Dawn Hicks

Armed Forces Foundation - Childrens Holiday Party 2011

2011-12-26T19:55:00.000-08:00

Here is a list of some amazing people who worked so hard to bring smiles to 111 military children at the Armed Forces Foundation's 2nd annual holiday party! Dr. Jay Wasserman & family, Joyce Sheridan - JBAB Youth Center, Darrilyn Young - NCR MWR, Armed Forces Foundation volunteers and staff, members of the US Air Force Presidential Honor Guard Drill Team, Super Magic Man, NYX Entertainment, Cakel...ove, Anthony's Pizza, and Aaron's Furniture, Jodi & Scott Cessna, Julia Pauline, Sandra Bryan-Grier, Ciji Dodds, Chardia Murray, Margo Huffman, Siouxzan Moore, Angie Hionis- Bell, Carrie Bledsoe, Brandi Pope, and Jennifer Phillips. Extra special thanks to Todd, Maddie, and Aidan who are the thought behind the action from this end. It was a good day!

Spirit of Christmas Parade - Altoona, PA

2011-12-02T09:28:00.000-08:00

Salute to Veterans - Selinsgrove, PA

2011-11-05T12:25:00.001-07:00

America's Theme Pageants "Glitz, Glam, and Giving" to Benefit MS

2011-11-05T12:24:00.001-07:00

Dress for Success of South Central Pennsylvania Annual Gala

2011-11-05T12:23:00.000-07:00

Hanover Halloween Parade

2011-11-05T12:18:00.000-07:00

Happy Tails Therapy Dogs - Wild West Fall Fest

2011-10-23T19:30:00.000-07:00

Virginia/Maryland International Pageant 2012

2011-10-23T19:24:00.001-07:00

New York International Pageant 2012

2011-10-03T10:51:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the New York International 2012 Titleholders and to all of the ladies who shined so brightly this weekend!

Miss Teen New York International 2012 - Micaela Bishop
Miss New York International 2012 - Adele Scala
Mrs. New York International 2012 - Lisa Warren

Weigelstown Lion's Club - 9-11 Dinner

2011-09-13T19:36:00.000-07:00

Flight 93 Memorial Dedication

2011-09-13T19:01:00.000-07:00

"An ordinary field one day, a field of honor forever."

Ten years after the horrific and life altering events of September 11th, 2001, phase 1 of the Flight 93 memorial was dedicated to the 40 American hero's on board United Flight 93 who saved the lives of an untold number. On that day, they showed the world that the strength, courage, and will of average Americans, is not something to be underestimated.

When most people recount that day, they often start out with "It was a beautiful day", as if bad things should only happen on cold, rainy days. Most people can also recall what they were doing in the hours leading up to the attacks and even what they were wearing that day. It was a profound event that changed the landscape of American life and left holes in the hearts of the families left behind. As a nation, we were shocked, sad, and angry, but what no one expected was, as a country we were more united than ever and we continue to be even 10 years later.

The Flight 93 National Memorial Campaign is about $10 million short from completing the memorial. If you would like To donate or learn more, please visit www.honorflight93.org or call 202.354.6488.

Dress for Success, 9-11 Reflection

2011-09-07T19:42:00.001-07:00

One Pearl at a Time - In honor of all the victims and heroes of 9-11, Dress for Success (DFS) clients in South Central PA reflect upon the 10th anniversary of that tragic day and pay tribute to the countless men and women who demonstrated not only courage under fire, but more importantly grace under fire.

DFS clients have also faced great adversity, yet shown remarkable courage. In honor of their firm resolve to improve the quality of their lives, I was honored to present DFS clients fresh water pearls on their behalf; A reminder of their own resilience and transformation.

A special thank you to Ruth Koup and Rabiya Khan for inviting me to be a part of this special day and to Debi Swarner for being the master facilitator! :D

Pennsylvania Veterans Commission Meeting

2011-09-07T19:23:00.000-07:00

On September 2nd, thanks to PA Rep Jerry Stern, I had the honor of addressing the Pennsylvania State Veterans Commission which is composed of representatives of all the veteran service organizations across the state.

