IL Joining Forces & The “Patriotic Pillow Project!”

http://www.illinoisjoiningforces.org/

The Pillow MOM & Director Kirby Dick of the film The “Invisible War”

Shedding Light on this Dark Issue A “Pillow MOM” Opinion!
It has taken me some weeks to find the time and intestinal fortitude to write this opinion. My Heart is heavy with grief over the indignity and disgrace that has befallen our Military Community because of an aggressive and vial few. About a month ago I had the distinct educational experience to learn about MST. Military Sexual Trauma, has been a dirty little secret within the Military hierarchy. Too many have been violated not only by a criminal element, some of whom were their very own Battle Buddies & Sisters among them. The ultimate affront and betrayal has been the judicial systems lack of response and actions. On bases here in the United States, and in forward operating locations crimes have been committed and allow to go on, without punishment!
For me this was an inconceivable affront to the very Liberties our Military represents; and should uphold at all costs. The perpetrators of MST are like a foul cancer, left untreated this behavior is allowed to fester and continue to spread its reach and devastation. I did not in my Heart want to believe that the innocent were not being protected, and those criminals were not being incarcerated and punished.
If you have the opportunity to view the film The “Invisible War” PLEASE do. You should also note  that ALL our service members are not bad, just a few rotten apples. Our leadership has and owes a responsibility to those whom have been assaulted. Enough is enough, and we as a Nation will not accept and or tolerate the “Status Quo.”
I had the amazing opportunity to attend a DOD / VA informational and training program presented by SAPR through the National Guard Bureau. I attended along with dozens of professional Behavioral Health Practitioners, organized by the Lake- McHenry Veterans and Family Services Department of Health. Within a week The Department of Human Services were presenting this very same video to the students at COD *College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn IL. Kirby Dick whom is the Director of this film was on hand to discuss his motivation for creating this important film about this sensitive issue. The “Pillow MOM” made arrangements for the Department of Veterans Affairs-IL Mobile Vet Center to be present in case there was a need for counselors, specifically trained to address anyone affected. It was an honor to work with, organize and facilitate their presence. We are moving in a positive direction with policies and procedures being implemented. A new program has been put into place, The Sexual Assault Prevention & Response Program is making every effort to train all in uniform.
My HEART goes out to all those whom have been affected, you are ALL survivors and can recover from these “Invisible and Physical Wounds.” Share and check out the following informational link to learn more:  http://www.jointservicessupport.org/sapr/default.aspx
Thank You for choosing to Serve our Nation, we Respect your Sacrifices & Support You!

Camp Chi: Wisconsin Dells
Well it has been many years approximately 5 since we participated in a youth summer camp. Our first and most memorable camp was Camp Chi in the Wisconsin Dells. Along with some 75 juniors in High Schools we stitched Patriotic Pillows under the evergreens, sewing machines wire up by extension cords, along with irons to create unique and handmade gifts of comfort.

Operation Purple / Operation Military Kids Summer Camps 2010; as seen through the eyes of The “Patriotic Pillow Kid!”
This summer in both the little town of Oregon, IL and Wartburg, IL Northern part of the State almost to the Southern tip of Illinois, we traveled to create a positive pillow project experiences. The first camp entertained some 47 Military children, followed by two weeks later a group of 81 young people. These were both Special opportunities for the boys and girls whose parents are deployed or recently home a chance to make a one of a kind “Patriotic Pillow” for their mom or dad. There were great conversations and a safe environment for the children to bond with peers, who understand what it is to have a parent serving overseas.
They have ALSO TOO Served. Many young school aged children that have parents in either The Guard or Reserves do not have the same network as those whose folks are full time attached to a base environment. When they are in classes during the school year, they may in fact be the only child that has a parent deployed. They also too tend to move more often, hence the need to make new friends more often.
I believe that these camps are so very beneficial for young persons that may be experiencing personal stress & worry. It is good for them to know they are not alone. There are wonderful professional counselors that have years of experience aiding the young ones through their feelings.
The “Patriotic Pillow Project” is thrilled to have been selected to be a part of this positive, nurturing environment. The boys and girls learned new skills, how to thread a needle, tie my “MOM’S” secret knot, and with patience, love and persistence they created wonderful gifts of gratitude to share from The Heart!
We would like to extend our Thanks to The State of IL Military Order of the Purple Heart for their continued support for our program The “Patriotic Pillow Project” and our Troops, Veterans, Gold Star Families; most especially the littlest ones serving, the children. Every Child left with a completed Patriotic Pillow for their Parent……
Always Remember: “Kids Serve TOO!”

