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.

News & Events for the Bay Area Canadian Community

A newsletter from a fellow Canadian organization in the Bay Area.


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Keep Moving Forward

A newsletter from the Wreaths Across America organization.


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Wreaths Across America Day 2024 is in the rear-view mirror, but hardly a day goes by without someone asking me if things have slowed down here at HQ. Most are surprised to hear that we have hit the ground running for 2025 and looking forward to advancing the year-round programs that further our mission.

This year’s theme, ‘Keep Moving Forward,’ is inspired by the last words of Army Capt. Joshua T. Byers and the stories of people who have faced great adversity and then used these life experiences to help others. This theme and their example are the corner stones of outreach for this year.

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Our robust Teach curriculum spear-headed by Gold Star Mother and retired teacher Cindy Tatum features lesson plans for grades Kindergarten through 12th and focuses on materials to stir patriotism in young minds.

 

WAA’s Mobile Education Exhibit (MEE) is a traveling classroom for young and old alike that goes coast to coast  stopping at schools and municipalities. Our MEE team, in conjunction with the Vietnam War 50th Commemoration, has pinned and welcomed home more than 6,000 of our nation’s Vietnam veterans.

 

Wreaths Across America Radio has established itself as the go-to place for veterans and their families to hear about services that are available to the veteran community. Home to over 75 veteran-centric programs Wreath Radio is a prime example of like-minded organizations working together for the greater good.

 

I encourage everyone to visit our website to read about these programs, as well as our upcoming events. For me, and hopefully others, Wreaths Across America is not about one day in December when we place wreaths and say names, but living the mission year-round. So, we never wind down!

 

Motivated by the sacrifices of so many and their passion for patriotism, we Keep Moving Forward and proudly carry out our mission every day.

 

Remember. Honor. Teach.

Karen Worcester, Executive Director of Wreaths Across America

 
Wreaths Across America Honors “The Four Chaplains”
four chaplains

On Monday, Feb. 3rd, Wreaths Across America remembers the 82nd anniversary of the sinking of the U.S.A.T. Dorchester – Join this special event virtually!

 

Listen Live: Wreaths Radio

Mission Matters Radio

Wreaths Across America’s Executive Director Karen Worcester recently spoke with Bill Kaemmer, Executive Director of The Four Chaplains. In this interview, Bill shares the heroic actions of four military chaplains on the SS Dorchester on February 3rd, 1943. Click on the button below to listen, or listen to Wreaths Radio any time here.

 

Download Our Latest TEACH Curriculum

Did you know? Wreaths Across America shares free educational resources for learners of all ages!

 

From timely curriculum such as Black History Month Lesson Plans to evergreen resources like our Live with Purpose Action Plans, there’s something for everyone.

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Visit the Mobile Education Exhibit in February

Mobile Education Exhibit MEE

In February, the Mobile Education Exhibit will visit Arizona and New Mexico!

 

Click here to learn more about the Mobile Education Exhibit or submit a request for it to come to your community in 2025.

 

Featured Merchandise

Enjoy your tea or coffee in comfortable style with our 15 oz. Two-Tone Ceramic Mug with WAA logo on both sides!

 

Find eye-catching dynamic contrast on this two-tone ceramic mug with a textured, speckled bottom and a black glazed top.

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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:

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

How a Manitoban sister and brother more than did their bit in WW I

An item from the Legion Magazine.


Front Lines
Front Lines

Nursing Sister Sarah Persis Johnson and her brother, Pte. James Eillis Johnson did the family proud during their First World War Service.
[Glenbow Archives; Johnson family archive]

How a Manitoban sister and brother more than did their bit in WW I

STORY BY STEPHEN J. THORNE

He was a decorated soldier. She was a decorated nurse. They were brother and sister.

Born in County Cork, Ireland, and raised in rural Manitoba, Private James Willis Johnson and Nursing Sister Sarah Persis Johnson both enlisted with the Canadian Expeditionary Force shortly after war broke out in 1914. He was 22. She was 28.

A cavalry trooper, James was wounded soon after he reached the front in 1915. He would survive a six-month recovery process and go on to earn the Commonwealth’s second-highest award for valour.

READ MORE

Celebrating Canada Toque
The Briefing
The Briefing

Military historian David Borys specialized in studying the Canadian war experience and hosts the “Curious Canadian History” podcast. [David Borys]

Exhibit on WW II’s Dutch liberation unveiled at the Canadian War Museum

STORY BY ALEX BOWERS

This year marks 80 years since Canada’s leading role in the liberation of the Netherlands. In recognition of the anniversary, the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa has unveiled an exhibit highlighting the bitter struggles that delivered freedom to the Dutch populace in the last months of the Second World War.

The thought-provoking “Liberation! Canada and the Netherlands, 1944-1945” display was launched in 2020, but has subsequently been revitalized. It runs until May 9, 2025, detailing the “sweetest of springs” through 11 key images and six personal stories. An online version is also available on the museum’s website.

Jeff Noakes, the facility’s WW II historian, spoke to Legion Magazine about commemorating the Dutch liberation eight decades on.

READ MORE

Member Benefit Partner

IRIS

Salute! January 2025

A newsletter from Veterans Affairs Canada.


January 2025

The latest issue of Salute! has been released. View the latest issue of Salute! online.

Let us know what you think about Salute! by emailing us.

 

Sincerely,

Salute! Team

Veterans Affairs Canada


Let’s Talk Veterans allows more people to have their say on issues related to Veterans and their families. This consultation platform allows the Veteran community and Canadians to provide VAC with direct feedback that helps us improve our programs and services.

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