When I walked in the room, a part of me felt like I was home. Seeing the veterans of Korea and Vietnam motioning for support on behalf of their organizations was a great experience. As the meeting ended, I met with the Adjunct General, Brigadier General Gould, who has the has the extremely difficult task of allocating $1 million for the 1 million veterans in PA...$1 per vet, per year.

Despite the limited resources, veterans groups are doing amazing work in our communities, from making sure vets have access to health care to providing scholarships for dependent children. I'm continually impressed and grateful for those who volunteer their time to make sure the veterans that follow are taken care of and continue the legacy!

Peach Blossom Pageant

2011-08-21T14:04:00.000-07:00

Pirates & Princess Party - Childrens Miracle Network

2011-08-21T13:43:00.000-07:00

Mrs. International 2011

2011-07-28T17:21:00.000-07:00

Can I just say...what an incredible week that was!! On July 18th, Todd, Maddie, and Aidan and I hopped in the car in the middle of the night bound for Chicago, home of the Mrs. International pageant! As we pulled up to the Doubletree, we were met by the most awesome Directors in the whole wide world, Jodi & Scott Cessna. I was hoping Scott would greet us with a plate full of those free cookies they give you at the front desk, but instead he just smiled said I could have all the cookies I wanted Saturday night. Deal!!

After we got checked in, we made our way up to our room (with a ridiculous amount of dresses) and we searched for the room service menu because room service is the best part of any vacation! BTW, if you haven't tried it yet, the fettuccine alfredo is amaaaaziiiing!!

On Tuesday night, we had contestant orientation! It was like a fashion show! I was mesmerized by all the bright colors and sparkles and as I chatted with the other ladies, I found them all to be soooo nice! I think that excited me more than anything!

The next morning was our day out in Chicago! It started with an early wake up call from Marcus Geeter. The things that man can do with make-up still baffles me! When I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror my first words were "How is that even possible??" If you ever find yourself in Chicago and need of an extreme transformation, call Marcus!!

So then we boarded the bus for our tour. How lucky was I that Mrs. Illinois International, Nicole Khayat sat down next to me! I had my own personal tour guide of the city and it turns out we shared a love of cheerleading! We also took a river boat ride through downtown and I learned to never call that tall black building the Willis tower. We then stopped off at the Water Tower Place for lunch. Mrs. California International, Tiffany Ellison suggested we venture into the American Girl Doll store for some dolly clothes for our daughters. Twist my arm!! When we walked in, the little girls noticed our fancy dresses and sashes and in a matter of minutes...we were mobbed! It was by far the highlight of our day! One little girl asked me, "Are you a queen or princess?" I quickly realized that this may be my only chance to feel like the lady who dresses up as Cinderella at Disney world so in my best Cinderella voice, I said to her "I am Queen Dawn from Hanover, Pennsylvania and in my kingdom we make the best potato chips and pretzels on the planet!" She was impressed!

The next morning we had our interviews followed by the Meet & Greet. Now I must say this was a great day! I loved looking at all the ladies in their beautiful gowns, listening to Eddie Peterson's talk (a man who keeps it all in perspective), and munching on deeeelicious dinner! That Mary & Mel sure know how to spoil us!!

Friday night was the preliminary competition. All 53 contestants strutted across the stage in their glory, having a great time! This was the culmination of hours of practice and months if not years of preparation and hard work. We didn't learn the results that night and I think that was a good thing because for that one night, all of us went to bed feeling like Mrs. International.

Saturday was finals night-- the top 12 would be announced, followed by the court, and then the crowning of Mrs. International 2011. This was a hard night because even though my name was called as a finalist, some of my new friends names were not. Knowing how amazing these women are, it just didn't seem fair but I guess that was a chance we were all willing to take going in. As the court was called and I watched the 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st, Winner step forward, I was happy that at some point during the week I had a chance to meet each one of these ladies and see for myself the same amazing qualities the judges saw in them. Congratulations Janet, Tiffany, Donna, Mary-Marsha, and Cydney! You all deserve it!

