Thank you for stopping by! As I rarely have time to update this blog anymore, please come visit me at my new photoblog, Cari Berry Photography where I'll blog the occassional Beauty and the little Beast story, as well as post sneak peeks and stories from all my photo sessions. I try to give return blog love to all visitors over there, and hope to start giveaways there in the very near future!

For visitors to this blog, please accept my apologies, but I've had to turn on captcha because of the insane amount of spam comments I've been getting. Dontcha hate it when one bad apple ruins it for everyone else??!! ;)

Saturday, March 21, 2009

The Support-Our-Troops Giveaway!

Here is your chance to enter a contest that not only might win you a great prize, but will also benefit our hardworking, life-risking soldiers fighting overseas, like the one pictured in this wonderful homecoming photo by Karyn. Karyn Kuniyuki is a photography graduate of RIT, in New York, and the University of Arizona, in Tucson. She is the owner of Photos By Karyn in Central Texas, a family and child portrait photography business. She lives and works where the Army orders. A proud officer's wife and mother of two boys, she has survived overseas tours, an overseas birth, and raising little ones as a single parent during two Iraq deployments. She lives and loves military life and familes!

Like Karyn, I am a big supporter of our military members and their families, and I want you to join with me in letting them know how grateful we are for their service. Many of these brave men and women are serving out their second and third deployments in war zones, away from the comfort of family and safety of home. They are often lonely, homesick, even depressed. Some don't receive mail or phone calls from anyone at home. How can you help, you ask?

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post telling me why you support military personnel and their families, and I will donate a card and one comfort item (candy, beef jerky, coffee, gum, bug spray, batteries, cough drops, etc.) on your behalf to Operation Homefront, who will box them into care packages and ship them to a soldier stationed in Iraq or Afghanistan.

But the goodies aren't only for our soldiers. Two lucky commenters are going to win an awesome care package!
includes magazines, stationery, candy, cookies, coffee, tea, soap, lotion, lip gloss, pedicure kit, tea, partylite candles, and more (I can't help myself! I keep adding to it everyday!)

So, if you'd like me to donate to a soldier on your behalf, AND enter you to win a great care package for yourself, you must: Leave a comment telling me why and/or how you choose to support members of the U.S. Military and their families. (I will compile all your supportive comments and print them to be included in the care packages we send through Operation Homefront.)

You can also earn an extra entry into the care package giveaway for each of the following steps you take:

1. Blog about this contest on your own website with a link back here (be sure to come back and leave a separate comment here with the url to your post!)

2. Join my BlogFrog community, and leave a separate comment here telling me you've done so (or already are!).

3. Become a follower of my blog and leave me a comment telling me you've done so (or already are!).

4. Go visit photos by Karyn and leave a comment on your favorite post there. Then come back here and comment telling me which of Karyn's posts you liked best!

If you want to do more to support our troops, get involved with one of the organizations here, here or here. And remember our soldiers need your prayers more than anything!

Contest ends Tuesday, 3/31 at midnight. A winner will be selected randomly by the random.org widget. I will notify the winner via email or comment on their blog, then make an announcement here! (Make sure I can get in touch with you or I'll have to choose another winner!)

Thanks so much for playing! And thank you SITS for the Shout-Out!!

(Care package giveaway open only to residents of U.S. and Canada. *up to 200 donations total)

154 comments:

auntrene said...

Wow this is wonderful, Both of my parents were veterans as well as both of my brothes & Brother in law. I have numerous family members who have served or are now serving in the military.
I can tell you from experience how much the care packages mean to the soldiers. When my brother in law was in Saudi the littlest things meant so much to him. Wet wipes were in high demand due to all of the dust and dirt. We had companies not only donate them, but also ship them to him to pass out. Wonderful.
Thank you for all you are doing.

Anne said...

I think this is probably the best giveaway I've ever seen! I support our troops because I come from a military family. My grandfather is a decorated war hero from WWII, and my baby brother is leaving for boot camp in just a few weeks. Thanks so much for doing this. :)

Anne said...

I'm already a follower. :)

Roxane said...

What a great idea! My best friend Renee and her hubby are both in the army :) They have 2 beautiful children and whenever I think our troops they are the first people I think of!

Roxane said...

I already follow :)

Roxane said...

I left a comment on her post about the soldier who came home and had pictures taken with his girlfriend and his Harley! I wish someone would take pictures of me and Mr. H on his Harley ;)

Nieman Family said...

Woohoo...I linked your site to mine throught blog frog then I read this post...Pretty cool. I had to set up seperate Blog Frog tho cuz I have two Blogs. One a personal on more for family and friends and then I started aphoto one...I'm trying to learn. Love your site. and the honesty. Keep it up.

