Autographed Mike Tyson Boxing Glove Raffle To Benefit Mike Pusateri Memorial Fund

Thursday, November 17, 2011


"Iron" Mike Tyson appeared at Studio 54 on November 12, 2011 to sign autographs for a steady stream of fans. Fight News Unlimited was on hand to get a Muhammad Ali Signature Series Boxing Glove signed by Tyson. The glove will be raffled off in coordination with the 89th Birthday celebration for the late, great Rocky Marciano to be held in Brockton, Massachusetts on August 31 through September 2, 2012. The official date and time of the raffle drawing will be announced at a later date. The dedication of a larger than life statue of the only heavyweight champion to ever retire undefeated will be part of next year's festivities. The proceeds of the raffle ticket sales will benefit a memorial plaque for Brockton's own Mike Pusateri, considered by his friends and fans as "The Original Iron Mike."

Pusateri was a middleweight boxer in the late 60s and early 70s. Fight News Unlimited put up a tribute piece in his honor not long after his recent untimely death. The raffle's proceeds will go to a decorative memorial plaque to be placed somewhere special in Brockton to honor Pusateri's boxing career and support of the local boxing scene over the years. Pusateri not only fought himself, he also trained countless young fighters in retirement, including famed world-class Trainer Freddie Roach. The plaque will likely cost over $2,500 and will be commissioned by the same company used to give tribute to Rocky Marciano Trainer Allie Colombo:

Your $5 ticket will go toward the memorial fund to pay for the plaque in Mike's honor. The winner receives the signed glove (see above photo), a certificate of authenticity, and the event card for the November 12, 2011 Studio 54 signing. The winner will not have to pay shipping and handling should it turn out to be a raffle participant who is not in attendance at the live drawing. We will ship the item at no charge to the buyer in that event. Just click on the donate button below for a chance to win this glove, which is valued in the $275 to $495 range. Once we receive your payment and information you will be entered into the drawing.

We will be holding official events in the Brockton area to raise additional funds for both the Pusateri memorial and a project to produce a documentary film on Brockton's contribution to the sport of boxing over the years. Stay tuned for more information, and thank you for your support. If you were a friend of Mike's or knew him well, please leave a comment on this story about what you remember and miss most about "The Original Iron Mike."

BUY YOUR $5 RAFFLE TICKET BY CLICKING ON THE DONATE BUTTON BELOW

Work Vessels for Veterans [FOX 7-06-2011]

Friday, September 23, 2011

Welterweight Boxing Champ Mayweather breaks from training to spend time with US Troops in Afghanistan

Sunday, September 4, 2011




U.S. Army soldiers and boxing enthusiasts from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Task Force Duke, talk with five-time World Boxing Council champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. via Skype at Forward Operating Base Salerno Sept. 2 (Photo by Maj. Travis Dettmer).


by John Martinez
Boxscore
September 4, 2011

While in the midst of busily training for his upcoming bout with Mexican powerhouse and WBC Welterweight title-holder Victor Ortiz (29-2-22KO), the undefeated six-time world champion of five weight classes, Floyd Mayweather Jr (41-0, 25KO), temporarily set aside his preparations holding a candid, yet lighthearted, Skype session on Friday with United States Soldiers serving in Afghanistan.
 
Despite his training schedule, Mayweather Jr. found the time to hold nearly two-hour discussion in which he appeared relaxed, confident, and in good humor prior to his September 17 HBO PPV fight.

“God bless you, thank you for fighting for this country... the red white and blue, there’s nothing better than this country, America - you guys are great, thank you so much… from the bottom of my heart.”

Continuing, “You know, you guys are out there [fighting] in 120 degree weather so, if you guys can make [that] sacrifice, why can’t Floyd Mayweather make a sacrifice?” asked the Michigan born boxer to the Soldiers of mostly 1st Battalion 6th Field Artillery HHB “Hellions”(Task Force Centaur) and other Soldiers of Task Force Duke.