We ended our night with a full on pageant pig-in at the Coronation Ball! At one point I counted 5 plates in front of me and I think I sampled every dessert they had! After months or eating grilled chicken salads, oatmeal, and being tortured by Tony Horton and his P90X team, I allowed myself to be in hog heaven for the night!

I had one of the most memorable weeks of my life in Chicago and there are many people that helped, inspired, and believed in me -- Thank you to my Todd, Maddie, & Aidan Hicks, Mom, Dad, Uncle Richard, Auntie Joy, Grandma, Jodi, Scott, & Sami Cessna, Shana Williams, Deborah Wright, Suzy Bootz, Sheri Jenkins, Joey Retherford, Clay Spann, Terri Rubin, Kim Meehan, LaQuisha Hall, Evelyn McCleod!!

Big thank you to Mary & Mel Richardson for providing a constructive outlet for all my energy, ideas, and love of all things girly!

To the ladies of the Class of 2011 - I feel like we were just getting started and now you've all gone home. Let's meet back in Chicago in July 2021 for our 10 year reunion!!

Lebanon VA Medical Center

2011-07-12T19:34:00.001-07:00

Baggage Claim #14

2011-07-12T16:29:00.001-07:00

The International airports in Baltimore and Atlanta serve as the main hubs for military personnel deploying and returning home from overseas. Depending on whether they are coming or going, these airports can be very somber or exciting places. Nowhere is this more evident than at BWI's baggage claim 14. If you were to pull up a chair and have a seat at this carousel, you would see a sea of green duffle bags heavier than some 10 year-olds, and weary camo print travelers perking up from jet lag, searching for their uniquely decorated duffle bags. Lastly, you would see the first hugs and kisses after long family separations.

For some service members though, BWI is not home...it's just one stop closer to their final destination. However, that doesn't mean there isn't anyone to welcome them because the USO is also conveniently located at baggage claim 14.

Thank you Ms. Deborah Watson, USO Volunteer Coordinator at BWI Airport and safe travels to LTC Turner as he embarks on a 1 year tour in Tanzania.

A Mrs. Pennsylvania International Tradition

2011-07-10T14:33:00.001-07:00

For years Jodi & Scott Cessna, Directors of the Mrs. Pennsylvania International pageant, have afforded their girls the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at an Altoona Curve baseball game. Yesterday, I was happy to be able to pass along that opportunity to my son Aidan, an All-Star pitcher for the Hanover Braves, while I stood by his side. Baseball is our favorite way to spend time together and so there was nothing like watching him step onto the mound and give em the heater! Go Curve!!

The Armed Forces Foundation Needs Our Help

2011-06-19T09:49:00.000-07:00

As a volunteer for the Armed Forces Foundation, I have seen first hand the dedication this organization has to improving the quality of life of our military community both overseas and here at home. The Armed Forces Foundation is always in need of volunteers and funds to support its programs which include:

General Fund
Morale, Welfare, & Recreation
Hospital Dinners
Career Counseling
Family Assistance Program
Operation Caring Classroom
Outdoor Sports Program

What does the Armed Forces Foundation do??

To make a donation and help expand the reach of the Armed Forces Foundation please visit:

http://www.armedforcesfoundation.org/donations/

Happy Flag Day!!

2011-06-14T18:23:00.000-07:00

As we celebrate the history and legacy of our nation’s flag, we also honor the brave men and women in uniform who stand vigilant in defending it. And, so, too, we honor those companion animals who stay with unyielding loyalty alongside our soldiers, comfort them and keep them strong in the stand for freedom. Stand with us today in honor of Patriot Pets. To help reunite U.S. soldiers with their wartime pets please consider making a donation at:

https://www.spcai.org/support-operation-baghdad-pups.html

State Capitol Visit

2011-06-13T18:45:00.000-07:00

Thank you Representative Jerry Stern for such a special day in our State Capitol. We could have easily spent all day in there reading the walls and admiring the intricate details left behind from our past leaders for all future generations to admire and gain wisdom from!

