October 11, 2009

LZ Russell Members and Associates,

The end of another year is closing in on us. But, hope springs eternal, the sun will rise in the morning, and we can look forward to a life bringing spring. There are so many things in our lives to be thankful for.

As 2009 will come to a close in about 2 1/2 months the LZ Russell Association would like to get the two humanitarian projects funded that have been selected for 2009. One is new and is related to the "Vets" side of projects we like to do. It is called Sgt. Tommy's Kids. I think you outdoorsy folks will really be amazed with this one. I'll outline it further in a minute.

Just a reminder about what the LZ Russell Organization's intent is with the humanitarian projects we select. Each year we send out an e-mail asking our members to provide suggestions on what projects they think would be a worthy project that we might sponsor with a small amount of funds. The Board of Directors then investigates each of the organizations recommended and votes to select two. One is directed to a "Vets Project" and the other to a "Viet Nam Project". The members are then asked to participate in the funding those projects by providing donations.

Information on the two projects for 2009 follows:

Sgt. Tommy's Kids.

This is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that was started to honor a fallen Marine from the Iraq War. Though any and all fallen soldiers are near to our hearts there is something special in his sacrifice related to the LZ Russell Association. Sgt. Thomas Gilbert is the son of Mike and Terry Gilbert who have been a significant part of the LZ Russell Association for a number of years. In this short space it is difficult to tell you about this Marine, his death and the organization that has been formed not only to honor him but to engage in a work that will accomplish some of the things he would like to have done if his life hadn't been taken. So, would you please take the time and look at the website: http://www.Sgttommyskids.org. As you do so, note that this organization seeks to bring that fishing/outdoors experience to kids of those in all branches of the U.S. Military.

Sgt. Tommy Gilbert had volunteered for a second deployment to Iraq. On October 25, 2006 his Quick Response Team went to the aid of 8 Marines pinned down in a firefight. Sgt. Gilbert gathered a small team and went to the aid of the 8 pinned down Marines. Just prior to making contact with the enemy an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded, killing Tommy.

Viet Nam Project

Many of you will recognize the Viet Nam Project as one we have sponsored in the past and seems to be a favorite of our members: LOTUS Humanitarian Aid Foundation. LOTUS is a non-governmental agaency that provides services to the poor and disadvantage children of Quang Tri Provence in Viet Nam. This organization was established in 2006 by John Ward, Viet Nam Vet., 101st Airborne, A Shau Valley 1968.

LOTUS provides services related to; open heart surgeries (infants and children), building preschools for 1 - 5 age group, a sewing and embroidery training school for handicapped, and scholarships for the education of children. LOTUS President and in-country Director, John Ward, has assisted the LZ Russell Association with several of our interests in Viet Nam; e.g. Preschool we helped fund in 2000 and as advisor to our members traveling in Viet Nam.

Nguyen Manh Cuong, 5 years old. Open-heart surgery was successful and he is living a normal life.

Check: (preferred) 

Pay to:

LZ Russell Association 

Send to:

Robb Mitchell, Treasurer

c/o Merrill Lynch

510 Hwy A1A

Ponte Vedra, FL  32082

 

PayPal:

For Sgt Tommy's Kids 

 

PayPal:

For LOTUS Humanitarian Foundation 

PayPal accepts major credit or debt cards.

 

LZ Russell Association is a registered 501 (c) (3) Non Profit Corporation

A receipt for tax purposes will be mailed to you.

 

If you have further questions, please contact:

 

Larry Hammer

Humanitarian Director

LZ Russell Association