Patriotism Pillows for Comfort: How the Pillow Mom Changed America One Pillow at a Time

With her husband a veteran of the Vietnam War, and her son fighting in Iraq, Christina Finn feels a close tie to the military and its service men and women. The Patriotic Pillow Project is her way of honoring America’s service men and women to show appreciation for their sacrifice. She is the owner of the “Pillow Mom, and Kenny’s Kaps” website and is famous nationally for her patriotic handmade pillows. Given to retired and wounded soldiers, these pillows symbolize America’s thanks for their soldiers’ trying and painful times during their service to the country.

When asked what encouraged her to make these pillows, Mrs. Finn began her reply with. “It’s a complex history.” Stating that when her husband was hit by a RPG (Rocket Propelled Grenade), lost his foot to the blast, and eventually came home through the Military Medical System, he and the rest of his generation of Vietnam Veterans were not respected.

“It was a very controversial time in America,” said Christina. “And I think that is where the heart of my efforts came from.”

The Pillow Project’s life began the day Mrs. Finn set out to visit the Walter Reed Medical Hospital (the Army Medical Center in Washington), where she saw injured soldiers recuperating after their service. Coincidentally, that day was the same date that her son was deployed to Iraq.

“As a mom, when your son is going into harm’s way, there are not a lot of options, because essentially, your loved one belongs to the government.… So there’s the fear factor. And I prayed, I prayed long and hard about how I was going to deal with the emotional turmoil I was going to have to endure on a daily basis.”

The impact of seeing the faces and hearing the stories in the Walter Reed Hospital, her husband’s service disrespected, and her son’s deployment sparked an inspiration to do something to make a change. The idea for the Patriotic Pillow Project came to Mrs. Finn through a dream after long hours of prayer and thought about how she was going to make that difference.

Putting the project into action was the next step to making veteran feel respected and loved. The Patriotic Pillows needed to be created and produced. Volunteers made pillowcases with the distinctive design incorporating the colors of the American flag. Each pillowcase was unique and personalized. “I drew the sewing patterns,” Mrs. Finn said, “and we also held sewing events.” In addition to the pillowcases, The Pillow Project needed pillow forms. An airline company donated 350 used airplane pillows to Mrs. Finn’s cause. “I was grateful,” she explained. She knew in her heart, though, that she needed to reach out to more than 350 injured service men and women by making more pillows. She knew that she needed to broaden her project. So she contacted the airline’s pillow manufacturer and explained to them the details of her project.

She contacted a company that gives mentally challenged adults the opportunity to work making pillows for various airlines, Amtrak, and some hotels, and they generously donated 10,000 pillow forms for the Patriotic Pillow Project.

“And at that point I felt it was unfair to continue to expect the pillow organization to just give us the pillows.” Since the Pillow Project had acquired funding, she began purchasing the pillows from the company. “ I felt that it was our responsibility to support their organization and to purchase the pillows from them…. And that’s the beauty of the Patriotic Pillow Project. That individuals [making them] that are already themselves challenged are being tucked inside our pillow covers and then given to others who are challenged,” says Mrs. Finn. “Not all our recipients are physically injured, many are emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually injured. So those are the silent injuries.”

She describes how the silently injured are the people who need the pillows more because, “It is a symbol, the Patriotic Pillow is a symbol of a nation’s gratitude, respect, honor, love and prayers.”

Nevertheless, The Patriotic Pillow Project is only half of Christina Finn’s mission. The other, separate project is Kenny’s Kaps. Kenny’s Kaps was inspired by a man with an image of what he wanted to create.

“I want a head cover,” was the request from Master Sergeant Kenneth Sargent, a nearly 20-year veteran who was hit by shrapnel on his head. He survived, but suffers from TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) received during his service. Christina Finn had just met Kenneth, Kenny, at a function where she presented veterans with pillows and spoke to the crowd of veterans, family members, and caretakers. Kenny requested to speak with Mrs. Finn and described the kind of head cover he would most like to have. She suggested making the head cover purple because Kenny was a Purple Heart recipient. “I think we should put a patch on the front of your head cover so that when you are out on the street, people would immediately recognize the significance of that unique and special head cover that sets you apart.” And Kenny’s Kaps was born.

“Kenny brought Kenny’s Kaps to our program. We have delivered them to individuals who have traumatic brain injury. Part of the program is also to educate the general population about what it is to have TBI,” expresses Mrs. Finn.

The project has grown to new heights since it first started, and shows no sign of coming to an end.

