Honoring All Who Served
While America celebrates Veterans Day each year on November 11, every day should be Veterans Day. Peace, safety, and freedom today exists because of our brave, selfless servicemen and women. Don't let the government shutdown shut out veterans. Make Veterans Day a special one. Let's make this Veterans Day their best one yet!
Now more than ever we need to honor and thank our nation's heroes. So many heroes are humble. They often look into the distance and say the real heroes are the "ones who didn't get to come back home."
When veterans say that to us, we frequently try to reply with this affirmative fact: We believe that all of the men and women who were willing to risk their lives for the sake of our freedom and safety are heroes.
Veteran First, Actor Second: Chuck Norris
We all know about Chuck Norris and his incredible acting and martial arts career. But what you may not know if that Chuck Norris is a veteran. He served from 1958-1962 in the U.S. Air Force and he was stationed in South Korea for a while. Chuck's brothers Aaron and Wieland Norris also served in the U.S. military. Sadly, Wieland Norris was killed in action while in Vietnam. As you read this edition of Unite the USA, you will see an article written by Chuck Norris honoring his brother Wieland. It is well worth the read.
Chuck Norris said it well, "Whether it's for our freedom or another's, the words of Jesus are true for all, 'There is no greater love than this: that a man lay down his life for another.'"
We are honored that Chuck Norris graciously recorded a video for Unite the USA in which he thanks his fellow veterans.
We want to sincerely thank each veteran reading this message: Thank you so much for everything. You were willing to stand up. You served your country and that deeply matters. We are grateful for you and we are praying for you. Jesus loves you, He is with you, and He will provide for you."
Fellow Americans, please make sure to reach out to our veterans, current military, and their families. We owe them all so much.
Be like Chuck Norris and thank veterans from your heart and in your prayers.
God bless you,Dr. Carrie Stoelting and Stacie Stoelting HudzinskiSisters and founders of Unite the USA
Now more than ever we need to honor and thank our nation's heroes. So many heroes are humble. They often look into the distance and say the real heroes are the "ones who didn't get to come back home."
When veterans say that to us, we frequently try to reply with this affirmative fact: We believe that all of the men and women who were willing to risk their lives for the sake of our freedom and safety are heroes.
Veteran First, Actor Second: Chuck Norris
We all know about Chuck Norris and his incredible acting and martial arts career. But what you may not know if that Chuck Norris is a veteran. He served from 1958-1962 in the U.S. Air Force and he was stationed in South Korea for a while. Chuck's brothers Aaron and Wieland Norris also served in the U.S. military. Sadly, Wieland Norris was killed in action while in Vietnam. As you read this edition of Unite the USA, you will see an article written by Chuck Norris honoring his brother Wieland. It is well worth the read.
Chuck Norris said it well, "Whether it's for our freedom or another's, the words of Jesus are true for all, 'There is no greater love than this: that a man lay down his life for another.'"
We are honored that Chuck Norris graciously recorded a video for Unite the USA in which he thanks his fellow veterans.
We want to sincerely thank each veteran reading this message: Thank you so much for everything. You were willing to stand up. You served your country and that deeply matters. We are grateful for you and we are praying for you. Jesus loves you, He is with you, and He will provide for you."
Fellow Americans, please make sure to reach out to our veterans, current military, and their families. We owe them all so much.
Be like Chuck Norris and thank veterans from your heart and in your prayers.
God bless you,Dr. Carrie Stoelting and Stacie Stoelting HudzinskiSisters and founders of Unite the USA
5 Ways to Honor Veterans
1. Check your local community's schedule for Veterans Day events. Attending an event honoring their service offers a great opportunity to honor and thank veterans in person.
2. Be sure to set aside time to thank our heroes. Thank them in person, on the phone, in a card, or through an e-mail.
3. If you have young children or grandchildren take time to teach them about our veterans. Make Veterans Day cards and send them to heroes in your community.
4. Don't forget our hospitalized heroes or elderly veterans in nursing homes. Send a colorful card, send a gift, or stop by and visit. Note: In God We Still Trust and Unite the USA make great gift ideas! :)
5. Invite a veteran to dinner, send a gift card to their favorite restaurant, or order/deliver a meal for them. Take him or a her a gift. Just do something to show that you care and that you are grateful for their service.
