"Every citizen should be a soldier. This was the
case with the Greeks and Romans, and must be that of every free state."--Thomas Jefferson We no longer have a military draft, but thousands of our men and women volunteer to serve their country, to keep its citizens safe. Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for
those who have died while serving in the various branches of the military of the United States of America. Former President
Lyndon Johnson declared it a national holiday in May 1966, and this year the
USA celebrates it on Monday, May 30th. It is not as happy
a holiday as Veteran's Day, where we celebrate our citizens who have served in
our military. Memorial Day is a day to remember those who have given the
ultimate sacrifice. This weekend often includes trips to the beach, hikes through the mountains, gatherings with friends or families, and barbecues. Please take a moment to remember those we have lost. Here are a few who my family salute.
Joseph Abner Bean died in
Libby Prison during the Civil War
Lt. David Lee Johnson: Died in WW2 Sgt. Richard Ayers: Died in WW2 Pvt. Gerald Ayers: died in WW2 as well as...
Our distant cousin who died in Vietnam
Family visiting the New York Memorial at Gettysburg,
where our great-great-great uncle Enoch Lee served,
Enoch died later in the Civil War at Petersburg
Diana Cosby combines
her passion for writing and charity work to help our troops with the release of
An Oath Taken, the first book in The Oath Series.
Many
of you know that I love volunteering my time and energy in helping to make a
positive difference in others’ lives.As
a military brat, a retired Navy Chief, a former military wife, and a mom of
three children who have served in the military—two in the Marines and one in
the Army, all who have served in Afghanistan—I understand the demands on members
of the military and the impact on their families.
Upon
return from combat duty, many Veterans face challenges including depression,
PTSD, survivor’s guilt, suicidal thoughts, brain injury, as well as physical
issues incurred during deployment. I wanted to do something that would make a
difference and help these Veterans.
So,
I will be donating 100% of my proceeds from the first week of sales of
to veterans’ charities and causes that
support military service members and their families.
I
shared my idea with my editor, and then asked if she could notify me of my
royalties after the first week of sales for An
Oath Taken. My editor’s response brought tears to my eyes. Kensington
Publishing Corp. would gladly do as I asked — and make a matching donation.I'm awed by
my publisher’s generosity, more so that I know the money raised will go toward making
a positive difference in military members’ lives.
It’s hard to deploy and leave ones
family, friends, and miss the holidays, more so for those who are placed in
harm’s way. But, it’s also a tremendous
challenge for the family members left at home wondering every single day if
their loved one is alive. And when the
family is reunited with their soldier after a dangerous tour of duty, regular
family difficulties may seem overwhelming.
Many military families need support
to stay strong as their soldier receives proper treatment, which is one of the functions
of the military charities I support.
Education,
proper diagnosis, and treatment are the key to good physical and mental health.I sincerely hope that my 100% donation from
my first week of sales of An Oath Taken,
combined with my publishers matching contribution, can help returning Veterans
as they continue their on-going fight in overcoming personal battles on the home
front.
Thank
you all for your time, and may God bless our troops and their families!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby
A
retired Navy Chief, Diana Cosby is an international bestselling author of
Scottish medieval romantic suspense. Her
award-winning MacGruder Brother books are available in five languages.Diana has spoken at the Library of Congress, Lady
Jane’s Salon in NYC, and appeared in Woman’s Day, on USA Today’s romance blog,
“Happy Ever After,” MSN.com, Atlantic County Women Magazine, and Texoma Living
Magazine.
After her career in the
Navy, Diana dove into her passion – writing romance novels. With 34 moves
behind her, she was anxious to create characters who reflected the amazing
cultures and people she’s met throughout the world. With the release of her 6th book
in the bestselling MacGruder Brothers series, she’s now preparing for the
release of the 1st book in her new Scottish medieval The Oath
trilogy, “An Oath Taken,” which will be available on December 8th, 2014.In addition, she’s excited about the upcoming
release of The MacGruder Brothers e-Boxed Set on February
24, 2015!
Nancy Lee: Thank you for stopping by and sharing this opportunity for readers to buy a great book AND help veterans. As the daughter of a Navy veteran and the mother of an Army veteran, I salute you!
Diana: You are very welcome! I look forward to
the years of writing ahead and meeting the amazing people who will share this
journey.
Veteran's Day salutes those men and women who have served or are serving in our nation's military. The event occurs annually during the 11th month, on the 11th day, at the 11th hour. It is a time to say "Thanks" and to appreciate those who keep us safe, and have protected our homeland.
On another note, I am a writer so I will take this opportunity to remind all about my contemporary MILITARY short story, UNWRAPPING CHRIS. The 99cent ebook is available everywhere, and I was assisted by my son, Sgt. Eric Badger, retired, who made sure I used the correct terminology.
