Help me as I run to bring them home

I will be participating in this very special event. I am training to run Chicago Marathon in October as well as hopefully the Boston Marathon in April 2009. I am dedicating my training and races to these brave soldiers. Please support me while I run with a donation by selecting the "Click Here to Sponsor Me" button. Our efforts will help make a big difference!

Inspired by greatness.....

I am a very driven, goal oriented person who thrives on challenges. When I fully set my mind to doing something I give it 100%. I am driven to help these soldiers. I have been passionate about my support for them for some time now. I come from a family of proud service. My husband was in the military during our early marriage. In addition my Grandpa Halter was a disabled Korean War vet and my Grandpa Gordon was a two-time purple heart recipient who served in World War II. I can think of no greater, more deserving people than those who have sacrificed themselves for my freedom. Supporting me in this endeavor is my wonderful husband of 16 years, Roger. Also, we have 2 beautiful children- Layla 14 and Zakary 11. I can't forget Macee my wonderdog who trains with me. I desire for my children to share this passion to help the wounded warriors of our country! Please feel free to contact me by email: rbshingledecker@yahoo.com or phone if you wish to help! 269-625-2808

My 4th of July- The True American Heroes

Being a volunteer with Homes for Our Troops has been one of the most inspiring, life changing things I have done. While I have never been one to admire people who are grossly overpaid to do something as insignificant as make a movie, play a sport, or things like that- I have been reminded in an ever deeper way who the true American Heroes are. Now- don’t misunderstand, I love me a good Detroit Tigers game several times a week (or other sports) or a good movie- the few family friendly ones there are out there.
Today my family and I went to a parade and cook out put on by the Decatur VFW in which Cpl. Josh Hoffman and some of his family attended. Backing up- before they arrived I was intrigued when I saw a few women with shirts on that said “Blue Star Mothers” on them. I was curious what that meant so I asked. As I talked to one of the ladies she explained that it is a group for moms who have children who are or have served in the military. This nice lady also belongs to a “club” none of us would want to join- the Gold Star Moms Club. This is a group of mothers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in losing their soldier in war. Her precious son was killed in 2006 (I believe) and she currently has a daughter deployed to war as well. Was this woman bitter? Enraged? Raging against the war? No- she was proud of the boy that she raised. Her son, Gabriel left behind a son- his namesake who last saw his daddy at 4 months old, as well as a wife and of course his family of origin. I was deeply moved talking to this hero- a mom who allowed this deep tragedy in her life to make her better instead of bitter. Gabriel now has a chapter of the Blue Star Mothers named after him in Decatur. I thanked her on behalf of my other fellow grateful Americans for her sacrifice what an inspiration.
Then, I met Josh, Heather (his fiancée) her parents and Josh’s nurse. I had been greatly looking forward to meeting them so there was some anticipation. Heather immediately recognized me from my MySpace which made it easy for me. I feel like I clicked with the whole family- what a blessing. I didn’t know how to approach Josh. I knew he didn’t speak, but heard he has his own way of communicating. I got several laughs from talking to Heather’s mom as well as Josh himself in regards to his abilities. It became apparent that the only thing he was lacking was the ability to audibly speak. He is very skilled at mouthing words, clicking for yes or no answers, shaking his head, and rolling his eyes. He is not brain damaged just waiting for the right day to unleash the vocal cords (perhaps when the trach is removed from his throat) and boy I bet he wont shut up then!
Josh is a quadriplegic as a result of being shot in the neck. What he lacks in the ability to mobilize he makes up for in character. I am believing with his family that some day God will help him regain that mobility.
I also had the pleasure of meeting another Marine who is recovering from his wounds received in the war from an IED. He walked in the parade and seemed to be doing well.
It occurs to me that I met 3 different “degrees” of sacrifice today. Someone whose sacrifice was death (the soldiers mom), Josh who at this point is wheelchair bound in body and undergoes hours of treatments daily, and the other Marine who while greatly injured, will continue serving his country atleast for now.
I am a changed woman. Deeply moved, incredibly inspired. As you celebrate this Independence Day- the 232nd birthday of the greatest country on earth, please remember freedom is NEVER free.