AUGUST IS FOR THE ATTACK SQUADRON THE SHADOWHAWKS

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

 The Shadowhawks are an Electronic Attack Squadron & are deployed on the Bush aircraft carrier in the Gulf.

 

There are 216 sailors assigned to the Shadowhawks -- 190 men and 26 women.  They received pillowcases when they arrived on the ship, so no need to worry about pillowcases for this adoption.

 

I received this sweet message from our POC:  “…it is so hot out here.  But it seems wrong to ask for anything.  Whatever you do will be received well by our Sailors.  And, thank you for what you are doing, not just for us, but for every Sailor life you are touching.”  He went on to say that our ideas for them would be far better than anything he could think of & he didn’t want to ask others for input as he wants this to be a huge & total surprise.

 

So, Moms we have our work cut out for us …  One thing I thought we should keep in mind is that they will be receiving their boxes right around  9/11 – the reason they are deployed & still fighting this war on terror that the other side started 10 years ago.  Let’s make certain that our sailors know:

                         “We Will Never Forget.”

 

Many will have sad memories of that day – NYC, DC & PA, let’s do our best to put a positive spin on things. I was thinking for a theme - “Picnic in Central Park”.  Central Park is a GREAT place for a picnic!

 

And, August is ‘National Picnic Month.’  In Central Park, people read, play ball, throw Frisbees, children blow bubbles & draw pictures with sidewalk chalk. There are artists painting & drawing, people writing or talking.  Of course, we can’t do anything about walking a dog (& pooper-scooping), but people jog, do yoga & catch some rays while playing in the fountains.  And, of course, eat!!!  (So we need food/snack items.)

Perhaps items can be red, white & blue to acknowledge American endurance on the 10^th Anniversary of 9/11.

Shipping will be August 22 – 27^th.

 

These are just my thoughts.  So, let the discussions begin … !!!!

 

MESSAGE JUST RECEIVED THAT THE FEMALE SAILORS ARE BEING TAKEN ON.  If someone wants to help in some way, contact Lauren.

[Sue]

Molly, I can get them for 81 cents but they say "like a good neighbor" ~ that's $178 + tax ~ momma don't have that kinda money right now ~ any other suggestions?

[carols_kitchen]

Sue--at 81 cents, how many of us can send you a check for like $10 to purchase them in bulk?  I would love to help with that if we can then afford the shipping to the adopted group, too.

[Sue]

Carol, I don't have a problem with that. I just know I can't pay almost $200. 

 

Anybody else want to chip in?  If so, I need to know right away so I can get the order placed through our Ad Services department ~~

[carols_kitchen]

Who can help?  And, could we mail checks to you in care of your work addy? Or would you want to private message us with a different addy?  I'm in for

10 plus tax

[Sue]

It takes a week to get them if I order them today, maybe a bit longer for that many. I would rather they come to my home addy ~ I will PM the members!  I will wait until Monday if that is ok, before I order. That should give me plenty of time to get them to you, and to figure out if anyone else wants to participate.  Would that be ok?  Carol - you have my work email addy don't you?

 

WAIT - now I find out I can check with our PR department - they might donate -- let me follow-up on that before we talk about the all might dinero!!

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

I also have a lead on water bottles for free & they provide free shipping anywhere.  Thought I could give them the POC's addy and have them shipped directly to him, then we wouldn't have to pay shipping costs!

Will let you know as soon as I can get an answer.

[Sue]

I just sent an email to our corporate Public Relations department to see if they would be willing to donate the water bottles. I will keep everyone posted.  I copied Molly and Carol on what I emailed.  Keep your fingers crossed!

[Ruth, Gun's Mom]

I didn't mention this before, but haven't any of you seen the Navy water bottles that the recruiters have?  I've been offered cases of them for other events like Armed Forces Day.  I'll check with the recruiters.  They're nice, really nice and would be FREE.  Go see your recruiters--take cookies, wear a Navy shirt and see what they'll give you.  They have really cool sunglasses, too.  And if you personally don't own a blue Navy coffee cup, get one!  They are my favorite for my house!  I have a whole set here and in my Texas winter home.

[Sue]

Just submitted the application for the water bottles, will keep you posted.

 

Ruth - wonderful idea!  I have quite a few MAS t-shirts and a mug that says "Got Freedom?"  I will check at our local recruiter's office this week!!  If we get too many, we will just save them for the next bunch!

[lauren]

Hmmm I would pitch -in for some water bottles.....I'm wondering if we could have some of them shipped to us so we could fill them at packing party's....I was planning on going to Carol's and can will send enough money for at least 10.....can we donate the money through Molly's and have them make the payment to save time?

just thought what do you think?

[Sue]

Lauren, let me see if I can get them free. I can't go to Carol's on the 20th, but if you are coming through town you can pick them up ~~ or I can ship them from work - IF I GET THEM ~ they are really picky about donations because everybody and their brother are wanting donations from State Farm. I had to fill out a "Grant Request" form just to see if I qualify. If not, I want to hit up the recruiters like Ruth suggested. 

[Pat L. in IL]

Sue, depending on what happens with your PR dept., you can count on me to pitch in on cost.