I wanted to let everyone know what Acadiana SA’s have been doing. Every month we have a table setup at Cajun Harley Davidson in Scott. We do this to have cards made and signed for the troops. This month it is the 105th Birthday of Harley Davidson. It was a huge event/party. The Nickl Beer Band provided the entertainment. We met several vets, present soldiers and Guards from the 256th National Guard that have been put on alert to leave within the coming year. I met the man who is sailing the “Remembrance” along the coast and lakes. He is sailing one mile for every American in the Armed Forces life lost in the War on Terrorism. He would like to help Soldiers’ Angels with some projects we have going on. I gave him a SA flag to fly on his sailboat. He also has a German Shepherd that is a therapeutic dog. He would like to be able to help the wounded and vets in the VA hospitals. I was able to make several good contacts. I gave Cajun HD the Golden Wing Award for all their help in letting us set up there. I also gave Vickie Franco a Certificate of Appreciate for her being with SA for 5 years. I think that is amazing. I will try to keep everyone updated as to what is going on in our area and the VA’s in Louisiana. Thank you all for everything you are doing.

Meloney Choate

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DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Sgt. 1st Class David J. Todd Jr., 36, of Marrero, La., died Aug. 20 in Bala Morghab, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by enemy forces using small arms fire. He was assigned to the Afghan Regional Security Integration Command-West, Herat, Afghanistan.

Here for the NOLA.com article.

Hello Everyone,

The 2008 Freedom Walk is scheduled for September 6th starting at 8:30 a.m. at the USS Kidd. As a reminder, the purpose of the Freedom Walk is to honor those killed September 11th, 2001, and all of those who serve our county, past and present, including my brother, Lt. Michael Scott Lamana, who was killed in the attack on the Pentagon.

If you are interested please e-mail me or the e-mail address on the flyer with your name and shirt size (Adult S, M, L etc.). If you need more information, please let us know. Additionally, please feel free to forward this flyer to your family and friends.

Some of you may be receiving this notice more than once. For that I apologize, we are working on it.

Thanks and God Bless

Andi Lamana Chatelain
andichef@bellsouth.net
225-761-9646

Gordon’s of Mandeville should be applauded for their efforts to support the troops. They have been carrying the Louisiana State Soldiers’ Angel garden flag in their store over the summer and are even displaying it at their checkout counter. They ask nothing in return and are helping support local projects and shipping costs that support the troops. Hooah! to Gordon’s.

A beautiful graphic done for Soldiers’ Angels by Lawn Darts.

SOCCER BALLS: I just got a request for soccer balls to give to the Iraqi children during Ramadan. If you can contribute, contact me gretaperry@gmail.com

BLANKETS: We are trying to get blankets onto the laps of all LA Veterans who live in facilities throughout the state. Below are the directions.

Goal: 500 blankets

Types: Knit, crochet, sewn, Quilted, no-sew, fleece one sided or double sided, or store bought.

Sizes: 36″x45″ to 50×60″

Materials: washable materials in patriotic themed red white and blue - embellishments are welcome

Upon completion:
1. wrap tightly with patriotic ribbon
2. attach a note card with “Thank you for your service from…
3. contact Rhonda ctlla03@gmail.com for drop-off or mailing instiuctions

Help spread the word and download the flier and distribute to fabric and yarn stores, community bulletin boards, senior homes, your place of worship or work.

July 28th at the Cart Ranch in Lafayette, the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, hosted a back to school event for children of deployed soldiers. Soldiers’ Angels donated backpacks full of school supplies for the children in attendance.

From Janette Broussard:

We had a great time visiting with others who are going through the same thing as us. Most of our families have been through 2 or 3 deployments and knowing other care is so important. The kids were very appreciative of the backpacks they received and everyone wanted to know more about Soldiers Angels. Thank you again for all your help.

Hooah! to Sgt. 1st Class Clay Usie of Houma, LA!

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!

New Life Tabernacle, 6017 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA partnered with Soldiers’ Angels for the second time, to show their continued support for the troops. In December, they held a large and very successful drive for comfort items to be sent overseas. This time, they decided to send “cool scarves” to a Louisiana National Guard Unit. The unit they chose had 1,000 men and women currently serving in Iraq. Through their commitment and determination, they chose to raise enough funds to buy the scarves in bulk and supply enough for the entire unit. $1500 (correction $1623 for 2 cases of scarves) was raised and the scarves are currently on their way to Iraq! Hooah! to New Life Tabernacle for all you have done to help ease the summer heat for our men and women from Louisiana!

About cool scarves:

Cool scarves are for use around neck or head which produces an evaporative cooling system. Filled with non-toxic synthetic crystals which transforms into a soft cooling gel.
Cool Scarf helps Lowers body temperature by cooling the carotid arteries in the neck.

- Stays cool 2-3 days, without refrigeration.
- Rotate periodically to maximize cooling effect.
- Reduces risk of heat stroke.
- Easy to re-activate again and again.
- Hand washable.
- Beige camouflage print
- Outer fabric made of 100% cotton

My Papa, who lives in the Brockton, MA VA Hsopital, was one of the 200 veterans who enjoyed this Harvey’s Club trip. He has been a fisherman his whole life and according to my mother, was thrilled with the 2 flounder he caught. He got wet, but reportedly had a fabulous day. Thank you to all who helped make this day of fishing possible!