Ashley said...

To help support the military I'm actually a psychologist on a military base! I work with deployed children on a daily basis.

I'm already a follower too!

Best of luck, I love this idea.

Unknown said...

What a wonderful contest!! I support the military by supporting my many friends who are wives of soldiers. I think that the job of a military spouse is often an over-looked sacrifice. When my friend went to Iraq, I tried to make sure that I spent time with his wife (also my good friend). I gave her time away from the house, since I can certainly sympathize with a mom's need to have time away to rejuvinate.

Unknown said...

I'm part of your blog frog community! In fact I'm your #2 referrer! Woohoo!

Unknown said...

I follow Yooooo!

Unknown said...

I lOVE the Story of Noah on Photos by Karyn. I have seen Karyn's work on I Heart Faces, so she's not new to me. SOOO talented, though!

PS--I forgot to mention the power of prayer. I often think about our troops and the service they are giving us individually and as a country.

Roxane said...

I mentioned your giveaway in this entry
http://it-really-is-all-about-me.blogspot.com/2009/03/maybeline-monday_22.html

capperson said...

My brother is currently deployed in Iraq and a few of my friends are deployed to aphganistan. I support my brother by being there when he needs me. I send out a care package to him every week and on Saturdays I go to his 4 year old daughters soccer games and take pictures to post on my myspace for him to see and also I take some and mail them to him. The fact that I actually go with my mom and spend time with his daughter for him makes him extremely happy. He also just found out that when he comes home in June or July that he will only be home for a few weeks before having to return to go to Aphganistan this time. This will be his third deployment in the past year. This is also very hard for my mother, so I have to be there for her. I also support all military and military families in any way I can. I have great respect for them!!

Rosie said...

What a great giveaway! Visiting from Rollcall on SITS

Unknown said...

WOW, thank you so much for doing this! My dad, my four uncles, my cousins, and now my brother have served our country. My brother is currently serving in Iraq and I am so proud of him. He loves what he is doing and loves his country. I can't imagine how they do it being away from familiy but the courage and strength our troops have amaze me.

Megan said...

Such an awesome thing you're doing! =)

I support our troops because they risk their lives every day to provide for us the freedom that we have. I have MANY family members & friends that have been in / are in all branches of the military. I could never do what they do so I thank them for doing it for me.

Megan said...

I'm already a follower. =)

Sugar Boogers & Tantrums said...

Love your blog....Stopping by via SITS. Have a great week!

Unknown said...

This is such a beautiful giveaway! I love it very much. Thank you for your kindness!

I teach school on Saturday for children that are in trouble at their perspective schools. We do a community service project every week. The first project we do every year is write Thank you cards to men and women seriving our country. We do it right away so we can mail the cards before Christmas. It's one of my favorite projects every year.

Heather said...

I don't think there is enough you can do to thank those fearless men and women who risk their lives every single second of every single day.

I typically hate all the rules that come with giveaways and rarely blog about them, this is one I will gladly spread the word on. So many people are going to benefit from all your hard work!

Heather said...

I already follow you!

Heather said...

Blog about it!

http://sugarspicemostlynice.blogspot.com/2009/03/surprise-visitors.html

Melissa said...

I've been involved with Operation Paperback for a couple of years now. I've always received such joy in being able to help our Solidiers in such a small way. Supporting the military hits me close to home now as my brother just enlisted and is set to leave in May. I will be checking out Operation Homefront too!

I also follow!

Rachel Lundy said...

I support our troops because I am grateful for all they do to protect our nation and our families. I am so thankful for the sacfifice they and their families make so that we can live in freedom.

Rachel Lundy said...

I'm already a follower. :)

MaryAnne said...

I support members of the U.S. Military and their families because they make our nation the safe, wonderful place it is! I also have two siblings and several other members of my extended family in the military, so I see the sacrifices they make. Thank you for doing this, it's a wonderful idea.

Mimi said...

I support the military by adopting a soldier. Well I had one, but I suddenly stopped receiving anything back from. Now I just worry about him.

Great giveaway!

Michelle said...

Oh this is a brilliant idea. There are so many people out there focused solely on themselves and doing whatever it takes for themselves. And then there are those who sacrifice so much for us so that our thoughts can safely stay on our families and friends. Brilliant.

Michelle said...

And I'm following :)

silverhartgirl said...

i support our troops for all they do and risking their lives. This is a grat giveaway

silverhartgirl said...

i blogged here
http://winningmommys.blogspot.com/2009/03/big-gift-basket-giveaway-42609.html

nfmgirl said...

I plan on donating my old cell phones to military personnel so that they may stay in touch with their families.

