Weekly Newsletter 7/06/2008

Greetings!

First and foremost, I would like to thank all those who participated in and/or volunteered for the Candlelight Ceremony, "Home of the Brave", and the parade! It was a VERY busy week, and I am proud to say that HHAFFA was represented well in all the 4th of July events!! I'm appreciative of all the help given, and I am sorry that more did not choose to participate--we had a GREAT time showing our patriotic pride and support for our service members!

We are now entering a "slow" period for HHAFFA activities. We will continue sending our cards and letters, passing on prayer requests and news, and all our other "behind the scenes" activities! I will be taking a break from the weekly newsletters, but if there is something you would like me to share with the group, just let me know, and I will pass on the information! Keep us updated on addresses and news! I have been so busy the past few weeks, I know I missed some HHAFFA news that needs to be shared! Please excuse me and remind me, and I will gladly pass it on!

We will continue to meet every Tuesday evening at 7 pm at the Thornton Pavilion to continue our "Tour of Iraq". Please join us for, not only exercise, but companionship! We talk as much as we walk!!

God Bless Our Troops!
Nancy Peabody

Weekly Newsletter 6/29/2008

Hi Folks,

Nancy's computer is acting up and she is not able to send the newsletter this week so I (Betsy) am sending it for her. If you need to contact Nancy, please call her at 275-0366.

The Limestone Girls Club packed 50 of the large flat rate boxes for those serving in Iraq! They collected $175 toward postage. HHAFFA provided them with the custom forms and labels and did the actually mailing on Saturday, paying the difference for postage. Gwen, from the Limestone Girls Club, said the girls had a great time packing the boxes and I am sure the ones who receive them will also enjoy them.

Our annual Candlelight Ceremony was held on the Bedford Square last night. Although it was windy and candles didn't want to stay lit, it was a touching moment for many. Eric Koch gave good words of encouragement and support for both families and troops and gave any family who wanted it, his card with a personal message of support to put in their next letter. We really appreciated Nancy's dulcimer group who provided music before the program (sorry I don't know the proper name of the group).

UPCOMING EVENTS - FRIDAY - the Limestone Heritage Festival PARADE!! Nancy would really like to see everyone either march or send a representative with a sign. Remember, our support is not only for the troops who are deployed in the war zone, but for ALL active duty military! Even those who are not in war zone experience difficult and dangerous training, are serving a long way from home, and are on duty 24/7 to protect us from other dangers than the present one.

PARADE DETAILS will follow later this week. However, the time will be published in the paper (usually noon) and the place it starts is 15th & M Streets. Show up there, find a parade official (many times in a cart) and ask where the Hoosier Hills ARmed Forces FAmilies Unit is. Or start walking up M St. and look at the floats until you find us! We will have HHAFFA Signs on hand ($7) and a marker so that you can add a name if you don't want to make a special sign. There are flags, banners, and signs to carry also. We always need people to carry the service flags. If any service member is home on leave, we would be please to have them march with us in their uniform. The crowds love to show their appreciation for your service!

MONDAY, TUESDAY - Roger Gales' production, the Home of the Brave, at 7:30 pm at the BNL auditorium. HHAFFA is ushering for both nights and manning a table in the lobby. If you can help, please call Nancy at 275-0366 even if you emailed her earlier (I don't know how many emails she has missed). We will start manning the table at 6:30 pm.

Remember to send us your service member's name and address - we send a phone card to anyone who is stationed overseas whether in the war zone or not. We send Christmas cards to those who are on active duty, no matter where they are stationed - including National Guard on permanent duty here in town.

MONTH OF JULY - We have a display in the Regions Bank on the northwest corner of the Bedford Square - stop by and see it!

God Bless Our Troops.
Betsy Henley for Nancy Peabody