Christmas Plans 2018

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas | 2018

This year we plan to visit our oldest daughter in Pensacola.  She and her husband are living near NAS Pensacola.  Our Son-in-Law is in the Air Force.  They were just married this past May. We have not seen their home yet, so we are very excited!  

Since we have a long drive from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, we will have to stop half way.  We booked a hotel near Charlotte, NC aka: the Queen City

My parents will be traveling up from Central Florida with our youngest daughter and our two puppies: Wesley the Boxer and Princess Buttercup the Puggle.  We have reserved a pet friendly hotel in Pensacola. 

Happy Holidays

Remember our Troops this Holiday Season.
If you don't mind, I would say Merry Christmas and God Bless.  

I hope that doesn't offend anyone.

Colin's Condition - December 12, 2018

Prednisone Step Down

Medical Information:  Prednisone / Steroids 

December 12, 2018

We recently took Colin to Orlando, Fl for convalescent leave for Thanksgiving break and time with our family and puppies.  
We have returned to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The doctors have given instructions for another "step down" on Prednisone (steroids) beginning with tomorrow's dose.

Background:

At the onset of his illness Colin was initially taking 125 mg of steroids!  That is a very high amount of steroids.  He began taking this high dose back in April 2017.  His body has suffered a lot of damage from long term high steroid use.  

His last prednisone dosage of 15 mg will be decreased tomorrow (13 DEC 2018) to 12.5 mg.  
Other concerns his doctors have are for his liver and bones.  
He had an updated DEXA scan earlier this week.

Here is some information about tapering slowly from Mayo Clinic

https://www.mayoclinic.org/prednisone-withdrawal/expert-answers/faq-20057923

Doctors have been attempting to slowly taper him off this high dose of steroids, but his body doesn't react well to medical changes.  

This past year doctors have been tapering him off many of his immune suppressants in an attempt to replace them all with the experimental dose and use of  XELJANZ XR (tofacitinib).

Medical Information: https://www.xeljanz.com

Colin's Condition - updated Bone Density Scan

Bone Density Scan

Medical Information:  What is a DEXA scan (According to WebMD)

December 2018

As Colin continues his use of Prednisone, doctor's want to keep an eye on his bone health.
They ordered a DEXA scan at his baseline, in the beginning and have ordered a follow up DEXA scan this week.
According to Mayo Clinic, "Corticosteroids also can dramatically weaken bones and lead to osteoporosis".

He is currently taking supplemental Calcium and vitamin D as well as Vitamin D2

According to the Arthritis Foundation  "Prednisone, a corticosteroid drug used for decades to control inflammation, is one of the notorious culprits in bone mineral density loss."

Preemie Packing Party - Them too

We are looking for a donations and supplies for our Preemie Packing Party this December, in Bethesda MD.

Our Deadline is: December 20

Location - TBD

 

There will be a group of military caregivers and volunteers putting together care packages for new mothers and NICU babies, in Bethesda, MD.

 

We are asking local businesses to support our group effort by donating supplies for the Preemie Packing Party.

In exchange, we will be contacting local media sources and posting on social media to share our event and our supporters.

 

Please help our organization, and our babies.

 

We can provide a wish list and we are also open to suggestions!

 

Thank you very much for your consideration

 

Laura Benson

Laura@GamePlanLocal.com

Laura@GamePlanMediaEvents.com 

 

808-725-7749

202-670-6650

​

Go Fund Me Page

Details:
Hello, my name is Brandi. My request is quite simple, I am trying to raise money for  families in the NICU. (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) Many of these families  are confused and scared because why wouldn’t you be? I want to help these families by taking away some of the stress, and by donating items I think would help them. Currently, there are 8 families in the hospital that I am trying to donate to. My wish is to get the gifts together before Christmas as nobody wants to or chooses to be confined to a hospital room on holidays. Please help me reach the goal so I can buy and get the packages to the families close to Christmas!
So this fundraiser is to put together bags of things such as chargers, stress balls, non perishable snacks, herbal teas, reusable bags, nex gift cards, iTunes gift cards, journals, pens pencils, headphones, kids coloring packs, body travel sets, gum, tissues, certain books to read to babies and preemie button up onesies. These are gift bags to help alleviate some of the stress off the families of the babies being in the NICU. So it’s built for the families not the babies necessarily.
My intentions are to continue offering these care packages in the future with the right sponsors and support from you all!
Thank you so much!

