them stuff their faces 4 cookies at a time!

Shop and then drop $5!

2010-12-06T12:00:00.002-06:00

From now until December 9th, stop by Old Navy and donate $5. You'll be giving the troops 100 minutes of phone time to call home for holidays.

Lucky Me

2010-12-05T19:11:00.003-06:00

A few weeks ago we had our annual USO banquet for the volunteers at DFW. Helene Cronin was invited to sing this song that she wrote herself. I really think you'll enjoy it, we really did.

Out of Commission

2010-12-04T07:34:00.005-06:00

I've been missing my own blog, good to be back here. Things have been pretty busy for me the last few months. Took an awesome trip to New York City with a few of my best friends, my step brother got married, and I have been dating someone I actually like! He's in the Air Force and is stationed in Omaha, and no we didn't meet at the USO, we met at a bar which makes our story really classy! So needless to say, going to visit the great state of Nebraska has taken me away from the USO for a few weekends. Not to mention the Rangers were in the World Freakin Series! Now that took up most of my time. Next up, I move again. My current place has decided to raise my rent and I'm not going to let them win. I found a great place back in Arlington and hopefully this will be my last move for awhile. This month I will be staying at home, no trips planned so I'm happy to be getting back to volunteering every weekend and being around the best shift ever. We have Exodus coming up which is always fun but it makes me feel really old because I'm not used to staying up all night. Coffee and Redbull will be my best friends that night. It's totally worth it though to see 5000+ soldiers and airmen that get to go home for the holidays. December is my favorite time of the year, looking forward it, not the moving part but everything else that involves USO/hot chocolate/cold weather/Christmas music played at work, in the car, at home...all day and all night. I love it!

Happy Birthday Marines!

2010-11-10T15:55:00.003-06:00

The Corp turns 235 today and has never looked better!

We are certainly proud of our Marine, my cousin Malachi is currently serving in the infantry with the CAAT 2nd Platoon in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with all our Marines and their families today! I hope everyone has a piece of cake!

Project Valour-IT

2010-10-29T18:47:00.005-05:00

Our milblogging community is having a friendly competition all in honor of helping our wounded troops. Project Valour-IT provides voice-controlled/adaptive laptop computers and other technology to our wounded to help keep them connected and aid in their recoveries. USO Girls is proud to be a part of Team Army! Help our heroes out and Donate today! You can actually donate to any branch YOU want, we just love being a part of this competition. ( Did I mention I'm a proud ARMY sister? ) No amount is too small. The fundraiser is running through November 11th. Thank you!

Congratulations Texas Rangers!

2010-10-23T11:15:00.007-05:00

I've been waiting for this my whole life. Last night I got to go to the game in my hometown of Arlington and witness history. BEST NIGHT EVER!

Claws out, Antlers UP!

Happy 235th Birthday US Navy!

2010-10-13T14:20:00.007-05:00

Since I am the USO Girl that served in the Navy... the other girls figured they would let me do the honors... :)

In true enlisted Naval spirit, the following message from the MCPON (Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy) Rick D. West says it best:

"Shipmates and Navy Families,

On this wonderful occasion of our Navy's 235th birthday, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for your outstanding dedication and commitment to our great Navy.

As you know, our Navy is the best it has ever been; we're operating on land, on, above and below the world's oceans, with the most advanced equipment and technology, but, at the end of the day, we are only as good as our people. It takes Sailors like you to ensure we continually meet the demands of our expanded Navy environment and increased mission requirements.

I would like to thank each and every one of you for your service to our nation and our Navy, and for truly making our great Navy a global force for good.

As we celebrate our anniversary, take a moment to remember those currently on watch around the world and those who have gone before us and laid the foundation to which you build upon.

I also want to say "thank you" and express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to our Navy families. Your role in your Sailor's life and the Navy is vitally important.

Happy birthday Shipmates! I am really proud of who you are and the outstanding job you do every day.

Happy 235th birthday Navy and HOOYAH!"

Fort Hood Trial Underway

2010-10-12T10:42:00.015-05:00

I can hardly believe that almost a year has past since the shooting at Fort Hood occurred that killed 13 soldiers and wounded more than 30.

Today, Major Nidal Hasan will come face to face with the men, women, and families of the victims of this terrible crime against our military. He will sit in his wheelchair, as he is now paralyzed from the chest down, and he will be required to listen to testimony from the people that were there that day. These witnesses will have the chance to tell how they saw it, what they felt, and their fight for life or fight to save someone else's life that day.

As we know, the media (whether right or left) tends to dwell on the shooter, his thinking, and his background. They have shown us that there was a problem with this man long before his orders to war were sent. They have shed light on the fact that key issues were missed, and had they been spotted, it could have avoided this tragedy all together. The media also continues to show us the things that different government agencies are doing to correct the deficiencies found. However, I see very few stories about the families and service members that have had to deal with this tragedy directly.
Let us not forget the lives that were lost and the many more that were changed from that day. I hope that we can all remember the fallen and the families of those that are still recovering. I hope this serves as a reminder that our freedom is not free, and that these men and women made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. My thoughts are for the men and women who need strength today as they tell the court in front of the man that harmed so many their stories.

Today is as much a day for justice as it is a day for the healing to begin. Regardless of the verdict of this trial, we know that these families and friends can now be on the path to healing.

Military Suicide Prevention

2010-10-01T17:02:00.003-05:00

I'm taking this down a notch to a serious, but necessary post for all military personnel, veterans, families, as well as supporters. Suicide among our warriors has been on the rise this year.

I was on a little mini-vacation to Killeen this week when I heard a news report that Ft. Hood alone had 14 confirmed military suicides this year, 6 more are suspected, including 4 just this past week. I did some more reading on it and found this article from militarytimes.com.

Readers, that is just ONE of our bases! I can imagine that similar stories are coming out of bases all over the country. Ft. Hood is among the nation's highest military suicide rates, though. Due to the recent increase of suicide risk in addition to the heavy deployment schedule and, I'm assuming also in response to the shooting that Army psychiatrist, Maj. Nidal Hasan, in which he killed 13 and wounded dozens of others; Ft. Hood has decided to rollout an assessment of more than 32,000 soldiers. The soldiers were notified that they would be visited in their homes, on and off base, to get an idea of how they were living. Weapons will be checked to make sure that they are properly registered to the owners also.

News of this just breaks my heart! These are our warriors- ones who have most likely gone to war, made it home, and now have chosen to end their lives. I can imagine that the stress of deployment, war, injury, loss, guilt, personal and financial problems among many other things would bring someone to their breaking point of feeling helpless. I just hope that if you or someone you know is feeling this way and considering suicide as an alternative, that you or they pick up a phone and call someone, email someone, or visit someplace that can offer help. The help might not know firsthand what you are going through, but then again...they might. It might be help from a veteran that chose to seek help and is now helping others. There are resources for help through veteran's organizations and I'll list them below. Or if you or they choose to go outside of a veteran support organization, that is available as well and I will list a few of them. Just get the help! There are so many people and organizations that are designed to help those who are hurting.

Speak Up, Reach Out is a program that Military Health System has created as a hub for this topic.

MilitaryOneSource.com has been set up specifically for assisting our military in preventing suicide. Whether that be the person seeking help, a spouse, a parent, a child, a friend, a leader...all kinds of assistance can be found through this site. Their hotline is 1-800-342-9647 and they are available 24/7.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK and is also a free, 24/7 resource. Veterans, Press 1 to be specifically routed to a VA assistance center near you.

Please, if you think someone is hurting, offer as much help as you can or suggest a few of these resources. If you are hurting, seek help! I plead with you not to let pride, fear, denial, or anxiety prevent you from getting help from somewhere!

Warriors, we are all so proud of you for your service! We surely don't want to see you go when you've come home!

And now, a quote I like to remember when I'm having a hard time, from "Hope Floats":

"Beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it's the middle that counts the most. Try to remember that when you find yourself at a new beginning. Just give hope a chance to float up. And it will."

Howdy Folks! Coming Soon-USO Girls Texas State Fair Day.

2010-09-29T20:49:00.013-05:00

Next weekend we're all going to the State Fair and I can't wait. I've gone almost every year since I was a kid. It's where I had my first Fletcher's corny dog, saw a headless woman, the world's smallest horse, was dragged to the boring car shows, messed with OU fans, had fried butter/smore's/cheescake/bacon/PB and jelly, and where I learned to hook em horns \m/ !!

Here are some pics from last year's outing.

Me and Jennifer signing our life away to the Air Force and finding out I was too old.

Caroline found Bret Michaels

Look at that face, so cute

This year I plan on trying the fried 'rita and another tasting of the fried cheesecake (the best) and of course saying howdy to Big Tex.

Operation Postcard

2010-09-27T18:57:00.006-05:00

Kristina, over at Words for Warriors is having a contest. She is looking for children of all ages to make patriotic artwork and the winner will be announced on Veteran's Day. Kristina will be making postcards out of the winning artwork and they will be planted in local businesses so their customers can write notes to our deployed military members. If these kids have the skill and talent I had when I took art class way back in the day, the postcards will be very entertaining. Check out Words for Warriors for more info.

Help an Army Wife

2010-09-27T13:33:00.005-05:00

Tanya Leach, wrote me an email and needs help getting the most votes for a book she wrote called "Hawaii for Heroes".

Tanya is the wife of retired Army CW3, Eric Leach. Eric is an Iraq/Afghanistan veteran who served over 20 years for the United States Army. HOOAH!! Tanya and Eric met and married in Hawaii while she was a newspaper reporter there and he was stationed at Wheeler Army Airfield.