BOOK BLURB
Army widow Jayne Rockwell searches for a secure future for her and
her two daughters. Staff Sergeant Christopher Hawkins regrets leaving young
Jayne eight years ago to go off to war. A crash encounter a week before
Christmas thrusts these two lonely people back into each other's lives once
more. Jayne must learn to trust a man who disappeared with her heart. Chris
must overcome the guilt of taking her innocence, and then leaving her
heartbroken and alone. A Christmas wedding brings them closer when Jayne spies
him as a groomsman in Highland dress, complete with kilt. He cannot keep his
eyes off the woman in green velvet wearing a wedding ring. Accusations,
explanations, and remorse leads to a love that erupts among candlelight,
Christmas carols, and a dark room. Who needs mistletoe?
I am an Army Mom. I have been since 2002, when my youngest son joined the army on their delayed entry program. He was 17, just ready to start his senior year at high school. It was 2 weeks after his 18th birthday when he left on a bus for Basic Combat Training.
Fast forward to many years after he had served in Germany and Iraq. He is now safely home, living nearby, a Drill Sergeant in the army Reserves, and about to graduate college. I asked his help while writing a short story with a military theme for Whispers Publishing.
In UNWRAPPING CHRIS, Army widow Jayne Rockwell searches for
a secure future for her and her two daughters. Staff Sergeant Christopher
Hawkins regrets leaving young Jayne eight years ago to go off to war.
A crash encounter a week before Christmas thrusts these two
lonely people back into each other's lives once more. Jayne must learn to trust
a man who disappeared with her heart. Chris must overcome the guilt of taking
her innocence, and then leaving her heartbroken and alone.
A Christmas wedding brings them closer when Jayne spies him
as a groomsman in Highland dress, complete with kilt. He cannot keep his eyes
off the woman in green velvet wearing a wedding ring. Accusations,
explanations, and remorse leads to a love that erupts among candlelight,
Christmas carols, and a dark room. Who needs mistletoe?
Fast Forward to last September when I released my latest book, MY BANISHED HIGHLANDER. Scottish warrioirs of the Highlands join forces to fight a sorceror bent on killing my hero's cousin, the laird of his clan.When his clan
convicts Cameron Robeson of treason in 1598 Scotland, the last thing he thought
his cousin the Laird would do was banish him to the future.
With a certain
woman on his mind, he plans revenge while surrounded by the sights and sounds
of the modern day New England Highland Games. His plans go awry when a comely
redheaded lass wearing the Mackenzie plaid lands at his feet.
Iona Mackenzie
is worried about her friend, Haven, and searches for answers among the tents at
the games. Whom can she trust to help? Her father? The handsome blacksmith? Or,
the tall, golden-haired Highlander? Romance takes a back seat because saving
her friend is her priority, no matter how great Cameron can kiss.
When a magical
amulet and an angry sorcerer send this unlikely couple back through time, more
than one heart will be broken. Danger, intrigue, and threats surround them, and
feelings between Iona and Cameron grow hot and steamy. They fight the sorcerer
and search for Iona’s friend, the woman he vowed to steal from his cousin. Will
the strong-willed Highlander and the present day witch stop fighting long enough
to listen to their hearts?
War and warriors might have changed over the centuries, but here in the United States of America, we celebrate our veterans on November 11th. The Jeep Diva, host of the Blog Hop, will be donating $$$ to the Wounded Warriors Program.
VETERAN'S DAY SPECIAL
leave a comment about what
Veteran's Day means to you
and I will award
THREE FREE EBOOKS.
Winner #1 and Winner #2 will win a copy of
UNWRAPPING CHRIS
Winner #3 will win a copy of
MY BANISHED HIGHLANDER
*please remember to leave your email contact info. Thanks! Winners will be chosen Noveber 15th.
My contemporary military romance is available now for less than $2 from various download sites!
Here is the Book Blurb: Sometimes the best memories are worth unwrapping once more.
Army widow Jayne Rockwell searches for a secure future for her and her two daughters. Staff Sergeant Christopher Hawkins regrets leaving young Jayne eight years ago to go off to war. A crash encounter a week before Christmas thrusts these two lonely people back into each other’s lives once more.
Jayne must learn to trust a man who disappeared with her heart. Chris must overcome the guilt of taking her innocence, and then leaving her heartbroken and alone.
A Christmas wedding brings them closer when Jayne spies him as a groomsman in Highland dress, complete with kilt. He cannot keep his eyes off the woman in green velvet wearing a wedding ring. Accusations, explanations, and remorse leads to a love that erupts among candlelight, Christmas carols, and a dark room. Who needs mistletoe?
To read a free excerpt and more, go to: Whispers Publishing buy link: http://bit.ly/eGmOQI