Project Valour-IT

It was the first time I felt whole 
since I’d woken up wounded in Landstuhl.

–MAJ "Chuck" Ziegenfuss, on using a voice-controlled laptop

For the last seven years, Project Valour-IThas been supplying voice-controlled and other adaptive laptops to severely wounded heroes who need to stay connected while they recover, or who are building a new life as they transition out of the military.  That's over 6,000 laptops for wounded heroes!  Unfortunately, we don't know where the next laptop is going to come from...

Every week brings more wounded troops home from the battlefield, but donations for Valour-IT are not keeping pace with their needs.  To maintain the project, we are holding a special fundraiser from Independence Day (July 4th) through Labor Day (September 3rd).

Divided among four “virtual teams” named in honor of U.S. military service branches, the fundraising goal is to bring in at least $100,000 through friendly inter-service rivalry.   This amount should be able to provide about 250 laptops for wounded heroes who need an accessible computer to reconnect and build new lives. 

To do this, we need your help.  Please consider how you can make this fundraiser a success!  You can:

•    Share this link with everyone you know
•    Post about the fundraising competition on Facebook or other online forums
•    Tweet about it
•    Post it on your blog
•    Share it with people who blog or run websites

The fact is, this project changes lives.  Your donation and your efforts in this fundraiser will have an impact that is difficult to put into words, though Chuck's quote at the top of this page comes close: "It was the first time I felt whole..."

These heroes have literally sacrificed parts of their bodies in service to our country.  As we celebrate the freedoms their service has given us, let us renew our efforts to ensure they have what they need to build their own new lives as wounded warriors.  How can we give them less?

Please help.

Soldiers' Angels responds

An Open Letter to Our Friends and Volunteers

Below is a letter from the Chairman of our Audit Committee and Member of the Board of Trustees, Richard Lowe.  The Board of Trustees has recommended that this response get as wide an audience as possible, so we encourage you to share the message.
 
Wingtip to Wingtip, 


Patti Patton-Bader
Soldiers' Angels Founder & CEO

It has come to the attention of Soldiers' Angels Board of Trustees that allegations have been raised by Michael Yon regarding the stability of our organization.  We understand that some of our volunteers and supporters are disheartened by these charges, and we would like to take the opportunity to respond to them.  We would also like to take this time to explain the ratings that were given to Soldiers' Angels by Gloria Wise/Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Charity Navigator, two independent rating organizations.

First, let me address organizational stability.  Mr. Yon’s allegations are baseless at best.  Soldiers' Angels has worked with over 400,000 highly-motivated volunteers since in its inception.  In any organization of this size there will always be interpersonal conflicts and hard feelings between some of the volunteers; that is only normal.  As our charity evolves in its mission to support service members and their families, organizational priorities change and some individuals may feel that their particular program isn’t being given the proper amount of attention.  Rest assured, the Board weighs every issue and does its level best to make sure that everyone is accommodated, but our focus is on delivering the maximum benefit to those who are serving or have served in harm’s way.  While most of our volunteers understand and support this concept, a handful of them have opted to air their grievances publicly, which has created fodder for Mr. Yon, who in turn has elevated concern among our other volunteers.

We assure you that the organization is in good standing and we sincerely hope that the actions of a few people who have placed personal agendas above service do not tarnish the feelings you have for all the amazing work you do.   We want to once again thank all of our volunteers for giving so much of themselves to our men and women in uniform.  

Regarding the ratings that we have received, the BBB rates organizations every two years for their charity accountability. Our first rating by the BBB was in 2008 and we received passing grades on 14 of the 20 criteria. In 2010 we were re-rated and received a grade of 18 out of 20. The next rating will take place this fall, and we have taken steps to correct the two deficiencies that were present the last time BBB rated Soldiers' Angels. We fully expect to receive a 20 out of 20 when the review has been completed.
The second independent agency is Charity Navigator. Charity Navigator has the following on their web site:

"Charity Navigator's evaluations of a charity's Financial Health --- which examines how a charity manages its finances day to day and how financially well-positioned it is in order to sustain its programs over time --- have helped millions of donors make better giving decisions impacting billions of dollars of donations each year. By adding this new Accountability & Transparency dimension to its rating system --- which tracks metrics such as whether the charity used an objective process to determine their CEO's salary, whether it has an effective governance structure, and whether it has a whistleblower policy --- Charity Navigator will help donors have even greater confidence in their charitable choices.