She wanted to share the beauty of Hawaii with other military families. She especially wanted to include sights that accepted military discounts.

Now, she is neck-and-neck in the running for a publication deal. She needs votes by September 30 to beat a book about the Ural Mountains in Russia. Vote by going to this site. You will have to click on "your rating" and give it 5 stars. Just takes a few minutes, if you have to register. "Liking" it on facebook doesn't count as a vote, but you should like it anyway!

Help an Army wife publish her book!!

Tanya and Eric, thank you for your support to the United States over the years. The USO Girls send BIG warm Texas wishes to you and your family.

Infidel

2010-09-22T10:49:00.005-05:00

Award winning photographer Tim Hetherington has just released Infidel. It's a collection of photographs of the men stationed in the Korrengal Valley in eastern Afghanistan. The photos were taken while Tim and Sabastian Junger were there filming Restrepo. I'm ordering my copy today. Also, if you haven't read War, get it now. If you haven't seen Restrepo, see it now. Really, you should listen to me!

Who wants to hire a USO Girl?

2010-09-21T11:12:00.004-05:00

This is a shameless appeal to all of our readers and their networks to hire this beautiful, talented, America-loving and supporting our troops lady, Kati Wagler!

I have 7 years experience in administrative support roles for the financial services industry. I have licenses in the business and can do anything administrative! I'm open to new industries. Relocation is an option...if I can take Jamie with me.

I'd be happy to forward my resume to you for consideration. Leave a comment for me to email you or click on my profile to email me directly.

Happy Birthday US Air Force!

2010-09-18T07:36:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday to the United States Air Force, 63 years! We love you! (minus the food allergy incident)

Another milestone I just realized, this is the USO Girls 500th post. Wow, so many great memories, check out the very first post on this blog. July 11th, 2007.

Family Fun with Wisdom Tooth Drugs

2010-09-17T10:30:00.001-05:00

This video is going viral on youtube, it's pretty hilarious. Then Ellen had the family on her show and come to find out the mom who recorded her kids while driving them home from the dentist was recording it for her husband who is currently deployed to Afghanistan. She even gave them a vacation to Disneyland when the dad comes home. I laughed at the whole thing, it's much better than when I got one of my wisdom teeth out and just cursed like a sailor all the way home. I hope you enjoy.

This Family Needs Your Help

2010-09-16T11:39:00.003-05:00

Mothax over at the Burn Pit writes about a Marine who has lost his battle with cancer. Please read this story and donate what you can.

We all know the country music industry loves our military and Clay Walker has not disappointed. Our USO shift will be seeing him at Billy Bob's this Saturday night. Come join us if you're in the DFW Area.

Brian has served our country with honor. Let's help his family lay him to rest next to his grandparents.

Congrats Caro and TSO!

2010-09-06T15:25:00.000-05:00

Milblog Wedding!

2010-09-04T08:54:00.006-05:00

Half of our USO shift is in Indianapolis this weekend for the wedding of the year. Caro of USO Girls and TSO from This Ain't Hell are finally getting hitched! First stop after landing was the USO at the Indy airport. Check it out, it's been relocated and expanded and it's really, really new and nice! (by baggage claim #1) We've only had one bridal meltdown so far but a few margaritas fixed that. Today is the rehearsal and open house at Caro's. Can't wait to see all the milbloggers!

Survivor School Here I Come

2010-08-17T17:38:00.007-05:00

Saturday was a pretty busy day in the USO. Lots of nice and fun people to talk to. Then walks in Retired Navy Man (that's his name since we didn't even bother to ask). He throws down some boxes of what I think is candy. When I look closer, it's worms and crickets. BBQ, salt and vinegar, sour cream and onion flavored. He had bought them in terminal D at a candy store (these were NOT candy). So of course you know Retired Navy Man is going to make us try them.

I've always wanted to be on Survivor but there is always a challenge where you have to eat something gross and that always stops me from signing up. So who would be the first one to try?

Retired Navy Man (right) with his work BFF

Crazy Caroline was the first to try. She hesitated at first. I told she should do it for America and down the worm went! She said it wasn't bad, then the the cricket was next. Caroline has a weird thing about feet and legs so she would only try one without the legs. Down the cricket went! What a pro.

Then he eyeballed me. I refused. Then I thought, why not. I had just had a friend tell me a few weeks ago that I was the most "stable" one out of all our friends. It was supposed to be a compliment but it really translated into "you're boring" in my head. I never do anything exciting. Here is my chance to shine! So I take the smallest worm in the box and swallow it whole. Retired Navy Man got mad at me for not chewing it. I can't do anything right!

Even Chelsea finally did it, she was the most scared out of all of us. She even chewed it! Look how much she's loving it. Still I was proud for trying it. I think this means I could handle survival school no problem. Maggots have nothing on me.

President Bush visits the troops at DFW Airport

2010-08-12T16:51:00.006-05:00

Yesterday the troops on the R&R flight came home and a big surprise was waiting for them. President George W Bush and his beautiful wife Laura were there to greet them. What a great homecoming. This picture says it all!

More pictures on the USO/DFW Facebook page. If you're on FB, you should become a fan so you can see all the great things going on at our airport!

I was also told this story by my friend Bert who was at the Ranger game last night:

Last night two local soldiers in uniform tried to walk down to shake prez Bush hand at the ball game. Security stopped them about 10 rows away, so they yelled over to him. He looked over his shoulder and saw they were saluting him, so he stood up, turned around and saluted them back. It was kind of cool and then all the fans stood up and cheered for them as they walked back up the steps.

Have I mentioned how lucky I am to live in the great state of Texas?

Missing my USO

2010-08-11T18:34:00.003-05:00

I've missed the past two weekends at the USO and let me tell you, it's hard when I'm not there for awhile (on me, not on anyone else, I'm sure they could use the break away from Ms. OCD.) Just makes me realize how much I love volunteering there and the friends I've made! Can't wait to get back in the saddle this weekend and arrange the freezer just the way I like it, wipe the counters of crumbs, organize the plastic spoons, forks, and knives, hear fun and interesting stories from our visitors of the day. Aww pure bliss. Hurry up Saturday!

Swearing In of Future Marines

2010-07-28T20:46:00.006-05:00

At the Tournament of Heroes, I got a very surprising reminder of something from my past. I had almost forgotten about it because it had been so long, but tears came to my eyes to remember my personal experience. For those of you that are not current military or prior military, I would like to give a brief explanation the significance of swearing in.

You see when a young man or woman decides to make the decision to commit themselves, whether it be 4 years or 30 years, to help keep our country safe, they sign a contract and take an oath. That oath is as follows:

"I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."

The young men and women below took that oath in front of civilians, veterans, and future fellow service members. A thank you goes out to each one of you that has made such a selfless and exciting step towards amazing experiences ahead. Good luck and may each of you be guided safely home!

Tournament of Heroes!

2010-07-28T19:33:00.014-05:00

On Saturday, July 17, 2010 we USO Girls had the honor of working a great event supporting the troops out on Lake Lewisville. The Tournament of Heroes was put on by the Dallas Summer Boat Show and North Texas Marine. The event consisted of more than 30 military service members and veterans being invited to participate in an amazing day of fishing, sunny weather, and a little friendly competition.

There was an amazing turn out of people that came as volunteers, family members, and general public to support the event, and to them... we gladly say thank you for your support of these brave men and women.

Before the tournament actually began, the families were off to an amazing time at Hawaiian Falls free of charge, Snuffers cooked breakfast for the participants, Hooters girls packed lunches for when they were out on the water, an Admiral swore in several future members of the various branches, the Honor Guard presented the flag, and the Lewisville Fire Department Ensemble played several songs from the various branches.

Even after waking up as early as we did for a Saturday morning, I can tell you I would not trade the experience for the world. The selflessness of all the volunteers and coordinators is beyond my vocabulary of description. All I can say to them and the troops is thank you for allowing us to participate in a morning that was a truly moving moment. I cannot wait to do it again next year!

Boot Campaign, Boot Girls, and "Get Your Boots On"

2010-07-26T19:38:00.004-05:00

A group of 5 Texas girls: Heather, Sherri, Mariae,
Ginger and Leigh Ann, known as "The Boot Girls" have taken support for our troops and the USO to a new level of awesomeness!

The patriotic ladies were inspired to "make something happen" from the best-selling book, "Lone Survivor". Soon, they started capturing pictures of celebrities in combat boots as a show of support for the troops.

Their mission has caught the eye of many celebrities willing to pose in their combat boots such as Gretchen Wilson, Ted Nugent, and General Leroy Sisco. Just a few of the organizations that have signed on with the Boot Campaign are the Detroit Redwings, Houston Astros, Seaworld, the Miss America Pageant and the Dallas Cowboys! A few of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders have even posed in their uniforms and their combats. Most importantly, they have partnered with the USO so that $45 from each pair of combat boots comes back to the USO and the Lone Survivor Foundation! Friday, July 23rd, the patriotic ladies were featured on the Glenn Beck Show.

Get your pair here! And if you'd like to be featured in your combats, visit the Boot Campaign site to find out more details.

It's no wonder such an amazing and selfless mission came from *clap clap clap clap* "Deep in the Heart of Texas"! From this bunch of TX USO Girls, to you, Boot Girls...we salute you!!!

