Support our Troops

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	Support our Troops
	*Bob Williams website Click OurTroopsOnline* *Contact Bob* Here.
	Click >>> In Gratitude
	*Please Click: Mail Call ...updated Feb 22nd*
	************************************Scroll Down************************************ Baldemero Lopez Home Car Show Click >>> Here March 29, 2008 - 01 **********************************Scroll Down************************************ Zephyrhills Moose Supports the Troops Click >>> Here The folks at the Zephyrhills Moose Family Center heard that Bob Williams needed help to cover the shipping cost that his group “Support the Troops” incurs sending packages to our troops overseas, they wanted to help. Mr. Robert Williams (white shirt) and his group sends out about 215 boxes each week to U.S. military units in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Qatar, and Kyrgyzstan. Zephyrhills Moose Family Center Administrator Gary Belyea (white hat) and many other volunteers designated Fridays, as a special “Red Letter Day” for the troops. Members of the group wear red shirts and portions of the proceeds of the Moose go to “Support the Troops” fund. On a daily basis Williams will receive wish lists from the troops either via email or through their families or friends. “Thanks to the efforts of the Zephyrhills Moose Family Center and their Red Friday campaign, we will do our best to fulfill those requests. The basic items we take for granted here can make a real difference in the quality of life our service personnel experience when deployed in combat zones and remote locations” said Williams. The packages they send out contain a variety of items popular with the troops, including coffee, snack foods, batteries, DVD’s, and personal toiletries. Some of these goods are donated by local businesses and organizations; others must be purchased to meet the need. “We are delighted to work with any company or organization interested in having a drive to collect items to send to our troops or to raise funds for postage” said Williams. Mr. Williams says that this is an on-going project therefore they must continue to seek the community’s help with the increasing postage expenses. The cost to ship one box can range from $20 to $45, depending on the contents and the APO or FPO address to which it is sent. Their postage costs alone run over $8,000 each month. “We always have boxes packed up and ready to ship out, but often lack the necessary funds to send them. We ask that any monetary contributions be made payable to: “Postmaster” and sent to “Support Our Troops,” P. O. Box 7560, Wesley Chapel, Florida 33544. One hundred percent of funds received go directly to cover the cost of postage” said Williams. March 20, 2008 - 02 **********************************Scroll Down************************************ The Lutz Patriots Support the Troops Click picture to enlarge Jennifer Bercaw of Girl Scouts Troop 241 stopped by the Lutz Patriot flag waving Friday to donate boxes of girl scout cookies to the troops. Accepting the donation are new Lutz Patriot members Bill and Judy McCray of Land O Lakes. Click picture to enlarge Karen Williams, Co-Founder of the Lutz Patriots along with sister Barbara Mueller started the grass roots organization in March 2003 to support soldiers serving our great country. Stopping by for the traditional Friday flag waving was granddaughter, 14 month old Chloe, the groups youngest flag waver. The Lutz Patriots welcome those that would like to stand in support of the soldiers fighting abroad and those that have returned home. The Patriots send care packages about once a month filled with needed supplies, books, card games and treats. If you are interested in helping the Patriots with a monetary donation to help mail packages or would like to donate your time by proudly waving our American flag on Friday afternoons, please feel free to pull in and join us! Whether it is for 15 minutes or the full hour beginning at 430pm, we welcome you!!! For more information, contact the Patriots at LutzPatriots@aol.com February 29, 2008 - 02 **********************************Scroll Down************************************ Vets receive long awaited Awards from Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite in Dade City Click >>> Here Douglas Benjamin 1764…U.S. Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite (FL-05) presented Douglas L. Benjamin of New Port Richey, an active member of the United States Army from 1968 through 1971, with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon w/device, Expert Badge & Rifle Bar and Sharpshooter Badge & Carbine Bar, honoring his military service on Friday, February 22, 2008.Richard Allen 1762…U.S. Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite (FL-05) presented Richard S. Allen of Land O’Lakes an active member of the United States Marine Corps from 1966 through 1969, with the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon and Combat Action Ribbon, honoring his military service. Charles Stoots 1793…U.S. Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite (FL-05) presented Charles W. Stoots of Land O’Lakes an active member of the United States Army from 1955 through 1980, with the Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal & Clasp Silver 1 Loop, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal & Bronze Star Attachment and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon w/Device, honoring his military service on Friday, February 22, 2008. Stephen White 1796…U.S. Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite (FL-05) presented Stephen F. White of Land O’Lakes an active member of the United States Army from 1965 through 1967, with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal & Bronze Star Attachment, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon w/Device and Marksman Badge & Pistol Bar, honoring his military service on Friday, February 22, 2008.Joseph Dill 1767…U.S. Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite (FL-05) presented Joseph F. Dill of San Antonio, an active member of the United States Navy from 1944 through 1952, with the World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, China Service Medal, National Defense February 22, 2008 - 01 **********************************Scroll Down************************************ North Tampa Sertoma Club helps the Lutz Patriots send Christmas packages to Iraq Click >>> Here Sanders Memorial Elementary School was the site of a Jump Rope presentation by Olympiad Jill Strong sponsored by the Sanders Elementary PTA. Students and teachers alike had fun and learned a lot about fitness and having fun at the same time. Sertoma Club members Carl Steiss and Fred Tetlow were determined that nineteen very needy units deployed to Iraq would have a Christmas. On December 5, the Lutz Patriots received the help of 10 Sertoma members and packed over 19 very large packages. The packages contained new, current DVD's, new socks, chemical hand warmers for the cold weather, snacks such as cheese dip, crackers, Slim Jims, Girl Scout cookies and sports equipment such as soccer balls, basketballs and footballs. In addition the Soldiers and Marines who have been deployed for one year will open messages of love included in cards written by families in the community and school children from Schwartzkopf Elementary. The military members receiving this bounty were chosen because they are enduring especially difficult conditions including combat, or have received no mail at all, or have had to worry about family troubles at home. They will have a special Christmas thanks to the Lutz Patriots and the Tampa East Sertoma Club. The Lutz Patriots are still in need of support from the community and ask that donations be made by checks made out to the U.S. Postmaster and mailed to: Lutz Patriots P.O. Box 1115 Lutz, Fla. 33549 Also Target gift certificates could be used to fill packages with requested items and the community can drop items or certificates at the Sheriffs Office in Lutz , south of the library at Highway 41 and Lutz Lake Fern Road. For additional information please write LutzPatriots@aol.com . 20071205-01 ********************************Scroll Down******************************* Veterans Medal Presentation Click >>> Here 20071129-05 ********************************Scroll Down******************************* Zephyrhills Soldier presented THE BRONZE STAR AWARD by General David H. Petraeus, Commander, Multi-National Force-Iraq US Army Staff Sergeant Donald J. Harris, II, is congratulated by General David H. Petraeus, Commander, Multi-National Force-Iraq, following Award Ceremonies in Baghdad, Iraq where he was presented with The Bronze Star Medal. SSG Harris is a 1988 graduate of Zephyrhills High School and a career US Army Non-Commissioned Officer, currently serving in Iraq with the 32^nd Transportation Company, 541^st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, attached to the 10^th Mountain Division. Harris is nearing the completion of a 15 month tour of duty in Iraq as a Vehicle Convoy Commander and Platoon Leader. This is his 2^nd Combat Tour in Iraq. He previously served a year in Korea with the 3^rd Armored Calvary Regiment near the DMZ. His other awards include the Combat Action Badge, 3 Army Commendation Medals, and numerous Army Achievement Medals, among others. The Bronze Star medal is awarded to a member of the military who, while serving in or with the military of the United States after 6 December 1941, distinguished him- or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States. His Medal reads in part “For Exceptionally Meritorious Service During Operation Iraqi Freedom. His outstanding dedication to duty during combat operations in Iraq Contributed to the overwhelming success of the command’s mission. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of Military service and reflect great credit upon him, 541^st Sustainment Command, and the United States Army.” Donnie was born on May 24^,1970 in Colorado Springs, Colorado and has lived most of his life in Zephyrhills. His wife, the former Mitzi Delp of Wesley Chapel, and 2 of their children, K.J. and Faith live in Fort Carson, Colorado where he is currently stationed. He also has a daughter, Raeven, in Tampa. His mother, Bonniefae Lindsey, and sisters, Julie Zerance of Zephyrhills, and Nicole Smallwood of Umatilla, and father, Donald Harris of Dade City. Donnie’s youth centered around a Military community, as his father was a Army Aviator. He joined the Army immediately upon graduation from Zephyrhills High School and has served his Country and the US Army with the hard work, determination and leadership he was known and respected for by his friends and family while growing up in Pasco County. ********************************Scroll Down******************************* Money Needed for Soldiers in War Zone Help needed to cover the shipping cost that Mr. Williams incurs on his “Support the Troops” project. Mr. Robert Williams (retired Navy) and his group sends out about 215 boxes each week to U.S. military units in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Qatar, and