He was cordial and humorous even when he gave the deployed warriors a tour of the “Big Boi” Mansion. “Hey, y'all need anything? Let me show you house.” And with that, the Soldiers were granted a VIP tour of a dwelling that puts other people’s homes on an episode of Cribs to shame. From the built in waterfall to the large screen television hidden behind a picture to the closet that is a home within itself, Floyd proved that he lives his moniker, “Money.”

When Floyd finally discussed his upcoming showdown for the WBC welterweight title, he dismissed the punching power and chances of Ortiz with a laugh and a flash of a smile.

“Ortiz? Ha. Its gonna be easy work -like taking candy to a baby. I'm not worried about him at all, I have a lot of experience and I’ve been places in the sport [boxing] he will [probably] never go in his career.”
One Soldier asking Mayweather why so many of his fights have gone the distance at this stage of his career? Floyd responded by laying blame on the foe not wanting to engage him in a fisticuff scrap.

“It’s like y'all, one shot can end it all."

Continuing he explained, "Once I get to beating these guys and I take the lead, these guys go into survival mode. They try to say they went the distance with Floyd Mayweather instead of trying to go for the victory. You have fighters that will just settle and be happy that way. You know, you have fighters like Shane [Mosley] who hit me with a good shot. I bit down like a true champion and I kept fighting and what did Shane do? He went into survival mode. When I was beating [Juan Manual] Marquez, his corner could have easily stopped the fight but what did he do? He went into survival mode, so there’s nothing I can do. And when I faced Oscar De La Hoya, he chose to be the heavyweight gloves, he chose the weight class, so they are always putting me in a no-win situation, so, you know, all these guys work together. I’m a one-man Army. You know, you have all these guys working with certain promoters, and like I said before, I’m the trainer, the promoter, and the fighter.”

Despite a 16-month layoff, Floyd’s trip back into the ring promises to be  an event, victory, or both. His prowess is second to none. His defense is “impregnable,” but more importantly, like many others hypothesize, it seems like a tune up for bigger things.

“I’m working on the biggest contract ever!” he exclaimed. “Y'all know who it is.” To the delight of the packed room, Floyd began simulating the act of tying a tourniquet around his arm and pretending as though he was injecting a syringe into his veins.

“Poochiao (Manny Pacquiao) don’t want this. You know,” he claimed. With Pacquiao supporters amongst the gathered troops, Floyd exclaimed, “He can’t say nothing. He’s getting my left overs. I beat them [Manny’s biggest named conquests] all way before he got to them. What's he gonna say? I beat them in their prime and when they still had something to give. I got 'em first.”

When another Soldier questioned him on how he stays motivated, Floyd stood up in front of the camera, pulled 100 dollar bills from his pant pocket, numbering in the seemingly thousands, and flushed the screen with what could only be "chump change” to the world class fighter and entertainer. He described himself this way, “There’s talented and then there’s gifted. I’m God gifted. It doesn’t matter who they put in front of me. Others have been knocked down and lost.“

As the soon to be seven-time world champion ended his time with the troops, he did offer his political views on the conflict in Afghanistan.

“Everytime we get someone new in the White House, they always say they’re gonna bring you (Servicemen and women) home; well it’s time to bring y'all home. You know what I’d do? I’d be buying jets and sending them over there to pick you all up, that’s what I’d do. Gotta send the jets over there to pick y’all up and bring y’all back home.”

With all the bravado and swagger that only an undefeated fighter can possess, Floyd Mayweather showed he is more than just a self-promoting boxer. He proved he was a supporter of the troops and offered to put on an exhibition - meet-and-greet for the Servicemembers of FOB Salerno, Afghanistan after he makes “easy work” of Oritz and prior to his “biggest contract ever” against whom he hints is ”Poochiao.”

 
Note: The Salerno Skype Session between the Soldiers and Floyd Mayweather Jr. would not have been possible without the sincere dedication, hard work, and cooperation of Kelly Swanson and Leonard Ellerbe. And a special thanks to Floyd for taking the time to answer questions from some of those who are currently serving in Afghanistan.

