INFORMATION FROM THE YAHOO GROUPS: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently A sked Q uestions

for

The American Soldier Memorials and

No Soldier Left Behind Memorials

Hand Cross Stitch information

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AmericanSoldierMemorial/

Machine Stitch information

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NoSoldierLeftBehindMemorial/

Contact Chris at michael77396@consolidated.net if you need help in adding your
soldier's information to the design file.

Finding a pattern:

Both groups have free patterns available for use for this project ). Browse the hand stitch group ’s 'Pattern Designs" folder or the machine stitch's folder "Files" for free and store bought pattern suggestions. You may also use an appropriate pattern of your own. (Machine designs do not have to be cross stitch designs)

Choosing a name:

Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/AmericanSoldierMemorial site.

Contact information for your state representative will be in the ‘State Representative’ folder under the ‘Files’ section (Look for STATE REPRESENTATIVES.doc) in the group.

If your state does not have a rep, please go to the soldier ‘Documents’ and choose a name from the master list.

You may choose any branch of service and Afghanistan or Iraq Wars.

Please email your State's Representative to make sure the name is available. If you choose a name from the master list please contact Pam.

Wait for a confirmation reply before you stitch the name into your pattern.

Design text:

The finished project should include the service member's name & rank, and Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom. Optional information to include: Some stitchers have included the service member’s age, city/state he/she was from and DOB-DOD.

*There are many finished pieces posted on the group ‘ Pictures\Photos’ sections that show what information other women have stitched on theirs; some keep it simple; others include a lot of information. Some women are getting creative.

Framing:

* You have it framed.

* Framing can be off the shelf or custom.

* Persons with experience may frame the projects themselves.

* May be matted or un-matted

* Mail it (with return receipt, SASE, or SASE postcard asking the family to notify you of delivery)

*deliver the finished project to the next of kin (NOK)

When completed:

* Notify Pam or your State Representative that your name as been " Delivered "

(When emailing, please type "counted cross stitch" or “soldier memorial” in the subject line. Thank you)

* If you can, post a picture on the group site. We all love to see others work! It gives us inspiration and encouragement to finish ours!

Finding the NOK:

*NOK information may be provided by Eileen S. or Chris.

*Google, Obituary and people search are helpful. Look for names of High School, church, funeral home , local paper, and local VFW or American Legion Hall. All may provide a contact path to the family. If you can find a contact that knows the family, ask them to talk to the family about having a memorial delivered.

*Use this site: http://www.refdesk.com/paper.html to find a list of the state news papers in the area of your service member.

*Your local library may have news articles or obituary reports on microfilm. They may also be able to get FULL articles without a cost from the news paper; mine does.

*Here is a site for Marine info . http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/iraqi-freedom.htm ( IF, they are buried at Arlington)

*Call their State Senator's office ( you can find online at www..gov (i.e.: www.MI.gov ) Look for their legislative "find your Senator" link. They always know who and where the family is. Call and ask – tell them your mission – maybe send a picture. They are usually very willing to help. (They probably will not give you the information right away, but will ask the families permission or give them your contact info)

*Some wives have moved on, especially if they didn't have children. In that case you may want to deliver the memorial to a Mother, Father, sibling, school or local VFW hall.

* See if your town has a local Private Investigator that would be will to help; for free. Or, give you some advice on how to locate a family member.

*Post a message on Eileen and Chris’s message board asking for help.

HELPFUL HINTS

Defraying the Cost of Framing:

*One woman solicited public donation

*Ask a friend, neighbor or relative to sponsor a frame and postage

*Try to get a local name to hand deliver –vs. - paying for postage

*Some women have gone to their local VFW for help

*Ask their state Senator or Representatives office for help. T hey may offer to pay framing costs; they may even make arrangements to deliver your finished project. Really!!! Don't be afraid to ask!

*Take your project to a local framer and explain your mission - we have had great success with donated framing! (Usually locally privately owned shops are more willing to help than the chains (which do not))

*You don’t have to buy the most expensive frame on the shelf, I don’t. (It’s the thought that counts) especially if you do 2, 3, 4,…………….

*Look in your local paper (Sunday) and look for framing coupons at local stores (JoAnn's, Michael's, Hobby Lobby always have 50% off coupons)

*learn how to frame

Misc:

*Hand Stitchers should stitch the whole pattern then make family contact to confirm an address and a name of someone to receive the package. Then stitch the service member’s name/rank and any other pertinent information. Frame it and mail it off.

*I have heard of one woman that never found a family so hung the finished piece on her wall. (VFW or American Legion halls might also hang)

*Another woman is tracking down a soldier’s parents as the wife did not want the memorial. Maybe she was not happily married or did not want the memories. The boy’s siblings hung out with Cindy Shaheen and were bitter about the brother’s death and the war.

*I have not heard of women discussing pattern options with a family. The pattern is what you think is appropriate, what you can handle to stitch, what you can afford to stitch, what you might like to receive.

*Most pictures of frames that I have seen are simple and might fit in with any décor.

*I don’t think I have seen a piece done with a photograph, but if you have a nice picture and know how to transfer the likeness; doing one sounds like a different and nice idea.

*Families just really appreciate the fact that someone remembered them at all. I have heard from many women that have delivered their piece that the occasion can be very emotional and to bring tissues in your pocket.

* I always place a note in an envelope on the back of the memorial. I just write a short note telling the family that it has been an honor to stitch this for their service member - that it was done as a volunteer for this group - that our grateful nation will not forget them - that it was done from my heart to theirs.

* Don't be upset if you don't hear anything from the family. I have had a few wonderful thank you notes. But I have not heard a word from others. We don't do this for the thank you; we do it to honor a hero! We promise that we will not forget the heroism and sacrifices of our Brave Warriors and their families!!

Thank you all for your generous donations of time, money, materials, perseverance, and heart!

Please consider joining one or both of the online groups where you will be able to talk with other stitchers about the project.  You will also be able to find ideas, pictures, patterns, contact information for State Reps, framing directions, and other information.  Thank you very much.

TO JOIN 'American Soldier Memorial Project' Yahoo Group:

TO JOIN 'No Soldier Left Behind Memorial' Yahoo Group: