Founder's Notes, May 25, 2010

Dear Angels,

Monday will be Memorial Day, a special time to remember and honor the hundreds of thousands of men and women who have laid down their lives for the rest of us. From the earliest Minutemen of the colonies, to the heroes who have fallen in the War on Terror, all have given “the last full measure of devotion” for America. By always remembering them, we honor their service and sacrifice.

Remembering Those Left Behind

Living Legends

For every fallen hero, there are those whose hearts break with loss. The Soldiers’ Angels Living Legends Team wraps its wings around those broken hearts. Through letters, cards and memorial gifts, the Team makes sure the families of our fallen heroes know that their loved ones’ sacrifices are honored and respected. If you think you are up to this very special work, please take a look at the team page and consider joining them. [more*]

Band of Angels

Janet Freniere, Living Legends Team Leader

A retired Air Force Master Sergeant, Janet now manages transporation at the University of Connecticut. She lives in Rhode Island with her two cats, and is a big Red Sox, Patriots, and UConn Football fan. As a veteran, Janet wanted to support today’s troops and, “when I saw the specifications for Living Legends (LL), I knew that was a perfect choice!” She became good friends with the team leader and then took over in 2007. “I feel a great sense of pride in what we do,” she says. She also participates in Soldiers' Angels Ladies of Liberty and is an active member of the Massachusetts Women Veterans’ Speakers Bureau.

Janet says the character of her LL fellow Angels and the knowledge that they are comforting grieving families keep her motivated. “We have a wonderful, caring, compassionate group of Angels on our team,” she writes. “They are the backbone of this team; I just try to keep it all straight.” The best part is the response from the families. “Getting notes from the families we have supported is what keeps me and others going!” After receiving LL support, many gold star families have joined LL to pay it forward, which Janet sees as confirmation that the team has a positive impact.

Memorial Day is always bittersweet for me. I traveled and enjoyed the weekend with my Army Buddies when I was in, so in some ways it takes me back to all the good days. But now it also takes me back to a couple of very bad days that we can never get back. I hope that all of us in America continue to remember the sacrifices that have been made—not a one in vain—and that the little Scarletts and Jocelyns grow up understanding what it means to be lucky enough to call America home.

Please say a prayer this weekend for those whose set foot on the battlefield—both domestically and on foreign soil—and for the families that bid them farewell. Because of their sacrifices, our lives are better!

God Bless our Troops and God Bless the USA.

Wingtip to Wingtip,
Toby Nunn
Soldiers' Angels Operations Manager

Facebook - Soldiers' Angels (official)
Twitter - @soldiersangels
Monthly Newsletter - www.soldiersangels.org/index.php?page=newsletters

Soldiers' Angels, 1792 E. Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104 (626) 529-5114