The special handmade pillows are made especially for each veteran and some are even signed personally by famous political figures such as Senator John McCain, Barak Obama, Congressman Donald Manzullo (Illinois), and many Medal of Honor recipients. The pillows are then distributed nationally. As Mrs. Finn says on her website (http://thepillowmom.com/), “The Patriotic Pillows are gifts from the hearts of American citizens nationwide.”

Many pillows have been made by people in homes and skyscrapers, in small towns and big cities across America. Small children have participated in the Pillow Project, as have adults from many walks of life.

The Pillow Mom, with her Patriotic Pillow Project and Kenny’s Kaps, has made a difference in comforting America’s most physically, mentally, and spiritually wounded. Mrs. Finn answered almost immediately to what she wanted the recipients of the pillows and Kaps to know about her and her cause. “I want them to know they’re loved, and that they’re appreciated, and they’re respected.”

Read and approved by Rachel Ann – IN

THANK YOU Mrs. Christina Finn

From all of us at We The Kids

http://wethekids.us/how-the-pillow-mom-changed-america-one-pillow-at-a-time/

A month in the life of The “Pillow MOM!” To say that I have been busy would be the biggest understatement. I relish busy, because each experience teaches me a lesson. I have enrolled in College to study Human Services as a Generalist and have a specialized focus on Veterans’ Counseling. Starting back after a decade pursuing 15 credit hours, has been a balancing act. This has been so very rewarding and inspiring.
During the course of the past month in addition to class, commuting, working out, reading and writing I have attended some amazing events. I would like to share, what I have found to be truly positive & educational. The Priztker Military Library had four events I was thrilled to attend. The first was a panel discussion about our Women Veterans.
Change & Challenges – Women in Today’s Military discussing some of the issues facing female Veterans, including their role in today’s combat operations, MST* Military Sexual Trauma, and the transition to civilian society. Stacey Baca of the ABC 7 New Team facilitated discussion by Erica Borggren, Director of the IL Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Dr Rebecca J Hannagan NIU Political Science professor specializing in the study of political attitudes and behavior with a particular focus on gender differences. Ms Kimberly Mitchell Deputy Director of the Dixon Center # 17 yrs of service aboard several surface Navy Combatant warships.
The next fantastic even I attended was the presentation of the film: “From Hell to Here!” One Veterans Journey to find the Man he left behind. This is a dramatic short film that delves into the mind of a Vietnam Veteran whom is wrestling with his demons of war, that has caused him PTSD* Post Traumatic Stress Disorder this film by skilled producer Rachel Shapiro exposes the emotions the result of extensive burns and a 10 month hospital recovery.
Just this past 2/12/2013 The Citizen Soldier: The Prisoner of War Experience program was filmed at The Pritzker Military Library for future broadcast on WTTW-11 Chicago television. Three Ex-POW panelist hared their personal journey being held captive by the enemy in three different wars in three different nations. Donald E Casey was held captive by the Nazis for 6 months in Stalag Luft III, his book “To Fight for My Country, Sir!” A collection of letter written along with photos from his time in the POW camp. Our second POW Veteran is (R) Air Force Maj Gen. John Borling, held prisoner for 6 & 1/2 years in the Hanoi Hilton along with Senator John McCain, new book release “Taps on the Wall” Poems from the Hanoi Hilton. The third presenter was Ms Rhonda Cornum PhD MD flight surgeon shot down on 2/27/1991 in the first gulf war and held by the Iraq enemy for 7 days with bilateral fractured arms and a gunshot wound. Her book “She Went to War!”
Concluding the Month of February, not boring in Chicago I was Honored to meet Ret. General Stanley McChrystal and present him with a “Patriotic Pillow.” General McChrystal shared his experiences as he served as the Commanding Officer of all U.S. & Coalition forces in Afghanistan. He attempted to summarize and illustrious career into a brief presentation. He had spent his early years as a Special Operations warrior, moving up in rank to Lead this current generation. His newly released book,
“My Share of the Task” is a must read.

