Our brave men and women serving overseas sacrifice so much to protect our freedoms. Far from home, they face challenges we can only imagine. But a simple gesture from you can make a world of difference.
A heartfelt letter can bring comfort, encouragement, and a reminder that they are not forgotten. Your words of support can lift their spirits and provide strength during difficult times. Whether you share a personal story, a message of gratitude, or simply offer well wishes, your letter will be a source of hope and connection for a local Soldier and his unit who are currently deployed.
Let’s stand together and show our appreciation for their sacrifices by taking a few moments to write a letter, reminding them they are valued and supported. Your kindness will have a lasting impact.
Because no one serving our country should ever feel alone.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who had a part in supporting Operation Christmas Cheer, 2024. Your support helped bring hope and cheer to our deployed troops. Despite the challenges of Helene, your support made a meaningful impact and together, we achieved much success!
My goal this year was to fill and ship 5 Packages of Hope to each of the 2 contacts we were given. Because of your faithfulness and generosity, that goal was well surpassed! We were able to send a total of 9 boxes to each point of contact and a bonus package filled with Fox River Soldier Socks.
In fact, the donations were so great, we were able to adopt a Soldier who had just deployed and there are still enough goodies to send additional packages later this month or early February.
Regarding the Packages of Hope from our Airmen: “You should have seen all of us around the table waiting on me to open the boxes to see what we got. Thank you so much! You have no idea what an impact it makes.” Regarding the Fox Socks: “These socks are what I never knew I was missing! Thank you! They’re the best!”
Below are a few photos of the boxes that went out. Socks were direct shipped by Fox River. Truly I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters, you did for me – Matthew 25:40. Thank you for your continued faithfulness and allowing God to use you to bless our troops!
This year, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior, we are mindful of the challenges our community has faced in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Many of us are still rebuilding, but even in these difficult times, we are reminded of the strength that comes from unity, compassion, and faith.
Amid our own struggles, let us not forget those who are serving far from home this Christmas—our troops. These brave men and women sacrifice so much to protect our freedoms, and many will spend this holiday season separated from their loved ones.
Though our resources may be stretched, even small acts of kindness can have a big impact. Here’s how you can help bring joy and encouragement to our troops this Christmas:
1. Donate Essentials: Even a single item—snacks, hygiene products, or holiday treats—can make a difference.
2. Write a Letter of Encouragement: A simple message of gratitude and hope can uplift a Soldier’s spirit.
3. Give Financially: Any contribution, no matter how small, will help us cover shipping costs and fill care packages with much-needed items.
4. Offer Your Prayers: Keep our service members and their families in your prayers, especially as they face the challenges of being apart during the holidays.
Hurricane Helene has reminded us of the power of coming together as a community. In that same spirit, let’s extend our love and support to those who serve us with unwavering dedication. Together, we can show our troops that they are not forgotten and that they are deeply appreciated.
Donations can be dropped off at 724 Oakland Road, Spindale by November 29th. If you would like to give a financial gift online, please be sure to say “yes” to designate gift and type Military Ministry Christmas Cheer in the memo and click here.
Previous Year Christmas Cheer Delivery from Dvids photo search 11/17/2024
Packages of Hope Wish List:
Carmex
Christmas Candy
Candy Canes
Small tins Christmas cookies
Individually packaged cookies
Individually packaged crackers
Individually packaged fruit snacks
Individually packaged dried fruit
Slim Jim’s
Beef Jerky
Tajin
Hard Candies
Chewing Gum
Protein bars
Flavored water packets
Hot chocolate packets
Oatmeal packets
Handwarmers
Travel sized lotion
Letters of encouragement
Soldier Christmas internet search For America 11/19/24
I am proud to announce that the Honor Flight originally scheduled for September 28th, but postponed due to Hurricane Helene, has been rescheduled for April 26th, 2025. This meaningful journey is dedicated to honoring our veterans by providing them with the opportunity to visit the memorials built in their honor in Washington, D.C.