DFW USO now serving "The Jordan"

2010-07-17T20:29:00.004-05:00

8 year old Jordan, who's dad is in the Air Force, came into the USO and gave us an idea for our menu. This is The Jordan. See, he likes to mix things up a bit so he recommended Root Beer and Sierra Mist together in a cup plus a bagel, cream cheese and apple sauce sandwich. He even tested out his new invention and says it should be a hit. As delicious as this looks, I didn't try it out myself but I totally believe him!

Senior Center Fun

2010-07-10T11:00:00.012-05:00

Being a USO volunteer not only involves working at the center, the send off gate, or Welcome Home a Hero but we also have unique opportunities to volunteer at special events all around the DFW area. The Heritage Senior Center in Irving, TX was putting on a patriotic themed show and wanted us to be there to share information on how seniors can volunteer for the USO. Not only can you volunteer your time, you can also host lunches for the troops before they have to go back to Kuwait, or hold a supply drive for items needed at the USO center.

They put on a fun show. I am happy to say when I retire I'll be hanging out here. This place was awesome! They had a large swimming pool, lots of computers, a nice gym. This place was huge! I can't wait to be a member of their tapper team too. We also got to meet the Senior Idol and a USO girl from 1945. Loved hearing the stories she told from back in the day.

The Tappers

Ms Mature 1989 with Jodi

Mr Senior Idol

Click here for more opportunities to support the USO.

Medal of Honor may be awarded to a living recipient since Vietnam

2010-07-04T10:45:00.009-05:00

SSG Salvatore Giunta may likely be the first living Medal of Honor recipient in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I'm so proud that our generation may be able to experience this great honor. I know that Sal represents hundreds of thousands of other men and women who have done equally brave acts.

Congratulations SSG Giunta!

Random Thought for the Day

2010-07-01T11:08:00.003-05:00

How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

This is truly baffeling to me. There has to be a scientific formula that combines the Theory of Relativity, Murphy's Law, and the Theory of Osmosis that will surely give us a number. Anyone?

That is all.

Bacardi and the USO!

2010-07-01T08:56:00.004-05:00

Bacardi wants to donate $100k to the USO. Jonn over at This Aint Hell has a terrific post about it so, check it out!

The Town of Addison, TX loves the USO!

2010-06-27T18:29:00.002-05:00

On Saturday, July 3, 2010, Addison, TX will host its annual Independence Day festival, "Kaboomtown". This year's community service project featured is...da da da (the sound you hear right before a cool announcement):

Silver For Service- Benefitting the USO Dallas/Ft. Worth!

There are several ways to help. Donate and/or collect quarters that can be depositted at a variety of places across Addison and D/FW, feed a plane of troops returning to active duty, and donate and/or collect books for the "United Through Reading Program".

Man, I'm proud of Addison!!! Who's with me? I'm definitely taking my quarter collection there this Saturday!!! I might even wrangle up some books to bring also!

I wonder if I could volunteer to serve the food for the plane full of troops? Lord knows, I don't want to cook a meal for our troops and have them be all sick on their way to duty.

I found a copy of the form that can be used if you're interested in helping out. It has forwarding instructions on the bottom!

God Bless America!! Many thanks to the Town of Addison for their continuing support for the D/FW USO and our service members!!!

Freedom Concert

2010-06-26T15:57:00.004-05:00

Don't forget, the Freedom Concert starts in August. Help raise money for the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund. I went last year and had a blast, including meeting Oliver North. It might have only been for 5 seconds but it was worth it!

This year's line up includes Lynyrd Skynyrd, Charlie Daniels Band, and Michael W Smith.

Random Thought for the Day

2010-06-24T16:15:00.002-05:00

How do they get peanut butter inside a Reese's Peanut Butter cup? Is it magic? I swear Houdini had to invent some special trick!

That is all.

USO facts that even Jamie and I didn't know!!!

2010-06-23T17:58:00.003-05:00

Shocking, I know! They are facts that are posted on the USO website, but I haven't checked it in awhile.

Here are some of the facts that I was suprised, yet immensely proud, to learn of:

Pro vs GI Joe- Service members play all over the world in USO centers in front of the gaming stations while professional athletes play in front of fans, friends, or teammates. Both are equipped with big screen TV's, webcams, gaming consoles, and gaming tags! How cool is that? I'm cheering for the GI Joe's!!
USO2Go- 8 variations of customizable kits that include everything from beanbag chairs, snacks, toiletries, phone cards, DVD's, gaming equipment or games, laptops, art supplies, musical instruments, sporting goods...you get the point! Pretty much anything you could want!!! More than 140 have been delivered to Afghanistan since the program began.
USO in a box- Man, that reminds me of a certain SNL skit! *splashes water* the military has allowed the USO to use Tactical Operation Centers (TOC's) that can be driven or haloed to anywhere troops are. They offer just as much protection as "brick and mortar USO centers" and have many of the same amenities: snacks, TV, gaming equipment, books, and phones. I wonder if USO Girls can be transported in one? We wouldn't cause any trouble! And how fun would that be to see your friendly USO Girl there with a snack and a Wii?
Mobile Entertainment Gaming Systems (MEGS)- Need I say more?
The Trevor Romain program- "With you all the way" Deployment Kits filled with books, a bear, and a DVD. And on a lighter note, "Memory Boxes" that come with pencils, a journal, and the award winning book What On Earth Do You Do When Someone Dies? The USO delivers these at medical facilities as well as Dover Air Base.

As if I didn't have enough pride for my USO and my service members!

Edith Shane and that Famous Kiss

2010-06-23T07:22:00.004-05:00

Edith Shane, the nurse in this iconic picture has died. The picture was taken in Times Square, after the Japanese surrendered, ending War World II.

"This guy grabbed me and we kissed, and then I turned one way and he turned the other," she said. "There was no way to know who he was, but I didn't mind because he was someone who had fought for me."

From Cow Pastures To Kosovo: RESTREPO Special Screenings & General Release Information and Dates

2010-06-21T11:35:00.004-05:00

Since Tankerbabe gives such great info on this movie, please visit her site and see if it's playing in your neck of the woods. We have a group going to the Dallas screening, Monday June 28th. Get the word out and tell everyone about this important movie!

Father's Day

2010-06-20T18:34:00.008-05:00

Thank you to all the dads who are serving our country who can't be with their children today. The sacrifices you make daily is why volunteering at the USO is so important to me. This weekend has also been special for the DFW USO as one of our own, Tony, came home for his R&R just a few days ago and is able to be with his son today. I'm also thinking of my friends who have lost their dads way too early and those dads who have lost their lives protecting our nation. It's what makes the moments I share with my dad so much more meaningful.

Hoping everyone who gets to be with their dads today are enjoying their time together. Happy Father's Day to ALL you daddies!

My dad rocks!

Celebrating Old Glory, Flag Day 2010

2010-06-14T06:52:00.009-05:00

Are you flying your flag today? Remember what our flag is all about and the freedom it represents. Fly it proud, always!

You can also wear it like this pilot did when he came into the USO this weekend. Just an idea!

Would you vote for this guy????

2010-06-12T16:03:00.006-05:00

We all know that the political scene is heating up and campaigns start to get nasty. I, however, would think twice before I bad mouthed this guy in the press, wrote anything mean on facebook or stole a sign in the middle of the night!

Poets Corner: The Pirate of the Blue

2010-06-09T11:38:00.005-05:00

There once was a pirate so true

He insisted on sailing the blue

So he did what he could

To find a vessel of wood

Alas, all he found

Was metal abound

And a hat that was pointy too

Happy USOer

2010-06-09T11:31:00.003-05:00

Happy Best Friends Day!

2010-06-08T08:29:00.004-05:00

I had no idea today was national "Best Friends Day" until Al Roaker told me this morning. I'm glad he did so I didn't miss it! In honor of this day, the American Freedom Foundation, has created a bracelet to help us connect and remember our service members who are deployed. The American Freedom Foundation is an organization created to honor veterans of America's armed forces and raise money and awareness for various veterans' organizations with special emphasis directed to welfare and educational issues facing those wounded in action, those disabled and families and children of veterans killed in action during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. When you purchase a bracelet and register it online one will also be sent to your Best Armed Forces Friend, when you wear your bracelet you have a reminder of a specific person serving our country. I think I'm going to send one to my BFF to connect her with her BAFF, so Jamers check your mail! If you want to get one for yourself or your BFF you can order them here.

Well Hello There!

2010-06-04T13:30:00.002-05:00

Hi everybody!

Chelsea and I wanted to say hi for the first time together, and of course we had to wait a while because of vacations that were planned and we had to make Jamie sweat a little. We can't wait to get back into the swing of things now that vacations are over!!! We took a few pictures of us together at the USO, but because I don’t really know how to get pictures off my new phone yet, we are just going to have to give out an IOU this time around. We are so glad we get to participate in the best blog ever and don’t worry we won’t wait so long to post next time!

Caroline & Chelsea

Weekend RoundUp

2010-06-02T19:43:00.010-05:00

What a busy weekend loving America! Friday morning started out very early. The local news and Cynthia Izaguirre of WFAA wanted to salute the volunteers of the USO and asked for us to be there for the morning news show at 6am. Of course our shift loves to show our sweet faces anywhere we can so we were there bright and early. We had much fun waving our flags. Going back and watching the hour long show, I realized what a camera ham I am. You can see me trying to get in every shot and it was not pretty.