My favorite... "It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced." - Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address

Mrs. MD/DE/VA United States Pageant

2011-06-13T18:30:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Tamika Hall - Mrs Maryland United States 2011, Katie Barrie - Mrs. Virginia United States 2011, and Angie Hionis-Bell - Mrs. Delaware United States 2011. Maddie, her friend Grace, and I had a great time in Dover, DE catching up with friends and watching all the amazing delegates go for their dreams! Such an incredible group of women!

Smart Magazine Interview

2011-06-09T18:20:00.000-07:00

Thank you Kara Eberle for taking an interest in my story and for highlighting my mission as Mrs. Pennsylvania International 2011 in the July/August edition of Smart Magazine.

http://issuu.com/mngtargetedproducts/docs/smartjulyaug-issuu

Effects of Soldiers’ Deployment on Children’s Academic Performance and Behavioral Health

2011-06-04T14:28:00.000-07:00

View the 2011 RAND study on the long term effects of deployments on academic performance and behavioral health of our military children. A must read if your family has experienced a deployment!

http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monographs/2011/RAND_MG1095.pdf

The researchers found that children whose parents have deployed 19 months or more since 2001 have modestly lower, statistically different achievement scores compared to those who have experienced less or no parental deployment. This finding held across states and academic subjects; is consistent across rank or component of the soldier, seniority of the soldier, gender of the deploying parent, and gender of the child; and has been stable since 2001. Based on interviews with school staff having experience with children of deployed soldiers and with experts and key stakeholders in behavioral health, the report describes the academic and behavioral health challenges these children face related to deployment, identifies the barriers to addressing these challenges, and offers recommendations to better meet the needs of these children.

Armed Forces Day on City Island - Harrisburg, PA

2011-05-22T13:17:00.001-07:00

Armed Forces Day is a day to honor Americans serving in the U.S. military and it also provides a glimpse into daily military life. Pennsylvanian's came out to show their support and visit with the more than 90 military agencies and veteran groups that transformed City Island into a bustling military base for the day. I was honored to kick off the Sound Off for Vets concert series, a fundraiser for the Wounded Warrior Project, dress up my sister queens Julia Pauline and Kaitlyn Lucas in body armour, and show people how to work the seatbelts on a Blackhawk! Happy Armed Forces Day everyone!

Armed Forces Day on the Island - May 21st Harrisburg, PA

2011-05-09T19:20:00.000-07:00

The 10th annual Armed Forces Day (AFD) will be held rain or shine on Saturday, May 21, 2011, on Harrisburg's City Island.

As the culmination of a week long celebration of the our Central Pennsylvania military and civilians, AFD is a unique FREE, fun-filled, family event that transforms City Island into a sprawling military base for the day.

AFD features an extensive array of military displays, exhibitions, information booths, musical guests, living history demonstrations, and family and children's activities.

Join me as I help kick off the Sound Off for Vets concert series. All proceeds go to the Wounded Warrior Project! There will be food, fun, and activities for all ages!

Warrior Classic Golf Tournament

2011-05-06T18:44:00.001-07:00

AFF & AWA Annual Golf Tournament

2011-04-26T20:09:00.000-07:00

For the last few years the Armed Forces Foundation (AFF) has helped our friends at the Asymmetric Warrior Association (AWA) with their annual charity golf tournament. As some may know, the AWA was formed in order to foster camaraderie among all ranks of the Asymmetric Warfare Group (AWG), provide a forum for information programs not otherwise available, and provide revenue to support scholarships and charitable donations. This year, their golf tournament is being held on May 5th, 2011 at Renditions Golf Course and Country Club in Davidsonville, MD. Come out with your friends and enjoy a beautiful day on the golf course for a great cause!!

The Asymmetric Warrior Association (AWA) invites you to join us for our
Third Annual AWA Warrior Classic Golf Tournament Thursday, May 5th, 2011
Renditions Golf Course and Country Club in Davidsonville, MD.

