Mari333 | could DU do something, should we?

[nostamj]

if you've missed the 500+ thread, Mari's husband was killed last night in a car accident.

for many of us, Mari's posts and calls to The Guy James Show have brought the reality of what's happening to military families across the country vividly to life in ways that news accounts could not.

of course we can't take up a collection every time there is a tragedy somewhere in the DU community, but I wonder if this is a special case.

we know from her posts that the family has had serious financial problems along with the stress of knowing that Michael was in real danger in Iraq. if I recall correctly, her husband had only recently started work again.

this sudden death, as emotionally devastating as it must be, is probably going to be a huge, additional financial burden as well.

I know that there are DUers with contact info. (In fact, I believe I still have her phone# somewhere.)

I used to cringe over the seemingly weekly collections that were taken at my old office whenever a relative passed away and that's why I included the 'should' in the subject line.

Skinner (in the ATA forum) has already said that DU would support an effort to help Mari. I am not sure about how to do it though. Perhaps the Admins would allow us to donate through the site's PayPal... I don't know.

But I'm sure that with over 500 DUers expressing their sympathy and support, we could raise enough to defray the cost of his funeral (he was a DUer too).

Thoughts?

I'm just sick at heart that someone who has gone through so much already was hit with a tragedy like this...

[myrna minx]

1. Count me in.

I am so deeply saddened for Mari and Michael. I will do anything to help. :grouphug:

[Lorien]

16. Me too

I'm in financial trouble myself (plus digging out from hurricane Charley; I just got power yesterday...what a mess) but my problems seem small compared to Mari's. Even if it means further debt, I'll contribute. Someone burdened with such horrific heartache shouldn't have financial headaches to deal with on top of it all.

[TahitiNut]

17. On this, I'm a "dittohead."

Ubetcha.

[anarchy1999]

83. TahitiNut, you are a nut! But God Love you!!!

You are a one of my DU hero's. I have talked with Mari and her son. All they want is Michael home, period. No flowers, no money, just Michael. And they want to make sure Micheal does not go back. That is our challenge. Mari is sleeping finally and her son is by her side. We all need to get creative and get Michael home ASAP! This was Michael's greatest fear, that his being over there would kill his dad. Mari, I believe is a special case for all of us at DU to take care of. This is tragic, tragedy happens every day, but not like this.

[CityDem]

33. So sad

We are all here to support her in this time of need.

[calimary]

46. I'd like to help. Please let us know.

[tlcandie]

87. Add me to that growing list, please!

[Hekate]

145. Wonderful prayer-wheel

How do you make it spin? I can drag inanimate images to my files -- in fact I now have one of your prayer-wheel, but it rotated once and then went still.
With reverence to all sentient beings...
Hekate

[wryter2000]

2. OMG, I missed it

Whatever we decide on, I'm in. I'm willing to trust an old hand from DU with a personal check.

On edit: I'm not on here enough to see every thread. When you have a plan, please pm me.

[merh]

3. Thanks for this post nostamj ...

I am willing to do whatever, let's hope the admins can arrange something!

[Catherine Vincent]

4. I agree.

[HFishbine]

5. Yes! Please let's do.

I don't want to put DU on the spot. But they have the ability to accept online payments. Could they aggregate our donations for some type of memorium or gift?

Personally, I would like to contribute to flowers. Maybe we could do something else too, but bunches of flowers from her DU friends would be nice.

[nostamj]

11. I think flowers would be nice

but, to really HELP, it's going to have to be a gift of cash.

I'm not sure we can act quickly enough to get flowers there in time for the funeral, unless it's significantly delayed to allow Michael time to get stateside.

[H2O Man]

67. Good idea.

I'm all for it.

[democrat_patriot]

6. Count me in.

[leftchick]

7. I want to help....

and I am sure MANY more DUers would also...... Skinner? any thoughts how to do it?!?

I have had Mari in my thoughts ALL day. Please let Michael get home.
:cry:

[Stephanie]

8. The same question was just posted in the lounge, Jeff

Why don't you two put your heads together.

[Andy_Stephenson]

9. I'm in...

anything I can do to help.

[MuseRider]

10. I think this is a good

idea. I am worried that Mari may have to pay for Michael to come home. Does anyone know?

[DemBones DemBones]

58. She said the Red Cross is bringing Michael home. That is

something the Red Cross does to help military families. My mother and siblings and I were in a serious auto accident when my dad was overseas and the Red Cross brought him home.

