Archive for the ‘Troops & Veterans’ Category

I received this as a text message today:

Subject: Starbucks

Dear everyone: Please pass this along to anyone you know, this needs to get out in the open. Recently Marines over in Iraq supporting this country in OIF wrote to Starbucks because they wanted ! to let them know how much they liked their coffee and try to score some free coffee grounds. Starbucks wrote back telling the Marines thanks for their support in their business, but that they don’t support the War and anyone in it and that they won’t send them the Coffee.

So as not to offend them we should not support in buying any Starbucks products. As a War vet and writing to you patriots I feel we should get this out in the open. I know this War might not be very popular with some folks, but that doesn’t mean we don’t support the boys on the ground fighting street to street and house to house for what they and I believe is right. If you feel the same as I do then pass this along, or you can discard it and I’ll never know. Thanks very much for your support to me, and I know you’ll all be there again here soon when I deploy once more.

Semper Fidelis, Sgt Howard C. Wright
1st Force Recon Co
1st Plt PLT RTO

Thank you!

According to numerous rumor-busting websites, this issue is a hoax.

Starbucks’ official policy is to donate to recognized charities only. Making a donation to individual soldiers or units would not fall into this category. They claim that a monthly allowance is provided to employees who send their coffee to soldiers in Afghanistan.

Check out my newest article which has been published on HubPages:

http://hubpages.com/t/105fd3

If you’re driving in Ohio, there are new laws to keep in mind or it could hit you in the wallet.

When it is necessary to use your windshield wipers, it is also necessary to have your headlights on under Ohio Revised Code 4513.03. Another violation must occur before you can be stopped for this offense. Fines vary by the court district in which this occurs.

Child Restraint

Enforcement begins April 7, 2010, on Ohio’s new child restraint law which was enacted October 7, 2009. Under this new law, all children under the age of eight and/or under the height of 4’9” must be restrained in booster seats and in the back seat of vehicles. This is addition to the previous ordinances regarding backward-facing seats for infants until at least the age of one and at least 20 pounds and forward-facing child safety seats, in the back seat, until around age 4 and 40 pounds.

The general rule of thumb is that lap belts must cross the upper thighs and the shoulder belt must fit properly across the chest.

All children younger than 13 should ride in the back seat.

Until April 7, those of you caught in violation, will receive a warning.

Recent License Changes

As of August 10, drivers can pay reinstatement fees online.

Effective Oct. 8, 2009, those applying for a new or first time driver license or state identification (ID) card, replacing a lost license or ID card, or making an address change on a license or ID card will need to provide documents that establish the applicant’s current Ohio residential street address.

Military Symbol Free of Charge

Members of the U.S. Armed Forces now have the option of displaying a symbol representing this on their driver license (DL) or state identification card (ID) through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

House Bill 450 of the 127th General Assembly gave the BMV the authority to place this special symbol on DLs and IDs. Certain merchants may offer discounts or unique services to veterans or current members of the Armed Forces and they will now be able to conveniently use their DL or ID to prove their affiliation for these discounts. This symbol is not intended to be used in lieu of a military identification card issued by any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

There is no additional cost to have the symbol added, other than the normal fees associated with applying for or renewing a DL or ID. The Armed Forces symbol can be added to the DL or ID at any Deputy Registrar. The applicant must submit a copy of his/her DD-214 displaying their military service or honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces.

Valentine’s Day is around the corner and one group is working to send our deployed soldiers cards and candy.

To help, you may send unsealed cards

Amanda Sullivan
Operation Valentines
PO Box 102
Shrewsbury MA 01545

If they do not have an envelope do not worry it does not need one. For the schools participating, make sure each card has the address on it if you would like to hear back from the troop that recieves that card.

As you all know, shipping these cards is not free and due to the overwhelming support you have all shown with the Christmas Cards, a great suggestion has been made. If everyone who sends cards, includes as little as a dollar, that will help us cover all the shipping costs or to buy additional candy to go in these boxes!

Donations can be made out to Operation Christmas Cards or sent through pay pal to the address of opchristmascards@aol.com

For those wanting to do more in the way of care packages, please check out Operation Troop Support, Operation American Soldier and Operation Homefront of New England. They all help our troops out with care packages each week, not just during the holidays!

For more information on Operation Valentine’s Day, visit Facebook Causes.