30% of the charities' star rating improved
19% of the charities' star ratings decreased
With the bar set higher, the total number of 4-star charities decreased by 20%.
At the same time, charities with ratings of 3 stars (good) or better increased by 8%.

As you can tell by the statement, the original concept was strictly a financial rating service.  In 2007, Soldiers' Angels received a two star rating.  In 2008 and 2009, we received a three star rating. In 2010 and 2011, we received a two star rating in each year.  While this may seem to be below average, we would note that SA has consistently received high ratings for Fund Efficiency with a score of 7.5 out of 10 for 2008 through 2010. In 2007, we received a 5, so we have improved and held steady since the initial rating period.  Fund expenses were high in 2008, and we received a low score of 2.5 out of 10 that year.  Since then SA has gotten a firm grip on its cost structure, and fund expenses have been below 15% since then, giving us 7.5 out of 10. Soldiers' Angels has consistently scored well with Program Expenses, consistently scoring above 7 out of 10 points since Charity Navigator has rated us. We have scored a perfect 10 out of 10 in administrative expenses in every year, as we pride ourselves on running a lean ship.  Where we have fallen short is in Revenue Growth and Program Growth. To an extent, the recession has hurt charitable giving across all charities, and SA has been no different. Basically, our funding hasn’t been what it was during the halcyon years and we are penalized for this.

Another area which reduced our financial rating relates to a change in Soldiers' Angels operations that we believe directly supports our mission.  In 2009 we started the S.A.V.E program to employ troops leaving the military and provide a transitional period while they sought permanent work.   In the early years of Soldiers' Angels, we hired third party companies to send out care packages on a large scale each day, which was considered by Charity Navigator as a 100% Program Expense.  As more troops started coming home from the wars and leaving military service, we recognized that many were struggling to find or keep jobs in the civilian sector due to the challenges of reintegration and Post-Traumatic Stress.  As such, we opened our own warehouse in San Antonio to send care packages directly and staffed it with recently-returned veterans to give them a chance to transition within a safe environment mentored by fellow veterans.  In this way, Soldiers' Angels has supported close to 30 transitioning veterans.  Supporting returning veterans through S.A.V.E is consistent with the Soldiers' Angels mission and logically falls under Program Costs, but Charity Navigator declared it to be overhead, shifting a major expense into the Administrative column.

On the positive side of our ratings, the new Charity Navigator category, which began two years ago, is Accountability and Transparency, and this is where we stand out.  For the past two years we have scored a four star rating from Charity Navigator.  This category takes into account many qualitative measurements, including the fact that we have a Whistleblower policy, a Privacy policy, a Records Retention policy, and many other criteria that are meant to ensure that the Board isn’t playing fast and loose with the rules as people have charged.  For the most recent period we received 70 out of a possible 70 points.  Our organization is an open book, and if anyone ever doubts this they have the ability to do a search at Charity Navigator or on our web site and find the information for themselves.

If the Board  so desired, there are a number of ways that we could creatively account for certain programs that Soldiers' Angels maintains.

There are accounting practices that can bring the fundraising cost down on paper, but we'd want an accountant to sign off.  There are accountants who actually specialize in reallocating costs for non-profits and the accepted practices seem to change fairly often.  As a result of this, we decided to adopt a more conservative posture and not jeopardize the reputation of Soldiers' Angels.

As an example, when we send mail and ask donors  to return a card with a message for a soldier and we include that card in a care package, the cost of sending and collecting that card can be partly attributable to program costs, rather than 100% fundraising.  We don’t attribute it to Program Costs, although we are allowed to.  It doesn't actually change any cost, but it could move some cost figures from "fundraising" to "program" and thus lowers our cost on paper.

As charities go, our fundraising cost percentage is 15%; pretty low if you're actually soliciting. Those who get much lower are funded with government money, foundations or a few wealthy individuals. Charity Navigator’s rating system would favor that because the fundraising cost is Zero.....but the drawback is that we would have no base of support.  For example, if a large foundation were our sole donor and they were to cut back on general charitable giving, it could theoretically put SA  out of business because we would be relying on one source to fund the bulk of our operation.  We have opted for a broad base of donors to prevent such a situation from happening.
In conclusion, we believe that the Board of Trustees is honest and ethical, and has behaved in a proper manner with the sole thought being the viability of the charity.  The attacks that were made against Soldiers' Angels and several of the Board members are baseless and without merit, and impugn the integrity of Soldiers' Angels and its Board of Trustees. Soldiers' Angels remains committed to its mission to support members of the armed forces and their families.