2. Be sure to set aside time to thank our heroes. Thank them in person, on the phone, in a card, or through an e-mail.
3. If you have young children or grandchildren take time to teach them about our veterans. Make Veterans Day cards and send them to heroes in your community.
4. Don't forget our hospitalized heroes or elderly veterans in nursing homes. Send a colorful card, send a gift, or stop by and visit. Note: In God We Still Trust and Unite the USA make great gift ideas! :)
5. Invite a veteran to dinner, send a gift card to their favorite restaurant, or order/deliver a meal for them. Take him or a her a gift. Just do something to show that you care and that you are grateful for their service.
Lee Greenwood: God Bless The USA
Here's a cool video of Lee Greenwood and the U.S. Army Chorus. They spontaneously sang God Bless the USA acapella. Enjoy!
Unite the USA's
Featured Veteran of the Month: Hershel Williams
Special Video Message from Chuck Norris
Here is a video message from Chuck Norris honoring our nation's heroes and giving a shout out to Unite the USA! We are honored that Chuck Norris made this special video honoring his fellow veterans.
Special Giveaway Drawing for Veterans
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We are hosting a very special giveaway drawing of an 8x10 picture personally autographed by Chuck Norris. If you are a veteran or if you know of a veteran who would like to have this special picture, then please click here to enter this giveaway and to learn more details.
We are hoping this picture lands in the hands of a veteran as a way to honor and thank him or her. God bless you and God bless the USA!
We are hoping this picture lands in the hands of a veteran as a way to honor and thank him or her. God bless you and God bless the USA!
Project Pillows
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We are partnering with Project Pillows of One Touch Awakening! After the horrific living nightmares experienced by heroes, we feel strongly about reaching out in a way that helps them have reminders of our prayers when they sleep:
Project Pillows of One Touch Awakening will send a pillow to a hero. It is a beautiful way to remind our heroes that we're praying for them and that America has not forgotten them. Consider the touching words of Becky, a volunteer at Project Pillows:
“Every pillow I put into a box to mail, I sent a hug with it. The whole time I was working on these, I kept thinking we are packing these boxes and the next person who opens them will be a soldier who is fighting for our freedom.”
Send your loved one's name and address to us at info@unitetheusa.org and we will connect with Project Pillows who will send them a pillow. Please spread the word.
Project Pillows of One Touch Awakening will send a pillow to a hero. It is a beautiful way to remind our heroes that we're praying for them and that America has not forgotten them. Consider the touching words of Becky, a volunteer at Project Pillows:
“Every pillow I put into a box to mail, I sent a hug with it. The whole time I was working on these, I kept thinking we are packing these boxes and the next person who opens them will be a soldier who is fighting for our freedom.”
Send your loved one's name and address to us at info@unitetheusa.org and we will connect with Project Pillows who will send them a pillow. Please spread the word.
Featured Quote
Featured Bible Verse
My Brother Who 'Gave All' In Vietnam
By Chuck Norris
I'll never forget the day I heard my younger brother, Wieland, was killed in Vietnam. It was a day like no other. No family should have to feel what my mother, other brother, Aaron and I did that day. And yet so many do, every day, every year.
When Wieland was born, Mom wanted to name him Jimmy, but Dad named him Wieland – unfortunately after his favorite beer. Mom was upset, but there was nothing she could do. His name was already on the birth certificate.
As boys, when Wieland and I got into fights, Mom would make us sit down in chairs across from each other. We'd be huffing and puffing, our cheeks red, our necks wet with perspiration, and mom would say, "Now sit there and look at each other, and don't say a word until I tell you to move." Wieland and I would sit there and glare at each other. Before long one of us would start to giggle, and then we'd bust up laughing. In a matter of minutes, we couldn't even remember what we had been fighting about.
Years later, when I was discharged from the Air Force and before I became world karate champion, I would supplement my income from Northrop Aircraft by teaching karate classes in my parents' backyard. My first students were my brothers – Aaron, who was 9 years old, and Wieland, who was 19. Wieland was the outgoing Norris brother and he excelled at everything he did.
