593rd Transportation Company Welcome Home Dinner Dance

Hello wonderful members, friends, family and supporters,
So many of you have been sending emails as to why I have not sent out a newsletter  ((smile))) thanks for your concern.....everything is just fine.....I wanted to wait until our wonderful Nevada National Guard Dinner Dance was over....so you could share in the event if only through photos and my commentary.


The weekend started early, by 11:00 AM  Friday, Irma Manor, American Legion High Desert Post #56 had the "Hospitality Suite" donated by the Grand Sierra Resort set up with beverages and snacks..it was beautifully organized and hosted 100% by Marco Manor, Commandor on behalf of the post, thanks also to the American Legion Members who hosted, tended bar, cleaned up and entertained the soldiers and families who visited both Friday and Saturday......Thank you not only for this event but also for helping to host the welcome home party for the 593rd in September, telephone cards at Christmas and the other zillion things you do so generously thoughout the years....HOOAH

Thank you to Don and Pat Lindsay of Soldiers Angels and the web....my dearest friends and partners in supporting our troops, if you see PJ you will see them  ((smile))) they are my constant support network..when I get frazzled...I go to them for hugs and chocolate...they along with Dianna Webb started  working on the final details  a week ago filling 313 candy gift bags for the guests of the event.  Thank you!!!!!

After working Friday with all of the wonderful people at Grand Sierra Resort, lighting, sound, designers, those who were putting our ballroom together...and feeding them chocolates to give them energy....and myself....((smile)))  Those of us staying at the hotel  went for dinner...and then back to the hospitality suite....many of our soldiers and their families stopped by.......to visit.

Saturday was busy from 8:00AM until 5:15 PM when I left to get dressed for the cocktail party at 6:00 PM.  I want you to know that I am now fully qualified to organize any military or non military event anywhere...hahahah...after studying the protocol book so graciously given to me by my dear Major Amadeo Flores.....Saturday was spent finalizing seating arrangements,  co-ordinating with catering and all of the other people from the hotel.....I believe I did pretty well; however Marco Manor said he thought Saturday would be the day he strangled me ((smile)))......it was a huge undertaking which started on October 16, 2007.....I can't remember working as hard, sitting at the computer for so many hours,  speaking on my cell phone constantly, eating so much chocolate over the past few days or feeling so happy and excited....I met the most amazing people...kind and generous....who never said no.......and to you my faithful members thanks for donating money and time...you are my angels.

The  Grand Sierra Resort went above and beyond to make this evening  a dream come true for our soldiers.... we had three rooms, an entry foyer for check in and photographs, a reception cocktail room and the dining ballroom.....words cannot describe  the grandeur of it all.....just imagine a profusion of black, gold and white.....large urns, beautifully   lit columns from the 25 ' ceiling, I hope to have more photos for my next newsletter. 

We were honored by having several 3 Star Generals, MAJ GEN Cynthia Kirkland, Major Amadeo Flores and his staff who were in

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with the 593rd.  This was my first military event, the ceremony for the MIA/POW was deeply touching as was the moment of silence for our fallen soldiers......awards were given to various guests....imcluding my Web of Support, Don and Pat Lindsay of Soldiers Angels, Paula Fleming of Blue Star Moms (also a web member) and Marco Manor of American Legion High Desert Post #56,

Special awards will be presented to Mr. David Nelson of Hole-in-One U.S>A.  who so generously raised 95% of funds for this event and the Grand Sierra Resort who made this event spectacular.....thank you from my heart....you are awesome...

I would like to thank MAJ Amadeo Flores, CPT Christy Hales and  1SGT Harry Schroeder for their constant support and assistance both during the deployment and in the planning of this event.....there are no words to express my thanks for  the huge floral arrangement, the certificate of appreciation and the beautiful framed picture.....I was surprised and overwhelmed, getting gifts for doing something I love is just another blessing.....spending an evening with my 593rd  to fabulous for words.

Thanks to you members who donated money for your soldiers dinners, for the cards and letters you sent to them...I wish you all could have attended....many of you attended and had dinner with your soldiers....I know you were thrilled....and so were your soldiers. Supporting our soldiers in itself is rewarding...to sit with them, hearing how much your support meant to them.....is more reason to recuit more members....((smile)))

The evening concluded with music, dancing and lots of toasts among friends.....I am so greatful to everyone who made it possible....our soldiers were wined, dined and honored for their service and sacrifice...they had a blast....so did I.....