John Martinez is respected boxing writer who has interviewed many of the sport's top fighters. A regular writer for the Boxscore World Sportswire, he is an Afghan War veteran who is currently on active duty assigned to the U.S. Army Task Force Centaur PAO, S7 & S9, 3rd Brigade 1 ID, 1-6HHB.

We Are All Warriors: Inspired By The September 9th Release Of Lionsgate’s WARRIOR, Multi-Tiered Campaign Celebrates Everyday Warriors Among Us

Monday, August 15, 2011



Winner Of Associated Sweepstakes Sponsored by AMC Theatres® To Receive Free Hometown Premiere Of WARRIOR

 
Santa Monica, CA, August 11, 2011 - The upcoming release of the film WARRIOR, in theaters everywhere on September 9th, has inspired “We Are All Warriors,” a national grassroots and online initiative to identify everyday heroes – the real life warriors among us.

The project is an opportunity for people all over the country to join together to share their stories and answer the central question of WARRIOR: “What Do You Fight For?” From our teachers and coaches to our athletes and veterans, we all fight for something – we are all warriors.  At www.WeAreAllWarriors.com, project participants can answer the question in their own words, nominate another everyday warrior, vote for their favorite warriors and rally friends and family to share their contender via Facebook and Twitter.

“We Are All Warriors” will be promoted through media, corporate and non-profit partnerships on both national and local levels.  With word first spreading through a series of ESPN-sponsored screenings of the much anticipated and inspiring film, which Edward Douglas of Comingsoon.net has called “as powerful and unforgettable as ROCKY,” the program now expands in its official partnership capacity to include a national promotion with AMC Theatres centered around a sweepstakes where one everyday warrior will receive a free hometown premiere of the film at the nearest AMC theatre.

Said WARRIOR’s director Gavin O’Connor of the initiative, “Everyone fights for something- from parents struggling to support families through tough economic times, to soldiers defending democracy, to teachers combating illiteracy, we fight for things that we believe in.  I made this film to celebrate that quality of the warrior within us all, and am proud that this project is reaching out to so many people and inviting them to join in honoring those individuals who embody the qualities of a true everyday warrior.  It all comes down to the question, "What Do You Fight For?' and the broad range of partners and participants so far shows how universal and important this topic is."

All of the project’s inspirational submissions will remain on the website to be shared with the world – a true army of some of America’s most extraordinary citizens is already forming, including Massachusetts’ lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray who fights for his constituents, beloved wrestler Anthony Robles, submitted by ESPN, who fought to ascend in his sport despite having lost a leg, Dolores Bastrop, nominated by her husband for her tireless fight for the poor, and Mike Hardin, nominated by a “proud neighbor” for fighting for life, when he rescued a mother and child from a mobile home that had erupted in fire in while they slept.

The website will also regularly feature video diaries from both everyday warriors and celebrity guests including prominent bloggers, parents, coaches, troops, actors athletes, and pastors, answering the film’s central question ‘What Do You Fight For?’ in their own words.

About WARRIOR
Rising stars Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton command the screen as two estranged brothers facing the fight of a lifetime­ in Lionsgate’s WARRIOR, a moving, inspirational action drama from acclaimed director Gavin O’Connor (Miracle).

Haunted by a tragic past, Marine Tommy Conlon (Hardy) returns home for the first time in fourteen years to enlist the help of his father (Nick Nolte) to train for Sparta, the biggest winner-takes-all event in mixed martial arts history. A former wrestling prodigy, Tommy blazes a path toward the championship while his brother, Brendan (Edgerton), an ex-fighter-turned teacher, returns to the ring in a desperate bid to save his family from financial ruin.  But when Brendan’s unlikely, underdog rise sets him on a collision course with the unstoppable Tommy, the two brothers must finally confront each other and the forces that pulled them apart, facing off in the most soaring, soul stirring, and unforgettable climax that must be seen to be believed.

