Our association with Soldiers Angels has become the passion in our lives. So much more than just supporting our troops, SA has made it possible for us to be able to make a difference in the war on terror.

Politics aside, our military voluntarily puts their lives on the line every day to defend the freedoms that we take for granted. SA makes it possible for us to be able to show our troops that we appreciate all that they do for us.

In the 32 months that we have been members of SA we have written well over 5,000 letters to deployed soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines. It has been our privilege and honor to have heard back from dozens of these heroes. Currently we write to 25 soldiers every week through the SA Letter Writing Team, 130 pen pals, 20 returned soldiers, and our 3 Official Adoptees. However the rewards for us go far beyond what we give. Our reward is the knowledge that we are making a difference in the life of a soldier. We are making things ever so slightly better for those that defend us. We are doing something.

Pat and I are members of the Nevada Society of Scottish Clans, the largest Scottish culture organization in Nevada, and additionally I (Don) currently serve as Chieftain of the Society.

I am also privileged to belong to the Scottish American Military Society (SAMS), an organization composed of active military and veterans of Scottish descent. SAMS provides Honor Guards for various events throughout the US, and offers fellowship to vets and active duty military alike.

We love attending the events put on by the Society, as well as Scottish Games and Gatherings throughout the West. The Society also supports three pipe bands from this area, Scottish Heavy Athletics, and Highland Dancers.

The highlight of our calendar of events every year is the annual Robert Burns Dinner in late January. The Burns Dinner, ostensibly a celebration of the birth of Scotland's favorite poet is really an excuse for a night of food, music, dance, drink, toasts, and most of all friends. We urge you to attend a Burns Dinner in your area. It will be a night you will long remember.

God bless all who find it in their hearts to support our troops, and please consider adopting a deployed soldier. You will love it, and so will a hero.