[MuseRider]

66. Thanks

I am glad to hear that.

[thinkingwoman]

12. I'm in!

I've been wanting to do something all day, but didn't know how to go about it. I don't even know Mari personally, just have watched her posts and followed her story here.

I feel so bad for her and Michael and the rest of their family and I fear she won't see the outpouring of love and sorrow for her on DU.

Let me know how I can help. Thanks!

[stellanoir]

13. she had stated last eve. . .

that she was (most understandably) in shock and wouldn't be online for a while. There have been a few threads today speculating on what we could do.

Maybe contact the administrators, they probably have something going. One thread had wondered if we could contribute to Kerry in her husband's honor. IMHO, I think she needs the dough more, to say nothing of the support.

Hope Michael gets home soon and that the DOD pays for his travel expenses. This is so tragic. Let's all at least send her the best thoughts and prayers that we can muster to help her through this unbelievably sad transition.

She's such a feisty wonderful person. Let's maybe remind her of that during her time of extreme loss.

[Desertrose]

38. I agree..she could probably use the direct financial help

I'm in....I hope the DoD pays Michael's way home,too.


dang. dang dang dang. this really sucks.

She is such a brave and strong woman...feisty too.

[tom_paine]

14. I'm in. PM me when there's a plan and place to send $$$

[annxburns]

15. Count me in ...

We could ask a local bank to set up an account to take donations or something ...

I would be happy to help.

[Stephanie]

19. That's a good idea

You set up a fund with a local bank and people send their donations there made out to Such and Such Fund.

[myrna minx]

25. I remember that when we had another Duer in need,

someone set up a post office box for her to collect the funds. We could send money orders, checks, Target gift certificates, etc. We PMed the PO address, in order to preserve the message board anonymity. :shrug:

[peekaloo]

27. I'm in........I like this idea.

[anarchy1999]

18. Thanks so much Jeff, I was about to be unwound. Mari needs all of

us this time around. We just came off a funeral trip supporting my husband's mom in Ohio on a sudden death. This is beyond (sp?) tragic. Whatever is needed, we are there, just pm us. Has anyone talked to her today? Please just let me know that one of us has reached her today.

[Loki]

20. Please count me in.

I feel so terribly sad. Her family has been through so much.

[Wind Dancer]

21. Count me in!

I want to help - I am just sick over this tragedy.

[Fleshdancer]

22. how about donating to a charity of her choice in honor of her husband?

If she doesn't need any help with the cost of the funeral then I would like to donate to a charity.

seems like a more appropriate DU action than flowers.

[nostamj]

126. that's the new plan

details in the morning. i'm exhausted.

[juajen]

139. From experience, please send money

Flowers could also be sent, maybe a large spray denoting the size of DU contributors, but the most important thing she will need, is money. Please let me know, and I will do all I can. I have been in tears for Mari and Michael. This is just heartbreaking.

[slutticus]

23. I'm in.

I'll give what I can. I'm sure every little bit will help.

[benburch]

24. I'm in.

Let me know where to send my contribution.

[jukes]

26. i'm in

there's a lounge thread speculating also. i think some1 close to her shd contact her in a day or so to discover her needs. from the posts i've read, a cash gift might be most useful in this case, since her son will have travel expenses, the funeral arrangements, etc.

pls keep this kikt untill we understand her circ's better & can move in the right direction.

[Bunny]

28. Count me in.

I think we should send money to Mari, she can choose what to do with it. I'll be watching the board for donating instructions, or if it's more appropriate, will someone please PM me with details?

Thank you for trying to get something organized. It's important that we reach out to DUers in crisis. I'd forgotten that her husband was a DUer too. What was his DU name?

[greatauntoftriplets]

51. Hogarth, I think, was her husband's name.

So sad.

[Bunny]

53. You're right. It was Hogarth.

Thanks greataunt. Indeed, a terrible thing.

[anarchy1999]

123. Hogarth was his name here, Scott is his real name.

I've been in contact and we all are working on how to help them in the best way. Most of all they want Michael home right now. I think that is where we will have the most play and be able to accomplish the most. They want him home for good. Period. Michael is going to have a really tough time getting through this. Money, Flowers, whatever, is not going to make his pain go away. It is going to be the love coming from DU that is going to help this family. Just hang on everyone, we are working on how to help them all most.