A rousing ode to redemption, reconciliation and the power of the human spirit, WARRIOR is also a moving testament to the enduring bonds of family.   WARRIOR stars Joel Edgerton (Animal Kingdom, Star Wars: Episode III), Tom Hardy (the upcoming The Dark Knight Rises, Inception, Black Hawk Down), Jennifer Morrison ("House", Star Trek) and Nick Nolte (Tropic Thunder, The Thin Red Line).  The film is directed by Gavin O'Connor; screenplay by Gavin O’Connor & Anthony Tambakis & Cliff Dorman and story by Gavin O'Connor & Cliff Dorfman. Lionsgate and Mimran Schur Pictures present a Lionsgate / Mimran Schur Pictures production. A Solaris Entertainment and Filmtribe production.
###

For more information about WARRIOR, visit www.warriorfilm.com.

To answer the question “What Do You Fight For” in your own words, or to nominate a warrior fighting for something important to you, visit:www.WeAreAllWarriors.com.

To view movie trailers, buy movie tickets and see showtimes at AMC Theatres, visit: www.amctheatres.com.

Interview With Jonathan Flora: Executive Producer and Director of Troop Tribute Documentary "Lt. Dan Band"

Friday, June 3, 2011
This Special Podcast features Jonathan Flora, Executive Producer of the documentary "Lt. Dan Band," an award-winning producer with Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, and Founder of Lamplight Entertainment.

After 9/11 Actor Gary Sinise, also known for his role as Lt. Dan in "Forrest Gump" vowed to never to forget those who are willing to give all. He started a band that would fly in to war stricken parts of the Middle East and perform for the troops.

Flora followed Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band and filmed him performing for the troops, thanking them for the work they do. The mission has been turned into a movie starring Sinise by Flora called "Lt. Dan Band: For The Common Good" launching July 4th in theaters.

Flora, interviewed by "Rabble Rousin'" Rich Bergeron, discusses the production of the film, Gary Sinise's work to support the troops, and his own interaction with troops and administration officials in association with the movie.

THE PODCAST:





THE TRAILER FOR "LT. DAN BAND: FOR THE COMMON GOOD."

Memorial Day, 2011 News Links

Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Memorial Day ceremony keys on freedom


Hundreds gather in Huntsville to celebrate Memorial Day


Memorial Day events set to honor the fallen


Veterans lead the observance in Gorgas Park


Butte honors veterans at Memorial Day service


Davenport Dedicates Veterans Memorial Park


Veterans Memorial Park Dedication in Davenport


Butte honors veterans at Memorial Day service


Davenport Dedicates Veterans Memorial Park


Veterans Memorial Park Dedication in Davenport


The Day After


Memorial Day Observances Honor Fallen


Sacrifice honored in Memorial Day service


Video: Remembering Fallen Soldiers


Memorial Day: Ceremony Honors Sacrifices Of Soldiers


Memorial Day honors soldiers of today, yesterday and tomorrow


Memorial Day ceremony honors veterans, begins construction of new monument


Veterans honored


Hundreds Gather At Local Veterans Memorial Cemetery


Memorial Day and How War Films Have Changed


Memorial Day for all


A Memorial Day Tribute


http://blog.seattlepi.com/apartmentliving/2011/05/30/memorial-day-what-does-it-mean/


