"For those who serve, it is an honor. For their families, it is a sacrifice.
For those of us who benefit, it is our duty. Support our troops and their familes." {GBS Distributing}
Here in Alachua County, Florida, we are working to provide support for our military troops
and their families. Through this site we hope to keep our folks updated and provide others with encouragement to do something similar in their own communities.
Our NEXT MEETING is listed below. Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held at First
United Methodist Church in Alachua.
When it's your son, daughter, husband or wife wearing the uniform, it's not about politics - it's about
them. Thanks to all who support our loved ones and our group.
(Apr 26) Hello all - we had a great morning today - worked hard and we were with good people all morning - can't beat that! And...we made $553.00 to support our troops - See everyone this Thursday - remember to email me if you want me to pull an address for you to mail a specific box. ALso - bring y our ink cartridges and cell phones to recycle - see you then! Linda
STREIT'S MOTORSPORTS SPONSORS 5TH ANNUAL SUPPORT THE TROOPS DAY
Our friends at Streit's Motorsports in Gainesville are holding their 5th annual SUPPORT THE TROOPS DAY on Sunday, April 6th at the Recreation Park in the city of Alachua. The day features a ride through Alachua County for bikers. All proceeds go to the Military Support Group For Alachua County. We appreciate the tremendous continuing support provided by Streit's Motorsports. To view a flyer for the event, CLICK
HERE.
ART PINA TO RIDE THOUSANDS OF MILES IN SUPPORT OF MSGFAC
From Gainesville, Florida to Pomona Valley, California, to Washington, D.C. then back to Gainesville, Vietnam Veteran Art Pina will be riding his motorcycle on a charity ride to benefit the MSGFAC. His four-week ride, which begins on May 3rd, will be monitored by Gainesville Harley-Davidson as he will check in with Harley-Davidson shops across America as part of his itinerary. Art is taking pledges either for miles (a total of 5,724.93 miles) or single
amount donations. To make a donation, print out the Pledge Form. All proceeds from this ride will go to the Military Support Group For Alachua County.
Art will return from his trip Saturday, May 31st, 2pm at the Gainesville Harley Davidson-Buehl dealership. Let's be there to show him that we appreciate his dedication to the troops.
MESSAGE FROM A PROUD DAD
Dear All, I want you'll to know how much you'll have mean't to me. I don't
think words can express it, especially mine. I have had a great time with the
group and plan to keep doing so. Bobby's tour of about eight months was
relatively short and you'll have made it seem much shorter. Being around you'll
and seeing/hearing the young brides are the best of times. The support group has
made so many lives better and easier. You'll are the best of the best and I can
never thank you enough. I never would have thought you'll and the group could
have meant so much to me; but you have. You'll are the best. Take care, God
Bless You and I hope to see you again soon. Stephen
TEXT FROM RECENT EMAIL (VIA NINA SPENCER - THANKS)
Hi Nina! We received your care package yesterday! I just want to tell you "Thank you from the bottom of my heart!" We have received numerous care packages from the Military Support Group of Alachua County. Unfortunately we haven't gotten e-mail addresses in all of them. I'm not sure if you know her, but we have gotten so many packages from Darlene Esposito. Let me say that you guys have an amazing organization! The items you sent
were needed and will all go to great use! To know that we have such overwhelming support back home makes everyday worth it out here. It reminds us just what we are fighting for. Many of my Sailors are here for the first time and you and your organization have done wonders for their quality of life. I will never be able to thank you enough for taking the time to make life easier for us. Thank you so much!!! Very Respectfully, AE1 (AW) Adam Johns VS-32 "Maulers" Line Division Leading Petty Officer United States Navy
SEE RICH RUBANICK'S NEW VIDEO - TROOP BENEFIT GOLF TOURNAMENT
Rich has done it again! Check out this video that features photos and video from the September 16th Golf Tournament that raised both money and awareness for our troops! Click here to watch. If you would rather view it at YouTube, click here.
GOLF TOURNAMENT RAISES $12,860 FOR THE SUPPORT GROUP
(Update Sep 24) This September 16, 2007 golf tournament that Jim Brinkman and Kim Green worked on so hard on was a great success. The weather was great, everything went smooth, and the tournament raised $12,860.00 for the support group. This money will be used to pay postage and purchase anything that is not already donated.
We cannot say enough in gratitude for great Americans like Jim Brinkman and Kim Green. We know that there are others who dedicate their time and efforts to the worthy cause of supporting the troops. We think globally and act locally. And locally, Jim and Kim are in the spotlight. Their efforts will directly impact so many of our area's troops in a positive way.
