As many of you may know, Richard and Amber delivered a baby girl, Anastasia, due to a large congenital heart defect this little blessed child was only with them for a very short time. Many emails have came in expressing your heart felt sympathy for their loss. Please post your thoughts and well wishes to them as a comment on the PROS Angels Blog. We want to give Rich and Amber some time to grieve and heal. You can show your love by posting a comment with your prayers, thoughts, and condolences. Rich and Amber can then read them whenever they feel ready and up to it. Thank you all for your love and kindness.
For more about congenital heart defects please visit http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=12012

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Stephanie Dixon
Executive Director P.R.O.S. Angels

Isa-ab Fire-Department
Bahrain / ISA Airbase
I spoke with Siara Tarantino wife of SSgt Bryan Tarantino and I was shocked to hear how these troops have been neglected. Here is some updated information.
---While a fire station is being built, the fire station's office is a storage pod with a desk inside. The only computers that are available are a few laptops that some troops had brought with them from home. These troops have to live crammed together in a large military issue tent. Siara has sent sheets so they can hang them up to give some measure of privacy. SSgt Tarantino gave up a separate tent, issued to him, so that females on base would have privacy. They have no beds, only cots that are so small that twin size fitted sheets hang off. They are only being supplied basic military issue items. They are being fed MREs which have very little significant nutritional value. They are not issued vitamins or any OTC medications. Due to the lack of nutritional foods many have developed diarrhea. Siara sent a large box of Imodium to them because there is no where for these troops to buy anything. They have no dishes, pots, pans, etc. Siara sent them boxes of mac'n'cheese and had to send a pot and bowls as well.
---SSgt Tarantino has said that he has never been deployed to a base as empty as this one. For many troops this is there first deployment and may not reenlist because of the hardships they have faced by being stationed at this bare base. These men and women left home to serve their country and this is what they have... nothing. We must let these troops know that their efforts are not in vain and that their hardships are not without reward.
---Siara, herself, has spent hundreds of dollars at a time sending supplies. Many people from her local area have donated various items, including folding tables with chairs and even a flat screen TV to give these troops something to entertain them. But even with Siara, friends, family, and community helping IT IS NOT ENOUGH. These troops are without basic necessities and have no where to purchase anything. If you would like to help these fine men and women send them ANYTHING! I have made a list of items that I know they use on a regular basis as well as items that would provide them with some measure of comfort.

REMEMBER THIS BASE HOUSES MEN & WOMEN
There is no size limit or price limit (ie. Siara sent hammer, nails, and wood so they could build a platform to get up out of the dirt), donate what you can and as much as you can.
If you wish to donate money you can do that as well, we can convert money to BX cards for them to buy uniform shirts and PT gear, for details on monetary donations email Stephanie prosangels@prosfamily.com
Imagine that you needed to stock your pantry, medicine cabinet, kitchen, bathroom, etc. they need it all!
Anything that you would feel odd about asking a stranger for (ie imodium, tampons, douche, jock itch cream) they need it!
Try to send travel size containers of certain personal items, obviously some items should not be shared.
DO NOT SEND anything illegal, perishable, or pornographic (not even swimsuit issues, its not permitted)
This is NOT a COMPLETE list, just a list of suggestions and examples. Anything you can send will be greatly appreciated.
toilet paper
tampons
douche
baby wipes
deodorant
body / foot powder
disposable razors
shaving cream
shampoo
conditioner
soap
body wash
facial wash
toothpaste
toothbrushes
dental floss
mouthwash
lil dixie cups
feminine cream
q-tips
cotton balls
jock itch / athelete's foot cream
imodium, advil, tylenol, aleve, benadryl, gas-ex other basic OTC medicines
sunscreen
lip balm
hand sanitizer
neosporin
fabric bandaids
wash clothes & towels
multivitamins
vitamin c drops
cough drops
canned goods
hard candy
non-perishable foods
mac'n'cheese
jerky
poptarts
granola bars
dried fruits
nuts
trailmix
dry cereal
powder milk
drink mix (ie. crystal light, kool-aid singles)
gum
coffee / coffee filters
tea
sugar
ramen noodles
board games
cards & card games
magazines
books
CDs
DVDs
phone cards (they can not call family without phonecards)
paper
pens
markers
crayons
coloring books
envelopes
baseballs
ball mits
soccer balls
"egg crate" or memory foam mattress toppers (many soldiers are having back pain, Siara has sent a few of these and it has helped greatly)
lil no slip rugs / mats (like go in front of sinks, helps keep sand off their feet)
flat sheet
pillows
pillow cases
paper towels
microwave safe & dishwasher safe bowls
disposable forks & spoons
socks white any cut
mens boxer briefs lg & xlg
WOMENS SIZES TO FOLLOW LATER

you may also send basic tools, nails, wood, electronics, hand held video games, mp3 players, etc.