For those volunteers who are concerned by the attacks, rest assured that the Board is fighting them and we will prevail. There is no need to doubt the viability of the organization.  Our viability is strengthened by committed volunteers who always put the needs of our armed forces and their families first.  THESE HEROES ARE RELYING ON YOU TO COME THROUGH FOR THEM. What we are facing is nothing compared to what they are facing now, and we owe them our unconditional support.  As a general by the name of George Smith Patton, Jr. once said, “Do Not Take Counsel of Your Fears.”

Respectfully,

Richard P. Lowe, CFA®, CFP®
Soldiers' Angels
Board of Trustees, Member at Large
Chairman of the Audit Committee

Ginger altoids

Yummy.  Different.

Guava Chiffon Pancakes

Cinnamon's Restaurant, Kailua, Oahu.

So ono!

White Ginger

Nu'uanu Pali lookout, Oahu.

Why I'm not taking a trip to the ER despite being in enough pain to bitch about it.

I hate ER's.

I have to give my medical history since conception, and they ALWAYS treat me like a junkie looking to score, because I can tell them the opioids and dosages that will work, what drugs won't work, and because I don't "look" like I'm in that much pain... until I get angry/frustrated enough to either flip my shit or break down.

Then I get treated... And usually have to have long chats with the psychiatrists about anger/stress management.

 As for bambalances, approximately 40 year old male with complaints of centralized chest pain, peripheral neuropathy and pain in the left arm?  Must be a heart attack.  Give him aspirin to chew and nitroglycerin, (and the migraine to go with it) put him on O2, and don't give him any opioids, because that'll slow his heart rate and respiration down. Last time I spent two days in an ICU, being monitored for my heart, when my gall bladder was tits up... which took them a year to diagnose and remove.

I kept telling them it wasn't my heart, because I don't have one, but they don't listen.

 So I will keep trying to be seen at the interventional pain management clinic at Tripler Army Medical Center. If they play "we're not answering the phone" AGAIN, tomorrow, (which would be the third day I've tried calling, every ten minutes, for hours,) then I am just going to go park my ass in the clinic and refuse to leave until I am either treated or arrested.

 I bet when they do the patient screening, they'll still have the nerve (pun intended) to ask my two favorite questions:
"Are you in any pain today?"
And
"Have you recently had thoughts about hurting yourself or others?"

 Funny thing... Feel like someone has stuck a knife into your back, then try to get seen for the pain for three days, then tell me if you have thoughts about hurting anyone.

 Of course, I have never thought of hurting myself or others. I'm all kittens and puppies on the inside. Why, My disposition is so damn sunny I'm responsible for global warming, and the rainbows shooting out of my ass have been known to attract unicorns and poets.

It seems I get funnier when I'm in pain. My mom thought this was hilarious.

 --Chuck

Speaking of VALOur-IT...

It is still happening.  Our service-members are still getting wounded.

Here, a mother is writing about her Marine who was injured recently, who is in the same boat as many others, right now, in pain, injured, and needing your support.

Stop by.  Comment.  Send a card.  Let him know you care.

--Chuck

And Yes, he will get a VALOur-IT laptop... with your help.

Puppy attack!

I have been savaged by this viscious beastie with little nasty pointy teeth.

Valour-IT

From Soldiers' Angels:

Dear Angels and Friends,

Today we're focusing Project Valour-IT because it is integral to the recovery and reintegration of wounded warriors who return from combat severely injured and facing a very different life than they left.

A Valour-IT laptop connects recovering warriors with their personal support system, which has a remarkable effect on recovery and morale.  According to a physical therapist who routinely works with the wounded, "their connection to the world via the Worldwide Web seems to assuage a threatening depression and apathy that many of our wounded warriors experience during their recovery.  The results of your [Valour-IT] program greatly exceed what one would expect from such a simple act as giving them a laptop...it so clearly enhances their hope, which always translates to a more speedy recovery."

Check out these three stories that demonstrate the power of Valour-IT! 

First up, Justin Clark speaks for himself:

I am a recipient of a Valour-IT laptop.  With that [laptop] came the ability to communicate again, as my speech was impaired and I suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury!  I want to say thank you to all that donate and organize the Valour-IT program.  Without it, we service members would be high and dry because the military doesn't provide electronics like computers with software to communicate with!  The Valour-IT program is one-of-a-kind and it's definitely a working program that gives 110% to those in need of assistance...Again, thank you to Soldiers' Angel's for this wonderful program!

