An Internet first: From the Frontlines airs today! LIVE at 4pm Eastern/1pm Pacific; Update: Midnight $1,055,719!!!!!!
(Screen grabs courtesy Tim Sumner)
I’ll be in beautiful Mountain View, CA all day today for “From the Frontlines,” our ground-breaking web-a-thon for the troops. Move America Forward’s Melanie Morgan and I will go live on Ustream.TV and right here at MichelleMalkin.com (as well as at HotAir.com) at 4pm Eastern/1pm Pacific. (Just hit the play button on the embedded video player above when showtime arrives; if you’d like to join the live chatroom, make sure to register at UStream beforehand!) I’ll be updating this post all day as I liveblog the event from UStream’s studios. Thanks to all our fellow bloggers who’ve helped spread the word!
We’ve got a star-studded line-up of troops, military charities, celebs, and talk radio stars — from Rush Limbaugh and Mark Levin to Dr. Laura and Laura Ingraham to musician John Ondrasik and “Lone Survivor” author and Navy SEAL hero Marcus Luttrell — who’ll be joining us in our eight-hour marathon fund-raising drive to help send the largest number of care packages in history to our men and women in uniform serving overseas.
Sean Hannity announced yesterday that he’s personally donating $15,000 to the From the Frontlines effort. Awesome. Here’s my challenge to regular readers and commenters of this site and Hot Air. At the end of the web-a-thon, I’d like to see you collectively match that donation. Can you take up the challenge and make a pledge? Can you all help me walk the troop-supporting walk and raise $15,000 by the end of the night? Can we do it? Yes, you can.
You can sponsor a care package right here, with items ranging from $15.99 to $899.99. Let me know what you picked out (leave it in in comments or e-mail me) so I can keep a running tally.
I’ll start things off with the purchase of a $499 “The Deluxe Platoon Pack,” which contains:
Containers of SPF30 Ultra-Sweatproof Sport Sunblock
Sticks of Delon Intense XL Deodorant
ChapX Lip Balms
Packs of 100ct. Baby Wipes with Aloe and Lanolin
Insect Repelling BugButtons
Maxi Mini Fans with belt clip and break-away neck rope
Packages of Premium Jerky
Gatorade Drink Mix packets [1 Gallon Size]
Bags of “Connoisseur Class” fresh ground coffee
Tubs of Deluxe Military Emblem cookies
Bags of Jelly Belly “Candy Diplomacy” packages
Diana Nagy’s new CD feat. “Where Freedom Flies”
As it happens, today is the birthday of the greatest, most decorated Marine in American history: Lieutenant General Lewis Burwell “Chesty” Puller. He was born June 26, 1898. We couldn’t have picked a better day to hold “From the Frontlines.” General Puller’s heroism, esprit de corps, and leadership are legendary. And an inspiration to us all:
Born in the peaceful village of West Point, Virginia, where his father had a wholesale grocery business, Puller was reared on tales of Confederate glory. His grandfather, Maj. John Puller, a heroic cavalryman, was killed in 1863. Determined on a military career, Puller completed one year at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in August 1918. VMI may have given him the exaggerated military bearing for which he was nicknamed, but it was during more than four years as a Marine NCO and concurrent lieutenant of the Gendarmerie d’Haiti (1919–23) that Puller developed his distinctive leadership techniques: perfectionism; mission overachievement; and fearless, inspirational conduct under fire. Varied assignments followed his commissioning in 1924, including two tours in Nicaragua, in each of which he was awarded the Navy Cross. His third and fourth Navy Crosses came during World War II at the Battle of Guadalcanal and at Cape Gloucester on New Britain Island; and the fifth in Korea where Puller commanded the 1st Marine Regiment in the assault landing at Inchon, the seizure of Seoul, and the fighting at the Chosin Reservoir.
Fuller was promoted to brigadier general in 1951 and to lieutenant general upon retirement in 1955. During the 1950s, the colorful and outspoken Puller gained attention as a champion of tough, realistic training; a defender of the basic soundness of American youth; and a critic of higher leadership. His legend continued to grow; photographs of his bulldog visage hung in homes and service clubs across the country as a symbol of invincible heroism and fidelity to traditional military standards.
Among Puller’s most famous quips:
“All right, they’re on our left, they’re on our right, they’re in front of us, they’re behind us…they can’t get away this time.”