Soon word began to spread around the neighborhood about the Norris brothers, three fair-haired boys doing karate. We started getting invitations from the Rotary Club and other civic organizations to put on martial arts demonstrations. Aaron was a cute kid, so we had a demonstration in which he threw us "big guys" around. Audiences loved it.
'I'm going to miss you, be careful'
At the height of the Vietnam War, both of my brothers, Wieland and Aaron, enlisted in the U.S. Army. As a veteran myself, I understood their desire to serve, and I concurred with their decision to enlist. After all, the U.S. Air Force turned my life around. It helped me get on the right path. Maybe the Army would do the same for my brothers.
Aaron was stationed in Korea, and Wieland was sent to Vietnam. As Wieland headed off to Nam, I hugged and kissed him and said, "I'm going to miss you. Be careful."
In 1970, I was refereeing a tournament in California when I heard an announcement over the loud speaker: "Chuck Norris, you have an urgent call." I hustled over to the phone. I recognized the muffled voice of my mother-in-law, and she was crying. "What's wrong, Evelyn?" I asked. "Your brother Wieland has been killed in Vietnam."
If I had been kicked in the stomach by a dozen karate champions at the same time, it could not have impacted me more. I staggered back away from the phone as though that would somehow make Evelyn's words untrue. It didn't.
I hung up the phone, moving in what felt like slow motion. For a long time I couldn't function. I simply sat in shock, thinking about my little brother, Wieland, my best friend whom I would never see again in this life. Right there, in front of anyone who cared to see, I wept uncontrollably.
I learned later that Wieland had been killed while leading his squad through dangerous enemy territory. He had spotted an enemy patrol laying a trap and was trying to warn his men when the Vietcong cut him down.
When Wieland had been 12 years old, he'd once had a premonition that he would not live to be 28. Wieland died June 3, 1970, one month before his 28th birthday.
I tried to help mom the best I could, but hers was a pain particular to parents of war – something I would never fully understand. I still miss my brother terribly – we all do. I think of Wieland often and am comforted only by the certainty that one day we will be giving him a great big hug in heaven.
All gave some – some gave all.
After I was blessed in March to be bestowed as an "Honorary Marine" by Commandant Gen. James Conway in Washington, D.C., my wife, Gena, and I went to the Vietnam Memorial to reflect again upon my brother's sacrifice. As I stood soberly looking at his name etched for all time on that wall, I said, "This one's for you, too, brother."
Honoring our fallen heroes is not something we do once, but continually in many ways. A year ago my brother Aaron and I were even able to pay tribute to Wieland's heroism on "War Stories with Oliver North – The Siege of Firebase Ripcord." It was to Wieland that I also dedicated all my "Missing in Action" films.
It's fitting for a soldier like Wieland that Memorial Day falls every year a week or so before the anniversary of the day he gave his life for the cause of freedom. Though we didn't win the war in Vietnam, my brother did not die in vain, just like no soldier does today. Whether it's for our freedom or another's, the words of Jesus are true for all, "There is no greater love than this: that a man lay down his life for another."
[Many] more of our troops have given their lives since I was in Iraq at the invitation of the Marine Corps in November of 2006, and so we add those valiant warriors to the names of those we commemorate on this Memorial Day. We will never forget their service or sacrifice – men like Pfc. Michael Pursel, Spc. Joel Lewis, Sgt. Jason Harkins, Cpl. Matthew Alexander and a man who deserves more honor and respect than he gave me, which was a great deal, Cpl. Anthony M. Bradshaw. Their combat within modern city lines speaks even further to their degree of selflessness – something well-documented in the new book, "Forests of Steel," by Col. John Antal and Lt. Col. Bradley Gericke.
And to all of our living service men and women, we salute you, pray for you and hope for all of your safe return. But if, by destiny, like Wieland, you should breathe your last on the battlefield, rest assured your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Until then, fight the fight, keep the faith and press on for the prize!
I'll never forget the day I heard my younger brother, Wieland, was killed in Vietnam. It was a day like no other. No family should have to feel what my mother, other brother, Aaron and I did that day. And yet so many do, every day, every year.
When Wieland was born, Mom wanted to name him Jimmy, but Dad named him Wieland – unfortunately after his favorite beer. Mom was upset, but there was nothing she could do. His name was already on the birth certificate.
