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For military service members stationed around the globe, holiday mail is a big morale boost. The recommended mailing date for the most economical postage to overseas military installations, including Iraq and Afghanistan, is November 13, 2009.

Mail sent to overseas military addresses is charged only domestic mail prices. The domestic mail price for the Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box is $13.95, but for packages to APO/FPO addresses overseas the price is reduced to $11.95. Additional discounts are available for customers printing their Priority Mail postage labels online. Flat-Rate boxes are free at any Post Office, or can be ordered online at shop.usps.com. Postage, labels and customs forms can be printed online any time using Click-N-Ship.

The Postal Service continues to show support to those serving by offering free Military Care Kits, designed specifically for military families sending packages overseas. The mailing kits can be ordered by phone by calling 1-800-610-8734 and asking for the Care Kit. Each kit includes two “America Supports You” large Priority Mail Flat-Rate boxes, four medium-sized Priority Mail Flat-Rate boxes, six Priority Mail labels, one roll of Priority Mail tape, and six customs forms with envelopes.

For APO/FPO zip code specific military mailing deadlines, go to: http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/2009/pr09_082.htm.

USO Hawaii-I was playing around on the USO Hawaii website and found that they are giving some Holiday Help in the form of food to E6 & below. I’m not sure if this would help any of you ladies but thought I’d post it. I also don’t know how long it’s been up there and it says it’s for the first 40 responders…so if you do respond..good luck!

USO in general-check with your local USO to see what programs they are offering this holiday season.

ASYMCA San Diego-Holiday shopping http://militaryymca.com/index.php?option=com_eventlist&Itemid=99999999&func=details&did=507

ASYMCA 29 Palms-Holiday:

Designed for military personnel and/or their families during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, the ASYMCA partners with unit representatives to provide donated gift certificates from the commissary, exchange, local grocery store, phone cards, etc. for those in need. Approximately 708 military personnel and/or their families received certificates in 2007. The ASYMCA also hosts a Holiday Party for military personnel and/or their families. Simple refreshments are served and donated toys, gifts, etc. are distributed. Approximately 600 families participate in this event.

Check with the ASYMCA in your area for specific programs.

Free Christmas trees- www.treesfortroops.org info for GL area http://www.mwrgl.com/Default.htm

Operation Homefront Online Holiday toy shop http://www.operationhomefront.net/HolidayGiving.asp

Operation Homefront Online holiday programs, check with local chapter http://www.operationhomefront.net/holiday.htm

Operation Ensuring Christmas http://www.opchristmas.org/

And last but not least our videos, which unfortunately are in 3 parts as Stickam was crapping out all night. You can also download the audio version to listen to as well which is just one file.

Leave any comments or suggestions @ admin1@corpsman.com .

AOTC #85 “School? Dazed!” Final

Da-Chief — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:32:03 +0000

It was a great Show!!

You can watch it here on Tape.

The Audio will be up on ITunes this afternoon.

Enjoy!
D.C

AOTC # 84 “IT LIVES!!”

Da-Chief — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:41:54 +0000

The reports of our demise have been…

Well…

Debunked..

Thanks to some generous users, they have stuck a cork in the sinking ship!

This is only temporary folks, and it was decided tonight on our show by “YOU” the users, that we will be coming up with a way for you all to contribute to the site to help us with costs.

I want to thank those who did donate tonight. I would name them, but I want to clear it with them prior to doing so.

The forums have been paid for.

This does not mean Corpsman.com is out of the woods, but we are alive for right now.

You can watch the show below. Please leave comments as well below when done, or email me @ admin1@corpsman.com . And I will repsond to your questions or comments.

Thanks to the entire Corpsman.com Community!!

Much Love..

Da-Chief
Corpsman.com

AOTC #83 “Happy Birthday Navy, 234Years Strong!” FINAL

Da-Chief — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:46:26 +0000

We had a rocking Good time last night after take “2″ on Attack of Da-Chief. It seemed Stickam was having some fits with out signal. We had to restart everything about 5 minutes into the show when folks were getting a skipping signal.

