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Here's the first in a new section Florence has started:

Where are they now?

June 28, 2018

TO ALL MY SOLDIERS

In 2004 when my personalized CD Ministry to our Troops was initiated, the first Soldier l received a letter from was a CHAPLAIN'S ASSISTANT, serving our Nation in the U.S. ARMY. He was in AFGHANISTAN at the time. His name is:

MICHAEL SUGGS

As l mentioned in other posts, ANNE BARBARA ZARCONE, a freelance photographer, whose creations can be viewed on ZARTZOOM.COM, donated her time to design a Notecard for me. I submitted photos of some of MY SOLDIERS, and she made a collage. That Notecard is still being used today when l write to someone! I'm "old school", and still believe a handwritten NOTE is meaningful!

The reason l posted the attached photo of me playing the piano with MIKE above my head, is because l would use it as an ice breaker when l had a speaking engagement or just talking to people one-on-one. I would say, "MIKE SUGGS didn't like my CD, so he sent me a subliminal message." "Don't quit your day job." That M16 was intimidating!??

I received many letters and photos over the years, and I attached a few here. One of my favorite photos is the "OLD SCHOOL vs YOUNG SCHOOL" boxing match at CAMP CHERRY BEASLEY, between 1ST SGT DUNAWAY and 1ST LT LOUIE. I heard it was very entertaining! I guess this is what some BOYZ do during their downtime!

MIKE SUGGS and l communicated for several years. I even got to know his wife through emails and phone calls. She "held it down" while he was away. I have so much info still in storage. Hopefully, l can find theirs and reconnect! I'm trusting God that MIKE is happy and still serving Jesus Christ.

MIKE SUGGS, THANK YOU for ALL your SACRIFICES!

And

"WHERE ARE YOU NOW?"

"BE" Blessed Because You "ARE."

Much Love,

Florence
P.S.: If you're ever in the area please visit our Church:

First Baptist Church of Glenarden MD
www.fbcglenarden.org
Pastor John K Jenkins Sr
Senior Pastor

We're just what the Dr ordered.

"...a FRIEND Loves at ALL Times..."

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June 28, 2018

TO ALL MY SOLDIERS

It's that time again! I'm working on my series:

"WHERE ARE THEY NOW"

MY HERO sent me several emails and photos from AFGHANISTAN during MARCH of 2005. I want to know that he is doing well and living a BLESSED life! At that time l received these photos, he was a Major. He is:

KEVIN DUNHAM

THANK YOU for ALL of Your many SACRIFICES

"BE" Blessed Because You "ARE."

Much Love,

Florence
P.S.: If you're ever in the area please visit our Church:

First Baptist Church of Glenarden MD
www.fbcglenarden.org
Pastor John K Jenkins Sr
Senior Pastor

We're just what the Dr ordered

"...a FRIEND Loves at ALL Times..."

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June 21, 2018

TO ALL MY SOLDIERS

I'm searching for:

HEATH HARWOOD

The following email was one of several that we exchanged in 2005, while you were HONORING your OATH to SERVE our Nation! At the time you were with the 405th Civil Affairs BN, Bagram AB, AFGHANISTAN.

"WHERE ARE YOU NOW?"

I pray that you received ALL that you asked for, that were in line with God's WILL for your life. Your emails were positive and up-lifting. They gave us hope!

THANK YOU for ALL of your SACRIFICES! I have learned soooo much, through the years, about the toll it takes on you and your love ones! Please let me hear from you!

"BE" Blessed Because You "ARE."

Florence
"...a FRIEND Loves at ALL Times..."

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June 10, 2018

TO ALL MY SOLDIERS

MY DAY WITH JOE ROCHE!

I will remember JUNE 9, 2018 for as long as I live! It is the day that God allowed me to meet JOE ROCHE. As you may recall, JOE is the Soldier whose letter started my Ministry to MY SOLDIERS, in 2004. I refer to him as my "G.I. JOE." PLEASE don't write me, because it's not that kind of party.

Yesterday, l traveled to DC, and I met JOE face-to-face! I'm still emotional. I will post more about it at another time, because l have so much to share since he is retired from the Military and is now with FEMA. As he quoted in some of his writings, "Old Soldiers never die, they simply fade away." This statement is indelible!

