Photos from the March 31, 2007 Summer In the Winter Party @ Kenootz Pizza

Thanks to Kenootz Pizza, Banquets and Catering in Midlothian, Illinois for hosting the event!

Thank you, Katie!

As of March, 2007 the ASTP is officially a “not for profit corporation.”  This is a special thanks to Katie Buenger for all of her help with making that happen.

The ASTP has missed out on opportunities in the past because we did not have this type of tax ID number.  Now that we have one, we will be able to continue maximizing our opportunities to ensure the steady and stable continuation of our mission.

Thanks again, Katie!

Photos – Christmas Party for the Troops

 

 

 

Today Is Flag Day…Do You Know Where Your Flag Is?*

This is a reprint of a previously published newsletter article originally entitled “Are You Kidding Me” by Dominic “Sarge” D’Ambrosio written with the intent of sharing a personal observation using the ASTP public forum. It’s duplication to this new forum on Flag Day includes the full text of the article as well as the pictures published with the article.

The pictures above were not taken in the Middle East. These pictures were not taken in China, Russia or Korea. Believe it or not, the pictures of our American Flag wrapped up in the garbage were taken right here on a suburban street.

One of the many freedoms we enjoy in this country is the freedom of speech. Because of our right to free speech, the flag can be treated in any way that our citizens desire. This is what separates us from many parts of the rest of the world. That being said, I have a question. With everything going on in the world, and our country today, doesn’t it make more sense to fly the flag proudly?

Our flag is a symbol. It symbolizes that we are proud to be Americans. By flying the flag we are saying, “I am with the team” and I know that this is the best place in the world to live. In the months after 9/11 nearly every house in America had a flag flying in the front year, we had them on our cars and our local leaders ensured that our streets were lined with Red, White and Blue.

People wore Red, White and Blue shirts and spoke to each other about how proud they were to be Americans. Rooms full of people stood and grown men cried when the National Anthem was played before sporting events.

What happened to those days? Our country is in a time of crisis. We are at war. Our sons, daughters, moms, dads, brothers and sisters are fighting and dying to protect our freedom. Terrorists are plotting to attack our cities every day. If there ever was a time that we needed each other, now is it. Americans have displayed throughout history that we are invincible when we act as one.

Please stand together and show your pride in America by flying a flag every day.