Author Archives: Michael K. Barbour

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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.

Will you give the gift of Tommy?

An item from the organization formerly known as There But Not There.


Hi ,

It’s almost December and the festive season is upon us. A time to celebrate, and a time to reflect. This year it will be different for everyone, not least for veterans arriving at our emergency accommodation Mount Batten Pavillion. It can be the first time they’ve slept in a proper bed in years. With a bedroom, kitchen and garden, we give them dignity, a space to call their own and  help to make a plan towards independence, built around the things they enjoy.

Together, we can make sure no veterans are left behind this Christmas

So many of you have joined the Tommy Club and we have an amazing online community. It has been such a pleasure getting to know you all. Here’s why we need you to encourage others to join or give a subscription as a gift…

On a freezing December night in 2019, Alan arrived at our emergency accommodation. At 82 years old, this veteran had been found sleeping alone in his car.

By giving a Tommy Club subscription for £15, you will not only give a gift to a loved one, but could provide safety, hot meals and clothes for veterans like Alan.

JOIN THE TOMMY CLUB

New Christmas Products!

Veterans that come through our emergency accommodation can find employment through BBMC, RBLI’s social enterprise. At BBMC, they have been busy getting in the festive spirit, and are excited to show you their latest creations!
We are now proud to sell Christmas Tree Planters and Tommy Tree Decorations, all made by our veterans in Aylesford, Kent.

Every purchase helps support them this Christmas.

Tommy Wooden Christmas Tree Decoration
Tommy Wooden Christmas Tree Decoration
£10.00
  • 16.5cm X 7cm wooden figure
  • Made from 3mm thick birch ply wood
  • Comes attached with beautiful red ribbon, ready to hang on your tree
SHOP NOW
Christmas Tree Planter- Made by Veterans
Christmas Tree Planter- Made by Veterans
£40.00
  • 40cm X 40cm size
  • Fully assembled and lined
  • Perfect for trees up to 6ft
  • Strong and durable- suitable for indoor and outdoor use
  • Untreated British timber- FSC approved
SHOP NOW
Please note: These planters are part of a special project for one of our veterans at BBMC, so there are only 25 available at this special introductory price! Get now whilst stocks last.

Tommy United- THANK YOU

We would like to give a massive thank-you to everybody who has bought Tommy United so far, he’s proved to be really quite popular! You have directly provided jobs and vital income for veterans this Christmas, giving security to those who need it the most. The immense support really is appreciated by everybody at RBLI.

Haven’t got a Tommy United for your window this Christmas? Click here to get one now!

Tommy United | 1914 Christmas Truce Special Edition Military Figure
Tommy United | 1914 Christmas Truce Special Edition Military Figure
£40.00
Includes ‘United by a Common Goal’- a special booklet documenting the 1914 Christmas Truce, created by famous military historian and Tommy Club founding patron Neil Storey, as well as a certificate of authentication and official Tommy sticker.
SHOP NOW
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Copyright © 2020 Royal British Legion Industries. All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
Royal British Legion Industries Ltd, Hall Road, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7NL

Mission Matters Newsletter: Feeling Grateful

An item from the Wreaths Across America organization.


MMHeader

Dear there,

As we close out a week of Thanksgiving, I’d like to take a moment to thank you for your support of our veterans, active military and their families, Gold Star families and our mission to Remember, Honor, Teach.

I am proud to share that as of today, we will have 2,525 participating locations taking part in the mission in some capacity this National Wreaths Across America Day. Despite what has been the most difficult of years for all, the mission still continues to grow in communities across the country because of the impact it has made on so many.

I am grateful for the small team of staff and core volunteers who have worked diligently over the past several months to develop plans for the safe placement of wreaths wherever possible. Our number one priority will always be the safety of our volunteers who are carrying out the mission. We are asking everyone to please be respectful of the local guidance set forth by volunteers coordinating locations. This year will look different and maybe feel different for many, but we are committed to honoring and remembering our nation’s veterans this December.