“Great. Now we can shoot at those bastards from every direction.”
“We’re surrounded. That simplifies our problem of getting to these people and killing them.”
“Remember, you are the 1st Marines! Not all the Communists in Hell can overrun you!”
“Take me to the Brig. I want to see the real Marines.”
“Alright you bastards, try and shoot me!” (to Korean forces)
“Where do you put the bayonet?” (upon seeing a flamethrower for the first time)
“You don’t hurt ‘em if you don’t hit ‘em.”
“Hit hard, hit fast, hit often.”
If those don’t prompt you to pitch in and help the troops, nothing will! God bless ‘em all and stay tuned for the From the Frontlines web extravaganza.
***
4:00pm Eastern/1pm Pacific. We’re about to start…get ready! Rush Limbaugh is scheduled to come on about 4:20pm/1:20pm.
Rush is blasting the PBS documentary airing next week on how America was morally equivalent to our enemies during WWII. Joined us by webcam from Palm Beach.
4:40pm Eastern. Oliver North is with us now via webcam.
5:17pm Eastern. We’ve reached the $297,283 mark!!!
5:33pm Eastern. Sean Hannity is on.
6:41pm Eastern. John Ondrasik just gave an amazing interview. I’ll try and clip it for you later.
7:25pm Eastern. We’re taking a quick technical intermission. Back in a flash.
7:30pm Eastern. Current tote board total: $448,553!
8:42pm Eastern. New total: $614,448!!!
10:05pm Eastern. Laura Ingraham has kicked in $15,000! Tons of great folks have joined us. We are now at $698,011.
12 midnight. We heard from the White House and the office of Gen. David Petraeus and troops from Ft. Leavenworth.
Final tally: $1,055,719!!!!!!!!!
Thank you all!!!!!!
See what others have said
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Trackbacks
- Hot Air » Blog Archive » The Move America Forward challenge!
- 9/11 Families for a Safe & Strong America
- Mark Levin Fan
- Hooah Wife and friends » Blog Archive » Support the troops - From the Frontlines
- No Runny Eggs » Blog Archive » The Morning Scramble/Open Thread Thursday - 6/26/2008
- High Desert Wanderer » From the Frontlines
- Gathering of Eagles: Colorado » Blog Archive » You’re Invited - “From the Front Lines” - Thursday, June 26th
- Hey, Kick One to the Troops, Guys. | The Sundries Shack
- Bookworm Room » More ways to support the troops
- Telethon For The Troops: From The Frontlines « Nice Deb
- MilBlogs
- Solomonia
- Slapstick Politics
- Jeremiah Films
- American Elephant » Blog Archive » From The Frontlines - Today
- Solomonia
- Support The Troops! » Freedom Folks
- Wizbang
- From The Front Lines « The Political Page
- Michelle Malkin » Won’t you please help jihad therapy?
- An Internet first: From the Frontlines airs today! LIVE at 4pm Eastern/1pm Pacific : BigMouthFrog
- Support “From the Frontlines” « Obi’s Sister
- Noblesse Oblige » From the Frontlines Web a Thon Approaches a Half Million
- Way To Support The Troops!! « Desert Martini
- Sister Toldjah
- Webathon More Than Doubles Initial Goal : The American Pundit
- Love To The Troops… « Love, Mom (Notes from the fridge)
- The Rude News » Blog Archive » From The Front Lines
- Matt Sanchez
- snapped shot
- snapped shot
- Yankeemom
- [snapped shot] From The Frontlines - A Million Dollar Success | Old Dominion Blog Alliance
- Musing Minds » Blog Archive » From the Front Lines Blog-a-thon
- $500,000 Bucks for the Troops? How About a Cool Million! | The Sundries Shack
- Wonderful Patriotism « Tai-Chi Policy
- Michelle Malkin » Sliming the greatest generation on PBS?
- MilBlogs
- Charlie Foxtrot - Thank You America
- Gold Stars | thumbtack
- Michelle Malkin » You can say that again, Mr. President
- Michelle Malkin » June 25: www.troopathon.com
- Michelle Malkin » Show time: Troopathon 2009 is here!
- Michelle Malkin » Show time: Troopathon 2009 is here!
- Michelle Malkin » Show time: Troopathon 2009 is here!
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Great work Michelle! God bless our troops!
