Sweet Dreams for Soldiers

In March of this year we had the good fortune to meet Anya Gips and her mother Lisa Smith at the Barnert Temple Mitzvah Mall. This event was designed to bring members of the congregation in contact with worthwhile charities in need of donations and volunteers.

Anya and her Mom said they had an idea for raising money for our cause, a project which they call "Sweet Dreams for Soldiers". This project was to make dream pillows with special herbs that offer a physical and psychological sense of well being. Anya's cousin living in Colorado had taught her how make them.

So a few month ago she started making the dream pillows with the intent of helping Bold Brave Courgeous and saving a small amount of the sales price of $6.00 each for a "Wii" Game system.

Anya has been making and selling her product mainly by word of mouth and email to friends and family. On September 27, we were very pleased to receive Anya initial donation to our cause.

It was very special to have some one so young make such a profound effort on behalf of our " Heroic Wounded". Anya, with the help of her Dad Jerry and Mom Lisa, are working on a Website to expand their efforts and sell more pillows.

This lesson of hard work and charity will benefit her thru out her life. Thanks Anya keep up the great work!

Semper Fi

The motto of the Marine Corps is "Always faithful". This describes Ernie Frahm, past Commander of VFW Ralph W. Lester Post 130, in Westwood, NJ.

I met Ernie at a Veterans Workshop a year ago. Ernie was recovering from a major health challenge that cost him one of his legs. Undaunted, Ernie embraced Bold Brave Courageous as mission to gain us the financial and organizational support of the VFW in northern NJ.

It was thru Ernie's hard work that we received several wonderful donations from other VFW Posts. His effort with other Regional and State Commanders to get our Mission known was truly appreciated.

As the Grandfather of Iraq Veteran Soldier and Father of an Officer and FBI Agent, Ernie understands the sacrifices that our Service Men and Women are making on a daily basis.

His Personal Effort to support us was demonstrated in the wonderful Platinum Benefactor Donation we received.

Thank you Ernie for being "Always Faithful" to your Country and especially to our Heroic Wounded.

I.B.E.W. Local Union # 164 Holds Golf Outing for our Benefit

On Monday, September 15th at 1:00pm, the I.B.E.W. Local Union 164 Retirees Association will host a Charity Golf Outing to benefit Bold Brave Courageous at the Valley Brook Golf Club in Rivervale, New Jersey.

The golf outing will be followed by a buffet dinner where prizes for Low Score, Long Drive (under 50, over 50), Closest to the Pin, and a 50/50 Raffle Drawing will be awarded.

For additional information or updates, please visit
www.geocities.com/LU164RETIREES

News from May & June 2008

Stan Kuchar is Awarded the Russell Berrie Foundation Award

Bold Brave Courageous is proud to announce that fellow Volunteer and Benefactor Stan Kuchar was presented with a Russ Berrie Foundation Award on May 21st, 2008. This award, given in the name of Industrialist/Philanthropist Russ Berrie, honors a special group of people who through their efforts have improved the lives of others.

Stan in his continuing commitment to our Heroic Wounded donated his award to Bold Brave Courageous.

His selection from this group of wonderfully giving individuals is a great credit to Stan.

Congratulations Stan!

The Knights of Columbus Council #10861 of Spring, TX, Charity Golf Tournament

We would like to thank the Knights of Columbus Council #10861 Co-Chairman Lin Montgomery and Pat Cooley, their sponsors, event participants and fellow Knights for their successful Golf Tournament.

Our sincerest thanks for their continued commitment to our cause of supporting our countries Wounded Heroes.

Their efforts will make the recovery of these brave individuals a little easier.

Wishes for a Speedy Recovery to Mr. Harold Kucher

Bold Brave Courageous would like to send it's Well Wishes to Mr. Harold Kucher. Mr Kucher, who is fighting a brave battle with illness, has been the Champion of our cause with his church, the United Methodist Church of New Providence, NJ, for the past three years.

Harold, a Veteran Of USAAF of WWII has been a key component in urging his fellow congregants to support our effort. We are proud of the dozens of Comfort Bags that they have donated.

We recognize Harold's' generosity and caring, and his willingness to support our Heroic Wounded.

