A Death in the DU Family | Mari333's Husband | What DU can DO [View All]

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A Death in the DU Family | Mari333 | What DU can DO

As most of you know by now, Mari333's husband (Hogarth on DU) was killed in a car accident on Thursday night. Since then, over 700 Duers have posted their condolences and many have asked what they can do.

Here's what we can do.

CONTACT SENATOR LEVIN

Mari has been adamant that she does not want a cash gift. Her number one request is help in keeping her stepson, Michael Shepard at home. So, she has asked that we contact Senator Levin who came to her aid when her other son was caught in the 'stop loss' trap and urge him to help keep Michael from being returned to Iraq.

http://levin.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm

WASHINGTON
269 Russell Office Building
U.S. Senate
Washington, DC 20510-2202

Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

DONATIONS

As stated above, Mari does not want a cash gift. But donations in her husband's name can be made to:

Military Families Speak Out (www.mfso.org ) in her husband's name (Scott Shepard). they don't have PayPal so you'll have to send checks via snailmail:

MFSO
P.O. Box 549
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

OR

You can make a donation via PayPal at Amanda Kato (vetwife)'s website.

I am the Founder of A Veterans Organization and can accept whatever you feel you want to give and then the organization will cut Marie a check from these donations.

This is for all of you who feel the need to do something for her in the way of a personal monetary way. United Veterans of America is a Non Profit Veterans Organization 501 c (19) and the Tax Id number is listed on the link and page. I will list it here as well. 58-2516283.

I spoke with Marie and she is very humble and wants her son home. I do understand those who feel they must show their love to her NOW.

Please understand if she refuses the donation check from all who contribute to her, the donations will be given to MFSO or the charity she wishes to contribute to in her husband's name.

http://groups.msn.com/UnitedVeteransofAmerica /

Marie's Story Online
http://groups.msn.com/UnitedVeteransofAmerica
Listed on sidebar "A Military's Mom story"

FLOWERS

Just got this from Ann Arbor Dem:

I just spoke with the funeral home. The family isn't going to have a memorial service there....they are planning a luncheon at the Methodist Church. I spoke with the folks at the church and the timing of the luncheon hinges on when Michael gets home (of course).

I've set up an account with Laura at The Rose Shop in South Haven. ( 253 Center Street South Haven, MI 49090) The phone number is 269.637.3252. They will be in touch with the church to find out when the luncheon will be held. (Gotta love small towns...the lady I talked to knows the secretary at the church.)

Because we don't know how much money will be sent by the DU folks, they will start with a floral arrangement. And then, depending on the amount of money that is sent, they will add some nice plants in planters.

She said they don't charge a delivery fee for the funeral home orders, and since this is for a memorial (and the church is just down the street), they won't charge a delivery fee for our orders.

The card will read "From Your Friends at DU" with individual names. (Cool thing...the lady at the flower shop is not a fan of our current administration either.)

When people call, they don't to ask for Laura. They can just say it's for the Scott Shepard Memorial.

As far as a cut-off date/time....Laura knows it will depend on when Michael gets home so she will let callers know when she finds out.

Great job AAD!