Me, Bernadette, and Irma

Best shift ever hanging out at Victory Park in downtown Dallas

Monday for Memorial Day, we ran/walked in the annual American Heroes 5K in Arlingfun. This year they had the biggest turnout ever. It was a hot morning. A really, really hot morning. After almost passing out, I finished with my worst 5K time ever. I didn't even care that the 80 year old man and 2 year old beat me. Oh and I beat Caroline. I have to be good at something. Do you know what it's like, her beating me at Bejeweled every week??

We rewarded ourselves with pancakes and iced coffee afterwards. So proud of Team USO!

Caro, Kati, and me showing our guns

Saturday night I had gone out to dinner for my friend's 40th birthday. We were walking to the car with all the balloons when this guy walked up and asked if he could have a few for his daughter. He had been away for awhile would be with her for only a weeks. He just got home for a little R&R. He was a soldier and he had just been through the DFW airport that day and experienced the welcome home crowd. He said how much it meant to him, so of course we gave him ALL the balloons (except for the "over the hill" black balloons.)

I love that! Just happened to meet someone at a restaurant who is a part of our little USO world.

Some Gave All

2010-05-28T18:13:00.005-05:00

"All gave some and some gave all
And some stood through for the Red, White and Blue
And some had to fall
And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties and recall
Some gave all"
written by B. Cyrus and C. Cyrus

As Memorial Day approaches, families all over America will be gearing up for summer and vacation season. As you pack your bags to visit family and friends or fire up the grill for the get-together, please take time to remember what this holiday means.

Not just that you have a day off work and that you should've gone to the bank because they will be closed. Remember that this nation was built and fought for by people willing to stand up for freedom and their beliefs! It means more than just our current military actions.

I believe, for just this one day, political opinions on war should not be mentioned. For this one day, let us not state our reasons for believing whether we should or should not be involved. The decision has been made, action has been taken. There are 364 other days to debate this.

Whether wartime or not, military personnel are subject to dangerous missions and are often times in life threatening situations. It's the nature of the business. Some lost their lives in that business. Some lost limbs, organs, eyes, ears, noses, senses, a wide variety of other wounds.

At some point this weekend, whether it be Monday or not, take time to say "thanks" for people who have given their lives. People just like us, who over time have left loving family and friends, possibly a perfectly good job or education, their belongings and chose to serve this country in our military.

They are the reason the United States of America IS what it is today! They are the reason there IS a Memorial Day and that you get that day off work!

Now, I don't proclaim to be a history major. Far from it, in fact. I am a Human Relations/Business and Psychology major with a minor in Spanish and Dance. That's for a whole different set of blogs...I digress. The way I see it is, this country was founded on the notion that America is to be a FREE country. American people are willing to stand up for what they believe. Americans come equipped with vivid imaginations to help them dream up what they want for their lives. They come with strong convictions to help those imaginings grow into realities. And they have a mean fighting side that comes out (even when tequila is nowhere in sight) to protect their realities and future dreams.

Our military is full of fighters! Some fight with words like attorneys, writers, communication specialists. Some fight with their brains, such as tactical specialists. Some fight with their eyes keeping a close watch on the seas, skies and land. Some are forced to fight eye to eye with an enemy. Let us not leave them alone in their fight! Let us not throw mud on their sacrifice! Let us not disgrace the memory of what they have fought for!

So, whether you believe our military or political stands have been right or wrong, honor the memory of our fallen Americans. Honor them as you would your family. Remember that their families could be listening and watching. Think of how you'd want others to feel and act if your family member died doing their job. I'm sure at some point or another, a good amount of Americans have had a service member in their family. If not, think of a friend or coworker that has served. It won't be hard to envision what you'd like for their passing. It shouldn't be hard to imagine how they'd like their memory to be treated.

Just take a short moment and REMEMBER. Be thankful and then go about your trip or your BBQ.

Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend!

RIP John Finn

2010-05-27T16:59:00.008-05:00

A great hero has passed away today. We've had the chance of meeting John Finn at the DFW USO several times. He was the first man to receive the Medal of Honor from World War II. I'm so honored to have met him. Here are some pictures I wanted to share with you from last year, we had celebrated his 100th birthday with him. We're going to miss seeing him in Dallas.

From the Army Times:

SAN DIEGO — Retired Navy Lt. John Finn, the oldest Medal of Honor recipient from World War II, has died at his Southern California home. He was 100.

Navy Lt. Aaron Kakiel says Finn died early Thursday on his ranch near Live Oak Springs, where he lived for more than 50 years.

Finn earned the nation’s highest military valor award for his heroism during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He received the Medal of Honor on Sept. 15, 1942, from then-President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Born July 23, 1909, in Los Angeles, Finn was the oldest of the 97 Medal of Honor recipients still living.

During the Dec. 7, 1941, attack, Finn manned a machine gun and began firing from an exposed location on Japanese aircraft, suffering serious wounds in the process.

Welcome Home and the Ultimate Man Cave

2010-05-25T18:46:00.015-05:00

So, I wanted to tell you all about my exciting weekend, the weekend before last. Life and work, and work and life get in the way sometimes. I volunteered at the Tee it Up Fore the Troops event but the day before was just as exciting. Tankerbabe flew in for the event Sunday and our job was to pick up our Wounded Warriors that were playing in the golf tournament the next day at their gate and take them to the hotel. I picked her up and our first "pick up and delivery" wasn't until a few hours later. It just so happened the inbound R&R flight was coming in while we were waiting around so of course I had to take TB to see that! She had been to sendoff before and passed the test from her "Official USO Girl Training Session" and had wanted to experience the Welcome Home that DFW is all about. She cried, I cried. It's always an emotional and happy moment to see our soldiers come home from war. Families are there, the local community, always a crowd and it never gets old welcoming them home. After this, we went and picked up our soldiers. We were invited to a BBQ that night and all we knew was it was in someone's backyard and they had an awesome man cave. The pics don't even give it justice but it was really cool! I have volunteered at this golf tournament several times but never had the chance to really hang out the soldiers who are playing and get to know them. What a fun group! I will never forget this day, hanging out with our Bravest and Best and meeting so many people who support them.

R&R flight at DFW. I love it when they wave back!

This is what always gets me.

Making sure the guys are checked into their hotel. Me guarding Chris's golf clubs.

THE man cave

Upstairs

They had everything you could imagine

Our generous hosts, Teresa (left) and Joe (right) with their neighbors, a World War II hero Ernest J Deeds, who lead a platoon on Omaha Beach, with is wife Lois.

Relaxing by the pool

Donna and Nicolas. Donna is the whole reason this event took place. We love her!

More pics to come of the golf tournament!

I'm Baaaaack!!

2010-05-24T21:14:00.003-05:00

Work and school can't keep me from lovin' my country!! I'm glad to be back as a USO Girl! I always have plenty to say about patriotism, support for our troops, and no limit to the hilarious stories in my life.

A little about me:

I started with the USO D/FW sometime in 20o4.

I left the USO in 2007 since the car I had at the time couldn't get me down the road without breaking down AND I was going back to school. I have a MUCH better car now!

I'm still in school, working on my Bachelor's in Business Management at University of Phoenix here in Dallas.

I work as a Sales Assistant for an investment firm.

I was raised by a Marine Dad and my brother is currently an active duty Marine.

Almost every man in my family has served. I have a Great Uncle who was a Marine who gave his life on Iwo Jima. My Grandfather was in the Army during WWII serving in Africa, Italy and France among many other places. My Dad and Uncle were Marines in Vietnam.

My Mom wrote for a military publication during Vietnam and that's how she met my Dad (awww)

I stand,cross my heart and tear up for every Star Spangled Banner I hear. I think everyone else in this country should too!!

I love the USA, our troops, the USO, my family and friends, my doggie Sugar Bear, and all the USO Girl fans out there!!

Thanks for welcoming me back to the blog!!! God Bless the USA!!

Beer Tasting for America!

2010-05-24T11:54:00.005-05:00

The Defenders of Freedom Golf Tournament was a success! More pics later but wanted to let you know I'm still full from drinking all the beer for our basket we made for the silent auction. Of course we had to test all the beers out to make sure they were tasty. Let's just say dark beer is not for me but we tried each and every one of them until I could barely stand. Now if that doesn't say I love America, I don't know what does!

Carrie, me, Chelsea, and Erin. Jodi, our USO mom is taking the pic

Book Drawing over at The Kitchen Dispatch

2010-05-24T11:40:00.003-05:00

Win a copy of Sebastian Junger's new book "War" over at the The Kitchen Dispatch. The winner will be drawn tomorrow morning at 9am so you better hurry! Here are the rules:

You must have a blog or be on Facebook. If you review books already, all the better.
You can't have already been sent or have bought this book.
Just leave your name and blog URL in the comments.
Share this link with others on Facebook, Twitter, or on your blog.

Thanks Tankerbabe for the link!

It's Armed Forces Day

2010-05-15T12:05:00.005-05:00

Even though you're thought of every day, today is a perfect day to say thank you to our Armed Forces. Thank you for your strength and courage to defend our great nation. We salute you!

Warrior Games Colorado 2010

2010-05-06T17:35:00.003-05:00

Speaking of warriors, REAL warriors, this is pretty cool! Around 200 wounded service members from all branches of military service will be participating the Warrior Games May 10-14 in Colorado Springs. Check out more info at the Burn Pit. Events will include Archery, cycling, basketball, shooting, track and field, and volleyball.

These athletes will sure inspire a lot people that's for sure.