We are asking everyone to check that shelf or drawer of DVD's that they have and see if you want to donate any of them to send to the troops. Most of them have access to a lap top and can play them on that...and when we have sent DVD's we get letters back that they really help with the boredom when they are not working. Just think about how it would be for you if you worked 12 to 16 hour days and then on on your one off day - there was nothing to do - no tv, movie theatre,
restaurant to go out to, park to hike in - but you got this box with some great DVD's in it.
Collect up any DVD's you can donate and bring them to one of our meetings. If you cannot make it to a meeting but want to make a contribution, please contact Linda Goodwin by email at lindagoodwin@alltel.net.
Coming Up ...
Join us for our regular meetings, twice each month. We meet to help our troops and we also meet to help support
you while they are gone.
Comments:
"On behalf of the Officers, NCOs, and Soldiers of A Co, 86th Signal Battalion I
would like to thank all of you who continually support us. Your cards, boxes, prayers, and support mean more to us than
I can express in words. It is truly an honor to serve representing great Americans such as yourselves. Happy Holidays.
Thanks again." (Dec 2006)
CPT Scott Childers Commander, A Co 86th Signal BN Camp Adder, Iraq
Notes ...
RETURNING VETERANS ... we need your help.
Upon your return, you are invited to visit with the Support Group, where you can let them know how important their support
is. Meet family members who still have loved ones over there - your presence and words may bring them hope and comfort.
Your community wants to show their gratitude for your commitment and you are welcomed to join us in our meetings and
any of our special events. Contact Jim Yakubsin (352) 222-8837 or Pam Krueger (352) 377-9738.
Send A Card
This is quick and easy. You can select a card and put your message of support. It will be printed and mailed
to one of the American troops serving in the Middle East.
Working with the staff from the Alachua County Tax Collector's Office, we have the opportunity to
recycle old cell phones through a program called Cell Phones For Soldiers. The value of the old phones is transferred
to phone calling cards that can be sent to our troops for their use.
If you can help in any way or you have a resource that can help us, please contact us.
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP? You can provide items listed on the page entitled What is needed over there?. You can come to the meetings and help us box up the items. Or you can take them to any of the collection
locations where we have a box. You can make a monetary donation to help pay the costs of postage to send these
items. You can offer your services of your profession at a discounted rate. If you can do any of these things,
please contact us. We need your help.
BUY AN UMBRELLA AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
The MSGFAC is selling a very nice umbrella for $10. Telescoping sectional hard plastic cover with drain cup
and drain plug on the end. Wood handle. Easy to use. Each umbrella bears the stars and stripes
of our nation and has an image of the yellow ribbon on a clear panel to help all remember that it is not over until
they are all home. We have sold hundreds of them.
We now have them in blue with little clouds and plain black. Each of those also has the little clear panel to see
through and our logo.
If you are interested in purchasing one or many, you can let us know by contacting us at PO Box 1926, High Springs, FL
32655, or contact us by clicking on this link.
"If you don't stand behind our troops, please feel free to stand in front of them."
CLICK HERE TO SEE A LIST OF OUR TROOPS, PAST AND PRESENT.
From The Webmaster
Greetings
The group is growing and we are staying true to our mission. We are supporting our troops with the things they need, sending out over 100 boxes every two weeks. We are supporting the loved ones at home, giving them an opportunity to share with us their needs, their stories and their anxieties, and within our group are people who understand and can help them. We also keep our community aware of our mission, with a healthy relationship
with our local media outlets.
It's not enough to do something different - do something that makes a difference! Members of this group can tell you how it feels.
Come to our meeting. There are no dues, no obligations. In return, you get satisfaction and a sense of patriotism in action.
Scott
INTERESTING: Our site seems to be doing okay. If you search on Google for "Military Support Group" (in quotations), you get over fifteen thousand results. We are number six. That's pretty cool. I think we are doing a service not only for our citizens and troops, but also showing others what they can do in their own hometowns. Super!
This is a difficult time for our troops and their families. The separation and lack of contact can strain relationships.
The details of war can be distressing. If you have returned from the theater of operations and need to talk to
someone, or if you are a family member that needs help figuring things out, contact us. We have some resources for you. We are here for you.
In light of reports of some non-profit groups having questionable financial situations, we submit this to all:
The Military Support Group of Alachua County is a non-profit (501 C 3) organization that provides support to
the soldiers serving overseas by sending packages on a bi-weekly basis and
supports their families by providing a place to meet every two weeks and a pot
luck dinner, supplies to fill boxes for their loved ones and postage to mail
these boxes. 100% of the money that we receive is used for these
purposes. There are no paid members of the group…all of the work is done by
volunteers. The only administrative money spent provides funds to keep our
501C3 status federally and our non-profit Florida corporation status.
Thank you for helping us with this
important work of supporting our troops.
CLICK HERE