I just have to say I have never seen anything like this ever on any online community. DU has much to be proud of. We take care of our own and I am very proud to be a part of so many wonderful people that care so much.

[nini]

29. I will donate also

just let me know how

[qanda]

30. I'll help with whatever you all decide

I think a donation is a great idea.

[tandot]

I've nominated your page to be put on the home page

If Skinner is giving approval to use DUs PayPal, maybe he can put something on the DU home page?

[slutticus]

31. Maybe skinner could post a "sticky" thread

It would be easier to coordinate that way.

[tandot]

32. great idea

[slutticus]

41. Or maybe we can just keep this kicked...

... perpetually.

[tandot]

48. I'll be off the computer for a while

I have to drive home which will take one hour. I'll check as soon as I get home to kick it some more.

[slutticus]

73. kick

[nostamj]

43. perhaps that will be possible

when we can get something more organized. I've already posted in AtA to see if it is at all possible to use DU's PayPal (frankly, I suspect it's not going to be possible but, we'll see)

I will also try to reach Nancy at Military Families Speak Out. I've got her number from the ?W benefit.

[xchrom]

34. me too

makes me so sad.

[Rowdyboy]

35. I would be very willing to join in...

We really have to do something.

[silverlib]

36. Please count me in!

I will watch for coordination on DU, but please PM me if this is something that you will do independently.

[nostamj]

37. thanks for all the quick responses...

I'm trying to find out exactly where she is. with that info, we can look into opening a 'fund' at a local bank.

I don't know if DU can authorize use of their PayPal account, but I'm going to post a polite inquiry on AtA next.

it may not be possible, but if it is, we could donate $xx.33 so that it would be clear that the donation is targeted to the fund.

I'll do what I can, but we'll need someone in her area to locate a bank and set up the account, and, find a florist. we were very successful in the past sending flowers to Senator Byrd by phoning in a few bucks each.

Ideally, flowers and a serious cash gift is what I'd like to make happen. will do what I can from far-off Brooklyn.

[DeepModem Mom]

39. Thank you, nostamj -- many of us are very eager to help --

[thinkingwoman]

40. thank you

for taking point on this. please pm me when details are set so that I can donate.

[librechik]

45. FWIW, nostamj

Mari has very sweetly declined financial aid from us in the past. (I'm sure she doesn't want to seem like she's soliciting or something she obviously isn't; perhaps she has local resources. )

However, this is obviously a special case, and memorial gifts are an American tradition. I suggest someone who is closer to her than me make a discreet inquiry about what if anything we can do for her, aside from our sympathies expressed here. A surprise gift wouldn't really be appropriate, IMO.

[nostamj]

52. i totally agree that it's a sensitive thing

and I'm working on finding someone with more direct contact (Nancy of MFSO, specifically).

[anarchy1999]

115. I spoke with Mari and one of her son's tonight. All they want

is Michael home ASAP and they don't want him to go back. Can we all just work on that. Flowers and all the rest are nice, I think we should make it happen. Keeping Michael home is more important.

[Hekate]

146. But after awhile the utility bills will come in and ...

...the neighbors' casseroles will be gone... We don't want to intrude on her pride, but we'd still like to show our support.

As for keeping Michael home, is there any hope in appealing to their Congressman/woman? I mean, this is really a hardship case.

Ask Skinner to post a notice on the DU front page, once a decision has been reached, please.

Blessings,

Hekate

[WillyT]

42. I'm In...

but I'll have to send money after Sept. 8th, payday!

:shrug:

Great idea, BTW!

:grouphug:

[GreenPartyVoter]

44. Let me know, and I'll PayPal some money to the appropriate place

[milkyway]

47. In.

[progressivebydesign]

49. I was wondering what the best way to do this would be...

.. a collection? Can someone set up a PayPal account for this, or accept thru Paypal? Anyone with a bank account or credit card can use PayPal easily. I'd like to do something more than send money. I'll await to see what other ideas come out.

She has been so strong and gracious through Michael's deployment; I can't believe this is happening to her and her family right now.

[hyphenate]

50. I don't have much

But I can donate a small amount through Paypal, since I don't currently have any regular bank account. Just let me know if Skinner is going to do it through the DU paypal account.

[JNelson6563]

54. I have her snail mail addy

I'll PM you Nostamj.

Julie

[nostamj]

61. thanks Julie...