Bold Brave Courageous is proud to say Harold is part of our organization, and wish him the speediest of recoveries!

Jesse C donates 19 I-Pods

Bold Brave Courageous has been fortunate with the diversity of the individuals and organizations that have seen fit to assist us in support of " Our Heroic Wounded". Here is the story of a few recent examples.

Jesse C, a 13 year old from Upper Saddle River, NJ, purchased 19 I-Pods to be donated to the wounded through our organization. He made the raising of the funds to purchase these I-Pods his 'Good Deed' for his Bar Mitzvah.

The Temple that Jesse and his family belong to, Temple Beth Haverim Shir Shalom in Mahwah, NJ, has included Bold Brave Courageous as a recommended Charity Activity for Bar and Bat Mitzvah Candidates. This is in great part due to the efforts of Bobby Mass, a volunteer with our organization.

Jesse, with the support of his loving parents, family, and friends, has made the lives of our Heroic Wounded that much better. Bold Brave Courageous wishes him continued success, and would like to commend both his parents and his faith for instilling in him a set of values that will support him throughout his life.

Spring 2008 - Areyvut Organization of Bnai Brith

We have been honored by the Areyvut organization of Bnai Brith as a recommended Charity Activity for Bar and Bat Mitzvah Candidates. Please visit http://www.areyvut.org/ for more information.

March 2008 - Bold Brave Courageous' March Madness

Not only does Collegiate Basketball have March Madness, but Bold Brave Courageous has it also. The organization was involved in Four (4) major fund raising event in the month of March.

Our First event was on March 9th at the Barnert Temple of Franklin Lakes, NJ, "Mitzvah Mall".

This was the first time that we had the pleasure to be an exhibitor at the Temple's 9th Annual "Mitzvah Mall". This event is intended to expose the congregation to worthwhile charities to contribute to financially, and offer their volunteer help.

It was a pleasure to participate and gain the support of the members of the congregation. Their generosity and hospitality was greatly appreciated.

The Second event was the Temple Lodge 173 F&A.M. Westwood, NJ, Table Lodge. The wonderful event on March 19th has become a tradition for Bold Brave Courageous, and we are proud to participate each year.

As the designated charity of the Lodge, we have the opportunity to present the mission of Bold Brave Courageous at this "Ritual Diner Event". All the proceeds collected are donated to our organization.

In addition, it is a pleasure to share an evening with the wonderful Masons and their guests who attend.

The Third event was the Ancient Order of Hibernians Div 11, "St. Patrick Day Parade" on March 29th in Hampton Bays, NY. This is the Third Year that Bold Brave Courageous has participated as a mobile unit in the Parade and has had an information display at the Reception afterwards.

We were able to meet with many new people, and gain the support of Veteran and Civic Organizations from the East End of Long Island.

The Hibernians are wonderful supporter of Bold Brave Courageous, and great hosts.

The Last event, but certainly not the least, was the Grand Lodge of New Jersey F& A.M. Division 3 "Dinner Dance" on March 31st at Seasons in Washington Twp, NJ.

This wonderful event put on by Masonic Lodges from Northern NJ was an opportunity for Bold Brave Courageous to present itself to even greater audience in the Masonic Community.

The event was excellent in every detail, and we thank the Masons for their support and generous donation pledge of the proceeds from the evening's event.

It was a busy but tremendously rewarding month. We thank all our generous supporters and benefactors from these events, as well as all of you who have made individual donations to support our cause.

January 2008 - Direct Delivery to Brooke Army Medical Center

Bold Brave Courageous was able to affect its first direct delivery of Comfort Bags and items to Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, January 28th - 30th, 2008. Our visit to the Medical Center and Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio was a life changing experience.

The opportunity to visit these facilities in person allowed us to accomplish multiple tasks in support of our effort for our Heroic Wounded at both Brooke Army Medical Center and the Warrior In Transition Battalion at Fort Sam Houston.

Every aspect of this trip was successful; from our almost 4000 mile round trip in the Bold Brave Courageous van, to the visits with our wounded servicemen and women and their families.

During our three-day visit:

We had the opportunity to meet with Mary Ripperton, a new volunteer who is providing us with an on-the-ground presence in Texas (Mary is already hard at work trying to organize additional volunteers, and do local fund raising), as well as make personal contact with the staff at BAMC.

