From Our Hearts

Forgot to send the Raindeers...

2007-01-08T20:51:00.000-05:00

The crew over at T-Bonetooter's did a great job of sending out over 110+ Christmas packages to the Troops over in Iraq & Afghanistan and they were welcomed by all who got them.

These packages were stuffed with Christmas\Holiday related items and made it there in time for Christmas. Much candy was included as always and is very much welcomed by the children who it is passed on to.

Once again Benny and Dianne, along with the dedicated few, gathered to put these packages together during the busy holiday season here but were very glad to be able to send some Cheer to the troops whenever possible...

Unfortunately it seems that with all the confusion and many packages that were sent out, at over $1,600 in postage, it appears nobody included the package containing the Raindeer. Mike Flook who is staioned in Kalsu with his unit made due with what they had and sent the above photo of how they "improvised"...

Mike has been serving in Iraq working for the Department of Defense as a Firefighter with a crew stationed in Kalsu Iraq which is 45 miles South of Baghdad. Mike's unit has been receiving packages from the "From Our Hearts"

Very Busy New Years already...

2007-01-02T19:58:00.000-05:00

It has been a busy week over at T-Bonetooter’s in Churchville with news that local resident SSG. Herb Harman of Buffalo Gap is now back in the United States from serving in the Army for over a year in downtown Baghdad Iraq. The gang over at T-Bonetooter’s has been sending numerous “Care Packages” to the Troop’s serving in Iraq and Afghanistan thru the “From Our Hearts” program that they developed and Herb’s unit has received many of these packages.

Ssg. Harman’s unit, the “Four-One Element” of the 654th MP Company awarded Dianne and Benny this Award\Pennant in appreciation for their efforts and caring packages…

Also this week Dianne and Benny were visited by Gunnery Sergeant David Provencal U.S.M.C. who’s unit was also the recipient of “Care Packages” from the “From Our Hearts” program…

Gunnery Sergeant Provencal presented Dianne and Benny with the above United States flag and certificate in appreciation of their efforts and thoughtfulness in supporting our troops…

WHSV did a special report on this and can be seen at:
http://www.whsv.com/home/headlines/5046931.html?

Many local groups have stepped up to the plate in helping and supporting the “From Our Hearts” program over the year and have made it possible for numerous shipments of 150+ packages being sent to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Recently the Arbor Hill Church of Staunton Virginia contacted Dianne advising her that their Youth Group wished to help out with the last shipment sent during the Christmas holiday. Once the group found out that the Christmas “Care Package” shipment consisted of over 110 boxes crammed full of Christmas related items and postage was over $1,600, they went back and collected over $540 to show their support!

Numerous local groups, individuals, and families have provided much assistance and support to the “From Our Hearts” program and should be very proud of their efforts and care for our Troops serving in the military in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many do not want to be listed or acknowledged here but they should know that they are very much appreciated by the members of the military, their families, and the members of the “From Our Hearts” program…

Special Guest Visit...

2006-11-21T19:00:00.000-05:00

T-Bonetooter's owner Diane Rankin meets Mike Flook for the first time after he stops by Monday night to help pack more boxes to be sent to the Troops in Iraq & Afghanistan. Mike has been serving in Iraq working for the Department of Defense as a Firefighter with a crew stationed in Kalsu Iraq which is 45 miles South of Baghdad. Mike's unit has been receiving packages from the "From Our Hearts" program http://fromrhearts.blogspot.com for sometime and he made it a point to stop by and meet those responsible for these gifts from home for the troops.

Mike also took the time to meet with TV-3 who stopped by to cover the packing of boxes to be sent out this week. During this time Mike spoke about how the members of his unit have shared the contents of their packages with as many people as possible. He spoke of how the guys treasure each item and are sure to pass some of the "essentials" on to servicemembers who may not get packages from home. He also spoke of driving their fire apparatus along the fenceline so to be able to throw candy and toys to the children that gather to see them. In fact Mike made a request from his teammembers that any items sent to them during the holidays should be toys or items for children for they wish to have something to pass onto the children in the area. Flook also said how much it is appreciated to get packages from 9,000 miles away and from home and people who took the effort to send them something.

Awhile back I ran into Arin Sime at the Shad Planking event and learned that he was running for State Senate in 2007 in the 24th district. I have seen him several times during the past year and enjoy talking with somebody who agrees that both the State and Federal government is taking too much of our hard earned money and not spending it wisely. I was gald to see Arin join in Monday and help pack boxes for the troops and I believe he was very impressed by the amount of effort and supplies that go into these packages. It was great to see him join in and help out in this very special and worthwhile project...

"This was a wonderful evening of community and a great example of neighbors coming together to help neighbors, especially when those neighbors are a world away defending our nation. The little touches and heartfelt appreciation that were put into every item prepared and packed was impressive. It was a real honor for me to be there and contribute in some small way." Arin Sime www.arinsime.com

.

