SUPERMAN
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Friday, June 1, 2012
Facebook's "Promoted Posts"
In January 2012 we launched “Thank A Soldier” facebook and the interaction was great, the numbers were spreading fast and posts were getting lots of shares. Basically anyone who didn’t click “Hide updates by Thank A Soldier” were seeing all our posts.
For example the photo above had over 800 shares & 900 likes and reached 127,000 people. Then on Monday May 28th Facebook put in to place their “Promoted Posts” and whenever we post something we get the number of people it reached and a message saying the following.
So 66,000+ people have joined “Thank A Soldier” to show the men and women who serve our countries gratitude and in order for me to reach all of them I have to pay $500 each time? In the last few months on Thank A Soldier I have posted 598 photos, & roughly 1000 status updates if I were to pay Facebook for those updates & photos to reach every member of this page that would cost us $799,000.
Being that our website does not take donations or have sponsors of any kind I don’t know about you but that’s a little ridiculous.
I will continue to post the same way we have always been but wanted to show everyone what Facebook is trying to do. Note Facebook can place advertisements all over our “Thank A Soldier” page and make money from it but it seems they want more.
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| If you hover the mouse over the like button and make sure "SHOW IN NEWSFEED" is selected, you should get all of our updates |
If you would like to send Facebook a message about how ridiculous this is feel free to send Mark Zuckerberg a message on Facebook.
Battling Bare
I want to introduce everyone to Ashley the wife of former Marine/current US Army Soldier, SSG Robert Wise, and founder of Battling Bare, Inc. An Army wife for over ten years cumulatively, Ashley currently resides in Fort Campbell, Kentucky where her husband is cadre for the Warrior Transition Battalion.
Ashley’s mission with her new non-profit is to support, encourage and motivate family members, especially wives/fiances/girlfriends, of soldiers who struggle with PTSD to know that they are not alone, they can fight back and there is support.
TAS: Ashley, Would you tell us about your experience as a Military Wife?
Ashley : My story is a bit of a crazy one. Most of my time as a military spouse has been spent at Fort Lewis, Washington where both my first husband and Rob were assigned to 2-3 Infantry during the dawn of the Stryker. My first husband was a victim of a non-combat related civilian sector incident, and I found myself a widow at the age of 21 with a 13 month old and 3 year old child. During that part of my life, I decided I would overcome and turn my hurt, pain and anger into something good. At that point, I didn’t know what that “good thing” was, but after marrying my soulmate, Rob, and seeing his struggles with everything he’s seen during his multiple combat deployments—both with the Marine Corps and the Army—it became very clear that helping soldiers to heal invisible wounds after returning home from war AND creating a true support system for spouses, especially wives, who ride the PTSD roller coaster along with their soldier was exactly that “good thing”.
TAS: So, exactly where did the idea for BB come from?
ASH: Well, Fort Campbell currently has the highest soldier suicide rate in the Army, just like they did back in 2009, because all our guys are home from deployment. Over the last 60 days, more than 30 soldiers have decided to end their lives—in fact, the US National statistic is that 18 veterans a day choose to end their own lives. Our guys were dropping like flies—some of them ending their wives lives in the process. My good friend and Battling Bare helper, Christy, kept saying to each other—we have to do something….this is crazy. During that time, a friend’s husband killed himself and my husband lost one of his own guys. The weekend he left to escort this guy’s body to the funeral, I was sitting on my porch and it hit me..the picture, the name, the pledge...everything. So, we snapped the shot, edited it a little and posted it to Facebook. It’s just taken off from there.
TAS: The photo for BB is pretty powerful. Does it symbolize anything and is that you in the photo?
ASH: The photo is supposed to symbolize making visible these invisible wounds in a way that forces people to pay attention. The M4 is the most commonly used weapon by our combat arms guys—my husband has hauled one of those bad boys around A LOT…so it symbolizes my hubby and soldiers in general. And being bare…well, for so long many, many wives have kept their mouths shut regarding the night terrors, the isolation, the inability to even go on a date because of crowds in public—hiding the truth for fear of tarnishing the military careers of the soldiers they love so much. So, I went bare—showing that we have nothing to hide. Our husbands, boy friends, fiance’s are NOT monsters—their wounded to their very core because of all the horrible things they have seen. There is also a lot of shame or embarrassment associated with PTSD and being naked—so in a lot of ways it’s saying that I am not ashamed to go bare to make people aware and take action.
#4 TAS: What is your vision—what do you hope to accomplish with BB?