The Honor Flight program is a powerful way to express our gratitude to those who have served our country. Veterans will have the opportunity to connect with comrades, share stories and receive the recognition they so greatly deserve. They will also receive a long overdue “Welcome Home.”
I am so looking forward to joining the skies and DC with my Vietnam Veterans, Jim Ayers and Bruce Lancaster both from Rutherfordton, veteran and Guardian Mike Granato from Charleston, SC with his Vietnam Veteran, Neil Baker (Rutherfordton) and Guardian Vilma Lazo with her Vietnam Veteran, Gunny Bill Swope also of Rutherfordton.
It is a privilege and an honor to be part of such a wonderful organization, Blue Ridge Honor Flight.
Left to Right: Gunny, Jim, Lisa Marie, Bruce, Neil
Just before Donuts: Jim, Lisa Marie, Bruce (L,R)Neil Baker and standing in for Neil’s Guardian Mike Granato, Mike’s polo 🙂Guardian Vilma Lazo with Veteran Gunny Swope
Blue Ridge Honor Flight will take flight again on September 28th, 2024. I am excited to be flying with my Rutherford County veterans: Bruce Lancaster, US Army and Jim Ayers, US Army. Also on my team from Rutherford County will be “Gunny” Bill Swope, USMC. His daughter, Vilma Lazo will be his Guardian. Neil Baker, US Army will also join us with his Guardian, Mike Granato, Retired USAF from Summerville, SC.
My veterans for the spring flight on April 27th, 2024, was USAF Veteran, Raymond Jones and US Army Veteran Steve McCurry; both are Vietnam Veterans. It was a privilege and honor being their Guardian and they will forever hold a special place in my heart!
Also on our team was combat Vietnam Veteran, Sgt Major Don Barrett, Ret USMC. Sgt Major was also my children’s former MCJROTC instructor at RS Central High School. His Guardian was his son, 1st Sgt Michael Barrett, Ret USMC. Both Michael and Sgt Major are recipients of The Purple Heart.
Micheal gave his dad a very special surprise while we were in DC. He worked in concert with Jimmy Ensley, one of Sgt Major’s first graduating cadets from the MCJROTC program at RS Central to meet us in DC. Jimmy, also a ret USMC Veteran resides near the DC area, so he was more than willing to meet us in DC to surprise Sgt Major.
The reunion was priceless, and I was honored to have been a part. Every Honor Flight is special and no two are even remotely alike, but this one pulled on my heartstrings as never before. Although I only had two assigned veterans, Raymond and Steve, the six of us spent the day together. I believe having Sgt Maj, Michael, and Jimmy in our group added to the wonderful experience Raymond and Steve had. Since I am not a veteran myself; I cannot ‘add’ to an Honor Flight veteran’s experience the way a veteran can. It was awe-inspiring to watch these five veterans interact and care for one another throughout the day, to listen to their stories; my life is forever changed, and I will be forever grateful to Blue Ridge Honor Flight for affording me the privilege to fly with these wonderful veterans!
Steve introducing himself to Jimmy.WWII Memorial with Patton look alike, (L-R: Sgt Maj, Raymond, Steve, Michael)Michael boarding with SteveFountain at WWII Memorial (L-R: Jimmy, Raymond, Lisa Marie, Steve, Sgt Maj, Michael)Steve at the Korean War MemorialRaymond at Audie Muphy’s grave at Arlington National CemeteryA very poignant moment at the entrance to The Vietnam Wall when Sgt Maj was greeted by two young boys from Vietnam who thanked Sgt Major for his service. The two brothers now reside in Arlington.Bottom photo, L-R: Michael, Jeff Miller (Founder BRHF & Co-Founder Honor Flight Network), Sgt Major Barrett
Our Nation owes a great debt to its fallen heroes. A debt that we can never repay. Today, I hope you take a moment to honor the fallen and remember the more than 80,000 that are still MIA (Missing in Action) and remember the families that were left behind, the families who never had a chance to say good-bye.
