Staff SGT Donald Wayne West, Jr., enlisted in the United States Army National Guard on September 11, 2001. As part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Company A of the 150th Combat Engineers served active duty Aug 29, 2004, until Dec 30, 2005. SSGT West returned to college in January, 2006. He married Lauren Ritchie June 9, 2006, at Seaside, Fla., and they have three children. SSGT West completed military service at Camp Minden, LA on Aug 23, 2009.

Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Day 175 - Seeing Red on Friday

Several folks sent me emails yesterday about a popular movement to wear red on Fridays as a way of showing support for our troops.

Before jumping on the red wagon, I screened the idea through Snopes.com, my favorite urban legend debunking site.

The authors argue because red is a common color, how do you distinguish between troop supporters and ordinary folk who just happen to be wearing red? I guess we could just assume those people are subconsciously supporting the troops, huh?

Snopes also suggests directly supporting soldiers with gestures like making donations or sending notes of encouragement. You can do that by sending letters to Wayne's platoon through a project started by another mom in our family support group. Send your letters to:
Letters From Home
352 Marian Lane
Vicksburg, MS 39183
Speaking of donations! Our next shipment of school supplies for Iraqi children is being sent today, thanks to donations from Hot Springers Jean Gershner and Bess Sanders. Thanks, Ladies!!

If you're not too busy today, please do the troops a real favor by zipping off a sincere message of truth to not-so-swift blogger Deanna Swift, whose sarcastic pen should have run out of ink a few days ago, referring to Move America Forward's Truth Tour on radio.

Send your comments to deannaswift1@yahoo.com, nominating her for today's Durbin Legend award.

So what about wearing red on Fridays? Why not? I'm in.

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