Warrior Dash

2010-05-06T11:45:00.005-05:00

Me and Stephanie from the best USO shift ever participated in the first Warrior Dash in Texas, so it was like a mini team USO event with Carrie being our photographer. We signed up for the event in February hoping it would motivate us to work out hard and be in perfect shape by the May 2nd deadline. Well that didn't work out too well but we still finished it and we're still alive! It was 3.5 miles of fun with 14 obstacles. I had been really thinking about dropping out because one of the obstacles was a fire pit you had to jump over. I have a very BIG fear of fire. I think it goes back to when I was about 5 years old, we went camping and my dad's slightly intoxicated friend decided to pick me up and throw me up over the fire pit and catch me right before I hit it. Not once but many times while I screamed in fear. He thought it was funny. I didn't. I will never ever forget it. Well now I can say I conquered that fear.. just a little. I did it! Looking at the picture, it doesn't look that big but really the flames went over my head! Ok not really but that's what I was thinking. I could feel the heat as I hurdled over it. My life flashed before me as I made Stephanie go first, just incase she didn't make it, I could back out last minute.

Didn't get a whole lot of pics but a lot of people dressed up and wore fun costumes. There was even a dance off before our race started. Can't wait until next year!

Exciting Things in May

2010-05-02T08:08:00.008-05:00

For those of you in the Dallas/ Ft Worth area, or even those of you who aren't who just want to visit the great state of Texas, the 6th annual Defenders of Freedom Tee it Up Fore the Troops Golf Tournament is coming up May 17th at the Dallas Cowboys Golf Course. Donna, the founder is one of the most awesome people we know, and we know a lot of awesome people. She does so much to support the troops and works really hard. If you would like to sponsor a military member for the tournament or make a donation, click here. Tankerbabe will be there as well. I'm so excited to take her out for some good Mexican food too. You would think we would get tired of constantly eating chips and hot sauce, fajitas, queso, guac, but it just never gets old, EVER.

Also, our USO crew is running (or walking) in the American Heroes 5K yet again this year. We love doing this event. So sign up and join us! We will be stuffing our faces with pancakes afterwards if that will motivate you.

I missed the USO this weekend, I signed up for a tour "Retracing the steps of Lee Harvey Oswald" I've always been really, really obsessed with the assassination and always go back and forth on what I think happened. I'm leaning more towards the lone gunman theory but I always go back and forth. Learned many new things too. Did you know Jack Ruby's dog (he loved that dog more than anything) was in the car outside the county jail when he shot Oswald? Now if you were planning to shoot someone, would you bring your dog with you? We saw Marina and Lee Harvey's first home in Dallas, the Texas Theatre where he was arrested, the spot where Officer Tippet was gunned down and also his grave, (also learned Stevie Ray Vaughan is buried in the same cemetery) the house from that famous photo of Oswald holding the weapons that killed the President and Officer Tippet, the house of General Walker in Turtle Creek, who Oswald also tried to kill, and so much more. Favorite quote of the tour from Deputy Ken who was our tour guide " It always upsets me when people say the assassination put a stain on Dallas, Oswald was from Ft Worth!" It was a really interesting tour, Mrs Leppert, the Dallas mayor's wife was also on the tour with us. As long as I've lived here I can't believe I hadn't done it yet. Next one, Bonnie and Clyde!

Introducing Our New USO Girl Contributors

2010-04-27T19:15:00.008-05:00

What does a girl do when she is asked to write on a blog and then everyone leaves you? You get replacements! You see, this blog was started in 2007 by Lindsay. It was a great idea and she also wanted the cool kids to be involved with the blog as well so she sent us an invite to the site, which I ignored for several months. Then I get a "hey, you better contribute" follow up email request so I finally write my first post. I know Cheetos up the nose is not what you would call inspiring but it does portray how much fun volunteering can be at our USO. It can also be emotional and heart wrenching but mostly we just have a lot of fun. This blog started out with the four of us: Lindsay, Kati, Caro, and me. Kati had to go back to school, Lindsay found love at the sendoff gate, got married, and has settled into life in Georgia as an Air Force wife. We all know Caro found love through this blog with TSO and moved to Indiana but she'll be back from time to time and will still be involved in our crazy shenanigans. Which brings me to my new partners in crime, Caroline #2 and Chelsea. They are pretty new on our shift but they've both fit right in (after the hazing of course, I mean we had to make them hit the ground and fry like bacon and we might have saran wrapped them to a pole at McDonalds but that was about it) which is a miracle because we are a close family but we accepted them with open arms. Now I sent them their invite to this blog so I'm really hoping they don't make me wait for months to accept. That would just be annoying. Welcome girls!

Big Fan of MaryAnn

2010-04-20T16:59:00.005-05:00

he wrote this over at Soldier's Angels Germany. It really does capture the heart and soul of an American Soldier. Amazing write up!

Check Us Out

2010-04-20T11:46:00.008-05:00

..over at the official USO blog! We had the chance to meet Em at the Milblog Conference and told her how much we love our local USO. She let us guest blog about our volunteer experiences for National Volunteer Week. Be sure to add the USO blog to your favorites list, they have so many great things happening all over the world.

Milblog 2010

2010-04-14T18:13:00.021-05:00

As usual the Milblog conference was a blast and I'm so glad we were there for the 5th Anniversary. It's awesome to be a part of this group, even if we aren't known as "serious" bloggers. It was great catching up with everyone and meeting new people who's blogs we've been reading for awhile now. I was reunited with Caro and it felt so right. We kept up our usual Milblog routine with at least one of us bawling our eyes out, dancing awkwardly, and we still can say we have "foot in mouth" syndrome. Big shout out to Concrete Bob for picking me up at the airport, you'll always be our Official USO Girl crush, Ponsdorf for letting me borrow his sweatshirt and not getting mad when I lost it, The Sniper for stealing our phones and updating our Facebook status, Blackfive for high fiving me, Bouhammer for being my cellmate, and Team Rubicon helping me with my migraine. Also, congrats to all the Milbloggie winners. All well deserved.

It was so good to see everyone again. Y'all rock!

Caro had me arrested, then bailed me out.

Saving Abel performed for us. They recently returned home from a USO tour

Starbuck from Wings Over Iraq

Kaboom!

We also took some time to hang out at the Cherry Blossom Festival and helped save some whales

Medal of Honor Week

2010-04-07T19:52:00.011-05:00

DFW welcomed 6 Medal of Honor Recipients yesterday. They were on their way to Gainesville, TX for their 10th anniversary hosting these great heroes. The USO made sure each and every one of them was taken care of as soon as they got of the plane. I was lucky enough to be a part of it and was assigned to greet MOH recipient Harold Fritz. I even got to hold the welcome sign! After he was greeted by a huge crowd at the gate, we got to ride with him on the motorized cart to the USO. I loved hearing all the stories he told about serving in the Army. He was funny, nice and just a sweet man. My favorite part was that he brought a ham sandwich with him in his briefcase. Grandma Linda asked if he was afraid he wouldn't get fed in Texas.

Me and Mr. Fritz

They made a stop at the send off gate to thank 200 soldiers going back to Iraq and Afghanistan

Mr Hershel William's MOH boots

Mr. Duane E. Dewey MOH - Panmunjom, Korea 1952, U.S. Marine Corps

Mr.Hiroshi Miyamura MOH - Near the Imjin River, North Korea, 1951, U.S. Army

Mr. Hershel W. Williams MOH - Iwo Jima, Western Pacific, 1945 U.S. Marine Corps

Ret. Col Harold A. Fritz MOH - Near Quan Loi, South Vietman, 1969 U.S. Army

Hope you all have a great week in Gainesville!

You Really Like Us!

2010-04-04T15:48:00.011-05:00

We made it to the final round for favorite U.S. Military Support blog for the annual Milbloggie Awards! Yes, it's an honor just to be nominated and if you find it in your hearts to vote for us, we would truly appreciate it. We are up against some stiff "competition" including our personal favorites Tankerbabe and Boston Maggie. So click here if you would like to vote ( you'll have to register in order to vote if you haven't already). If these guys tell you to vote for us, don't you think you should? (shameless, I know.)

Need $1000 bucks?

2010-04-01T08:12:00.002-05:00

The folks over at Army Study Guide are having a contest for military bloggers. The contest is open to veterans, active duty, and military families from all branches of service. All you need to do is submit a blog post that discusses how you or your family has benefited from a military program like the GI Bill, Scholarships, home loans, tuition assistance, MYCAA or any other benefits program. Your submission could be a past post or you could write a new one for this contest, you don't have to be a blogger to enter and your post doesn't have to be published to win so if you have a story and could use some extra cash check out the contest, the deadline for submissions is April 18th and the winner will be announced on May 17th. So check out the details and get to posting!

I love...Cake

2010-03-30T11:45:00.004-05:00

I have to say the thing I am most excited about in getting married is cake...oh yeah and finding the love of my life...blah blah blah...CAKE! Thanks to Laughing Wolf from Blackfive, I not only have a great cake source but I have bakers that are using their talents to support the troops in a unique way! The Yellow Bowl Bakery in Lafayette Indiana, started a project called Cooking with the Wounded. The ladies travel to Walter Reed and Landstuhl, Germany where they cook for the wounded. Their long term plan is to add in an educational component where they give career counseling to wounded warriors who are interested in pursuing their culinary interests which I think is amazing! They just got back from a trip to Germany, where they used the USO kitchen to whip up some delicious treats!

American Forces Network Europe Home Article Display (DD)

If you are in the area, (or will be forcing your fiancee to drive north) and want to sample their wares they are offering a special if you bring items to donate to the Soldiers Angels Germany.

Stop in soon and stop in often to support one of our fellow supporters or if you aren't in the area you can donate towards their next trip here!