Carolyn G said...

I support the troops. My hubby's nephew was in Iraq and we would send care packages to him and his friends. Luckily he is back but we still send packages to his friends who stayed.

BrendaLea, the Prpldy said...

My Father and oldest Brother were in the army. Many Uncles too. Currently one of my Cousins is in Iraq. I support our troops because they are there on our behalf and I so appreciate them.

BrendaLea, the Prpldy said...

I follow your blog

BrendaLea, the Prpldy said...

I left Karyn some blog love...on the post "Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder... Sneak Peek!" Those pictures really spoke to me. She know how to capture the moment.

BrendaLea, the Prpldy said...

I joined your BlogFrog community

BrendaLea
http://prpldy15.blogspot.com/

Tim said...

Cari,

What a great giveaway! Its obvious by viewing my blog that I am a HUGE supporter of our troups. I mentor and coach young boys that have lost their fathers to combat.

Love and Prayers,

Tim

Tim said...

I also am a follower.

Tim

Tim said...

I follow your blogfrog.'

Tim

Tim said...

I will post about this as well. As of now its a little late here so I must go to bed.

Love and Prayers,

Tim

Kati said...

Both my husband and myself spent time in the military, so we understand the incredible sacrifice that these men and women face. Thankfully neither of us were ever deployed... I can't even imagine experiencing that.

I have several friends from high school currently serving overseas and I make an honest effort to send them things and chat.

I recently joined coupons for troops in yet another attempt to do what I can.

I may not believe in the reasons for this was, but I will always believe and be grateful for those who fight it!

Kati said...

I am already a follower of course!

Unknown said...

Well I will tell you how I support the troops. I married one! LOL we have gone through a couple of deployments and I have to say every homecoming is a joy! My daughter has collected coloring books for irai kids, we have sent girls scout cookies to the troops, I have participated in cards for troops. I am also an air force brat. I support our vets, so many are forgotten. I could go on and on and on. Thanks for doing this!
OHH by the way I came by from SITS

Unknown said...

My fav post by Karyan is the I can see clearly now. I love homecoming pictures. The joy on peoples faces brings back so many memories of waiting for my husband to get home~

DiPaola Momma said...

I think, that unless you've been there, it's hard to get your mind arround just what it is a military member and their family goes through. I PROUDLY served in the Navy from 1989-1993. I was a teenager when I joined and got sent over seas right away. The staggering loneliness of it is just something you can't describe. When I think about a husband and wife or children and parents enduring that my heart breaks. Supporting the troops doesn't just stop at the military member. Or putting a yellow ribbon around the old oak tree. Seek out organizations like Navy/Marine Corps relief society, or Army Relief. They always need dontations.. and not just cash.. items for their thrift stores, an extra set of hands to help out on distribution days. The USO is an amazing organization very worthy of your time and money. Give not just of your wallet to show support, give of your heart and time. When you see a uniformed military memeber just say "thanks" that's all you need to do. TRUST me it makes a world of difference!

Okay I'm off to blubber like a baby now thinking about my military friends and heros.

Lisa@saltandlightstudio said...

Carebear,

You are THE BEST!

What an amazing thing you are doing with this giveaway! I will proudly support you with comment love and hope very much that you reach your $200 gift goal.

While I do not have any family serving in the Canadian Military, I did have an opportunity to meet some awesome Military dudes at a Christian Camp last summer. I was amazed at their stories of sacrifice and humbled by their generosity. They truly touched my heart.

BlogBaby's BabyMama

Lisa@saltandlightstudio said...

I am already a follower. I will follow you wherever you may lead....but if I may chose a destination it would be Jamaica...can you lead us in that direction?? ;)

BlogBaby

Lisa@saltandlightstudio said...

Just checked out Karyn's site again. She really is wonderful! I enjoyed all of the images but I think I'll have to pick Noah's images as my favorite....so far.

BlogBaby

Chatham said...

I am a Navy Brat and currently have a brother stationed in Iraq. I really appreciate that you are doing this!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for your patriotism. My husband has been deployed so many times I can't remember the count anymore. I love America and will always be thankful to the countless people who thank my husband AND me for our sacrifices.

I love vounteering and have enjoyed being involved with groups at most of the bases we've lived on around the world, raising money for different causes, for the military or the local community.

Anonymous said...

I am now following you...(probably from my blogger account, but my main blog is at wordpress).

Anonymous said...

I love returning home photos! I really like the shot of the couple in front of the rusty wall.

Tamara B. said...