About Them too is a startup organization created by Brandi Lambert that will support the needs of new military families, specifically in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Brandi Lambert can be reached at:
803-280-7929
themtoofoundation@yahoo.com

Honoring our American Patriot - President George H.W. Bush

Patriotic Tribute to George H. W. Bush our 41st President who served the White House in 1989 to 1993, for a total of more than 40 years in public service.

Bush passed away Friday November 30, 2018 at the age of 94

This Hero served our US Navy as a pilot in World War II. Bush was shot down by enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific.

One of the last of our Greatest Generation. One of our last WWII hero’s and the last generation to preside over the Oval Office.

#PatrioticTribute #SupportMilitary #SupportVeterans

Watch George H.W. Bush being rescued by the US Navy after his plane was shot down by Japanese forces in WWII 

Source: David Choi Dec. 1, 2018

Website Link

Honoring our American Patriot - President George H.W. Bush

Watch live from the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-vhNvFTwnE

#cbsnews #cbsn #bushfuneral #supportmilitary #supportveterans #supportpatriots #GodBlessUSA


This beautiful ceremony will be held at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC where my husband and I have had many opportunities to attend worship services and tours.

The Greenbrier Hosts Bedtime Story with Patriot Pup

THE GREENBRIER HOSTS Bedtime Story with Patriot Pup

(White Sulphur Springs, WV) – Born and raised in West Virginia Author, Elisa Camara, has been invited to share her Patriot Pup Book Series during a Special Event “Cookies and Milk” at Fizzy’s Land of Oz at The Greenbrier on Friday November 30,2018 and Saturday December 1, 2018.


We invite you to attend these Special Events at The Greenbrier and an opportunity to meet the Author of Patriot Pup

Event Calendar Link

  

PATRIOT PUP is a friendly, adventuresome puppy that teaches patriotism. It is a one-of-a-kind children's book series specifically written for children to learn what it means to love our country. The story’s themes of bravery, loyalty, patriotism and family make for an enjoyable read which will entertain the under-10 crowd, and the fun illustrations bring the lively tale to life. Patriot Pup is an All-American tradition to be handed down for generations to come!


Camara will be at The Greenbrier at Fizzy’s Land of Oz for a meet & greet and book signing. Also joining the event will be, the Patriot Pup Mascot!

Camara is the sister of a United States Marine killed in the 1983 Beirut Embassy bombing in Lebanon. She honors her brother’s memory through a children's book series called "Patriot Pup" which is geared toward teaching young children the meaning of patriotism. The first book in her series, introduced the main characters of the story: her brother Sgt. Mecot Camara, her youngest son Hank and a mischievous dog named Patriot Pup. The second book in the Patriot Pup series teaches children about the special meaning of our National Anthem through a fun baseball themed story.


About Elisa Camara:

Camara’s first published book titled American Brother was chosen as a top ten finalist for the prestigious US Marine Corps Alexander Award for Excellent Writing. Her creative writing skills combined with her love of children and our country set fire to the creation of PATRIOT PUP.












For more information about Patriot Pup, contact Elisa Camara at patriotpup.us@gmail.com or visit her website at http://patriotpup.us

Giving Tuesday - Patriot Pup

I am sharing this post for a good friend- Elisa Camara, the author of American Brother and the Children Series: Patriot Pup 

This December Patriot Pup is aiming to raise $5,000 to fund a very special event in conjunction with The Gary Sinise / Snowball Express Event.

Please help us provide 550 children Patriot Pup Plushies (stuffed animals) to spread our Patriot Pup love to children who have lost their moms or dads in combat while serving our country.

This event is dedicated to serving the children of our fallen military heroes, surviving spouses and our Gold Star families. Elisa Camara, who is also a Gold Star Sister, states, “This project is very dear to my heart”.

Your donation will help bring smiles to the children of our fallen military heroes.

Thank you so much for your generosity and warm heart!
Patriot Pup 

Gary Sinise Foundation
#GoldStarChildren
#GoldStarFamilies
#snowballexpress

#GivingTuesday 

Search Go Fund Me and type in PatriotPup or use this link:
https://www.gofundme.com/patriotpup

Media that Sells - Spotlight Events

#TakeMeBack to my old business, Media that Sells! 

Media that Sells, was an Advertising Media Placement Service for clients who want to reach people with active lifestyles through unique forms of media (signs, banners, digital, etc...) in entertainment, recreational and leisure venues. 

We offered unique "Recreational Networking Events" for Pre-Sales Opportunities to our existing clients to see and try out new forms of media.  We were placing media at Bowling Alleys, Golf Courses, YMCA Family Centers, and many other high traffic locations throughout the Greater Orlando area.

We also partnered with the East Orlando Chamber and Dr. Phillips Chamber to help our advertisers maximize their memberships.

