For every Fallen Hero, there is a Story...Military Families United Please Visit and remember

For every Fallen Hero, there is a Story...

Volume 12, Newsletter 6 June 12, 2012

In This Issue Faces of the Fallen Rolling Thunder 2012 Join the Campaign Highlighting Heroes You Make it Possible As we approach the launch of the new National Gold Star Family Registry website this summer, Military Families United is excited about bringing a new dimension to the stories of our Nation's Fallen Heroes.  Not only will the Registry have additional capabilities for Hero Tributes, but there will be more ways for Gold Star Families to connect and for all American's to learn about those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom on the battlefield.  From online campaigns to the parking lot of the Pentagon with Rolling Thunder on Memorial Day, Military Families United has been busy building awareness and sharing the stories of our Nation's Fallen Heroes!

Faces of the Fallen: First Online Memorial for Fallen Soldiers Plans Transformation into 21st Century  Written by Ashley Bernardi   When most people visit a national war memorial, it can be hard for them to think about the specifics of the lives lost beyond the statues or names listed on a wall. The question becomes, who were these brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for their country? Now the nonprofit organization Military Families United has created a new online database that captures cherished memories of fallen soldiers in the form of photos, videos and tributes. The hope is that memories of those who perished in combat will live on in perpetuity. Please click here to read the entire article in the online edition of OnPatrol Magazine.         Riding for Heroes with Rolling Thunder 2012  Military Families United  was honored to participate in the 25th Annual Rolling Thunder rally and ride on Memorial Day weekend along side the Army's Survivor Outreach Survices.  Not only were we able to share the message of the National Gold Star Family Registry with the over 560,000 event attendees, but we were able to help raise awarness for the Gold Star Pin and all the other great programs and services in attendance such as Wreaths Across America and the Veteran's Crisis Line.  MFU Board Member Commander Kirk Lippold, the commander of the USS Cole when it was attached in 2000, was also the featured speaker on the National Mall following the conclusion of the ride. “This is my way of helping remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we as a nation enjoy,” said Lippold. To read more on Cmdr. Lippold's speech, please click here. To view more pictures from the event, please visit our Facebook page!  Join the Registry Campaign! Help us raise awareness and support for the National Gold Star Family Registry!  Here are some ideas of how you can get involved:    Raise Social Media Awareness   MFU is constantly highlighting Heroes on our Facebook page and Twitter site as well as posting videos about these Heroes and their families.  Please share these posts and videos with your friends and followers. Encourage your friends and family to Remember and Honor these Heroes on the National Gold Star Family Registry. Tag your Tweets with #HonorTheFallen and #ThankYou. Create a Hero Donation Page   MFU has established a social fundraising site that enables you to create a donation page in honor of your Hero. Share your story and raise funding for the new Registry site at the same time!    Click here to get started today and activate you personal fundraising site in honor of your Hero!    Post your own Tribute Post a tribute to your Hero now and encourage your friends to view your Heroes page on the Registry.  Click here to post and honor your Hero now. Give to Rebuild the Registry We are well into rebuilding the new Gold Star Family Registry website!  The new site will have more upload capabilities for Hero tributes, added features for Gold Star families to connect, and more educational materials so that all American's can learn about the brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.  Donate today to help us rebuild the site!      Highlighting Heroes: SSG Brandon F. Eggleston Written by Alisa Moody, Gold Star Mother My dearest son who stole my heart the moment you were born. You made me proud every step of the way, entertaining not only me but everyone around you with your wit, charisma, charm, daringness and adventurous spirit. I could not have loved you more, only shown you more often. Even though I've told you time and again how proud I am of you, words could barely touched the surface. Your love and commitment to your wife and your daughters was indescribable, and admirable. You taught me more than I ever taught you, you continue to teach me as I reflect back on all our time together and hear from your closest friends even more interesting and hilarious details. To learn more about SSG Eggleston on the National Gold Star Family Registry, please Click Here. Your Support Makes it Possible As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, Military Families United relies on generous donations from individuals and companies who believe as we do in Honoring the Fallen, Supporting those who Fight, and Serving their Families.  Giving to MFU makes our programs, including the National Gold Star Family Registry, possible.  Please consider making a one time donation today or signing up to give a small amount every month. As always, your donations to MFU are tax deductible and we are sincerely grateful for the generosity of our sponsors. To donate today, please click here..