Your Sons Have Become Our Sons...

by Rhonda McGuire

Marine Lance Cpl. Jacob A. Meinert
Operation Enduring Freedom

20, of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.; assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii; died Jan. 10 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

The tragic death of LCpl Meinert hits even closer to home as he served bravely in the same unit as the Director's family friend.

Miguel and men from his unit held a memorial service for their fellow Marine. Our hearts and prayers go out to them and the family and friends of this young man. We are forever grateful...

Fort Hood Brave Remembered with Memorial

Hall of Remembrance Opens at Fort Hood | Thank You For Your Service

By Joy Pariante
Special to American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2010 – The survivor outreach services center here officially opened the Hall of Remembrance Jan. 11 to honor all those affiliated with Fort Hood and surrounding Texas communities who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the nation.

Army Lt. Gen. Robert W. Cone, commanding general of 3rd Corps and Fort Hood, Texas, looks at the pictures hanging in the Hall of Remembrance honoring those who paid the ultimate price. The hall was officially opened to the public Jan. 11, 2010, and honors the fallen with a Central Texas or Fort Hood affiliation. U.S. Army photo

A private opening, featuring the photos of fallen heroes displayed across a wall, was held Dec. 22, with 189 family members of the fallen in attendance.

The first opening, with a roll call of all the servicemembers on the wall, was for honoring and healing, officials said. The public opening, they explained, was to promote awareness of the survivor outreach services program -- known as SOS -- and to acknowledge the community’s support in making both the hall and SOS headquarters possible, said Janeth Lopez, SOS program manager.

“This is the result of a commitment to keep a promise,” said Army Lt. Gen. Robert W. Cone, commanding general of 3rd Corps and Fort Hood. He quoted from President Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address, which explains that promise: “‘Let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan.’”

SOS provides surviving families with a connection to their Army family for as long as they want it and with whatever support they need, Lopez said. This includes programs such as financial counseling, support groups and grief camps for children. SOS staff members also make phone calls to families, send cards and publish newsletters to keep family members connected. They also reassure them that they’re remembered and will be cared for, Lopez said.

In Memory of Marine Lance Cpl. Adam D.Peak - Florence Kentucky

God Bless The Troops would like to graciously thank Fund-A-Frame supporters, Brian Carothers of Florence Kentucky...Joseph Bugala of Cincinnati Ohio...and Mark Weidman of Florence Kentucky...for providing a framed Defender print to the family of Marine Lance Cpl. Adam D. Peak. This brave Marine paid The Ultimate Sacrifice for our freedom on February 20th, 2010 in Afghanistan. We will never forget his sacrifice to our country. We Honor Him...

We are blessed to be able to partner with generous supporters both locally and nationally who share our heart and passion for the troops and our Gold Star Families.

Click HERE to read more about this fine young fallen hero on our website.

To help us reach out to more soldiers and their families won't you consider helping us by supporting our mission.

Hannity signed Defender Print Auction

by M. Titre

God Bless The Troops was honored to have Sean Hannity personally sign The Defender that was donated to The Heart Of A Marine Foundation. The framed Defender print was auctioned off by 560 WIND's very own Geoff Pinkus (Host of Livin Large on Sundays from 5pm to 7pm) at The Heart of Valor Ball on Saturday February 13th. The live auction winner was Karen Trzaska who paid $400.00 with all proceeds going to support The Heart Of A Marine Foundation. Rumor has it that Karen was so honored to win the print that she even contributed more than the $400.00 bid.

The ladies pictured from left to right:

Tammy Fitzgerald, Karen Trzaska (Live Auction Winner), Kim Pozzi Pesavento

Thank you for your generosity Karen!

If you'd like to purchase your own Defender print choose your print size below. (You'll be taken to our secure payment page).

Product	Size	Total Cost	(You may choose multiple quantities in the cart)
"The Defender" Print (two sizes available)	8” x 10” 22" x 28"	$10.00 each $20.00 each	Choose Your Print Size 8" x 10" $10.00 22" x 28" $20.00
We hope to offer framed prints for general shipping sometime in the future... Thanks for stopping by!