We developed Showcase Events, which I am featuring in today's post.  The link will bring you to our new company "Game Plan Media Events" which now owns the rights to this former concept.

http://gameplanmediaevents.com/portfolio-items/media-that-sells-spotlight-event/

#business #advertising #entertainment #recreation #media

2018 Holiday Mail for Heroes

The 2018 Holiday Mail for Heroes campaign through the American Red Cross and the American Red Cross - Walter Reed National Military Medical Center is here!

Every year we have a window of time for the community to send cards to our patients and wounded warriors for the Winter Holidays. The campaign has several deadlines that relate to specific holidays so please refer to the attached information.

Please note the address and attempt to correct anyone who may have outdated information. We will continue to post more info throughout the season.

Colin's Condition - November 23, 2018

CellCept Step Down

Medical Information:  https://www.cellcept.com 

November 23, 2018

Today we are visiting family and our dogs in Orlando, FL

Before leaving Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) we were instructed to "step down" Colin's medication on November 23rd.  

So, in Colin's evening dose I will be reducing his CellCept medication by 500 mg.

He is currently taking 500 mg in the morning and 1000 mg in the evening.

This past year doctors have been tapering him off many of his immune suppressants in an attempt to replace them all with the experimental dose and use of  XELJANZ XR (tofacitinib).

Medical Information: https://www.xeljanz.com

Caregiver Appreciation Month Open Forum

November is National Family Caregivers Month

Thank you to Linda Rasnake (FRSA: the WTB Care Coordinator at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center) for putting together this wonderful caregiver luncheon today at the USO Walter Reed National Military Medical Center  (Nov. 14, 2018)

Linda made this wonderful banner for Mrs. Hollyanne Milley, wife of the Army Chief of Staff, who was present today. The banner had photos of our faces. That was such a nice personal touch. And she and her husband also made these clocks for some of the caregivers with our faces on it. Really nice! Very thoughtful

Linda is so incredibly helpful, full of support, love and encouragement. 
I thank God for her!   Even though she is supported on our base by the Army she goes out of her way to get to know each of us and doesn't turn anyone away based on which brand of military our loved one is serving.  (Mine is Navy)

She has so much valuable knowledge that helps us (NMA's and Military Caregivers) get through the difficult transitions and adjustments that happen when you go through something devastating like this. 
Especially when you are suddenly put in a position or medical crisis that changes your whole world. This enormous weight of responsibility is given to us by the military, as you are a trusted caregiver for your service member. ❤️🙏

NMA:  The Non-Medical Attendant (NMA) program is designed for seriously wounded, ill and injured Soldiers who could benefit from the presence and assistance of Family or friends. 
FRSA: The Family Readiness Support Assistant (FRSA)is an integral part of the FRG, an official Army program established pursuant to AR 600-20, Army Command Policy. Unit commanders at all levels are expected to establish and/or support FRG operations.

Colin's Condition - November 9, 2018

Prednisone Step Down

Medical Information:  Prednisone / Steroids 

November 9, 2018

Today we are still living at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) and Colin is still under the medical care and immune protocol at National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The doctors have instructed me to "step down"  Colin's Prednisone (steroids) today.

At the onset of his illness Colin was initially taking 125 mg of steroids!  That is a very high amount of steroids.  He began taking this high dose back in April 2017.

He is down to 15 mg of steroids today, and believe me as I write this - we are so worried.  Each time we taper his steroids - he flares.  15 mg may not sound like much medication, but he has been dependent on it for so long that it's extremely difficult for his body to make up the difference and recover when it's reduced.

Here is some information about tapering slowly from Mayo Clinic

https://www.mayoclinic.org/prednisone-withdrawal/expert-answers/faq-20057923

Doctors have been attempting to slowly taper him off this high dose of steroids, but his body doesn't react well to medical changes.  

This past year doctors have been tapering him off many of his immune suppressants in an attempt to replace them all with the experimental dose and use of  XELJANZ XR (tofacitinib).

Medical Information: https://www.xeljanz.com

2018 Veterans Day Free Meals, Discounts, Sales and Deals


2018 Veterans Day discounts, free meals, deals, and sales. As Veterans Day approaches, we will continually update this list as restaurants and companies announce their Veteran’s Day specials. Typically offers are announced just before Veteran’s Day in late October and early November.

Veterans Day 2018 will be on Sunday, November 11th, 2018 and designated as a Federal Holiday on Monday, November 12th, 2018.

For information on National Retail and Services Offered or Local Veterans Day Offers, visit our other two Veterans Day offers pages!

