Some of you remember that I spent a day at sea with some cutting edge folks on the blog, tech and information world. I wrote them a little email today that I thought I’d share with you.
I hope you don’t mind.
Shipmates,
I’m writing this email to you, my USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) shipmates, because I know you to be proud and influential members of the bloggerati, technophiles, attention getters, trend setters, opinion makers and fascinating, intelligent, genetically gifted individuals whose children, if you have any, are each and every one of them above average. Otherwise your nieces, nephews and cousins, I’m sure.
Busy as you are, it might have escaped your notice that each year for the last several years there has been a fund drive that delivers voice-activated laptop computers to soldiers wounded on the field of battle. These laptops permit our wounded troops to connect with the world as they work through their convalescence, reach out to family and friends, take college courses and generally work on becoming healthy, productive members of society.
The program goes by the admittedly clunky moniker of “VALOUR-IT“, a tortured acronym that stands for “Voice activated laptops for our injured troops.” The drive is completely apolitical, takes no position on the war(s) themselves and serves only to help out young men and women who gave it their best, took some hard lumps and have come back home, seeking to make their way in a new, and for them, unfamiliar world. Sponsored by an umbrella organization known as “Soldier’s Angels“, a registered non-profit 501(c)(3), every dollar donated to VALOUR-IT is fully tax deductible, eligible for matching corporate funds and goes to the troops. There are no associated overhead costs.
Each year, the several military services hold a friendly competition, and I regret to inform you, you Eagles of the Sea, that this year the US Navy is getting its butt kicked. Our Navy. Yours and mine.
You: That’s awful, Lex. About the Navy, I mean. And the troops of course. What can I do?
Me: You know what you can do, shipmate. Having seen the quality and character of those who sail forth to the uttermost parts of the sea, doing the nation’s hard work, like. For months at a time, under arduous conditions and for damned little pay.
You: But specifically.
Me: Glad you asked. Give a little if you can. Spread the word within your inestimable spheres of influence. Bear in mind that really good young people have gone forth to really awful places to do the things that our democratically elected government has asked them to do and came back diminished in body, if not in spirit.
Give them a hand, and if it suits your fancy, tweet it or blog it or send emails to those who care and can make a difference. Do it for Team Navy. Or just do it.
After all, how many chances do you get between now and Veteran’s Day on the 11th of November, get to do something so selfless for those who have given so much?
And I don’t ask for so much.
You guys rock.
Thanks,
Lex
We’ll see how they do. They’re not closely linked to the service folks like we are.
But they’re good people, none the less. I’m sure they’ll do what’s right.
I suspect that VALOUR-IT will be greatly benefited by your, and their, efforts.
Have to say that since your VIP visit and becoming aware of “The Bloggess” , her blog has been added to my must read on occasion list. A very special muse that young lady has. (A compliment Jenny, and domo arigato!)
Beautifully done, sir. Thank you so much.
Fight Fair!, Lex, Fight Fair, are you sure this is covered under the rules?
And shame on zoomie you, Ron, for giving aid and comfort to the “enemy.”
Seriously, any little bit helps from any quarter, and we see once again Lex’s febrile mind actively at work.
Heh. Virgil, my heart encompasses all, but you KNOW which pot my money went into.
As leMay said,”the Navy, now that’s the enemy!”
Nice.
Great idea, Lex! Way to use the old noggin!
Thanks for the reminder – I just donated $100 on behalf of the Navy
I’ll see if I can get my Navy vet father to kick in too
B
A well done… albeit shameless Bleg indeed. Best
Very nicely done Lex…you have a gift for words!
Navy is pulling out the big guns and is about to pull even with its nearest competitor! http://smallwarsjournal.com/blog/2009/11/now-hear-this/
Permission to come aboard Sir? Ex Nuke MM1 who had over 7 years of you guys landing on my roof. Just tossed in 500 for Navy to try and pass the A.F. (looks like we’re still behind) I will try to muster up some more steam for another shot.
Imagine the dilemma of having served in both sides of the Navy Department, and having to decide who gets what. I’m guessing that neither will complain about half a pie. Besides, it’s about who it benefits. Innit?
Missives into the morass to follow. Facebook and Twitter even. Maybe that dino e-mail thingy too.
Thanks, Lex!
You think that’s confusing? I was raised by an Air Force dad, served in the Navy (Quartermaster), and the Army (Warrant Officer Flight School and Armor). Like a Mule between two bales, not knowing which to eat from
Hi, there…I’m donating a percentage of my book sales through Vets Day to Valour-IT.
Why not enjoy a great book and donate to this worthy cause at the same time?
http://www.ReportingForDoodie.com. read the first chapter on the “Sneak Peek” tab.
I note that Navy is now ahead of Air Force (as of 11:53am CST)
b
And…when you think you’re in for a bad day, CAS from above swoops down to even the odds.
Nothing less that what that email did for the cause!
Great job Lex…You might want to add a few names to that email list as Navy is just a wee bit behind, and picking on the Air Force is not much better then picking on the Pee Wee league
[...] Valour-IT Post of the Day Shipmates, [...]
[...] getting their butt kicked by Team Navy. I suspect it may have something to do with today’s Valour-IT Post of the Day. Just [...]
I’m in. Just tweeted it out. Now I have to go find some cash to donate