Severe Clear

2010-03-28T21:48:00.006-05:00

Last week, me and some of my USO friends went to see Severe Clear.

A few years ago, 0ur Baby Corn was telling us she had never seen Full Metal Jacket, usually when someone brings that movie up, you start reciting the funny one liners and end it with "That movie was awesome!" With that being said, she got in her head that the movie was a comedy. After watching it, she called us up completely shocked saying "That was NOT a comedy." Which brings me to Severe Clear. I was laughing one minute and completely silenced the next. I also found it very ironic that the movie was playing right next to Green Zone, which received horrible reviews, staring Matt Damon. ( saying that in my Team America voice). This movie is the real deal and brings you to what our military was going through from the beginning of the war in Iraq. It doesn't set out to make any political statements which I really like. After watching it I know just how lucky I am to get to say thank you in person to so many for the great job they are doing. It's a must see!

Serenaded by Soldiers

2010-03-22T19:17:00.006-05:00

We had lots of stranded soldiers this weekend, thanks to the snow! I begged for snow and it came. Thank you very much, but I didn't think about all the flights that would be cancelled. If they were going to Lawton, OK they didn't have a chance. We tried to make it entertaining for them and our Caroline #2 suggested they get the geetar out and show us their talent. I also might have begged (just a little bit) for them to serenade me. "Please!!! Please sing to me, please?? Pretty please!!?? " It went something like that...

Major Curtis Miller Returns Home

2010-03-17T11:22:00.004-05:00

Air Force pilot missing in action from the Vietnam War has been found and will be returning home to Texas today. Major Miller's remains were found in Laos. He will be greeted by the Honor Guard, Veterans and USO volunteers at DFW airport. He'll be buried March 29th in the Dallas-Ft Worth National Cemetary with full military honors.

Welcome home hero, your sacrifice will not be forgotten and may your family be comforted by your return home.

Here is Major Curtis Miller's tribute page.

Our Bloomin Onion was Great!

2010-03-15T20:02:00.002-05:00

Of course the best way to support the troops is through our tummy. If it involves food and a drinky-poo, we are so there! This is our USO shift Saturday night at Outback in Addison and we ONLY ordered off of the red, white, and bloomin menu. Great food, awesome service, and a fun time. (flying grapes and all)

How are your Bloomin' Onions?

2010-03-09T08:15:00.003-06:00

I'm sure you all have seen the Outback commercials that are promoting ordering from their Red White and Bloomin' menu to raise $1 million in support for Operation Homefront, which helps our service members and their families coping with injury recovery and deployments through many programs providing groceries, auto repair, moving services, and financial services just to name a few. Outback also supports the troops in their own way with Operation Feeding Freedom where they bring their signature dishes to the troops deployed abroad since 2002. I'm a firm believer that many people want to support the troops and their families, they just don't know how. This is a great way for everyone to contribute to some great programs for our troops! I know TSO and I will be hitting them up this weekend!

Wordless Thursday because I forgot to post Wednesday

2010-03-04T11:00:00.001-06:00

...but I might not!

2010-03-03T16:11:00.001-06:00

First of all, I want to thank everyone for the sweet send off, especially Jamie, Jodi and Carrie. The only thing I've been sad about leaving in Dallas is the USO and my amazing friends there. I've spent most of my weekends there the last 5 years, and now I see my fellow volunteers as family rather than friends. Come on who wouldn't want two more Grandmas! Jamie hosted a fantastic party for me last week that will be a special memory the rest of my life. I deeply appreciate everyone who took the time to come.

About Seven months ago I told my boss I was going to move in January...3 weeks later she said if I stayed until the end of February that she would let me telecommute and alas a date was set on the calendar. It seemed like I turned around and it was half way through January! I was excited and heartsick all at the same time. This last stint in Dallas was the longest I'd ever lived anywhere so the moving didn't scare me I just wish that someone would have told me they still had snow on the ground in March here! While I'm sure TSO and I will have some growing pains I am excited for everything that the future holds.

I already miss Jamie, (I thought of you when I got my new couch at the American Factory Furniture store, I knew you would like that) but I especially miss you on Saturdays...but then I remind myself that you refused to come to my 25th birthday party after I specifically invited you and I miss you 3% less. I can't wait for you to come and visit, I'm getting your room ready for you!

I Think I'll Survive

2010-02-28T07:17:00.004-06:00

It's going to be tough though! I worked my first USO shift last night knowing that Caroline won't be there anymore. Of course as soon as I walked in I was asked if I missed her. It hadn't really hit me yet. I kept on telling myself I would see her in April in DC or she might even be back here for work soon. Then as the day went on I started to feel it. Everything I did or said, she was on my mind. We would talk about the proposal or I would think of something I could put on the blog and she wasn't there to say "That's dumb" or "Ya! I like it!" We watched curling with the soldiers and I kept on saying "Caroline is going to do that with her fiance in Indiana." I would check my phone to see if there were any messages that said she missed me too...and nothing. The good news is she has been replaced. That's right, we actually have a new Caroline on our shift. Her name really is Caroline! Before we met Caroline #2, I had told Jodi she better make sure our new shift member will be someone who can possibly be my best friend because I'm going to be in a world of pain. She did good, we love our new Caroline. I will say, it won't be the same without you Caroline #1. I was going to play mean and say I don't even miss you anymore.....but I do.

I Like it

2010-02-25T19:38:00.002-06:00

Come on, there is nothing wrong with being proud of your state. :)

h/t Tompie

Caro's Last Day at the USO and Going Away Party

2010-02-23T11:11:00.011-06:00

Not only did Caro get engaged Saturday night but it was also her last day at the USO. She will be moving to Indiana this weekend to be with her love. I never thought it would come this quick! We also had her going away party at Hard Eight BBQ, one of the best BBQ places in the DFW area in my opinion. It was like Christmas for her! She got lots of presents and all her friends actually showed up. She is all set for Indiana with her books about Indiana historical markers and Indiana Curiosities, her patriotic blanket that Jodi's mom made (absolutely beautiful ) and a couple of hats from her boss Marcia for the cold weather that we rarely get to experience (well actually, we have a lot this year. I think someone had plans to get Caro used to the cold weather up there) Plus she has a framed picture of my dear, sweet cat Bella so she will always remember the good times they had.Projectile vomiting is included in those memories as well.

Always the third wheel!

It wouldn't be a party without a R&R soldier there.

Opening presents while Jodi supervises

Marcia's gift, it's sooo Caroline!

Caroline, it won't the same without you. You're the Mary to my Rhoda and the peas to my carrots. Thank you for your five years of volunteering at the USO. I don't know what I'm going to do without you!

Don't worry, we still have the Milblog Conference to attend so you haven't heard the last of our shenanigans yet.

My Name is Caroline and I am a Quitter...(and now with more pictures!)

2010-02-22T16:01:00.000-06:00

Sooo as you may have heard there was some shenanigans at the USO this weekend yet again, only this time it involved TSO.

My Saturday was a bit hectic, I've been painting my apartment for 3 months it seems and I am almost finished so I spent the morning painting. Jamie bought my desk so she came over and picked it up (btw we are awesome furniture movers, and if it weren't for me bruising like a peach I might have a new career!) then I went back to painting to try not to think about it being my last day at the USO. I got focused on painting that I was late to help Jamie carry the desk up the stairs in her apt before we went to the airport (for those of you playing at home that would be the second time that day that I saw her Saturday.) Which made us both late to escort our new team members through security. I chatted with everyone a bit before heading over to the small USO in D, where I sat with Erin, one of our new team members for about 2 hours. After arriving back at the main center I worked the front desk with Jamie and Carrie, then helped Jodi escort a mother and daughter who came to the airport to see their son/brother that they hadn't seen in a year. When we got back to the center Jodi rotated us to work the snack counter, where Jamie was texting on her phone a lot, then anytime I would go to the closet to get anything Jamie would come with me or help as we wiped down tables. You may be thinking, "Caro why are you writing the most boring post in the world?" excellent question my friend! It is to illustrate exactly how many people I came into contact with that can keep a secret because I had absolutely no clue of what was going to happen next!

Jamie motioned to me and whispered that Schwillie texted her that we had to look at This Ain't Hell right then, my thought oh no what kind of trouble are those two into now! We log onto one of the computers and there was a big picture of me and TSO...truthfully my first thought was he's trying to suck up, because we had been a little irritated at eachother all week, second thought as I was scrolling through the post was...gee whiz that's long...then Jamie yells stop it and start at the top (please note at this point I'm still oblivious thinking that Jamie is tapping into her OCD and making sure I do things in order.) So I go back to the top of the post and start to read and it's so sweet (still oblivious to anything happening behind me) and I get to the part where it says "that's why I'm going to fly down to Texas and ask her to marry me" That's where I get thoroughly confused and stop reading and turn to look at Jamie and ask what? he's not here...but he was there...there were tears and kisses and I don't remember anything except him saying something like so what do you say

...I said yes!

Does anyone know where I can get a royal blue taffita gown with poofy sleeves and a big bow...I'm thinking Jamie would be beautiful in something like that, it will really bring out her eyes!

Another USO Girl Quitter!

2010-02-20T23:09:00.004-06:00

Caroline is engaged! Read how it all went down at TAH.... and I can totally keep a secret! More details to follow, because right now I'm in a total food coma. Congrats to Caro and TSO!

Caro's 1500!