Fort Howard Cemetery ceremony honors fallen, living veterans


Marshfield Honors Local Civil War Vets


Caravan spreads Memorial Day message


The Meaning Of Memorial Day: Veterans Reflect


Diligence gave WWII soldier place on war memorial


Legion group rides to honor veterans


Remember veterans at all times

Memorial Day, 2011 VIDEOS














































Memorial Day Dedication of Capt. Palermo Plaque in Brockton, MA









BROCKTON ENTERPRISE STORY ON DEDICATION



BOSTON GLOBE PIECE ON PLAQUE DEDICATION



BROCKTON ENTERPRISE PLAQUE DEDICATION PREVIEW

Meet Colonel Timothy H. Donovan

Sunday, April 24, 2011
Interview And Story By: Randall H. Miller
Colonel Timothy H. DonovanOn the afternoon of November 1st, 1969, 1st platoon of Charlie Troop, 10th Cavalry, 4th Infantry Division, was ambushed by North Vietnamese forces. Charlie Troop’s Commander, Captain Timothy H. Donovan (Norwich University class of 1962), instinctively ordered his remaining soldiers to counterattack and simultaneously maneuvered his headquarters element into the heart of the action. As the battle unfolded, a North Vietnamese sniper (waiting patiently in a “spider hole”) managed to squeeze off a round from his AK-47 that would forever change the face of the United States Military.

The bullet entered through the seam of Captain Donovan’s flack jacket, broke several ribs, burst his left lung, and pierced his pulmonary artery before riddling its way down his spinal column and lodging itself in his spleen. A few hours (and several heroes) later, an Army surgeon stood over a bloody M.A.S.H. operating table and declared that it was “too late for this one.” His plans changed when Donovan (with two collapsed lungs) reached up and grabbed him by the throat with his right hand. In that instance, the fate of countless service men and women changed forever.

Contribution

Colonel Timothy H. Donovan (born in Bristol, Connecticut, and thankfully rejected by the United States Coast Guard Academy) is a 1962 graduate of Norwich University. A member of the prestigious Mountain Cold Weather Rescue Team [2], the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity (back in the day when NU had fraternities), and Kilo Company (an affiliation that, after conducting this interview, I’m convinced he’s most proud of), Colonel Donovan is a mentor and source of inspiration to countless Norwich grads. In addition, he also taught at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, where he trained cadets with last names like Petraeus [3], McCrystal [4], and Odierno [5].
Socom
Straight to the chase – Colonel Donovan’s career (and life) should have ended on that table in Viet Nam. Instead, he left indelible marks on the entire military over the next twenty four years. Do you like the M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank [6]? Colonel Donovan’s fingerprints are all over it. Do you have an appreciation for Special Operations Command (SOCOM) [7]? Colonel Donovan, at the behest of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs (with the personal backing of President Ronald Reagan), took it from concept to reality in one year. As a warrior-scholar, he also contributed several chapters to a textbook on the U.S. Civil War (The American Civil War, Avery Press, Wayne, N.J., 1987 T.H. Donovan, et al). Not bad for a soldier with “permanent disabilities.”

Legacy

Colonel D’s father (Timothy H. Donovan, Sr.) served honorably in World War I with the 4th Infantry Division. When he returned, his wife (Mary Donovan), presented him with a hand-sewed replica of the 4th ID Unit Patch as a keepsake. Fifty years later, upon learning of his son’s assignment to the same unit, he blew the dust off of his padlocked foot locker, retrieved the patch (a modest piece of stitching on plain, olive drab cloth) and passed it along to his son (seen on the right, moments before donating it to the 4th Infantry Division Museum [8]). Ironically, and unbeknownst to Colonel Donovan until the formal ceremony, the Norwich class of 1993 would eventually honor him by including the 4th Infantry Division unit patch (his patch) on its ring.
Donovan in Viet Nam

Interview:

What follows are the highlights from our recent hour-long phone conversation.

RHM: You once told me about a conversation you had with your South Vietnamese counterpart where he expressed optimism that the war would “be over soon.” But when you pressed him for more information, he replied that “soon” meant another 15 or 20 years. Clearly, many other cultures have more patience than Americans. Do you see any parallels to Viet Nam and the current conflicts in Iraq and especially Afghanistan?

Colonel Donovan: Actually I said to my counterpart, Capt Dung (pronounced Young) in the summer of 1966, “at this rate the war will be over soon.” He answered “yes, in maybe 20 or 30 years,” without a smile; dead serious.

