Soldiers Angels Executive Conference

I've been waiting to post about the conference, (that I was honored to attend) for other angels to blog so I could link them. Then the buzz and blur of daily life stepped in and deprived me of the time I needed to gather my thoughts and post.

The conference was a gathering of 150 Soldiers' Angels and supporters. We participated in workshops, exchanged ideas with team leaders, acknowledged angels with awards, and got to met each other, some for the first time.

It was quite humbling to be among so many who work relentlessly in support of our troops.

The highlight of my trip, and there are many, was to see some old friends and to meet new ones. One of them my "battle buddy", who I was blessed to work with while we were stationed in Germany, MaryAnn Phillips . As the lynchpin of Soldier's Angels Germany she visits the wounded, holds their hands and is in contstant contact with families stateside.

She was interviewed at the conference by radio show host Bob Calvert from "Talking with Heroes"

News Blaze has more here about MaryAnn

Sorry MaryAnn I know how you hate to see and hear yourself talk

She is a Godsend to so many families who are so far from their loved ones in need, and although she hates the spotlight, she deserves it.

I got to see Chuck Ziegenfuss and his lovely wife, Carren again. What an awesome pair. Takes a strong woman to stand behind (beside) a strong (willed) man.
For those who don't know, Chuck was injured in Iraq in 2005, and I was the first to visit him at Landsthul, and when my angel duties really began. It was good to see him recovering well, and that he hasn't lost his sense of humor.

Chuck has become the inspiration behind Valour-IT, a program I hold dear to my heart. He suffered serious hand wounds when injured. He had a cast at the conference from yet another surgery for this injury.

You can listen to Chuck Z tell of his experience here in Operation Price of Freedom.

This brings me to angel Beth, also know as Fuzzybear Lioness whose dedication to Valour-IT has helped make it the success it is today. It was good to see her again.

I got to hang out with Holly Aho the fiery red headed angel with an insatiable laugh, who does a tremendous amount of webmaster work for the SA Site. She's just awesome.

Newsblaze did an article on her and Bob of Talking With Heroes radio also interviewed her.

Due to a mishap in room reservations I got to meet and room with angel Shelle Michaels, who I had been linking for a while but had never met. We have alot in common. ;) Mishaps can be a good thing.

It was nice to meet up again with angels, Laurie and Gretta Gretta remembered me but did not know who I was til now, that's ok, I was sort of incognito at the last meeting, but hey NZ Bear was there and he didn't even remember meeting me and we saw the President together. I forgive you NZ.

just giving you a hard time

I got to meet for the first time Blake Powers - a.k.a Laughing Wolf of Blackfive and played a little Texas Poker (for chips - no real money) with The Patriot Guard Riders. I did pretty good, I have a great poker face. (The Chaplin was a hoot - gambling is against his religion but since it wasn't real poker, no harm done :) The Patriot Guards are unwavering in the support and honor they render to families of the fallen. It was truly an honor to meet them.

There were many angel supporters there, one being Brigadier General (Retired) James Combs, a 41 year veteran of the US military. I got a quick introduction but unfortunately, did not really get a chance to talk to him much. He did speak at the conference. He was very appreciative of the support given to his soldiers over the past three years.
His interview can be found here.

One of my biggest highlights was to see Gold star Dad, Robert Stokley again. He's one of the most graceful men you'll ever meet. We discussed a project he's working on in honor of his son. Definitely a worthwhile effort. (And thank you Robert for being our protective escort from the conference thru the dark streets to our hotel.)

Newsblaze did an article on him as well and Bob of Talking With Heroes radio also interviewed him.

I also have to mention the opening of the Soldiers' Angels museum. It was just beautiful and there were so many things on display, thank you letters from the front, photos, flags flown at different bases, awards SA has received and other mementos. To say it was amazing would be an understatement. The video does not do it justice.
The Soldiers' Angels Museum Narrated by Soldier's Angel Holly Aho

(Takes a moment to load.)

Greta has some pictures from the conference and the Soldiers Angels museum here. I hope to find more. (My camera was on the fritz.)

And last but not least my favorite angel(s) for whom if it weren't for, I would not be writing about this.

Patti Patton Bader and her husband Jeff. What an awesome pair. Takes a strong man to stand behind (beside) a strong (willed) woman.

Newsblaze did an article on them, and tireless Bob of Talking With Heroes radio interviews Jeff Bader here.

This brings me to the end of the conference review but brings me to America's Favorite Mom. Patti would give you the clothes of her back, literally. Last time I saw her at the MilBlog Conference, I complimented her outfit and the next day she wrapped it up in a bag and gave it to me (we're the same size) I still have it and wear it often. Amazing. Next to my own mother and mother-n-law, she is my favorite mom.

Which is why I voted for her as America's favorite mom, and yoiu can too. Here's Shelle:

First of all I would like to personally thank each and every one of you for truly being Angels on Earth. All Soldiers Angels contribute to a cause that truly makes a difference for the better of those heroes who volunteer to defend our freedoms. Although Patti is the founder and our public persona, without you, none of this would happen.
Our Soldiers Angels chain is only as strong as each link in it and we are one strong organization with over 180,000 volunteers. Together combined we walk the walk and accomplish great deeds of kindness.
Each and every Angel shares in any and all awards bestowed upon Patti and all of you are America's Favorite Moms and Dads. From my heart thank you for your efforts.
Let's pull together and win this contest in a big way. There's a chance if we impress the judges that Patti could be on National T.V. to publicize and promote Soldiers Angels. There's only 8 days left and you can vote everyday!!!

Vote once a day in the "Most Inspiring Mom Online Contest". Contest ends March 31, 2008 . Click here for more information. You need to register or log in to vote!

Soldiers' Angels is an all volunteer non-profit 501(c) (3) organization whose mission is to support the brave men and women deployed away from family and friends in support of the War on Terror in Iraq, Afghanistan and wherever they raise the flag of the United States of America. In the time honored tradition of civilian support of American soldiers, Soldiers' Angels sponsors programs which provide support to American soldiers and their families.

"May no soldier go unloved, May no soldier walk alone, May no solder be forgotten, Until they all come home." ~ Soldiers' Angels mission as quoted by founder Patti Patton - Bader.