All was good though after a re-boot.

Tonight’s episode was sponsored by: Arthur Cantu
Who sponsored our show with the following message:
ThePacemakerForum.com, a community for discussions about cardiac pacemakers and how they affect the lives of those who need them.

Thanks again Arthur!!

YOU to can sponsor a episode of AOTC, just click the donate button on any of our pages and donate $25.00. Please make sure if you do to please mention in the donation that this is for a sponsorship of a Episode of AOTC. I will then contact you for more information. The Holidays are coming up soon, you can sponsor a show for a loved one, or unit, or what ever!!
Help us, help you recognize someone on Attack of Da-Chief.

We are also looking for submissions for our Quarterly “Winter/Holiday” Newsletter. If you would like to send a message or write a article for this seasonal newsletter please do so and email it to editor@corpsman.com and DeeDee will get it into publication.

Last year we had some creative “Christmas and Holiday” Cards that folks created that we included. This is usually our biggest newsletter of the season. If you have any questions of what can be allowed etc, please email DeeDee.

All news items for tonight’s and every show can be found here: http://www.delicous.com/corpsman_com .

If you wish to watch our shows which are taped live every Tuesday Night @ 2115 EST, you can go to : http://www.stickam.com/da_chief .

Also one of our newest features on the show is the “Career Counselors Corner”. If you have any questions that you would like answered by Senior Chief Petty Officer “SONARMARK” please email them to him: sonarmark@corpsman.com . He will be answering questions on the show or via email.

You can watch the taped show here below or listen or download the show for your IPOD or MP3 Player off of ITUNES or here on the site.

Enjoy!!

Da-Chief
Corpsman.com

AOTC #82 “Career Counselors Corner”

Da-Chief — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 02:45:21 +0000

Gumby Damnit!

Tonights show was hosted by Moi!

Tony was out with a wee bit of da-cold. Doc Konkle was going to step in, but she has a cold too!

So you get me solo!!

Well not quite, I was lucky to have SonarMark record a new Career Counselors Corner tonight which was awesome!

We are going to have new segments coming as well in the upcoming weeks.

Enjoy this for tonight!!
D/C
Thanks to Scott Johnson for providing the clip “DERP”! Visit his site @ http://www.myextralife.com

AOTC #81 “School Daze” FINAL

Da-Chief — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 03:36:37 +0000

T-2

Another Great Show!!

Thanks to Mrs. Petre-Castiglione and Joe Petre for attending. Your a big part of the Corpsman.com Family now.

You can watch the show here:

The Afghanistan/Pakistan Hands Program documents can be found here(Message was included with the FAQ) : Afghanistan_Pakistan

Thanks to Jonathan Coultan for the Podsafe Music tonight!! He wrote and performed all music on this podcast to include:

CODE MONKEY (Ode to CrazyCajun)
Mr. Fancy Pants (Dedication to IDCWIFE)
You can download or listen to all of JOCO’s music here: Jonathan Coultan

And of Course you can download the Podcast Below, or get it from ITUNES.

Enjoy!!

See you next week.
Da-Chief

AOTC #80 is Final! Watch it or Download it here!

Da-Chief — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 05:15:37 +0000

AOTC #80 is Final!! Done!! In the Can!!

Albeit with a few audio glitches. I didn’t have 8404 nor my music levels high enough, I adjusted them post, but it’s still a little soft.

I apologize but you can still hear it all and enjoy the show!!

We will be back next Tuesday Night @ 2115 EST @ http://www.stickam.com/da_chief

AOTC # 79 HM3 James R. Layton in Memoriam–Final

Da-Chief — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 22:42:58 +0000

HM3 James A. Layton KIA 08 Sept. 2009

We taped AOTC(Attack of Da-Chief) #79 tonight.

http://www.stickam.com/da_chief

We started the show with a online memorial to Navy Doc Hero:

“HM3 James R. Layton”

Who was KIA on 08 Sept 2009 in Afghanistan.

After the memorial portion we did the news and commentary of the last 2 weeks.