We Americans seem to think that other countries are just like us with a central government elected by the people, etc. In Afghanistan especially, that is far from the reality. That part of the world is tribal and culturally quite different. The ruling framework hasn’t changed in centuries, if not eons. The Afghan tribes aren’t even similar, speaking several languages, and with different mores, customs, and religions. It is an extremely complex region.

Vietnam had many different sects and religions and cultures, but nothing like Afghanistan. For centuries, the Afghans have seen foreign armies come and go. For the US and NATO to prevail, we must recognize that this is going to be slow and deliberate work, one village, one province, one region at a time. It will be done by teaching native people how to have a better way of life; by teaching them how to have security in order to protect their families. It’s more teaching than fighting. I think that the common human denominator (security and pursuit of happiness) is the way to success in Afghanistan. Sounds like a job for lots of SOF (Special Operations Forces) types.
Instead of having lawyers assigned to planning staffs, we need cultural anthropologists.

RHM: Do you think we’re doing enough for our returning veterans when it comes to health care and educational benefits?

Colonel Donovan: I think the new GI Bill will help a great deal. Finding jobs for returning veterans should be a top priority for everyone. The injuries in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghan) and Operation Iraqi Freedom are different than in other wars. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is more common because of the type of IED’s used. Health care for veterans must be in place and protected. Remember, that in World War II almost 20% of the country was in uniform fighting the enemy, and all at home were in support. If you were too young to join, you were a plane spotter or a bicycle messenger; too old you were an Air Raid Warden or a Civil Defense volunteer. Today, less than 1% of our country is in uniform. We owe them an awful lot.

Colonel Donovan Bn CMD The picture on the left was taken in Schweinfurt, Germany, when LTC Donovan was commanding the 3rd Battalion/64th Armor (1978). They were on full alert. At the end of the lanyard that disappears into his shirt is a Cold War era CEOI (Communications-Electronics Operating Instructions) which contained the unit’s “go to war” call signs and frequencies.

The jeep is an old M151, which is very similar to the one procured for the Norwich University Corps of Cadets by retired Special Forces Master Sergeant Duke Dewey.
Onward…
RHM: Do you remember what happened after you were wounded?
Colonel Donovan: When I went down I knew it was bad, real bad. My medic, Gary Redding, was right there, but there wasn’t much he could do. When the sniper shot me, it triggered (no pun intended) a new firefight. Somebody was over me firing an M-16 and the hot brass was hitting me in the face (funny what you remember). I was still in command and trying to get the word to my guys, but they were doing fine. When the Huey came in to the midst of it to get me out, I turned command over to a platoon leader. My 1SGT sent me a letter a few weeks after with some pictures. C Troop definitely won the day.
RHM: Do you know what happened to the sniper who shot you?
Colonel Donovan: Yes. Before I hit the ground (in about a second and a half), my 1SGT sent that very brave and courageous soldier from North Vietnam to his heaven.
RHM: When it comes to National Security, what keeps you up at night?
Colonel Donovan: Our lack of unity in fighting this war. What’s the saying? “The Army and the Marine Corps are at war, America’s at the Mall, and Congress is on vacation.” We seem to think that it’s somebody else’s job to protect our freedom, not everybody’s job and duty to protect it. That’s very disturbing to me.
Alden Partridge
RHM: Norwich has a long history (going back to 1819) of producing military and civilian leaders who accomplish great things. How will Norwich’s role change in the 21st Century?
Colonel Donovan: Norwich has always led the Nation in producing citizens with the skills needed for the time and to meet the current challenge. Whether it was railroad engineers and inventors in the 19th century, to soldiers, industrialists, and visionaries in the 20th century, Norwich has been the educational pioneer. Since its founding in 1819, it has been the revolutionary, not evolutionary, leader in American education. That’s what it will do in this century too.
Conclusion: I had a lot of fun catching up with Colonel Donovan for this interview. Since retiring in 1993, he traded in his tank for a fishing boat. However, he remains very active as a teacher and currently has about 50 students (including many of his neighbors) in the Virginia area that attend his lectures and field trips to various historical sites. Colonel Donovan is also an avid Facebooker and loves to keep in touch with Norwich folks.


