Memorial Day is defined as "A legal holiday in the United States, usually the last Monday in May to commemorate those members of the armed forces killed at war."
This weekend as you celebrate with your family and friends, I encourage you to take a moment out of your busy day to honor the real heroes of this great nation. Our soldiers that have fallen in the line of duty or been wounded in action. Military servicemembers both present and past. This is a day to honor the sacrifices that our soldiers and their families make everyday so that we may be free.
This quote by Joseph Campbell I believe says it all, "A Hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself."
Take a moment to watch this video honoring our soldiers. Make a point this weekend to attend a Memorial Day service or parade and thank a military member active duty or retired for their service. If you know a military family that has a loved one away, thank them and watch the pride that radiates from within.
Dana Forster REALTOR
If you are relocating to the Greater Fredericksburg Area it would be my honor to help you find your way home.
P.S. A special thank you to my wonderful husband for his many years of military service. He has been away for three weeks and we are glad that he will be home tomorrow so that we can celebrate together. We are the lucky ones.
I was introduced to the Armed Forces Vacation Club by a friend who could not believe that I was unaware of it. Well, that was a couple of years ago and I have enjoyed it ever since. I am now passing the torch on to all of you to enjoy!
The Armed Forces Vacation Club is a space available program that offers Department of Defense affiliated personnel the opportunity to find nightly rentals and week long condos at a discounted rate. The Armed Forces Club also offers discounted hotels and car rentals.
Who is eligible, glad you asked? According the AFVC website:
You are eligible to participate in the Armed Forces Vacation Club if you are 21 or older and a:
Member of the United States Uniformed Services (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, NOAA, USPHS; active duty, and both active and inactive Reserve, Auxiliarist, and National Guard) or an adult dependent
Retired Member of the United States Uniformed Services (Air Force, Army, CoastGuard, Marine Corps, Navy, NOAA, USPHS, Reserve, Auxiliarist and National Guard)
Spouse or child (21 or older) of an active or retired member of the United States Uniformed Services (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, NOAA, USPHS, Reserve, Auxiliarist and National Guard) AND have a current DD Form 1173, United States Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card.
Civilian employee of the DoD or a United States Uniformed Service (appropriated, non-appropriated, or retired).
Foreign exchange service member on permanent duty with the DoD
American Red Cross personnel serving overseas with the U.S. military
DoD Dependent School teacher
Disabled American Veteran rated @ 100% with a valid United States Uniformed Services Identification Card.
Contractor working on a military installation and in possession of an ID card issued by the installation.
I highly encourage you to check out their website and all that they have to offer, you will not be sorry.
It is the time of year to PCS, if you should be relocating to the Greater Fredericksburg Area or Northern Virginia, please contact me for all of your Real Estate Needs. It would be my honor to help you find your way home. As a military veteran and spouse, I can relate first hand to the stress of moving.
Tis the season! Spotsylvania Farmers Markets are now open for the 2008 season. The markets are open Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 1p.m. in the parking lot of the Holbert Building at 9014 Courthouse Road (608). The other location is the commuter parking lot at the intersection of State Route 3 and Gordon Road. The Courthouse market is also open from 3 p.m. to 7p.m. Wednesdays. For more information contact 540-507-7570.
Contact me for all of your Real Estate needs in the Greater Fredericksburg Area.
I received an invitation to the White House for a celebration event honoring Military Spouses. My first instinct was that it had to be a hoax. I mentioned it to my husband that night he seemed intrigued. He was the voice of reason as I sat and pondered, "nothing ventured, nothing gained", right? The next morning I called the number as instructed to RSVP and to my surprise a pleasant young lady answered the phone “This is Courtney Public Relations at the White House.” Maybe, just maybe this might be the real deal. Courtney assured me that I would receive an e-mail in a couple of days with all of the pertinent details about my visit to the White House, it was confirmed.
Several days later, I received further instructions via e-mail and still could not believe that this was really going to happen. My excitment was beginning to grow but I still had some reservations (just seemed to good to be true). I would remain slightly skeptical until I was standing on the Southlawn of the WhiteHouse.
I drove to the White House Tuesday morning May 6th and met with several hundred other military spouses as we anxiously waited to enter the South Lawn Visitors Entrance. While in line, I had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people. I became fast friends with two incredible individuals. First Melissa, a military spouse of 19 1/2 years. Her husband proudly serves in the USMC and is stationed at the Pentagon. Second was Jennifer a military spouse of 22 years. Her husband proudly serves in Army and is stationed at Fort Lee. It was the beginning of what I believe will be two life long friendships.
At 0800 I started the process through security and by 0810 I was on the Southlawn of the White House for breakfast, it was totally surreal. As you can see from the picture above, it was a beautiful day. The Marine Corp Band from Quantico played to entertain, they were amazing. Secretary of Defense Bob Gates gave a speech followed by President George Bush. My seat was amazing; I could literally reach out and touch the President. Phil Vasser sang the National Anthem and performed a mini concert after the President’s speech. We were then invited to tour the White House with our cameras. It just could not get any better, could it?
