On Monday, Albert Miller, an attorney in Clearwater, Florida received word from the Pentagon that they had found the remains of his younger brother, Malcolm.
Malcolm was a Navy corpsman who went missing in Vietnam on May 10, 1967. May 10th that year was one day before my husband's eighth birthday. Maybe Malcom was Tim's POW/MIA. Maybe Malcolm was "my guy."
Fortunately for Albert, putting closure to his brother's life does not make him sad.
Miller said:
I am not sad.
This is a celebration of his life.
The View of CA Capitol Building from The Vietnam Vet War Memorial
Two weeks ago, I went on an overnight field trip with my 4th grade daughter and her classmates to Sacramento and The Gold Country.
After touring the capitol building and attempting to get a glimpse of Governor Schwarzenegger we followed our guide to a moving Vietnam War Memorial.
Vietnam War Memorial, Sacramento, CA
At the memorial a decorated Vet who came home was on duty to teach us about those days.
Every day, he still lives that nightmare by sharing his experiences with those who come to learn, as well as those who come to pay tribute to the people who served our country back then.
Saying thank you to this man didn't seem like enough.
Every time our friend T.C. Berryhill comes to visit and we say grace together around the dinner table he always reminds us to give thanks for the Vietnam Vets who served, as well as those who are serving our country right now. T.C. didn't lose a brother thirty or forty years ago. He just has a huge heart for these guys. Maybe because he never had to serve on the front lines.
If you are interested in getting involved making a difference in a military families life please consider joining Maria Shriver's Military Family Initiative.
A few of the resources she recommends include:
* Operation Homefront - www.operationhomefront.net
A non-profit organization that focuses on helping spouses left behind during deployments.
They provide discounted or free assistance with car, computer, household repairs and local moves.
To volunteer your services, please click on the "How can you help" button to access local organizations in your community.
* Armed Services YMCA - www.asymcasd.org
A non-profit organization serving military personnel and families.
Their programs include services to assist military families, counseling and childcare, mentoring, tutoring, transportation to health and medical appointments.
To volunteer your services, please click on the "Support Link" button to access local organizations in your community.
For members of military families seeking assistance, volunteer services or support, please contact the following organizations:
* Tragedy Assistant Program for Survivors (TAPS) - www.taps.org
TAPS is a national non-profit organization serving families, friends and military service members who have been affected by a death in the armed services. They offer peer support, crisis response and intervention, grief care and counseling resources, casework assistance, long-term survivor wellness, and community and military outreach.
* Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund - www.intrepidmuseum.org
The Fund provides unrestricted grants to the families of military personnel who have given their lives in defense of our country.
The gifts, $10,000 to each dependent family and an additional $5,000 per child, are intended to help these families through any immediate or long-term financial difficulties they may face.
This gift is made quietly and without fanfare, to protect the privacy of the families.
The goal is to provide support in time of need, and to ensure that they know the nation appreciates their sacrifice. The Fund (501 (c) (3)) is supported entirely by donations - 100% of contributions from the public for this effort go to support military families with no deducted administrative costs.
* Patriot's Fund - www.patriotsfund.us
The Patriot's Fund is dedicated to ensuring that casualty families have support resources available such as death benefits, pension funds, child support, military housing and store access.
* Military Outreach Ministries - www.charitablechoices.org
A ministry of the Presbyterian Church of San Diego to serve military families. Provides furniture, household items, baby items, used children's clothing, food and activities for young military wives and children.
* Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society - www.nmcrs.org
A non-profit charitable organization which provides budget counseling, as well as interest free loans and grants for emergencies.
* Military Family Resources - www.militaryfamily.com
America's number one source for family readiness, relocation, transition and support issues.
* Victory Fund - Contact: Colonel Jack Kelly (retired U.S. Marine) - 760.942.3380
The Victory Fund and Colonel Kelly help provide families with basic necessities and support.
Last year, California's First Lady wrote:
I've traveled throughout California and met with military families who have loved ones serving our country. I have met husbands, wives, parents, children and family members who also serve while these brave soldiers fight daily for our safety.
My most recent visit was to Camp Pendleton. I still cannot stop thinking about the Marines, the dynamic women and families that I met - their courage - their strength - their sacrifice -their positive attitudes - their patriotism.
Everyone I met was inspirational.
I wish everyone could spend a day, an hour, in their company.
It was an honor to spend time with these remarkable men and women - and I made a promise while I was sharing their stories and lives.
I promised to search for ways that I, together with the citizens of this Great State, could help make a difference.
As First Lady, I have established a Military Family Initiative to help support California families through volunteer efforts from their fellow Californians. I truly believe that every Californian can serve this State. I challenge organizations, businesses, community groups, schools and faith-based groups to step forward and volunteer their time on behalf of military families in their time of need. You can volunteer in many ways, by providing educational support for families, assisting with home projects, mowing a lawn, raking leaves, babysitting, washing a car or preparing a meal.
Maria Shriver with Military Families - Fall 2004
To further inspire Californians to step up and get involved, Maria echoed the words her father once said to Yale's graduating Class of 1994.
Sargent Shriver said:
It's not what you get out of life that counts. It's what you give and what is given to you from the heart.
Break your mirrors!
Yes indeed - shatter the glass. In our society that is so self-absorbed, begin to look less at yourself and more at each other.
Learn more about the face of your neighbor and less about your own.
Thank you Sargent Shriver and Maria for your timeless messages and these valuable resources.
To the families of the 1,834 other servicemen who never made it home, we share your grief. Most of all, we celebrate their lives. And we pray that someday they will be found so that you too can hold a ceremony in celebration of his or her life.
Meanwhile, thank you to all the servicemen and women around the world who are dedicated today to fighting for our country's security and protection.
Inspire & Be Inspired.
Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful, "breaking your mirrors while never, ever forgetting ... " living!
~ Jennifer Carolyn King, Rugged Elegance, LLC
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Example of a POW Bracelet