“Golf’s Grand Slam Experience”

The AWA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has once again teamed up with the Armed Forces Foundation (AFF) to make this another Spectacular Event.

4- Man/Woman Teams
Best Ball Tournament (Captain’s Choice)
Shotgun Start (0800)

AWA Members: $50
Non-AWA Members: $100

Price Includes:
Greens Fees; Cart; Hotdog Lunch on Course; Unlimited Beer on Course; Banquet Dinner; Unlimited Beer at Dinner; Goodie Bag; Shirt; Team Photo; and (1) Complimentary Raffle Ticket for a donated rifle

Reserve your 4‐some NOW!!!! Email the names of your team members and contact information to AWASocial@gmail.com

Send payments (cash or check) directly to:
Asymmetric Warrior Association
P.O. Box 81
Fort Meade, MD 20755

Please make checks payable to AWA. The last day to register teams will be Friday, 29 April, 2011.

Don’t have enough for a 4‐Some? It’s ok! We will pair you up with some of our corporate sponsors or wounded warriors from Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
The AWA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All proceeds will go towards charitable donations, AWA activities, and scholarships.

Read more about Renditions Golf Course at www.renditionsgolf.com

April is Month of the Military Child

2011-04-09T10:21:00.000-07:00

Every April, military children have reason to celebrate. Why? Because it's the Month of the Military Child.

Wanting to honor military kids for their sacrifices and courage, in 1986 Defense Secretary Casper Weinberger designated April as the Month of the Military Child. Since then, military installations, organizations and communities have created special events to pay tribute to these little military heroes.

If you'd like to help your child celebrate, Month of the Military Child has a list of creative projects specifically designed for military kids.

Another excellent resource to help you locate events and planned activities in your area is the "state search" at Operation Military Kids.

It doesn't take a lot to put a smile on a child's face. If you cannot find events or activities in your area, don't worry, the solution is easy. Pick a date and have your son or daughter choose how they'd like to spend the day. You may be surprised at their simplistic request.

Regardless of how you fill the hours, make sure they understand the day is meant to honor and celebrate them—the military child.

Armed Forces Foundation's Congressional Gala 2011

2011-04-07T05:13:00.000-07:00

When I find the right words...

2011-03-27T20:20:00.000-07:00

I will insert them here ---> Honored, Surprised, Excited, Energized, and Appreciative.

In the meantime I'm just going to float on cloud 9 and give thanks.

Much love to the three pieces of my heart and to Joe Finch, Patricia Driscoll, Alex Strand, and James Fenlon of the the Armed Forces Foundation. Big thanks to Deborah Wright, Suzy Bootz, Shana Williams, Sheri Jenkins, Clay Spann, Joey Retherford and Terri Rubin from The Competitive Image, Susan Botek, Jacqueline Brooks, Tracey Stroup, PA State Representative, Jerry Stern, Veronika Pashkin, Lori Sundberg, Barbi Burns, Joyelle Scavone, Renaissance Bridals, and Don Thursby. And lastly, Jodi "Smiley" Cessna, Scott "Zoomie" Cessna, and Sami "Baby Wingnut" Cessna. To the amazing delegates of Mrs. PA International 2011, it was an honor to stand by your side!

Dr. Jill "Orange Jillius" Snyder
Linda "best last minute headshots I've ever seen" Zaneski
Dawn "My daughter loves you" LaCosta
Bethie "Van Halen" Leska
Deborah "Devil Dawg" Cottrell
Tish "Transformers" Rothenbach
Kimberly "Shickshinnyyyyyy" McLendon
Sherri "the sparkly butterfly" Russo
Cheryl "Bubbles" Heim
Sara "the bigger the hairbow the better" Snyder

Congratulations to Julia Pauline and Katie Lucas, the little sisters I never had. I can't wait to begin our amazing adventure together under the tootaledge of the Cessna dynasty. Dixie Shaffer, Tammie Kennedy, and Sophia Medairy - you left some Sasquatch size shoes to fill!

