About: Donna Teresa

Email : donnateresa@sbcglobal.net
Website : http://www.montereyherald.com/donnateresa

Donna Teresa writes about veterans and the military community. Her column, Homefront Journal, appears every other Tuesday in The Monterrey Country Herald.

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Donna Teresa: And the Oscar goes to … the troops

I haven’t met a war veteran yet who has told me he or she has seen a war movie numerous times. Instead, the common response is: “I don’t need a war movie to tell me war is hell. I was lucky to have lived through it and come home.”

The Irish Pride of the Sullivan Brothers

The words were from a letter that Mrs. Alleta Sullivan received from President Roosevelt, when it was confirmed that all five of her sons were missing in action after the sinking of the USS Juneau during the Battle of Guadalcanal in November 1942. While most aboard the Juneau perished, a few remained alive including the eldest Sullivan brother George, who would later die at sea. The last remaining survivors lived through of a horrific ordeal of exhaustion, heat, sharks, hunger and thirst.

Celebrating 100 years of Hallmark card history

Postcards, greeting cards and letters have been a vital source of communication for military families during times of war and peacetime. They were essential to help families stay in touch.

If the contents carried good news, they were a great morale booster for troops during difficult times of combat and loss. Cards also were a source of comfort for military families enduring the tragedy of losing a loved one.

In the Mood for Glenn Miller

ShareBy Donna Teresa / Staff Writer Monterey Herald
The holidays make me very sentimental and I never want to forget the memories that I have of my grandparents.
I am captivated by their stories about life on the homefront during World War II. They were big fans of swing music and one of their favorites [...]

Warrior's heart beats loudly and proudly

ShareBy Donna Teresa Monterey Herald
Cindy Stanley and Jerry English have lived on the Central Coast for many years. After the Christmas holiday, we will bid them a very fond farewell as they move to Arizona.
Stanley and English have been instrumental in the establishment of the "Cards and Cocoa for the Troops" [...]

A holiday season of sharing and caring in the military community

ShareBy Donna Teresa The Monterey Herald
Every holiday season it seems the hearts grow ever bigger and the generosity is stronger, and that is a great feeling. Economically, I know it is tough for so many people; however, I hope you hold our men and women in uniform of past and present ever [...]

Donna Teresa: Arlington National Cemetery, here, there and everywhere

ShareBy Donna Teresa Monterey Herald
On May 13, 1864, the first military service man was interred in Arlington National Cemetery. Ever since, the cemetery has been a symbol of dignity and valor. Presidents, slaves, civilians and other notables have had the privilege of having their final resting place in this sacred ground. However, the majority of [...]

Donna Teresa: Classic rock radio station "The Hippo" rocks the troops

ShareBy Donna Teresa The Monterey Herald
Many of the e-mails I receive are from troops and other military personnel stationed all over the world.
Some drop a line just to say hi, others just to say thanks for not forgetting them. I can’t help but be especially touched by the notes I receive from our troops [...]

Afghanistan, pen pals and Andrew Clements

ShareBy Donna Teresa, Staff Writer
There are many wonderful authors who write for young people. And there are those who can magically capture the elementary school and middle school experience.
One such author is Andrew Clements. He is the author of those best-selling, thought-provoking books "A Week in the Woods," "The Report Card" and the popular "Frindle." [...]

The Vietnam Veteran Wall Education Center's quest to match photos with the names of those killed

Shareby Donna Teresa, Staff Writer
One of the most deeply profound things I have done is volunteered with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation, "Teach Vietnam Network" in Washington, D.C.
Since 2005, I have been involved with this program that provides educators invaluable resources to help educate young people about the Vietnam War and those who served in [...]

Why my guitar gently weeps on September 11

Shareby Donna Teresa, Staff Writer

Everything changed on Sept. 11, 2001. Eight years later, America in its never ending resilience, refuses to quit.
Life has not gotten easier; many of us wonder how many more challenges we must continue to face as a nation. The cruelty of that day has left an empty void with thousands losing [...]

Soap Operas Provide Comfort During Peace and War

Shareby Donna Teresa, Staff Writer
Soap operas have been around since the early 1930s. A source of entertainment that started in radio, soap operas have become a television favorite.
I admit, I’ve been a fan of daytime television for many years. It was inevitable I would, after all my grandmother was an avid soap [...]

Def Leppard's Rick Allen drums up support for veterans

Shareby Donna Teresa, Staff Writer
Drumming goes back to the beginning of civilization. Drums have been prominent in religious and ceremonial gatherings as a way of communication and self-expression. The beat of a drum conjures up feelings of rejuvenation and provide a calming power. From swing to jazz, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll , it’s an [...]

A Monterey County sky filled with Angels and Knights

Shareby Donna Teresa, Staff Writer
The California International Air Show is coming to Salinas Aug. 7-9 and soon the sky will be filled with the incredible sights and sounds of the many performers that thrill audiences wherever they perform.
Monterey County is excited to see the return of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Their visit [...]

The Troops are Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Shareby Donna Teresa, Staff Writer
News is made every day, this summer is no different. Whether it is politics, entertainment, sports, local, world, national, etc. we all are consumed by it.
I do understand the attachments we place on our favorite singers, movie and sports stars etc. I have my favorites as well. We wouldn’t [...]

John Philip Sousa's 'Stars and Stripes Forever' lives on

Shareby Donna Teresa, Staff Writer
It is known as the official march of the United States of America, and for generations, "The Stars and Stripes Forever" has remained a traditional, historical piece of American music that renews the spirit, especially on the Fourth of July.
John Philip Sousa — the composer, arranger, conductor and military man [...]

The Wartime Escape that Saved Curious George

Shareby Donna Teresa
The abundance of quality, classic children’s literature has graced our lives for generations. I am grateful for the authors who today, continue to keep that flame going and remind us that having an imagination is nothing to be ashamed of. Regardless of how old you are, you remember those books and they will [...]

A Tribute to the Fallen

Shareby Donna Teresa
There are no profound or perfect words fitting to honor those we have lost to war. This Memorial Day, I’d like to remember some of my fellow Californians who have sacrificed their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. I wish I was able to list each and every one of [...]

A Salute to America's Military Mothers

Shareby Donna Teresa, Staff Writer
Mother’s Day is a celebration of the extraordinary spirit of the special women who we call "mom."
I’m raising a toast to honor these special ladies in our military communities. Their tireless efforts are found not just in America, but all over the world. Let’s recognize their commitment to their families and [...]

Will the real Memorial Day please stand up?

Shareby Donna Teresa, Staff Writer
Traditionally, Memorial Day was observed on May 30, but in the early 1970s it was moved to the last Monday in May. That brings up some important questions:
Is our need for convenience and own selfishness making us forget the importance of special days such as Memorial Day?
Is it truly necessary, in [...]

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