We did our best to make Bold Brave Courageous' mission known to the South Texas region. John Clemente, one of our founders, was interviewed on KABB TV Fox 29, and has been asked to return to appear on a regional public information program to provide more information on Bold Brave Courageous.
download a video clip of our interview >>> (1.5mb wmv)

We made presentations to local Military Veterans Groups such as the Alamo Silver Wings Airborne Association and the Military Officers Association of America, Alamo Chapter. Special thanks to SGM Benito V. Guerrero USA Ret., and LTC Edward L. Marvin, USAF Ret. respectively.

We met with the Liaison Staff headed by SGM Martin Villarreal at BAMC and received valuable input on how to better support Brooke' special needs for the Burn Injured. We learned many of the recovering are asking for MP3 players, as well current Rap and Hip Hop Music CD's, plus candy and snacks.

We visited the Hospital, The Warrior and Family Support Center, and the new $60 million Center for The Intrepid. This reinforced our conviction that the doctors, nurses and staff at these facilities provide the highest level of medical care possible to our recovering service personnel.

And most importantly, we meet with our Heroic Wounded and their families who are going through so much at this time in their lives. We were able to reinforce their belief in the fact that their sacrifice and suffering is not in vain and will not be forgotten. To these men and women we pledge to do what ever we can in our own small way to help ease their suffering.

January 2008 - MSG Nelson Rosado, at Brooke Army Hospital Retires

Bold Brave Courageous received word that MSG Nelson Rosado, our point of contact at Brooke Army Hospital, is retiring from the Army. MSG Rosado has been a great friend and a tremendous help to Bold Brave Courageous.

Since November of 2005, MSG Rosado has kept us informed on the head count and needs of the inpatient Wounded at Brooke. He received and distributed our Comfort Bag shipments and additional recreational items, as well as the clothing for dependents that we have been able to send to the Texas facility. In addition to this, MSG Rosado has assisted us in coordinating with his counterparts on the Marine Corps Liaisons Detachment.

His effort on behalf of the Wounded Warriors at Brooke has been nothing less than superior. His caring and concern for their welfare was obvious in the dozens of conversations and emails we have shared over last two and half years. The wonderful thanks we received from the Wounded at Brooke serve to reinforce the knowledge that our items got to them when they were needed most, and with great care.

It's ironic that as we are now preparing for our first direct delivery to Brooke Army Hospital, we will not have the opportunity to meet MSG Rosado in person, an individual who has become an integral part of the Bold Brave Courageous effort. He will truly be missed.

All of us at Bold Brave Courageous wish him and his family all the best in his retirement and in the "New Challenge" he decided to take up.

Nelson, we have had the privilege of dealing with the " Very Best" with you and your fellow liaison.

Thank You.

December 2007 - Educational Testing Services INC.

A special Thanks is extended to the individual and corporate generosity of EDUCATION TESTING SERVICE INC., in Princeton, New Jersey.

ETS has just concluded a collection campaign on our behalf and Bold Brave Courageous was pleased to pick up a complete" Van Load "of Comfort Items, please see the pictures below.

The efforts of Robert Malinowski,Community Service Associate, and Eleanor Horne, Vice President of ETS' Social Investment Fund, were especially appreciated. The holidays will be brighter for our Wounded Servicemen and Women thanks to their efforts.

October 2007 - Curves of Caldwell, New Jersey

Curves of Caldwell, New Jersey, located at 380 Bloomfield Ave., has been conducting a collection campaign for "Comfort Items" over the last two months.

Bold Brave Courageous has receive a complete range of item from suitcases to clothing, to grooming items and recreation items. The owners Janet M. Greco and Debra A. Deraney have encouraged all their members and members of the community to donate to Bold Brave Courageous.

We truly appreciate their on going effort and the wonderful items they have already collected.

Thank you again Curves of Caldwell!

September 2007 - The Heritage Quilters of Hudson Palisades

Bold Brave Courageous was honored on Sept 29, 2007 at the Tappan, New York "Colonial Day" Celebration. The Heritage Quilters of Hudson Palisades presented the our organization with 7 beautiful Patriotic themed quilts for our Heroic Wounded.