The Pomp and Circumstance of the day was heartfelt and as usual my eyes swelled with tears of pride for the amazing accomplishments of our military. I was honored to be standing in the presence of such amazing individuals that support there spouse and this great nation. The camaraderie of the military family is always strong,but there seemed to be something magical among us this particular day. Words can not describe it but I will always remember it. It takes an incredibly strong person to be a military spouse and I think that President Bush said it perfectly in his speech:
“It's not an easy life being in the military, particularly when we're at war, and I understand that. For many of you it means packing up your belongings and moving on short notice. I suspect a lot of you have been on the move much more than you thought you'd be on the move. (Laughter.) For others it means living in a foreign land, which can be exciting, but it also means you're far away from your extended family, and that's hard. And for many of you, it means missing a spouse as he or she serves on the front lines in this battle to secure our country and to spread freedom for the sake of peace.
Being left behind when a loved one goes to war has got to be one of the hardest jobs in the United States military. Talked to a lot of folks who have been in the theater, as well as spouses, and it is clear to me the harder job in many ways is to be the person at home taking care of the kids and having sleepless nights as you pray for safe return.
You're carrying out the burdens -- you're serving our country. And it's noble service. And it's necessary service. And the United States [of] America owes you a huge debt of gratitude. And so, on behalf of our people, thank you for what you're doing. (Applause.)
I do not believe that there was a dry eye among the crowd. I have personally had the privilege to serve this great nation in the United States Air Force. I continue to support my husband who currently has been on Active Duty in the Navy for 18 1/2 years. We have moved 10 times, my middle son who is 10 and in the 4th grade has been in 5 different elementary schools. We have learned first hand the meaning of the saying "what does not kill you makes you stronger." The camaraderie of the entire Military Family is something that words can truly not describe. I salute all servicemembers active, retired, reservists and last but not least the power behind power, their families.
It truly was a day that comes once in a lifetime. To learn about ways to support our troops and their spouses and families please visit www.americasupoortsyou.mil.
Relocating to the Greater Fredericksburg Area (Quantico, FT. Belvoir, Dalghren or Fort AP Hill) please contact me to assist with all of your Real Estate Needs. It would be my honor!
Friday,I was the guest of honor along with all the other mothers in my sons kindergarten class room here in Spotsylvania, Virginia. We were greeted individually by our child with a great big hug and a paper corsage. We were then escorted to our seat were several homemade gifts were waiting for us. The children served us sweet tea and cookies. While we ate we were treated to a concert by our little stars. They sang about how much they loved us (so good for the soul!)The teacher held up a portrait of us done by our child.The teacher then read each child's description of what the liked most about their mother. It was amazing to hear what the children had to say. Some of us were only 6 years old were others were fifty. My son liked it when I let him go to Funland!(This was funny since I have never taken him there.)
This was my youngest son and the last on my Mother Day Teas. It was a bitter sweet day and one the I will always treasure. The gifts and the memories that I received were priceless. Happy Mother's Day to all of you!
A nursing assistant, floor nurse, and charge nurse from a small nursing home were taking a lunch break in the break room. In walks a lady dressed in silk scarves and wearing large polished stoned jewelry.
"I am 'Gina the Great'," stated the lady. "I am so pleased with the way you have taken care of my aunt that I will now grant the next three wishes!" With a wave of her hand and a puff of smoke, the room was filled with flowers, fruit and bottles of drink, proving that she did have the power to grant wishes before any of the nurses could think otherwise.
The nurses quickly argued among themselves as to which one would ask for the first wish. Speaking up, the nursing assistant wished first. "I wish I were on a tropical island beach, with single, well-built men feeding me fruit and tending to my every need." With a puff of smoke, the nursing assistant was gone.
The floor nurse went next." I wish I were rich and retired and spending my days in my own warm cabin at a ski resort with well groomed men feeding me cocoa and doughnuts." With a puff of smoke, she too was gone.
"Now, what is the last wish?" asked the lady.
The charge nurse said," I want those two back on the floor at the end of the lunch break."
Why boys need parents... I received this in an e-mail from friend, author unknown. I have three boys and can easily relate.
Interesting things you learn when you have sons, ... 1.) A king size waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2000 sq. ft. house 4 inches deep.
2.) If you spray hair spray on dust bunnies and run over them with roller blades, they can ignite.
3.) A 3-year old Boy's voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded restaurant.
4.) If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the motor is not strong enough to rotate a 42 pound Boy wearing Batman underwear and a Superman cape. It is strong enough, however, if tied to a paint can, to spread paint on all four walls of a 20x20 ft. room.