Kyrgyzstan. On a daily basis he will receive wish lists from the troops either via email or through their families or friends. “We do our best to fulfill those requests. The basic items we take for granted here can make a real difference in the quality of life our service personnel experience when deployed in combat zones and remote locations” said Williams. The packages they send out contain a variety of items popular with the troops, including coffee, snack foods, batteries, DVD’s, and personal toiletries. Some of these goods are donated by local businesses and organizations; others must be purchased to meet the need. “We are delighted to work with any company or organization interested in having a drive to collect items to send to our troops or to raise funds for postage” said Williams. Mr. Williams says that this is an on-going project therefore they must continue to seek the community’s help with the increasing postage expenses. The cost to ship one box can range from $20 to $45, depending on the contents and the APO or FPO address to which it is sent. Their postage costs alone run over $8,000 each month. “We always have boxes packed up and ready to ship out, but often lack the necessary funds to send them. We ask that any monetary contributions be made payable to: Make checks out to “Postmaster” and sent to “Support Our Troops,” P. O. Box 7560, Wesley Chapel, Florida 33544. One hundred percent of funds received go directly to cover the cost of postage” said Williams. 20071013-01 ************************** Scroll Down************************** Republican Club Pasco for Fisher House Click >>> Here 20071013-04 ************************** Scroll Down************************** Gold Star Mom helps Troops Click >>> Here Bob Williams, Bill Harris and Delores Mills come together to help our troops in their time of need, in the war zone overseas, by sending them packages that bring a little bit of home, one box at a time. Support the Troops Bob Williams get some much needed help to cover the cost of shipping that Williams incurs on his “Support the Troops” project. Bill Harris, owner of Harrison Metals in Wesley Chapel said he had been meaning to stop by and drop off some cash for the cause at Williams’s office next to the Post Office in Wesley Chapel and did so March 30th. The cost to ship one box can range from $20 to $45, depending on the contents and the APO or FPO address to which it is sent. Their postage costs alone run over $8,000 each month. “We always have boxes packed up and ready to ship out, but often lack the necessary funds to send them. We ask that any monetary contributions be made payable to: “Postmaster” and sent to “Support Our Troops,” P. O. Box 7560, Wesley Chapel, Florida 33544. One hundred percent of funds received go directly to cover the cost of postage” said Williams. While he was there Harris got to meet a very special woman, a Gold Star Mom, Delores Mills. Momma “D” as she is known to the troops, lost her son Sergeant Lea Robert Mills United States Marine Corp, at the age of 21, almost one year ago, on April 28, 2006 and left behind a wife, mother, father, and brother who will forever miss him. “We have chosen to honor my son with a fund which is used solely for the purpose of generating paid postage for all of the patriotic people in this country sending packages to our troops” said Mills. Lea’s Prayers and Postage, Inc. has paid the postage for over $20,000.00 worth of postage since May. The requirement for them to pay postage is simply, a military overseas address going to a war zone. They must also have the postal receipt and a copy of the customs form for records. This has enabled large groups who gather goods to mail more packages because the postage is taken care of. Also a family on a military salary can buy extra for the next package. “These package don’t just say ‘here are things you need’ they convey how much each warrior means to all of us” said Mills. The letters that are received say it all. “I can think of no better way to Honor my son than to continue to support his brothers and sisters in arms. Your donation will be a gift of gratitude to the proud men and women putting it all on the line for you”. The groups is a 501.c3 nonprofit Incorporation. Your donations can be mailed to Lea’s Prayers and Postage, Inc. P.O. Box 9000 Masaryktown, Fl 34604. The first anniversary of her son’s ultimate sacrifice, later this month, April 28th cannot be mitigated but for those who read this in the Laker or on OurtownFLA.com, please honor that sacrifice with a check dated on April 28th in his honor. I personally promise to use every penny wisely for our troops and thank you in advance for your donation said Mills. Once a marine mom, Always a marine mom. Event: 3/30/2007 Contains: 5 photos 20070330-03 651560 ******************************** Scroll Down*************************** Rep. Brown-Waite to Honor Area Veterans with Medals Award Ceremony Click >>> Here 2408…Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite (2^nd from left) presented medals honoring the military service of eight veterans from the Fifth District on Friday February 23, 2007. Pictured are Major Ralph James Anderson of Spring Hill, Rep. Brown-Waite, Sehoy Fry with her Hero and Grandfather Thomas Fry of San Antonio, Timothy Eugene Morrison of Zephyrhills and Darrell W. Davis of Land O’ Lakes. Major Ralph James Anderson (Ret.), of Spring Hill served in the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1986 as a flight training instructor, tactical airlift pilot and air operations official pilot. Awards include: Distinguished Flying Cross with one bronze oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with two bronze oak leaf, clusters & two silver oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Longevity Service Award, Ribbon with 4 bronze oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon and Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze service star and one silver service star. Ralph James Anderson is from Spring Hill. His awards included Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon. Darrell W. Davis of Land O’ Lakes served in the US Army from 1974 to 1994 with a Patient Administration Specialty and as a Medical Non-Commissioned Officer. His awards include: Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, 6th award, NCO Professional Development Ribbon with numeral 3, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon with numeral 3, Expert Field Medical Badge and Expert Badge with Auto Rifle Bar. Thomas Fry of San Antonio served in the United States Army from 1969 to 1979, having been discharged as a Specialist Five. His awards include: Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal with 3 bronze oak leaf clusters, Good Conduct Medal, 4th award, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 bronze, service stars with 1 silver service star, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon with numeral 4, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device (1960), Sharpshooter Badge with Auto Rifle Bar and a NCO Professional Development Ribbon. Henry J. Lapointe of Zephyrhills served in the active United States Army from 1948 to 1952 and in the Army Reserves from 1975 to 1990, retiring as an E6 Staff Sergeant. His awards include: Army of Occupation Medal & Berlin Airlift Device & Germany Clasp, Medal of Humane Action, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal & Silver Star Attachment (single), Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Reserve Components, Achievement Medal & Oak Leaf Cluster Bronze Large (double), NCO Professional Development Ribbon & Numeral 3, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, United Nations Service Medal, Expert Badge & Rifle Bar, Sharpshooter Badge & Pistol Bar, Marksman Badge & Rifle Bar and a Korea Defense Service Medal. Timothy Eugene Morrison of Zephyrhills served in the U.S. Navy from 1968 to 1972, having been discharged as an IC3. His awards included Navy Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal and Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star Roger William Powell of Zephyrhills served in the US Army from 1969 to 1971, having been discharged as a Specialist 4. His awards included Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star, Purple Heart with accompanying Certificate & Proclamation, National Defense Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Expert Qualification Badge with Auto Rifle Bar and Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Machinegun Bar Jack Edward Boyd of Zephyrhills served in the US Coast Guard from 1971 to 1975. His Awards include: National Defense Service Medal. Event: 2/23/2007 Contains: 14 photos 20070223-04 620941 *********************** Scroll Down *********************** The Little Women of Lutz "Support our Troops" and Robert Williams Click >>> Here 2301…Ms. Marilyn, Advisor and the girls from the Lutz / Land O’Lakes Women’s Club - Little Women of Lutz watch intently as Mr. Williams shows picture of our soldiers overseas receiving an unexpected box of goodies, “That can be a tremendous morale booster for those far from home” said Williams. 2305…The Little Women of Lutz presents signed Easter Cards for the troops and presented a check to Mr. Robert Williams on February 20^th, that will help cover the shipping cost that Mr. Williams incurs on his “Support the Troops” project. Mr. Robert Williams (retired Navy) and his group sends out about 215 boxes each week to U.S. military units in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Qatar, and Kyrgyzstan. On a daily basis he will receive wish lists from the troops either via email or through their families or friends. “We do our best to fulfill those requests. The basic items we take for granted here can make a real difference in the quality of life our service personnel experience when deployed in combat zones and remote locations” said Williams. The packages they send out contain a variety of items popular with the troops, including coffee, snack foods, batteries, DVD’s, and personal toiletries. Some of these goods are donated by local businesses and organizations; others must be purchased to meet the need. “We are delighted to work with any company or organization interested in having a drive to collect items to send to our troops or to raise funds for postage” said Williams. Mr. Williams says that this is an on-going project therefore they must continue to seek the community’s help with the increasing postage expenses. The cost to ship one box can range from $20 to $45, depending on the contents and the APO or FPO address to which it is sent. Their postage costs alone run over $8,000 each month. “We always have boxes packed up and ready to ship out, but often lack the necessary funds to send them. We ask that any monetary contributions be made payable to: “Postmaster” and sent to “Support Our Troops,” P. O. Box 7560, Wesley Chapel, Florida 33544. One hundred percent of funds received go directly to cover the cost of postage” said Williams. Event: 2/20/2007 Contains: 10 photos 20070220-01 620988 *********************** Scroll Down *************************