Land of The Free because of The Brave

Thank You Soldiers.

Thank You Military Families.

God Bless America.

You've Got Mail

Hello blog readers!  Sorry I have been MIA - it's been a busy two weeks for me with travels and weddings, but I am back in the District for a while and looking forward to some down time.  Sadly, no phone calls as of lately and communication with Chris via e-mail has been sporadic at best.  Hopefully I will hear from him soon.

Guess who - the one in the middle wearing the solid green kevlar?!

How long do packages take to get to 3/7?!

Apparently, there has been a back log in delivery of packages.  According to 3/7s Facebook Page:

"Family and friends of 3/7 we've read some comments and questions concerning mail. Your Marines are receiving their mail, It's a long process of mail being moved from the U.S. to theater and than from FOB (Forward Opearting Base) to FOB, then being sorted by company section/platoon and then being moved to their respective COPs/PB (Combat Operating Post/Patrol Base). This process can take anywhere between 2-4 weeks mission dependent. Also keep in mind that your Marine can be out on mission from days to weeks. Be assured that the Battalion does all it can to get Marines mail as soon as it can."

If you would like to join the 3/7s official facebook group - search, "3rd Battalion 7th Marines, The Cutting Edge.

How do I fill out the customs form?!

Ahh the lovely USPS form 2976-A aka customs form - you can't ship to our troops without it.  All of the information that I am about to share and more can be found on the first page of all USPS customs forms.  When in doubt of course feel free to ask me aecourt@gmail.com or of course, the Post Office.

WHERE CAN I GET THE CUSTOMS FORM?  You can find the form at your local post office or by ordering them online here.  Note: USPS will ship any of their products directly to your house for free.  This includes: flat rate boxes, customs forms and pouches.

If you pick up the forms from your local post office grab a few extra to take home with you.  Filling out the forms prior to going to the post office makes the process go smoothly and you will score points with that USPS worker when you walk up to the counter prepared =).

I HAVE THE FORM... HOW DO I FILL IT OUT?

Addressee's Last Name: PARKS, 1ST LT

First: PATRICK

MI: C

Business: 3/7 H&S CO

Address: (Number, street, suite, apt., P.O. Box, etc): UNIT 41575

Postcode: 96427-1575

City: FPO

State/Province: AP

WHAT ABOUT THIS DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CONTENTS BUSINESS?  You must fill out one item per line.  If you have more items than lines (I always do): 1. Write next to the barcode on the first customs form, "***Additional Forms***" 2.  On the additional forms, scratch out the barcode, write Chris' name in the appropriate boxes and continue listing items.  

You guessed it!  Chris was the Birthday Boy (above)!

 PalmFex 2007 - Not quite chocolate cake and plastic military figures, but it works =)

As always, if you have any questions don't hesitate to e-mail me!

Have a great week!

April Showers, Bringing More than Simply May Flowers

It's only been four days and and already May is off to a great start!  Don't get me wrong, April was not a bad month, but it did have a few showers...

For starters - I got a phone call from Chris yesterday!!!  Who knew hearing someone's voice could put you at such ease?!  He sounded great!  A bit tired and stuffy (sand = not exactly good for the sinues), but in great spirits.  He had just come off of a three day "excursion," if you will - so he was happy.  It sounds like they are getting a bit more action this time around, which of course makes them happy - they are Marines!  It sounds like everyone in 3/7 is staying busy; makes the time go by quickly for them. October will be here before we know it!

As if the phone call was not enough to make my day.  My cousin Michael and his beautiful wife Jacqueline welcomed their first son, Michael Brereton O'Niell, Jr. to the world yesterday!  Isn't he the sweetest?!??!  Welcome to the world Michael, Jr. - CANNOT WAIT to meet you!

Then, this morning I got an e-mail update from Little Lights on the progress of their 31 X 31 Campaign.  They have almost met their goal and have thus far raised a little over $21,000!!!  MANY MANY THANKS for all of your support.  For more information visit my previous blog post: Ignite the Light!

Also, did you know that May is National Military Appreciation Month?  Neither did I!

Again I say, and it's only May 4 =)!  Thank you for letting me share a few of my happy-es!

Wishing you a Happy May filled with lots of flowers!!!

Thoughts and prayers for the Gulf Coast and the state of Tennessee 

Ignite the Light!

