Do you know that May is National Military Appreciation Month (NMAN)?
It includes Military Spouse Day, Loyalty Day ( May 1 ) , Armed Forces Day/Week, (May 17, 2008) National Day of Prayer, and Memorial Day. This very important month honors those who have given their lives in defense of our nations' freedom, and the men and women now serving in uniform. It recognizes those on active duty in all branches of the services, the National Guard and Reserves, retirees, veterans, and all of their families - well over 80 million Americans and more than 229 years of our nation's history. How can you help celebrate this month? Consider this:
1. Hire a veteran. You know that they are dedicated (and can follow orders! ;-) )
Federal - Hire Vets First
http://www.hirevetsfirst.gov/California Employment Development Department
http://www.edd.ca.gov/eddv.asp
2. Honor those serving. When you see a military person in uniform, or a retiree wearing a hat or pin, shake their hand and say thank you. Pay their restaurant bill. You will feel wonderful!
3. Never forget. Visit a VA hospital. Those men and women need to know that we have not forgotten them.
To Send Letters to our Wounded Heroes:
Walter Reed Army Hospital:
Medical Family Assistance Center
Walter Reed Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20307-5001
Germany:
Landstuhl Regional Medical Center
ATTN: MCEUL-CH/Chaplains Office
CMR 402
APO AE 09180
4. Remember those in harms way. Help us in our goal of "Sending 10,000 Thank You's" in a form of letters or cards thanking those serving for their sacrifices. Kids can draw pictures, too. (We will mail them in care packages to Iraq and Afghanistan.)
Please mail to:
Modesto Blue Star Mothers
P.O. Box 79
Hilmar, CA 95324
5. Honor our country. Fly your flag and wear your flag lapel pin. Tell your kids and students about the importance of NMAN.
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Modesto Vet Center
Now open!!
1219 N. Carpenter Rd., Suite 12
Modesto, CA 95351
Phone: (209) 569-0713
Armed Forces Day- May 17
http://www.defenselink.mil/afd/
May 23, 24 and 25
Memorial Weekend Events
First Assembly of God Manteca
Not Forgotten 2008 Presentation
More info:
http://www.thememorialweekend.com/
May 25, 2008 11:00 a.m.
San Joaquin Valley
National Cemetery
32053 West McCabe Road
Santa Nella, CA 95322