[May 3, 2005] JOURNAL OF THE SENATE STATE OF MICHIGAN

Senator Garcia’s statement is as follows:
I also rise to introduce a special guest which will be part of my statement. In the east Gallery is a lady by the name
of Christina Finn. She’s the founder of the Patriotic Pillow Project from Oak Lawn, Illinois—a little bit more about
that in a moment. She, I believe, is also here with her son Shawn who is a student at Moraine Valley studying computer
science. If they would please stand up and we can recognize them.
The reason they are here and the reason I recognize them is because Ms. Finn is part of a project known as the
Patriotic Pillow Project, which is a project that is worked on on behalf of wounded veterans. What I would like to do
is read a very brief tribute that recognizes her work. I will talk a little bit more about it.
It says, “That it is with great pleasure that we join in offering praise and tribute to Christina Finn for her hard work
and dedication to developing the Patriotic Pillow Project. This honor recognizes an individual who has done a great
deal on behalf of wounded veterans throughout the country.
The Patriotic Pillow Project or “Operation Comfort” is a not-for-profit national community service project that
collects and distributes patriotic pillows along with heartfelt greeting cards to disabled veterans throughout the nation.
The pillow cases are handmade to show our nation’s veterans how much their courage and willingness to defend our
freedom is appreciated. The quilted pillow cases are created by volunteers and are designed to resemble the American
flag. To date, over 1,000 pillows have been sent to military hospitals across the country.
IN SPECIAL TRIBUTE, Therefore, This document is signed and dedicated to Christina Finn for her tireless work
with the Patriotic Pillow Project and to recognize her heartfelt commitment to our country’s heroes.”
Signed by myself and the Governor of Michigan Jennifer Granholm.
For those who are interested in seeing this Patriotic Pillow Project, you can go to Room 53 of the Capitol and there
will be a display there of these pillows. I hope that everyone will get a chance to stop by and see what Americans are
doing around the country to help our wounded veterans.

Since then we have now delivered more than 19,800 Patriotic Pillows, hundreds of “Kenny’s Kap” and Counting………
It has been my humbling and immense Honor to recognize our most deserving recipients.
All Gave Some, Some Gave ALL, Some are still Giving

A Foot Soldier Takes a Stand

DOD Announces the Distinguished Warfare Medal
The Department of Defense announced today the creation of the Distinguished Warfare Medal to recognize a service member’s extraordinary achievements directly impacting combat operations. Modern technology enables service members with special training and capabilities to more directly and precisely impact military operations at times far from the battlefield. The Distinguished Warfare Medal will be awarded in the name of the secretary of defense to service members whose extraordinary achievements, regardless of their distance to the traditional combat theater, deserve distinct department-wide recognition.
“I have seen first-hand how modern tools like remotely piloted platforms and cyber systems have changed the way wars can be fought,” said Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta. “We should also have the ability to honor extraordinary actions that make a true difference in combat operations, even if those actions are physically removed from the fight.”
Based on the order of precedence, the Distinguished Warfare Medal will sit directly below the Distinguished Flying Cross. It may be awarded for actions in any domain but not involving acts of valor. “This new medal recognizes the changing character of warfare and those who make extraordinary contributions to it,” said Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Martin E. Dempsey. “The criteria for this award will be highly selective and reflect high standards.”

The medal, designed by The Institute of Heraldry, will be available in the coming months. The signed memo, criteria for the medal, along with the design, can be seen here: http://www.defense.gov/news/DistinguishedWarfareMedalMemo.pdf

In the order of precedence, the Distinguished Warfare Medal will be below the Distinguished Flying Cross, and will be limited to achievements that are truly extraordinary. “The member’s actions must have resulted in an accomplishment so exceptional and outstanding as to clearly set the individual apart from comrades or from other persons in similar situations,” a DOD official said.
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Patriots,

It’s great to see us All United on this issue! I was a little uncertain on my initial email, because we too often have to be politically correct. Not this time!
The timing maybe good especially with George Washington’s Birthday approaching. We could solicit some positive public support and visibility for our organization.

Ask how the Gold Star Families feel? Ask them to visit the amputee wards, burn wards, TBI wards, Spinal & Neurological wards.

Have the decision makers interview one of the five quad amputees, or the 43 with 3 limb losses, or the other 1600+ missing a limb or an eye just since 2001 serving Our Country. Not to mention the Vietnam, Korea, or WWII that endured the same loss.

Let them be told how these fine warriors felt when they first saw and realized what happened. The sight of seeing your body missing something and the long-long recovery process that seems to never end. The permanent change in your life because you carry shrapnel or had your mind or internal organs damaged.

These bureaucratic decision makers apparently have no knowledge and or compassion for our Wounded Warriors. The days, weeks, months & years that our Heroes are recovering and trying to re-build their lives, especially always trying to keep a positive attitude so as not to upset their love ones!

These unfortunate Wounded Warriors that will never be the same and the life long commitment that their families will endure. Again the disrespect to the fallen and the Gold Star Families.

I would like to recommend that perhaps we address the decision markers on this award and ask if they had done any research with the significance of The Purple Heart Award. America’s oldest award and that it differs from all other decorations. The P.H. is earned not a recommendation award; strictly a Combat Award! The only American Award AVAILABLE TO ALL……DESIRED BY NONE.

The suggestion that this new award would be considered higher in precedence than the Purple Heart or any combat award is beyond outrageous.