Operation Caring Classroom - Miss Kilmer

2011-02-25T16:02:00.000-08:00

A big part of making it through any deployment is changing the way you think about things, food included! Students at West Manheim Elementary learned this first hand when presented with a traditional Afghan breakfast during this morning's Operation Caring Classroom presentation. Jellabee, cinnamon sugar pita bread, golden raisins, and tea were on the menu and most of the kids weren't sure what to make of it. We imagined the jellabee was orange funnel cake drizzled with honey and the pita bread was Cinnamon Toast Crunch. After hearing that, the kids were more than willing to sample their treats and some even found a new favorite food! Thank you Miss Kilmer for allowing me to come in and share my experiences with your awesome class!

Operation Caring Classroom

2011-02-18T12:11:00.000-08:00

A special thank you to West Manheim Elementary for allowing me to come in and visit six classrooms today on behalf of the Armed Forces Foundation's Operation Caring Classroom program.

I had an amazing time with all the kids! The children got a brief history lesson on 9-11 and learned about the different branches of the military. We then selected a Commander and each child was assigned to a different branch of the military and given a job. We had pilots, electricians, mechanics, doctors, infantry, cooks, and tank drivers who were all taught how to work together to accomplish the mission. Then we went on a simulated adventure to Afghanistan through a media presentation. We looked at pictures of daily life for Afghan children and they quickly noted many differences between here and there. The children also got a brief Dari lesson and learned how to say Hello "Salaam", Goodbye "Hooda Ha-fez", and My name is... "Esmeh man Dawn!" We wrapped up by discussing military families and how they can show their support for their peers who have a parent deployed by writing a letter of encouragement.

These kiddos were smart, attentive, and full of questions! It was such an amazing day!

Armed Forces Foundation Dinner

2011-02-16T17:28:00.000-08:00

Every month the Armed Forces Foundation hosts a free dinner at the National Naval Medical Center for our Wounded Warriors, their families, and hospital staff as a way of showing the country's appreciation for their service and sacrifice. If you are interested in volunteering at one of these events or sponsoring a dinner, please reply to this post.

Armed Forces Foundation Dinner - National Naval Medical Center

2011-01-19T18:36:00.000-08:00

Patients, family members, and hospital staff at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD enjoy Panera Bread generously provided by Drs. Jay and Gail Wasserman.

Operation Caring Classroom in Hanover

2011-01-15T08:27:00.000-08:00

Each year Operation Caring Classroom recognizes children from military families for their service to our country. This national education initiative spans all 50 states, awarding one civilian school per state the distinction of being an OCC school. Throughout the year over 55,000 students across the country create letters, strength chains, and patriotic pictures. These students also participate in a variety of activities such as word searches, history lessons, crossword puzzles and other activities that show them what life is like for military children. Students extend support and hope to their peers, especially those facing the hardships of parental deployments, frequent moves, and loss of a loved one. They also have the opportunity to thank children in military families for serving our country and communities and for taking on extra responsibilities at home while a parent serves overseas.

Congratulations to the winner of this year's Operation Caring Classroom Coloring Contest, Lydia from Beaufort, SC! Her school will receive a $500 savings bond from the Armed Forces Foundation.

Looking forward to hosting the next Operation Caring Classroom event on Friday, 18 February for students at West Manheim Elementary!!

Heads at Ease

2010-12-05T17:32:00.000-08:00

A Mrs. Hanover International Special Delivery - Heads at Ease pillowcases from home provide comfort to members of the Counter-Insurgency Training Academy in Afghanistan - 2010.

If you're interested in contributing, contact Sue on Twitter at Twitter.com/Headatease.

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling & Armed Forces Foundation Children's Holiday Party

2010-12-02T12:22:00.000-08:00

This holiday season thousands of children of will be wishing for something bigger than a Xbox 360 or a new doll. They will be wishing their deployed parent could be home for the holidays. Deployments are especially hard on families during the holidays and that is why the Armed Forces Foundation (AFF), in partnership with the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) Youth Center is sponsoring a Holiday party for dependent children (military and DoD civilan) in the National Capitol Region, ages 5-12 who have at least one family member deployed overseas during the holidays. We want to say thank you to the brave spouses and children, whose love and support keeps our military members going strong!