We were online for a full 2 hours tonight. The chatroom was blazing.

We hope to see you next Tuesday night 2115 in our Stickam Chat room for AOTC #80!

Hope to see you!

D/C

AOTC #78 Memorial for HM3 Benjamin Castiglione –Posted

Da-Chief — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 03:10:24 +0000

This had to be the hardest show I have ever done.

To have Ben’s Mom, and Cousin in the chat room while we broadcasted, It was everything I could do to make it through the show.

She knows all Doc’s have her families back.

You can watch the video below, I will post the Audio later tonight for download via ITUNES. I have access to the video now so I am putting it up.

A special thank you to my wife, Karen for finding the music as well as making the graphic with Ben’s pic for tonights show.

Music: “Signs” by: Ash Verjee

Please leave a condolence message here for the family(Click the Link): Condolences

HM3 Benjamin Castiglione KIA 03 Sept 2009 In Afghanistan–UPDATE

Da-Chief — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:41:49 +0000

HM3 Benjamine Castiglione KIA 03 SEPT 2009

We have recieved confirmation via family as well as local press (Livingstondaily.com I spoke verbally to their Editor, Thanks to the Livingstondaily for helping us out), that HM3 Benjamin Castiglione was killed by a IED in the HELMAND Province of Afghanistan on 3 Sept 2009.

(We will be hosting a online memorial service tonight (04 Sep 2009) for HM3 Ben Castiglione. You can watch/listen live @ http://www.stickam.com/da_chief . The show will be taped and put up on the site tomorrow AM. We start @ 9:00 PM CST. Please attend if you can. **Please leave Condolence messages below, Hm3’s family reads our site.–D/C)

We will post more when we receive the info.

HM3 was from Howell, MI, and a article below was written about him receiving a Meritorious NAM while serving in IRAQ.

Our hearts and prayers go out to HM3’s family, Shipmates, Marines and friends.

A Special AOTC will be taped tonight to honor this hero.

Da-Chief
——————-

http://www.livingstondaily.com/article/20090904/NEWS01/90904002&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL#pluckcomments

A 2006 Howell High School graduate was killed on Thursday while serving in Afghanistan.

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Ben Castiglione was killed by an improvised explosive device, the man’s family reported Friday morning.

The family was notified Thursday, but didn’t have further details. Castiglione served the military as a medic.

The Press & Argus ran a neighbors story about Castiglione on February 6, 2009.

To read the story, click here

For more information, visit LivingstonDaily.com.

February 6, 2009
Navy hospitalman is modest military hero

By Christopher Nagy
DAILY PRESS & ARGUS

Ben Castiglione said he doesn’t feel like he did anything especially heroic.

The U.S. Navy, however, begs to differ.

The 2006 Howell High School graduate and current hospitalman with the Navy was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal last fall for superior performance of duties during Operation Iraqi Freedom. In particular, U.S Marine Corps Col. R.E. Smith, Castiglione’s commanding officer, cited two specific incidents in the commendation — one in which Castiglione treated two Iraqi civilians who sustained broken bones and lacerations following an automobile accident near the Rio Lobo combat outpost, and another where Castiglione made a quick assessment and gave treatment to an unconscious Marine suffering heart palpitations and troubled breathing due to a scorpion sting.

“Hospitalman Castiglione expertly and efficiently treated numerous Marines, Iraqi security forces and civilians in basic health care and advanced trauma. … Hospitalman Castiglione’s initiative, perseverance and total dedication to duty reflected credit on him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and United States Naval Service,” Smith wrote in the certificate that accompanied the medal.

Ben Castiglione, on the other hand, addresses his recent recognition with a healthy dose of modesty.

“I definitely do not feel like any type of hero,” he recently wrote in an e-mail from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. “Many Marines and corpsman did great things on our deployment, and — this sounds cliché — but I was just doing my job.”

The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal is awarded to members of the military below the rank of lieutenant commander, Ben Castiglione explained. It is given for meritorious service or achievement that exceeds what is normally required or expected based upon an individual’s rank, training or experience.