2010-02-15T20:16:00.003-06:00

Congrats to Caro for getting her 1500 hour pin this weekend volunteering for the best shift ever at the best USO ever. At least when she moves I'll finally be able to catch up with her. Only 500 more hours to go.

Great job, we are very proud of you!

Happy Birthday USO

2010-02-04T05:30:00.001-06:00

Today the USO is 69!

H/T Jodi

A few things have changed since then....

...but the love and support for our troops continues. I don't see that changing any time soon. Thanks for letting us be a part of your wonderful organization. No really, thank you for letting us in, past security and all. We really appreciate it. Happy Birthday USO, here's to many more!

Nueva Casita Night!!

2010-02-02T09:49:00.002-06:00

We haven't been in forever, but it is the first Tuesday of the month and you know what that means... We will have to force ourselves to partake in margaritas, fajitas and sopapillas for the USO. Nueva Casita graciously donates half of every check on the first Tuesday every month to the USO. It's a hard job, but we are willing to take one for the team! If you reside in the greater DFW area come on out and join us. Nueva is at 75 and Northwest Highway directly behind the giant Half Price bookstore.

Jamie even said she was going to sing tonight, I promise you won't want to miss it!

Meet the New Contestants...

2010-02-01T10:29:00.001-06:00

So after some delicious gorgonzola sauce and 2 glasses of wine Jamie and I decided that we would make awesome Amazing Race contestants. She has endurance, and a competitive edge; I bring....ummm....a unique outlook on the world and a willingness to eat the weird stuff as long as it doesn't have mayonnaise on it. I think we would be entertaining to watch, it would be Mary and Rhoda travel the world...most likely we'd get out first round because the meanie player would manipulate us into feeling sorry for him...or we'd get lost because I refuse to accept that geography is a science...

We started our training yesterday by kidnapping Jamie's cat, Satan I mean Bella, from her old apartment and bringing her to the new one...lets just say it wasn't projectile hair balls that came up as we were driving down the George Bush.

Bella

We couldn't roll down the windows and the whole way there she was staring at me like she wanted to bite my jugular...If Jamers and I can survive that we could totally do the amazing race...right?

What other things do you guys think we should be doing to train?

Official USO Girl Anouncement!

2010-01-28T11:22:00.004-06:00

Jamie and I will be hitting DC again this year for the 2010 Milblog Conference. We love going and meeting all our blog friends. We don't consider ourselves serious milbloggers by any means but we love that for a weekend we can pretend like we are. Somehow last year we ended up in a meeting at the pentagon when we thought we were just getting a tour! Our previous excursions to the conference have been fun and exciting and we are hoping this year is no different. We look forward to seeing everyone again and who knows what exciting shenanigans this year may hold.

Team Rubicon

2010-01-21T19:42:00.003-06:00

Badger Jake is back in the blog world and doing it for a cause that will save lives, organizing a team of former Marines, Soldiers and medical professionals to help with relief efforts in Haiti. Please check out Team Rubicon's site and make a donation, any amount, if you can. They have more teams willing and ready to head to Haiti, just need the funds to get there. You can actually see on a daily basis what your donations will fund by following their blog. Another reason why I love our military! And seriously, if I had to come back reincarnated as a dude it would be Jake. Reading about his life really has made me feel like the worst couch potato ever, and here I was planning my routine today around the Jersey Shore finale. Completely ashamed. Thank you Team Rubicon!

Reason #47 Why Jamie and I aren't in the army

2010-01-21T16:57:00.001-06:00

We'd require remedial PT

h/t Jodi

The Negligent Post

2010-01-20T21:03:00.007-06:00

Since Pretty much October I've been holding out on you. I've been traveling constantly, crazy busy at work and pretty much just being lazy. So here's a recap of all the things that are in my "I should blog about that" file.

First and foremost our sweet baby corn got married a couple months ago. The ceremony was lovely, she was beautiful, and Jamie caught the bouquet...I'm happy to report she has now healed from the wounds I inflicted for ruining my hatrick.

I had the privilege of working exodus as the soldiers were heading home for Christmas. These guys were telling me that so far it hasn't been that hard and the worst thing that had happened to them was they got smoked for a guy writing a letter to his girlfriend when he was supposed to be cleaning. Of course his DI read his letter with feeling to the entire platoon while they were doing their push ups which was pretty entertaining.

Christmas was nice TSO and I headed to Lubbock to visit the cutest baby girl in all the world...and the rest of the fam. He survived a private coffee trip with my dad although any time I ask about it I'm told it's none of my business which I don't think is very fair.

For New Years TSO and I drove from Indy to New Jersey to spend the weekend with his brother and his family, when I say we drove I of course mean I slept for pretty much all 12 hours each way while he drove.

Which brings us back to January. The last 2 weekends have been pretty great, the weekend before last we celebrated Jamie's 4 year anniversary!

Then at Send Off one of our old volunteer friends came through on his way to training. Chuck, volunteered for about a year with us before he got called up with his reserve duties. Then last weekend Brittney came through!

I got there just in time to say hello before she boarded the plane back to Afghanistan. We just love her so much she was also a former volunteer who joined the army and has just blossomed (if the army can do that) she has truly found her calling, and I am so proud to call her friend. It was so nice seeing her, I don't think I've seen her since we were celebrating her graduation from airborne school.

Ok we're all caught up, my lack of posting guilt is assuaged...and as soon as I figure out how to upload my flip videos I have an awesome one of Grandma Linda teaching us how to make a redneck tank top!

The Break Up

2010-01-19T20:00:00.005-06:00

Our Sunday Sendoff team is made up of "couples." The Grandmas: Connie and Linda, The Moms: Donna and Betty, and the childless, wannabe Grandmas: me and Caroline. We are 3 sets of BFFs that work the sendoff gate together. If I'm ever there without Caroline, the whole airport has to know where she is and is shocked when were not together and vise versa. Same thing, if Connie or Betty shows up without their other half, we just can't understand how they can get through the day without their partner in crime. Well, there is one couple that is breaking up. Actually, Caroline is dumping me when she moves to another state....for a man. I'm also changing up my weekend schedule at the USO so I won't be doing sendoff anymore and ruling our shift with an iron fist. I know they will miss me, but I'll still be at the center trying to boss people around. Sunday was mine and Caroline's last sendoff together. It was hard but we'll still have our time together in the Center and I might just sneak down to sendoff every once in awhile to make sure our Grandmas and Moms haven't broken up as well.

Look how sad we look, whatever, she's not even going to miss me!

Happy 2010!

2010-01-02T09:08:00.002-06:00

I have been volunteering at the USO for 4 years now. I can't believe it. This really has been the best thing I've ever done and I couldn't imagine not continuing on, so I'm really looking forward to everything I will experience in 2010.

I had made a resolution 4 years ago that I wanted to take part in something I was passionate about. (I know a lot of people don't like making them but I always make resolutions every year, this is the only one I've kept up with! ) I started out by adopting a soldier. I sent him a package and he wrote me a handwritten letter from Iraq, thanking me for the package and telling me about what his life was like there. We continued to email and became good friends. I remember asking him what he really needed and he said they really wanted movies to watch when they weren't working, they would watch anything. He said I could send The Princess Diaries and they would still watch it. He soon came home and I thought, what should I do next? I was watching the local news and saw they were welcoming home soldiers at the DFW airport and that's when I learned about the USO. I had no idea they had these centers at the airport, a home away from home for our military. A Vietnam veteran trained me my first day at the USO, he told me what it was like for him when he came home and how badly they were treated. It was sad to hear him talk about that but made me realize I really needed to be there for the troops. The next week I worked my first day on my new shift and have loved it every day since.

I don't know if I'm really making a difference in anybody's life but it really has changed my life for the better. Supporting the troops has always been important to my family and having an older brother in the Army reserves for 20 years now has always made me proud. I'm so thankful to be part of the USO, it's a great organization. Now I'm off to pass out sandwiches for Exodus today. Have a great year everyone!

United States Coast Guard Giveaway

2009-12-23T17:29:00.006-06:00

Update 12-24-09, we have a winner, thanks everyone for participating!

The United States Coast Guard has an exclusive holiday giveaway for a USCG blue hooded sweatshirt as well as one USCG t-shirt for our readers. If you can answer this question, send me an email and you can be a winner!

Q: What governmental department does the US Coast Guard operate under during
peacetime?

A: The Department of Homeland Security

www.gocoastguard.com

Merry Christmas everyone!

Future Faces on the Front

2009-12-15T18:36:00.008-06:00

When I was five I attended Children's World daycare in Arlington, TX. We were eating lunch one day and I turned around to see a girl crying because they were trying to make her eat corn and she didn't want to. They said she had to so she finally tried it and ended up, well let me try to put this in a nice way, upchucking it all over the place. What did I do? I pointed and I laughed at her, I laughed hard and told everyone to look, and she never forgot it. Years later we saw each other again at a high school football game and became fast friends, although she reminded me I was the girl who made fun of her. Gee, who would remember that? This didn't affect her in any way in raising a wonderful child. Let me introduce you to her son Cade. I wanted to learn more about Cade because his mom told me his dream is to go to West Point, it's been his dream since he was 5 years old. His grandpa's business partner and friend is a retired General and told Cade what a great experience West Point was. He's now 12 and it's still what he wants to do.