Anyway, for quite sometime, JOE had been insisting that l see ST JOAN, playing at the FOLGER SHAKESPEARE LIBRARY, located at 201 E Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003. The play is about JOAN OF ARC, and he says she reminds him of me. Incidentally, it is nominated for a TONY AWARD and deserves to win. I will be glued to the TV tonight! I saw it yesterday, and I was deeply moved by it. I see the similarity because she WAS "sold out" on Jesus Christ, and I AM. She was martyred at 19 years of age because of her beliefs. I thought about it, and reflected on the fact that several of the Disciples were martyred in the New Testament! Enough of that, I will live "fearlessly", until God says "enough." God KNOWS I want to be a "foster Mother" again, raising my kittens; with my personal chef in my "dream house."

JOE is a "self-proclaimed" Nerd! As he travels the world, he visits museums at every opportunity. Yesterday, he exposed me to a piece of "high society." He took me to the NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART. One of his favorite artist is THOMAS COLE, Founder of the Hudson School of Art, and he wanted me to see two paintings that reminded him of me and my Ministry to our Troops. Well, these are MILLION DOLLAR paintings, and when Joe told me to stand next to them for a photo, my purse, with my snacks in it, bumped up against the painting. 

Thank God it didn't fall...!!! My snacks or the painting....hum! I look like the art critic who knows absolutely nothing.

This morning when l woke up, I saw a request from EDWINA EVANS, one of MY GURLS at the bottom of the Notecard designed for me by ANNE BARBARA ZARCONE. I am so glad that I started my "Where Are They Now" series, because l have been hearing from "MY SOLDIERS" or someone who knows them. Hopefully, l will communicate with her and learn how God had BLESSED her life! I read that she is in New Orleans, another place that's on my DUCKETT LIST to visit. I will keep you updated.

Well, it's time to get past my RELUCTANCE to get in a boat smaller than a cruise ship. I want to go to ANNAPOLIS and ride on a water taxi. If you don't hear from me, it didn't go well. Seriously, l won't live in fear. I'm going out with a bang.

"BE" Blessed Because You "ARE."

Much Love,

Florence
"...a FRIEND Loves at ALL Times..."

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May 24, 2018

COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR MONTIGO WHITE

TO ALL MY SOLDIERS

As you know, this Where Are They Now Series was started a few months ago in an effort to find MY SOLDIERS that God brought into my life since 2004. Well, l am ecstatic because l have connected with another one of MY HEROES who is in presently serving our Nation in the ARMY. l wrote a post about him in January of this year. He is:

COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR MONTIGO WHITE

MONTIGO has been serving our Nation since 1995. He protected us during three tours: Two in IRAQ and one in KUWAIT. He is presently on Active Duty, and doing well.

When l inquired about the accomplishing of his dreams, he is still in hot pursuit of them. MONTIGO is the father of three children, two daughters and a son. What an awesome example he is for his off-spring!

MONTIGO will be speaking at his church this MEMORIAL DAY. I am excited and wish l could be there to hear him encourage others and "...glorify the God of his salvation..."

I took the liberty of posting a few of his photos. If he disapproves, you won't hear from me again. Seriously, l asked him to have someone take photos when he shares his message, so that l can post them.

COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR MONTIGO WHITE says:

"I still love SERVING my Troops, the Nation and GOD."

He makes me want to shed tears of joy! I am proud of you MONTIGO, and l thank God for allowing you to touch my life! I can't THANK YOU enough for all of your SACRIFICES!
Much Love,

Florence

P.S.: Now that l have found you again, l will continue to follow you and lift you up before God!

"...a FRIEND Loves at ALL Times...

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January 20, 2018

January 19, 2018

JOE ROCHE

TO ALL MY SOLDIERS

The burning question still is:

"Where are They Now?"

JOE ROCHE, is the HERO God used to "launch" my "Inspirational CD" Ministry in 2004. I was handed a copy of his letter, when l walked into the CHURCH OF ACTS. I recorded my first tape, and God took me down a path that l am still on!!!!

JOE ROCHE, your photo was used on my note card, designed by BARBARA ZARCONE, and has inspired many! You sent me the photo on the right in 2014. I pray you are doing well and have little "G.I JOES" running around. Am l a God-mother��

"WHERE ARE YOU NOW?"

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January 18, 2018

Montigo White

I received several photos in 2005 after the PALACE in BAGDAD was taken. These were sent to me by

MONTIGO WHITE, another HERO. l pray that you were successful in pursuing your "dreams."