Being a military wife of a man who served his country for twenty years I know the heartache, lonleiness,sacrifice and the passion each and every military family goes through. I use to put together care packages for the soldiers at every station duty my husband served and no one can imagine how happy the soldier is when her receives one to know someone really cares about them. I pray for them everyday and their families because I know what it is like. Thank-you for such a wonderful giveway.
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

Tamara B. said...

I visited and posted a comment under "A Bicycle Built For Two - Sneak Peek!!"
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I think this is wonderful! My husband was in the Army for almost 9 years. He was deployed to various hostile areas during 7 of those nine years. The first 24 months of marriage, we spent 4 months together, as he was deployed twice to Iraq during the other 20. Care packages were one of the major things that kept my husband going during his deployment. We are strong supports of military families as we were once one ourselves!

teq97athotmaildotcom

Celeste said...

This is such a wonderful thing that you are offering to do! :) My dad is in the military and my whole family takes pride in his service for our country. There is no job more honorable in my book. :) As a family, we always write letters to the troops - although they don't know us, we feel that they need to know that we appreciate their service and the fact that they are keeping us safe. Sometimes I feel as though the majority of Americans forget that our soldiers voluntarily fight for us - and that they don't want us to feel "sorry" for them...I know from my dad's friends who are overseas that this is something they struggle with (feeling that Americans back home feel they were forced into service). I strive to be an advocate for our wonderful troops and to let everyone know that they serve out of love for our wonderful country and for the love of the American people. Thanks so much for acknowleding their service!

contact me at:
celeste@mail4me.com

Celeste said...

I like the Who Are the People in Your Neighborhood? post from Karyn's blog.

contact me at:
celeste@mail4me.com

~Thought's By Dena~/ JDs Gift Shack said...

This is my first time visiting your blog...this is an awesome give away...I support our troops because we have many guys and gals from our small town that are over there fighting for our freedom....my oldest son joined the national guard this past year. Which was such a shock to me that he made that choice but I support his decision and am so proud of him. What you are doing is so wonderful!!! I have taken part in different things to send items over there and it leaves you with a really good feeling inside!!

~Thought's By Dena~/ JDs Gift Shack said...

and Im already a follower!!!!

Tammy said...

Hi from the SITStahood. I think this is a great giveaway. My dad is retired army. My husband was in the army and was in the reserves when we met. Can the gift basket be donated to a military wife?

Tammy said...

I'm a follower.

The Farmers Wife said...

AWESOME!!! Not sure how I missed this one. I dont think I am getting your updates... odd. Count me in! Hubs is a Marine and we totally are about supporting the Troops. We sent care packages for a while after he was home, to the guys we knew that were still out there. He has been out for a while now and most of our friends are out too, I think we only have one who is still over there. Your giveaway is too cool, great job! I am still making Save A Vet Shirts but orders are sparse right now. Maybe it will pick up again after the economy gets better. If you havent, check out www.saveavet.com Adam, the founder is super nice and is doing a great job getting going!

Manda said...

I think that this is the best give away ever' because there is something so amazing involved. My father is a Vet and I know friends who are and were in military. Yet those are not the only reasons why I support our military! I have such admiration for the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect this country.

Manda said...

I am also a follower

koopermom said...

GREAT giveaway! I have had several friends who have served one, and some two times on for the war on terror. My brothers fiance has been gone for 18 months once already and might have to again. I always support, give whatevers in my pocket, add to care packages, whatever we can do to help!

Military Momz said...

I help support the troops by donating 50% of all profits from our sales at www.militarymomz.com at the end of the calendar year to organizations that aid and support the troops and their families. We only sell items that would be of interest to people supporting the troops such as T-shirts and our new Military Momz Menuz Cookbook, along with Remember bracelets and flag pins. I LOVE helping our brave men and women around the world!!!!

Military Momz said...

I am also now following this blog and thank my good friend from Chicken Nuggets of Wisdom for the link to this site.

Military Momz said...

My favorite photo would have to be the yellow ribbons around all the trees! REMEMBER definitely!!!!!! and SUPPORT!!!!!!!!!!

Military Momz said...

http://militarymomz.blogspot.com/2009/03/great-giveaway-and-also-helps-support.html My link to this giveaway from my blog!

Military Momz said...

My son, A1C Joseph Edwards just returned from Iraq last Tuesday. I was hoping to fly out to see him, but was unable to. I wanted to be there when his plane landed! Hopefully, he will get leave around May 1. My daughter-in-law, (his high school sweetheart) is also in the Air Force. They are both currently stationed in CA.

Cole said...

You are FABULOUS for doing this!!

I support the troop because I come from a military family. Right now, I have a combo of 11 family members (including both my brother and boyfriend)deployed. Every single thing we do for them brings a little piece of home to them...and I don't think that most people realize just how big of a sacrifice they are making.