I am sure there is a location near you that is in need of your support this year. You can search all participating locations at the following link and learn how local volunteers are modifying events to keep people safe.

Find a Location

The outpouring of national support over the last couple of weeks serves as a healthy dose of perspective for myself and I think many others close to this mission. The Wreaths Across America program was started as a simple gesture of thanks. It has grown to reach more than 3 million volunteers – a third of whom are children – and their communities, impacting the hearts and minds of all, which will be carried forward into the future.

I speak from the bottom of my heart when I say how grateful I am for your support – this mission matters.

With gratitude,

Karen Worcester

Volunteer Executive Director

Wreaths Across America

REMEMBER. HONOR. TEACH.

Sponsor a Wreath

Sponsor Spotlight

Chevrolet has supported the Wreaths Across America mission for the last 6 years. The support started with the convoy to Arlington National Cemetery and has continued to grow. Over the years of involvement, Chevrolet has sponsored over 50,000 veterans’ wreaths for placement. This includes wreaths placed at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at cemeteries within Chevrolet communities from Maine to D.C.  Chevrolet’s commitment to our military shines through with donated wrapped vehicles that transport Gold Star families, veterans, active duty military members and volunteers in the convoy to Arlington each year.

Chevy Cares WAA Vertical
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This year, they are also the official sponsor of our online #WAACountdown to Wreaths Across America Day! Follow along to learn how the company has made the mission a meaningful part of their annual traditions.

“Chevrolet and its employees are proud to be a part of a tradition that Remembers, Honors and Teaches about what sacrifice means for your fellow American. In our 6th year of support of Wreaths Across America, we continue to see the impact of our involvement on those who gave so much on our behalf. We are proud to play a part.”

– Dan Adamcheck, regional director, sales, service and marketing for Chevrolet

Thank you, Chevrolet! 

www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Chevrolet

Follow the 2020 Virtual Convoy!

In anticipation of the necessary changes being made throughout the country for health and safety, including at Arlington National Cemetery this year, Wreaths Across America has made some modifications to its annual Wreath Escort down the East Coast.

In partnership with PenFed Credit Union’s digital media content team, PenFed Digital, this year’s escort will be shared virtually for the nation to join along with the journey. PenFed Digital and Wreaths Across America are overcoming pandemic-related challenges to ensure fallen heroes are honored safely. The journey will take place from Tuesday, Dec. 15 through National Wreaths Across America Day, Saturday, Dec. 19, and additional content of the events leading up to the escort departure can be followed via Wreaths Across America’s Facebook and PenFed’s Twitter.

This year, we’ll be featuring Location Volunteers and Carrier partners delivering sponsored wreaths across the country. From the professional truck drivers hauling this precious cargo to the hard-working, dedicated volunteers receiving them on the other side of the country, we are going to share their journeys too!

Stay tuned to our social media channels for more information about this exciting new way to join the mission this season.

PenFed
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Featured Merchandise

Limited Edition Wreaths Across America 2020 Ornament

THEME_ORNAMENT-2020

Holiday Messages to and from the Troops!

LC_Nov_radio

Be sure to tune in online at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/radio, pick us up on a smartphone app like Simple Radio or TuneIn, or download the app from the iTunes Store or Google Play.

#WorthFightingFor2020

Join us each month for a small sampling of the amazing stories we hear of Americans stepping up in their communities and living lives worth fighting for. 

Couple discovers and returns WWII veteran’s keepsakes to family

Read More

Maple Point Middle School salutes veterans with a parade of honor

Read More

Evergreen Parl students couldn’t host veterans for breakfast at the school last week, so they delivered appreciation to their homes Read More

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

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

The disappearance of HMCS Shawinigan

An item from the Legion Magazine.