WHERE ARE YOU NOW?

January 18, 2018

EDWINA EVANS

I often think about you! When God brought you into my life in 2005, while serving our Nation in the Middle East, l thought you were one of the strongest women l have ever encountered! I was blown away by the experiences you shared with me. I "chose" to believe you are doing well and helping other women over-come!

WHERE ARE YOU NOW?

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December 20 at 6:19pm

TO ALL MY SOLDIERS

My "WHERE ARE THEY NOW" Series has yielded two of "MY VETS" that I met around the same time. They are "BOTH" amazingly "GIFTED" Singers!

I tell people all the time that, "NOTHING" happens by "CHANCE" with "GOD." After all these years, will they ever sing "TOGETHER"......again............to GOD'S "GLORY"................."HONOR"..............and "PRAISE"..........................................Hum?

They have both shared their "JOURNEY" with me. They are the "ONLY ONES" who can give their "TESTIMONIES." My "PRAYER" is that they'll "SEEK" the "WILL" of "GOD", regarding their "MINISTRY".....through their "MUSIC."

GOD has blessed them "BOTH" with "RIDE or DIE" Women.

"When you find a "WIFE" you find a "GOOD" thing..." ......................WORD! GOD'S......................................WORD

"BE" Blessed Because You "ARE."

Florence

P.S .
Waiting on "LEE" and the "BIG Day"

"...a FRIEND Loves at 'ALL' times..."

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November 18, 2016

TO ALL MY SOLDIERS

We have an update on JASON "Chilly" CHILDRESS. He is SAFE and "getting it done" on our behalf, and setting the example for his son, CONNOR

Thank You CHILLY!

Be Blessed Because You Are!

Florence

July 18, 2016

BOB COOK! 

Mr. Cook is another Amtrak Retiree. When he retired, he was the Director at Amtrak’s Call Center in Philadelphia. I always called him “Mr. Cook” out of respect. He was one of the most genuine people I have ever met. He always ate lunch with the “rank and file”, and had an “open door” policy which made him easily accessible.

Every time there was a flag ceremony at the Call Center, to honor our Troops, Mr. Cook would be out front with our resident Veterans blowing his Trumpet. In 2005, I saw a picture of him that was posted on the wall in the hallway, and I asked him for it. Long story short, it was used in a collage on a note card that I send out with every “Inspirational” CD that goes to my Soldiers. Barbara Zarcone, the Artist who designed it, incorporated many of my Soldiers that were serving in the Middle East; Soldiers that I grew up with; Soldiers in our Office; and the children of co-workers who served our great nation.

Little did we know that this note card would circulate all over the globe in the hands of hundreds of my Soldiers, or that it would be sent to two Commanders-in Chief, President Barack Obama and former President George W. Bush. I have never shown this note card to anyone who didn’t have a strong reaction! 

Taps is a song with 24 of the most beautiful notes you ever want to hear. It stirs up strong emotions and it demonstrates the utmost love and respect for our Heroes. Cry baby that I am, the words bring tears to my eyes: 

“Day is done, Gone the sun, From the hills, From the lake, From the skies, All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh…”

THANK YOU, Mr. Cook, for the love and support you have shown our Troops. I have been following you on Facebook, and I see that you are enjoying retirement. May God continue to bless you and your family mightily!

Be Blessed – Because you are!

Florence

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July 18, 2016

LEE HARDIN

Lee served on the USS Roosevelt in 2005. He was one of my Sailors that I was in touch with through the organization I am affiliated with, www.penpalsforsoldiers.com. At the time that God brought Lee into my life, I had several hundred CDs in circulation. 

While communicating with Lee, I realized that he was a God-fearing man. He was determined and focused! I sent him a CD and we started communicating through e-mails. As a matter of fact, I am reading one of my e-mails from Lee dated December 17, 2005. Lee stated, 

“I would like to thank you…the letters we receive keep the moral up for crew members…I have seen first-hand what kind of response your letters get from those who are able to read them…our jobs require us to be away for extended amounts of time…when we get a letter or something from someone back home, showing their appreciation for what we do, it drives us to make sure that we continue to stay safe and do our jobs, keeping the ones back home happy, safe and free…we are proud to serve.”

