Raleigh Relocation Information Center - Moving To the Triangle?

Sending out your Christmas cards?  Write one to a soldier too!  The Red Cross is continuing their "Holiday Mail for Heroes" program - here's how it works:

It's very easy to do!  Send a personal thank you card to the troops today...

Next time you see a story on the news about what our soldiers are doing in Iraq or Afganistan, take a second to think about what you can do here.

One of the things that many of us are able to do is donate blood. 

Donating blood is a simple way almost anyone can save up to three lives.

Donating blood sounds a lot scarier than it actually is.  For many of us, the first time we donate blood is when someone we know is hurt or ill, and there's a personal need. 

Here's some information from the Fort Bragg Blood Donor Center on how the process works.

The actual donation only takes about 10 - 15 minutes, but there are some steps that come before and after donation that keep donors and the blood supply safe and healthy. In general, the entire process takes 45 minutes to one hour. Fort Bragg Blood Donor Center staff members will guide you through the following steps when you arrive:

• Prescreening
• Registration
• Physical Assessment
• Interview
• Blood Donation
• Refreshments

Prescreening

During this step a member of the blood donor center (BDC) staff will discuss some of the most common reasons potential donors may not be able to give blood. This allows donors to ensure they meet the basic criteria before continuing through the rest of the process.

Registration

During this step donors present photo identification and their demographic information is entered into the Defense Blood Standard System (DBSS). This information is then printed onto a form with questions for donors to answer. The questions help determine if there are other factors (medications, foreign travel, etc.) that should be considered before donation.

Physical Assessment

This "mini physical" is made up of several quick measures to determine whether there are any obvious physical reasons a person should not donate. The technician will record the weight, temperature, pulse, and blood pressure of the donor. They will also perform a "finger stick" to obtain a small amount of blood to test for hemoglobin. If all measures fall within the accepted guidelines, the donor will proceed to the interview.

Interview

The interviewer will review the form completed by the donor during registration. Any responses that would possibly disqualify a person from donating are discussed and a decision is made as to whether or not the donor is eligible.

Blood Donation

The technician will do most of the work. Donors typically experience slight discomfort, but many say it hurts less than a paper cut.

Refreshments

Donors must remain in the center for at least ten minutes after donating to make sure there are no adverse side effects. During this time donors are provided beverages and snacks to help ensure their body fluids and blood sugar remain at normal levels.

Fort Bragg Blood Donor center hours of operation are 0730-1600, Monday to Thursday, and 0730-1500 on Friday.

Building 8-2807 Scott Street, Fort Bragg, or call 910-396-9925.

If you want to take a big step to save lives, think about donating blood at the Fort Bragg center, or visit the American Red Cross chapter nearest your workplace or home.

Do you know a parent who is serving our country overseas?

Wonder how you might help make Mother's Day special?

Today, Hallmark Cards is releasing a line recordable greeting cards, with a line of 8 Mother's Day cards.

These cards have a chip that allows a 10 second recording of a loved one's voice, followed by a 15 second music clip.  Hallmark has military families in mind for these new greeting cards, and will be visiting five bases to allow children to record messages for mothers that are overseas, then will send those cards for the kids. 

But here's an idea they might not have thought of.  Why not send cards to fathers that are overseas, so that they can record a message for the mother of their children who is waiting at home for them?  Fathers usually have a big part in Mother's Day celebrations.  But when they are stationed somewhere far away, it can be hard to make Mother's Day special for their spouse at home.  

The Hallmark cards are retailing for $5.99 each.  Think about including some in the next care package you send overseas.   And if you've never put together a care package before, Mother's Day or Father's Day is a great time to start!

Here are just a few of the foundations that will help you send a package to a soldier, whether or not you actually know anyone currently serving overseas. 

AnySoldier.com - Want to send your support to any soldier in harm's way, but have no idea of what to send, who to send it to, or how to send it?

USO Care packages - Sponsor a care package that includes requested items such as pre-paid worldwide phone cards, sunscreen, travel-size toiletries, and personal messages.

Adopt a Platoon - Another foundation that sends care packages to troops overseas.  Deadline to mail chocolate is April 30th - due to the extreme summer heat, no chocolate can be sent over the summer. 

Soldiers' Angels - "Adopt" a servicemember or send along a gift. A wide-ranging foundation started by a soldier's mom.

Operation Shoe Box - Their goal: "A package for every soldier, sailor, airman, and Marine" deployed overseas.

Hallmark will be visting the following bases:

And if you know anyone who served has served their country at some point in the past, and may be considering a move to North Carolina, let them know about the "Stanton Homes for Heroes" program.

"Stanton Homes for Heroes" - Military Discounts on New Homes