I’m in…
Note to John McCain…
I’ll try to participate MM! Bless you and the others for this find broadcasting effort, and please hammer home to the unwashed (who see Afghanistan as “the good/justified war”) that there’s a gritty justification for usurping Iraq. There’s a street-wise wisdom that you first tear into the biggest bully of a hassling gang to earn all their respect even if you lose, and hitting Iraq and establishing a new more friendly reign in that neighborhood helps insure Afghanistan’s sheer survival. Really, just how long do you think Afghanistan would last all alone surrounded by lions after we liberated them from the fanatics and pulled out clean like the idealists wish? Hello, get street-wise people!
James Greenidge
Queens NY
I’ll be here immediately after work and buy another package of our heroes at the front.
May God continue to Bless America.
Thank you for this Michelle & Melanie! A truly historic event! I’m contributing.
I’m British. Can I contribute?
You’re a true patriot Michelle, a lean mean fightin’ machine. Good luck!
I’m in with a “Personal Comfort Squad Pack” Michelle. I think it would be grand if we outdid Hannity.
Thanks for all you and Melanie do for our troops.
michelle,
are the packages sent to us or directly to a serviceperson?
yikes! nevermind, should have had coffee first!
The Soap’s will be in as well. We love our troops and have a son in Afghanistan.
You had better be more specific.
I’ll be with you in this great effort.
BTW:
Add “they’re among us” and you have our War on Terror. No worries; my guns are close at hand (I do not live in D.C.).
Surely! Please do. And thank you.
If you have difficulty doing so, visit the Move America Forward site and send them an email via the ‘contact us’ and I’m sure they’ll find a way to accept your contribution.
Too bad we are not being called to match our trolls donations. We could all go home now.
And every night, in Marine Corps Bootcamp, after prayers and singing the Marines’ Hymn all the recruits say, “Good night Chesty Puller, you fighting son of a bitch . . . where ever you are.”
I wish i could help but bills had hit my pockets hard. Ill support you in prayers and please if you could mention my name on the show. Like brad is alway in support of the troops so we must be as supportive like brad. Also do anybody who work in retail give discount to our troops like i do it alway 50% for them. God bless you michelle and melanie for doing this
your friend
brad essex
By the way tell me you have tammie bruce and laura ingraham on there too.
Thank you Sergeant Tim – I had a slight difficulty with the transaction not being approved but it’s OK now.
Not everyone in Europe has BDS – the best £75 I’ve spent in some time!
Michelle:
For your tally, I got in early, and did a Squad Pack (deluxe) 169.99 and a Platoon Pack (deluxe) @ 499.99.
Oh one more thing you should have my contact info already or send me email. I live about 10 miles from Mountain View, if you guys need any help just drop me a line or give me a call. I can be off work as early as 1PM (got up and started working from home at like 4AM)
Happy Birthday, Chesty! And Semper Fi!
Am I missing something? I see there is a Bill to/Ship to page.
Is there something we should be using as the “Ship to”?
I had the same question weeks ago when this was first announced and emailed Move America Forward. Here is the gist of their answer:
If you already have a deployed troop’s address, you may put that in. If not, put you own address in there (yes, that is correct). They assured me that they will not send it to a stateside address but instead send it to a deployed troop, squad, platoon, etc (depending upon the type of your donation).
Thanks. Sgt. Tim.
I’m in with a “Goodies From Home Squad Pack”. Will have the challenge word out on my smaller site momentarily.
Of course I’m in… love the troops!
Hard to pick since they are all so good but I have to say this is my absolute favorite –
Happy B-day General.
In honor of Terrig’s husband.
And a Personal Comfort Large Pack for me this time, too.
I’m in for a Personal Comfort Squad Pack.
Thank you Michelle and Melanie and thanks especially to our troops. We support you and your mission.
Just bought the Goodies from Home Large Pack. Thanks for giving us this opportunity to give back.
Anyone else having transaction problems. My card is perfectly fine I used it this morning. When I made the transaction it told me transaction declined!
Me too on all counts. They don’t answer the number provided either. (Called my credit card company, they don’t see the transaction attempt.)
Servers must be overloaded.
#32 Thanks! I called the number too and no answer. So I sent an email
Well I tried!
And still waiting for the resident trolls to ante up *sound of crickets chirping*
Yeah, I posted here before finalizing the transaction. Transaction denied for me too. I sent them an email and will make sure it goes through once they’re back up and running.
