Without getting into the politics involved, here is an idea that was forwarded to us by our owners, and supported by them, also.

All of our managers were forwarded a lenghty story concerning a soldier escorting the remains of another soldier killed in battle, and the treatment (excellent treatment, by the way) he received by the aircrew and the other passengers on the aircraft.

As a result of this story, it was decided to show our support for the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airman by wearing a red shirt every Friday. Our company will foloow this idea.

Personally, when I was in the Air Force, and traveled by plane, I was spit at and yelled at wherever I went. And no, I wasn't in Viet Nam, I was in San Antonio. Maybe they didn't like Yankees there, but I believe that it was something else. Anyway, I would rather have gotten off a plane and seen a sea of red shirts.

Incidentally, did you know that at major airports (at least Atlanta) the USO meets every arriving soldier with applause, and usually a small crowd of people joining in. Some days you are prouder that others of being and American.

Again, no intent to include politics, but how about all of you and you companies joining in this movement?

Bob (Astro)

Hey Bob,

This email has been circulating for the last couple/few years. It's a nice sentiment, but has never really taken hold.

Totally tongue in cheek here, but red is just not my color. In some parts of the country you have to be careful with the whole red vs. blue regarding gang stuff. That being said, if our industry gets involved in anything we'd be a major force to be reckoned with. Count me in if this takes hold and my three guys as well. I'll just make it a job requirement.

The USO is great for doing what they do for our troops, and the effort is appreciated.

I've been trying to decide if it would be appropriate to post a Blue Star flag at our facility since our eldest son is in the Army. I will put the poster up at least over this weekend, other than that, I'm not sure if it's appropriate.

Like you, I'll be watching to see how others respond. 53,000 facilities across the nation, times 2.5 employees on average? Hmmm, that's a lot of red shirts, and could easily make a statement.

__________________
Gina 6k
CochraneStorage dot com
Morgan Hill, California
You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough!

I have been doing this for a couple of years. Thank you for your service to our country and thank you for standing up and being PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN. I have always been myself and now that my son is in his 3rd year in the U.S. Marines I could not be prouder. Wear Red on Fridays.

__________________
Mel Holsinger, President
Professional Self Storage Management, LLC
3434 E. Kleindale Ste. E
Tucson, AZ 85716
O: 520.320.9135
F: 520.320.9435
www.proselfstorage.com

Absolutely, I wore my pin when my son was in Iraq every single day, almost got into a couple of fights but for the most part, people were very apprecitive of his service and my support of that.

__________________
Mel Holsinger, President
Professional Self Storage Management, LLC
3434 E. Kleindale Ste. E
Tucson, AZ 85716
O: 520.320.9135
F: 520.320.9435
www.proselfstorage.com

Blue Star Flag going UP! Thanks Mel for the input. And thanks to your son for his service also.

Okay, I'm pulling out my red shirts... they'll blend in with my rosy cheeks in this hot weather.

__________________
Gina 6k
CochraneStorage dot com
Morgan Hill, California
You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough!

And back to your son and to you , "Thank you"

Have a great 4th of July, I am going on vacation and I will not be on the site for the next 10 days.

__________________
Mel Holsinger, President
Professional Self Storage Management, LLC
3434 E. Kleindale Ste. E
Tucson, AZ 85716
O: 520.320.9135
F: 520.320.9435
www.proselfstorage.com

I have to echo what Mel was saying -- Pass on our thanks to your son for his service!
As a former member of the US NAVY I know how hard it is to be away from home for long periods of time in a strange country. I did have the advantage of not being shot at, but I also worked in one of the most dangerous places on earth - the flight deck of an aircraft carrier!!

We all pray for his safe return!

If anyone gives you grief about the blue star let me know - I'll bring my baseball bat out and teach them some manners!!

To paraphrase an old bumper sicker says

"if you can read this
thank a teacher
If you can read this in English
THANK YOUR ARMED FORCES!!!"


And to MEL -- HAVE A GREAT VACATION!!!!

__________________
Wayne
All American Self Storage
Palmdale, CA.


All arguments can be resolved ... with high explosives and Humor!!!

Have a great time Mel, we'll all miss you.

Thanks guys and I'm going to tell you... at the moment, our son has not been deployed. He is still safely stateside and for that I am soo grateful. Of course we're proud as hell of him and his decision made later in life at age 27, but as a mommy I'm glad I'm not fretting at the moment over his safety in another country. I can fret with the best of them too, believe me.

Have a wonderful and safe 4th everyone and Bob, my RED shirt will be on me, you have my promise!

__________________
Gina 6k
CochraneStorage dot com
Morgan Hill, California
You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough!

Thank everyone that starts to wear red shirts on Fridays. It doesn't really matter if this idea has been around for a day or a year, it is still a good thing to do. It is such a little thing to do to show those that are willing to lay down their lives for us how much we appreciate them and their service.

If you see a service man, in or out of uniform, shake thir hands and thank them in person.

Bob (Astro)

To anyone who wants to see an exceptional movie about the remains of a Marine being escorted home, may I suggest "Taking Chance" starring Kevin Bacon. Take out the Kleenex...Tana
P.S. Hi Mel. Just saw you were on this forum. Boy, it's been a lot of years.