Getting a Valour-IT to laptop as soon as possible after injury creates the greatest benefit, as SPC Lund's story illustrates.  He lost both his arms in a blast and must rely 100% on his voice to use a computer to connect with his world as he recovers.  His laptop motivates him in physical therapy!

For Sgt. Tomlinson, a Valour-IT laptop is a ticket to college independence despite partial paralysis in his arms.  He spent two years recovering and is now transitioning to post-military life.

For all three of these warriors, a Valour-IT laptop not only boosts their morale and enriches their lives, but puts the power to shape their futures within reach no matter their physical capabilities.  More than words, more than sentiment, more than gratitude, a Valour-IT laptop is a gift beyond measure!

How can you help with the fundraising competition to ensure more severely-wounded heroes like these benefit from this amazing project?

The best thing you can do is spread the word!

So far, we've raised $7,000 through the summer fundraising competition.  That's a great start, but it's only 7% of the goal we need to meet demand.  Fortunately, bloggers are stepping up to help, and aligning with a team to bring others on board and motivate donations (all funds raised go to ANY service member in need of Valour-IT, regardless of branch).

Once again this year, the small-but-powerful Marine Corps team leapt into the early lead, but now the Army and Navy-Coast Guard teams are surging.   But where are the Air Force team supporters?  If you know people who would like to help Team Air Force make it a contest, share this link!

Almost daily, Angels volunteers at military hospitals across the U.S. meet warfighters returning home after being grievously wounded in combat.  We must do all we can to lift their spirits by demonstrating to each of them that we know who they are and we support them.  Please contribute in whatever way you can, including passing this email along to your friends and family in order to share this great opportunity to give back to those who have given so much for us.

Every $5, $10, $50 or $100 gets us closer to the next laptop for a wounded warrior like SPC Lund, Sgt. Tomlinson or Justin Clark.  Please help by forwarding this email and clicking here to donate today!

Wingtip to wingtip,

Patti Patton-Bader
Soldiers' Angels
www.soldiersangels.org

It was the first time I felt whole since I’d woken up wounded in Landstuhl.

–Major Charles "Chuck" Ziegenfuss, on using a voice-controlled laptop

The Last Laptop

On June 23, in a touching ceremony in front of throngs of fans at the Triumph Superbike Classic, Soldiers' Angels was able to distribute the last Valour-IT laptop that funds allowed at that time (the fundraising competition, which began on July 4th, is trying to raise more money to help with the dozens of wounded warriors still waiting for a laptop). Sgt Ben Tomlinson was serving as a special forces Marine on his second tour in Afghanistan when he was shot in the spine. Paralyzed from the chest downward, he spent almost two years in intensive medical treatment and physical therapy to develop limited use of his arms before returning to his home of Jacksonville in February 2012. Now he wants to attend college.

American Motorcycle Association (AMA) racer and Soldiers' Angels ambassador David White #213 presented Sgt. Tomlinson with a voice-controlled laptop fully-equipped with Dragon Naturally Speaking software at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL during the 2012 Triumph Superbike Classic. The presentation was part of the opening ceremonies conducted from Pit Road.

Read the rest and see some great pictures here

Introducing Halia Kona

Halia (in memory of a loved one) Kona (Lady.)

She sleeps a lot. And yes, she'll be big. And yes, I am happier than a pig in a pen full of slop.

Soldier who murdered Battlion Commander arrives in Hell

Fort Bragg soldier who shot commander dies

Lt. Col. Roy L. Tisdale, commander of the 525th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade at Fort Bragg, N.C., was allegedly shot by a member of his battalion around 3:30 p.m., June 28.

Courtesy of the U.S. Army

By Greg Barnes

The Fayettville (N.C.) Observer

Published: July 1, 2012

Related

• Officer killed in Thursday Fort Bragg shooting identified

The soldier who fatally shot his superior officer during a safety briefing on Fort Bragg and then turned the gun on himself has died.

Col. Kevin Arata, a Fort Bragg spokesman, identified the soldier as Spc. Ricky G. Elder, 27, of Hutchinson, Kan. Elder died Saturday at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, a nursing supervisor said.

Elder is accused of fatally shooting his battalion commander, Lt. Col. Roy L. Tisdale, during a safety briefing Thursday.

A third soldier, 22-year-old Spc. Michael E. Latham, was treated for minor wounds at Womack Army Medical Center and released.

All three soldiers are members of the 525th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade.
  (more)