SPECIAL GUESTS INCLUDE: Santa & Mrs. Claus, Washington Redskins Cheerleaders, USAF Presidential Honor Guard Drill Team, Local Pageant Queens, Super Magic Man, and more!!

This event is open to all active-duty and DoD civilian dependants. For more information please reply to this post! Registration deadline is 10 Dec 10.

Mrs. Delaware America Pageant 2011

2010-11-21T13:51:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to my good friend Shana Williams, Mrs. Delaware America 2011! There is nothing like watching a friends dream come true! So proud of you Shana!

Camp Juliene & Camp Dubs - Kabul Afghanistan

2010-07-31T06:07:00.000-07:00

A BIG thank you to the Armed Forces Foundation, all the Navy Mom's at "Heads at Ease", and Kimberly Meehan, Mrs. New Jersey 2010 for donating humanitarian aid for our troops! Your kindness and generosity is appreciated by so many here!

Blackhawk Over Jalalabad, Afghanistan

2010-04-29T05:26:00.000-07:00

Armed Forces Foundation Morale Call

2010-04-29T03:20:00.000-07:00

The last three months have been filled with amazing adventures here in Afghanistan. In addition to my day job, I have been working with Joe Finch at the Armed Forces Foundation, Sue Lamberson at Heads of Ease, and Yukiko Smith at the USO at Bagram Airbase, coordinating morale shipments and distributing things like toothbrushes, pillowcases, magazines, etc. to military and civilian employees deployed to forward operating bases here in Afghanistan. Sometimes I can only fit a few extra items in my sack when I travel out but it's amazing how much every little bit is appreciated. When troops here receive something from back home it puts a very humble smile on their face. Thank you Joe, Sue, and Yukiko for all the good work you do in making others lives a little happier!

Armed Forces Foundation Dinner - Bethesda Naval Medical Center

2010-01-20T17:56:00.000-08:00

New Oxford Fall Festival & Parade

2009-10-24T22:01:00.001-07:00

Benefit for the West Manheim Township Park & Recreation Dog Park

2009-10-17T10:34:00.000-07:00

On behalf of PA Happy Tails Therapy Dogs, my friend Pat Shaeffer and I were happy to present a check for $300 to West Manheim Township Park & Recreation to help pay for fencing for the townships new dog park.

West Manheim Tales for Tails

2009-10-14T07:36:00.001-07:00

Operation Baghdad Pups

2009-10-13T18:26:00.000-07:00

After a long summer of sweltering heat that forces airlines to impose restrictions on animal travel in the Middle East, SPCA International’s rescue experts were able to go back to Baghdad last week and save 18 U.S. soldiers’ companions. Dusty, Zada, Demon, Stryker, Dude, Maggie, Stinky, and DH, along with twelve others, landed safely at Dulles International Airport in Virginia.

U.S. troops need your help today! Your gift designated for the Operation Baghdad Pups program will help us save the animals our heroes love and allow them to reunite in the U.S. Please help now and join us in protecting these helpless animals. To have your donation apply to all SPCA International initiatives click here. To limit your donation to shelter programs, click here. Every gift makes a difference!

https://www.spcai.org/support-operation-baghdad-pups.html?redir=1

R.E.A.D. at West Manheim Elementary

2009-09-25T18:49:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited to announce Copa and I will be starting our reading program at West Manheim Elementary this year. The 2nd graders in Mrs. Stetter's class will have 2 visits a month! We will be joining another reading therapy dog team Freedom and Mr. Olewiler. Stay tuned for more adventures!

Dog Days of Summer R.E.A.D program at Guthrie Memorial Library

2009-08-17T07:48:00.001-07:00

Dover, PA - York Habitat for Humanity 5K Race

2009-06-27T08:45:00.001-07:00

27 June 2009 - After a late night at the Mrs. Maryland America pageant, Todd and I were up early for the York Habitat for Humanity 5K race while the kids enjoyed a sleepover at their Aunt Tracy's house.