“I’m very proud of him,” said father Joel Castiglione of Cohoctah Township. “He’s done so well with this. He’s really excelled in all of his classes and training.”

Joel Castiglione was able to see the medal for himself when Ben Castiglione came back to Livingston County over the holidays, and he described his son as a “gung-ho, John Wayne type of guy” when it comes to his military service — a point with which the hospitalman’s stepmother agreed.

“He’s really into it,” said Gloria Castiglione. “We’re very proud of him, and very proud of everyone else who is over there, too.”

Ben Castiglione joined the Navy as a Marine fleet force corpsman on Halloween 2006.

“I always had an interest in medicine and wanted an opportunity to operate with the Marine Corps on deployments,” he explained. “I’m able to learn medicine while also being able to operate within the Marine Corps. I have seen what the Navy has done for people in my family. I have an uncle who started off as a corpsman and now is a doctor.”

Ben Castiglione’s rank is hospitalman, and his job is corpsman, which are to the Navy what a medic is to the Army. Because the Marine Corps is a component of the U.S. Department of the Navy, Marines “pull their medical personnel from the Navy to treat wounded Marines in the field, work in battle aid stations and for every echelon of care that is required for the Marines to be able to operate effectively,” he said.

“He was always interested in medicine,” Joel Castiglione said. “He just decided he wanted to serve his country, and he didn’t understand why the same people had to keep going back (overseas) again and again. He wanted to take his turn.”

It’s a decision that Ben Castiglione said he doesn’t regret.

“The military life is not easy, but I believe that I am a stronger person for it,” he said. “The hardships I have dealt with was worth what I have learned and the bonds I have with the Marines in my platoon. When my platoon and I have downtime and talk and mess around with each other, it’s like one big hilarious, dysfunctional family — and it’s a blast. We take care of each other.”

Ben Castiglione came back late last year from Iraq, his first deployment since joining the military. A Navy corpsman assigned to a Marine Corps division generally sees two deployments before being transferred to another command to share learned services and experiences to a more clinical level outside of field service, he explained.

“I believe that being deployed overseas, people think that service members would have a better idea of what is going on within this conflict than someone who has never seen that part of the world,” Ben Castiglione said. “Honestly, you don’t have time to make opinions of the war or why you are there. You are more concerned about making it back with your friends and getting the job done.”

As for interacting with the civilians in Iraq, Ben Castiglione said most seem happy to see U.S. forces.

“Especially when they were hurt in some way and we’re there to help,” he said. “As a corpsman, I am required to treat the locals just as I would my Marines, so I had great opportunities to interact with the people there. Most of the people who where not happy to see us were foreign fighters from surrounding countries.”

When it comes to the troops, Ben Castiglione said many are tired; however, he said servicemembers are always ready to act when called upon, and the withdrawal from Iraq and the refocus on conflict in Afghanistan has rejuvenated many in the military.

“A lot of people in the military, I believe, are ready for Afghanistan,” he said.

For now, Ben Castiglione hopes to only continue his time as a corpsman; however, his life’s plan will likely take him out of the military and allow him to use his knowledge and experience in the civilian world.

“If an opportunity presents itself for me to advance my medical knowledge while being able to be with the Marines, I’ll take it,” he said. “My long-term goal is to eventually get out of the military and take what I have experienced and learned, and become a physician’s assistant.”

Contact Daily Press & Argus copy editor Christopher Nagy at (517) 552-2826 or at cnagy@gannett.com.
Additional Facts
ABOUT BENJAMIN CASTIGLIONE

* Age: 20

* Residence: A 2006 Howell High School graduate, Castiglione is currently stationed with 2nd Armored Reconnaissance at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

* Family: Father, Joel Castiglione; stepmother, Gloria Castiglione; mother, Carrie Castiglione grandparents, James and Frances Petre

* Career: Castiglione is a hospitalman with the U.S Navy.

* Hobbies: Basketball, paintball, spending time with his friends in the U.S. Marine Corps

* Awards: He received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal on Oct. 8 for actions during Operation Iraqi Freedom.