Happy Holidays

Wishing you the most Joyous of Holiday's. Peace and good will to all.

Tom Clegg, SOS Coordinator

AN EVENING HONORING OUR FALLEN SOLDIERS

Sunday night, September 16, 2012, we paid tribute to our Fallen Soldiers. The Survivor Outreach Services Annual Candlelight Remembrance Ceremony provides a forum for Surviving Families and special guests to come together to honor their the memory of their loved ones.  This years event include a Pot Luck dinner in which families were encouraged to bring a dish that was a favorite of their Soldier. After a wonderful dinner we began the Candlelight Ceremony with the Pledge of Alegiance and a wonderful message from Chaplain  (COL) Thomsen who also lit the center candle in honor of all of our Fallen Soldiers. The lighting of individual candles was done by each Surviving Family followed by the sending of their personal messages (this is the blue paper tube seen in some photos, as it burned down, it would rise up and disapear in ash sending the message written to the soldier). Families were then invited to say a few words about their Soldier or memories. Our soloist Amberlee Clement shared an acapela version of  James Taylors "You've got a friend". After closing the Ceremony all were invited to share in some wonderful deserts. See the pictures below.




Pitching in for a successful evening



SOS Coordinator Explaining Ceremony to Family

Two of our great SOS Kids

SOS SC Welcoming Everyone

Some wonderful dishes were shared

Family enjoying dinner

Too much excitement for some

Three Generations honoring their Soldier

Enjoying each others company

One Big Happy Family

Our special guests

Chaplain conveyes a touching message

Lighting candles of our Fallen.

Watching their message rise

Family waits in anticipation

Burning the message paper

Ligting the message paper

Lighting the candle in honor of Husband and Father

Lighting the memorial candle together

A little help from little hands

Sharing memories of a Son

A Father honors his Sons legacy

Sharing some thoughtful quotes

Our wonderful soloist sings "You've got a friend"

Bring on the desert

Do you think they enoy their cupcakes?



I'm not sure what to say?????



This one loves to smile

Making new friends

Enjoying family

Family forever

Candlelight Remembrance Reminder.

Its not too late to RSVP for our Annual Remembrance Ceremony. 

For information click here

The RSVP Cutoff is 12/12/12.

If you have questions, contact me:

Thomas Clegg Jr.

Survivor Outreach Services

Support Coordinator

Fort Drum, NY

DSN: 772-6357

COMM: 315-772-6357

FAX: 315-772-6965

email: thomas.j.clegg@us.army.mil or thomas.j.clegg.civ@mail.mil
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=tn_tnmn

Snowball Express VII Send off

This morning, before the sun came up, we bid a brief farewell to our SOS Families as the departed for Snowball Express VII in Dallas Texas. I wanted to share the itinerary of this wonderful annual event to entice other families to participate. I know its hard to break free from your daily life for 5 days, but after seeing this, how can you say no. I'll post the registration information for next year here and on Facebook as soon as its released.

I know our 3 families will be having a great time and I can't wait to once again hear the stories of their time spent at Snowball Express.

first to board.



Up early, but you could sense the anticipation in the air



Kids can't wait

Patriot Guard Riders Proudly Serving

To Our Snowball Express Family,

Well, in a few short we will welcome you to Dallas-Fort Worth and we could not be more excited. Each member of our Board of Directors and volunteer teams who work all year to plan this event look forward to welcoming you with open arms.  I wanted to send you a quick note to tell you a bit about our plans and what to expect. Of course I can't tell you everything as that would spoil the surprises, but I will give you some details so that you can plan ahead.

Arrival Day: Friday

The flights will arrive throughout the day and you will be transported to the Sheraton Dallas Hotel to check in and have some time to get acquainted with one another. Lunch and dinner will be served in the Dallas Ballroom. The lounges will be open for both Children and Adults. You can take your kids to the Neiman Marcus store located on the 2nd level ATRIUM room to shop for you. While your kids are shopping for you, you can visit the Family Resource room that is located adjacent in the Press Club Room.