Front Lines
Estate auction chronicles the colourful life of war correspondent Bill Boss

Estate auction chronicles the colourful life
of war correspondent Bill Boss

Story by Stephen J. Thorne

Pierre Berton called him one of the toughest war correspondents he ever knew, a trusted and familiar newsman who “ate censors for breakfast.”

Recently, an Ontario firm auctioned off the estate of Gerard William Ramaut (Bill) Boss, 13 years after he died of pneumonia in an Ottawa hospital, age 90.

The collection of art, books, photographs, newspaper tearsheets, letters, telegrams, mementoes and press credentials showed the man known affectionately by his wire-service initials “bb” to generations of Canadian Press reporters and editors for what he was—a Renaissance man of the highest order. He was an eclectic, highly cultured, much-travelled and multi-talented writer and raconteur.

READ MORE

Christmas Gift Pack – NOW AVAILABLE!
The disappearance of HMCS Shawinigan
The disappearance of HMCS Shawinigan

The disappearance of HMCS Shawinigan

Story by Sharon Adams

After the ferry SS Caribou was sunk by a U-boat in October 1942 with a loss of 137, including many women and children, the navy provided escorts to ensure the safety of passengers.

Near the end of the war, HMCS Shawinigan was in Cabot Strait off Newfoundland. The corvette was not new to escort duty. Commissioned in late 1941, Shawinigan spent two years escorting convoys back and forth across the Atlantic. In 1944, it began escort duty in home waters, seeing East Coast ferries safely to and from port and patrolling for submarines.

READ MORE

This week in history
This week in history

November 28, 1917

The Newfoundland Regiment is designated ‘Royal’ by King George V.

READ MORE

Chip Mortgage - Home Equity
Legion Magazine

We would like to share our thanks with you.

An item from the World War One Centennial Commission.


On this Day of Thanks, we are reminded that liberty must always be defended, strengthened, and cherished.  We are grateful for the generations of Americans who lived and fought through harsh circumstances to do just that.

We would be remiss in not thanking you for joining us in remembering those who served and gave their lives in World War I. We are grateful for you and the thousands of people who have joined us for podcasts, webinars, virtual bell ringings, and Bells of Peace ceremonies throughout 2020.

America’s World War I Memorial will be key in keeping the War that Changed the World in the national conversation and making sure it is not relegated again to the mists of obscurity.  Thank you for your part in helping to protect our future by remembering our past.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Daniel S. Dayton
Executive Director
U.S. World War I Centennial Commission
Chair, Board of Directors
The Doughboy Foundation

Philip G. Mazzara
President & CEO
The Doughboy Foundation


So much to be thankful for:

Construction progressed well all year in 2020

Despite the incredible challenges brought by the Pandemic in logistics, supply, and labor, we are very grateful that the construction of the National WWI Memorial in Washington D.C. progressed incredibly well all year. The WWI Memorial is targeted for opening in Spring of 2021 as the flowers bloom in Washington.

Work on the sculpture in 2020

Like the NBA, Sabin Howard and his brilliant team created their own isolation bubble and were able to continue their work on the Memorial sculpture without disruption. They completed the first 11 figures of “A Soldier’s Journey” on schedule. In an interesting repeat of history, those clay Doughboys shipped out from New Jersey to the UK and the foundry, Pangolin Editions. Sculpting on the second block “The Battle Scene” is in full swing.

Webinars about WWI for a locked down public

Lockdown came as a shock to everyone this spring. We are thankful that participants and staff were able to seamlessly switch to remote operation, and also stay in touch with YOU through a series of webinars on a variety of WWI related topics including Genealogy, the Hello Girls, WWI Education, progress on the Memorial and more.


Yes. So much to be thankful for…

Most of all we are thankful that we are able to serve in the name of the men and women of America from 100 years ago who gave and sacrificed so much for our country.

We all remember you on this day of thanks.



This email was sent to mkbarbour@gmail.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: World War One Centennial Commission · 701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW #123 · Washington, DC 20004