Autumn Visit...

2006-11-02T23:12:00.000-05:00

Churchville VA.

A local elementary school heard of the “From Our Hearts” program and wanted to send something special to the troops so the first graders, with some help from their fifth grade “Buddies”, put together some notes for the troops. They also attached a leaf of their choice to their letters so that our Troops can remember for a moment the precious changing of the seasons back home…

A dear friend Rhonda Winfield spends her time visiting injured troops at the Veterans hospital and told me of a recent visit. I asked her to write of the visit and below is what she sent me.
We will be doing one last shipment to the troops for the Holiday season.

More info will follow very soon so please check back often and help us to make this an outstanding “Holiday Shipment” to our Troops…

A WALK IN AUTUMN

As I walked toward the entrance, I found myself even more nervous than the first visit a week earlier. I paused in the middle of the sidewalk to look upward and let the enormity of the American flag flying there engulf my senses. It was the largest flag I had ever seen and I found myself in as much awe of it as I had the week previously. While I felt no breeze against my face, the heavens were whispering a flutter directly into her billowing folds and floating her gently against the blue sky. There was a heavy silence here, broken only by the slightest rustling of the silken fibers as she would fall against herself on a down draft. She flowed in slow motion and the world directly beneath her became somehow synchronized to her rhythm. The glory and majesty of her beauty was intoxicating and I prayed that the significance of it was not missed on a single visitor to this place.

I was entering a United States Veteran’s hospital to visit a patient as a favor to a mutual friend. It was an effort to provide a young soldier with a much needed distraction from the nightmare that had quickly become his life. This young Army Ranger Sergeant had just turned twenty-four years old while lying in a hospital bed paralyzed from the neck down. His spinal cord had been severed by a bullet while under enemy attack in Iraq just eight weeks before. When I first visited, he had a ventilator in place and was unable to speak. I walked into the room, as a total stranger, introduced myself and informed his family that we had a friend in common. Not knowing whether my interruption into their very private Hell would be welcome or not, I made my way to the Sergeant’s bedside. He looked at me with pain filled eyes and even though we had never seen one another before, he instantly knew I needed to be here with him. The pain of his injuries was obvious but the pain in his heart was the most unbearable. I believe he could see I came to him a broken being as well. His eyes held me that day. I will never know why we felt an instant comfort with one another but in that understanding I felt the burdens I had come with, lift from my shoulders and was consumed with the force that we secretly shared. Though there were others around us, we were alone in our presence and focused only on one another. Drawn into him by his gaze, I leaned close to his ear, only for him to hear, and whispered, "I know that no one will ever understand what you left behind on that battlefield and that your greatest hurt comes from being here without your boys." He indicated by slightly nodding his head that this was true and I continued, "And I just want you to know that I get that." He had tears in his eyes and he mouthed the words to me, "thank you". We looked at each other with a certain understanding and the rest of the room was left to wonder what was occurring between us. They remained silent in their uncertainly as I placed my face against his and our tears ran down our cheeks together. I stroked his hair and whispered my name to him and told him I would be back in a week to see him again. He indicated that he wanted me to and after giving his family my phone number, I left.

I wasn’t ready to leave the hospital just yet, though. I had asked the nurse’s station for a few names of patients that could use a visitor. Sadly, the list of those who had not received one in months was long. I chose a ward to enter where all of the patients were much older veterans, all suffering from spinal cord injuries. I walked in, after taking a deep breath, and announced loudly that I was just in the neighborhood and wanted to stop by the hero ward. They all looked at me, first startled, then seemingly in shock and finally visibly moved. There delight was that of a child suddenly being given candy and we instantly became fast friends. When I left, I promised them I would return as well. One of them asked where I was from and told me of his days as a young man, before his service in Vietnam, when he visited our valley and walked in the vibrant colored leaves of our fall foliage. His mind was far away when I closed the door behind me and I wanted desperately to bring him the days of that autumn once again.

Now, returning, as promised, I could barely pull myself away from the trance of our nation’s colors. I found it difficult to hold back the tears suddenly surging forth. These men, both the young and the old, had served their flag faithfully and now I was going to try to somehow serve them. I pulled the bag I was carrying a little closer to me, as though by holding it closer to my heart I could keep it pure and sacred until I could deliver its contents to the intended recipients inside.

I went to the ward first. Everyone was asleep except for my friend who shared my love of the Valley. His face sprang to life as he saw me and he rejoiced that I had kept my promise and returned. I told him that I had brought him a gift. I told him I had brought our Valley with me.