More about Cade:

He's in 6th grade and is the quarterback of his school's football team, he also like to play baseball. Jerry Rice is his favorite football player.
favorite veggie is corn, who knew!If he had a third arm he would put it under his other arm so he could practice throwing extra footballs
He doesn't have a nickname so I decided to call him "Corn boy"
If he could be any super hero it would be Batman because he grew up watching the movies and loves them
He doesn't like hippies :) He would never grow long hair
His favorite instrument in Rock Band is the geetar
Ladies, he doesn't have a girlfriend and that's by choice, for now....
Favorite TV show is Friday Night Lights, favorite movie is SWAT, favorite actor is Morgan Freeman. He doesn't like Kanye after what he did to Taylor. Amen!
He LOVES video games, and Madden 2009 is soooo better than 2010
His favorite subject is math and he hates reading.
One of his proudest moments was being nominated for a Optimist youth achievement award.
If he could go anywhere in the world it would be New York.
His favorite place he's ever visited is Orange County
Favorite food is cheese pizza
Once he joins the army he WILL grow a mustache, duh

He is also good at taking orders. I told him to look mean and tough for this pic, mission accomplished.

Cade has this West Point article hanging on his wall in his room (which was kinda messy by the way, I told him the army will straighten him out on that )

Cade, thanks for taking the time to let me interview you, during Monday night football even!

I think America will be in good hands with you. Keep up the good work!

USO Girls Uncensored Tonight!

2009-12-15T10:13:00.004-06:00

Please excuse this shameless plug...at 9pm central time Jamers and I are going to be on Navy Wife Radio tonight for their "Holiday Messages for the Troops" show so please tune in and listen to our 15 minutes of fame! They interviewed us 2 years ago and sadly we had no callers so someone *cough* TSO *cough* better stay up late to listen and call in!

All you need to do is log on to http://www.navywiferadio.com/ and click the listen live on the right and it will take you right to the player. We look forward to hearing from you tonight!

Snowball Express

2009-12-13T20:13:00.003-06:00

Snowball Express Volunteers Honored

Check out the video from ABC News Person of the Week, it's none other than all the volunteers who lent a hand for the Snowball Express, a charity for the children of fallen military heroes, which DFW hosted this past week. I wasn't prepared this morning as I was drinking my coffee and ended up bawling like a baby after watching it and checking out some of my USO friend's facebook pics of the big event. It's amazing to see how many volunteers showed their support for these kids and seeing their smiling faces, they looked like they had a ton of fun! They were in town for several days, which started with a very large welcome at the airport, DFW style, which included meeting Santa and Mrs Claus. They also got to meet the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders and visited the new Cowboy Stadium, they had a Ranch and Rodeo day, and hung out with Gary Sinise and the Lt Dan Band, plus tons of other activities. I'm so glad they had a great time and enjoyed the big Texas welcome, it was well deserved!

Do you love the children?

2009-12-11T10:33:00.003-06:00

Barnes and Nobles is helping our United Reading Program by donating a portion of any purchase made December 12th (Saturday) when you present this voucher with your purchase.

The United Through Reading Program is one of my favorite things that the USO does. We have a special room where soldiers can pick out a book for their child then we record them reading the book and mail the child the DVD and the book that their parent read to them. The best part is everything is completely free for the soldiers! The USO has received so many thank you notes and pictures from kids that have received this special gift, helping keep families connected is one of the most important things we do. I know the bookaholic in my life needs something awesome for his new camo stocking (which by the way are awesome!) so I'll be out there elbowing my way through the crowds on Saturday besides I bet the knot has a new magazine out...(joke TSO just a joke, please start breathing again.) So print a voucher and join me in with the crowds on Saturday!

Christmas Cookies

2009-12-10T14:47:00.003-06:00

I have been assigned to bring some treats for my family's Christmas celebration and I've been looking for some recipes since my cookbooks are already packed (thanks mom, greatest Thanksgiving gift eveh!) As I was perusing through the recipe site I spotted 2 great things, these little stocking cap sugar cookies which are some of the cutest things I've ever seen,

(yes TSO if I make these I will make you a Jayne Cobb cookie) and a delicious contest!

Allrecipes.com has dedicated their Christmas Cookie countdown the the troops this year and they will be sending 4 dozen cookies each day to a member of our armed forces serving abroad! All you have to do is nominate your favorite service member and each day at noon until Christmas they will post the lucky recipient! So check it out and get those nominations rolling!

Added Bonus: School Children who share my Christmas Cookie Sentiments.

Making Christmas

2009-12-09T15:26:00.002-06:00

Sgt Adolf came up to the counter extra bummed because she had forgotten her Santa Hat and antlers in the car on her way to the airport. She asked us if we knew anywhere in the airport that sold them and sadly there isn't a place. Then Grandma Linda disappeared when she came back she had a stack of hats to hand out! Sgt Adolf said she made her Christmas, there's no better feeling than that!

Tough Guy Christmas Stockings

2009-12-04T09:20:00.006-06:00

TSO is spending Christmas with my family this year, he's pretty excited if by excited you mean having a nervous stomach and simultaneously wanting to throw up...I think he fears quality time with my dad and brother.

I love the holidays with my extended family mostly because my grandmother has knit everyone a Christmas stocking and they are all different so when they are all hanging on the mantle it's neat to see her work from over the years. This year there has been a little controversy, since TSO isn't in the family yet should he get a stocking this year or does he have to wait until it's official. Then the sweet baby Lynley was born and she bumped him out of line which solved everything except, what we will do with TSO? He has to have a stocking! Then, courtesy of some linkage at the Burnpit one of their readers Bob, sent me an email about his business, Camosock. He makes Camo Christmas stockings!!! The stocking are made out of uniform material and come in Marine woodland, Marine desert, Navy, Army, Air Force, National Guard, Coast Guard, and Navy Corpsman.

It all started when Bob wanted to send his Marine daughter something special for Christmas so he took a blouse to a local seamstress to get a stocking made, and it was a hit! They cost $21 and a portion of each sale goes to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. They look really neat and they even have a little pocket! Bob look for my order of an Army ACU stocking and please make it with extra love!

The Cutest Baby in the World!

2009-12-03T12:21:00.002-06:00

As promised here are a couple of pictures from my first photo shoot with my new baby niece Lynley!

Holiday Mail for Heroes

2009-11-30T10:41:00.002-06:00

Over the last few years it's been hard to send greetings to the wounded troops since they had to discontinue the use of "Any Soldier" and "A Recovering American Solider" for their safety, but this year the Red Cross as established a PO Box where you can send in cards and letters for the soldiers at Walter Reed. The catch you may ask....they must be received by December 7th and must be addressed as Holiday Mail for Heroes. So hit up the Hallmark and send some cards to our wounded troops at:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

I know someone who is going to get a hoops and yo yo card!

Pictures at the Gate

2009-11-29T17:33:00.006-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T08:56:00.003-06:00

Before I head off to Austin to be with the fam, just wanted to wish all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving. Thank you to our veterans and our troops serving here and all around the world. Hope you enjoy lots of turkey, or tofurkey, or turducken, whatever you prefer, and football today. Go Cowboys!

Santa's Always Listening

2009-11-25T10:04:00.006-06:00

My parents are in town after visiting my brand new baby niece last week (stay tuned for pics I get to go see her this weekend) and we decided to hit up the mall before it got crazy. As any sane person knows you always start with shoes because they are the foundation of any great outfit! I asked my mom if Santa was listening because I would like some ugs, she said she thought she heard Santa was shopping so I went ahead and tried them on for him.

At this point in the blog you are probably asking yourself one of 2 questions....Did Santa buy the beautiful boots for Caroline? I mean obviously she's on the nice list...or...What in the heck does this have to do with anything?

When Santa took them to the check out he was telling the clerk that he was going to make me wrap them up and stick them under the tree and wait until Christmas to enjoy them, the sales clerk laughed and said this year his family had decided to forgo presents and instead they adopted a unit deployed to Afghanistan and are going to send them care packages! I thought that it was a very sweet reminder about how much Americans do still care about our troops. Hopefully no one else will feel like the soldier at COP Keating who said "no one gives a [crap.]"

The United States Postal Service has posted their 2009 Military Mail deadlines for packages sent to domestic posts as well as abroad. You can check it out here and they will also send you packing materials free of charge by calling 1-800-610-8734! It includes boxes mailing labels and the customs forms that you need.

The Girdle and the Gimp

2009-11-19T06:00:00.000-06:00

Last Friday was our annual USO Banquet and once again Caroline was my date..for the 4th year in a row. Sad? Yes. Did I have a great time? Of course!

Just a few days earlier I had been on crutches. I slipped and fell on the bleachers at bootcamp, but did that stop me from wearing heels? Oh no. Best advice my step mother has ever given me is "vanity before pain." She told me this after I told her I was going to wear flats with my dress because it hurt to walk. The gasp in her voice was too much to handle. Good thing I didn't tell her about my cardigan until after the event. Apparently, this was a big no-no too. Caroline's accessory was her girdle, a size extra small, that was too big for her. Gee, what an awful problem to have. My extra small date was very sweet, taking care of me so I didn't have to walk around so much, getting my food, making sure I had somewhere to rest my gimp leg, and she only made me dance once.....

After watching everyone do the Cupid Shuffle, it was picture time. We found one of our favorite Sergeants and forced him to pose with us. This is where he proceeded to tell me basically what a big loser I am for still being single. Ok, he didn't say it exactly that way but he was a very big advocate for Match.com.

Sadly, we did not make our annual trip to Cowboy's after dinner. Painkillers and a glass of wine (wink) really don't mix. It's a recipe for constant yawning, plus, wearing heels after spraining your ankle kinda hurts. It was still a great night out, good food, fun music, and hanging out with my favorite people in the world, the people who support our troops!