A Special Holiday Tree Lighting Festival:

At 5:30 PM, the Lounges will close and we will all go to a special "Holiday Tree Lighting Festival" event for the kids at the AT&T performing Arts Center a few blocks away. The Performing Arts Center has constructed a "wonderland" for the kids complete with an ice skating rink, a giant walk in snow globe, Santa's Courtyard, craft tables, AirStar Light Balloons, Food, some amazing entertainment from the cast of  "Cirque Dreams", and several other surprise acts. Santa will light the giant Christmas Tree and he has asked me to select one of our boys and girls to help him light the tree.

Not all of our families will have arrived yet, but I would like to have everyone who has arrived join me to attend this very special event. There will be lots of fun for both kids and adults.  

When we return from the festival the lounges will open again.

Saturday:

We will have breakfast and then board busses for the biggest event of the year in Dallas, the annual Children's Medical Center Holiday Parade. This is the 25th anniversary of this special parade that supports the patients of Children's Medical Center in Dallas. This is the largest City event of the year and kicks off the Christmas season in a great way with lots of fun for the kids. We have reserved seating so you won't have to worry about fighting the crowds.

And The Grand Marshals of the parade are some very special kids from Children's Medical Center. There will be giant inflatable balloons, bands, performance groups, special groups including some of our friends; Navy SEALS from the  "Carry the Load" organization, kid's celebrities and costume characters.

For those not going to Six Flags, there are some options:

Many of our families will go to Six Flags over Texas amusement park, while some families will be able to go back to the hotel for lunch and then take their younger kids to the Interactive Windows at Neiman Marcus, or go to the North Park Center Mall where there is a Puppet show, an elaborate toy train exhibit, and of course shopping.

The Neiman Marcus Interactive Windows allow children ages 5-10 the opportunity to enter a magical world created in the store's display windows.

Some of our kids have signed up to participate in the Texas Music Project and they will get to spend time in the afternoon working with some professional musicians and artists. They will also rehearse for a special Monday afternoon show where they will entertain the rest of us. These kids will be in a show with several professional young performers. More information is included under Monday.

The lounges at the Sheraton will also be open for some fun and relaxation.

Sunday:

We will have breakfast at the hotel and then board the buses for our day in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards for some BIG Texas Fun.  The city of Fort Worth and the Stock Yard Station is a legendary location. Stockyard station exemplifies Texas by providing a blend of old and new. It is a real cowboy hang out and they have quite a time in store for you with a great show to welcome you to Fort Worth. A special celebrity welcome, a cattle drive, lunch and entertainment in "the back forty", "Pawnee Bill Wild West Show" at the Coliseum, and then dinner, fun and entertainment at Billy Bob's Texas. Billed as the "Worlds Largest Honky Tonk", Billy Bob's is host to some of Country's biggest entertainment.

There will be games, pool tables, a variety of entertainment, and our annual concert with Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band. Gary has some special treats in store this year, so get ready.

Monday:

We will have a leisurely morning at the hotel with Breakfast, and Lunch. We will then walk about a block to the historic Majestic Theatre where we will enjoy the Texas Music Project/Snowball has Talent Show that will introduce you to several of our very talented kids. Also performing in this show with our kids will be several professional young performers introduced by Linda Septien.