ASH: The mission of Battling Bare is unite spouses who have silently struggled with helping their soldiers cope for so long—for them to know that they are not alone. While reaching out to these spouses, we will be increasing awareness and educating others about the symptoms of PTSD, successful options for healing for the soldier and creating a system of support for these spouses. I realize that there are mothers, children—families of soldiers—that need support as well and I encourage them to join us because they have struggled right along with us, but as a spouse, I will say in loving our soldiers—pouring our hearts and souls into our marriages/relationships—is the most difficult and unique struggle of any of the relationships because we CHOOSE to love them unconditionally. Our love isn’t the inherent love of family…it’s a daily choice.
#5 TAS: Your image for BB is pretty edgy and pushing people outside of comfort zones. What is your response to any negative responses?
ASH: Think what you want, I’m driving on. This issue is reaching epidemic levels—every 80 minutes a veteran—active, retired, disabled and discharged included—who chooses to end their own life. Many of these deaths are related to the horrible memories of war haunting them every moment of every day. I’m not going to stand by and let another soldier suffer silently or choose to die without putting up one heck of a fight. If that makes someone uncomfortable so be it—I have to live by my philosophy of life: “Whenever possible—leave things better than you found them”. Personally, I feel if more folks had that take on life this world would be a much better place.
# 6 TAS: If BB could tell our page members or anyone who reads this article one thing, what would it be?
ASH: Spouses, you are NOT ALONE, crazy, codependent or weak. You are amazing and I urge you, plead with you, beg you to not give up hope for peace and joy again. Just like when our soldiers tell us “You just don’t understand” because we’ve never been to war—we can say that to civilian spouses. Though I haven’t walked the exact same miles you all have, I do understand because I’ve walked those miles…even the “widow walk” miles, as I call them. Let’s join together—we are STRONG. We are MANY. Together we CAN make a difference. I choose to break the silence and Battle Bare. Join me?
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| Check out Battling Bare on Facebook |
Thursday, May 24, 2012
A Thank You from a soldier
As a soldier, getting a simple thank you from a stranger is one of the most rewarding things that can happen. Going to Tim Horton’s and already having a cup of coffee paid for - before you even get to the counter is another example of how so many people really do care. I didn’t even get a chance to say thanks.
I take seriously the fact that when I wear my uniform I represent all of my comrades and most importantly the friends that we all have lost overseas. When someone says thank you, they are saying it to all soldiers and words cannot describe how much that means to us and to me
One particular thank you that I was fortunate enough to be part of was in March of 2011. After the holidays can be a difficult time in Afghanistan , but this particular thank you put a lot of smiles on a lot of peoples’ faces.
Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment along with some great celebrities visited us in Kandahar. Brian Burke, Andi Petrillo, Arlene Dickinson, and JP Veitch - who is a huge supporter of my regiment, shook our hands. A couple of great bands, Default and Glass Tiger put on a show for us. There was also a group of former NHL’ers including: Lanny McDonald and Tiger Williams, all of whom came to out to show their support. Oh and of course the Stanley Cup was there too.
It was, however, a guy that I didn’t know - that was the guy I would really liked to have met. At the time I didn’t even know he was in the country, when a giant hockey mask was presented by him, to the forces to be displayed at Canada House in KAF. I just though wow, what a nice helmet. I am a huge hockey fan - as many of us are in the forces - and the thing I didn’t know was that he had painted a few more masks than the one I saw on the stage that night. I had seen them before: Carey Price, Brent Johnson, Brian Elliott, Anti Niemi, Jaroslav Halak and Mike Smith to name a few; all wear masks done by this artist. Not only that, some more significant masks like Carey Price’s Remembrance Day mask and of course Trooper Mark Wilsons inspired Soldier Tribute Mask as well. His name is David Arrigo and to you David, I say - THANK YOU.
Adam Beebe (Canadian Forces)
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
My New Mission
In 1993 and in grade 11 my plan was to finish high school and sign up with The Canadian Forces but in 1994 that came to a sudden stop
In April of 1994 I was walking home from the Bayshore mall and was attacked by three guys and stabbed 13 times. The two most severe wounds were in my upper left leg and I had to have major surgery as I lost half of my muscle in my leg. I basically had to learn to walk all over again and for many years I used it as an excuse to be lazy.
Up until about two years ago I couldn't walk over 1km without having severe leg cramps in my left leg and a lot of pain. On occasion to it would affect my work as I would have to get up and stretch it out so that it wouldn't cramp up.
So that night after the guys who attacked me took off I was lying on the sidewalk losing a lot of blood and two off duty fire fighters happen to be driving by that night and saved my life. They also held the muscle in my leg together long enough that I didn't end up losing my entire left leg.