This is an excerpt from one of Lee’s e-mails, which were always “positive” and “gracious.” Lee never complained, although I’m sure he had some complaints like the rest of us……

In 2006, the Roosevelt returned from Iraq to Norfolk, VA, (the largest military installation in the world), and I was invited on board for a “personal” tour by Command Chaplain, John Franklin. I will write about that experience at another time when I talk about my fear of heights………

Anyway, after I toured the “Big Stick”, as it is called, I mentioned to Chaplain Franklin that I was communicating with one of his crew members since 2005. Chaplain Franklin surprised me and sent for Lee. I met him face-to-face, and it “blew my mind.” He was as warm as his smile suggests.

When I became active on Facebook, I started following Lee as he travels the world. He looks like a person who is content and enjoying all that God has allowed him to experience. I have attached a few pictures that show the USS Roosevelt (Big Stick); my first meeting with Lee; a picture of Lee honoring a fallen friend, and Lee in recent years. God has taken care of Lee, and I am grateful………!

Today, I can proudly say that as of July 9, 2016, Lee reached another goal. After twelve years of CONSECUTIVE, let me say it again, CONSECUTIVE years of HONORABLE service, he can wear gold service stripes. Can you say, GOLD CHEVRONS? I can’t hear you, G O L D………….C H E V R O N S………!!!!!!

Lee always signed off with this Scripture: “…Watch! Stand fast in the faith! Be brave! Be strong! Let all that you do be done with Love…” I Corinthians 16(13-14). It ended with, “…for then if it is God’s will, it can be done…” 

Amen!

I say, Amen and Amen! 

Lee, I am proud of you my friend, and I love you in Christ!

Be Blessed – Because You ARE!

Florence

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MIKE DOYLE. Mike is a Marine who served our Country during the Vietnam War. Mike is also an Amtrak Retiree. He was hired many years before me. I met him several years ago, but couldn’t get on his team because it was based on your seniority number. When I finally did get on his team, in later years, I saw why he was an excellent Marine. You could hear him in the next quad if your performance wasn’t up to standard. As the years passed, I realized he was a “teddy bear” in wolf’s clothing. Mike just wanted his team members to perform to the best of their abilities. If they didn’t, they would feel like they were in boot camp. If you were on Mike’s team, you would “go hard or go home.” Rumor has it that he missed a couple of lunches going to bat for a team member who was brought up on charges. Don’t quote me…….:) Semper Fi…… is in Mike’s DNA. I guess you can say, “once a Marine always a Marine.”

Mike retired several years ago, and I know wherever he is he is giving them hell…………….:) I love the fact that Amtrak has a mandate to hire Veterans. Mike served our Nation at a time when it really was a “thankless” job, so to speak. When our Soldiers returned home, they were disrespected! They were spit on and called names! I am a product of the 60’s and I know first-hand how it was then. Protest! Conscientious Objectors, etc. Yet, in spite of the turmoil abroad and the poor reception in our Country, Mike continued to honor his “oath” to serve!!!! Now, we must honor our collective “oath” to take care of them! Mike was honorably discharged!!! When I spoke with Mike years ago about sharing his journey with me, I never detected any anger or resentment. I’m not saying there wasn’t any!

The pictures that are attached tell part of his “Journey.” In the first picture you see his living quarters in Danag, Vietnam. No frills, unlike his lifestyle today……….:) Mike was there from November 1967 until December 1968. In 1980, he was honored at the American Embassy in Panama. The last picture shows Mike (on the left) with a smile that says, “thank God I lived to see retirement.” He is with Lenny, another Amtrak Retiree who served in the Army during Vietnam. Lenny will be featured at a later date. He is in the main picture on the Home Page of this site, lower left-hand corner.

I haven’t spoken with Mike in several years, but I hear, “through the grape vine,” that he is doing well. When I initially interview Mike, I was told that God blessed him with a wife and children. I am trusting God to keep Mike and his loved ones, “…safe from seen and unseen danger...” Again, it is never too late to say, “THANK YOU” for ALL of your sacrifices!

Mike, I thank God for allowing you to touch my life! My conversations with you, so long ago, have given me such insight into the “world” of MY Marines! I started this “journey” with my Soldiers in 2004. I said it would be a couple of years. It is now 2016 and the ”Ol Girl” is still going strong! After all these years and all that I have heard and seen through the “eyes” of my Veterans, I am moved to tears when I say:

I SALUTE YOU MY FRIEND!

In accordance with the motto of MY Marines, I RESPECTFULLY say,

SEMPER FI!

Florence

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