This wonderful Guild of Quilters is not only keeping a wonderful artisan craft alive, but also providing its priceless product as a gift of Support to the Troops.

Their effort over the last year has been nothing less the sensational.

It is Bold Brave Courageous pleasure to thank

Margaret Handler, Pat Dusza, Pam Capen, Helen Cooper, Jayne John, Debby Davis, Rachel Kaufman, Mary Kennedy, Kathy Duch, Evy Ems, Florence Johnson, Stephanie Santengelo, Beverly Moto, and Karen D’ Allesandri, President.

The Heritage Quilters of Hudson Palisades was formed in 1979. The quild specializes in "Comfort Quilts" for premature Babies, Children and Adult as well as Veterans. They provide lectures and demonstrations at their meetings at St. Francis of Assisi Church, West Nyack, NY 10994. Please visit their website www.heritagequilters.org

August 2007 - Defense Telecommunications Service-Washington

The Defense Telecommunications Service-Washington (DTS-W) has recently concluded a collection drive in the DC Metro area to benefit Bold Brave Courageous. The drive was a tremendous success as DTS-W employees, friends and families, demonstrated their generosity.

The successful campaign was lead by the DTS-W Charity Committee who chose BBC because they wanted to support members of their Department of Defense family whom have served in Iraq and Afghanistan and are now recovering in our nation's hospitals.

Inspired by this in-office collection drive, Penny Edgos and Amy O'Brien both of Booz Allen Hamilton, currently working with DTS-W, took an extra step to host an additional Charity Cocktail Party to support the fundraising efforts (photos below).

All of the contributions collected by these efforts will not be forgotten as the items collected will bring a brighter day for our hospitalized heroic wounded.

Thank You DTS-W and Booz Allen Hamilton!

DTS-W Staff supported Bold Brave Courageous by hosting an office collection drive.		Many attended a fundraising happy hour in Arlington, Va to support Bold Brave Courageous.
click here for more photos >>

May 21, 2007 - Knights of Columbus of Spring, Tx, Annual Golf Tournament

Bold Brave Courageous has been designated as one of the recipients of the proceeds that will be raised. We ask all our many friends in South Texas to try to make the tournament if they can.

This is Great Way to Play an Exceptional Course and Support our Heroic Wounded at the same time. Download the pdf entry form. (no longer available)

Please remember if you can't make the Tournament, "Every Donation Counts".

Thanks to all of you and especially Council 10861 in Spring, TX.

1st Quarter 2007

The 1st Quarter of 2007 has proven to be one of our busiest. We have delivered 109 comfort bags to the three major Military Hospitals. In addition a sizable amount of clothing for Family Members has been sent to Brooke Army Hospital in Texas and the National Naval Medical Center at Bethesda, Md.

In addition Bold Brave Courageous has participated in a number of Fund Raising Events.

February 4th 2007 Temple Lodge 173 " Super Bowl Bold Brave Courageous was the guest at what was one of the best Amateur Chef Cooking competitions. The entire evening was filled by wave after wave of Hors Douvers, Entrees and Desserts. The Lodge ran a 50/50 and Bold Brave Courageous was the recipient of its proceeds as well several Individual Donations. Thanks again to the Free Masons of Temple 173.

Bold Brave Courageous was also back on its round of Country and Western venues. We returned on March 3, 2007 to the Colorado Cafe in Watchung NJ and were welcomed by Staff and Patrons. As always the Great Crowd showed their Support for America and Our Troops.

On March 21st we were again the guest of Temple Lodge 173 at their Annual Table Lodge. It was honor again to present at event with Masons and Non Masons from all over NJ and some from Canada. The opportunity for myself and Mathew Barnes (Director of Community Out Reach) for Representative Scott Garrett 5th Dist NJ. Matthew was there to represent the Congressman an spoke briefly on Veterans Affairs. The opportunity to share their Camaraderie as well an exceptional meal, and again another night we received additional donations.

March 22 marked the first donations we have received from United Way of Los Angeles on behalf of theToyota Cares Campaign.