I got her POB from Amanda (vetwife) so I now have the general area.

trying to find a Michigan-based DUer to (at least) locate a florist

[greatauntoftriplets]

55. Please count me in.

Fly in the ointment is that I know people in real life who have had big trouble with PayPal. So I don't use it.

But I see that God_bush_n_cheney is in also and I assume he will be seeing you next week or whenever he gets to NYC for the convention. I think he knows that I am good for the $$$ and I -- if necessary -- I will send him a check and trust him to hand it in with his donation.


On edit: If you now have Mari's snail mail address, please PM it to me. The faster I can get a check to her, the better for her. Poor lady.

Thanks, Jeff. Sorry you didn't make it out to Seattle last year when I was visiting.

[bobbieinok]

56. agree; let me know

[RamboLiberal]

57. Same here - count me in

I was so sorry to hear this. I followed Mari's posts and also had sent a couple of care packages to Michael.

We need to find a way to get some cash to her to help out.

[ChocolateSaltyBalls]

59. I'm in................

Whatever I can do.

[nostamj]

60. if you are in MICHIGAN

please PM me.

[JNelson6563]

65. I am and I did.

:toast:

[in_cog_ni_to]

62. I'm in.....n/t

[Melinda]

63. Funeral expenses are overwhelming; can we help defer some of the cost?

Please let me know what I can do.

[Disturbed]

68. Please PM me.

Thanks.

I will also be on the look out if other arrangements for contributions are posted.

[flamingyouth]

64. Funeral and burial costs are overwhelming

I will help out in anyway I can.:hug:

[Beetwasher]

69. Yes, PM Me the Info

Thanks for doing this...

[BevHarris]

70. No question. Count me in. And yes, Mari is a special case

EArly on, she put reality into the war, and also, to what the economy really is when you quit listening to propaganda.

Bev Harris

[eleny]

71. Yes, I want to participate

Thanks Jeff.

[charlyvi]

72. Count me in too.

[Lindacooks]

74. Count me in too

Anything I can do, I will.

[tkmorris]

75. Kicking

:kick:

[tandot]

76. kick

:kick:

[mwdem]

77. You can definitely count me in.

Just let me know.

[Rosetta]

78. I know a florist...

I don't ever post here, but have been reading and following Mari333's stories for a long time. I feel very badly for her and her family and would like to help.

I know a florist, so I can help with the flowers. If you want to just send something small from all of her friends at DU, I am willing to pay for it as my donation and collection will not be an issue. If you want to send something big, I can convince my florist to accept individual credit card and check payments from you.

I don't have enough posts to pm anyone and do not want to post my personal information, so I don't know how to work this out, but would like to help if I can.

[qanda]

80. Welcome to DU...

That is so kind and compassionate of you-- You'll fit right in here! :hi:

[Terran]

79. Just tell me where to send it. n/t

[althecat]

81. I'm in too...

Great idea Nostamj

[althecat]

82. I'm in too...

Great idea Nostamj

[alittlelark]

84. I would be happy to help out

lets make it happen.

[villager]

85. let me know...

the wheres/whens/hows...

[nostamj]

86. IMPORTANT UPDATE

please keep this kicked!

Mari appreciates everyone's concerns but does not want to accept a cash gift.

through vetwife, I have been in touch with Mari.... and here's what you need to know from her:

Just talked to Marie and she has a message. She loves all of you. She does not want money but Her husband Scott Shepard would want all the Duers to write Sen. Levin so Michael will not have to go back. Her husband will be cremated Friday and the Red Cross is trying to get him home Sat. or Sunday. the Funeral Home is Fillbrandt Funeral Home in South Haven for any who wants to send flowers and she does not want any money. She was very clear about that. She said times were too tight.

what you can do:

donations can be made to Military Families Speak Out (www.mfso.org) in her husband's name (Scott Shepard). they don't have PayPal so you'll have to send checks via snailmail:

MFSO
P.O. Box 549
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130.

watch for info on contributing to a floral arrangement from DU tomorrow. it will be like the tribute we made to Senator Byrd last year where phone# for a local florist will be posted and individual DUers can call in a charge $5 or whatever towards a DU arrangement.

MOST IMPORTANT: especially for Michigan DUers. Contact Senator Levin and ask for his help in keeping Michael Shepard stateside after he returns for his father's funeral. THAT matters more to Mari than anything else.

thanks for all the responses and your support on the forum and off.

I will post a new thread for the floral arrangements tomorrow IF my Michigan DU contact can make the arrangements.

