EXCITING NEWS FOR ANDY'S DAD!

HEY EVERYONE! HAPPY LABOR DAY WEEKEND!!

YES, THAT'S RIGHT -- I'VE GOT MORE PROMO. AND GOODNESS TO PASS ON ABOUT ANDY'S DAD AND LUKE'S WINGS! WE NOT ONLY HAVE ANOTHER FUNDRAISER THAT LOOKS LIKE IT WILL BE A GREAT TIME COMING UP, BUT ANDY'S DAD WILL BE GETTING IT'S VERY FIRST BIT OF PUBLIC PROMOTION!

In honor of our nation's heroes, 5678 is staging a one-night-only comedy show and art auction to raise money for Luke's Wings, a non-profit organization supporting service members who have been wounded in the War on Terror.

Join Washington DC's fresh, fun, performance group 5678 for a night of comedy hosted by the engaging and dynamic Justin Purvis (Washington Improve Theater). Followed by an art auction hosted by 5678 cast members. Guaranteed to be the funniest art auction DC has ever seen! All proceeds from this event to benefit Luke's Wings. Luke's Wings provides support, planning, services and fares needed to bring families to the Washington area to visit service members hospitalized here. Recognizing the difficulties families encounter as they make their way to their loved ones' side, Luke's Wings partners with corporations to ease the burden on families and veterans during their visit.

September 13th, 7pm - 10pm
Bethesda Theatre
7719 Wisconsin Avenue

Bethesda, MD

Director of 5678 Pamela Nash has been kind enough to give Andy's Dad a plug in the shows program!! This may seem small to some - but, to little ole me, this is a big deal. For those of you that have Facebook, check out the invite to the show. Purchase your tickets for the show HERE, they are only $20 -- and well worth it. I hear that the show is HYSTERICAL! And, don't forget all of the proceeds will be going towards Luke's Wings! I look forward to seeing you all there, it's a Saturday night -- no excuses! And, as always -- please pass this message along, check out the links below for more information, and please spread the word!
ALWAYS THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT!

http://www.lukeswings.org/
http://5678improv.blogspot.com/

PS: as always, the header to the post will take you to more info. about the show and charity!

Coward.

I never thought that I would have to actually post/blog about this subject, on the blog for Andy's Dad. I expect the irritation, border-line hate mail from MY blog. My personal blog, rather (www.abartendersword.blogspot.com). The one where I express all of my own beliefs, political opinions, etc. However, I never expected to receive a nasty e-mail/attack regarding the fact that I am the author of a children's book, in which the proceeds will be donated to charity. How dare you...

Will the coward that stated: "I cannot believe that you support war-mongers monetarily, and at the cost of little children." please stand up. I didn't think so. Because, you are a coward. If you would like to learn more about yourself, and what YOU stand for, please follow the link that the header of this post will provide for you.

Who do you think you are? I cannot believe that I am about to defend myself, my book, and my cause to someone that obviously doesn't have a clue as to what America is all about... but, I feel that it's necessary... this book, and project have been so important to me, and I take great offense when people such as the anonymous hate-mailer attack.
First and foremost, this book is non-partisan. It has no political stance. It falls neither towards the left, nor towards the right. It is neither for nor against the war. It was written with three purposes.
Number one, to be a beneficial tool to the spouses and children of those that fight for our freedom.
Number two, to bring hope to the families of our nation's heroes.
And, finally - Number three, to raise money for an absolutely upstanding, and outstanding cause - Luke's Wings.

I would you encourage whomever has taken it upon themselves to attack me, my book, this cause, and even our servicemen and women by calling them warmongers to keep their opinions to themselves, as no one here involved with the book, (I won't speak for those at Luke's Wings, although I can bet they'd agree)-- care how you feel. This is an important cause, and we will continue with efforts to support those that fight and put their lives on the line so that you can continue to shoot off your ignorant mouth.

For those following this blog to follow the progress of Andy's Dad, I'm sorry for the interruption and somewhat cranky post. I couldn't let this one go by without a response. And, I promise that we'll be back to the regularly scheduled updates on Andy's Dad, events for Luke's Wings, illustrations, and the like... In fact, I've got good news! Stay tuned!

Have a Happy Labor Day weekend everyone!

Luke's Wings, Luke's Wings, I heart Luke's Wings!

I just thought that I would share with everyone that the Red, White, and Blue Summer Closer that Luke's Wings put on last Thursday at The Rookery was a success! They were able to raise enough money to fly two families to their wounded loved ones at Walter Reed, or Bethesda Naval! Unfortunately, I was too bogged down with boxes, moving, etc. to tear away from the house/family for the evening. I was beyond bummed that I didn't make it, and even more bummed when I heard just how fabulous the turn out was.

There are going to be plenty more benefits and events to attend this fall, I can promise you that. Next up will be the 5-6-7-8 performance on Sept. 13th -- for more information, follow the link provided in the header on this post, or check out this article!

