Author Archives: Michael K. Barbour

About Michael K. Barbour

Michael K. Barbour is the Director of Faculty Development and a Professor of Instructional Design for the College of Education and Health Sciences at Touro University California. He has been involved with K-12 online learning in a variety of countries for well over a decade as a researcher, teacher, course designer and administrator. Michael's research focuses on the effective design, delivery and support of K-12 online learning, particularly for students located in rural jurisdictions.

10 Veterans return to Vietnam. Follow their journey on National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

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An item from the Wreaths Across America organization.

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Dear Michael Barbour,

“The largest schematic element in the military is their love for each other.” These are the words of Richard Barbato, a U.S. Army veteran and Experience Officer with VHA Readjustment Counseling service.

Today, I invite you to learn more about Richard’s story and how he lives with purpose by watching the video below. Then, keep scrolling to access our new lesson plans, learn about an upcoming release of our “Mission Veteran Expedition” documentary, and more.

With gratitude,
Karen Worcester

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Available Now: Love for One Another Lesson Plans

As part of our Live with Purpose Lesson Plan series, we’re proud to announce the release of our Love One Another Lesson Plans available for grades K-8.

Download individual lesson plans below, or click on the button to view all of our curriculum.

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Mission Veteran Expedition

In November 2023, ten Vietnam veterans embarked on a journey they never thought possible, returning to Vietnam and exploring the locations and memories that, for 50 years, have held deep significance for each of them. Mission Veteran Expedition, a collaborative venture between CDLLife, FASTPORT, and nonprofits Waypoint Vets and Wreaths Across America, made this journey possible. This video is a short preview of the long-form documentary of the trip. The documentary will be available tomorrow (Friday) at 8am ET on our YouTube Channel. Subscribe now and get a notification when the video is available.

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Wreaths Radio Expands Podcast Lineup

Wreaths Across America now offers over 50 shows! Our new programming focuses on veteran and active duty information and support, mental health issues, military life, and stories of everyday life as a military spouse.

Click here to listen live.

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Visit the Mobile Education Exhibit in April

In April, the Mobile Education Exhibit will spend most of the month in Florida before heading to McCormick, South Carolina on Sunday, April 8th.

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Featured Merchandise

Introducing the Full-sized Leatherman multi-tool, a versatile companion for all your everyday tasks. This multi-tool measures 4” when closed and features durable, all stainless-steel implements.

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Make sure to follow Wreaths Across America official channels on social media for the most up-to-the-minute news on the mission throughout the year:

Wreaths Across America, PO Box 249, Columbia Falls, ME 04623, United States, 877-385-9504

The badass bagpipers of the 16th Battalion

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An item from the Legion Magazine.

James Prinsep Beadle’s painting “Piper James Richardson, VC, Canadian Scottish, Regina Trench, 8.10.1916” hangs in the officers’ mess of the Royal Scots Regiment in Edinburgh. Lance Corporal Richardson is one of four members of the 16th Battalion (Canadian Scottish Regiment) awarded the Victoria Cross during WWI. (BAGPIPE NEWS)

The badass bagpipers of the 16th Battalion

STORY BY STEPHEN J. THORNE

It was Oct. 8, 1916, and the Battle of the Somme had been raging for more than three months. Allied forces were making their final push against fierce German defences dug in at Regina Trench on the heights overlooking the Ancre river valley.

The 16th Battalion (Canadian Scottish Regiment) was crossing more than 600 metres of no man’s land to their objective in the pre-dawn hour, advancing in “long, snake-like lines…by the light of the bursting shells,” as one officer described it, when they were stopped dead in their tracks.

Canadian Wildlife Journal - Let me chew on this

Steve McQueen (left) with Wally Floody, who was a technical advisor in production of the 1963 film The Great Escape. [Wikipedia]

The Canadian connection to Victoria Cross recipient Edmund De Wind

STORY BY PAIGE JASMINE GILMAR

When Wally Floody was commissioned as a pilot officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1940, he didn’t realize he was going to earn the moniker “The Tunnel King.” Formerly working in the northern Ontario gold mines, Floody’s mining skills were tested when he was taken prisoner and sent to the infamous German Stalag Luft III. There, he became an architect of the Great Escape, one of history’s more iconic prison breaks, in which 76 Allied airmen fleed the facility 80 years ago.

Born in Chatham, Ont., in 1918, Floody enlisted in the RCAF at the outset of the Second World War and was put on the waiting list for the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. After some persuading—since the RCAF was looking for single men and Floody was married—he was ordered to report to No. 2 Manning Depot in Brandon, Man., on Thanksgiving weekend 1940.

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Member Benefit Partner

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2024 ANZAC Day Ceremony

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ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day is officially observed by the people of Australia and New Zealand in remembering the first time the two young nations fought together in a major overseas war. This historic event took place in Gallipoli on the Turkish Peninsular on April 25 in 1915 and is commemorated by expatriates, as well as their countrymen at home, acknowledging the sacrifice made by so many then and in subsequent international conflicts.

Join us on Sunday April 21st fr the annual service hosted by the Australian American Chamber of Commerce San Francisco (SF Aussies) and the New Zealand American Association of San Francisco (SF Kiwis) to commemorate ANZAC Day at a wonderful venue (with loads of parking!).

More details to follow soon, but expect a 10AM arrival, for an 11AM service.

Date: Sunday, April 21st
Time: 11:00am
Location: USS Hornet, 707 W Hornet Ave, Alameda CA 94501

For more information, visit https://www.sfaussies.com/ANZAC-Day

Remember our Medal of Honor heroes

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As a US-based branch, we want to make sure our members are aware that today is National Medal of Honor Day.

Honor their service and sacrifice.

MARINES' MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION & FOUNDATION | Today Is National Medal of Honor Day

Dear Michael Barbour,

Today, we commemorate our military heroes who displayed outstanding valor in combat. Tragically, many paid the ultimate price.

On this solemn occasion, I think it’s only fitting that we recognize all those who risk their lives to serve our Country.

You can honor the legacy of military service by supporting programs like our Living Memorial, which preserves photos and memorabilia from all branches, or our Tribute Wall, which memorializes those who have sacrificed their lives since 9/11. Our primary mission is to Educate, Commemorate, and Serve the Active Duty and Veteran community. 100% of your donation goes to support these heroes along with their families.

Thank you for honoring America’s heroes.

Sincerely,