[tlcandie]

89. You might consider a LIVING tree ....

I always do this. Pay for it.. a certain dollar amount at a reputable nursery...which includes delivery and planting it.

The loved ones LOVE to have these trees. They pick out which one they want and exactly where they want it planted. They can look out at the tree and feel the presence of their loved one. Some love blooming trees.

Just a suggestion.

[Lindacooks]

95. This should be a separate thread on its own.

Please.

and here's Senator Levin's contact info on his website:

http://levin.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm

[nostamj]

101. i will do a new thread tomorrow morning when

I have the florist information. that should be by 10am eastern.

[Lindacooks]

109. Great, thanks!

[Habibi]

104. May I weigh in on the "no cash" request?

I understand that Marianne has requested that we not donate money directly to her. And, while I admire and respect her, I would like to politely take issue with this. Marianne is the kindest of souls, and she doesn’t want to see those of us who are struggling financially to deal with further strain. I appreciate that. But, for those of us who are able to give at this time:

Funerals are expensive, especially when you have limited means. Even cremations cost money. And these expenses are out-of-pocket—there’s no waiting for the insurance agent to write you a check, or the lawyer to give the all-clear on distributing your loved one’s assets. You usually have to drag out your credit card or checkbook and take care of it then and there, and it can be an additional burden on top of the grief that has overwhelmed you.

I would like to suggest that we consider again the idea of collecting money for Marianne. If it isn’t something she could use for her own immediate needs, she can then decide what she wants to do with it. Send it to MFSO, create a memorial for her husband, whatever.

In any case, I will certainly write Senator Levin.

Whatever the consensus is, I would like to participate. I’m leaving town tomorrow for a week and will be without net access. If someone could PM me with the latest plan, I would be grateful. And I apologize if my suggestion is inappropriate.

[Jane Austin]

125. Agreed. Things, while slower, are not tight for us.

We can help.

[wellstone_democrat]

135. I agree with mmmarke on this

Flowers, appeals to the Senator and funds that she can donate if she feels she should, or, when things are less terrible and the costs of this are crushing her, perhaps she will reconsider.

[spotbird]

154. Could we contribute directly to the funeral home?nt

[JNelson6563]

108. I'll see Levin Saturday morning

I'll talk to him then.

:toast:

[GiovanniC]

158. Michigan DUer Here

Carl Levin is used to hearing from me. He'll be hearing from me again now.

[RedEagle]

160. How Much Information Do We Need?

We know it's Michael Shepard, and I don't want to intrude on privacy or anything like that, but I suspect we'll need more specific information to make the request of Senator Levin.

They will need to know, most likely, his home address. I don't want that all over a forum and that sounds like a lot of PM's but I can't think of any other way to do this right now.

The Funeral Home is in South Haven, but I'm not going to assume that's where they live.

And we'll need any specifics as to his military assignment, unit, etc.

If Mari has more than one son it's going to be a little more difficult, so we need to stress that the family has been through extrodinarily hard times.

[nostamj]

161. Levin is familiar with Mari already

he helped get her other son out of the 'stop loss' trap.

and I doubt that many Michael Shepards were flown home to Michigan from Iraq this weekend....

[SW FL Dem]

88. Count me in. n/t

[laruemtt]

90. absolutely yes. i'm in. n/t

[vetwife]

91. A special Thanks to Jeff for starting this thread and Marie 333 said

she loves you all and her main concern was that Michael did not have to go back to Iraq. Whatever it took to keep him home. He had said that this war would kill his Dad if he was deployed and she is very afraid for Michael returning. As his thoughts of his Dad did become a reality. Marie is doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances and we need to get Carl Levin's fax and phone number up ASAP !

Jeff, a special thank you for starting this thread and again she wanted me to convey to all of you how much DU means to her. She loves you !

[tlcandie]

93. Levine's Washington address...

WASHINGTON
269 Russell Office Building
U.S. Senate
Washington, DC 20510-2202

Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.


Someone please check to make sure this is correct..thanks!

[newyawker99]

92. kick

:kick:

[NightTrain]

94. On my god! That poor woman.

Not to mention her poor son who is serving in Iraq.

I'll definitely kick in to help her out! Just tell me where to donate.

[RetroLounge]

96. Just let us know what to do, I'm in...

:kick:

RL

[jimshoes]

97. My condolences Mari333

May you find the inner strength to get you through this period of mourning and sadness. My thoughts are with you.