Who is Linda Septien and who has she taught:

Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, Jessica Simpson, Ryan Cabrerra, Ashlee Simpson, Beyonce Knowles, Cameron Mitchell (Glee), Ashley Beottcher ( They Live Upstairs), Jonathan Cook (Forever The Sickest Kids), Kevin McHale ( Glee), Cody Lynley, Kacey Musgraves, Nick Lachey, Chase Crawford (Gossip Girl), Hunter Parrish (Weeds, Spring Awakening, It's Complicated), Janine Turner  (Northern Exposure, Cliff Hanger, Leave it To Beaver). Maelise Jow - (Nichelodeon), McCall Clark, (High School Musical 2), Brooklyn Sudano (Donna Summers Daughter), Tammy Fey - (Justin Timberlake Tour), Tyler Bryant (Star of Rock Prophecies, Will and Grace management), Kevin Haley (Glee), 10 American Idol Finalists, X factor finalists and The Voice finalists, leading Broadway singers, and over 30 rock, pop and country bands.  Additionally, she has taught all of the Barney singers, Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, Kidz Bop and is the official music expert spokesperson for Dallas American Idol Auditions and many regional television and radio programs.

Here are a few of the professional entertainers who will be performing for our Snowball Kids:

Hayley Orrantia:

18 year old singer, songwriter and actress from Highland Village. Hayley was recently seen on Simon Cowell's The X Factor USA as part of the girl group Lakoda Rayne where they were the last group in the competition and made it to the top 9. As a solo artist, Hayley has had songs recorded by Disney on the soundtracks for Tinkerbell and the Lost Treasure, Camp Rock 2 and Hannah Montana Forever. She's opened for several major artists and celebrities including Hot Chelle Rae, JLS, Julianne Hough, Jordan Pruitt, Drew Seeley, Paula Deen and Rachel Ray.

Ryan Atkin:

16 year old Ryan Atkin is an entertainer whose output is consistently stellar. Ryan was The Judges Choice for The Best Teen Artist at the House of Blues. He has already opened for The Fray, Disney top Artists, such as Jordan Pruitt, worked with Justin Bieber, and has done countless videos. Ryan is also a successful Actor who was a Lead in five movies.

Colton Jacobson:

At the age of 14, Colton Jacobson has found his passion, MUSIC. With a piano and a video recorder, the young pop singer quickly found his audience when he introduced himself via YouTube with his amazing home videos covering songs such as "It Will Rain" by Bruno Mars, which earned him the #2 most shared video on YouTube during that period. With over 3.6 million YouTube views to date, Jacobson has become one of YouTube's most promising young artists. The singer has gained over 40 Thousand Facebook fans and 133 Thousand Twitter followers, building a foundation of fans that are truly inspired by his music. Jacobson, a Texas native, in August was chosen out of a national audition to participate in the Kidd Kraddick Rock Camp 2012 serving as vocalist and keyboard player for the band. The one week camp led by pop radio personality Kidd Kraddick, was an opportunity for Jacobson to get advice from entertainment mentors such as Jack Black and record a song with pop music's Karmin.

Koa Ho:

Koa is a 15 year old guitar virtuoso from Honolulu who blends his unique instrumental riffs with smooth overriding vocals. His music blends underlying Jazz influences with both the formalities of classical music and smooth rock. Besides his signature guitar style, Koa has also made his mark as an upright bass player performing at large venues such as Carnegie Hall, Meyerson Symphony Center, House of Blues and The American Airlines Center. Because of his ability on not only guitar and bass, but on piano and drums, Koa's songs are instrument driven with intricate support from his musical agility.

Rudi:

To be taken on an amazing emotional and vocal journey through a song is tough for any artist to pull off. When 17 year old Rudi flourishes on a rapid fire of high octave notes, slick choruses and genre hopping pop songs from straight ahead, 4 on the floor to urban pop. As a singer/songwriter/actor, Rudi can handle a wide range of vocal challenges with absolutely no pitch discrepancies...while fully entertaining with freestyle choreography. Rudi has opened for major Disney and Nickelodeon performers and appeared on Nightline as the most promising rising young vocalist for this generation! ... and she loves to sing Latin Pop.

After the show we will return to the Sheraton Hotel for dinner and a short break.

At 6:00 PM we will load busses and travel a few miles to the Music Hall at Fair Park for our:

"Snowball Sensation - Variety Show Extreme"

This will be a great interactive extravaganza that will have everyone dancing and jumping for joy!