5-6-7-8 -- A Night of Comedy to Benefit Luke's Wings

Here is another opportunity to come out and support Luke's Wings, check out some good improve. comedy and an art auction -- all rolled into one! Who doesn't love to laugh? AND -- this even happens to fall on a Saturday night; so all of you folks that love to use the "it's a school night" excuse... better show your lovely faces! Apparently, they are promising this to be the funniest art auction that DC has ever seen! You won't want to miss it...

September 13th
7pm - 10pm
Bethesda Theatre
7719 Wisconsin Avenue
Bethesda, MD

If you click on the header of this post it will take you to the site to purchase tickets for this event. All proceeds will go towards supporting our service members that have been wounded in the war on terror, via Luke's Wings.

we're getting there....

We have another update on the illustrations for Andy's Dad! We are making progress. To check out the gorgeous illustrations that Nam has done, just click on the header to this post, and you can view all of the art-work that has been completed thus far! Enjoy!







And, please -- don't forget that this Thursday, there is a fundraiser for Luke's Wings at The Rookery, downtown! Come support the families of the men and women that protect your freedom!

Another Benefit for Luke's Wings

Yet another fundraiser for Luke's Wings! It looks as if it's going to be a blast, as well. Hell, I've never been to an improv show that I didn't think was fabulous. Anyhow, check out the info. below -- and as usual, I expect to see everyone there! Remember that you will be supporting the men and women that are doing the hard work of Freedom.

Improv Troupe 5-6-7-8
Benefit Performance for Luke’s Wings
Saturday, September 13, 7 p.m.
Bethesda Theater: 7719 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda

Click the header of this post to read an article by Tommy McFly, a member of the 5-6-7-8 comedy troupe, about this event!
Expect more in the near future about this...

Red, White, and Blue

I know that I've talked about this before, but -- here's the offical poster for the next fundraiser for Luke's Wings. It's going to be a ton of fun, and you'll be a part of something that's very special. Please come out and help support Luke's Wings!

I better see YOU there. Yup, YOU!

new illustrations for Andy's Dad, just in!

Okay, so I know that I should probably keep these under wraps until everything is all put together and published -- however, I am too damn excited! Besides, nothing will compare to the way that OUR finished product looks when everything all comes together. And there has been something extremely comforting while working on the manuscript, and receiving illustrations being able to share them with people. I truly enjoy the feedback, the encouragement, and the support, that I have gotten from especially my closest of friends. Believe it or not, writing a book is a little bit scary. I feel as if I've been really, really lucky to have a legit publisher that took interest within the first few tries. Failure, or struggle can be real discouraging, I'm sure.
Nam and his fiance Sarah have been beyond fabulous throughout the process, and I could not be more grateful to them!
Now, without further ado... a few more illustrations that will be gracing "Andy's Dad" with their presence.

(Helios by Nam Nguyen)

(Charlie, Andy's dog waiting for him at the bus stop -- by Nam Nguyen)

(Andy, dressed up for Halloween, note the name on his uniform!! -- by Nam Nguyen)

To view more of the illustrations that will be a part of Andy's Dad, follow the link above (the header of this post should take you there).

RED, WHITE, AND BLUE

(The First Family that was reunited by Luke's Wings! We can help LW's bring more families together!)

RED, WHITE, AND BLUE SUMMER CLOSER -- BENEFITING LUKE'S WINGS

From Memorial Day to Fourth of the July this summer has been memorable. Now as the summer draws to a close, let's not forget those that have been fighting for us. Please join us at The Rookery for music, drink specials, and grand old American happy hour. This is the perfect opportunity to bust out that red, white, and/or blue summer outfit one last time.

-$10 suggested donation at the door

- Patriotic attire encouraged

- Free admission with a military ID

All proceeds go directly to airline tickets that reunite wounded soldiers with their loved ones. Please join us and be a part of their recovery. For more information about Luke's Wings please visit http://www.lukeswings.org/

The Rookery

25th and Pennsylvania

Thursday August 21st, 2008

8pm

CHECK OUT THE LINKS BELOW FOR MORE INFO. ON ANDY'S DAD AND LUKE'S WINGS!

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=22171122273&ref=ts

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=21776910746&ref=nf

just a friendly reminder

PLEASE don't forget about Andy's Dad, and the amazing cause that the proceeds will be supporting, Luke's Wings!

Spread the word among family and friends, and don't forget that we will have a book signing and fundraiser on the books around December / January (Andy's Dad would make a great Christmas gift to those that have served and their children). Send E-Mails, encourage people to check out the blog, the facebook page, Luke's Wings homepage, and I'll keep everyone updated with a release date.
I have to say, I'm so excited -- I don't know if it can come soon enough! As always, thank you for the support!

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=22171122273&refurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fs.php%3Fn%3D-1%26k%3D200000010%26init%3Ds%253Agroup%26q%3Dandy%2527s%2Bdad

www.lukeswings.org