[truth2power]

98. Count me in.

I'm a little financially strapped right now, but I can send a modest amount by check. Please add me to the PM list when you get this together.

edit> I think financial help would be better than flowers. IMO.

[vetwife]

100. Please read the Important Update..........Thanks

[truth2power]

103. thanks, vetwife. Have read and printed for reference.

[jackieforthedems]

99. Count Me In, Too

Just let me know what's decided. ( That's so sad to hear! ) :cry:

[nostamj]

102. if you want to HELP tomorrow.../

PLEASE bookmark Mari's original thread (which was locked by the Mods)

I'm going to ask for your help in PMing EVERYONE who posted on that thread. I simply can't do 700 PMs by myself.

we can break it down and each do a set number of PMs.

THANKS!!!

[roguevalley]

106. please add me too.

[qanda]

110. Whatever you need me to do, I'm here...

I have lots of time to do whatever. You can pm me with the exact instructions.

Perhaps someone can condense the thread with all of the condolences on it to present to Mari-- it really was quite extraordinary.

[nostamj]

114. "condense the thread"

that's a good idea. I can do that. tomorrow is going to be BUSY!

[tandot]

120. Thanks for the other thread you set up to post our condolences, Nostamj

I'll check tomorrow morning to see if and how I can help.

[Auntie Bush]

105. I still think we should send money. I know she can use it.

Contact Carl Levin and send money too.

A tree is a great Idea...but didn't Maria say something about moving? If that is a possibility...then a tree isn't such a good way to go.

[nostamj]

111. please read my earlier post: IMPORTANT UPDATE

we cannot force a monetary gift on her. if that changes, I will let the forum know.

[Bozita]

122. She really felt uncomfortable there

At least a few road rage responses to the messages on her bumper stickers.

After a LTTE was published, she got it again.

[Zookeeper]

137. Perhaps a tree could be planted in a favorite park? n/t

[BlackVelvetElvis]

107. Good lord.

Count me in too.
My deepest sympathies to Mari and her son.

[dflprincess]

112. Please let me know too

whatever is set up.

[LWolf]

113. I'm there. Suggestions:

Coordinate all of the ideas so that there aren't multiple plans floating around; one-stopthread action, so to speak.

When you're ready to announce specifics, see if the mods would pin it for a day, so that we won't miss it if we weren't home to DU.

[trumad]

118. Im in

[nostamj]

119. there will be a new thread in the morning

with as much detail as I can gather.

don't know if they will PIN it, but, skinner has said he would support an effort to help Mari...

[lottie244]

116. Count me in too.

Will we get her address in our mail boxes or will it be publiched on the board?

[nostamj]

117. neither.

please see: IMPORTANT UPDATE and wait for a new thread tomorrow morning.

personal info will NOT be posted or distributed. i'm sure you understand.

[vetwife]

129. Kick !

[Ladyhawk]

121. I'm extremely pissed. I am beyond pissed.

I'm pissed that Mari had to go through something like this and I'm mad as hell that when I tried to get something going for her, the mods shut me down.

There's a part of me that wonders...if we had been allowed to help her then, would this have happened? Probably it would have happened anyway, but my mind has spent a lot of time wondering. And I am both sad and very, very angry.

That event made me wonder if anyone really gives a shit about anyone else. No good deed goes unpunished.

[nostamj]

124. i don't know what you're referring to... but...

I know that Mari has rejected financial help from DUers before. and that is her business.

and, please remember that it was DU that gave her the REAL help to get her other son free of the 'stop loss' trap through connections to Senator Levin.

this is but ONE story of the personal HELL that American families have been subjected to by bushco and their evil 'war'

stay angry at them.

read the posts in the "Condolences" thread and ask yourself if people really don't give a shit... OK?

(like I said, I don't know what event you refer to, if there's a link, I'd be interested)

[Ilsa]

127. I'm in. I've kicked and linked another thread

from The Lounge that I started this morning in case any poster there is checking replies.

I just need to know to whom and where to send a check.

[vetwife]

128. Jeff has worked hard on this will have thread tomorrow .meantime

to donate tonight in some way. I am the Founder of A Veterans Organization and can accept whatever you feel you want to give and then the organization will cut Marie a check from these donations.
This is for all of you who feel the need to do something for her in the way of a personal monetary way. United Veterans of America is a Non Profit Veterans Organization 501 c (19) and the Tax Id number is listed on the link and page. I will list it here as well. 58-2516283.