They’re in CA so it’s only 7:50am there. I expect they’ll start responding soon.
#33 Yep, sent email too. I also sent an email to this board. Maybe someone is watching it and will pass the word along.
Hang in there. We’ll get our money in there eventually? God Bless our Troops and God Bless America!
I had that problem. I left the page open for about 30 minutes intending to post a question about payment. When I came back I clicked on the option to change the payment method. Lo and behold the transaction was accepted!
I have a receipt for the transaction altho’ it hasn’t yet appeared on my Internet banking statement (altho’ that might be because I am in the UK).
I have three first cousins serving in the Armed Services – one career Navy, one career Air Force, and one who just returned from performing two tours of duty in Iraq as a tank sergeant – and would like to say “Thank You” to Move America Forward and everyone involved, for their show of support and for this huge undertaking in getting care packages to our soldiers; it is a wonderful thing and appreciated by service families everywhere.
Needless to say several members of my family will be watching and we have contacted nearly every one we know – from co-workers to distant friends and relatives – to let them know and to help spread the word about this terrific event.
We have been sending out a set of care packages each Friday morning to at least two of our outstanding men and/or women serving in our military in Iraq and Afghanistan who post their wish list at Any Soldier. For this nationwide effort inspired by Michelle, Melanie and others to support our military we are going all out tomorrow morning. We have chosen ten soldiers and based on their wish list and our combined shopping list for all their requests I estimate the cost to be about $1200+. So Michelle, you can add that amount to your total if you wish.
The site you linked to for already prepared care packages is excellent, but if anyone here wants to add their personal touch, take the time and effort to do so then please goto Any Soldier. We include our email and contact info in the packages we send and so far we have always received a reply back from the soldier in Iraq or Afghanistan.
In the 2+ years we’ve been doing this my favorite item sent so far was my driver and 3 metal from my own golf clubs and a bucket of golf balls to a soldier in Iraq. We’ve also sent a volley ball net and two balls to a unit in Afghanistan.
I had transaction problems about a hour ago but it seems to be working out fine right now.
Just ordered the Goodies From Home Squad Pack 149.99 , I wish i had more money at this time to send more .
Soap’s have thrown in for “The Super Squad Pack” and pray the troops share the goodies with the kiddies. Knowing our troops, that will not be a problem.
GOD Bless our troops!
Hey xler8bmw! Donation a Success! Give er a try now.
MM: A Deluxe Platoon Pack is on its way from Gladz and Mr.Kravtz.
I just added a Personal Comfort Squad Pack and have urged the people on my email list to send anything they can.
Thanks Michelle and especially our troops for all you do!!!
Hi Michelle,
I just ordered the “Goodies From Home Large Pack”. I am sending an email to all my friends about the campaign. God Bless our Troops!
Having transaction problems on my end. Anyone else having issues placing an order?
Yeah i did for a while , it cleared up after about an hour , I am guessing the server was being overwhelmed at the time .
Pledged a goodies from home care package.
Success
Personl Comfort Pack here
with just under 4 hours till the web-a-thon kick off they already are at the half way mark of 250k.
Finally worked!
I am sending the Goodies From Home Large Pack – $79.99
We’re in for a “Goodies From Home Large Pack.”
So you know, if you do not have a specific troop to send your care packages to when you order, the following is the response I received to my question:
Goodie large pack outbound. Had some trouble getting the transaction through, declined my debit card the first 3 times.
I’m a little upset. I can’t afford much, so I was going to purchase the $15.99 pack on my card…but for some reason, it declined my card. So i tried my bank card, and it declined that, even though I JUST checked the account and there’s plenty there. I had to change it to a mail-in money order, and it accepted that. What gives? At the very least, Michelle, you can count me in for a $15.99 package.
I’m trying to get a Goodies From Home Large Pack to go through. I’m having a problem with the International Orders Page. I’ve sent an e-mail to the customer support and will post the results here for anyone else that may have issues.
The navy SEAL with you, is he “elite” and therefore unfit to serve?
Do you think celebs like Barbara Streisand should stay out of politics?
Do you think sending baby wipes to soldiers is the best thing to do for them, as opposed to getting them the heck out if Iraq where nobody wants them?
DakRoland: You might try emailing MAF @ info@MoveAmericaForward.org for help.
lgm
Today, please either go away or STFU!
just whom are these nobody lgm????