God Bless!

Cathy said...

I support our troops because they are risking their lives, fighting for our freedom and protecting our country. God bless and protect our brave troops.

Unknown said...

I support our troops because they are our protectors. Everyday they risk their lives to keep our nation safe. Without them we could say goodbye to freedom and life as we know it. So I would love to send a heartfelt Thank you!

Unknown said...

What a great thing you are doing. This is really awesome. I can honestly say that I am big supporter of our troops because they are protecting and serving our country and I appreciate them for that. I support their families because they are going through tough times and having your loved ones away from you is a very hard thing. I could never serve in the military and the men and women who do this are totally amazing to me. I have the hightest respect for them and their families. I am going to Wal-Mart again this weekend to buy my 3rd "Support our Troops" yellow ribbon magnet for my car because they keep coming off after they get old.

Unknown said...

I am a follower.

Keep up the good work.

missy said...

what an awesome give away and a super great reason!!!! my SIL has been deployed twice and we have helped with her two young daughters so i know what a sacrifice these men and
women make......and i could never repay them for what they do!!!!!

R and R Stacy said...

What an amazing giveaway!!

R and R Stacy said...

I have a brother in law who has been to Iraq twice. What an honor to service not once but twice! And not only do I admire him but I also admire my sister in law for being so strong. I don't think I could have ever do what she's been through.

Heather said...

What an awesome thing you are doing here! My little brother was in the army, served in Korea and in Iraq. It was an especially hard time for our family when he was in Iraq. There were so many things going on right where he was stationed, and we had no way of knowing if he was okay or not, until he was allowed to call, or we got a letter. He's home now, and officially out of the army, but being in Iraq has changed him, and he really doesn't sleep a lot any more. I have so much respect for the people who join the military. I am so thankful for them for the incredible sacrifices they make for the rest of us!

Heather said...

Joined the BlogFrog Community!

Heather said...

I'm a follower!

Heather said...

Are you kidding me?! Every single one of Karyn's posts are just awesome! I LOVE the pictures of the fire fighters (Who are the people in YOUR neighborhood), and the new born picture of her son. Very talented photographer!

Unknown said...

Great giveaway you are doing here! I remember when my brother was active military how every little thing from home was a big deal to him. I support the military by teaching my children respect for what our military men do "keeping us in our country safe". They have a cousin that is a Marine.

Unknown said...

O.K. Karyn's photos brought tears to my eyes! What wonderful pictures. It was very hard to chose a favorite but I like I Can See Clearly Now - The Rain Is Gone! the best, the expressions of joy on their faces, well...wow!

Krystal said...

What an amazing and thoughtful giveaway. I have two brothers-in-law in the military. I support them (and all our soldiers) through prayers and letters. (I support their wives through phone calls, emails, blog comments, etc.) I love and appreciate everything that our soldiers are doing to protect our country and keep us safe. Thank you very much!!

Melissa G said...

It's so neat to see you doing this! I'm always touched by the sacrifices that families in the military give. Especially being separated from their family's and often missing important occasions.

Thank YOU to all our military men and women!

I do pray for your safety and comfort and comfort for the families as they await their loved ones return.

God Bless!

Melissa G said...

I'm a follower now!
I love the name of your blog! You sound like one busy momma!

Melissa G said...

Oh my, how can i pick a favorite post by Karyn? She has such a wonderful way of capturing emotions... it's beautiful! I love the posts with daddy's and their kids. So sweet!

Melissa G said...

I did a post about it on my blog today.

j2burk said...

I have always had an appreciation for the military, as my father served in the Marine Corps during Vietnam and he raised us teaching us to respect the military and to be thankful for all that they do for us. I have gained even more of a respect and appreciation for the military since I met and married my husband, who is a Corporal in the Marine Corps. I have seen the sacrifices that individuals, like him, make for our country and for our freedom and I am so thankful for that. Without willing individuals, people who give of their time and their lives for our country, we would not have the freedom that we have and we surely would not be the country that we are today. I am so thankful for each member of our military and for each family member. I'm thankful for their sacrifices and recognize that without them, our country would be non-existent. Thank you!

j2burk said...

You inspired me to create a post thanking our troops. Thanks for reminding me of our freedom and to thank those who serve! You can read my post here...

http://j2burk.blogspot.com/2009/03/thank-you.html

judybrittle said...

This is a wonderful giveaway! I don't do a lot to support our troops but I really admire them for all the sacrifices they make for our Country.
I send in my coupons that are about to expire for the families to use. We started doing that a few years ago and will continue to do so. I hope that has helped some. Thank you so much!

judybrittle said...

I'm a follower.

Crazee Juls said...

