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I would like to inspire "American P.R.I.D.E." among citizens of all ages by Promoting Patriotism, Remembering Veterans, Involving Families, Delivering Hope and Encouraging Troops. Through these efforts, we can change our lives and our land. In the words of Charles F. Brown, "We can't all be Washingtons, but we can all be patriots." It seemed easy to be a patriot in the aftermath of 9-11. Our country was lifted by a groundswell of patriotism that saw us through the uncertain times. It served to remind us of how valuable our freedom is and how we sometimes take that freedom for granted. The country came together and I saw things that will forever impact my life. I began to understand what it meant to be an American, living in a land built on a foundation of freedom. The passion for my country began to swell and I never want that passion to die. In fact, I want to use my passion and pass it on!
Although our country is dealing with issues such as war and political division, it is important to realize that when it comes to "American P.R.I.D.E." we must set our struggles aside and "rally the troops" (our country) for a common cause. I hope to encourage this by focusing on my "American P.R.I.D.E." iniatives which are: speaking at elementary, middle, and high schools, encouraging students to write to the troops and collecting those letters and getting them to the troops, introducing a military encouragement web-site and organizing "Welcome Home Celebrations". To personally support the military, I have created a 45 minute show, which I have performed at Army, Naval and Air Force bases in Texas, Nevada, Washington and California, including a "Welcome Home Celebration" in California, for troops returning from Iraq. I have also initiated and coordinated a toy drive for the past 3 years for the families stationed at Ft. Hood Army Base in Killeen, Texas, raising over $15,000 in toys and cash donations. Having spent time encouraging troops who have just left the front lines, I have come to the stark realization that young people my age are dying everyday. That has truly touched and changed my life. They are giving so much and I will never take their sacrifices for granted! It reminds me of a quote that is very meaningful to me, "You make a living out of what you get, but you make a life out of what you give."
We may not all serve in the military, but we can all serve...we can all give!
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| Brooke Peoples supporting the troops at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas |
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| Brooke performs at a "Welcome Home Celebration Concert" in California for the troops returning home from Iraq. She serenades a proud officer on stage |
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| Brooke in the captain's seat on the Nimitz-Class Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. John C. Stennis Naval Ship in Washington State |
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| Fort Lewis Army Base Autograph signing |
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| The Children's Concert at Nellis Air Force Base |
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| Signing autographs for the troops' children at Fort Lewis Army Base in Washington State |
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| Brooke reaches out to the children during her show at Nellis AFB |
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| Some of our wonderful Navy boys with Brooke before the show |
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| Brooke and her mother, Sharon are escorted by the Navy to her performance on the U.S.S. John C. Stennis Aircraft Carrier |
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| Brooke and her mom standing on the flight deck of the U.S.S. John C. Stennis Aircraft Carrier arriving for her show |
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| Even the troop Mascot gets in on the fun! |
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| A special request is made to Brooke for another autograph signing! |
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| An officer and a gentleman from our USAF wants a picture with Brooke |
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| The troops take a break and talk with Brooke about their duties and get autographs after the "welcome home celebration" show at Fort Irwin Army Base in California |
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| A windy day on the airstrip of Nellis AFB |
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| These guys are guarding precious cargo....Brooke AND the gas! |
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| One last pep talk to the troops! |
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| Brooke on the road again....SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS! Way to go Brooke! |
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