SHIP YOUR ITEMS DIRECTLY TO SSGT TARANTINO.
When he receives a package he distributes items to those most in need first. Anything you send will be used by troops stationed at this base and items such as TVs, DVDs, radios, etc. will remain on base for future deployments to enjoy so that they will not have to go through the same hardships that these current troops have.
DO THE FOLLOWING AS SOON AS YOU SHIP SOMETHING
When you have shipped items, send an email to SSgt Tarantino. Otherwise they may not receive your package in a timely fashion. SSgt Tarantino has to walk several miles to the mail post, packages are not delivered out to him. PLEASE include a list of items that he can expect to be receiving. ALSO include your email, name, address, group name, and that you are associated with PROS Angels. These troops enjoy sending out letters of thanks as well as photos so you can see how your donations are being used and enjoyed so....
DO NOT FORGET TO EMAIL YOUR INFO TO SSGT TARANTINO AND PLEASE EMAIL A COPY TO prosangels@prosfamily.com

EMAIL FOR SSGT TARANTINO
b_sebay@yahoo.com

SHIPPING ADDRESS FOR SSGT TARANTINO
SSgt Bryan Tarantino
AEG ISA AB
PSC 903 BOX 8
FPO AE 09859

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE BASE AND TO SEND MESSAGES OF SUPPORT CLICK HERE
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000960211261#!/profile.php?id=100000960211261&v=wall

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Stephanie Dixon
Executive Director P.R.O.S. Angels

Okay everyone, time for another PROS Angels' Project! EOTP's own Jenna Harleman brought this to my attention. Here is what she sent me on 3/23/10:
"I was speaking to my best friend Siara Tarantino two days ago, and she told me a story that horrified me. Her Husband, SSgt Bryan Tarantino, just deployed Weds. of last week to Bahrain for his 5th deployment in 3 years time for the U.S.A.F. He arrived on base, to find literally nothing. It was considered a "bare base" which he'd been to a couple of those before, but nothing on this scale. His men don't even have a table or any chairs to sit on, no hammer and nails at their fire department...absolutely nothing at all. There is a store nearby that has little to nothing even available for purchase. Siara was in tears after listening to Bryan's anguish over his men. This is what they left their families for, and they're serving our country! Anyway, they are requesting some care packages."
I think our troops deserve better, don't you? Here is a list of some things you can send them. If you wish to donate larger items or items that may be held up in shipping email me & I will see what we can do to get those items out to these guys.
Playing cards, games of any kind, magazines, books, CDs, DVDs, beef jerky, phone cards, candy, gum, misc. snacks, paper and pens, baseballs, mits, body or foot powder, any luxury items, shower gel, anything that has entertainment value, older electronics, etc.
Please send them supplies. You can send care packages and supplies to:
SSgt Bryan Tarantino
AEG ISA AB
PSC 903 BOX 8
FPO AE 09859
If you do send anything, PLEASE, email me to let me know so I can tell them to be expecting a package & what to be looking for in the package.
If you do not want to send your package directly to SSgt Tarantino email me & I can provide you with PROS Angels temporary address.
prosangels@prosfamily.com

Step-father of Jamie McCaskill of Shreveport Paranormal has passed on.
We are deeply saddened by this news. We at PROS Family would like to express our deepest sympathy to the friends and family of Matthew Lee Barbo. May love and light guide you through this difficult time.
The family is in need of help paying for funeral expenses. If you would like to send your condolences to the family or make a donation please visit his memorial website http://www.legacy.com/matthewleebarbo for more information.
You can also make a donation through Shreveport Paranormal's website http://shreveportparanormalinv.tripod.com/ just look for the PayPal Donate button for the Matthew Lee Barbo Burial Fund. Please be sure to sign the memory book. You can also leave comments on the PROS Angels blog post titled "In Memory of Matthew Lee Barbo".