I support the troops and I am very proud of them for the sacrifices they make everyday! Sacrifices like being deployed far from home, and not seeing their own children come into the world, or getting to spend time with loved ones...to help Americans like me and my family feel and stay safe.

God bless all of our troops!

Unknown said...

I am a follower and avid supporter of our troups whereever they may serve. My father was in the Navy, my husband in the Army and now my son in law is in flight training for the Air Force. It's an awesome feeling to know that so many people that I love have or are serving this great country.
I have listed a link to your blog on my blog.
http://www.pinaforesandknickerbockers.blogspot.com
Diane Augustin

Anonymous said...

Hi! Following your blog!
I never have been much of a patriotic person. I always supported the troops but it never really hit home for me until one of my classmates was called to war. My friend spent 15 mo in Iraq on his first tour..it was a very hard fought 15 months for him and left him drained.
We went to Alaska to visit him this summer just before his return to Iraq for the 2nd time.
All of his friends were on there 2nd and 3rd tours. They were all just trying to keep there heads up.
I made it my mission to make this next tour a happy one for him. Or at least as much I as I could do.
Along with his wife and my mother, we have sent countless care packages and letters of love and support for him and his group.

I know this isn't even close to enough. I know this isn't even a drop in the bucket in comparsion to what he does for our country each and everyday. I just want to help and I want to make it as comfortable as I can for America's Arctic Warriors. But mostly I just want him to come home and to come home with all of his brothers in tact. I am just so proud of all of our solders.
This is a wonderful giveaway.
Rocksee!

Estela said...

Being a Marine myself, I know firsthand the challenges faced by today's mlitary personnel. That is why my husband (also a Marine) and I send care packages to those deployed and open our homes for those stateside who need a place to say or miss homecooked meals. We jokingly refer to our house as "The Home for Wayward Marines".

Sara said...

I suport military personnel and there families because they do a great service to our country. They are willing to sacrifice there lives for our freedom. I say a prayer for them every day and when I do, I think of my cousin who will be in Iraq for a third time. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the millitary and there famlies. I cant say Thank you enough.

You are doing a wonderful thing!
Sara

Anonymous said...

I have two brothers who are both in the Marine Corps. My brother Craig did one tour in Iraq. My brother Jim did 1 tour in Iraq and 1 in Afghanistan. Without the brave men and women in the military where would we be as a nation on the global arena.

Megret said...

I grew up an army kid, and even for the children, a lot of sacrifice is required (my dad was on unaccompanied tour for over 18 months). I respect, have compassion for, and highly regard all military personnel and their families -- they all give a lot.

Megret
musesofmegret (at) gmail (dot) com

Island Girl said...

Great idea! The military is such a big part of our family. My Great-Grandfathers served in WWII; one of them received the Purple Heart, but he never discussed what he went through, he just couldn't do it. Both of my Grandfathers served in the Air Force doing tours in Vietnam.

I was raised to put my hand on my heart when the National Anthem plays, stand up when the flag goes by and thank God everyday for the brave men and women that serve our country.

Chatham said...

Oh, I now stalk... I mean Follow you ;)

Elyse said...

Hmm...Why I support the military? Well, I have LOTS of family who have served and are currently surving overseas! Being able to feel safe and know that AMERICAN military family members are serving our country is a dream. These men and women risk their lives and I am ever SO GREATFUL. THANK YOU to them :)
~Elyse~

Elyse said...

I am now a follower too :)
~Elyse~

Leslie said...

YOU are an angel!

I support our troops because I used to be in the Air Force. I never served in a war zone, but I knew plenty of people who did. Each of my mom's five brothers, plus her father, served in the military, during WWII, the Korean conflict, and the Vietnam War. My dad's two brothers were also in the military. My brother served. My sister and her husband served. And my brother-in-law served. And my cousin just returned from a tour in Iraq just before Thanksgiving.

Fortunately, my family is a HUGE supporter of the troops. So, we all received lots of love and encouragement from home. But I know that there are many, hundreds, probably thousands, who don't have that luxury.

God bless you for reaching out to them!

Queenie Jeannie said...

As an Air Force vet, and current Army wife, I thank you for your support of our military!! You have no idea just how much these cards and packages boost the morale of a lonely soldier, far from family and home!!! God bless your work!

HOOAH!!!!

The Navy Wife said...

I'm a supporter of the toops because my husband is one! He's getting ready for his first deployment to Afghanistan in June. The Navy is a huge part of our life and I could not be more proud of my husband and all of the troops fighting for our country. Thank you for what you're doing for our troops!

The Navy Wife said...

I'm now a follower of your blog!

The Navy Wife said...

..and I joined your blog frog!