Happy Tuesday blog readers!  You may be asking, what the heck is happy about Tuesday?  It's the day after Monday?!  It's one day closer to Friday?!  All very valid observations, however for me, Tuesday is the day that I get to hang out with my friends at Little Lights Urban Ministries (LLUM)!

To give you a little background, when I moved into my apartment two years ago, I kept noticing that two houses down from me there were children going in and out every afternoon.  I could tell that it was some sort of after school program, but upon my initial googling I couldn't find any information.  Finally, one day after work I decided, what the heck, I am just going to knock on the door and ask.  The wonderful and caring Mrs. Linda answered the door and the rest is history... almost a year and half later, here I am telling you good people about an organization that has become near and dear to my heart!

"Little Lights is a non-profit Christian urban ministry organization dedicated to showing the love of Jesus Christ to the inner city community of Southeast Washington, DC, particularly the children."

Although I began volunteering during Girls Night, I have had the opportunity this year to be a Reading Heroes tutor on Tuesday Nights to a wonderful young lady named Daynise!

We all have those things in life that keep us grounded; for me, one of those things has been Little Lights (click on the highlighted Little Lights words to read one story in particular).  I could not be more blessed that the good Lord gave me the courage to knock on my neighbor's door that day, almost two years ago!  I am thankful to have all those involved with Little Lights Urban Ministries in my life!

Little Lights Needs Our Help!

31 X 31 - MAKE ROOM FOR TEENS

THE GOAL:
Raise $31,000 by May 31 for teen programs and outreach at Little Lights.* (They are almost halfway there!)

THE NEED:
Opportunities to work, learn, and thrive for teenagers in Southeast DC.

Little Lights currently employs 12 Teen Interns, who contribute greatly to our programs for younger children, but the grant supporting the internship expires after this school year. Help us continue to hire teens in the community for 2010-2011 and beyond!

To Learn More about the LLUM 31 X 31 Campaign/ See How Much Money has been raised (almost halfway to the goal) Click the Following Link: 
http://www.littlelights.org/index.php?/donate/31x31/

Thanks for reading and again Happy Tuesday =)!  


A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

These videos always make me smile and are a better glimpse into what Little Lights Urban Ministries is all about.  I hope you enjoy!

Ignite the Light

World Culture Day: Louisiana - I had the opportunity to teach the kids about Louisiana!  Nothing like a little Second Line to end a day =)

31 X 31 Campaign: MAKE ROOM FOR TEENS

To Learn more about Little Lights Urban Ministries Visit Their Website:

http://www.littlelights.org/

***A BIG THANK YOU to LITTLE LIGHTS URBAN MINISTRIES for being my source for this entire blog post!***

Necessities for a Combat Infantry Battalion?

Most of these items were mentioned in my post, "A Clean Marine is a Happy Marine."  Here is the short version - according to the Lt. the following items are necessary for a Combat Infantry Battalion:

Ground Coffee

Copenhagen (Snuff and Longcut)

Cigarettes

Razors

Shaving Cream

Protein Powder

Photo Circa 2003: Chris was in the Marine Corps Reserves when we were in college.  His unit was deployed during the initial push to Baghdad.  PFC Parks is the one in the middle; all pictured here are Auburn Grads.  WDE

PS: When shipping a care package to our Troops overseas, don't forget your customs form.  I recommend getting several from the post office prior to the day you ship.  It's MUCH easier when you fill it out before hand =)

A Clean Marine is a Happy Marine

Photo circa 2008/2009 Iraq Deployment

Happy Wednesday!  I spoke to Chris today via e-mail (still no phone) and he gave me a list of items that they need.  Apparently, there is NO place to buy much of anything where they are and toiletries, tobacco products and work out items are going to be sparse before they know it.  I think the Lt. put it best, "People are going to be dirty and irritable."  Sounds like a blast to me (sarcasm).

TOILETRY ITEMS: Shaving Cream, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Mouthwash, Dental Floss, Razors, Baby Wipes, Contact Solution, Contact Cases, Deodorant, Sunscreen, Chapstick etc.  My creative juices started flowing and I think in addition to those items toilet paper and kleenex might be appreciated as well (I can only imagine what they are issued - sand paper anyone?!)

I didn't think to ask at the time, but I will check on the need for shampoo, body wash and detergent.  I know the first time Chris deployed to Iraq (2003) the shower/laundry situation for the first few months was none existent... UPDATE to original post: Shampoo/Conditioner, facewash, body wash, bar soap, detergent, etc are all items that are needed.

