Last year I was part of a team running the Marine Corps marathon that rose over $8,300 for two magnificent organizations specializing with Autism;  The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) and Mission for Educating Children with Autism (MECA).  Both are not-for-profits and each makes a tremendous difference in the lives of many people.

Located in Arlington, VA, OAR is a nationally recognized organization that educates and combats Autism.  Personally knowing many of the senior staff, I can say unequivocally that they are sincere and determined folks.  OAR is the one autism organization that focuses solely on applied research.  Please know that one-half of your generous donations will do directly to this great institution.

Receiving the other half of the donations is MECA.  Located in Chester County, Pennsylvania this great organization works solely to provide life-skills to young adults so that they may have a productive life.  Often as autistic children become legal adults they are often placed in institutions.  MECA works to provide skills that these young people need to live and work in the community.  Like OAR, I also know these folks personally and can vouch for their passion and desire to help.

Once again we will be running the Marine Corps marathon in Washington DC on the last Sunday in October.  However, this year our goal is to raise $10,000 so please be sure to donate what you can to this great cause.  From $5 or hundreds of dollars, your donation will make a positive impact on your community.

Some creative ways to give include:

Click here to learn more http://www.firstgiving.com/runningwithscissors.

Lastly, don’t forget to send this link or blog entry link to all your friends and family.

Semper Fi,
GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 29% [?]

Cheryl Titcher is 40 29 years old today.

For those of you who have yet to meet her she is one of my best friends.  So much so she actually made my will in case I don’t come back.  LOL  That’s ok as I conned her into letting me keep my BMW at her house and managing my banking while I am playing in the sand.

When I come home I am sure I will have something at my house on a weekend so you will have an opportunity to meet her.

Cheryl used to live in Chester County (Oxford) but like so many others moved just over the border (Delaware) to escape from the excessive and unethical taxation Pennsylvania governments thrust upon us.  Move a few minutes away and save a couple thousand dollars a year.  Thanks PA!

Ok sorry about the tangential rant.

Cheryl is also a cruel woman.  She wussed out on the Marine Corps marathon last year and made me run limp it by myself.  I had no one to whine and cry to for 26.2 miles.  This year she thinks she will be able to run it again.

Be sure to click on http://www.firstgiving.com/runningwithscissors to see what this extremely old lady looks like and the Autism groups we are running for.

Anyway… Happy B-Day Cheryl.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jonathan

Popularity: 39% [?]

I just wanted to once again thank everyone for their generosity by writing and sending care packages.

Birthday cards, books, food, letters from kids, stationary supplies, hygiene gear, the list goes on.

And of course socks, socks, and more socks. Because of the socks my little piggies are now good enough to start running again. I only ran for 30 minutes today as I want to ease into it but plan on being up to 45 within a couple weeks and an hour in a couple weeks.  Of course another reason why I am easing into it is because of the crazy heat.  Despite running at 530AM the mid to high 80s still isnt ideal but oh well.

Speaking of running, my friend Cheryl and I usually run a half and full marathon every year. Last year we helped raised money for Autism and would welcome your help again. The money we raise is for the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) and Mission for Educating Children with Autism (MECA). OAR is probably the leading nationally recognized group for advancing research and proving information on this infliction and MECA is a phenomenal organization located in my backyard (Chester County, PA) that provides life skills to young adults with Autism.

Please click http://www.firstgiving.com/runningwithscissors and donate whatever you can to this great cause.

Semper Fi,
GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 41% [?]