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| My biggest weight over 340lbs on the left meeting Gene Simmons |
Since that day I have always had a huge respect for first responders and used to randomly bring tins of Tim Hortons coffee to fire halls as a way of saying thank you for saving my life.
In March of 2007 I had heard there was a Tim Hortons being opened in Afghanistan and a friend of mine was deployed and I asked him if he had to pay for his coffee. Thus "Tim Hortons for our troops" was launched.
In 2010 someone sent me a news article about MCpl Jody Mitic. A member of the Canadian Forces who had lost both his lower legs in Afghanistan after stepping on an IED. Jody refused to let his injuries stop him and has participated in numerous 5km runs on prosthetic legs.
It was after hearing his story and becoming friends with him on Face book that I decided to stop using my injury as an excuse to be lazy. I started walking a little bit more and got to the point where the leg cramps were gone and I started to get some strength back in my leg.
On February 28th, 2012 I posted a Facebook status that said "Tomorrow is day one" as I had enough of making excuses and was going to make a huge change in my lifestyle. A friend of mine Chris McArdle said "Me too" and with that the "Weight loss challenge in support of Military Minds" was launched.
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| My most recent photo day 1 & day 80 of the TASWLC |
So here I am 84 days later and I feel like a different person. I have lost almost 50lbs, go to the gym 3-5 times a week and am hooked on this new lifestyle.
I've received emails from people saying that I've inspired them to start doing the same and attempt to get fit. If you had of told me that a year ago I would have thought you were insane but I am ok with that.
That being said, I am very happy to announce that I have a new mission. I am going to be applying to The Calgary Highlanders reserve unit here in Calgary, Alberta.
I know it's not going to be easy but I am more determined than I have ever been and will "NEVER QUIT"
I want to send a special shout out to Jody Mitic, Paul Franklin, Mark Fuchko and every other Wounded Warrior who never let their injuries get the best of them. You have inspired in ways I could never be able to express on on a blog here.
I want to send a special shout out to Jody Mitic, Paul Franklin, Mark Fuchko and every other Wounded Warrior who never let their injuries get the best of them. You have inspired in ways I could never be able to express on on a blog here.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Loops For The Troops
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The event was founded by Michael Hornburg in honour of his son, Corporal Nathan Hornburg who was killed on active duty in Afghanistan on September 24, 2007. The Loops for the Troops event is in support of our Canadian military and first response services, veterans, their families and in remembrance of our fallen who paid the Ultimate Sacrifice. Since Nathan was a regular runner, the idea of a public run in his honour seemed appropriate. A few weeks later, the ball was rolling.
For this, our fifth year, we invite supporters to come watch or challenge the troops and first responders to a 5K, 10K or Military Mile in North Glenmore Park. Bring the family and check out the military equipment on display from Edmonton and listen to speeches from some local and military dignitaries.
Join us Sunday, June 17, 2012 at North Glenmore Park to support of the troops and first responders who ensure our day-to-day freedom, both at home and abroad.
Location
The Calgary race will be in the same great location near the Glenmore Reservoir for another year
I have just registered for this and inviting everyone I know in the Calgary area to do this with me.
If you are not in Calgary and still want to do this they have what is called "Running In Spirit" which you can also sign up for on their site and for anyone who does this, we'll ask that you send in a photo of you walking/running 5km (3.2 miles) on Fathers day. Just go to The Running Room site and click Register Now on the "Running In Spirit" section.
TEAM THANK A SOLDIER PARTICIPANTS
Chris McArdle - Mission, B.C
Dallas Craik - (From Calgary, Alberta) will be Running In Spirit in London, England
Shawn MCD - Calgary
Chris Jeapes - Toronto, Ontario
Emma E. Jeapes - Toronto, Ontario
JoAnne Brydon - Toronto, Ontario
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| CLICK HERE TO REGISTER |
Bikes On The Streets Of Paris
We have been in Paris for six days and these are some of the bikes you will find on almost every street -- From Champ de Mars near the Eiffel Tower, to the French Pantheon and the Latin Quarter to the high winding streets of Montmartre.
Click images to enlarge.
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| This cool old Harley was along Rue Amber near the Paris Opera. |
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| This National Motos Honda Varadaro was parked just outside the Justice Building in front of the French Pantheon. |
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| This Yamaha was outside a neighborhood cafe near the Eiffel Tower. |
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| It is really beautiful in Paris in May with lots of spring flowers - 45 to 70 (F) |
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