TOBACCO PRODUCTS: First, a Disclaimer: I, Elizabeth Courtman Parks DO NOT condone the use of tobacco products when these Marines are in the United States, however... I would probably need 5 packs a day if I was deployed to Afghanistan, so they are excused =) (remember that if you are feeling morally guilty).

Cigarettes: any brand is appreciated but Marlboro Reds and Marlboro Lights are like gold.  Chewing Tobacco/Dip: any brand is appreciated particularly, Copenhagen (any brand) and Copenhagen Long Cut.

WORK OUT ITEMS: ANY and all workout items are ALWAYS appreciated.  When they aren't working, they are working out.  Protein powder (when in doubt, go with chocolate), Clif Bars and workout equipment is always needed and appreciated.  Please don't kill yourself or your bank account trying to ship 100lb weights.  Believe it or not you can buy fairly light weight but effective work out equipment (resistance bands, jump ropes, perfect push up, etc).  All of the links in this paragraph are simply suggestions of stores - most/ all of these items can be found in any sporting goods store or even grocery store.  Simply a suggestion:  A1 Supplements has been, in my experience less expensive/ more reasonably priced than other well known wellness chains.


LETTERS: When in doubt, simplicity is best!  Letters and cards are ALWAYS the way to go if you aren't sure what to send!  I mean I got excited over a few two liner postcards, I can only imagine how fun it is to get letters from home in the Stan!  (Although, "excited" is probably not the emotion that a Marine will express outwardly, but deep down, you know they are ;) )  Interested in adopting a Marine to write to/ send packages to?!?!  Let me know and we will set you up!

Photo Circa 2008/2009 Deployment to Iraq: Chris and His Squad Leaders

Keep in mind, Chris will of course distribute any and all items sent among the Marines (you know you are going to get an update ;) ).  Please do not feel restricted to only sending the requested items; hopefully these requests will help with your care package creativity!

Remember to think, "what would I want if I was 1000s of miles away 

from the comforts of home in 100 + degree mountainous terrain?  

Oh and quite possibly not showering on a regular basis."

Lastly, I got a great suggestion from one of my blog readers!  If you would like "more direction" as to when to send a care package, feel free to e-mail me and I will give you a specific date to send.  Spreading the wealth over a period of time is always a good thing.

As always, any questions or comments?!  I LOVE THEM so post on my blog or send me an e-mail: aecourt@gmail.com.

Thank you for your support!  We could not do what we do/ they could not do what they do without you!

Chris and I on our Wedding Night.  Dinner at Eiffel Tower Restaurant in Las Vegas overlooking the Bellagio Fountains 

Chris' Address in the Stan:

1st Lieutenant Patrick C. Parks

3/7 H&S CO

UNIT 41575

FPO AP 96427-1575

Greetings From...

As I strolled in to my apartment on Sunday night/Monday morning (Happy Belated Easter btw) at 1:30 am (gotta love ATL airport and a 4 hour layover because of flight delays) I was, as you can imagine EXHAUSTED.  It had been a GREAT weekend home (AL), but I was definitely sad to leave.  Yes, I will admit it - at the age of 25 almost 26 I STILL get homesick.... who knew?!  In short, it had been a looooonnnnggg day.

As I lugged my suitcase through the door, ready to pass out, I practically tripped over the pile of mail on my floor.  However, I am happy to report it was FUN MAIL!  I got a postcard from Chris!  Such a small, but much appreciated and comforting surprise at the end of a long day!

On Monday night, after work - still exhausted from the flight back I walked in my door at 6:00 pm ready to go to bed for the night and... more fun mail - another postcard from Chris!

It will be interesting to see if I get one from Kabul or Kandahar....

"Greetings from The Stan - 

Wish you Were Here, the Snow Leopards are Beautiful," 

hahahaha

In short, I highly recommend to anyone, drop your loved ones a postcard from wherever you may be even if it's some place you go often!  It's not often (I don't think) that we get something fun in the mail and I must say once again, it truly is the little things in life - postcards 100% made my day!  Thank you Chris for being so thoughtful!

PS: I have spoken to him via e-mail and he is unfortunately still unable to call, but hey e-mail is better than nothing, I am not complaining!  He is doing well, but very very busy.  Oh and he recommends, don't eat the chili from the chow hall... hahaha... tmi?

I will post tomorrow some new items that they need over there, but for now, I gotta finish catching up on my sleep...  as a friend of mine says, "Nighty Nightmares" =)