I challenge them to even attempt to value this proposed award and ask the proposed recipients if they would be willing to stand next to a Purple Heart Recipient. Oh, excuse me this new award would be considered higher in the order of precedence!!!

We need to get the public and our Military outraged.

YIP,

Dan Finn
*Perhaps a “March On the Pentagon” is in Order, for the Good of The Order!

Chris Kyle, 38, was the author of the best-selling “American Sniper: The autobiography of the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history.” He and 35-year-old Chad Littlefield, also a veteran, were gunned down Saturday afternoon in Glen Rose, Texas, southwest of Fort Worth, the Texas Department of Public Safety said.

Chris also too helped to create a support Foundation to help Veterans with PTS to utilize exercise with home equipment to focus on fitness for Veterans dealing with physical and emotional injuries……..http://fitcocares.org/ America has lost treasured Warriors. Both of these Patriotic Veterans were trying to “Make a Difference,” by befriending and supporting their fellow veterans. Bless their precious HEARTS, and Please pray for their Families.
“All Gave Some, Some Gave ALL, Some Are Still Giving” RESPECTFULLY Remembering The “Pillow Mom!”

R.I.P. Chris Kyle, “The Devil of Ramadi” NAVY SEALs and Marine Sniper: 1974-2013 & Veteran Chad Littlefield R.I.P.

One of the groups that I am a part of has recently been conversing about being prepared for the loss of our loved one. The Vietnam Veterans of America Associates have created a format for just that. Important documents, account #s, contact information, insurance companies, safety deposit box and bank info, all kept in a single file for Safe Keeping. One can never be to prepared for a tragic occurrence. Our loved ones that are left grieving and with so many other details to attend to, deserved to be thought of and empowered to have the tools to make arrangements and transitions easier. What if something was to occur to both life partners at once. Would their children, siblings have the detailed information for handling an estate?

I Respect & Appreciate the Associates of the VVA for sharing this supportive and beneficial resource to help a family through their most difficult time. Check out their page and share the PDF file. Support the efforts of AVVA & VVA with their projects and programs to Support ALL Veterans and their Families.
“Never Again Will One Generation of Veterans, Leave Another Generation Behind,” VVA Motto

http://www.avva.org/about.html

Stay SAFE! The “Pillow MOM!”

THIS Is the Link to the actual “Paper Safe” making it easier for you to access!

http://www.avva.org/Documents/PaperSafe.pdf

Patriotic Pillow Project Christmas pillow making project

Under the innovative direction of Ms Kelcey Liverpool of Kids Rank, Co-Founder/CEO, The “Patriotic Pillow Project” was invited to a special meeting of their members. The Objective of this Secret Mission; to create Patriotic Pillows for each of the KIDS to share with their Military Family member for a unique Made in America creation. Each of the children received a Patriotic Pillow making kit with all the components included. Like Mrs Clause Christina Finn aka The “Pillow MOM” appeared carrying sacks of supplies and sewing machines. The Kids Rank members were so very polite and attentive to detailed direction, about sewing simply by hand and/or DRIVING the sewing machines. Safety was discussed utilizing the sewing machines & iron to prevent any injuries.

Working with the children was a true joy. I would have to state the highlight of our time together was hearing them State their Kids Rank Creed:
I am a Kids Rank Club Member.
I am a military child.
I will serve my community with commitment and unselfishness.
I will respect others and myself.
I will represent my military family with pride and honor.
I will demonstrate and lead by my own example.
I will trust and support my fellow Club Members.
I proudly serve as a Kids Rank Club Member!
HOORAH!

The youth and children of our Nation are the Future of our society. Ms Kelcey is helping to hone positive, empowering values. She is a wonderful upbeat and encouraging Mom & role model. The children’s experience as a part of this group will definitely benefit them. In turn they will be enhanced to know each are treasured, they can “Make a Difference!”
It has been an amazing year for Kids Rank. They are moving ahead this January adding 3 new club locations, one here in Illinois and 2 in Virginia! The Kids are so much fun and make all that they have been working towards worth it! Now to top it all off Ms Kelcey has been nominated for 2013 Military Spouse of the Year! They are so excited and are asking for your help. You can follow the link that we have attached below which will show you her nomination and the information on what to do. Please SUPPORT this pro-active positive program. Thank You, RESPECTFULLY The “Pillow MOM!”

http://msoy.militaryspouse.com/profile/308 The first round of voting is for ONE DAY ONLY!
Please vote next Tuesday January 22nd, 2013. PLEASE visit their page and cast a Vote for “Kids Rank” Co-Founder & CEO