Matthew Lee Barbo
Resident of Highland Neighborhood, died March 27, 2010 at the Christus Schumpert Hospital in Shreveport Louisiana at the age of 43.
On the other side he will be met by his father Lawrende Barbo, Sr. and mother Rita Barbo.
He is survived by his wife Susan Barbo, step daughter Misty Townzen, son-in-law Travis Townzen, step-son Jamie McCaskill, daughter-in-law Jennifer McCaskill, and step-son Jason McCaskill.
Five grandsons, Austin Sneed, Scott Kepley, James McCaskill, Clay McCaskill, and yet to be born Devon Townzen.
Services to be announced.
Arrangements are being made by
Winnfield Funeral Home
3701 Hollywood Ave
Shreveport, LA 71109
(318) 631-0203

We would like to encourage paranormal groups to get involved with their local historical sites.
Due to the irresponsibility of many inexperienced and fool hard "ghost seekers" many historical societies are hesitant to allow paranormal investigators onto their properties. Many properties have been vandalized, disrespected, and even stolen from. Many locations have problems with people trespassing causing many sights to be sold or destroyed to prevent liability issues. The destruction of many historical locations is directly a result of irresponsible "ghost hunting".
How can we help? What can we do to preserve these sights for future generations to enjoy?
Small steps... find a local cemetery or graveyard that looks as if it could use some tender loving care. Contact the owner (usually a church, mortuary, or local government office) and volunteer to fix it up. Mow the grass, pull weeds, plant flowers, fix fences, right head stones, you know, manual labor! Who on earth turns down FREE manual labor? If you are turned down do not get discouraged. You can always try another location. You can even contact your state governor's office and tell them that you are a legitimate group trying to help restore and preserve your local history. The governor's office can help you find a historical society that will gladly accept your help.
The point of starting small is to build up trust. If you do well on a small job, then you may be offered larger jobs. The community will see that you care for the history as well as the ghost stories. Once you have proven your worth, you will find many historical sites and local businesses will start asking for you by name.
It is very sad that we all have to work so hard to restore the reputation of the paranormal field, but we have to start somewhere. This blog is just a suggestion on how you can get involved. Remember to present yourself as a respectable paranormal investigator, people will notice. And if you have the desire to go directly to a local historical society then by all means do so, just remember, they most likely will deny you access to sites when asked straight out. Offer to help maintain or restore a location first and you will be surprised at how eagerly your group will later be asked or allowed to investigate.
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Stephanie Dixon
Executive Director P.R.O.S. Angels

PROS Angels wishes to extend there deepest heartfelt sympathy for the lose of life and livelihood of the people of Haiti. Because PROS Angels is being reconstructed, we currently have no way of gathering funds to donate to the relief efforts. Please, do not let this stop you. There are many ways that you can help. Visit you're local Red Cross to volunteer or get more information on how you can get involved in the relief efforts. If you would like to make donations to the Red Cross to help the people of Haiti then please visit the following website.
http://american.redcross.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ntld_main
ALSO UNICEF is using 100% of donations to help benefit the children of Haiti. To donate please visit the following website.
http://www.unicefusa.org/?gclid=CNme2JaBup8CFRghnAod4zcIMA
I sincerely wish that out organization could be able to better support these relief efforts. Just remember, you can always find ways to get involved through organizations such as the American Red Cross and UNIFEC. Also check with your local media to find out if you can get more involved in the relief efforts.
thank you all for having such giving hearts.
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Stephanie Dixon
Executive Director P.R.O.S. Angels

I hope everyone understands that we have a lot of things going on "behind the scenes". Things that take some time and planning. I wish we had something ready to blow everyone away with, but we don't at the moment and I am truely sorry. PROS has rang in the new year so quietly but silence is a good thing.
Yes, there was some internal "drama" within management toward the end of the last year. Rest assured, it has all been settled and the new management team is looking forward to a fresh start.
If anything about PROS bothers or confuses you, please, do not hesitate to ask someone in management. Also, if you are uncertain about PROS or something has upset you, please, contact Ashleyc@prosfamily.com. She is our Human Resources Respresentative, she will gladly help you if you feel you or your group has been overlooked or targeted by "paradrama".
If anyone is interested in contributing to PROS Angels just let me know. We are expanding to include historical preservation and new fund raisers. This is going to take a little time. If you feel I have forgotten to post anything about you or your group, please, email me. I will try to remedy the situation as soon as possible.
If you or your group are involved in any volunteer or charity work please notify me and I will post it on the PROS Angels blog. The blog is currently http://www.prosfamily.com/prosangels.html for now. Also you can keep up with things by being our friend on myspace http://www.myspace.com/prosangels and get updates tweeted to you. http://www.twitter.com/prosangels
We are reworking our mission statement and we will be getting things set up to better receive donations.
Please, be patient and again let Ashley or me know if you have an issue. We can't fix it if we don't know about it.
Much love and respect to our family.
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Stephanie Dixon
Executive Director of P.R.O.S. Angels