May 2, 2009 - Patriotic Americans across the country will be joining Military Missions, Inc. in a program that prompts participants to become more aware of those that stand in the gap to provide a safe America for all of us. Not only do participants have a chance to honor our heroes, but they can also get in shape at the same time. This program allows everyone to do something positive to make people more aware of the unsung heroes in our communities.
The concept is simple. Take STEPS in honor of your hero and share your experience. For every mile you “STEP” you can submit your mileage and share about your hero.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE? Anyone! If you walk, jog, or run, you are already taking “STEPS”. Why not honor one of America’s heroes while you exercise? From accomplished athletes to children to senior citizens, you are qualified to take STEPS to HONOR our heroes.
DO I HAVE TO RUN? No! If you are taking “STEPS” then you can participate. Walk around the block, on the treadmill, around the track or even on the elliptical machine. Keep track of your mileage and honor someone at the same time you are staying in shape.
WHO CAN BE HONORED? Firefighters, Military, Law Enforcement. This includes veterans, those currently serving, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
WHEN CAN I START? NOW, but the program officially starts on Memorial Day, 2009 and ends of September 11, 2009.
HOW DO I GET STARTED? Go to http://stepstohonor.blogspot.com/ for information.
DOES IT COST ANYTHING TO PARTICIPATE? No, the program is free. It is our hope that this program will cause people to stop and think about those brave men and women that put themselves in harm’s way to protect all of us. There is no fee to participate, however, if you want to help us get the word out about our program, you can purchase a STEPS to HONOR t-shirt. Proceeds will be used to meet the needs of our deployed military and their families through ongoing programs at Military Missions, Inc.
Participants are invited to join Military Missions at the 2009 FREEDOM WALK on Sunday, September 13, 2009. This event will to honor our heroes and celebrate participation efforts in STEPS to HONOR! For details about the FREEDOM WALK go to www.militarymissionsonline.com/freedomwalk.htm.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2009
2:00 PM
LCA TRACK
450 WEST REYNOLDS ROAD, LEXINGTON, KY 40503
The America Supports You FREEDOM WALK is a national tradition that calls on people to reflect on the lives lost on September 11, 2001, remember those who responded, honor our veterans, law enforcement officials, and firefighters, past and present, and renew our commitment to freedom and the values of our country. Each year the number of walks held throughout the nation grows, as more people move to participate.
Join us on Sunday, September 13, 2009, at 2:00 PM in Lexington’s FREEDOM WALK. Countless cities across the USA will host Freedom Walks. Lexington's event is being sponsored by Military Missions, Inc., a Lexington based support for military families. Military Missions, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity.
There is no cost for this event. Just show up at 2 pm on Sunday, September 13, 2009 and participate in the one-mile walk with others who want to show their support, gratitude, and patriotism. The FREEDOM WALK will take place at the Lexington Christian Academy Campus on Reynolds Road. There will be a short patriotic program and a celebration of the STEPS to HONOR program that runs from Memorial Day through September 11. For information about STEPS to HONOR, please click here.
Sponsors will be needed to offset costs to host this event. If your business or organization is interested in helping to make this event possible please contact Beth Pennington at [email protected] or 859-509-4827. Donations are tax deductible. Military Missions is also looking for individuals to help with planning of the event as well as volunteers to work on the day of the event.
Please support the event and spread the word throughout Central Kentucky! To print a flyer for the event, click here.
April 25, 2009 - An absolutely beautiful day in the Bluegrass set the stage for LexSHOUT - Lexington’s Shout Out to the Troops! Members of Military Missions were out early to start their wild and crazy day shooting video clips and taking photographs. Group members caravanned to different Lexington landmarks to catch up with Central Kentuckians out enjoying the best weather weekend of 2009.
LexSHOUT stops included the Red Mile, Applebee’s Park, Thoroughbred Park, Commonwealth Stadium, and Keeneland. At each stop, group members asked local bystanders to say a word of thanks to our troops. “We had a great response! Everyone wanted to say thanks and we shot a lot of great footage for our video, said Pennington.” “We will definitely do this again!”
Military Missions, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity established to support military members, as well as their families, on a year round basis. “We are always looking for new and different ways to encourage our heroes.” While trying to come up with a new idea for the monthly care package drive, Pennington started thinking about springtime in Kentucky. With the Derby around the corner, it seemed like a great time to send a Kentucky Bluegrass greeting. “Not only will our Kentucky based soldiers get a glimpse of home, but those from other parts of the country will certainly enjoy a glimpse of the Bluegrass during the time of year when all eyes are on Kentucky’s horse racing industry,” said Pennington.
In May, care packages with the theme “Greetings from the Bluegrass” will be sent to approximately 200 deployed troops. Military Missions is encouraging people to donate items with Bluegrass flavor. T-shirts, caps, gadgets and more are going to be put in these packages. Items having something to do with Lexington, the Bluegrass, Keeneland, the Derby, horse racing, UK, Wildcats, and more are being requested for the troops. Businesses, groups, and individuals are all encouraged to take part in this Bluegrass greeting. Donations are tax deductible.
“Personal messages are the most important part of our care packages,” says Pennington. “When we hear from the soldiers, they always mention how inspiring it is to receive letters of thanks and encouragement. We are hopeful that everyone will go out and purchase about 10 Kentucky postcards, write a short note of thanks, and drop them off to be included in our care packages. We will also include a short message from Military Missions which will include a website link to our LexSHOUT video greeting as well as a slide show with pictures from the day’s events.”
The video is already up on the organization’s website and they have already heard from deployed soldiers that have had a chance to watch it. If you are interested in participating in the “Greetings from the Bluegrass” care package drive or if you would like to find out more about Military Missions, Inc., please visit their website at www.militarymissionsonline.com.
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