Lisa@saltandlightstudio said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Lisa@saltandlightstudio said...

Me, again. Did you miss me?

Of course you did!!

More comments = more money donated to support our troops right so here I am again.

BlogBaby

Lisa@saltandlightstudio said...

Oh and FYI - I loved reading the story of how you met your hubby! Too cute!

And I love that you are such an excellent writer! You truly have a gift.

BlogBaby

Lisa@saltandlightstudio said...

Okay, I'll stop now.

I'm even starting to annoy myself! :)

BlogBaby

April said...

Such an awesome giveaway...Fort Thompson sent me! :)

The reason I support military personnel and their families is because my dad was a WWII vet, my brother was a Naval fighter pilot, and my husband was an Army Airborne Ranger. So, I have a lot of respect for those who sacrifice so much for my freedom.

April said...

I am now a followers of your...woo hoo!

April said...

My favorite post by Karyn was "Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder"...beautifully written!

Eyeglasses & Endzones said...

This is a really great cause! Thanks so much for doing this!

My husband and I have family that lives right out of the DC area and one way that we support the troops when we are visiting them is to volunteer for a day @ Walter Reed...Eye opening and a blessing to both my husband and I. We have done it 2 times and each time is different and meaningful. I love getting to hear the men and women, tell them thank you and spread some love ON them, since they show love to all of us everyday!

1. I am leaving a comment!
2. I am also already a follower...

Now you can make it easy and just pick me!!! LOL!

Rachel said...

Hi Keri -

How'd I miss this? Been following your blog for a bit, but it's been hectic lately.

What a great idea for a giveaway - thanks for extending it and giving more changes to add to what is being sent for our brave men and women in uniform!

Rachel said...

Oh yeah - and I've posted a few times on our blog... tributes to our military heroes. My grandfather survived Iwo Jima and several other bloody campaigns. What amazing sacrifice these men and women give.

Here's the link to our tribute posts:
http://tris-adventures.blogspot.com/search/label/Heroes

Thanks again for such an inspiring giveaway!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for doing this!!! I have two brothers in the military and two more that will be joining up soon and an Uncle who is also in the military and many many friends in the military so needless to say I am a big supporter of anyone who is protecting us here at home!!!!!

Esther said...

I'm here from Fort Thompson. Thanks for your support of the troops! I think it's so important that we support the troops, since they are over there fighting for the freedom we so believe in. They need that support!

Jules said...

I think this is a great thing your doing, I know they must love getting care packages!
There are no words to describe our troops, how wonderful they are! They are protecting us while we sit in our livingrooms and watch tv. I pray for them every day and will until they all come home to stay.

Take care!! ;0)

Jules said...

I also follow along..

~Sandy~ said...

I definitely want to get involved in this wonderful giveaway! I can't tell you how many care packages I have sent out to my brother-in-law who served 2 tours in Iraq and one of our best friends who also did 2 tours. I always looked forwarded to getting the emails saying they got the packages and how much it made their day! It's the little things that really matter...thank you so much for doing this!!!

I can't express how deep my appreciation goes to our Troops. Day after day they risk their lives to fight for the weak and keep out country safe. May God Bless them all :o)

Tina said...

Ever since I learned about the plight of Vietnam Vets when I was a teen I have had a very soft spot in my heart for soldiers of all kinds. My oldest son is 17 and has wanted to be a soldier ever since he was five years old. I thought he would grow out of it, well HA! I have found myself encouraging him and helping him along to realize his dream. God needs people everywhere, and it looks like He will likely be using my son in the Navy and where ever it is that may send him.

Tina said...

I really like the PEOPLE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD post! The yellow ribbon photo as well as the American Flag photo is just amazing.

Angie said...

I love this idea so much! We have several members of our family that have served in the military...so we are big supporters of our troops. We have sent numerous care packages out to local squads shipped out and participated in a Christmas card drive at the kids' schools. It is so important for our serving men and women to know that we have not forgotten them and all that they are doing for us! The thank yous that the kids received back were just priceless and really made me cry because they were so heartfelt....Bless you for doing this...!!!

Angie said...

I have followed your blog for awhile now..you always make me laugh or nod along..lol!

j2burk said...

I visited Karyn's blog and really loved the post "I Can See Clearly Now- The Rain is Gone". I left her a comment on this post. I love how she captures every moment and the emotions of the day!

j2burk said...

I'm also a follower of your blog too :)

Karren said...

Thank you for supporting our troops!! My husband is in the military and it means so much to the both of us.

Rikki said...

