This page was updated: April 6 2009

Welcome to my Yellow Ribbon site! This portion of my website is dedicated to the men and women of the US Armed Forces who serve our country in with pride and a commitment to protect us from all harm. I'm a Blue Star Mom and proudly display my banner! I'm the proud mother of one "very together soldier" in the United States Army, Steve, who enlisted in July 1996 and continues to serve our country as a Combat Medic/LPN. My experiences with supporting the Troops overseas began shortly after the war broke out in Iraq. Like all soldier's moms, I knew my son could soon be deployed to the area and I admit that I was more than a bit worried about it. Then he gently reminded me what his job was, and I respect that about him. He gives me courage! I posted an ad on a military message board, hoping to meet other moms so we could correspond and share experiences. A really nice lady named JoAnne responded, and quickly became a great friend. Her son, Darwin, was already in Iraq with the First Armored Division, and she told me a lot about him. One day she told me about the things she'd just mailed to him, simple things that most of us take for granted. Iced tea mix, Kool-Aid, and a few personal items that offered a little comfort to a soldier out in the field. A little bit of home. When she said he shared what he got with the other soldiers in his unit who didn't have anyone back home to send things to them, I asked if I could help! It wasn't long before I started sending things over to Darwin and corresponding by email. We got to be pretty good friends, I called him my adopted son. I told my family and friends about Darwin and the soldiers under his command and it wasn't long before others started sending things, too! Darwin, the other soldiers, and JoAnne told us we were all angels, so that's how "Darwin's Angels" was born. Our members are scattered all over the USA and we keep in touch via the Angels page and emails. We sent things to Darwin and his fellow soldiers for more than a year, which they in turn shared with many of the other soldiers they met up with. Things that we take for granted are hard to come by in a combat zone, so the boxes were always truly welcomed. Especially when they contained snacks or white sox! When we found out the soldiers were supporting 2 orphanages, the Angels stepped up to the plate and sent box after box of school supplies, books, toothbrushes, toothpaste, clothing, blankets and treats to the little ones. I believe a certain Church in South Carolina is still working with the Army Chaplains to assist the children, and so a very special thanks to Bobbie W. and her young adults group! The soldiers Christmas was bright, too, due to a wonderful and generous donation from an extremely compassionate and loving person, Janet B., which enabled over 30 boxes filled with necessities, gifts, and holiday food items to arrive in time for their celebrations. Who doesn’t love a little “Ho ho ho?” After 15 months, the 1st Armored Division went home, but others replaced them. My son, Steve, served with the 31st Combat Support Hospital (CSH) in Baghdad, Jan 2004 to Jan 2005. My cousin's son, Doug USAF, Baghdad. Rick, USMC, Fallujah. Shaun, USS Essex, Lee Bravo Battery 117th, and Crystal 399th CSH, Balad. Each soldier, from Darwin to Crystal, had a web page devoted just to them, with photos of what life was like for them so that their experiences could be shared with others. Even portions of emails were often displayed for others to read. Once they returned home, they received a page of thanks, and I removed their web pages ... but have since decided to redisplay the major portion of their pages so that they may inspire others. There are currently 2 Yellow Ribbon tags on the menu. My son, Steve, and SGT Mike. God bless you both! We respect our soldier’s privacy, therefore no last names are ever used, and all photos are edited to ensure name tags are unreadable. APO addresses are never provided online. This war continues, we still have soldiers there, and will until it ends. The troops overseas need the same support now as they did in the earliest days of the war. And probably more than ever right now because some people seem to have forgotten they need our support! My Yellow Ribbon site is a work in progress in their support and in their honor. It is a privilege for me to be able to do so! As you wander through my pages, perhaps you, too, will think about their challenges and consider how you can help. I've provided a couple of links for anyone desiring to adopt a soldier, even if only to send them a card or an email once in a while. They ask for nothing, but ... we have so much to give. Whatever you give, you will be rewarded in knowing that you have brought a smile to one of their faces, if only for a moment. Email me if you would like to be one of the Angels! I offer my most sincere gratitude to all of the soldiers who uncomplainingly serve in these difficult times. All are my heroes. God bless America. And may God bless our troops. Freedom isn't free. Copyright ©2009 LMRHD Graphics

In memory of those who have lost their lives while serving our great country, no music will be used on this page ... and I ask that you take a moment of silence to remember them with the honor they so deserve. It is indeed a very great sacrifice that they made for us. Thank you.