5.) You should not throw baseballs up when the ceiling fan is on. When using a ceiling fan as a bat, you have to throw the ball up a few times before you get a hit. A ceiling fan can hit a baseball a long way.
6.) The glass in windows (even double-pane) doesn't stop a baseball hit by a ceiling fan.
7.) When you hear the toilet flush and the words 'uh oh', it's already too late.
8.) Brake fluid mixed with Clorox makes smoke, and lots of it.
9.) A six-year old Boy can start a fire with a flint rock even though a 36-year old Man says they can only do it in the movies.
10.) Certain Lego's will pass through the digestive tract of a 4-year old Boy.
11.) Play dough and microwave should not be used in the same sentence.
12.) Super glue is forever.
13.) No matter how much Jell-O you put in a swimming pool you still can't walk on water.
14.) Pool filters do not like Jell-O.
15.) VCR's do not eject 'PB & J' sandwiches even though TV commercials show they do.
16.) Garbage bags do not make good parachutes.
17.) Marbles in gas tanks make lots of noise when driving.
18.) You probably DO NOT want to know what that odor is.
19.) Always look in the oven before you turn it on; plastic toys do not like ovens.
20.) The fire department in Austin , TX has a 5-minute response time.
21.) The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make earthworms dizzy.
22.) It will, however, make cats dizzy.
23.) Cats throw up twice their body weight when dizzy.
24.) 80% of Women will pass this on to almost all of their friends, with or without kids.
25.) 80% of Men who read this will try mixing the Clorox and brake fluid.
Anheuser Busch for the last several years has had a campaign called Salute to the Heroes. Anheuser-Busch will again this year 2008 continue their Salute to the Heroes program. As a member of a military family I have taken advantage of this offer the last several years. My family and I have visited several of the Anheuser-Busch Parks and they are always fun, very family oriented and overall great!
I would like to thank Anheuser-Busch for supporting our military members and their families. Listed below is only a brief overview of the program, please click on the link below for full details.
Complimentary admission for active duty military representing all five service branches, active members of a reserve or National Guard unit, and/or up to three direct dependants.
Valid for one complimentary single-day admission per person, per year, to one of the following Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks: o SeaWorld Orlando, San Diego, or San Antonio o Busch Gardens Tampa Bay or Williamsburg o Sesame Place o Adventure Island o Water Country USA
Offer valid between 1/1/2008 and 12/31/2008. Operating days and hours vary by park. Please check with specific park for current operating schedule.
Here's to the Hereos click to go to the Here's to the Heroes Home Page and fill out your registration form.
Spring is starting to bloom here in Virginia! A great time to dust off your clubs and play a round of golf. What's your handicap? Have to play it to know it! There are many beautiful, and challenging golf courses available to military personnel. Each golf course is unique, therefore your experience at each course will be different and exciting. Try one, try them all and decide for yourself which is your favorite.
Should you be relocating to Virginia, or PCS'ing out of Virginia. I would be honored to assist you with all of your Real Estate Needs. I can be contacted at A Home 4Sale, Inc at 540-548-0500 or my cell at 540-645-1354. Respectfully, Dana M Forster Realtor
I received this recipe from a cookbook that was compiled by military spouses at the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, California. I call it the great fake because it is so easy but appears and tastes like a gourmet meal. I alway get requests to make this dish. My three sons 11,9, and 6 even love it.
Chicken and Cranberries
4 boneless chicken breasts (I cut them in half lenghtwise to make them thinner)
1/3 cup all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp paprika
Dash of garlic salt
1/4 cup margarine or butter
1 (8oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce
1 cup dry white wine
In a paper or plastic bag combine the flour, salt, paprika, and garlic salt. Add chicken pieces, a few at a time; shake to coat evenly. In a large skillet brown chicken slowly in butter or margarine about 10 minutes turning often to brown evenly. Combine cranberry Sauce and wine; pour mixture over chicken in skillet. Cover and simmer till chicken in tender about 20-30minutes. Pass pan juices with chicken. Easy and Elegant. Great served over white rice or egg noodles.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
Copyright 2008 Photos courtesy of ClipArt.
a hoax. I mentioned it to my husband that night he seemed intrigued. He was the voice of reason as I sat and pondered, "nothing ventured, nothing gained", right? The next morning I called the number as instructed to RSVP and to my surprise a pleasant young lady answered the phone “This is Courtney Public Relations at the White House.” Maybe, just maybe this might be the real deal. Courtney assured me that I would receive an e-mail in a couple of days with all of the pertinent details about my visit to the White House, it was confirmed.
families.
Anheuser Busch for the last several years has had a campaign called Salute to the Heroes. Anheuser-Busch will again this year 2008 continue their Salute to the Heroes program. As a member of a military family I have taken advantage of this offer the last several years. My family and I have visited several of the Anheuser-Busch Parks and they are always fun, very family oriented and overall great! 
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