Beef Jerky Marinade

Blackanthem Military News, ENCINO, California - The Operation Gratitude 2006 Holiday Drive continued over the Thanksgiving weekend with another 15,209 packages assembled and shipped!! That brings the 2006 Holiday Drive total to 32,389 packages in the hands of, or on the way to, our troops who are spending this holiday season so far away from their homes and families. "The pace has been phenomenal!" exclaimed Carolyn Blashek, founder of Operation Gratitude. "We have been setting records not only for the number of packages we have been able to ship, but for the extrordinary dedication and support of every one of our volunteers. I continue to be amazed and deeply appreciative" Blashek stated. "Our work is not done yet, however," reports Charlie Othold, Director of Operations for Operation Gratitude.

For many of us, Rowlett's Municipal Court Building carries images of fighting traffic tickets, serving jury duty and other not-so-fun matters of business. But behind those glass doors, many incredible people are striving to make a difference in the lives of Rowlett's juveniles.

One of those people is juvenile judge and lawyer Belinda Loveland, who in 2004 created the Reaching Our Community's Kids program, or ROCK.

"I chose to step outside the traditional dictates of a judge and an attorney in order to become more involved with the social issues facing our community," Judge Loveland said. "I want to be there to be the one to inspire kids, to help them succeed in school, choose a career or interest in their life and watch them pursue it. In order to do that, they must have self-esteem and confidence, identify their personal goals and determine ways to reach them."

ROCK's goals include providing the resources for every Rowlett student to complete secondary education, matching local mentors with "at-risk" youths and advocating life without substance abuse.