Follow this introduction over to the website for Military Benefits, for an expansive list

Source: Military Benefits
Read more: https://militarybenefits.info/veterans-day-discounts-sales-deals-free-meals/#ixzz5W9Acivrr

VETERANS DAY BANQUET - Grand Prairie

VETERANS DAY BANQUET 

Veterans Day 2018

RATES
Advance dinner tickets are available for the event at $40. 
For tickets, call 507 283.4061.

DATE(S)
November 11, 2018
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

ABOUT
Heroism and military service will be honored at the Rock County Veterans Day Banquet on Sunday, November 11, 2018 at Grand Prairie Events. 



DIRECTIONS
Grand Prairie Events is located 1 1/2 miles north of the I-90 and US Highway 75 intersection. Turn east (right) on Main Street. Drive one block to Estey and south (right) 1/2 block to Grand Prairie Event Center.

GREEN PRACTICES
Energy Efficiency/Conservation
Air Quality Improvements
Organic or Local Food & Beverage Choices

EVENT ATTRIBUTES
Accessible to Disabled

Event Source:
Grand Prairie Events
105 S Estey St
Luverne, MN 56156
(507) 283-4061 (Phone)
(888) 283-4061 (Toll Free)


Explore Minnesota Website Link 

UCF's Veterans Flag Day 2018

UCF's Veterans Flag Day - Wed. Nov 7 - Fri. Nov 9 

The UCF's Veterans Academic Resource Center (VARC) will plant over 1400 American Flags on Memory Mall just in front of the Veterans Commemorative Site. Each flag represents one student veteran attending UCF for the fall semester. Flags will be planted at 7:30 am on Wed. and picked up on Fri. at 12:00 noon. Volunteers needed to assist with planting the flags! 

Contact Joshua "JJ" Johnson at 407-823-5874 or joshua.johnson@ ucf .edu

https://events.ucf.edu/event/879805/veterans-flag-day/

NAWCTSD Change of Command

The East Orlando Chamber of Commerce Invites you to Meet The New Commanding Officer of NAWCTSD

Nov. 8, 2018
8:30am - 9:30am at Baldwin Fairchild at Chapel Hill (2420 Harrell Road, Orlando, Florida).

Captain Timothy Hill , Commanding officer of the Naval Air warfare Center Training Systems Division will brief The East Orlando Chamber of Commerce and the community on Central FL Research Pk.

Registration Link - Coffee Club Goldenrod

Research Park, is the Largest Research Park in Florida and the 4th largest in the US by number of companies.

I have worked and volunteered within this community for more than a decade, and it's also the duty station where I met and married by husband, SCPO Benson.

Below is the Press Release, provided NAWCTSD Public Affairs

ORLANDO, Florida - Capt. Erik Etz turned over command of Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division and Naval Support Activity Orlando to Capt. Timothy Hill during a change of command ceremony on Friday, Nov. 2.


Before the ceremony began Etz addressed the NAWCTSD workforce. "It has been the highest honor of my career to serve with you all here at NAWCTSD," he said. "This Navy adventure has been the most amazing part of my life – I am thankful to have made many memories with all of you."



After turning over command to Hill, Etz retired from the Navy after 28 years of naval service. During his career he logged over 3,500 flight hours in over 35 types of aircraft, including over 2,950 F/A-18 hours and over 840 carrier landings on 14 different aircraft carriers.



Upon assuming command, Hill thanked Etz for his service and support, "I likely would not be here (in Orlando) today if not for your persuasion in getting me to check out the slating here at NAWCTSD." He then emphasized the importance of maintaining strong partnerships at Team Orlando. "Partnership must be in our DNA- we'll leverage the capabilities and efforts of all our partners, and continue to provide value to all of our customers. We will do this with a laser focus on delivering the right product to the Fleet at the right time or sooner."



Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Commander, Rear Adm. John S. Lemmon, was the guest speaker presided over the ceremony along with Commander Navy Region Southeast Rear Adm. Babette "Bette" Bolivar.



Lemmon thanked Etz for his leadership at NAWCTSD and spoke about the significance of the command. "NAWCTSD is integral to the Navy’s mission to ensure our Sailors and Marines are in a constant state of readiness," he said. "The importance and relevance that NAWCTSD and NSA Orlando bring to the fleet will continue to grow as training requirements evolve."



Located within the Central Florida Research Park, NSA Orlando is the home of the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD) Orlando. NAWCTSD Orlando is the Navy's principal center for modeling, simulation, and training systems technologies. NAWCTSD provides training systems development for a wide spectrum of military programs, including aircraft, surface ships, submarines, and other specialized requirements.