On Saturday March 24th Bold Brave Courageous was a participant in the 3rd Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, in Hampton Bays, NY 11946. I again want to thank the Ancient order of Hibernians Division 11 for our invitation to the Parade and allowing us to have an information exhibit at the reception afterward. It was a pleasure to me with the dozens of people who have interest in our effort for our Heroic Wounded. We had the opportunity to meet celebrities.

Last but not least I want to especially thank our Donors from North of Our Border In Canada. We have seen a great outpouring of concern and support for our Wounded Servicemen and Woman. One particular donor has been sending Donations and Encouragement for over a year. She truly qualifies as our " Angel Of The North". I thank them all for their Generosity and Caring.

November 20, 2006 - Visit to the Washington DC Area Hospitals

Bold Brave Courageous made another visit to Bethesda National Naval Medical Center and Walter Reed Army Medical Center. On this trip, we visited the largest number of our Heroic Wounded since our inception, 65 individuals in total.

The trip was made a special success by the effort of Sue Myers, our Washington area representative, and Glenn and Sharon Grieshaber of Wallington, New Jersey.

Sue obtained for us five boxes of Premium Shirts, Jackets and Sweaters from Central Atlantic Toyota which we were able to include in the Comfort Bags we distributed that day.

Thanks again Toyota and Sue!

The Grieshaber's organized a Fund Drive from their church , Wallington Presbyterian Church, in Wallington NJ, to collect comfort items. This quickly spread to friends and the community at large. Bold Brave Courageous was able to pick up over three van loads of items that the Grieshaber's were able to collect including but not limited to: Grooming Products, Sweat Clothes, Socks, CDs, CD Players, and DVD players. Their effort was terrific and was reflect in the great thank you received by our Heroic Wounded...........

Thank you again to the Greishabers, Wallington Presbyterian Church, and their friends and neighbors.

November 18, 2006 - The Montana West 5th Anniversary Celebration

Bold Brave Courageous was generously invited to participate in the Fifth Year Anniversary Celebration of Montana West, a Country & Western music and dance club in Quakertown, Pa.

Our hosts John and Colleen Giamboni gave us wonderful exposure to the large Country and Western Dance and Music Enthusiast who frequent their night club.

We especially appreciate the introduction to the audience given by Amy Summers of WXTU, a Philadelphia Country Music Station.

Thanks again to the Giamboni's, Montana West, and all who contributed.

1030 North West End Boulevard
Quakerstown, PA

September 2006 - Toyota Motors Assits Bold Brave Courageous

It was Bold Brave Courageous' pleasure to make a presentation to Central Atlantic Toyota Distributors (a Divison Of Toyota Motor Corporation USA) on September 29th.

Through the efforts of Sue Myers, our Washington area representative, we were able to make a presentation to Central Atlantic Toyota Distributors at their "Toyota Cares" Charity Fundraising Campaign Kickoff at the Glen Burnie, Maryland facilty.

Sue's presentation to the management and staff was tuely well received. The staff was asked to consider us as a reciptient of their United Way Campaign pledge.

With the help of KC Dellinger, Fran Seaman and General Manager George Brenner, Central Atlantic Toyota Distributors has generously offered to conduct a separate Holiday Campaign to make up and donate 25 Comfort Bags to our Heroic Wounded.

Special thanks to Sue and all the great people at Central Atlantic Toyota Distributors!

August 2006 - 13th Intelligence Squadron

Thanks to the great effort put forth by the 13th Intelligence Squadron, Beale Air Force Base, California, 23 bags are being shipped to Brooke Army Hospital, Fort Sam Houston Texas. It was wonderful to see the generous and heartfelt effort from members of the Air Force for their brothers and sisters in all services.

SSG Heather Pace and all her POCs should be aware that Bold Brave Courageous truly appreciates this wonderful collection effort.

Thank you 13th Intel Squadron!

Summer 2006 - New Jersey Country Music Association

Bold Brave Courageous has continued to enjoy the great support of the NJ Country Music Association's president Rob Burrows and it members.

Our most recent fundraising activities at the Colorado Cafe, Lets Dance Again and The Whiskey Cafe have been nothing less than sensational. We'd like to extend our gratitude to Allan, Rob Tester and Frank Morganti for opening their dance clubs to Bold Brave Courageous to help us raise funds for our wounded heroes. It has been a pleasure meeting with the dedicated Country Music and Dance Enthusiasts involved in this organization.