 

We can't wait to see you in a few days. 

With Love,

The Snowball Express Board of Directors and Event Planning Teams

SOS Family Night "Holiday Cookie Exchange"

Please RSVP 315-772-6357 or email thomas.j.clegg@us.army.mil

A Time of Holiday Remembrance

Happy Thanksgiving

From my heart to yours, I wish all of you a safe and happy Thanksgiving.  ~Tom

Candlelight Remembrance Ceremony



Fort Drum Survivor Outreach Services will be hosting

Surviving Families and special guests for our annual Holiday gathering.

This year our gathering will be a pot luck dinner followed by the Candlelight Ceremony.
We invite all attendees to bring one of their Soldiers favorite holiday dishes.



 Date: December 16, 2012

Time: 4:00 pm—8:00 pm

Where:

Fort Drum Family Life and Spiritual Fitness Center

P-4405 Po Valley Rd.

Fort Drum, New York  13602

Please RSVP for this event by:

December 12, 2012 by phone or email to:

Thomas Clegg Jr.

SOS Support Coord.

315-772-6357

thomas.j.clegg@us.army.mil

 

Please send a picture of your Soldier for display

Welcome and Subscribe

We seem to be getting alot of traffic lately on our Newsletter Blog. This is great, if your new to the Blog, welcome, take some time to look around and be sure you Subscribe with your email so you can continue to receive updates when new posts are added.

 

Grief and Loss: Coping During the Holidays

Tomorrow's Hunter *Passing the tradition to our youth*

Tomorrow's Hunter

Tomorrow's Hunter is actively working toward recruiting, educating and retaining future hunters and fisherman.  Our approach to reaching kids is very broad and encompasses a  number of different avenues.

I received an email from Gino earlier today about this program. They're looking to reach out to surviving children of deceased service members who are interested in hunting and fishing.

If interested, let me know, I'll keep you updated as this develops further.

Tom

Beautiful Poem.

·  Shared by one of our Gold Star Wives.

·       

 In Memory of Fallen Heroes Fallen Hero By Anonymous

 I stare at the casket; Draped with the nation’s cloth.

 I’m momentarily startled; As the guns go off.

Another fallen soldier; Being laid to rest.

I struggle to breathe; For this tightness in my chest.

 The bugler so smooth; As he hits every note.

It is hard to swallow; Because of this lump in my throat.

Tears fall like rain; As I look to the sky.

No matter how many times I hear it; Taps still makes me cry.

The bugle now silent; As we pray for the dead.

I gather myself; As I bow down my head.

Lord bless these heroes; Who have given their lives.

Comfort their children; Their husbands and wives.

Let us not forget: They have give their all.

Let the bugle be silent; let no more soldiers fall.

~~Author Unknown

AFAP Delegates Needed **DATE CHANGED***

AFAP Conference is approaching, Survivor Delegates Needed.

***BE AWARE OF DATE CHANGE FROM 23-24 TO 28-29****



SOS Family Night **Cancelled**

We are rescheduling for either Tuesday 10/9 or Thursday 10/11 weather permitting.

Wednesday October 3rd is our Monthly SOS Family Night.

I've checked the forcast and it looks to be a perfect evening for Star Gazing.

Sunset is at 6:41 so we should have our first star sighting before 7:00 pm. Actually it will probably be a planet sighting.

Tom Aiken our local Astronomer will be here with his 6 ft long 12" Diameter hand built Telescope and setting up between 6:30 and 7:00

We will be meeting at ACS at 6:00 pm for a Pot Luck Dinner and moving over to the field at 7:00.

This was a popular activity last year for both kids and adults, especially when we gazed at the inside of moon craters and the rings of Saturn.

See some of the pictures below.

Expect the temperature to be a bit chilly so bring a jacket. This will be a late evening for best viewing we will probably be out until around 9:00 pm.