My brother is stationed at Ft. Richardson, AK, and is stateside, for now, as he has been on medical hold due to knee surgery. As such, he's had the heartbreaking duty of assisting with death notifications and arrangements for those soldiers killed from Ft. Richardson, including the Post's official memorial/remembrance ceremonies. Ft. Richardson lost 12 brave men during December; that's more than 10% of all of the troops killed during that terrible month.
It seems, there are no official Army funds for these services, and the few men and women back here at home responsible for arranging and conducting these traditional military services have been taking money out of their own pockets for flowers and the printing of memorial tribute cards, etc., which can be several hundred dollars for each service.
Soldiers don't really make a lot of money, and they generally have families to support. However, I assure you, you'll never hear one of them complain about it - it is an honor and a duty, and they will make whatever sacrifices are asked of them with all the dignity you would expect.
Recently, an account has been set up for donations to Ft. Richardson's Fallen Soldiers' Memorial/Remembrance Fund. All money donated will go for expenses directly associated with conducting these customary military services, and should any funds be left at the end of this war, they will go towards a memorial wall on Fort Richardson dedicated to all those who have given their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan.
If you would like to truly "support the troops," particularly those who have given their lives and deserve every honor and acknowledgment that can be afforded them, please send your donations (they must be under $1,000 dollars each).
Make the check out to: "4-25 Rear Detachment Unsolicited Funds"
And Mail to:
C/O Rear D S-1
Headquarters, 4th BCT (ABN), 25th Infantry Division
724 Postal Service Loop #8400
Fort Richardson, Alaska 99505-8400
For verification, you can contact the following Ft. Richardson officers:
Treasurer: Capt. Clifton Holmes (907) 384-2219
Public Affairs: Kirk W. Gohlke: (907) 384-1542
Major Charles Greene: (907) 384-9710
Also, here is Fort Richardson's website: http://www.usarak.army.mil/alaskapost/. I am hoping they will soon have some information posted there for further verification.
I would also encourage everyone to contact their local military installations to see if they need similar assistance. I know that all of us safe at home want so much to do something to contribute. We are asking a lot of our soldiers. This is something we can do.
It seems, there are no official Army funds for these services, and the few men and women back here at home responsible for arranging and conducting these traditional military services have been taking money out of their own pockets for flowers and the printing of memorial tribute cards, etc., which can be several hundred dollars for each service.
Soldiers don't really make a lot of money, and they generally have families to support. However, I assure you, you'll never hear one of them complain about it - it is an honor and a duty, and they will make whatever sacrifices are asked of them with all the dignity you would expect.
Recently, an account has been set up for donations to Ft. Richardson's Fallen Soldiers' Memorial/Remembrance Fund. All money donated will go for expenses directly associated with conducting these customary military services, and should any funds be left at the end of this war, they will go towards a memorial wall on Fort Richardson dedicated to all those who have given their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan.
If you would like to truly "support the troops," particularly those who have given their lives and deserve every honor and acknowledgment that can be afforded them, please send your donations (they must be under $1,000 dollars each).
Make the check out to: "4-25 Rear Detachment Unsolicited Funds"
And Mail to:
C/O Rear D S-1
Headquarters, 4th BCT (ABN), 25th Infantry Division
724 Postal Service Loop #8400
Fort Richardson, Alaska 99505-8400
For verification, you can contact the following Ft. Richardson officers:
Treasurer: Capt. Clifton Holmes (907) 384-2219
Public Affairs: Kirk W. Gohlke: (907) 384-1542
Major Charles Greene: (907) 384-9710
Also, here is Fort Richardson's website: http://www.usarak.army.mil/alaskapost/. I am hoping they will soon have some information posted there for further verification.
I would also encourage everyone to contact their local military installations to see if they need similar assistance. I know that all of us safe at home want so much to do something to contribute. We are asking a lot of our soldiers. This is something we can do.
Thank you for your consideration, and please pass this information along to all the people you know.
"If You Can't Stand Behind the Troops - Stand in Front of Them."
1 comment:
Come back terri....we miss you :(
PM me maybe?
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