This is fabulous! Just about my entire family is military (my grandfather was Air Force, served in Vietnam and Korea, my dad and my brother were Air Force, my other brother was in the Army, and my husband is a former Marine, Panama and the first Gulf) - if it wasn't for them and every sacrifice they made, the world would not be as wonderful as it is. I am truly thankful that they not only put themselves in harm's way to keep us safe, but also ensure the freedoms we have (like my students being able to read what we read, and say what we think). Thank you!

noreen said...

My husband was an army solider and many of my daughter's friends are still active duty. They keep up safe and let us enjoy our freedom as well as help other gain freedom!

Kate said...

What an awesome giveaway! It's so kind of you. My husband is Active Duty Air Force and I know he appreciates every note and act of kindnesss when he's deployed.

I am currently organizing a big event for May. Support Military Moms is from May 16 to the 25th. I'm really looking forward to highlighting military-mom owned businesses and raising money for a good cause.

Thanks again!

nikkicrumpet said...

Oh I love this idea! What great giveaway for them and for us. My father, father-in-law, husband, and step son are military men. I am so very proud of each of them for choosing to serve their country. I have the utmost respect for these brave men and women. I work in the same town as an US airforce base. So I often see soilders in the restaurants and stores. I love to pay for their lunch without them knowing. It's the least we can do for people who are willing to risk their lives to keep this country strong and free.

nikkicrumpet said...

I'm already a follower. :)

nikkicrumpet said...

I'm also linking you up to my blog right this minute :] Have a great day!

Kelly said...

Hi. Came over from SITS. Love your Blog and what you are doing with this give away. My Father is a veteran, both my Grandfather's-one a fighter pilot in WWII, the other in the infantry was a POW and awarded the Purple heart in WWII, are Veterans and my boss is on active duty! I want to thank you for giving back to the men and women who defend our country with their lives and to their families for supporting them EVERYDAY ALL DAY!

Anonymous said...

A lot of the kids in our youth group have dads or step-dads in Iraq right now so we pray for the soldiers every week at youth group. My sunday school class also donated money to the Girl Scouts so they could send cookies over to the troops.

Thanks for the great giveaway! I heard about it on the Fort Thompson Blog.

MookieJ said...

I really appreciate that the troops sacrifice everything to help and defend our country! I often think about all the military families as well. Being without their family member(s) has to be so hard.
Thank you!!

MookieJ said...

I follow! (Janine-GiveawaySpot)

Our Crazy Life said...

I lost my brother in Operation Desert Storm and I have aanother brother and nephew in Iraq now and I know it warms their hearts to hear from home, even if it isn't their own home. They love the treats and I found that most of what I sent was shared with the children where they are at. I am proud of my soldiers!!!

Natasha said...

what a great way to let those men and women know that they are loved and we support them. My brother was in the AF for 25 years he just retired in Sept....He was in Iraq 3 times plus he was in Korea for almost 2 years away form his family for that whole time.
I respect him and everyone else who puts their life on line for all of us.I am a following your blog as well your children are adorable
Thank you
natasha

Brian said...

Operation: Hi Mom: Free 16×20 canvas for Mom’s of Deployed Troops - www.canvasondemand.com/himom/

We appreciate our trooops! That's why we started Operation: Hi Mom, a program that gives hundreds of our deployed military men and women a free fine-art canvas that will be presented to their moms on Mother's Day. The beautiful 16"x20" Pixel Painting canvas, created from a favorite photo, has the look and feel of a traditional custom painting. It is a personalized keepsake that mom will hang in a place of honor and cherish forever.

KatieSaysSo said...

You are so great for doing this giveaway! Bless your heart =)

I have been a follower of your blog for awhile now!!!

Rachel Ann said...

Way to go for being such a great supporter of our troops! I support them through prayer! Way to go!

Carrie said...

I have many friends who are in the military and they are now home safe. I thank God for them and continue praying for those that are still in active duty. If I could thank every soldier in person it would be with much gratitiude and respect for all that they give to serve our country and keep us safe. I can't tell you how awesome it is to see the out pouring of love and support for our troops and their families. Thank you for this giveaway but more so for what you are doing for our troops.

Carrie said...

I joined your blog frog community.

Carrie said...

I am following you now.

Carla said...

Add me in!
Why? Because I appreciate my freedoms, I appreciate those that pave/d the way through their service, and those who supported them, and I'm the PROUD mama to a Navy Sailor, and two Army National Guard Reserve Soldiers:)
God Bless MY Country:)

Unknown said...

Thank you for doing this!!
I support military families because well we should. They're out there risking their lives for us and I don't feel they get the recognition they should be getting. My brother was in the Marines, my father and grandfather in the Air Force and my brother in law is in the Air Force National Guard Reserves, that's enough family to make me want to support them!

Unknown said...

I already follow you :)