My next stop met me with surprise as I saw my young friend without his ventilator. His mother told me that he could say a few words now but I didn’t want him to waste a precious one. I shared my gift with him also. He was grateful for my surprise, both the one in the bag and the one that simply said that I had not forgotten to return to him.
So very different, yet they were so alike. Two completely different strangers sharing love with another unknown and finding all that is good in the world within it. Two different generations, two different eras, two different wars and yet one common uniting factor-they were American patriots.
My soul absorbed so much that day as I watched both men look into my bag at the assortment of leaves from my yard. They both marveled at the vibrant colors and stretched their necks to further inhale the smell of the turning seasons. They both obediently closed their eyes when I asked them to and listened as I crumbled the leaves with my hands. One man, wishing forward toward a future where he might yet experience the changing seasons of his life and still knowing that he would never walk in leaves again. One man, reflecting back into a day long since forgotten when he played with an abandon that he would never reclaim. Both men, however, walked that day with me in our minds.
They both gave me a gift that day, as well. In the ward, my older friend asked me to keep the leaves close by so their smell could stay with him for a while longer. I stroked his cheek until his memories gave way to slumber and I stood in silence watching the rising and falling of his chest, independent of his will, until I felt my own memories filter into a new place in my heart.
Later, when I was leaving the room of my much younger friend, I told him that next year when the leaves were turning; we would sit in my yard together and watch them dance around our heads. He simply managed a smile and then uttered my name.
"Rhonda".
I have never heard anything so pure as the first word heard from his mouth. I will hear its sweet echo for the rest of my days.

I looked again at the massive flag on my way down the sidewalk. It seemed to be waving me farewell. This piece of cloth is what bound us together. These colors ran through each of us and uniquely we each gave a part of ourselves to it. We were Americans and the fact that we were strangers was something that had been lost on us.

I will return. I will return to my new friends and for ones that I haven’t found there yet. I will return to give and know I will leave the one who truly received.

Christmas Push...

2006-11-02T10:07:00.000-05:00

T-Bonetooters

The gang over at T-bonetooter's and the "From Our Hearts" group are about to announce their plans for a big Christmas Push to send Holiday related packages to our troops serving in Iraq & Afghanistan. It will focus on providing something from home for the troops to have during the upcoming holiday season...

Look for more info to follow....

Chicken-Hawks...

2006-09-12T21:43:00.000-04:00

Hey Dianne,
I am sorry it has been a busy week here----the insurgents have used 9-11 as a holiday to strike us repeativly with morters. The chickens were awesome and in fact one has been mounted on our heavy rescue as a hood ornament ---- you will see smitty feeding and watering it in the picture--lolololol. The second pic is of a morter attack that landed outside a tent that we had to go inspect and then condem. The stuff was moved out and you can see all the sharpnel holes. Our little surprise shall be to you any day now--takes two to three weeks to get to you. Let me know when you get it. Once again ---THANK YOU---please pass that one to your crew. We love you and want to thank you once again from our hearts.
mike

BINGO

2006-09-12T20:56:00.000-04:00

From Our Hearts will be sponsoring "Candle Lite of Love" BINGO
on October 1st, 2006 at the Churchville Fire Department...

Door open at: 2pm
Bingo starts at: 3pm

For tickets or information call: Kelly 480-3739 or Cheryl 490-8500

Presale Prices: $5 a card, 4 for $15, 6 for $25,
At the door price: $5 a card...

Proceeds to benefit "From Our Hearts"

The Packages get passed along....

2006-08-20T21:51:00.000-04:00

Dixon

Mrs. Rankin,
I wanted to write and personally thank your for all of the support you and all the volunteers in Churchville and in the Shenandoah Valley are providing to the troops over here in Iraq. I am with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Division stationed in Kirkuk, Iraq. My mission here, as part of a Military Transition Team (MiTT), is to train the 2 Brigade, 4th Division Iraqi Army staff to assume control of and take the lead in counter-insurgency operations (operations against the terrorists in civilian talk). I am part of an 11 man team that lives on K-1, an Iraqi base approximately 8 kilometers away from the U.S. Forward Operating Base Warrior. My daily responsibilities include working with the civil affairs officer, the public affairs officer, the legal officer and the Imam (the equivalent to our US chaplain). I try to coordinate and synchronize all of the projects each of these officers are conducting as well as mentor, guide and professionally develop each one of them. I will tell you that they have come a long way since we first got here and appreciate the US troops and all of the support we provide them. The cities and villages within our area of operation also continue to improve and with the help of the Iraqi and US armies move ahead. Of of the things I have been blessed to be a part of is the civil affairs section here. Their job is to improve the public perception of the Iraqi Army and spend a lot of time and energy assisting the needy children and less privelaged in the local communities. I have attached some pictures from a couple of the joint Iraqi and US projects that we have conducted. Some of the supplies you provide go to these children while the rest go to very appreciative soldiers. Thanks again for all of your support. People like all of you enable us to accomplish our mission. I love you all and hope that God blesses each and every one you.