Tribute To Colonel Bob Howard, The Most Decorated Soldier

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

You want to meet a hero? Watch this film about Bob Howard who was nominated for the Medal of Honor 3 times. You can only receive it once in a lifetime. He was not a simple man. He had two masters degrees, but he also served us all for 50 years in the uniform of the U.S. Army. Rest in Peace, Bob Howard.

As a Company, Southwest Airlines is going to support 'Red Fridays.'

Saturday, March 19, 2011
By: Paul Moorehead, Jr.

Last week I was in Atlanta , Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed One of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen.
Moving through the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. As they began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.


When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and Cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red-blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.

Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.

Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our Service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said 'hi...'

The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her...

The young soldier, who didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.

The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter's name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter Courtney missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up.

When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second... Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it..

After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, 'I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you.' He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying 'your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon.'

The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event.

As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.

We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.

RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority'. We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers.

Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday - and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that.. Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar will wear something red.

By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers.

If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long before the USA is covered in RED.
The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is.....We need your support and your prayers.

Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example.

IF YOU AGREE -- THEN INVITE EVERYONE YOU KNOW

Humbled De La Hoya Returns Home After Lifting the Spirits of Thousands of Troops on USO Tour to Kuwait and Iraq

Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Renowned Champion and Accompanying Fighters Depart Region Having 
Visited Eight Military Bases and Experienced the Trip of a Lifetime
  
de la hoya group shot
Oscar de la Hoya (center) poses with troops during his USO tour to the Middle East.

Cargo plane
De La Hoya (center) boards a cargo plane with troops during his USO tour to the Middle East.
usoflag
De La Hoya, Broner, Jacobs and Mitchell pose in front of army tank during their trip to visit troops in the Middle East.












 For full photo gallery click HERE. (Photo Credit: USO photo by Steve Manuel)

Twitter Pitch: @GoldenBoyBoxing's @OscarDeLaHoya, @ajtheproblem21, @DanielJacobsTKO & Seth Mitchell return stateside following whirlwind @the_USO tour

ARLINGTON, VA. (March 15, 2011) - Olympic Gold Medalist and former Ten-Time World Champion in six weight divisions who turned USO veteran, Oscar de la Hoyatouched down stateside today following a whirlwind seven-day USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour to Kuwait and Iraq.  Accompanied by up-and-coming fightersAdrien Broner, Danny Jacobs and Seth Mitchell, De La Hoya led the group to the Middle East on March 8, where they went on to extend their thanks to troops and visit eight military bases.  Among some of the installations visited were Camp Arifjan,COB Basra, Camp Victory, Camp Liberty, JSS Loyalty and JSS Justice.

Having lifted the spirits of thousands of servicemen and servicewomen, the group held a series of boxing clinics as well as signed hundreds of autographs and delivered an infinite number of smiles.  Most telling of the group's popularity among troops was seen at Camp Victory, where more than 600 troops turned out to attend a USO boxing demonstration featuring the fighters.  Despite the tour coming to a close, its impact on De La Hoya and the others were felt once they returned home.

Quotes:
 

 
Attributed to Oscar de la Hoya:

 
[On the impact the tour had on his life...]

"Going on this USO tour and spending time with the servicemen and servicewomen who protect our country was a life-changing experience.  You don't realize what it means to be a participant in our military efforts and the sacrifices each one of them is making to fight for and protect our freedom until you see it first-hand."

[On what he learned while out on tour...]

"Hearing their stories and seeing what they go through on a daily basis has changed my life.  The opportunity to see how our troops live and understand their ability to be ready for anything at a moment's notice showed me what it means to be truly brave."

[On what he plans to do after his tour...]

"I hope that we were able to make a difference in the lives of the troops we met.  I am dedicated to continuing to help the USO with their mission of uplifting the spirits of our nation's troops, sharing my experiences and encouraging others to support our brave servicemen and servicewomen in any way they can."