I spoke with Marie and she is very humble and wants her son home. I do understand those who feel they must show their love to her NOW.
Please understand if she refuses the donation check from all who contribute to her, the donations will be given to MFSO or the charity she wishes to contribute to in her husband's name.

I think we owe a lot to those who are hurting for Marie tonight and I think we owe a special Thank you to Jeff for starting this thread.
If you feel the need please to send her something , even though she
said all she really wanted was her son, please go to the following link and contribute. This info will be posted again tomorrow in the new thread.

http://groups.msn.com/UnitedVeteransofAmerica/

[vetwife]

131. Marie's story on United Veterans Site she posted here months ago

http://groups.msn.com/UnitedVeteransofAmerica
Listed on sidebar "A Military's Mom story"

[dave29]

130. In

n/t

:(

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

132. Count me in. This is so sad,

PM me with any details I can help with.

[lostnfound]

133. OMG. Count me in.

That's the worst news I've heard in a long time.

[ParanoidPat]

134. Might I suggest care packages to Michaels comrades back in Iraq.......

......in lieu of flowers or donations to charities? :shrug:

Lets give them whatever they need to help them get home in one piece. :)

[fortyfeetunder]

136. Care packages, that is a good idea!

Those guys are probably sharing Michael's grief. PM me an address, I can come up with a care package...

[Zookeeper]

138. Yes, both Mari and Michael would probably appreciate that...

if Mari doesn't want help with funeral expenses.

I may not be back on-line for a couple of days, but I would like to help. Whomever takes it upon themselves to organize something: please PM me or keep a thread kicked so I can find it on Sunday.

Thanks.

[VOX]

140. Please count me in.

Whatever the group consensus is, I'm more than happy to contribute.

Just let me know. :kick:

[poliguru]

141. Count me in

Let me know what's going on when we know for sure.

[Dem2theMax]

142. I'm in as well.

I may be new here, but 'post counts' aren't what counts. People are, and I want to help in any way I can. I'm so sad about what has happened to Mari and her family.

Kicking to keep the thread going.

:kick:

[Behind the Aegis]

143. donations

I would be willing to donate as well. In another thread I suggested a donation in the name of her husband. As I have been reading, it seems her family could use the money. However, I still think it is important to respect her wishes and needs. Hopefully, a friend of hers will communicate her needs to DU and we can act accordingly. With this sad event, it is very hearting to see the compassion of those on this site.

[Hekate]

144. Count me in

I just need a land-address to send a check rather than Pay-Pal or other online method. Let me know if it would be okay to send a check written to Mari (whatever her full name is) care of the DU office.

I agree that Mari is a special case who has touched so many of our hearts.

Hekate

:cry:
:grouphug:

[Demonaut]

147. count me in too.

[prodigal_green]

148. My deepest condolences to Mari

What a wonderful woman. Her contributions have given us all an intimate look at what it is like for soldiers' families.

Please let me know what I can do.

[laylah]

149. Oh no!

How tragic! PM me with any information on how I might help. Although I am in Illinois, I will still call Sen. Levin's office today. :grouphug:

Jenn

[VelmaD]

150. Count me in

:grouphug:

[vetwife]

152. NOSTAMJ WILL HAVE ALL INFO UP SOON...

Those who want to donate can at the veterans organization that I founded but if Marie does not accept the check, all donations will go to MFSO.org. This will posted in what to do.
This non profit 501 c 19 is tax deductible and Marie will receive a check that the organization will cut to her from your donations if you feel the need to give to her.
http://groups.msn.com/UnitedVeteransofAmerica/
Tax ID 58-2516283

[qanda]

156. Nevermind

Self deleted post

[nostamj]

157. I waiting for details about the FLORIST

stay tuned....

[nostamj]

159. still waiting

for info about flowers.

if I don't have it by 11am eastern, I'll go ahead and post the new thread. if necessary, we'll just do a separate FLOWERS thread later...

[Misunderestimator]

151. In and Kick

[leftynyc]

153. Count me in

My heart breaks whenever I think of what Mari must be going through.

[Eurobabe]

155. In

tell me what to do...

[otohara]

162. In...

[ixion]

163. count me in...

my deepest sympathies go out to Mari and her family. :grouphug:

[Old and In the Way]

164. So sorry to hear this.

Been away from the DU for a few days and didn't hear about this until today. My best wishes for her and the family through this troubling time.