Things to do over the holiday

Note:
This post is stuck on top until November 29 to allow for you to make a contribution to Valour-IT. Newer posts appear immediately below this one.

UPDATE: Happy Thanksgiving!

As I grow older I am more and more thankful for this great country that provides us with so much opportunity. Most of all I am thankful for the greatest freedom we possess, the freedom of free speech where each of us can toss our ideas out into the world where they can be accepted, rejected or ignored. It is a freedom that needs constant protection and I am thankful for the long line of defenders that have kept it alive.


In keeping with that thought, please help some of wounded defenders of freedom by donating to Valour-IT.


Give to them that have been hurt:


About the Project:

Every cent raised for Project Valour-IT goes directly to the purchase and shipment of laptops and other technology for severely wounded service members. As of November 2008, Valour-IT has distributed over 2700 laptops to severely wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines across the country, and is now expanding its mission to include other technology that supports physical and psychological recovery.

Valour-IT accepts donations in any amount to support our mission, but also offers a sponsorship option for laptops. An individual or organization may sponsor a wounded soldier by completely funding the cost of a laptop and continuing to provide that soldier with personal support and encouragement throughout recovery. This has proved to be an excellent project for churches, groups of coworkers or friends, and members of community organizations such Boy Scouts.

Originally Valour-IT provided the voice-controlled software that accompanies the laptops, but now works closely with the Department of Defense Computer/electronic Accommodations Program (CAP): CAP supplies the adaptive software and Valour-IT provides the laptop. In addition, DoD caseworkers serve as Valour-IT’s “eyes and ears” at several medical centers, identifying patients in need of laptops and other technological support for their recovery.

If you want to support the Coast Guard, Army, Air Force or the Marines, go here.

Need more? You can bid on the following autographed books at eBay and know that 100% of the proceeds will go the Valour-IT:

Six Frigates about the earliest days of the U.S. Navy.

A Most Fortunate Ship about "Old Ironsides."

Or this special edition:

Two Ocean War about the U.S. Navy in World War II.

You've got until the 29th of November to bid. Please help our wounded troops.

Thanks.

UPDATE: While you are waiting to see if your bid is successful, you might want to visit some interesting sites:

Fred Fry put up on Monday his Maritme Monday 137 at gCaptain.com. It's got enough marine related links in it that you will be able to work off that turkey and stuffing, pumpkin pie and pecan pies, and whatever else is on the table for Thanksgiving while reading them all. Nothing says "turkey day" like Fred's linkage to Kennebec Captain's coverage of the "reality" show Whale Wars.

John Donovan has a guest writer post about his view of Somali piracy here. Lot of bloodthirsty people out there who are not Somali pirates (who generally treat their hostages well because it's good for business to keep the merchandise in good shape. Your opinion may vary as mine does from day to day.

Brickmuppet mourns the loss of a warrior for freedom. Play the fife lowly...

Pinch links to a happy time.