In addition we have had the good fortune of being "adopted" by the country rock band After the Reign. Dave Burlett and the other members of After the Reign are promoting our efforts at all their performances.

Thanks After the Reign!

Bold Brave Courageous would like to thank the New Jersey Country Music Association and Lets Dance Again for inviting us to "The Great American Bar-B-Que". It was a pleasure to meet the members of your association and have their generous support. The great patriotic spirit demonstrated by your group for our troops is admirable.

We thank you for your gracious invitation to return, and look forward to joining you again on Tuesday Night.

On behalf of our heroic wounded, Thank You!

May 2006 - 2006 Tribeca Film Festival Int'l Documentary Winner

March 15, 2006 - Temple Lodge 173 F A&M of Westwood NJ

Temple Lodge 173 F A&M of Westwood NJ has taken Bold Brave Courageous on as charity they will be raising money for our cause over the next several months. On March 15, 2006, John Clemente was the guest of the Lodge at their Annual Table Lodge Banquet.

During the banquet, John had the opportunity to make a brief presentation to the members and attending Freemasons. Their generosity and hospitality is greatly appreciated and will not be forgotten.

March 2006 - Captain David Rozelle, author of "Back In Action"

During our March visit to Bethesda National Naval Medical Center and Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., we had the pleasure of meeting Captain David Rozelle, the author of "Back In Action". Captain Rozelle, soon to be Major Rozelle, is the epitome of what the "new breed" of fighting men are about.

Captain Rozelle lost the lower part of his right leg in combat in Iraq in 2003. He petitioned the Army to remain on Active Duty after being fitted with a prosthetic. After the subsequent rehabilitation, he demonstrated that he was fit for Combat Service again by running marathons and participating in all sorts of competitive physical competitions.

He accomplished all this plus wrote a best selling book. It makes you wonder were we get such people.

It was pleasure to meet him and the rest of our heroic wounded in the hospitals.

Visit the web site "Back In Action" web site.

February 2006 - Buckley's Inn Between
Message from John Clemente

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mark Shortall and the Staff at "Buckley's Inn Between" for all they have done to assist in our cause. The great support and the fine turn out they generated for the "Chinese Auction" hosted at their location on Sunday, February 19, is truly appreciated.

"Buckley's Inn Between" 139 W. Montauk Highway Hampton Bays, NY (631) 728-7197

To all of the folks who came out to the Auction...
Thank you for participating! Please know that your donations will be put to immediate use on our visit to the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD., and the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington D.C., on March 7, 2006. We will also be sending additional bags to Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, TX, with the funds collected during this event in the very near future.

Again, on behalf of Bold Brave Courageous and the heroes who will benefit from your efforts, I would like to thank all of you for your overwhelming kindness and generosity.

John Clemente
Bold Brave Courageous

November 2005 - Brooke Army Medical Center

On November 8, 2005, Bold Brave Courageous was able to expand its umbrella to include Brooke Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston, Texas, with our first large shipment of comfort bags.

Made aware of our efforts by HMC Chavez from The National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD., MGySGT Hermina Whitzel, the Marine Corps Liaison for Brooke Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston, TX, contacted us with a request for support for the Marines and Army Personnel at this facility that were in need of comfort items. Many of these individuals are burn patients returned from Iraq and Afghanistan.

At first, the logistics of getting the comfort bags to the BAMC, and then getting them distributed to the wounded individuals seemed like an insurmountable task.

The project was initially delayed by the relocation of our warehouse and assembly facility to Can Am Systems in Mahwah, New Jersey. There, we assembled our largest delivery since our initial efforts in February 2005, of over 52 bags delivered to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD., and the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC.

Through the generosity of Can Am Systems were able to deliver 30 comfort bags to the Brooke Army Medical Center by mail. The eight Marines and twenty two Soldiers who received them were very appreciative, and we were also able to include some additional items with this shipment such as DVD players, DVDs, CD players, CDs, model kits, and assorted Books.

Bold Brave Courageous is now able to ship comfort bags to the Brooke Army Medical Center on a monthly basis with the assistance of SFC Nelson Roasado, USA, the POC for our efforts at this facility.