Respectfully,

Richard Dixon
CPT, US Army

Augusta County Fair 2006

2006-08-10T10:02:00.000-04:00

Augusta County Fair
Republican Party Booth

Ssgt. Herb Harman of Churchville stopped by the Republican Booth at the Augusta County Fair with his family on Wednesday for a "Quick" visit that turned into hours with numerous people meeting and thanking him for his service to our country.

Herb also spent time at the "From Our Hearts" booth and spoke with several people on how much these packages from home are welcomed by the troops. Herb's squad is the "Four-One Element" of the 654th MP CO and is serving in Baghdad Iraq where Herb will be returning to in a few weeks. The "Four-One Element" is one of the units that "From Our Hearts" supports and receives numerous packages approximately every 10 days from home

"What a treat it was to walk into our booth and see Herb there! There were tears in many sets of eyes as people came by to wish Sgt Harman well and to thank him for his service to our nation. Herb spoke about his duty in Iraq and actually how well things are going over there in Baghdad. He said that the media is so incredibly slanted that is makes the soldiers serving over there sick to their stomachs. He said the people of Iraq are very appreciative of the US and often thank the soldiers for their freedom. Herb is learning Arabic and told me that the Iraqis are great people who love to talk religion. They respect each other for their deep religious faith."

"Some stories, I guess, just never make it to the airwaves over here."
Chris Saxman

Republican Delegate Chris Saxman talks with Ssgt. Harman about the squads work in Baghdad and how we can support them.

"Thanks for the Packages"...

2006-08-01T10:03:00.000-04:00

Sgt. Averill

From Sgt. Marcus Averill, U.S. Army, Iraq:

I can not tell you how pleased I was to receive the "From our Hearts" boxes this month. Myself and my soldiers are very grateful.We have been in need of supplies for quite some time. Unfortunately we do not have access to a P.X. as often as others do so I am sure you can imagine how handy the shaving kits and cookie boxes were. The moral has been lifted tremendously by your generosity. It reminds my men that there are Supportive, hard working Americans, behind them 100% every step of the way. Once again thank you so much.
SGT Marcus R. Averill

"Benny, Iraq on line two"...

2006-07-27T00:44:00.000-04:00

Iraq Call...

Phone call from Baghdad, Iraq
Our heros call to thank From Our Hearts for care packages
Wednesday, July 26, 2006

What a wonderful surprise! Benny Rankin, owner of T-Bone Tooter's Restaurant in Churchville, received a phone call today from Augusta County resident Mike Flook who is stationed in Baghdad.

His group of men, firefighters in Iraq, had received the first shipment of boxes from Hearts and they were very grateful! Mike said he was so overwhelmed he had to call personally and thank everyone for what they're doing for them. He was so very, very touched that people back home hadn't forgotten about them and that people really cared.

He said his men had been down-in-the-dumps recently ... but the arrival of packages from home had boosted their morale and had them laughing and singing and checking out all the goodies -- "Look what's in this one!" -- and they felt appreciated.

There are 10 more men in that Unit so we are upping their shipment from 10 to 20 which will make our total shipments weekly at 160 care packages.

Want to help?
All the work that goes into setting up, packing, and mailing packages weekly is worth it when something happens like that one phone call ... or a letter of thanks ... or a photo of "our guys" over there. But it's only through help from the community that we're able to continue with this program.

What do we need? We need more items from the soldiers' Wish List (see http://www.fromrhearts.blogspot.com/) and donations to pay for shipping.

Items can be dropped off at CellOne in Statler Square Shopping Center
in Staunton, at Staunton Colonial Mall's Customer Service Desk, and at T-Bone Tooter's Restaurant in Churchville.

Donations can be mailed to: From Our Hearts, T-Bone Tooter's Restaurant, P.O. Box 504, Churchville, VA 24421.

Questions? Respond to this email or call T-Bone Tooter's at 337-6500.

Troop Wish List... AT&T Phone Cards, Air Fresheners (No Aerosol Cans), Baby Wipes / Wet Wipes, Band-Aids, Bandanna, Batteries, Beef Jerky, Book LightsBooks \ Brown Washcloth & Towels, Candy (No Chocolate), Canned Chicken, CD's & DVD's, Chapstick, Cheese (That can stand heat), Chips, Cookies, Crackers, Deoderant (Travel Size), Desitine, Disposable Cameras, Duct Tape, Electrical Tape, Eye Drops, Fans (Hand-held), First Aid Kits, foot Powder, Hankerchief, Lotion (Travel Size), Microwave Meals (Hormel), Neosporin, Off (Bug Repellant), Paper \ Envelopes \ Pens, Peanuts, Potted Meat, Powered Drink Mix, Ramen Noodles, Sewing Kits (Travel size), Shampoo (Travel size), Shop Towels, Slim Jims, Soap (Travel size), Soap Holders, Socks (White over the calf), Soup (Pop top, heat & serve), Stridex Pads, Sunflower Seeds, Toothbrush and holders, Toothpaste (Travel Size), Tuna, Twin Sheets / Bed pillows, Zip Ties, Ziplock bags (Qt & Gallon size), * Things not to send.... Pork Products, Chocolate, Aerosol Cans... Donations always welcomed for it allows us to purchase those items needed to make complete "Packages"....