Prior to assuming command Hill served the Executive Officer of NAWCTSD and NSA Orlando.

Source:  NAWCTSD Public Affairs (407) 380-8372

Sgt. Mecot Camara Tribute

Patriotic Tribute to Sgt. Mecot Camara -

Please join us for the unveiling of Mecot's Portrait at MIssion BBQ. 

Let us come together to honor Mecot and share a wonderful dinner together in memory of him and his fallen brothers from the Beirut Bombing that occurred 35 years ago on October 23, 1983. #NeverForgotten

Thursday, November 15, 2018 at 7 PM – 10 PM EST

MISSION BBQ (Oviedo, FL)
968 W. Mitchell Hammock Rd, Oviedo, Florida 32765

United States Marine Corps Sargent Mecot Camara, was killed in action in the October 1983 Beirut Bombing. While serving there as an international Peacekeeper he would write letters to family and friends asking them to send him candy and balloons to give the children. His patriotism and love of children inspired his sister, Elisa to create a patriotic book series, Patriot Pup. 

#SupportVeterans #SupportMilitary 

Thank you for your Service

https://www.facebook.com/PatrioticTributeUSA 

Requesting Patriotic Tributes

In the past our goal was to support local veterans groups by bringing together the Veterans and the Defense Community as well as the General Public through Community Events, giving the general public an opportunity to appreciate our local/hometown heroes.

We conducted these events in Orlando, Florida with the support of local veterans groups, chambers, media sources and volunteers.  

Since moving away to Washington, DC and becoming a full time caregiver to my military spouse at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, I am no longer able to carryout plans to execute these events in person - however, it would be my honor to recognize others throughout our great country by sharing their events, recognition and support of our nations heroes. 

We encourage you to post your events and appreciation, and we will help you share them.  

God Bless the USA.

911 Tribute Events

Annual Military & First Responder Appreciation Event “A unique opportunity to honor and appreciate the men and women in uniform that  put themselves in harm’s way”.

Unique Special Event honoring our First Responders, Police, Fire and Military

• Events were held in Orlando, FL from 2012-2016
• First 100 families receive an event tote bag filled with goodies
• Business and Non-Profit Vendor Booths available
• Motorcade  and Parade 
• Entertainment Show and Tributes

With the help and support of Semper Fidelis of America, our body of members assisted with planning, working and helping to find venues for the following events.

Previous Annual Calendar of Patriotic Tribute Themed Events:

1.  Vietnam Veterans Day
2. Armed Forces Appreciation Day
3. Memorial Day
4. Flag Day
5. Patriot’s Day
6. TVeterans Day
7. Pearl Harbor Day

Old/Archived social media 
Twitter:  @911TributeFL    
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/911TributeOrlando


Current Social Media will now be run by USA and Patriotic Tribute sites
New Twitter:  https://twitter.com/USATributes
New Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PatrioticTributeUSA





previous years flyers:

Coming Soon

previous event photos:

Coming Soon

Purpose of the Patriotic Tribute Blog

In the past our goal was to support local veterans groups by bringing together the Veterans and the Defense Community as well as the General Public through Community Events, giving the general public an opportunity to appreciate our local/hometown heroes.

We conducted these events in Orlando, Florida with the support of local veterans groups, chambers, media sources and volunteers.


Since moving away to Washington, DC and becoming a full time military caregiver to my navy spouse at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, I am no longer able to carryout plans to execute these events in person - however, it would be my honor to recognize others throughout our great country by sharing their events, recognition and support of our nations heroes.


We encourage you to post your events and appreciation, and we will help you share them. God Bless the USA.

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Dr. Phillips Chamber of Commerce

Dr. Phillips Chamber of Commerce
Beginning in 2009, I assisted the President of the Dr. Phillips Chamber of Commerce (Orlando, FL)  with membership sales and event sponsorship.  

At the time when I joined this chamber, I owned the business, "Media that Sells" using my maiden name, Laura Burk.

In 2011, Game Plan Media was incorporated and I later changed my membership to reflect that.  

During this time, I served on the Board for a brief period of time to help form this Chamber and formed the Dr. Phillips medical committee.  

One of my favorite volunteer positions was with the Dr. P. Phillips YMCA Family Center.  The Dr. Phillips Chamber raised money for health expo's that were provided to this family center by local business owners.

In this photo (Laura Benson) with Maggie Rosario, President of Dr. Phillips Chamber




An example of one of my presentations that was used at our Chamber Gala (2015) is shown below.  

Prestige awards photos - December 8, 2015 from Laura Benson