” The accompanying American flag was carried aboard Combat mission F-4 over Iraq in a UH-60A Blackhawk Helicopter, Tail #79-23310 on the 27th of January 2009, Delta Company 1-244th Aviation (ASLT).

This flag is presented to Soldiers’ Angels Operation Overseas Mardi Gras on behalf of Delta Company while while deployed to Balad Air Base, Salah ad Din Governorate, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and America’s Was on terrorism.

Thank you for your support! CPT James D. Wells – Commander and 1SG Michael E. Swanson-First Sergeant

“We will not waiver, we will not tie; we will not falter, and we will not fail. Peace and freedom will prevail.” President George W. Bush October 7, 2001.

c/p at Hooah Wife and Soldiers’ Angels Louisiana

Tomorrow night, myself and the kids will be with the giant rodent saying “Hail Mickey, Hail Yes!”

Off to go sort through the Mardi Gras loot we collected this season before we head out…

Dear Ms. Perry:

I want to let you know how much the soldiers, aviators and mechanics of 1-244th Assault Helicopter Battalion, TF (task force) Voodoo, enjoyed the care packages coordinated and sent through your organization, Soldiers’ Angels. The soldiers hung the beads in our AO (area of operations), dressed up in costume for some of our meetings and have been getting in the Mardi Gras spirit as Fat Tuesday approaches. We have a few outstanding cooks in the unit that have used the red beans, rice, Zatarain’s spices and other items to prepare Red Beans and Rice on Monday and Gumbo on Friday in keeping with New Orleans and southern Louisiana tradition. The other very cool thing we are doing is arranging for some of these items to be given by our soldiers to some of the Iraqi children who love receiving things from our soldiers. No matter where you are in the world and what the politics are, children are children.

I want to let you know that the packages were a huge morale boost to the soldiers. I know some of the soldiers here in Balad from other areas of the country do not understand our culture and excitement over the items you sent. Once again, thanks so much for everything you have done.

Patrick R. Bossetta
LTC, AV
Commanding
MOJO 06

c/p at Soldiers’ Angels Louisiana

I’m also asking those who have not attended if they think it is or not and why?

I bring my kids to the French Quarter (just not Bourbon Street) all the time and they love a parade!

You probably will never understand why someone would pay at least $1,000 to ride in a parade and purchase items to throw into a crowd of strangers and adorable children. Riding in a Krewe is an experience, a year round social group, whose purpose is to achieve the success of the parade day, while developing bonds with other Krewe members. Many of the Krewes also do charitable things throughout the year and most Krewes are made up of upstanding community members. The Krewe of Eve is an all women’s parade, and you especially become close to the women riding on your float. Yes, a social club that you buy into but so much more.

The day of the parade began with the Queen and Kings’ breakfast and was followed by the loading of the floats. This is where you take the $500 or more of items you have purchased and place them in your designated area. Usually you set up at that time too, but with the threat of a possible rain cancellation, many of us held off until later in the day. We returned in the early afternoon party that was thrown by the Queen and there was music, food and dancing. BYOB, so this is when the partying really begins. Now was the time to get your area all situated for the ride and to get organized the best you can. There was also an opportunity to trade the “float beads” you purchased with other float riders. I was quick to unload the “clown” medallion I had and trade up for some very cool beads to add to my collection.

When it was time to roll, there was a felling of nervousness and excitement and yes, I had a good buzz going too. There was a “no throw zone” until we hit a certain point and then it just happens. Feeling like a rock star who everyone wants, the crowd screams and yells for you to throw them something. Hands in the air, children on shoulders and ladders, people wearing crazy costumes to get your attention and you doing your best to pace yourself so you don’t throw out everything too fast. Of course, it is obvious that the crowd is not screaming for you, but are in their “Mardi Gras mentality” and doing what is expected on their side while we are playing Santa for a few hours. It actually gets pretty exhausting as the parade goes on and you constantly have to fix your beads, drink your alcohol *grin*, smile, dance to the music and throw stuff out (who woulda thunk). When it was all over, all I can tell you is that I will be saving my money to do it next year. It is a rush, a thrill ride that also brings so much joy to people in my community.

Last night I also thought about the Mardi Gras that Soldiers’ Angels was able to share with 700 men and women in Iraq this year and hope they get some joy out of all the items they received. Mardi Gras has something over this community and the people that have experienced that you will never understand until you experience it yourself. There is still time to come this year – if not – See you next Mardi Gras season!!!

First I want to share a picture of the Queen of Eve from the dinner dance Friday night. Kim was on my float before she became Queen. She looked stunning Saturday night and I bet that outfit was HEAVY! She gave everyone on the float these hand-embroidered second line scarves and we waved them all when she went by!

Since I found out I was riding, I grouped all the beads I caught last year by size and in dozens with paper to keep from getting tangled. I came up with 9 bags of 10 dozen in each and hubby bought 10 bags (see I am frugal).

Plush throws are very crucial to the success of a parade. My friend and I have about 7 crawfish sacks filled and we will be blowing up some beach balls to keep with our float theme. You’ll see the little Eve doll in the picture and the apple throws -those are prized catches.
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Below are the specialty float bead (I hate clowns) and light up Eve bead. There are also beads with apples that are prized.

I’ve got my mask, hat, costume, gloves with cut-off fingers, fanny pack, bungee cords, clothes pins and throws ready to go. I can’t wait until Friday – this week is going to fly. Breakfast 7:30 with the Queen & King, load the float, afternoon party and then 6:00 on the float ready to go! Then Saturday I have my radio show at 9 AM and hubby’s ball Saturday night! OMG – this is insanity!

This effort was launched on January 1st and for a while there, people and the press were not picking it up because they were focused on the elections. Letting these men and women down this year was not an option. There were a lot of behind the scene angels contacting the press and putting up fliers (many still are) around their towns. After all, nothing this large scale is done by an individual, in fact, this project has become a success due to a “Team of Angels” who stand “Wingtip to Wingtip.” An angel is someone who “does.” They all have different ways of “doing,” but they all help complete the mission. Many of my friends and readers are also wonderful angels and a huge wing flap goes out to you too.

There will be continuous press coverage taking place all over the state of Louisiana within the next week. There are people of all ages proudly packing boxes as far away as Germany because they heard what we are doing and they also love Mardi Gras. Let’s just hope that in years to come that Operation Overseas Mardi Gras becomes a Louisiana tradition! I am glad that I wished for success! Now go tell everyone you know to get more packages out!