“Whether we observe [Memorial Day] through public ceremony or through private prayer, this day leaves few hearts unmoved. Each of the patriots whom we remember on this day, [both known and unknown], was first a beloved son or daughter, a brother or sister, or a spouse, friend, and neighbor.” – George H W Bush, 1992
Let us never forget they gave their tomorrows for our todays. One way we can honor them today is to commit to step in their honor and wear blue to remember. Today, I have committed to walk/run 5 miles in honor of CPL Chris Ebert, who died in the Anbar Province of Iraq on September 17, 2004.
“We owe them more than can ever be repaid, but we must try. Tomorrow and all the days that follow, let us keep their sacrifice in our hearts as we strive to honor them by being good and true, hopeful and strong, and committing to building a brighter future.” – Marc Molinaro, US House of Representatives, Duchess County, NY on Memorial Day 2019.
With another very successful Operation Christmas Cheer for our deployed troops behind us (more than 40 boxes of goodies, letters from children, prayer filled boxes and over 30lbs of hand warmers were sent) it’s time to move into 2024 and send Treats to the Troops.
Our troops have answered the call to serve and in answering that call, they have left everything behind; their families, their communities, and their loved ones who are also paying the price for their sacrifice.
We will be taking up individually packaged cookie donations throughout February. Since many of these care package will be sent to very warm climates, please choose single serving packages of cookies that do not contain chocolate that will melt. Oreos, peanut-butter cookies, VanOLunch from Lance, lemon cookies, butter cookies and animal cookies are great sendables that won’t melt.
A simple act of kindness, sending cookies, will equip them with the hope that they are not forgotten and will hopefully bring light to their world.
If you would like to make a financial donation and have us purchase cookies for you or you would like to help cover the cost of postage, click here. Please be sure to enter military ministry in the memo field.
photo taken from internet search 02/11/2024 from Sandboxx
Merry Christmas to those who wear our country’s uniform! We are praying for His hedge of protection as you serve and wish you and your families His peace this Christmas season and always. You are NOT forgotten!
It seems like only yesterday I was posting about sending Christmas Cheer For Our Deployed Troops 2022, then I blinked and here it is 2023! Where does the time go?
Another year gone by and another year I stand in awe over His provisions, prompting hearts to give back; people giving of their time, their talents, and their resources to support Christmas Cheer For Our Deployed Troops.
It is important that we continue to cultivate an awareness of the magnitude of sacrifice those who wear our country’s uniform make each day, especially those who are deployed. They miss birthdays, holidays, reunions, graduations, the birth of their own children, weddings, funerals, comforts of home, sleep, showers, food, clean clothes, their sacrifices are endless, yet they continue to give of themselves so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today. We owe them much more than what we often give.
I am so proud to live in such a wonderful community that understands their sacrifices and that gives generously throughout the year, but especially at Christmas! Thank you to Sunshine Elementary School, the Bostic/Sunshine Community, my Father’s Vineyard Church family, my friends, and my family. Christmas Cheer 2023 would not be possible without your giving, caring hearts! Because of you, we are sending a total of 25 boxes of Christmas Cheer to troops across the globe on Monday and an additional 3-5 boxes later in the week!
Your gratitude and your willingness to give is the simplest yet most powerful thing you can do for our troops . Your kindness will impact their lives in many ways and let them know they are not forgotten and their sacrifices matter.
Thank you again for your willingness to touch the lives of another with the resources God has so generously given to you. – Lisa Marie Barrett, Director
photo taken from https://hopeinc.com/gratitude-turns-what-we-have-into-enough/ 11/26/23Just a small portion of the donations from Sunshine Elementary School, Bostic, NC
Christmas Cheer Boxes before being packed
If you would like to support Christmas Cheer For Our Deployed Troops, please click here. Each package sent costs approximately $22 for shipping. Be sure to click yes, that your gift is designated, then add military ministry to the designation box. If you would like your donation to go directly to Christmas Cheer For Our Deployed Troops, please indicate that as well. If you just state military ministry, your gift can be used throughout the year for on going deployed troops projects. Donations are tax deductible.
This year, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior, we are mindful of the challenges our community has faced in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Many of us are still rebuilding, but even in these difficult times, we are reminded of the strength that comes from unity, compassion, and faith.
