and the Campaign that Inspired It!
by Carol Woodliff
Friends and readers of our ezine know that I’m a huge fan of the band Marty Casey & Lovehammers (www.lovehammers.com). Little did I know in summer 2005 when I was watching Rock Star INXS on CBS and being introduced to the band through Marty’s appearance on the show that my love of their music would lead me to create a product for the troops serving in the Middle East.
Lovehammers create amazing music that has inspired a strong community of fans on the Internet. When the band and key members of their street team put the word out that they were creating a campaign to support the troops with “Shoeboxes of Love” from home, I volunteered to fill several boxes with goodies and personal care items.
As I thought about what to put in my boxes, I remembered all the stories I had seen about the demands of this particular conflict and the toll the stress of combat were placing on our servicemen and women. I really wanted to give something that helped them cope with those difficult circumstances. It occurred to me that the tools I teach could possibly help.
In February 2007, I designed and wrote this visualization especially for the shoebox campaign and the men and women of our military. I was able to produce over 75 of these CD’s to be included in the Lovehammers Shoebox of Love Campaign boxes.
This CD was created as a labor of love for those men and women who are sacrificing so much. I know not everyone who received the CD will listen to it–but if it helps one person come home safely and reduces the level of stress he or she is facing just a little bit, it will have succeeded!
The Shoebox Campaign inspired people all over the world to contribute money personal supplies, treats and music in “boxes of love.” Through the power of the internet, fans and the band created close to 1000 boxes of love which were shipped to Iraq at the end of February.
I received my first email from a soldier in Iraq SFC Christopher Noell took the time to thank me for the package we sent and to tell me:
The Guided Vis. for Relaxation cd is making its way through the platoon as I type this. Don’t know if everyone will really listen to it, but if it helps just a few to come down from the chaos that is Iraq then it is worth it. Thank you very much for your efforts in putting that together.
That’s my goal to help a few men and women in the service deal with the stress and chaos that they face every day. Thanks Sergent Noell for taking the time to let me know it was received!
If you know someone serving overseas, I’m happy to help support them by offering this CD at the low cost of $5.00. Actually you can buy it for yourself too–it will work for anyone is a high stress situation.