Valley packages are there!!!...

2006-07-23T12:26:00.000-04:00

"Four-One Element"
Got a note and some photos back from SSgt. Herb Harman in Baghdad and also heard that they have already received packages "From Our Hearts"...

Herb says the guys from his squad appreciate the support and packages and it really makes a difference while they are serving over there.

"I am honored and proud to be the leader of this squad. These are great soldiers. "BAGHDAD"S BADDEST!!!"

The above photo was taken while in Baghdad and shows Herb with the "Four-One Element" Squad with a flag that we sent over to him. The flag has been returned and will be at the Augusta County Fair at Expoland on August 8-12th for photos to be taken with. We will be asking visitors to the "From Our Hearts" booth to have their photo taken with this same flag and we will send the photos back to the "Four-One Element" squad to show support to "Our" guys... Please stop by and visit the booth...

Packages on their way...

2006-07-18T22:20:00.000-04:00

The first two shipments of care packages "From Our Hearts" have been shipped out and contained 150 personal "Care Packages" for our troops in each shipment. It will take approximately 10 days for each shipment to get there and each package will show the military personnel that there is somebody back home looking out for them and thinking of them while they serve our country...

7) From Our Hearts Care Packages for Military
http://www.fromrhearts.blogspot.com/ - See "Wish List" of requested items

Items Needed: We still need items to ship to local military members
currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Check http://www.fromrhearts.blogspot.com/
for a list of items that have been requested by our soldiers and Marines.

Drop-Off Locations:
- T-Bone Tooter's Restaurant, Rt. 250, Churchville
- Staunton Colonial Mall, Customer Service Desk at mall entrance

Packing/Shipping: Boxes are packed every Monday and filled with
a variety of goodies from home such as toiletries, junk food, fun items,
reading materials, whimsical toys for Iraqi children, and much more.
They are shipped out Tuesday morning and usually take 10-14 days
to reach their destination.

Recipients: We are currently sending 150 packages weekly to
our heroes including Sgt. Herb Harman from Churchville (and his men),
Sgt. Marcus Averill from Roanoke (and his men), Sgt. Barth Berry of
Staunton (and his men), and more.

August 19 - Motorcycle Poker Run: U.S. Air Force will

lead a motorcycle poker run. Need riders!

Contact Benny Rankin (337-6500).

The poker runs are used as fund raisers to help with

shipping costs...

Longaberger Basket Day !!!

2006-06-25T22:22:00.000-04:00

The Longaberger Basket Bingo event had over 85 players and collected over $3,500 in funds that will be used to send "Care" packages to our Troops serving in Iraq & Afghanistan...
Thank you to all who attended and helped out to make this such a great event for a very special cause...

Click on photos to enlarge

Longaberger

LONGABERGER BASKET BINGO!!!

2006-06-07T10:22:00.000-04:00

Longaberger Basket Bingo

Churchville Fire Department

Sunday, June 25th, 2:00 pm.

Contact: T-Bonetooter Restaurant (540) 337-6500

e-mail: fromourhearts@adelphia.net

Route 250 West P.O. Box 504

Churchville, VA. 24421

All proceeds to go to "From Our Hearts" campaign to send care packages to our Troops overseas...

** Bring in $10.00 or above in donationitems from the "Troops Wish List" with your receipt and receive a free BING card! The highest to tal dollar donation receives a special Longaberger item !!!

COME AND SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

Honor them by sponsoring a basket in their name! Every time the basket is announced they will be honored. Bring a picture and we will post it to show our pride for all they have done. Contact T-Bone Tooter for more information. (540) 337-6500