There was a great turn out...over 100 more runners than last year. I trotted along in the blazing hot sun (up hill both ways) for 27 minutes eating Todd's dust. That didn't fill me up though, afterward we enjoyed some snacks and cheered on the remaining runners. I was very happy to be able to present certificates to the award winners. It was a great day!

Mrs. Maryland America Pageant

2009-06-27T08:22:00.000-07:00

Last night I attended the Mrs. Maryland America Pageant in Frederick, MD where I ran into my friends Deborah, Shana, and Ginny. Deborah gave an amazing vocal performance and Ginny was a judge. Shana and I watched in anticipation to see who would be crowned Mrs. Maryland America 2009. There were so many beautiful and accomplished women there but ultimately Mrs. Rebecca Smith, a SSG in the U.S. Marine Corps captured the title.

Armed Forces Foundation Dinner - National Naval Medical Center

2009-06-16T17:42:00.001-07:00

Tonight I had the pleasure of serving wounded soldiers and hospital staff at Bethesda Naval Hospital. It was a very humbling experience and I will not forget the young Marines I met who fought so bravely in Afghanistan sweeping the roadsides for IED's. Their positive outlook on life, even after experiencing the horrors of war, is trait I will be sure to remember.

Mrs. Pennsylvania & Maryland United States Pageant 2009

2009-05-24T19:07:00.001-07:00

With Mrs. Galaxy 2009, Deborah Wright - an amazing mentor and friend
With Mrs. Pennsylvania International 2009, Sheri Jenkins

Dog Days of Summer R.E.A.D. Program at Hanover's Guthrie Memorial Library

2009-05-13T17:58:00.000-07:00

Hanover Happy Tails Therapy Dogs have partnered with Guthrie Memorial Library to offer a unique summer reading program to our youth! The Dog Days of Summer is an 8-week program for students age 6 and over. The program is designed to assist students that are having difficulty reading in front of their peers, build confidence and literacy skills by reading to a non-judgmental furry friend! Each student will have 15 minutes with one of our dogs. The program runs Saturday mornings from 10:30 -11:30 starting July 11th to August 29th.

A sign-up sheet and information booklet will be located at the childrens circulation desk. For more information on the Dog Days of Summer Program, please contact Dawn Hicks at (717) 637-8528 or George Matthew 717-632-5183 Ext. 311.

R.E.A.D: Therapy Dog Teams Improving Literacy Skills

2009-05-10T16:32:00.001-07:00

The mission of the R.E.A.D.® program is to improve the literacy skills of children through the assistance of registered therapy teams as literacy mentors.

The Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) program improves children’s reading and communication skills by employing a powerful method: reading to a dog. But not just any dog. R.E.A.D. dogs are registered therapy animals who volunteer with their owner/handlers as a team, going to schools, libraries and many other settings as reading companions for children.

Today, hundreds of registered R.E.A.D. teams work throughout the United States and Canada. R.E.A.D. is one of those ideas that, in the words of Bill Moyers, “pierces the mundane to arrive at the marvelous.”

Intermountain Therapy Animals, a nonprofit organization, launched R.E.A.D. in 1999 as the first comprehensive literacy program built around the appealing idea of reading to dogs, and the program has been spreading rapidly and happily ever since!

Homewood at Plum Creek Visit - 23 Apr 09

2009-04-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Tails Therapy Dogs

2009-04-19T07:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Tails Therapy Dogs is a group of volunteer Therapy Dog handler/dog teams located in Pennsylvania's York County. Happy Tails is a group of caring individuals and their canine pals that have joined together to increase the general publics knowledge of their mission-- to bring joy and comfort to those in need through the use of therapy dogs.

Our group maintains a very active calendar of facility visits through out South Central Pennsylvania. These facilities include, but are not limited to; nursing homes, assisted living facilities, libraries, and hospitals.