As boys, when Wieland and I got into fights, Mom would make us sit down in chairs across from each other. We'd be huffing and puffing, our cheeks red, our necks wet with perspiration, and mom would say, "Now sit there and look at each other, and don't say a word until I tell you to move." Wieland and I would sit there and glare at each other. Before long one of us would start to giggle, and then we'd bust up laughing. In a matter of minutes, we couldn't even remember what we had been fighting about.
Years later, when I was discharged from the Air Force and before I became world karate champion, I would supplement my income from Northrop Aircraft by teaching karate classes in my parents' backyard. My first students were my brothers – Aaron, who was 9 years old, and Wieland, who was 19. Wieland was the outgoing Norris brother and he excelled at everything he did.
Soon word began to spread around the neighborhood about the Norris brothers, three fair-haired boys doing karate. We started getting invitations from the Rotary Club and other civic organizations to put on martial arts demonstrations. Aaron was a cute kid, so we had a demonstration in which he threw us "big guys" around. Audiences loved it.
'I'm going to miss you, be careful'
At the height of the Vietnam War, both of my brothers, Wieland and Aaron, enlisted in the U.S. Army. As a veteran myself, I understood their desire to serve, and I concurred with their decision to enlist. After all, the U.S. Air Force turned my life around. It helped me get on the right path. Maybe the Army would do the same for my brothers.
Aaron was stationed in Korea, and Wieland was sent to Vietnam. As Wieland headed off to Nam, I hugged and kissed him and said, "I'm going to miss you. Be careful."
In 1970, I was refereeing a tournament in California when I heard an announcement over the loud speaker: "Chuck Norris, you have an urgent call." I hustled over to the phone. I recognized the muffled voice of my mother-in-law, and she was crying. "What's wrong, Evelyn?" I asked. "Your brother Wieland has been killed in Vietnam."
If I had been kicked in the stomach by a dozen karate champions at the same time, it could not have impacted me more. I staggered back away from the phone as though that would somehow make Evelyn's words untrue. It didn't.
I hung up the phone, moving in what felt like slow motion. For a long time I couldn't function. I simply sat in shock, thinking about my little brother, Wieland, my best friend whom I would never see again in this life. Right there, in front of anyone who cared to see, I wept uncontrollably.
I learned later that Wieland had been killed while leading his squad through dangerous enemy territory. He had spotted an enemy patrol laying a trap and was trying to warn his men when the Vietcong cut him down.
When Wieland had been 12 years old, he'd once had a premonition that he would not live to be 28. Wieland died June 3, 1970, one month before his 28th birthday.
I tried to help mom the best I could, but hers was a pain particular to parents of war – something I would never fully understand. I still miss my brother terribly – we all do. I think of Wieland often and am comforted only by the certainty that one day we will be giving him a great big hug in heaven.
All gave some – some gave all.
After I was blessed in March to be bestowed as an "Honorary Marine" by Commandant Gen. James Conway in Washington, D.C., my wife, Gena, and I went to the Vietnam Memorial to reflect again upon my brother's sacrifice. As I stood soberly looking at his name etched for all time on that wall, I said, "This one's for you, too, brother."
Honoring our fallen heroes is not something we do once, but continually in many ways. A year ago my brother Aaron and I were even able to pay tribute to Wieland's heroism on "War Stories with Oliver North – The Siege of Firebase Ripcord." It was to Wieland that I also dedicated all my "Missing in Action" films.
It's fitting for a soldier like Wieland that Memorial Day falls every year a week or so before the anniversary of the day he gave his life for the cause of freedom. Though we didn't win the war in Vietnam, my brother did not die in vain, just like no soldier does today. Whether it's for our freedom or another's, the words of Jesus are true for all, "There is no greater love than this: that a man lay down his life for another."
[Many] more of our troops have given their lives since I was in Iraq at the invitation of the Marine Corps in November of 2006, and so we add those valiant warriors to the names of those we commemorate on this Memorial Day. We will never forget their service or sacrifice – men like Pfc. Michael Pursel, Spc. Joel Lewis, Sgt. Jason Harkins, Cpl. Matthew Alexander and a man who deserves more honor and respect than he gave me, which was a great deal, Cpl. Anthony M. Bradshaw. Their combat within modern city lines speaks even further to their degree of selflessness – something well-documented in the new book, "Forests of Steel," by Col. John Antal and Lt. Col. Bradley Gericke.