Game & Basket

1. Flora Basket...............................$56.34................Regular Game

2. Scallop Boutique........................$62.09............... Postage Stamp

3. LunchBox....................................$63.24................Small Picture Frame

4. Spring Basket Set.....................$83.93................B&O's

5. Tea Basket Set..........................$50.59................Crazy L

6. Med. Wall Pocket......................$67.84.................Diagonal Line

7. Carry-Along Basket..................$73.58..................Verticle Line

8. 2pt Basket w/ protector............$56.34..................Letter I

9. Carry-N-Caddy Basket............$79.33.................. Plus Sign +

10. Small Gathering......................$104.63................Blackout

11. Game Duo Basket set...........$85.08...................Lg Picture Frame

12. Beverage Tote Basket...........$56.34..................Block of 6

13. Crocus Basket........................$90.83..................Unlucky

14. Media Basket.........................$67.84...................I & G's

15. Vanity Basket Set..................$88.53...................N-Row + 4 corners

16. Catalog Basket......................$67.84...................Letter X

17. Tall Tissue set........................$77.03...................Crazy Kite

18. Sm Scallop Pocket...............$56.34.................. .Letter T-straight

19. Bread Basket set..................$72.43....................Horizontal

20. Cookie Jar w\protector.........$112.68.................Blackout

Extra Game- Bucket Handbag...$67.84...................Two postage stamps

Presale Drawings:Small Majolica Garden Floral Tote: Value $34.49 Donated by Kay Clifton...

Grilling Sauce & Salsa: Value $23.00 Donated by Kay Clifton

1 pt. Crock: Value $17.25 Donated by Kay Clifton

...........................................................................................................................................................................

We will also be doing a 50\50 drawing... Then two raffles and the prizes are an "All-in-One" game basket set: Value $267.90 Picnic Basket set: Value $188.56

Troop Wish List... AT&T Phone Cards, Air Fresheners (No Aerosol Cans), Baby Wipes / Wet Wipes, Band-Aids, Bandanna, Batteries, Beef Jerky, Book LightsBooks \ Brown Washcloth & Towels, Candy (No Chocolate), Canned Chicken, CD's & DVD's, Chapstick, Cheese (That can stand heat), Chips, Cookies, Crackers, Deoderant (Travel Size), Desitine, Disposable Cameras, Duct Tape, Electrical Tape, Eye Drops, Fans (Hand-held), First Aid Kits, foot Powder, Hankerchief, Lotion (Travel Size), Microwave Meals (Hormel), Neosporin, Off (Bug Repellant), Paper \ Envelopes \ Pens, Peanuts, Potted Meat, Powered Drink Mix, Ramen Noodles, Sewing Kits (Travel size), Shampoo (Travel size), Shop Towels, Slim Jims, Soap (Travel size), Soap Holders, Socks (White over the calf), Soup (Pop top, heat & serve), Stridex Pads, Sunflower Seeds, Toothbrush and holders, Toothpaste (Travel Size), Tuna, Twin Sheets / Bed pillows, Zip Ties, Ziplock bags (Qt & Gallon size), * Things not to send.... Pork Products, Chocolate, Aerosol Cans... Donations always welcomed for it allows us to purchase those items needed to make complete "Packages"....

"Getting ready to roll"...

2006-05-22T08:21:00.000-04:00

"Bugs"

Memorial Weekend at T-Bone Tooter's
Saturday & Sunday, May 27-28 - Churchville (Rt. 250 West)
T-Bone Tooter's Restaurant, Rt. 250 West, P.O. Box 504,
Churchville, VA 24421 - Phone: 540 337.6500
www.fromrhearts.blogspot.com

Come and join us as we kick off our campaign to support our troops
that fight for our freedom! Show your support by bringing as many
items as you can. These care packages have a little of everything
just to show our troops that we care!

Names & Addresses: Bring names and addresses of active military.
Care packages will be sent weekly between Memorial Day and
September 11th.

Thank You from Troops: Thank you letters and pictures from last
year's campaign will be on display. Come see the lives we have touched.
Letters from Community: We will be taking up letters from the
community to send to the troops in our packages.
Saturday Events, May 27
2-5 p.m. Meet Sgt. Chad Ellinger, USMC, and show your support.
2-5 p.m. Children's activities to show our support.
2-5 p.m. Meet military families in the community.
5 p.m. Join in the fun and festivities with Karaoke with Leroy Knott.
Sunday Events, May 28
7:30-9 a.m. A group of Harley Davidson riders will be leaving T-Bone
Tooter's with American flags kicking our journey off for the summer.
Donations: Can be made payable to "From Our Hearts" and mailed
to T-Bone Tooter's (see above).

From Our Hearts Committee:
Dianne & Benny Rankin: 337-6500
Elaine Spedding: 540 820-3106
Kay Clifton: 337-6128
Donna Moyer: 540 434-0239
Dimple Moyer: 540 434-0239
Lynn Mitchell - Staunton: 540 886-0340
Steve Kijak - Stuarts Draft: 540 466-0440
*****************************************************************
Upcoming From Our Hearts Events
June 3: Churchville Poker Run for Motorcycle Riders.
Info: Bennie Rankin (337-6500)
Coming in June: Longaberger Basket Bingo
Weekly: Packing/shipping care packages
Ongoing: Donations can be dropped off at T-Bone's
***************************************************

Kick-Off Weekend

2006-05-16T00:41:00.000-04:00

Kick-Off Weekend...
"From Our Hearts"

Kick-off weekend is almost here and will happen on Memorial Day weekend May 26th - 28th at T-Bone Tooter in Churchville...

