OOOHHHH ~ A 4th of July Contest!!

**Guest1** · 06-10-2004, 09:59 PM

Hi All!

With Independence Day 2004 rapidly approaching (sheesh - where'd the first half of '04 go?!) I'd like to make a propostion....

I'd love to hear what our United States Military means to each of you!

To make it even more fun & interesting - let's make a contest out of it!

Here's the rules....
~ post your thoughts about our Military - for some of us, it's our lifestyle....for others, it may be third party observations or just a general appreciation for the men & women who risk their freedoms to ensure ours.....
~ on 25 June '04, I'll have my lovely assistant (Belle says HI!) draw a name out of my "Uncle Sam" hat and will post the winner here.......
~ on 28 June '04, I'll mail out a special prize package to our lucky "drawee" to ensure it arrives in time for your 4th of July celebrations!!

So - don't be shy - let's hear your thoughts on our United States Military!!

**KKCondrey** · 06-10-2004, 10:04 PM

Oh Debbie, I will get right on that!!!! It might not be until Sunday night or Monday because I am leaving tomorrow, but I will think about this and post an other reply (or edit this one) when I get back.

BTW: I missed you loads. Great to see you

**Katybird** · 06-11-2004, 09:01 PM

When I see a military uniform it brings to me a warmth that radiates from my heart. It means that I can have the freedom to go to the church of my choice, speak my mind without fear, choose the leaders that will govern our nation. I can never express the appreciation I feel for the men and women of our armed forces, they give us the ultimate sacrifice by endangering their lives to protect the rights that we tend to take for granted.

**Guest1** · 06-16-2004, 02:44 PM

Kathy - that gave me goosebumps!!

Come on you guys!! Share you're thoughts!! Time's ticking ya know!!
Let's hear your thoughts about our United States Armed Forces!!

**guest2** · 06-16-2004, 04:33 PM

Every generation of my family has had at least one person who served in the military. We had family in the Revolutionary War, Civil War, WW1, WW2, Desert Storm, etc.. My Great Grandfather was a West Point graduate and later instructor there. I come from a long line of patriotic Americans and I literally owe my freedom to all the people that have fought so hard to make us such a wonderful and diverse country and continue to do so today. I cannot watch a parade, sing the Star Spangled Banner or America the Beautiful without crying. I'm so thankful to all of those in the past, present and future who make it possible for me and my family to live in such a great country.

**baronmom** · 06-16-2004, 09:02 PM

Growing up, I did not give too much thought to the military. I knew that my dad was in the Air Force, and my step-dad was in the Army. I had a grandfather also in the Army, and a grandfather who was in the Navy. That was the extent of it. I often wondered how people could stand moving from place to place so often, living in tiny houses and never really staying in the same place for a long time. I also thought, "how can those wives stand to be without their husbands for such long periods of time, and also so many times. I thought there is no way that I could ever do that.
Since dh has been in the National Guard, my eyes have been opened up so much. More so since he was deployed. I find myself looking around for the flags and the yellow ribbons every place I go. I can't stand to hear taps or amazing grace because I cry every time. I thank God every day for the men and women in our military that give up so much to help those that can't help themselves. They ask nothing in return, and very often don't even get a thanks.
The soldiers of the past and present fought and continue to fight for the freedoms that we take forgranted. Whithout those who gave all, we would not have the things that this country stands for.
I am so proud of my husband for being such a total patriot. He loves this country so much that he volunteered to go on all his deployments. (needless to say, I was not thrilled) We stand behind the troops who are doing such a wonderful job. Because of the men and women in the military, I know that I sleep better at night knowing that we have the very best soldiers in the world.
God Bless our Troops!

**Guest1** · 06-22-2004, 04:20 PM

T-Minus 3 days & counting......

If you were waiting till the last moment to share, you're rapidly approaching it!

This is not limited to just the Military "affiliated" among us - this is open to everyone!

Come on - let's show that American Pride!

God bless those who serve!

**Guest1** · 06-25-2004, 01:55 PM

Okay gals - 8 hours til this one closes.....

Come on......can't believe we've had so little interest - it's easy *&* there's a prize!!!!

Anyone?!?!

**Guest1** · 06-25-2004, 10:30 PM

Congratulations BaronMom!!

We had the "official draw" and Traci is the lucky winner!!!!

Thank you to all the participants!

And Traci - please PM me with your address so I can get this killer prize package out to you on Monday!!

**KKCondrey** · 06-25-2004, 10:58 PM

WTG Traci.

Enjoy your prize!!!!

**Darlene** · 06-26-2004, 07:55 AM

Congratulations Traci!!

I was going to enter this, I spent too much time thinking about what I was going to say & let the deadline go by.

Thanks for a nice contest Debbie.

**AmyMCGS** · 06-26-2004, 09:11 AM

Congrats Traci!

**baronmom** · 06-26-2004, 10:13 AM

Thanks everyone. It was a nice surprise, and after the rough day I had yesterday, I needed a little good news. (just one of those pms days when everything you look at makes you cry.) Debbie, I sent you my info. Thanks again