And to all of our living service men and women, we salute you, pray for you and hope for all of your safe return. But if, by destiny, like Wieland, you should breathe your last on the battlefield, rest assured your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Until then, fight the fight, keep the faith and press on for the prize!
How to Know Jesus
Question: How do Stacie and Carrie know they'll go to Heaven?
Answer: It's not because of what they've done or who they are. It's because Jesus lives in them. Anything good in them is because of Jesus in them. They know God and His love in a personal way. They've followed what God said in His book: the Bible. They invited Jesus to be their Savior and Lord. You, too, can know God. Yes, He really does love you!
Take His Word for it:For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. -John 3:16 (NKJV) For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard.-Rom. 3:23 (NLV) For God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to satisfy God's anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us... -Rom. 3:25 (NLV) That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. -Rom. 10:9 (NKJV)
Understand that God loves you with infinite love! God is good, holy and righteous and we fall short of His perfection. So we need a Mediator, Jesus, who lovingly took our punishment for all our mistakes.
Believe that Jesus is God's Son that took your punishment. He took your punishment for all your sins (anti-God ways) and that He rose from the dead for you, __________.
Repent (turn away from) your sins (anti-God ways) and submit yourself to Him as your Lord.
Receive Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord. Talk to God and give your life to Jesus.
Pray from your heart. If it helps, pray something like this:
God, I understand now...You sent Jesus to share Your love and make it possible for me to be Yours. Please forgive me for all my sins. Jesus, I believe you took my punishment on the cross and that you rose from the dead for me personally. I turn away from doing things "my way" and ask that You rule my life, Jesus. I receive You as my Savior and Lord. I put my trust in You not in the things I do. I love You.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Welcome into God's family! You are now His! Get connected with a loving, Bible-based church, enjoy the supreme joy of being baptized, and savor the Savior's love forever! Read the Bible. (If you don't have one, start reading the Gospel of John by clicking here.)
He'll never divorce you. He'll never die. He'll never change. He loves you! Enjoy loving and obeying Jesus and experiencing His love forever and ever! If you'd like prayer or more information, e-mail us anytime.
Answer: It's not because of what they've done or who they are. It's because Jesus lives in them. Anything good in them is because of Jesus in them. They know God and His love in a personal way. They've followed what God said in His book: the Bible. They invited Jesus to be their Savior and Lord. You, too, can know God. Yes, He really does love you!
Take His Word for it:For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. -John 3:16 (NKJV) For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard.-Rom. 3:23 (NLV) For God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to satisfy God's anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us... -Rom. 3:25 (NLV) That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. -Rom. 10:9 (NKJV)
Understand that God loves you with infinite love! God is good, holy and righteous and we fall short of His perfection. So we need a Mediator, Jesus, who lovingly took our punishment for all our mistakes.
Believe that Jesus is God's Son that took your punishment. He took your punishment for all your sins (anti-God ways) and that He rose from the dead for you, __________.
Repent (turn away from) your sins (anti-God ways) and submit yourself to Him as your Lord.
Receive Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord. Talk to God and give your life to Jesus.
Pray from your heart. If it helps, pray something like this:
God, I understand now...You sent Jesus to share Your love and make it possible for me to be Yours. Please forgive me for all my sins. Jesus, I believe you took my punishment on the cross and that you rose from the dead for me personally. I turn away from doing things "my way" and ask that You rule my life, Jesus. I receive You as my Savior and Lord. I put my trust in You not in the things I do. I love You.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Welcome into God's family! You are now His! Get connected with a loving, Bible-based church, enjoy the supreme joy of being baptized, and savor the Savior's love forever! Read the Bible. (If you don't have one, start reading the Gospel of John by clicking here.)
He'll never divorce you. He'll never die. He'll never change. He loves you! Enjoy loving and obeying Jesus and experiencing His love forever and ever! If you'd like prayer or more information, e-mail us anytime.