More information on events and times will follow in the next couple of days...

Please leave time during this weekend to stop by and become part of the crowd proudly supporting our Troop's serving our country...

Help us show the Troops that the "Valley" supports them all...

Local Virginia Military Members...

2006-04-25T21:48:00.000-04:00

Local Virginia Patriot's

Major Thomas P. Nelson III, with U.S. Representative Bob Goodlatte (R) VA. in Kandahar, Afghanistan during a visit made by the Congressmen to the area. Major Nelson is from the 6th District of Virginia which Bob Goodlatte represents and has just returned from Afghanistan after 11 months deployment. He is now stationed in Vicenza, Italy and will be returning to the states in a short time...

Sgt. Marcus R. Averill with Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell...
After working the polls for George W. Bush and George Allen in November of 2000, Marcus left for boot camp the day after the victorious election. It was peacetime. Since then Marcus was on Pentagon duty shortly after 9/11, before being deployed first to Afghanistan and then to Iraq three times, He has already re-enlisted twice.

Marcus is the Nuclear/Chemical/Biological (NBC) non-com for his unit. He is also the personal security detail for the commanding officer and accompanies him on all trips throughout the region. He has been selected for Ranger School and will fulfill that upon his return from Iraq.

He is presently stationed at Ft. Gabe in Baquoba, Iraq, His wife and 8 year old son are at their home at Ft. Carson, Colorado and since his two week mid-tour leave in March, they are now happily expecting a new arrival in December.

Sgt. Averill's mother is Trixie Averill who is a 6th District member of the Republican State Central Committee which makes him one of our local "Heroes"... I asked her for a photo to post and how much he appreciates "Packages & Notes" from home and this is what she wrote:

"Yes, he said that the care packages are terribly important because it means contact from home, and it also provides them with snacks at any time, and things that they can carry in their packs. Not everyone has family to send packages though so he always tells me to send plenty and he shares with his soldiers. It is amazing how much of a family they become over there. Whatever one gets, they share with everyone."

The 2006 "FROM OUR HEARTS" campaign is about to start this upcoming Memorial Weekend May 26th.

Many people from last year have shown great interest in helping again this year and we look forward to providing a consistent supply of "Care Packages" to the troops from the Virginia Valley...

Note from Baghdad...

2006-03-24T00:49:00.000-05:00

15 March 2006
1241 hrs.

Hi Steve,
I am Honored.

What a morale builder to see that sign & our beloved flag on one of my favorite highways. Thank you & all involved. You all have made my deployment and I am humbled indeed.

I speak to many of the locals over here in broken or no english whatsoever, they tell me or make me understand just how much they love America, our President, and our free society. We did the right thing here. We had the means, that gave us the responsibility.

So many of these good people have told me the horrors under which they have lived and the tragedys of losing family...
I spoke with a Colonel and a Captain of the Pifsh-merga Malitia (Kurds). The Colonels family was buried alive under their house by Red Guards. The Captains brother was fed to the lions-alive! These truely world class warriors, respect us and loved that I take time to learn as much as I can from them. I really enjoy soldiering with such good people. They teach me (with patience) their language, their culture, customs & courtesys.

They also love to hear of America, my family and my good friends back home. I'm happy to be here. I'm blessed to have supporters like you, your fellow workers, and of course SWAC... Thanks to all of you! Our home-front warriors!

Your Militant, Conservative, Republican Warrior,
Herb Harman

Ssgt. Herb Harman is presently serving his country and all of it's Citizens in Baghdad Iraq. He volunteered for this duty and assignment and finds time to let us know that our efforts are appreciated by he and his fellow troops. I have been fortunate to meet several soldiers that have served with him and he is held in the highest regard. He is a member of SWAC (Staunton-Waynesboro-Augusta- County Republican group) and is also coordinating distribution of "Care Packages" being sent over to him by the "From Our Hearts" program operating out of Churchville, Virginia...

Rally in Staunton...

2006-03-22T10:47:00.000-05:00

Staunton Va, 18 March 2006

This past Saturday the "Augusta Coalition for Peace & Justice" planned to hold a protest in downtown Staunton for the 3rd anniversary of the start of the war in Iraq. Upon their arrival they found several "Troop Supporters" who then turned into numerous supporters before they knew it. Many people came out to support the troops and to counter the claims being made by the anti-war group...

Please go to: http://rightsideva.blogspot.com for more info and photos about this event...

"Support Our Troops"

2006-03-17T19:16:00.000-05:00

Who we are...