I take it you are now speaking for everyone , must be great to be able to open your pie hole and speak for other people . And I am with sargentTim
go the F away and stfu and return your head to the brown cave it seems to fit so well in .
Server overload, I think. It appears many of us were having problems doing this. It took me about 10 tries before it would finally accept my card (which was perfectly fine the whole time).
LGM
Either Put Up OR Shut Up!
Sgt., I am doing everything I can to not respond to that POS. Please ignore his idiotic postings. He’s never had to accept any personal responsibility in his life, much less go into harm’s way for a cause. He’s been a leech on society for his entire life, and he is teaching the next generation to be leeches, too.
The only reason he posts such (self-censored) postings is to point out to us his moral superiority to us. He has no sense of self-respect, duty, honor, or loyalty. His inane comments only serve to demonstrate exactly how shallow and self-serving he really is.
He acknowledges no higher authority than himself, and holds the rest us in contempt. Please, ignore him. He’s not worth your time.
epodug: Okay. Nuff said.
Bash a Navey Seal. Bash our President. Bash Christians.
So, let me get this straight. We can let someone like this come here and post but ban a guy for WWJB (What Would Jesus Bomb)?
lgm contributes NOTHING to this site (or thread) and yet, he is permitted to lay down this kind of disrespect?
UGH I really thought this blog had standards.
The lonely gelding manchild returns to dump on our goodwill efforts. Frankly, he bores me.
Michelle, I’m in for a Personal Comfort Squad Pack. God bless you for your efforts.
BSR
lgm – We are here right now to support our troops. This is definitely not the time or place for your threadjacking shenanigans! Now, run along… Code Pink is waiting for you.
—
Michelle,
You can count us in for one “Super Squad Pack.”
I just placed my order for “Goodies from home. . .$149.00″ Hope this is a great success! I too had trouble since early a.m. and finally got through to place my order. Yes, I think lgm should be blocked from this site. . .
Hey Michelle, how we doing so far? How about a quick update.
lgm said:
Heh idiot work on this math problem and leave us alone.
On-my-soap-box said (#65):
I didn’t bash a SEAL. I called him “elite”. He’s earned that. I was bashing people who say being elite is a bad thing.
I didn’t bash Bush in this post, though he deserves bashing in general.
I did not, have not, and will not bash Christians.
Rather than send our troops baby wipes: campaign for better vet benefits and health care, work on getting them better armor, get them redeployed the heck out of there.
LGM,
The troops are there right now whether you, I, or anyone else likes it or not. And lets remember, there are guys in Afghanistan too; that is totally unrelated to any potential withdrawal from Iraq.
So fight for “better vet benefits and health care, work on getting them better armor, get them redeployed the heck out of there.”
Cool. Great. But its not an either/or kind of thing, is it?
Thanks Michelle and all here who care about our military. For those who have a tight budget, we know if you could, you would. Thanks to you also for the good wishes and caring. I just got a goodies from home pack. I have to send a check, they didn’t have my credit card for use. I hope it gets there with the rest of these goodies.
L
Add liar.
lgm,
Kick in the minimum $15.99 – I dare you. Match my $169.99 – I triple dog dare you.
You said you donate to “charities” that support “American principles – ACLU”. Our fighting men and women are AMERICANS fighting for freedom – THE American principle. So, don’t send them baby wipes (in the comfort packs) send them goodies. Just get off your friggin high horse and send them something or go away.
Lgm only donates to NARAL and the ACLU. The core don’t get theirs.
Soap – how long can you hold your breath?
I wouldn’t hold my breath if I were you , for some its a lot easier to talk a big game from the peanut gallery but when it comes time to put your money where your mouth is they just don’t have the malkins to do it .
Personal Comfort Large Pack = Done.
That is too funny.
Personal Goodies for $39.99, Alex.
I’m in for the $79.99 today. Like many of you was having trouble earlier. Sent earlier to my husband a few others I know but this time to Any Soldier.
If the Turd Clown-LGM actually knew anyone who did serve he would understand how important baby wipes are to those who are unable to bathe on a regular basis, unlike you who looks like he does not but that’s another story. You could careless about their benefits or anything else. Please don’t come here today. STFU you F-ing idiot. Go back under your F-ing bridge.
Thanks for all who have given. It’s making a somewhat miserable day for me personally, something to smile about. God Bless you all!
Terri–
Check out #28