Rather than write a bio, I'd like to tell you a little bit about ways you can make a big difference in some very important people's lives. We all see the news of American Airmen, Soldiers, Marines, and Sailors killed and injured SERVING our great nation. While I know there is much contention and debate over the current conflict and it's not my intent, desire, nor position to debate the legitimacy of the various viewpoints, I think nearly all would agree that our troops deserve the best we can offer them. Many of our troops are sent stateside with injuries, scars, and disabilities beyond what most of us can comprehend. I ask that if you agree we should be supporting these heroes to extent that they deserve, that you consider donating your time or resources to one of the many charities or organizations who support our troops and/or are helping OUR Airmen, Soldiers, Marines, and Sailors recover from their injuries. There are many out there. I'd like to highlight one I'm most familiar with.

The "Maryland Room" at Andrews Air Force Base supports wounded personnel being transferred stateside from Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM. As many as 150 transit through here each week. The Maryland Room is staffed by Red Cross volunteers and runs on donations from generous people like yourselves. Nearly all of the wounded arrive with little to no personal items and rely on the Red Cross to provide everything from clothing to toiletry kits to shoes/flip flops to pillows, blankets, and quilts. Additionally, they provide food, snacks, and an entertainment area with TV, movies, video games, phones to call home, and computers to check email. They make every effort to ensure each wounded hero is taken care of the way they deserve. The center is completely run with donations of time, money, and material. It is not uncommon for a volunteer to purchase pizzas, sodas, or other supplies out of their own pockets when stocks are running low or there is a special request. If you wish to donate funds to support this effort, please send a check with "MARYLAND ROOM, ANDREWS AFB" written in the memo field to:

American Red Cross
Attn: The Maryland Room
9716 Middleton Road
Fort Belvoir VA 22060

If you have any questions, please contact me at 240-250-2222 or contact the Red Cross, Ft Belvoir, Virginia at (703) 805-2057 or http://www.redcrossdc.org/ServiceCenters/southern_fairfax.php3).