Help us in showing support for our troops that are fighting to keep our freedom. Last year we knew we wanted to do something to show we care and say thank you but like many others we were not real sure how to go about doing this. It came to our attention that there were many who were not fortunate enough to be receiving “Care Packages” from home and there was a need. Our hearts went out to these awesome individuals, so we adopted them for the summer of 2005. We worked with people within the Shenandoah Valley and collected items\letters that were sent over on a weekly basis “From Our Hearts” to show we cared…

We will be doing this again for the summer of 2006 and will be kicking it off our campaign this Memorial Day weekend and ending September 11th. Please join us to make the 2006 campaign even bigger and better! Each weekend we will be focusing on a theme of items, however, any items can be donated. This is a great way for your company, church group, or organization to get involved! All donations will be accepted at T-Bone Tooter Restaurant, Churchville, and any of our staff will be glad to assist in any questions you may have by calling (540) 337-6500... Listed below are members of the “From Our Hearts” committee with contact numbers that can be called for additional information if you would like to help contribute…

Sincerely,
Benny & Dianne Rankin
Owners, T-Bone Tooter

Donations can be made payable to: “From Our Hearts” and mailed to:
T-Bone Tooter Route 250 West P.O. Box 504 Churchville, VA. 24421

Elaine Spedding
540 820-3106

Kay Clifton

540 337-6128

Donna & Dimple Moyer

540 434-0239

Lynn Mitchell - Staunton
540 886-0340

Steve Kijak - Stuarts Draft
540 466-0440

MWD's and the Troops...

2006-03-05T21:12:00.000-05:00

Sgt. Gmitter & WMD "Este"

Sgt. Shipman & "Hexe"

Sgt. Marini & "Max"

MWD's

Military Working Dogs...

These are photo's of our troops, including the four leg troops, who are fighting the War on Terrorism in both Iraq and Afghanistan. These are also some of the troops that received "Care Packages" from the "From Our Hearts" program. We have received many notes from these troops expressing their gratitude and this makes it worth all the efforts.

We are already starting to make plans for the 2006 season that starts on Memorial day and will run to September 11th. If you are interested in helping to support or troops please contact the staff at T-Bone Tooters at (540) 337-6500 for information...

Donations can also be sent to "From our Hearts" Route 250 West P.O. Box 504 Churchville, VA. 24421 and will be greatly appreciated...

Items Requested by the Troops...

2006-03-03T22:10:00.000-05:00

Troop Wish List...

AT&T Phone Cards
Air Fresheners (No Aerosol Cans)
Baby Wipes / Wet Wipes
Band-Aids
Bandanna
Batteries AA
Beef Jerky
Book Lights
Books \ Magazines
Brown Washcloth & Towels
Candy (No Chocolate)
Canned Chicken
CD's & DVD's
Chapstick
Cheese (That can stand heat)
Chips
Cookies
Crackers
Deoderant (Travel Size)
Desitine
Dip (Non-perishable)
Disposable Cameras
Duct Tape
Electrical Tape
Eye Drops
Fans (Hand-held)
Flea Collars
First Aid Kits
foot Powder
Hankerchief
Lotion (Travel Size)
Microwave Meals (Hormel)
Neosporin
Off (Bug Repellant)
Paper \ Envelopes \ Pens
Peanuts
Potted Meat
Powered Drink Mix
Ramen Noodles
Sewing Kits (Travel size)
Shampoo (Travel size)
Shop Towels
Slim Jims
Soap (Travel size) Soap Holders
Socks (White over the calf)
Soup (Pop top, heat & serve)
Stridex Pads
Sunflower Seeds
Toothbrush and holders
Toothpaste (Travel Size)
Tuna
Twin Sheets / Bed pillows
Zip Ties
Ziplock bags (Qt & Gallon size)

* Things not to send.... Pork Products, Chocolate, Aerosol Cans...
Donations always welcomed for it allows us to purchase those items needed to make complete "Packages"....

From Our Hearts....

2006-03-03T21:18:00.000-05:00

SGT. Shipman & MWD "Hexe"

"From Our Hearts" was created by Benny & Dianne Rankin of Churchville, VA. who are the owners of "T-Bone Tooter" restaurant to support those troops from the Shenandoah Valley serving in the military. Benny & Dianne, with the help of several dedicated volunteers, collect and package assorted "Care" packages and mail them to troops on the front lines of the war on terrorism in Iraq & Afghanistan. With the assistance of the local Republican party SWAC (Staunton-Waynesboro-Augusta County), From Our Hearts contact troops from the local area to provide items needed and requested to help those serving us while serving in Iraq\Afghanistan.

Donations can be made payable to "From Our Hearts" and mailed to: T-Bone Tooter Route 250 West P.O. Box 504 Churchville, VA. 24421 (540) 337-6500

"From Our Hearts" Committee:

Elaine Spedding (540) 820-3106

Dianne Rankin (540) 337-6500

Kay Clifton (540) 337-6128

Donna Moyer (540) 434-0239

Dimple Moyer (540) 434-0239